Grata Bar & Grill at Holiday Inn & Suites

I really wanted to like this place because it has such a cool atmosphere and is in my hometown. win-​win. Not so much, My boyfriend and I stopped in for an after dinner drink at the bar a few days ago. I ordered a glass of wine – Barefoot – that’s all they had; extremely disappointing but, whatever. I was mostly there because my date wanted a White Russian. The bartender gave us our drinks and noticed my boyfriend was mixing his drink with his straw… totally normal to me but repeatedly asks over and over «IS IT NOT GUUUD?» «YOU DON’T LIKE IT BABY?»
again. whatever.
I said, I want to try it. (I love them, too but so not worth the calories-​IMO) and she screams at me «noooo, you can’t LITTLE GIRL!!!» (little girl? she just served me a glass of wine and I am 27 years of age…)
At this point I was completely over it. I just gave a blank stare and she then tells me I need to «smile more.» I then asked for our tab and I paid the bill – somewhat to prove that she doesn’t need to say «baby» to one customer – who I assume she assumes is paying – and call their date «little girl» along with «smile more.» Nothing makes me want to smile more than being told to smile more… am I right?
I hand her my card and she literally says, «Girl, you’re paying? I love you girl, girl, you’re so cool, look at her – she’s paying!» She was so annoying but the fact that we couldn’t even have a conversation without this lady lingering and listening to/​butting in on our every word. If this wasn’t uncomfortable enough, the couple on the other side of the bar who was in town for work were asking where their drinks were and the bartender turned to her friend in the middle of us and the other couple and «I really just want to flip these people off…» and then proceeds to do so. My boyfriend could tell I was getting mad and the other couple was waaaaaay more mad & her friends in the middle of all of us were extremely intoxicated so after we paid, we bolted out of there!
*Side note, she told us about the owners who also own Old Venice and was saying some very rude things about the lady that is now the manager there. We weren’t interested in hearing about how big of a B**** some woman named Darlna was.
I’ve eaten the Sunday lunch months ago and it was a good buffet… I hate leaving reviews and usually only ever would if I felt like it was something someone needed to know, but this lady needs to learn respect. I never want to sit at that bar again. I felt so disrespected & I personally wouldn’t ever hire this lady to be the face of my bar… maybe a hole in the wall place where she actually knew everyone but not a hotel bar. no way.

Absolutely wonderful! My expectations were not high with this being a hotel bar & restaurant, however they completely blew me away! The food was made from scratch, and the bar manager Jess was a complete pleasure! We will definitely be back! Also, $ 5 apps from 5 – 7, don’t miss the spinach dip and sausage cheese platter.

Ate here twice while staying at the hotel. Food was great, so was the service. Also very clean and visually appealing.

This hotel just opened next door to their sister hotel (Candlewood Suites), they are really off to a great start! Service was super and the wait staff knew their stuff. Will probably stay here next time in town! Since they are a full service hotel (swimming pool, room service etc.)