Kovachi's

Four of us went there for lunch and from the beginning our wattress was completly rude! She hurried us through the meal, ignored us, was short tempered and made us wait to pay. She carried drinks under her arm as to keep hands free and food up agianst her chest instead of using a tray. I left a note that said "food was good but work on the service". As we were in the parking lot saying goodbyes she came out and began telling me off! It was at this time i learned she is the owner. she did not come out to ask what the problem was or how it could have been better but to tell me off, which she did!! Having worked in food service for years I was shocked at her actions! I could not believe she was in the parking lot causing such a scene over a harmless note. The food was okay, awesome bread but needless to say my friends and I will never go there again and I certainly wouldn't recommend it

Posted 10/18/09 | Report Abuse

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My wife and, who were passing through Lexington, had an extremely dismal experience at Kovachi's and would have quietly left if we had the opportunity to leave without causing a scene. Unfortunately, as it was, we endured one of the more frustrating dining experiences we have endured during our 30+ years together. The problem started when we were greeted to a rant by a middle-age woman as we walked through the door about the fact that the party that she was expecting consisting of 10 guests had risen to more than 20 guests by the time the party arrived. We turned to leave, but she nearly tackled me, insisting that she could seat us in her "annex." That "annex," as it turns out, was an outer building that seemed to be either a converted garage or storage building. We were seated, along with about four other groups, on wire mesh patio furniture. Already, I was looking for the door. We asked how large the portions were and decided to share an order for Eggplant Parmesan, since neither of us is able to eat much (since I am diabetic and have just had radical cancer surgery, and my wife is on a weight-loss program), and we did not have any way to take home the left-overs, since we were traveling. The waitress informed us, in a somewhat hostile and hateful manner, that we must pay a $3.00 sharing fee. Her tone implied that we were being cheapskates, and she said that, once I paid for the extra salad, I might as well pay the "measley few dollars more" and "get your own entree." I told her that I was not going to argue with her, that we planned to share, even if we had to pay the $3.00 sharing fee, which, the longer she attempted to argue with me, seemed that the restaurant considers to be more of a fine for bad behavior than a service charge. I did not wish to argue with her and said so, but I insisted that we would share an order and pay the fee. The food was so-so, probably due to the vile taste in our mouths after the waitress' continual attempts to persuade me to "pony up" and get the extra entree. It reminds me of the old Woody Allen joke in which his aunt complained that the food at her hotel was horrible, ". . . and in such small portions." In our case, the food was mediocre, and there was enough to feed four people. Even after we ate all that we wanted (which was not much at that point), we left about two-thirds of the food on our plates. I don't think that the service, atmosphere, and quality of the food merits my using a star rating system. Instead, I'll use the system that I use for rating hash houses and give this restaurant one and one-half toothpicks out of five.

I have four suggestions based on our experience and my more than 30 years in which I own extremely successful and much higher-class restaurants than this: : First, never, never, never complain about your customers to other customers. Those extra 10 or so guests who showed up unexpectedly did you a great favor: They showed up at your hash house--I mean, restaurant. Isn't having 10-15 more guests than you expected better than having 10-15 fewer than you expected? Rejoice that they thought that much of you, for whatever reason we could not fathom. Second, if you have some cheesy, money-grubbing policy such as a sharing fee, even if it is only $3.00, show your guests the courtesy of plainly posting it up front, to give them the opportunity to turn around and leave gracefully. At the very least, put a notice on the menu, even though that is a bit late in the game: They really need to know that up-front. Third, for goodness sake, do not seat your overflow guests in a converted garage on patio furniture. I found myself feeling increasingly rednecky the longer I sat in that building. Either turn them away with a coupon for a free appetizer the next time they come or apologize profusely and treat them to something from the bar while they wait. One of my restaurants has stuffed mushrooms that our customers practically fight over, and I have been known to treat my customers who are waiting for a table to some of those. And fourth, never, never, never argue with your customers. Make sure they understand their options, but, once they have made their decision, allow the matter to end. Bring them their orders and do everything you can to make sure that they return. You know, the famous Edward Demings, the industrialist whose principles helped the Japanese rebuild their indistrial complex following WWII, preached a very valuable principle for businesses based on extensive customer research: A satisfied customer will tell three or four people about their experience, but a dissatisfied customer will tell more than 30 people. I would advise you to do away with the $3.00 sharing fee. You will lose more than you gain by having it. And remember that your customers are the heart and soul of your restaurant.

