Stopped at Monks 6/04/22 for a late lunch and a trip down memory Lane for the father in law. Set overlooking Galway Bay, it is a imposing looking building that invites you to stop even if you’re not planning to. My first impressions of the...restaurant were great, high ceilings, great bar and amazing views, what more could you want?? My partner was shown to a table while I helped her get her father out of the car. The table being right next to a heater was too hot for us so she asked was another table available, she then went to use the restroom. I was then approached by the waiter and informed that another table had been set up “down on the right”. Instead of showing me to the table at the other end and around a brick pier I had to find the table myself. As I made my way to the table, I said hello to the waitress behind the dias. She replied with a curt hello with no hint of a smile or warmth. Ok I thought, I can see how this is going. We sat down at the table and for 5 minutes watched the two members of staff work the bar (with no on at it) and set tables while we sat there waiting to be asked would we like something to drink. Eventually my partner went up to the bar and ordered. The waiter took our order with no effort or friendliness with minimum talking. Have to say the food was very good. Great soup/chowder. Mains were tasty and plenty of them. All this time a young lady was beavering away think she was in charge? At no time was eye contact made a hello given or any sort of welcome. The place was quiet so this was more apparent. In a country where hospitality is king, Monks is sadly lacking in this. My partner said it was the worst experience she has ever had in Ireland. Whoever owns Monks needs to realise, bad food with a great welcome is acceptable, great food with terrible waiters is not. You have so much going for you why would you let people who obviously do not enjoy their job ruin it for you. I know your staff had had a busy lunchtime service before we got there, but if your open all day that goes with the territory. Oh and to hear the waiter talking at the bar using the “f” word is really unacceptable in any situation. So my thoughts to other prospective patrons are, great location, building, food but terrible waiting staff. Guys go and get another job that isn’t so customer facing and do us all a favour. Unfortunately the father in law left a tip before we realised. Oh well…..More