Southsides Patio Bar & Grill — Restaurant in Fort Erie

We were looking forward to enjoying a casual drink and a bite on the patio, but unfortunately, COVID-19 public health protocols are not being followed in any capacity at this establishment. I’ve listed the infractions we observed below.

No tracing: A contact tracing sheet is provided, though only about 15% of the patrons arriving at the restaurant were being asked to fill this out. The server explained the protocols quickly at our request: (1) wear a mask when not at your table or if you go inside to the bathroom, and (2) fill in a contact tracing sheet at the entry. Great! The contact tracing sheet was left unattended regularly, with days of sheets worth of phone numbers and names. One patron was clearly rifling through the pages looking at previous numbers. As two women, we weren’t thrilled with the drunkard clientele having access to our name and our phone numbers. No distancing: The area we were seated in was initially quiet and therefore socially distanced but as more people continued to arrive, rather than naturally space us out we were put in the same section. Many tables were not distanced at all as the patio became more crowded. No big deal, we moved our table, food and drinks to the quieter section with nobody in it. No masks: During our time at the restaurant we watched numerous patrons get seated and move through the patio area unmasked, as well as go in to the building to use the washrooms unmasked. Most patrons had pleasant interactions with staff during this time, and at no point did anyone remind them to mask up or direct them to the rules. They invited customers to be seated who clearly did not have masks. One person pulled his t-shirt over his face to be seated after clearly not signing the tracing sheet, and another was seated completely unmasked. Large groups seated: The servers seated a group of 6 together in the far corner, and more came to join. One walked in over the rope foregoing the sign-in sheet altogether, which is the most important part of spread prevention,. Unmasked hugs between servers and patrons happened here, so these were likely regulars. That’s fine on your own time, but makes it unsafe and uncomfortable for those of us who expected the staff would be following the rules they clearly explained at the entrance when we asked. The groups also were encouraging each other to smoke on the patio. Unmasked staff: One server, a thin woman who would not give her name, came to our table and stood close, pulling down her mask to talk and then leaving it on her chin as she went back inside. She kept her mask off most of the remainder of the time. Over-serving patrons: She was also over-serving two patrons, who were clearly high, severely drunk, and taking shots while staggering in and out of the patio to have cigarettes (one of them mentioned she just got a job at this restaurant, hilariously). When staff was clearly not taking control of the situation I myself asked a patron (a much older man who was there with a t-shirt tucked into his sweatpants) to put his mask back on while walking near us and his response was “Oh you believe that shit” then went to tattle to server about our comment, practically whispering in his ear. The server commiserated. We asked for our bill, and asked the staff about the lack of protocols to which they became immediately hostile and rushed us along, and did not take any accountability for the lack of basic awareness, knowledge, and care that a global pandemic deserves.

Though there is a two-bit sign about the protocols on the front of the shop, clearly none of these are being followed. Unmasked staff and patrons, no contact tracing, large groups. Complete train wreck. Also, the food and drink were nothing great. Avoid and spend your money somewhere reputable where staff follow regulations or when asked to, at least pretend. They cannot even deny that they did not know the rules, because the server we asked at the start (a nice younger guy) clearly riddled off the protocol. Get with the program, and get...

Excited to be back on the patio after what seemed to be the longest lockdown yet........ Southsides has such a beautiful view of the Niagara River I knew that was the perfect place to go for my first patio visit. I have previously reviewed this restaurant a four star but after my wonderful experience I knew I had to update it to a 5 star. I also work in hospitality and know how hard it has been to keep up with the ever changing rules and safety protocols. It's a never ending battle yet this staff seems to pull it off with ease. The food was wonderful. Hot and fresh. And they now have craft beers and ciders. Yay!!! However I am saddened by the review I saw written by Theo Ry M..... and would like to address it. I did not write down my contact tracing information because I am a regular there. They know me and when I arrive they fill in the information for me. They mark down the time I arrive and the time I leave. They do it as a courtesy to me and I appreciate it, it's something I don't have to worry about in this crazy covid world. Mask protocol.......It is NOT mandatory in Ontario to wear a mask outside. Not even on a patio. As long as the guests mask up prior to going indoors to use the washroom. As for the "Thin server who would not give her name" I happen to know that she does not always wear her mask yet she tries. I've been going there long enough to know that she has a letter of exemption and does not have to wear a mask at all, yet she tries her best to wear it when close to customers. Which I find admirable. Guests smoking......I was there for a good amount of time on Tuesday and did not observe anyone smoking on the patio. Once they leave the patio they are on public grounds and there is not really much the establishment can do legally to stop people from smoking. The staff became very involved with 2 ladies and I even saw the owner talking with them. During that time another fellow appeared to have had maybe one too many but, these ladies were talking up so much attention the staff could not address the situation until after these ladies left. As soon as they left the situation was dealt with and I would have to say......it was handled very well. The 2 ladies that took up all the attention finished their visit by tossing their plates and making a terrible mess. Lack of class. Obviously there was something you were not happy about but that doesn't give you the right to throw your food and germs all around. I'm gong to assume one of those ladies are Theo Ry M. You were so worried about everyone keeping you safe you forgot to do your part. You put everyone on that patio in danger and shame on you. Just like you were excited to be out and feel a little normal so were the rest of us. Thank you to the staff at Southsides for working so hard to keep your community safe. I want you to know that your hard work does not go unseen. Yesterdays experience was unfortunate, and I'm sorry you had to go through that. Some people have become very entitled through covid but don't let that get you down. Most of us appreciate all you do and are thankful to have you serve us. Keep up the great work. I can't wait to be back on your patio again. ...

Worst experiece ever. I dined there with my wife and son last night.When we got there through the patio door, we asked the waiter if they had a table outside. He said he wasn't sure they had one then he said no. He seemed hesitant. We left then went back from the main door we found him again and asked for a table inside. We were seated in a corner near the bar next to a pile of empty boxes scattered on the floo! We had just arrived there from Ottawa! The place was clearly under sraffed. One waiter and one cook as we could see the kitchen frim where we sat. The only waiter inside seemed to know what he was doing but everything took for ever. About 20 minutes later a couple who was sitting next to us comlained from the sun glare as the tall windows had no shdes or drapes. The same waiter who refused to give us a table outside offered them one and moved them at once. By the time we left there were still empty tables iutside and we were there for almost 2.5 hours if not longer! When our food came after one hour and twenty five minutes, I was shocked. I ordered the Raviolli. There were 6 raviollies on the plate. It was almost after 8pm. The portion was so small that I felt insulted to be offered such a meal. I cant understand how any self respecting place can offer a child size meal to an adult. I ate it in less then 3 minutes and was still hungry. I mentioned it to the waiter and he said the chef was in Toronto and he would pass the message! Although he was polite, he did nothing! This Raviolli was $29.99 and I left hungry and angrey. The food was not too bad bur was too saltly (my wife's meal was too). My sons Puzza was fine but the cheeze was geasy. This was a terrible, terrible experience! Will never eat...