soda closing?!

BrookFetish wrote: [quote=WhyFi]While it's all well and good that the really regulars get good service, seeing you there a few times a week shouldn't be a prerequisite for good service.

I couldn't possibly state this better myself.
Indeed.

As someone who generally gets good service from Soda becuase I know folks by name, I still have to say the service sucks. You shouldnt have to tug a friends elbow to get them to send a waitress over, or to get a pint poured. I dont see how non-regulars deal with it.

The time I have put into Soda has more to do with its convenient location, a couple of friendships and buyback. Foodwise, culturewise, decorwise, vibewise the place has always sucked. I have been privy to some of the dumbest conversational exchanges ever in that place, and find the weekend vibe desperate and despressing. The omni-presence of the hustling doesnt help either.

Coincidentally the one time I went to visit Toly's other bar in Wburg I wasnt there for ten minutes before some cat with a cane came up to me and asked "If I like to party." The irony of this in relation to its kid friendlyness is fairly self-evident.

Oh... and the music is too loud. And with a couple of rare exceptions the DJs suck. Soda made money because middle class folks who currently populate the neighborhood hate pretension more than anything. Authenticity is the balm for the gentrifier's guilt.

I will be out in the back of Flatbush Farm this summer. Happy Full Moon Folks...

oh, I definitely don't think you should have to be a regular to get good service. and, as I've conceded in other threads and this thread, the service at soda leaves a lot to be desired. I generally refrain from going there on weekend nights and other times when everything degenerates because of crowds and/or the not so attentive staffers working that day.

our last Soda happy hour - we got fantastic service. probably because we've bitched about it a lot but continued to give the bar business. it may be slow, but folks DO learn and know that they'll get a better tip if they provide superior service.

also - I've seen a lot of folks walk into sole with a bag from pieces to find matching accessories. it might not be to your taste, but the joint does business. the few times I've been in there I've overheard discussions about orders of custom leather or fur jackets and coats. I'd bet that those orders are lucrative enough to keep the place in business.

just ate at Soda last night... and received punctual service at a patio table from 3 wait-staff eager for my tip money. I wasn't harrassed or thrown out. I'm actually kind of jealous that I haven't been victim to the horrible service and rude staff. What gives!?! :x

Subject: Soda Bar

Soda Bar is indeed staying open. Speaking as a very recent ex-employee, I would like to let you know that the employees who have quit working, quit for VERY good reasons but the bar remains open. The remaining staff should be praised, for they have endured immature, selfish, and demoralizing acts from both owners. If you are a fan of Soda, and you don't mind supporting the actions of the owners, then please remain a patron. The remaining employees are trying very hard to keep it together for the much awaited summer season.

Subject: Closed or open?

So is Soda closed or opened? Or is it too soon to determine. I walked by a few times and it seems open, people sitting at the bar having a drink. It sad that the ownders can't come to an agreement on how to buy out or re-incorp. If people were that unhappy as patrons and servers, this is the best opportunity to redo the way its run. It would be a shame to lose that back court yard.

An Ode to (the Old) Soda:

My stumble home around the corner spot. Crowd of many ages, races...a reflection of the neighborhood. Too small pool cue always made me happy. A great local haunt. Oh, Soda. Did our love kill you?

Subject: guy who moved in near bar complaining about noise-

what a tool. your complaining about noise because you choose to live near bar. what kind of moron moves in above a bar if he is concerned about noise. you should be tied and and beat down.

Seriously. Some people have lived here for a while, and can remember a time before Soda opened, believe it or not.

Cool The Kid wrote: What they should do is abandon all service, make a $10-15 cover charge a night and make it BYOB.

:shock: That's gotta be the worst idea I've ever heard.

soda jerks

mancunian - i feel your pain. i lived at 629 before soda opened and when a crazy guy tried to open a bar called "michelines" in the space soda now occupies. the landlord is a slumlord and there was never any soundproofing, and when soda opened and they opened the backyard, it was horrible. so loud. living above the place sucked, and i wasn't even on the 2nd floor. i could feel the music through my floor up on the 3rd floor.

i moved out a few years ago and went back to soda on a saturday night a few weeks ago. the vibe, patrons, and service all sucked. good riddance.

Subject: News flash...

Soda does suck. As a neighbor, I've given soda more than their share of chances. But their continually sucky service has driven me and other people away. I can tolerate waitstaff that are busy, or new, but no excuse for rudeness. The decor sucks as well. Beast is much better, they have happy hour all weekend. And damn good service and beer.

Poets?? Plural?? Seriously?

Subject: Re: News flash...

pensodyssey wrote: [quote=nodirection]I can tolerate waitstaff that are busy, or new, but no excuse for rudeness. The decor sucks as well. Beast is much better, they have happy hour all weekend. And damn good service and beer.

There is absolutely no difference between soda and beast. Same people, same place.

A quarter the wait time at Beast and much friendlier. Is there some sort of bipolarity going on there?