I visited Atlantic Fish this evening for a business meeting and, unfortunately, my experience was far from what I expected from such an esteemed establishment. Upon arrival, I ordered a spicy mezcal cocktail, clearly specifying my preference for some heat. However, what I received was not just spicy but downright lip-numbing and mouth-burning to the point of being undrinkable. To make matters worse, the ginger ale that accompanied it was served warm, despite our request for room temperature water and a side of ice.

After enduring ten minutes of discomfort with an empty glass and a burning mouth, our server finally returned to the table. When I politely mentioned that the cocktail was unpleasantly spicy and the ginger ale was warm, I was met with a dismissive attitude. The server’s response of “you ordered it spicy” felt more like a reprimand than a resolution. While I understand I asked for a spicy drink, there’s a difference between enjoyable heat and something that’s simply overwhelming. Unfortunately, this encounter set the tone for the rest of the evening.

Throughout the night, we were met with snarky comments and an overall attitude that made us feel anything but welcome. This was particularly disappointing as my client, who has been a loyal patron of Atlantic Fish Company for 20 years, had never experienced such poor customer service. We had planned to continue our evening with more food and drinks, but the rushed and disrespectful service left us with no desire to stay. When we inquired about coffee, the curt response of “we close at 11” at 10:25 felt like another push out the door.

For a restaurant that is often praised as a fine dining destination, the evening felt far removed from what one would expect at this price point. Instead of a relaxed and enjoyable business dinner, we were left with a sour taste, both literally and figuratively.

Perhaps it was because we came dressed casually, or maybe because we were two women there for a meeting, but I have never felt so unwelcome in an establishment of this caliber. It’s disheartening to have been treated with such disregard, especially at a place that prides itself on offering an elevated dining experience. This was a missed opportunity for what should have been an enjoyable evening, and it’s truly disappointing.