Q: So I live a hop, skip, and a jump away from this joint. I usually love it because the staff is very kind and helpful. I took my niece there last night for her birthday. From jump, my waiter was being a smarty pants. When our food finally came out, the fries were ice cold and there were literally 7 fries in the basket.. So I kindly told him to get us some fresh ones and hopefully a few more. Not even one minute later, he brings back, I kid you not, the same basket.. I'm like umm sir these are the same. He looks flustered and says he's going to tell his manager so she can get it taken care of. Seriously, your guys' specialty isn't fries. Fries are pretty simple. So some time later, the manager comes out with it. By the time we received the fresh fries, we were all done eating. When he brought me the check, I asked him what my niece gets for a birthday type deal and he says ice cream and walks away. I was like wow, he just doesn't like us anymore. I swear to you we weren't being rude at all. I have been to this location a number of times. Needless to say, I probably won't come back for a while.

A: negative

Q: My husband and I came here in July for one night (a Monday night) at this hotel. We had never stayed at Stratosphere before, but we were already on that end of the Strip, so we decided to chance it for a night for $30. We wanted to check in before noon, but that wasn't happening unless we paid $20 extra. No thanks. I was able to pay and do all of the paperwork, but they were not going to give us the key to our room unless we paid that $20. We checked our bags and off we went to grab lunch. After 3pm (normal check in time), I had to stand in line again, just to get my room key and officially check in (even though at noon, I had done all the paperwork and paid). Seemed a little silly to me, but whatever. The line was long and not moving very fast. I noticed while in line that there were a lot of families at this hotel. Got checked in, got a basic room w/ a king sized bed. Definitely nothing fancy. Check out was just as bad as check in (at 730 in the morning!). Long line, one worker. It took FOREVER. The casino was fine, it kept me busy for a while. The shops seemed empty and the workers seemed bored. Not a lot of foot traffic for a Monday. With our room reservation, we were able to visit the observation deck for free. That was nice. Standing in another LONG line to get up to the observation deck was not so nice. But once we got up there, it was cool. Enough room to roam around, great views, and rides if you dared (we didn't). We did notice a lot of kids. It was fine for a night, but I probably wouldn't stay there again.

A: negative

Q: Wanted to like this place. I like the space - it's charming and strange and wonderful. But the sandwich I had was just awful. The reviewers upset by what appears to be microwaved food are dead on. Who in their right mind microwaves a sandwich?!! Panini presses are overplayed and mostly bad as it is, but I would take that over this any day. And the bread! Bread is the most important aspect to any sandwich! It should involve fresh baked crusty loaves, not limp store-bought sliced bread and boring pita. There are so many good bakeries in Madison, why not use their bread? E Johnson St. area has the potential to be a vibrant, exciting neighborhood...but it's never going to be if substandard restaurants like Mildreds continue to dominate (Sofia's the notable exception). People want FRESH, interesting food--not salty microwaved mush. The owners or chefs should seriously reconsider their menu. It might help to do some sandwich tourism, find out what makes a good sandwich. Suggested itinerary: Ike's Place in San Francisco (possibly the BEST sandwiches in the world), Atlas Cafe, or The Sandwich Place. In NYC, see Columbine, Alidoro and Urban Vintage in Brooklyn. Even semi-chains like Wichcraft might be instructive.

A: negative

Q: Cashier was confused as to how to do her job. Ask her a question you won't get an answer. Someone from the kitchen will bring your food out with gloves and continue to use those gloves to cook someone else's order. The drive thru window speaker was so loud o could hear it outside. Both the orderer and the person taking the order. Food was OK. As expected from taco bell.

A:
negative