Posted 07/29/09 | Report Abuse

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My husband and I went to Kovachi's for Father's Day for the Prime Rib. This was the BEST I've ever had in my whole life (62 years). I've had some good Prime Rib many times but this one buries all of them. We've been there at least 5 or 6 times and the food is consistently excellent. Everyone there is extremely friendly, courteous and attentive to serve you. And the servings are HUGE! We always have leftovers for at least 2 more meals. It is the best of Italian and Greek food. (My maternal origins are Greek.) Go expecting great food!

Posted 06/21/09 | Report Abuse

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I was at Kovachis the night that the previous group was there and I think that they were being too loud for such a small business. The food and service are great and if you want to be loud and you have a group you should ask for the private room or sit on the porch. Possibly the manager could have handled things better but you also must remember that they cannot always make everyone happy. You are being unfair in your review because you must admit that you were unreasonably loud in that small restaurant. I encourage everyone to try this restaurant for yourselves and enjoy the food..

Posted 05/29/09 | Report Abuse

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We love the food. The wait time wasnt too bad. And, we had a good server who did a great job keeping up with us and a full house. However, after eating our dinner, we were told by the manager that we were "being too loud and that they had lost two tables because of us." That's not something you would normally tell customers, even if it was true. We had been laughing, but we were not using foul language or talking about inappropriate things. We were sharing baby pictures, and talking about work. So, of course, we were offended that we were spoken to in that manner. Also, there was another table, our size, which was just as loud as we were. I feel that the manager believes she was ok in saying what she did because she prefaced it by saying, "I'm sorry to tell you this..." However, as we all know...saying you're sorry does not always make things right, especially when your tone says otherwise. When we spoke to the owner of the restaurant, his response was, "I'm sorry you feel that way," and then he walked off. This was after telling us to repeat our statement because he couldn't hear us. How ironic...since our table wasn't even speaking at this point... Now, even if it was a complete lie, he should have apologized and assured us that he would take care of the situation. Instead, he blew us off. Why? Turns out, the manager is his girlfriend. Hmm... Now, while it may be ok to date at your workplace, it is not ok to treat your customers in that manner - if you want them to return. I can assure you that none of my friends and family will ever frequent Kovachi's again, which is too bad, because I really did like the food.

Posted 04/23/09 | Report Abuse

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Although I enjoyed the food at the time, the service we received from management was reprehensible. They were rude and showed no customer service skills and when I called the owner on it he brushed me off. My friends and I got together for the first time in months to blow off some steam and enjoy a night out. We walked out of there more stressed out then we went in. To make matters worse four of us now dealing with food poisoning from last nights meal. Overall, a horrible experience. I vow never to return.

Posted 04/23/09 | Report Abuse

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Let me say, this food is sooooooo yummy. You'll crave it week after week. my family and eat there once a week and we all love it (7 to 59) there is something for everyone. The food is rich and scrumptous. The portions will send you packing with to go boxes. We love the atmosphere its warmth, with vaulted wood beam ceilings, a fire place and some old victorian ceiling fans. You must try it. Trust me when i tell you, the food is dreamy.

Leigh Summers

Posted 03/22/09 | Report Abuse

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Kovachi's is unique in our town, great original dishes, smart friendly wait staff, and no chain store atmosphere, but after a dozen visits, I must WARN YOU do not go in if the parking lot is full. They have two dining rooms, one by the kitchen and one in a detached former garage, and when the garage area is used for seating, it is more than a small kitchen can serve. Order continuity goes to he11, servers are hard to find, and your table will not likely see all the food come out at once while you gasp for more ale. Other than that, this is the kind of place that every town wishes for and few have. The super Italian feast is a wondrous experience, but the dessert cakes are to die for! Eight layer red velvet cake!, if you are lucky enough to be there when its red velvet cake day, will make you swoon, or at least smile and covet the take home portion (there will be some left over unless you are a sugar addicted pig). Spaghetti kid. 2/23/09

Posted 02/24/09 | Report Abuse

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Lexington has needed a place like this badly - italian/greek food in a charming atmosphere at a reasonable price. We went there last night and it was awesome. The food was delicious (try the stuffed eggplant. OMG!). The garlic knots were warm, buttery, soft and just too good to put down. The service was fast and friendly. The portions are big enough to share and the prices very reasonable. We will eat there again soon, and often!

Posted 10/30/08 | Report Abuse

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