Q on Bay - Beaufort, SC — Restaurant in Beaufort

Party of 7 visited on 3/30/24, ordered apps, entrees, cocktails, kids entrees and salads. Burnet Ends appetizer- very fatty, the brisket needed trimmed much more before this was prepped. Fried Mozz- good but the 3 large chunks of cheese make it hard to share. Kids’ meals were generously portioned and kids enjoyed them. Cocktails-Margaritas were good, Signature Berry Margarita was prepare incorrectly. When we inquired about having it remade as the salt rim was supposed to be a sugar rim, ‘manager on duty’ told us that we had not informed them quickly enough, and that we would have to pay for it. When questioned as to what would be done with the drink that was made incorrectly, Manager confirmed it would be thrown out because they couldn’t serve it to another guest. Which left us wondering why they would not just remake the drink, it was a server error where it was rung incorrectly and given a salt rim when it was ordered with a sugar rim. Server was nice and paid for it herself which was not necessary. Barnyard Platter-meat was good, the side of grits were far too thick. Fish tacos-served with lettuce, tomato and sour cream. No limes or lemons were served with it. Weird set-up, would not order again. Q Ban (their version of a Cuban sandwich)Did not give me any idea of a Cuban, the portion of pork was chinsy, the slaw on the sandwich was good but the sandwich overall was disappointing. Pulled Pork platter-meat was good, green beans were bland, macaroni and cheese was also bland and dry without cheese flavor. I’ve been in the food and beverage industry for 20 years, I’ve worked front of house and back of house, and own my own catering business as well. My professional and consumer opinion is that this restaurant needs an overhaul of staffing and menu, it’s like a dungeon inside, most of the servers seem lost and unsure of the sequence of service. For a tourist-y spot that also sees a lot of local traffic, you’d think the customer service would be better. Would not...

I’ll start off by saying as someone who has worked and managed several restaurants in my lifetime, I completely understand that this business can be challenging, ESPECIALLY after a pandemic. Me and my family stopped in on a Sunday evening with no expectations, and a completely leisurely attitude. We were greeted at the host stand promptly and professionally and were given a wait time of 25 min. Two tables were sat before us, no problem, still fine. We were sat within the 45 min at 6:35pm. We ordered pretty simple items, I.e. tenders, tacos, etc. and watched as multiple tables received their food. The restaurant was exceptionally cold, so you could imagine a lengthy wait time was quite unfavorable. When we asked our waitress( whom we found out later was the manager) if we could sit outside, she informed us there was a waitlist, and we could not. Go figure. When our food arrived at 8:00 not only were there no condiments, but the trays that they were delivered on where very hot. After some consideration we decided to get to-go boxes and the check. I have never in my life been a “Karen” but this certain experience needed to rectified. When we requested to speak to a manager, lo and behold, it was our server. After we voiced our concerns, she proceeded to explain to us that she was overwhelmed with tables and the she WAS GOING to give us a discount but she already ran our card. I told her if she would have just told us that, we would have understood. Needless to say the food here was sub par and that is being kind. We will never again patronize this establishment and I will share this experience with as many people that will be traveling even 45 miles close to this place. Take you chances if you will but I can guarantee you, after witnessing the extreme lack of management this place had to offer, you will surely have the same experience. As always, we still left a 20% tip, not for the service or food, but in regards to how challenging or un- challenging this...

I planned a surprise birthday dinner for my boyfriend, but it was ruined because I chose to have it at Q. I attempted to make a reservation for 15 - 17 people a week prior, but was told they don't take reservations. The gentleman I spoke with said he would write a note so that "they knew" we were coming, though. I called back the day prior to the party and spoke to a female who stated she knew nothing of the party and again stated they don't take reservations. She said that they sometimes rented out space for parties but that they wouldn't do so for such a "small party". I asked if she could speak to the manager because it was supposed to be a surprise and the plans were already set to meet there. She called me back later that day to tell me that we basically were going to have to be first come, first served. Fine... I'll work around it. I sent someone there 45 minutes before the party was to begin to secure a table and lo and behold, when I arrived with the guest of honor, the entire party was STILL standing around the hostess stand waiting to be seated! Cake, balloons, presents, antsy children, it was lovely. Not to mention that the surprise was ruined.

The night continued to slide downhill. One lone server was assigned to our very large table and the food was brought out in a "here and there" manner. It was obvious that we were not her only table, which was ridiculous considering that she clearly couldn't keep up. Drinks were not refilled without multiple requests, food was lukewarm and the service was painfully slow, both by the server and the kitchen. Bottom line... the food at Q isn't good enough to excuse the "no reservation" policy, slow service and skimpy portions. We'll spend our...