My husband and I were in Lynchburg visiting for a work expedition 5/18/2022. We had dinner reservations with a friend and business associate at The Shoemaker.We were greeted at hostess stand at The shoemaker and seated at our table. Our waiter came over,, I had questions on the menu. I asked if the crab cake was maryland blue crab. A question I always ask. The waited appeared annoyed but advised no. We three were talking enjoying the evening. What happened next was a complete shock. We ordered our dinner; crab cakes. Surf and turf etc. We proceeded to order a bottle of wine. And the waiter told us he wasn’t going to serve us alcohol because we had had too much to drink. What?!?! I had zero to drink. My husband and friend had had 2 drinks 1/2 hour prior to arriving at the restaurant but was in no way intoxicated or even appeared to be. We were appalled. We asked to speak to the manager who was at a loss for words.. then the culinary director came out and asked how he could make things better. At that point we advised we weren’t going to eat there and left. We felt insulted, our friend that made the reservation was embarrassed. We went to a roof top restaurant within walking distance ordered a bottle of wine and dinner. We couldn’t stop talking about what had just happened. How was that possible. What did any of us say or do to make the waiter suggest we had too much to drink?? I can tell you. We were laughing and joking. We weren’t loud we were happy to be there. I have never nor my husband or our friend been told that. We incidentally were staying at their hotel. Our friend and his company brings so much business to that hotel and restaurant.. they have now lost all of their business.
So, the bar was great. But we didn't get to the food. We just couldn't get that far into the process. Sooo... after about an hour, we had to leave to find sustenance elsewhere. Still not sure where the issue was. But the bar tender seemed to be doing a ton of extra work (like, perhaps other people's work. Just an observation).
The one star is for the servers. They work hard to please the customers and they know the food is HORRIBLE! My husband and I ordered steaks and both were not even eatable. They covered my husbands steak with so much sauce to disguise how gross it was. A glass of wine is $12-15 and they didn’t even pour it at the table so it was probably Boones Farm. NOTHING good to say. And the pretty artwork of the shoes is not there anymore…. Probably had to hock it to pay the bills. Our bill was $150 and couldn’t even eat that slop! DO NOT WASTE your money!!
I went there a couple of day back and half of their menu is wiped off and my child is allergic to shellfish and we had seen no pasta. But the over all food is great
This is a personal favorite for me in LYH! 100/10 on service, atmosphere, menu, and food. The servers are kind and attentive and the food could not be better. This will forever be a recommendation and favorite.
There was a mixup in the reservation but were able to accommodate our party. The food was excellent.
Steak was cold and burnt on the outside. No seasoning on the steak. Steak was placed on a serving of cold mashed potatoes along with Luke warm broccoli. Waiting staff was very good but that doesn't make up for the disappointment of the meal
My wife and I were glad to snag a table for a date since they have cut back hours. We started with the calamari appetizer which was a fail, if they were fried you could not tell as they were swimming in a vinaigrette. In addition, they were overcooked and very chewy. The main part of the meal was very good. We then proceeded to have a great Wedge Salad. The filet and crab cake was okay. It was have been great if the filet was not swimming in hollandaise. We added a side of the Brussels sprout appetizer which was probably the best thing all night. We finished the meal with the crime brûlée cheesecake which was confused, it was a vanilla cheesecake with a caramel sauce. I would have expected a torched sugar top, but no nothing like that at all. I would say we had a good caramel cheesecake. Overall this was a B- or C showing from what I normally find is an A quality restaurant.
Amazing service and food!
The atmosphere is very nice. The bartender was wonderful! Beware the filet was over cooked and New York strip was very tough. Definitely not worth the price. The pasta was good.