My partner and I truly enjoy Fulton's. We haven't been there in the past couple of trips simply because of all the other overwhelming and terrific restaurants available. I did, however, make PS arrangement to dine there once again during our trip next month.
We've never had bad food or service. Then again, I readily admit that I usually order the least complex item: broiled lobster. Joe doesn't typically order much more then steak, pork/veal chops or lamb. Kind of tough to screw those up as well. Only once did I ever have anything remotely close to poor service. He was a bit slow and seemed oddly nervous.
I nipped it in the bud at the beginning by quietly speaking to the manager just so that he'd know I was aware that we might get bad service. By the by, I was NOT complaining to him by any means. I'm not that harsh! LOL. Anyway, he told me he was glad I said something, and then asked me whether I'd like a new table or new waiter. It seemed our server was brand spanking new, it was his first day, and we were his first guests.
Well, hearing that, Joe and I immediately started making mild jokes, getting him engaged in light conversation, assuring a higher comfort level. He did a great job and we tipped him well.
That's as bad as it ever got for us!