HopLite Irish Pub and Restaurant — Restaurant in Carolina Beach

I will leave my former review below for you to read.

Most Recent Review== After being so impressed with our former visits here this has become a must on our list of places to eat in Carolina Beach! Apparently there are new owners! The changes unfortunately aren't for the better. The food was still mostly good but less of it and they rely too heavily on the gravy to actually flavor the food (Meatloaf). Cleanliness has taken a MAJOR nosedive as well as organization compared to it's former owners. The columns at the bar were spattered with goop or something I didn't want to think about. Soda is served out of 2 liters IN PLAIN VIEW of patrons. The kitchen staff was playing grab-ass rather than making my dinner which disappoints most anybody. The pool table is in need of repair and mostly abandoned. The staff wasn't as inviting as we're used to and honestly we felt out of place against the backdrop of 'Every Nighters' and the ever so classy KENO lottery set-up. It's a shame that this once legendary establishment has fallen so far so quickly. It's tough to get good Bangers and Mashed (not Bangers and Mash) especially with cart driving distance of the condo. I wish the new owners well and that they get the 'kinks' worked out soon. For now Hoplite is on our 'Skip-it' list.

Former Review== If you don't stop here while you're in Carolina Beach then you are a fool. They probably have the best menu of any Irish pub that I've been to. You can tell that the manager took a lot of care and preparing the menu. It was not so overwhelming that you can't figure out what to eat, but there was a good selection for anybody that decided to show up. The place was exceptionally clean and the food was prepared beautifully. I really thought the authentic menu of bangers and mashed was very good. The bartender / owner / manager was exceptionally friendly and the TV was tuned to something that our kids loved. There is a wonderful family atmosphere here and the manager takes great care to make sure that all customers receive exceptional service. The cook did a very excellent...

HORRENDOUS EXPERIENCE!!!! I went there at 5:30 on Friday for a quick sandwich and drink. The bartender was oddly rude, it was odd because she seemed to be nice to everyone at the bar except for me. I ordered the French dip, when it was ready, she dropped it in front of me and walked away without saying anything or asking if I need something (which I did need napkins and ketchup). The French Dip was average at best, the fries were ok but the onions were way too “chewy” (is the best word I can describe). At that point I was too irritated to ask for ketchup and napkins because she didn’t even look my way till she gave me my check. As I was walking out, she decided to give me one more dirty look as I left. The people who were sitting besides me must have noticed it as well because they also looked at me with a face of confusion because I was very polite. I really do not understand the reason for any type of attitude. I’m a fantastic tipper, so in the end it was her loss because I only gave 20 percent as apposed to the 50-70 percent I usually give. I was very excited when I saw there was an “Irish pub” but this place has absolutely nothing...

Second time here and something has changed. Guest service was less than expected. Waitress seem to pay more attention to certain groups, mostly just the bar. We didnt get to place our order until 15 minutes later, and there were only two tables dining. She didnt get friendly until it was time for the check. She was the only one there working the whole restuarant. Was extremely short and standoffish. Her bar guests were considerably more important than we were. There was plenty of kitchen staff there. Dont know why some of them did not come out and help. Food was less than mediocre. First dish order was Shepard pie, which was poor. It was all mashed potatoes and barely any meat. Told the waitress, and she fixed it very appropriately. Offered another dish. This time Reuben, this was very good. This is what changed it from a 1 star...