Submitted by Tom Eilers on 09/21/2024
Been coming to Black Butte for 40+ years, let me start with that. Never had a bad meal or service previously, and always enjoyed the million dollar view of the cascade peaks in the distance.
This Friday my wife and I took our son, his wife and our two grandchildren to celebrate a wonderful week spent together enjoying one of our favorite places. Everything started off fine, friendly greetings, decent table with views, etc. the waiter seemed a bit busy but we were happy and tolerant, and he finally took our drink order. We had enough time to know what we wanted to eat but he scooted away for our drinks and didn’t ask if we were ready to order as he should have.
We eventually placed our orders and the grandkids were starting to get impatient. Our salads arrived so we shared bread and salad and we were hanging in there. The waiter started apologizing for the slow kitchen, using a new menu as an excuse.
I personally was quite tolerant of the delay because our grandkids were extraordinarily sweet and many patrons complimented us on how cute they were.
Two things happened that changed my rating from 3-4 star to one star. First, a table of 4 people who came in at least 30 minutes after we were seated, got up and left after being served, paid up, everything. I had not yet been served my main course yet. Secondly, when we received our bill, we were automatically charged a large party gratuity even though we were 4 adults and two toddlers. It had taken 80 minutes to get our main course and a party arriving long after us was served and left before we were served. A tip, quite honestly was not in order.
At this point, I doubt I’ll ever go to the lodge for dinner again. After complaining to the manager on duty this evening, I never got a succinct explanation how a similar size party comes in 30 minutes after you and leaves 45 minutes before you can finish your meal.
Sincerely,
Disappointed
Chris is the most stellar bartender in the area. Was completely surprised and impressed by the quality of the cocktails (Do yourself a favor and order the espresso martini). Fantastic food as well, and great recommendations by staff. 10/10 would absolutely come here again.
Submitted by Angelica Gau on 11/23/2024
We live full-time on the ranch and used to enjoy weekly dinners on the property. With the opening of lodge, we’ve moved to dining in Sisters. The atmosphere is fine, albeit lacking in character/warmth, but the service and food just don’t live up to the surroundings. Every 4-6 months we forget the last visit and try again, but the lodge just doesn’t do it for us. We spend $30-60 more on our bill than an equally delicious meal in town and end up feeling like we made yet another mistake visiting. Sure, the views are great, but you won’t get to enjoy in the winter and there are no other food offerings on property in the evenings. Come winter, it’s just an empty restaurant with fancy new digs and overpriced drinks.
In addition, there’s no bar that is adult only like in the past-what a huge miss. We’ve given up on the lounge in the summer. If we want to eat and drink with kids running around, we’ll go to the pool/bistro. I’m a newer resident, not having come here for 20+ years like so many others, but did get to experience the lodge before remodel. The new lodge is a sterile, overpriced, and just doesn’t provide the food and service to match the surroundings. I’m all for a more modern Black Butte Ranch, but they’ve missed the mark on this one.
Submitted by Stephanie A. on 11/08/2024
What a disappointment… First the atmosphere and scenery is gorgeous! Really love the high ceilings, natural wood, giant windows with breathtaking scenery. But the food is meh… Really lacked seasoning and felt like something you’d eat at a chain restaurant. Looked pretty on the plate, but that’s it. We also waited for over an hour for our food. I was ready to walkout and it really wasn’t that busy, but out here there are limited dining options. Might go again for drinks and the view, but pass on the bland food and horrible service.
Submitted by Michael Jones on 11/03/2024
We were so excited to see the new lodge at Black Butte and it is so beautiful and the views are stunning! We had breakfast here and it was pretty good! Service was pretty good as well, but there are still some fine tuning to be done! I rated it a 5, but a 4.5 would be more inline. We will try it again soon!
Submitted by Bonnie Kelly on 05/12/2024
