Maybank Public House — Restaurant in Charleston

If you have read any of my reviews, you know I try to post the good as much as possible and this one is no different. I have over 20 years experience in food and beverage, including serving, back of the house and even GM experience. That being said, I understand the business and I try to be fair. However, try as I might, this restaurant only receives 2 stars. Here's why:

Creamy Tomato basil soup was served warm by the manager however they didn't have basil and it wasn't creamy, it tasted like it was made with water. It did have pieces of tomato in it which was a nice touch. I Tried to get someone to bring me some sour cream to "doctor" the soup up myself and make it creamier, but no one came until after I finally ate it before it got cold.

Home cut Fries were good and the best part of our dining experience but they weren't hot when received. Homemade Pimento cheese on BLT wasn't good. The pimento cheese was like paste with hunks of celery and onion in it that overpowered any flavor of cheese. The sandwich was toasted but served cold. I didn't eat it all. I ate half of the hamburger my mother ordered (it was ok. Nothing to write home about. Pickles were good).

Tables were sticky from previous diners. Server was nice but it appeared that she was the only one working in our small section and I only remember her checking on us once.

all three diners at our table ordered different tea (1 sweet with extra lemon, 1 sweet without lemon (it still got lemon, but that's ok - better to have than not! ) And 1 not sweet). On the refill request all three teas were refilled incorrectly. (the non sweet was sweet and so on) When two to-go sweet teas were ordered, we only got one.

Bathrooms were clean, and the hot water worked when I washed my hands which is a good indication dishes are cleaned with hot water (always a plus!!) But it was a Mediocre experience, at best. I think it was overpriced for the quality. Ambiance was good but the experience itself was very disappointing. There are much better options...

I stopped by to pickup takeout for lunch on a Saturday afternoon. The BLT was so damned perfect that I ended up ordering the steak frittes off the late night menu for dinner!

Now let me back up a little bit and say, I've had some great BLT sandwiches in Charleston. There are 3 or 4 casual dining spots Downtown who make their scratch in pushing this popular classic on their lunch menu every week. Well, let me tell you, the Pimento Cheese BLT from Maybank Public House blows them all out of the water.

They use tender artisan bacon instead of overcooked and/or Oscar Meyer crap. They use a large, juicy regular tomato as opposed to a fried green (which to me, has always been overkill). The lettuce is soft and fresh and the bread is tasty without being cake-like. And you're pretty stupid if you order anything other than the pomme frittes as a side. There can't be anything better than those medium-cut, crispy, salt-dusted fragments of potato goodness, can there? I can't imagine so.

The steak frittes was also fantastic and would be worthy of another 5 star rating in its own right (namely, for the overall value - I cannot fairly put it on par with a fine dining steakhouse. But for what it is, it's 5* all the way).

Oh and the staff is super friendly and they quoted a 10-MINUTE (yep) ticket time over the phone on BOTH occasions.

Is it too good to be true? Keep the BLT, pomme frittes and courteous service, and I'll be a...

Service was AMAZING - rare steak came out medium at best. The manager (name unknown- he never game his name) came out and told us the steak looked perfect to him and ARGUED with me while saying g, I don’t want to argue. Our waiter was amazing! In the end our amazing waiter brought out a new steak (after the manager told us I am going to bring you your bill - he said you will get a new steak or get your bill) I told him I didn’t want a new steak and he walked away saying I am getting your bill. He was very aggressive and confrontational. Our amazing waiter, Martin brought us another filet and we asked for a to go container and to speak to the Manager (actually asked if he would listen). I tried to explain that he came out aggressive and was confrontational. I explained I worked in the service industry and he needed to learn how to listen. He, again, began tell us the steak was cooked to order and he saw no issues with it. He was RUDE, condescending and argumentative. He ruined our evening. He walked away arguing that he was right.

I am TIRED of lowering my expectations! Martin was the best part of our experience. He should be the manager! The manger, who never gave his name was rude, condescending and confrontational! He does not deserve...