Urban Kitchen — Restaurant in Corolla

URBAN NIGHTMARE We did understand the “no more than 6 policy”, which is why I started the conversation indicating we knew we’d be at two different tables with two different checks. When she indicated she would not break up our party, we took it upon ourselves to break into two different parties of 4, which was still deemed unacceptable. When my wife questioned and indicated this seemed to be discriminatory, the manager/owner got extremely rude and disrespectful and it went downhill from there. We DID NOT threaten to post bad reviews, but are obviously doing so given the complete disrespect of this manager/owner.

Our bad review IS NOT because of the 6 person table limitation, or even a review of the food. Our bad review is because of the completely unprofessional and disrespectful manner in which this manager/owner spoke to our party (up to, and including, continuing to yell at my wife as she was walking back to our truck).

The biggest disappointment is that the only reason we were there was to share the good experiences of the past with folks that were visiting with us for the first time. We’ve frequented this place annually for years, and have obviously had good experiences. This year, we unfortunately got to see how much customer service matters to these people, and we will NEVER return. I can never in good conscience recommend this establishment again. In the manager’s/owner’s own words “there are many other restaurants on the island that will be accommodating to (our) party”, and we will remember that great advice for years to come. Zero stars if...

An air of arrogance comes with the territory in a fine cuisine restaurant. But it is almost comically overdone, undeserved, and misplaced here. They have a total of 6 tables, which helps them to maintain a line outside that projects an image of exclusive fine dining. Note, no parties over 6 as I guess pushing two tables together wouldn't be classy. And no reservations. And yet, it is still overcrowded. The prices on the menu are insane. $30 for pork chops! The menu informs that their suberb chef refuses to be bothered with substitutions. As it may offend the frail integrity of his menu. This is not a five star restaurant! Our party of four all elected to have the same meal, $16 for a single small filet of fried catfish on a salad. Of the four identical orders no two were even similar. One was loaded with so much of an overly spicy sauce my friend could not eat it. My wife's meal had absolutely no greens, including the heaps of cucumber, Arugula, or scallions on another. We took the overabundance of salad greens from this plate and added them to my wife's plate. The ambiance amounts to low or no lighting except mason jars with a tiny oil wick flame. We were placed in a tiny corner with almost no lighting whatsoever. I would never recommend a restaurant that is even an improved version...

The food was good last year, but Is this the kind of business you wish to support?

I waited outside in 90 degree heat with 8 family members, one 88 years old and one 89. 6 were ahead of us on line. Before 5:00, an employee came out to sort out who was on line, etc. Being aware of the max of 6 in a party for seating, we told her we wanted to be sat as a group of 5 and a group of 4. She told us that this was not possible as it is the "policy" of the restaurant not to split groups and that she could have sat us had we not mentioned that we came together as a larger group. She repeatedly told us that this is their policy not to split larger groups and that it is clearly on the website. First, this is arbitrary and ridiculous, second it is not on their website (look for yourself), and third, this is particularly unkind to turn away elders who had been waiting in the heat. Plenty of room for us.

There are plenty of restaurants in Corolla and Duck which are respectful and kind to their customers. Go...