The Larder — Restaurant in Aiken County

The larder has been a regular spot of ours for the last few years. Typically we go once a month when the weather is nice because we love to sit outside. We have noticed a significant decline in service over the last 3-4 visits. Our last several visits we’ve been seated within a reasonable time but it takes 15-20 minutes for a server to acknowledge us and take drink orders. Our most recent visit we went for brunch and were seated immediately. Once the server came out (again probably 15 minutes after we were seated) we immediately ordered 2 bottled beers, an appetizer, and one order of French toast (plain) for the kids to share. The appetizer came out before our bottled beers did, which seemed odd, But the server claimed the bar was backed up. I noticed a couple that was seated after us got their mixed drinks (a mimosa and a Bloody Mary from the looks of it) before we received our bottled beers, so I doubt it was actually a bar issue. At that point we ordered our entrees. When the kids French toast arrived it was fully loaded with toppings/sauces. I let them know it was supposed to be plain and asked them to remake it. Our main entrees came out a little later, and still no French toast for the kids. My husband and I had essentially finished our meals before they were able to make 1 slice of plain French toast. I understand they may have been busy but half of the tables outside were empty, so it’s not like they were at capacity. The server did apologize and took the French toast off our tab, but it took an hour for the kids to get their one slice of French toast to share from the time we ordered - you would think since they made it wrong the first time it would have been more of a priority. We requested the check and 15+ minutes later, we still hadn’t received it. Ultimately my husband had to go inside and request to pay at the front. The two visits before our last visit we went for brunch and I ordered the hot honey chicken biscuit- the first time the chicken was so dry, burnt, and overcooked I sent it back. The replacement was still overcooked but it was at least edible. The next visit I decided to try it again thinking it was an off day, but the same thing happened - I received an almost black piece of fried chicken. I will say the fried avocado is always delicious and the location is great. We always loved it being next to the neighborhood playground so the kids could entertain themselves, but I think we have given them more than enough chances to redeem themselves only to be left disappointed. Unfortunately, we won’t be returning. I hope that they’re able to turn things around because it really is a great location and used to be a...

Nothing special, okay service, over-priced.

Our experience over all was adequite, but nothing about it made us think we'd come back.

The service was okay. They have a sign that says "please wait to be seated" but when the waitress came out after a few minutes of us standing there with another couple infront of use, she just told us to have a seat wherever we like. Why have a sign that says "wait to be seated" if we're just going to seat ourselves?

Other than that, she wasn't a bad waitress. She checked on us a few times, but after she dropped the food off, she didn't come back to ask how everything was. I wouldn't have cared normally but my Cuban sandwich was completely cold and I would have liked it heated up.

The food was okay too. My wife had the burger which wasn't bad but for $18, a burger should be better than "wasn't bad". I had the Cuban which tasted okay, but it was cold. A grilled and pressed sandwich shouldn't be cold. The bread wasn't even warm, but it was clearly grilled so it must have been sitting for a while before they brought it out. Also, it was $16; for that price, a sandwich should be pretty darn good.

Over all, we were severely un-impressed. It wasn't bad, but I wouldn't come back here and I wouldn't recommend this place to anyone. I took one star off for the service, one for the cost, and one for...

Three of us went for our first visit last night. We arrived as one couple was leaving and two more were getting their food.

The special was pork belly skewers. You get 5 6in skewers with bites of pork belly the size of a dime for $10 and it is DRENCHED in a very salty sauce. It was overcooked (dry), very overly seasoned, and not worth $10.

I ordered the shrimp Po boy. The attempt was there for a great sandwich, but the flavor wasn't for the asking price. The presentation was great and the fresh greens added that gourmet piece. I wouldn't get it again. I can make an entire bag of tots for far cheaper.

Another person in our party got the larder burger and described it as a top 10 of all time. The sweet potato fries were delicious too.

Service was poor. I waited almost 10 minutes for my neat whiskey. At the end of the evening we waited another 10 minutes for our bill even after our plates were cleared and so was the restaurant. We saw straight into the kitchen where we saw staff eating food from the prep bowls with their fingers prior to our food arriving.

Overall I thought there would have been more pork items on the menu with the pig being the emblem. I'm not sure...