Ragin’ Cajun Piano Bar
I have never done a restaurant review before, but decided that this one deserved a mention.
Last night we popped into the Rajin’ Cajun Piano Bar in Alton, Illinois, to check out one of our local places and to get a bight to eat.
The place oozes atmosphere. Awesome.
We are not fussy people. We are happy with decent food and decent service. It doesn’t have to be first class stuff, just pay us a little attention, give us a little respect and serve us edible food at the temperature at which it was meant to be served.
The Ragin’ Cajun failed at every one of these aspects…. oh, the food was decent, but it was COLD, and it was not meant to be cold. Trust me.
Last night we experienced seriously bad service. We waited 25 minutes to be asked if we wanted a drink. An hour to have our food order taken. Waited another hour and a half for our meal to be served and were treated with utter frustration and disdain when we had the nerve to suggest that they may want to get their act together, because the slow service had become a joke and the talk of the entire restaurant.
The kicker? Not a single apologetic word. From anyone. I emailed the restaurant last night as soon as I got home and I really hope they write back because that place is awesome, except for the service, and I really want to go back.
Thank God for Charlie. Charlie was the Pianist. Charlie rules. Thank you Charlie, for making our night tolerable. You are the only reason we stayed so long.
The fabbo frustrated guy was stolen borrowed from here.
I disagree with your comment the service and staff are awesome. It seems as if you entered the establishment with a horrible attitude like you were wanting something to be off because the place is not a typical bar downtown its new different and very much needed for those who just want to have a good time. Every time we walk in every person working there greets even if we just stopped by to use the restroom. In my opinion and i did say my opinion you should never judge a place with mixed feelings you said you enjoyed charlie well if you enjoyed him that much you could have gave them a second chance before blogging such a harsh statement about a place just getting on their feet . I believe in them and cant wait to see them grow in the future…..here’s to those who support small businesses!!!!!
Hi Thera, Thanks for your comment.
Yes, we do all have our opinions, and I think you are judging me harshly. I said a lot of nice things about the place.
I did not enter with mixed feelings at all. I loved the place when I walked in. I said “I emailed the restaurant last night as soon as I got home and I really hope they write back because that place is awesome, except for the service, and I really want to go back.”
Had I received a return email from them or a reply on their Facebook page I would have returned, most definitely. I have not heard a word from them. As I said, I have not had an apology from one person there. This is the reason I haven’t returned.
Kerri, sorry you had a bad time…I heard about the night you are speaking and I think that the guys were bummed that things went the way they did that night…I am not sure why no one has responded to you, but if you look at the posts on their facebook, I don’t think that they are checking and updating the page often. They are very busy trying to get the cajun rolling. I am sure they are not purposely ignoring you. These guys are great people. Very caring! Also having worked in the service industry for sometime, you will experience off nights. You also can’t predict how good your help is going to be. I hope you give them a second chance, because you are really missing out if you just turn your back. They are trying very hard to make this a successful establishment. Typically the food is phenomenal, and served at a great temperature. Its a very laid back type of place, I noticed when I first went there somethings that were a little rough around the edges but they are working out the kinks. I am glad you liked Charlie! He’s adorable! There are several great pianist that play there, and the atmosphere is stellar! I think that what happened to you is not their norm, they care about the reputation of this establishment! I love the cajun, its my favorite place to go in the alton area for food and drinks!!! I hope you give them another chance to redeam themselves!
Hi Toni, thanks so much for your comment. I can understand businesses having a bad day. Absolutely! I’m just bummed that they haven’t responded to my email I sent them through their website.
Customer feedback is incredibly important, and if you ignore it you are setting yourself up to fail. It’s a shame.
I agree, this restaurant is wonderful as far as the atmosphere is concerned, however my experience there and now the way the management is appearing to ignore me, does not give me any incentive to return.
All I want is for them to recognise me as someone who feels ripped off and for them to offer me an apology. Is that too much to ask?
no not to much to ask, I understand you feel like you are being ignored. It is just my opinion that you aren’t being ignored and just accidentally overlooked. I am not sure what their online CS is. I believe in these guys! I am just recently acquainted with the establishment and I feel like if they had come across this yet they would have at least apologized. I urge you to go back, with positive energy, and just tell them honestly you perspective on the situation, maybe they have already worked out the bug as well. I dont know anything personally I just feel like you were cheated because this place, and the men running it are wonderful. I dont want anyone to miss out. Thanks for hearing me out. I hope you change you mind and try a different form of communication. They really are trying to make a nice night time environment in Alton. They need to hear both kinds of feed back. I am hoping for the best!
Kerri,
I would be totally surprised if you went back and found things like they were for your visit in July. Since then they have made dramatic improvements on staffing all around including adding a chef and personnel for the kitchen to ensure that the food is fantastic – I’ve not been served any cold food in my several visits. Those additions have also freed-up the owners to see that everyone is having a good experience. IF you didn’t meet Chris (owner) last time, ask to speak with him or see Aaron (owner) and you’ll see they are friendly and eager to make you happy. Having had several conversations with Chris I am sure he would apologize for anything that may have gone wrong even months ago.
The various piano players (Charlie and other regulars) and musicians/singers who come around make the atmosphere even better than it was in the early summer, too.
Give them another try. I think you’ll find it is worth it, especially if you get a chance to talk things over with Chris. He’s genuine and wants to be sure that things do not “go wrong” inside Ragin Cajun.
Heck, just stop in to talk with Chris and you’ll understand why so many of us like it there. He’ll probably GIVE you a drink (but don’t tell him I told you so) just because you took the time to stop in to chat.