House of Blues

[Jaimie1911]

I went to House of Blues last week with a $25 online coupon that I paid $2 for and I thought this was a great deal. However, the food was awful. I was on the DDP for 8 days, and by far this was the worst meal of the week, including quick services. We had a couple of drinks that were good, and the sides were good (corn, coleslaw and beans). However, the "fall off the bone" ribs were horrendous. You could not even bite into them, and the flavor was awful. I couldn't even pry the meat off with my fork. My husband had the shrimp po boy and was sick the rest of the night. The waiter took away my plate of uneaten ribs and did not even ask how they were. I was so disappointed, and I really should have complained but was just so fed up and tired by the end of dinner. It was also downpouring rain and we just wanted to get home. So I just wanted to say this as a warning to other people who might buy that gift certificate, IMO not worth it. On the plus side, I had 8 days of great food and service other than this one, and I will be sticking to the Disney-owned restaurants in the future!

 

[appleseed1]

Sorry to hear about HOB experience.

Thx. for sharing.

 

[Jaimie1911]

Sorry to hear about HOB experience.

Thx. for sharing.

No problem, just wanted to give a fair warning to those who may be thinking about buying those gift certificates!

 

[cymbaldiva]

I went to House of Blues last week with a $25 online coupon that I paid $2 for and I thought this was a great deal. However, the food was awful. I was on the DDP for 8 days, and by far this was the worst meal of the week, including quick services. We had a couple of drinks that were good, and the sides were good (corn, coleslaw and beans). However, the "fall off the bone" ribs were horrendous. You could not even bite into them, and the flavor was awful. I couldn't even pry the meat off with my fork. My husband had the shrimp po boy and was sick the rest of the night. The waiter took away my plate of uneaten ribs and did not even ask how they were. I was so disappointed, and I really should have complained but was just so fed up and tired by the end of dinner. It was also downpouring rain and we just wanted to get home. So I just wanted to say this as a warning to other people who might buy that gift certificate, IMO not worth it. On the plus side, I had 8 days of great food and service other than this one, and I will be sticking to the Disney-owned restaurants in the future!

No problem, just wanted to give a fair warning to those who may be thinking about buying those gift certificates!

Sounds like you had a really bad experience ~ those can be rough. Sounds like not all of your meal was bad though, and it doesn't seem like a gift certificate issue.

The only issue I've had with HOB (besides that they'd taken the fried chicken off the menu ) actually was with the shrimp po boy ~ the menu doesn't mention that the mayo is horseradish spiced and I hate horseradish. I mentioned it to the server and they were happy to replace my meal.

Like you said, you probably should have said something while at the restaurant. I'm sure they would have done their best to correct the problem.

Just my .02

 

[walkdmc]

I could have written the same report given by the OP. I was excited to buy the GC off of restaurant.com and try HOB. There were 4 of us and no one was thrilled with their meal. I got the ribs and agree, they were awful. I've never had such tough, flavorless ribs.

We also didn't complain for the same reasons you mentioned. We just wanted to get out of there. By the time we were done eating, it was late and I wasn't paying much attention to the bill. We used the $25 GC and still paid about $75 for 1 appetizer, 2 entrees, 2 kids meals, 4 regular drinks, no alcohol and no desserts. I think drinks were very expensive there, like the most expensive sodas we've ever had at a restaurant. We walked away thinking it was not a bargain in any way. If people think the food on the DDP is bad, they should stay far away from HOB.

 

[dixonsontour]

Sorry you had a bad meal.

We did enjoy our meal at HOB using the certificate BUT we went for lunch and stuck to sandwiches - I had the chicken 'elwood' and fries and DH a philly cheesesteak. DD had a kids pizza. Cost $20 or so plus certificate inc tip.

I'd agree soda's were expensive as was the kids meal. But the kids meal was alot bigger and better than the disney kids pizza - two kids could share.

 

[cymbaldiva]

I could have written the same report given by the OP. I was excited to buy the GC off of restaurant.com and try HOB. There were 4 of us and no one was thrilled with their meal. I got the ribs and agree, they were awful. I've never had such tough, flavorless ribs.

