Post #2652 by thejab on Mon, Jun 24, 2002 2:12 PM

I have been back to the Tonga Room in San Francisco many times, and I will keep going back, even though I have received terrible service. Why? For the amazing decor, for the "storm" that occurs every 20 minutes with lightning flashes, sounds of rolling thunder, and rain that falls on the lake in the middle of the restaurant, and for the drinks that are usually good. I have only sampled the happy hour food buffet and it was average steam-table chinese fare but I've heard that the food is pretty bad so I haven't tried dinner there. Still, I will keep going back.

I guess with places such as the Tonga Room or the Royal Hawaiian, I do lower my food and service expectations somewhat. But I always expect the drinks to be good. Sure, I worry as well that these places might close if people stop coming and that's why I cut them some slack and keep going back - to try to do my part in keeping them around.