It was our first time here. When our server approached our table, one of the first things she told us was that there wasn't a bartender on duty. She could pour beer or wine, but liquor was out of the question. After a few minutes, we were ready to order. We were looking around trying to see where our server was, and we see her behind the bar. She was clearly trying to figure out how to make a drink. There were some people at the bar. We watched her for a good 8 minutes as she tried to make a Bloody Mary. We didn't understand why she told us she couldn't make hard beverages, yet she was making one for customers at the bar. After a few more minutes, another server came to take our order. We ordered a kids spaghetti, and requested to have it come out as soon as possible. 20 minutes later, no food, no kids food. I timed it because I had a feeling this place wasn't really on top of things. Doesn't it say on the menu that lunch items will be out in 10 minutes or less? Our 3-year-old was hungry, so we decided to go to another restaurant. that doesn't take 20 minutes for kids food. We didn't see a manager the whole 35 minutes we were there, waiting to eat.
This is not my first time eating at The Venetian, but my recent trip was the best. I ordered the meatzza pizza and I was out with my children and they shared the butter noodles off the kids menu. I like the pizza because the crust is perfect, the toppings are generous and nicely layered. My favorite part of this visit, besides the food which is always homey and delicious, was our waitress Peggy. We were doing an early birthday celebration with my youngest daughter, and she made our day special. She seemed to really care about our little family day. The Venetian is a gem in downtown Hillsboro for many reasons, and I'm glad to find that they are still focusing on great food, professional and caring staff, and a beautiful atmosphere.