Cavanaugh's Priest Lake - Coolin

Last year (2021), my family of five adults made reservations for Cavanaugh?s Thanksgiving Buffet. We had protected Cavanaughs in the past and thought it could be a big change from our traditional homemade Thanksgiving that we have been doing for decades. Some of our parties were skeptical, which would be the quality of the buffet food for Thanksgiving. We were pleasantly impressed. The food quality was great, the place was decorated and festive for the holiday, the service was good, it was a relaxing alternative to stay at home. Needless to say we were all excited to go back this year (2022). I made our reservation early and we added a few to our party this year that they would enjoy it and it was the long trip from Post Falls to Priest Lake (we are all from the Priest River/Priest Lake area). Unfortunately, this year's visit could not have been more polar than last year. The seven of us were half crowned and moved to our table for four. We said we could put tables together to have enough space. Before we even sat, the server let us know that she was the only one, she had called back and be patient. Okay, no problem, we understand busy (although there were only about 16 other males). We waited patiently for our drink order, but it was so inadequate that half of our party was not even asked, and we had to ask for the rest of our drinks while our server was behind the bar that poured the others. We were told about the three cake choices before we even served our dinner? The buffet was about 2/3 of the size it last year with only one vegetable choice, no winter salad this time and a dry turkey choice that only contains white meat? No dark meat was told (there was also ham). There were potatoes, but no engraving. In our meal a white tasteless engraving was presented. It was something. No one has checked or offered for us to refill any drink for the duration. No one cleaned our plates so that we had room for cakes, which proved to be an offer of pumpkin cake ONLY. We have never seen how the key lime or chocolate cakes were served in the room. Some at our party couldn't eat pumpkin cake. There were no branches of decorations, not a holiday light, no festive ambience at all. The meal had risen by 28% last year, which was not surprising in view of inflation over the past 12 months, but the quality, quantity and service had fallen SUBSTANTIALLY. We were also informed that the waiting staff had been sent home before our service period. What?! Why?! Our tip was generous last year; this year absolutely not!! We were excited after last year? We will cook back home our own wonderful dinner next year, where we do NOT run out of cake or gravy!!

2 stars just because the drinks, where good. The food was cold and how I wouldn't do it well. Most foods came home with us in our compost container. An expensive mistake. Only for the view and drinks.

Do not open Tuesdays or Wednesdays for what reason won?t take on fridays and saturdays. Never answers the phone every time I called, I had to try at least 3-4 times. Visually great, but the service is not all there.

Service and food were good. I never had fried pickles.

My friends and I had Jordy as our waiter! He was super friendly and especially accommodating to food allergies. This restaurant has a beautiful outdoor patio, with a gorgeous view of the lake! Would love to come back again.