Would you pay for crappy service???

You are right. That was terrible service and there is no excuse. Sounds like everyone fell short, bus boys, waitress,waiters and manager. I would have paid for only the drinks. Like you said, there is no reason SOMEONE couldn't get you forks and knives!! My guess is you'll never hear from the owner, so I would write a letter. Make sure you cc: any other owners or the main company if it happens to be a franchise.