Local Republic

Positive things first. Cool atmosphere, greeted at front of restaurant, and lots of food options. I would normally have given 5 stars, but due to how much weight i put on service, i have to give this 2 stars. I ordered the special burger that the bartender told me about. I requested no bun because I have Celiac disease. I saw a gluten-free bread option but did not want to substitute and pay extra. I just wanted the bread left off, nothing crazy or out of the way. The bartender paused awkwardly and said the kitchen doesn't like doing substitutions. That kinda set the tone for the rest of my visit. I told the bartender I would prefer not waste bread and if they put on the bun, I'm just going to take it off. She just said ok. She told me she asked the kitchen to leave off the bun and they refused. It was easier to leave the bun off, and it was not a substitution, it was an omission. I could see the cooks from.where I sat, and they shot me a few disapproving, smug looks because I dared ask to leave off the bun. This was a very pretentious move by the kitchen, as if it's artwork and I was asking them to alter their vision of how they believed it should be created. It wasn't that busy and was a reasonable request met by a very unreasonable refusal. I didn't use the Celiac card but should have. I was angry and uncomfortable at that point but remained polite, ate my food(except the bun), and left. The food was good but the nerve and pretentious attitude by the cooks is a no-go. I wouldn't go back or recommend this place. There are too many other places that will cater to the customer's needs to put up with this crap, especially with the high prices nowadays.

I love coming here, the cocktails are great and they have gluten free buns!