We also didn't complain for the same reasons you mentioned. We just wanted to get out of there. By the time we were done eating, it was late and I wasn't paying much attention to the bill. We used the $25 GC and still paid about $75 for 1 appetizer, 2 entrees, 2 kids meals, 4 regular drinks, no alcohol and no desserts. I think drinks were very expensive there, like the most expensive sodas we've ever had at a restaurant. We walked away thinking it was not a bargain in any way. If people think the food on the DDP is bad, they should stay far away from HOB.

While complaining on a message board is a great way to vent, it doesn't solve anything. I think it bears repeating...if you have an issue with a restaurant, let the restaurant know. How are they supposed to be able to solve your problem if you don't let them know that you have one?

Just my .02

 

[Jaimie1911]

I really regret not saying something, however at the time (this was Tuesday 1/25) we had just run there in the rain and it was now lightning and tornado warnings when we were about to leave. So I started being more concerned with just paying the bill and getting out of there. Also probably would have said something if the waiter asked how it was but he just kind of took my almost full plate of ribs away I think I may try and speak to a manager there, maybe I can still prevent it from happening to others.

 

[pumba]

we have had some great meals at HOB's ...I think you should of spoken up...with or without the gc ...food that is not edible should be told about..

 

[walkdmc]

I disagree and think message boards are a great way to inform others about restaurants. Based on what I've read on these boards, I won't touch Hollywood and Vine with a 10-ft. pole Before I bought the GC, I read a bunch of great reviews of HOB, not many, if any negative reviews. I'm just letting readers know there are bad meals to be had at HOB and now I'm guessing readers of this thread will be apprehensive about ordering ribs.

 

[Pumbaa_]

Thank you for sharing your experience

We had one of our best meals there last time. Stuck to appies (which you can do with restaurant.com gc). Voodoo shrimp and catfish fingers with sweet potato fries

It is on our must do list now

We all have places that are misses, sorry this was yours

 

[cymbaldiva]

I disagree and think message boards are a great way to inform others about restaurants. Based on what I've read on these boards, I won't touch Hollywood and Vine with a 10-ft. pole Before I bought the GC, I read a bunch of great reviews of HOB, not many, if any negative reviews. I'm just letting readers know there are bad meals to be had at HOB and now I'm guessing readers of this thread will be apprehensive about ordering ribs.

Completely understandable ~ all I'm saying is that a restaurant doesn't know that there is a problem unless it's pointed out to them. This being an establishment that is geared to tourists repeat business is probably not up on their priority list. They won't notice at all about repeat business because of the high traffic. I still maintain that the best way to save others from your experience is, if possible, to point it out while you're there.

This is the only way I can think of to sum it up - when I'm reading a review and someone says something was bad, I generally chalk it up to taste, YMMV, whatever. If they say it was bad and they were upset enough to have taken time to speak to someone at the restaurant about it? I take it more seriously.

I too hope this helps someone ~ if your meal is really that bad? Please speak up!

Just my .02

 

[BlovesC]

Definitely agree about the HoB food...it's mediocre even in comparison to most disney counter service places, IMO!

BUT...we love seeing shows at the HoB, and the pass the line ticket you get if you eat at HoB is invaluable. I'll gladly choke down a dry burger for dinner if it means not having to wait four hours in line.

 

[dancin Disney style]

We have used the restaruant.com certificates a few times and had no issues. A great thing that they do....I hope it's still on in March...is the 4-6pm half price appies. You can order a ton of food for the table and walk out with only paying about $20 incl tip. I will say that the sodas and ice teas are a crazy price in there....my DD ordered a peach ice tea and it was $5....I think a coke was $3.50.

 

[ThePrincess&TheJohn]

Thanks for sharing. I am a huge ribs fan so I won't order them, but I will always try to go to HOB b/c I had their Ribeye in January and it was easily the best meal of my life. Tender and so flavorful. The certificate is awesome (my 24 dollar steak was so cheap!). My fiance and I definetly ordered water that night to keep costs down!