Abigail is a place that has potential. This potentially could have been a good meal with good ambiance, good food, and good service. Unfortunately, this place is far from realizing that potential.
Abigail Cafe & Wine Bar is located on the corner of Classon and St. Johns. The place is dark and candlelit and had a jazz band playing. Inside there are a cluster of little cute tables near the front with a large stocked bar. The bar itself has a good amount of seating that makes for a nice spot. The back is more open with larger tables but a big party (which our server warned us about) was occupying those tables when we were there. The jazz band was good and added to the atmosphere but they were a bit loud and it became sort of hard to hear conversation when they were playing.
So we were seated promptly but then no waiter appeared for minutes. Finally, the guy who seated us came over and to take our order though there were a bunch of guys who appeared to be waitstaff and were not taking our order. First, they were out of the smoked mac and cheese which I was very disappointed about. It was sort of the standout of menu but no luck. They were also out of the fish burger and a host of other things too. We finally ordered small plates of the Peppadews (South African sweet & sour peppers) and the roasted head of garlic. The dishes were good - a good appetizer size for $5 each. The peppers were stuffed with goat cheese and had a spicy kick which made the dish unique and delish. The roasted head of garlic was served with toast which was good. They cut off the top of the garlic so it was nice to serve and eat. Good appetizers even if they took awhile to come out.
Now the entrees. Justin got his red-wine braised oxtail which was poorly plated - it looked like a big bloody mess. Justin said it was actually quite good though once gets through the mess that is that dish. We got the garlic shrimp to split which came with lettuce and a pesto sauce. To me, it was the best dish of the night with nice, large, and well seasoned shrimp.
I had ordered a bean burger which never came out. We kept trying to find waitstaff to inquire as to the burger but no luck. When we finally found someone, he had no idea where the burger was and then said it was never ordered. By that time, my frustration had set in and I didn't even want the burger anymore. Then, another waiter told us the burger was on it's way up from the kitchen. 5 minutes later and no burger. Again, we said cancel the burger and we were promptly handed our check. Our check still had the burger on it. This should give you an idea as to the inefficiently of the staff.
When we went to fix the bill, a mysterious burger came up and a waiter timidly approached our table with it but after seeing my face of annoyance - he and the burger quickly disappeared. After our bill was figured out and we applied our 50% scoutmob discount (which may have been the motivating reason for going there) - our bill came out to something like $17. A good deal considering the oxtail dish was $19. What food we did get was quite good, however, not good enough to make up for the poor service and bungling of all the food. Sure, they had a big party but should that equal bad service and a forgotten entree? Overall, a bad dining experience.
Suffice to say, I won't be dining here again.
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