I gave Engine Co. four stars because the food was ...

I gave Engine Co. four stars because the food was fenominal but the staff was definitely short of 5 stars. We made reservations over a week early because it s definitely not a walk-in type of place. My husband and I arrived 10 minutes early for our 11 am reservation. The hostess reacted like we broke some sort of rule and asked us to sit at the bar to wait despite the open tables in the dining room. We sat at the bar closest to the door since we ve never been to Engine Company before. We had removed our jackets and gotten comfortable when the bartender looked at us confused and asked if we were waiting for a table. We said we had reservations and we were asked to sit at the bar to wait. She instructed us to go upstairs to the other bar like that was something we should ve already known. We took out money off the bar feeling kind of alienated at this point. We walked up the stairs to the second bar where we sat down and ordered drinks. The bartender handed my husband an empty cup and showed him where the coffee was just 5 ft from the bar. He was annoyed that he had to get up a second time in 5 minutes. By the time he sat down next to me with his coffee, the host found us and told us a table was ready... I was a little annoyed that we went through all that trouble because we were 10 minutes early for our reservation. After we were seated, the experience was pleasant. The food is obviously what makes the experience so desirable. I ordered the bangers and mash and my hustand ordered the daily special, which was a chili omelette. We were impressed with the food and our waitress was very friendly. The pretentious staff is what knocked a 5 star down to a 4. We most likely will not return. We can get friendlier service and equally delicious food anywhere in Milwaukee.