3 Twentyone

I am somewhat of an angry person (yes, I like getting my own way!) but I always try to be fair when reviewing, especially when it comes to food — I understand how stressful the whole process can be, so try to take a step back. However, our experience at 3twentyone was a tad bizarre.
Situated above the somewhat standard Deansgate Pub, 3twentyone has been on our list of places to try for a while, predominantly for their mouthwatering bbq menu and Rib Tuesday promotion. Booking for a Friday night at 8pm, we were greeted with a practically empty restaurant, with only two other tables being taken. We got to choose where to sit and, almost by mistake, I opted for the one with the views into the kitchen.
After deliberating what to choose, when we eventually did order, they were actually out of a lot of options. No chicken burgers, no beef brisket. So, already quite dissapointed, we ordered nachos and ribs to start, followed by a hanger steak and Merchant of Venice burger with onion ring and corn on the cob sides.
While our starters were being prepared, we saw and heard the chef announce to the waiters that «beef brisket was back on the menu!» Understandably, our ears pricked up and we (eventually) caught the waiter’s attention to ask if we could switch the burger for our first choice of the beef brisket. It seemed to be fine, other than the snarky chef who came out of the back kitchen to talk to the head chef about «the person who had decided to change their order at the last minute» and throwing daggers our way.
When the food did come, it was okay — the ribs were the best bit about the whole meal, nachos were pretty standard, served with splodges of sour cream/​salsa/​guacamole. My steak was left at the pass for around 10 minutes so arrived fairly cold and sliced already, which I’m not a fan of; just let me cut my own food! The beef brisket was a far better choice, as soft as the bread it came on, and served with delicious fries.
Service was friendly but slow and uninformed throughout. The above might seem like a huge rant but I think it’s fair to say that 3twentyone will need to up its game in terms of quality of food and service to compete with other bbq/​steakhouse options in the city.
I’d go back, but not in a hurry.