Three of us arrived without a reservation on one of the first really fine Friday evenings in June. We'd checked out the website, read some of the reviews and decided to take a chance in spite of some negative comments about the service. We did have to wait quite a while before we were acknowledged since there were only two people serving. Once acknowledged we were told that they were short staffed and with only one person in the kitchen our wait would be long. Not an encouraging welcome. Still we persevered! After offering to leave and try again another time with a reservation we were seated right away and the service began. We had a great time! Suzanne - the owner is a wonderful woman under that scary exterior. Don't let her intimidate you...take time to get to know her and then you will experience a great meal, wonderful wine, good music and a charming hostess. We will be back.