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Good idea, bad execution. While there are nice decorations to look at, it doesn't make up for the food being poor and the service being worse. Despite our prior disappointments, my husband and I agreed to let our son have his 6th birthday at Piratz. Owner called the night before and literally yelled at us for booking the reservation (8 weeks prior) at noon when they don't open until 12:30. We should have known better. The day of the party was a nightmare for any parent. Only one server for the whole restaurant, and no pirates, no table decor as promised, no singing of happy birthday to the kids. We did get to bus our own table and get further negative comments and looks from the owner, who was clearly unhappy to be serving a large group of people during a bad economic time.

Husband and I and three friends (two adults and a baby) headed there for dinner one Saturday night. "We open at 5:30, and we're having some staff issues" said the owner, as she opened the door briefly (at our knock at the locked door) at 5:35, only to close it for another five minutes. Oooookaaaayyy....but it was COLD out...and...after 5:30? What wasn't I quite understanding here? Luckily, that was the worst of it. Apparently NONE of the servers had shown up (this was Saturday evening), so she served us herself., since she was the only one there, aside from one gentleman cooking. So I'm not going to say anything about the service. The food was surprisingly good (I'd read the reviews), especially the bread, and the grog excellent, and potent. The food WAS a bit overpriced, but I don't mind paying for good, non-chain food. The owner herself was polite and helpful, if slightly frazzled. All in all, if they can get the service issues straightened out, this would be a mighty fun place.

The service at this restaurant is disappointing. Don't count on getting anything, even bread, for at least 45 minutes. Staff acts like serving the customers is an inconvenience at best, an annoyance at worst. The food is okay, if it ever arrives. (Big if there, trust me.)

Intrigued by the idea of a "Piratz Tavern", we schlepped to Silver Spring, and gave the restaurant a try. We were not disppointed. Wait staff were not exactly operating with military precision and speed, but, what was more important to us, they were genuinely friendly and hospitable. They really made you feel welcome. The ambience was excellent, eclectic and in good taste. Food was on a comparable level, different, and well prepared. No stereotypes here, it's totally unique and original, well worth a try, particularly if you have kids, and also if you don't.