It is such a subjective question it is always hard to know the right response. We have been to many of "our" favorites. Generally I would say they are very good to excellent each time. But there are times when that is not the case.

If a place is slammed before we even get there, that is one thing, if not then that is another. Also sometimes, as I like to try meals that I have either not had before or rarely. Sometimes I just do not like the taste of the food, that is not the restaurant fault at all. But it does make it seem as the "experience" is not the same. But again, we try not to make that a determination as to whether the restaurant has gone south, so to say.

Service can make up for OK food, but good food cannot make up for bad service either. Maybe "great food" can make up for bad service, don't know that I can answer that question.

Also the second time, if the first time was exceptional, it is hard to compare the second time. Why, because the expectations at time are so high or have magnified themselves into something that was not the case in the first place.