So my father in law’s birthday was upon us, and we decided to do a birthday dinner here. My wife called at 11:00AM and reserved a table for 8 people at 6:00PM and was assured that we would have no problems being seated at that time. Several hours prior to us arriving, she brings in the birthday cake so that it would be ready before we all arrived, and while doing so, made sure to confirm the reservation was correct.
Our party of 6 adults and two children arrived at 5:50PM only to be informed that our table was not ready. The hostess attempted offer us two booths for our seating arrangements, to which we declined since that is not the arrangement my wife made earlier that day. Furthermore it is in poor taste to expect a large party, with reservations, to be seated separately for a special dinner.
During our wait in the uncomfortably cramped lobby, a group of at least 14 Civil War re-enactors with no reservation were seated ahead of us followed by 3 separate parties of 2-4 people each, all of which were also walk-ins. Meanwhile a very large party of patrons was attempting to settle their bill at the front counter spearheaded by one very upset gentleman who was disputing part of his bill. He was claiming that he was being charged for food that nobody in his party even ordered. All the while, the hostess at the counter appeared to be arguing with him over the charges.
At 6:35PM, we were finally seated at a table for 6 with a separate 2 person table for the children. While this was still not the appropriate arrangement, we accepted it after having to wait for so long to be seated. Our drink orders were taken by the young lady who seated us, and we all began reading the menu.
At 7:00, a waitress finally comes by to take our order. We asked for drink refills and ordered the sampler as an appetizer and our entrees.
At 7:20, the appetizer arrives in a basket with no plates. After asking for plates, we reminded the waitress about the refills. The wings that came in the appetizer were a touch salty, but pretty good nonetheless. The rest of the platter was not bad, but nothing to write home about.
At 7:38, the first two entrees make it to the table. One of those was prepared incorrectly and had to be sent back. A few minutes later, the next two plates came out. While placing them on the table, the waitress spilled the sauce from one of the dishes onto my wife’s back. Then after another couple of minutes, more of the food arrived. Once again the waitress spilled some of the food, this time onto my mother-in-law’s chair. We were left to clean up both messes ourselves.
Finally at 7:45, the final few plates arrived and it was at this time we had to ask that the appetizer platter be removed after it had been empty and sitting on the table for close to 20 minutes.
The food was mediocre at best. The flounder was a touch mushy and unseasoned. The hushpuppies were cold. Steak for their version of surf and turf was ordered medium and came out well done. The popcorn shrimp plate we ordered for the kids was entirely too much food. Seriously this plate could feed two overweight men, and it was on the kids’ menu.
This is not the first time I have experienced poor service and subpar food for the price at this establishment, but I promise it will be the last time. If you’re in the area and want good seafood, just make the drive to Beaufort or Hilton Head.