Estadio -- seems to have gone way downhill
I used to enjoy Estadio but last night had such a bad dining experience that I'm doubtful I'll ever go back.
First, the quality of the food has gone down. I ordered a plate of Jamon Iberico and it was pure fat. Not the Jamon one would expect. The octopus was rubbery (more so than it should be). At these prices, I would expect better, more consistent food.
Second, the service last night was atrocious. The server was a very nice guy. But he knew nothing about the menu, couldn't answer basic questions about the food or wine. He would disappear for stretches at a time and I'd have to ask the busboy refilling my water to find him. Never once did it seem like anyone was supervising the show.
Third, I have always been frustrated that they charge full price for a glass of wine but the glass is really just a taste. They say this way we can try many different wines. But it doesn't negate the fact that the charge is over $10 for a bit more than half a glass.
Beyond these concerns, the restaurant still acts as though it's hot. When the restaurant first opened, they had a policy of no reservations for 2 tops. Well, that is common on the 14th Street stretch. But now that the fervor has died down, it makes no sense. Estadio doesn't take reservations for parties of 2 after 6 pm. Yet when we arrived at 7:30, there were PLENTY of empty tables. This policy makes no sense.
In short, with so many other options now in the 'hood, it seems like Estadio isn't worth it.
