Wait: We arrived shortly after 6 p.m. on a Thursday and were seated right away.

Service: Although we had to wait a while for the check, refills came quickly and our dinner was nicely paced.

What we liked: We were blown away by the cuisine — for the most part, that is. Our salads were crisp and drizzled with just the right amount of homemade balsamic vinaigrette. Our entreés, too — roasted chicken breast with garlic mashed potatoes and pork tenderloin with red potatoes in a heavenly bleu cheese sauce — were divine. And then came dessert. 98 South’s online menu says of its desserts: “We will keep those a secret until you get here!” And now I know why. We opted for the ice cream cookie sandwich; however, when our server returned with our dessert, he said “tonight it’s an open-faced ice cream sandwich.” So, not only were we short one cookie, the cookie we did have was flavorless and so stale we couldn't even slice through it. Our server either didn’t notice or didn’t care that we didn’t even touch the dessert, as he charged us full price — a whopping $6.

Scene: When 98 South was Razzleberries, my husband scribbled our initials on the wall (marking up the walls was encouraged at the burger joint). Our initials are now covered in a rich burgundy paint and framed pictures of vintage liquor ads. In addition to exposed duct work, ethnic vases and a plethora of wine barrels, the airy space also features a sitting area with comfy leather couches and books.

Bathroom break: Cute and tidy, though the lock on the women’s restroom wasn’t working.

Tab for two: $59 with tax and tip for spinach salad ($7), house salad ($5), roasted chicken breast ($12), pork tenderloin ($13), ice cream sandwich ($6) and two iced teas ($1.50 each).

If work weren’t buying: From the ambience to the food, I really enjoyed 98 South. However, that dismal dessert left a bad taste in my mouth. I understand that in the restaurant business, sometimes things go wrong; but I also know that it’s a server’s job to try and make them right. I was honestly insulted that our server tried to pass off an “open-faced” cookie sandwich on us, rather than simply admitting they were short on cookies that night. (Or better yet, suggesting a different, fresher dessert from the get-go.)

By CRYSTAL PETROCELLI
Get Out

Wait: We arrived at 6:45 p.m. on a Tuesday and were offered our choice of tables in the nearly empty new wine bar.

Service: 98 South has been open for less than a month so it wasn't too shocking that our server was being shadowed. The training didn't cause any serious glitches but it's not an ideal situation. The two-team combo kept our glasses topped off but our courses felt a bit rushed.

What we liked: Poor start, strong finish. Our planko calamari came with a great plum cilantro dipping sauce but more than half the pieces were tough. My house salad was spoiled by a super-salty balsamic vinaigrette. But, both our halibut (with a marvelous mustard sauce) and penne pasta entreés were perfect. The made-in-house desserts were impressive as well, especially the lemon tart with its refreshing sweet and sour punch and thin shortbread crust.

Scene: Chandler's new wine bar plays off its historic digs (the structure was a hotel in the early 1900s) by using the building's original flooring and leaving a large section of the ceiling exposed with stamped foil. The restaurant's two-tone walls are adorned with various wine bottle oil paintings and those vintage European alcohol posters made so popular by Z Gallerie and Pottery Barn. There's a jazz-infused section in front with leather couches, velvety red chairs, a piano and a wall-length rack filled with retail wine (there's a $10 corkage fee but you can't bring a bottle from home).

Bathroom break: A multi-colored canvas with a black, swirly “W” hangs on the wall beside the spotless private women's restroom. Inside, the space is inviting thanks to a small, tassled gold bench, an antique-looking clock and a whimsical, black dresser.

Tab for two: $73 with tax and tip for panko calamari ($10), 98 white chili ($5), house salad ($5), penne pasta ($10), halibut ($15), carrot cake ($6) and lemon tart ($6).

If work weren’t buying: Wow, it's getting tough for me to choose from the San Marcos square restaurants and 98 South definitely adds to my dining dilemma.

98 South Wine Bar & Kitchen
98 S. San Marcos Place, Chandler,
Major cross streets: Southwest of Arizona Avenue and Chandler Boulevard
Reservations accepted: Yes
Kid friendly: Yes
Health report: Three violations on April 29
Prices: $5-$19
Most interesting item: Prosciutto asparagus wraps ($8)