Quarterdeck Restaurants — Restaurant in Dania Beach

First off let me say that I've been to Quarterdeck a dozen times over the past few years and they always serve dynamite food. It's always a great place to be for food, fun, and a great atmosphere. Second. I'm a Google guide and I normally only post "good" reviews. You can see my history and verify for yourself.

But today I'm going to discuss my experience with server Mike. (assuming that he didn't lie about his name) Arnell and I sat down on the rear deck, and had a great view of the ocean. We had sunglasses on and watched and waited patiently for Mike to approach our table. Mike seemed a bit skeptical about helping us. He gave us the walk around and eyed us from the corner of his eyes to assess whether we'd be good tippers or not. I'm sure he wants to get a good read on whether or not he wants to provide good service or not. Whether he was judging us based upon our clothing or the color of our skin, he clearly has his routine down. He then approached the hostess and asked her a question about us while still giving us the side view evil eye. He passed us a 3rd time and gave us the once over one last time. He mulled around the bar, then finally gave in to having to serve us. He took our beverage order of one Heineken, and gave us menus. Mike disappeared for a little bit and I got up to take a few pictures of the beach and the ocean. After I sat down, still no Heineken. I received the phone call from a client in PA and I borrowed a pen from the hostess. I jotted down some notes from the call, and when the call was completed I looked around for the Heineken but it was still missing. Mike finally showed up and I asked him "should I cancel the heineken?" Mike replied I don't know what's taking so long I'll see if I can get it myself. There were 3 people sitting at the bar, and there was no bartender around, I assume they were busy. Mike brought over the Heineken and we ordered two jambalayas with rice. When the food came out Mike DROPPED the plates on the table as if he had no interest in serving us at all. We were nothing but a headache to Mike today even though we had no conversation whatsoever. Mike just made it clear he did not want to serve us, and we must of ruined his whole day by the mere fact that he had to help a white guy and a black guy during his shift. (Btw the jambalaya is absolutely delicious) At this point I knew we were never going to see Mike again. You can always tell when a server has some high school angst attitude, and they're just going to make you wait forever for the check. We waited around 15 minutes and chatted on a beautiful afternoon watching the ocean. No Mike in sight. I was a server and a bartender in college 30 years ago. I never judged people and believe me I know the whole industry is full of servers and bartenders that prejudge people. It's just how the industry works. I worked with 2 career bartenders and they picked and chose who they were going to give give good service to all the time. I could never do that, I gave everyone the same good service all the time. Some people just hate being servers. Believe me it's not an easy job. When you get in the weeds, you get very stressed, you get a bad tip from a big table, and then you get double stressed. And that's what happens every night when you work at a restaurant. It's a high stress environment. Back to Mike. I decided to approach the hostess and I asked her "should I have Mike chase me out the door for the money or is he going to show back up again?" She tried to get Mike but he still didn't come around, he still made us wait another 5 minutes. Since the 2008 housing crash I've tipped 20%. Since the pandemic started I tip 30-50%. Mike got $5. Serving isn't for you buddy. Now here's the kicker. Mike is the kind of guy that will give you terrible service because he's sure you were going to tip him poorly. But in the end it was his terrible service that got him the poor tip. He did it to himself, and I'm sure he does it all the time. Customer service just isn't Mike's thing. But the Quarterdeck is awesome....

Quarterdeck on Dania Beach in Fort Lauderdale is a true gem, and my dining experience last December left me recommending this place to everyone I know visiting or living in South Florida. Although I've already shared a review for this place, I feel compelled to revisit and sing their praises once more, thanks to the incredible customer service I received today.

Let's start with the vibe/atmosphere – when I was last there Dec 2018 I sat on their outdoor deck, looking out at the Dania Pier and watched wind and kite surfers as well as the planes landing. The patio is such a fun atmosphere (bring a jacket though! It can get windy).

Food — I ordered the fish tacos—which were to die for. Fresh, innovative, affordably priced… I live in Las Vegas now, but CRAVE these tacos. Their kitchen really understands fresh seafood and their menu reflects it!

Service — What really sets Quarterdeck apart is their exceptional customer service. I’m leaving this review today because Sky and the manager on duty, Dan really made the lunch experience exceptional. I called up from out of state because two of my friends (whom I had recommended try Quarterdeck) where there for lunch, sending me pictures. I wanted to surprise them and pay for their meal and called up the restaurant.

The host I spoke with over the phone was courteous, but due to security protocols, she initially couldn't accept payment over the phone.

Determined to make my friends' experience memorable, I requested to speak with the manager. The MOD Dan, despite being in the middle lunch rush, explained their policy and patiently listened to my challenge. He was concerned about security but was willing to help me find a solution. He agreed to let me pay for the surprise meal after I sent a picture of my ID. He took my card information, coordinated with the server, Sky… he even shared his personal cell phone number to facilitate locating the right table (I sent him pictures of my friends). My friends already had their food and were close to paying, so I know both Dan and Sky must have dropped everything to find the right ticket and input my payment info. Afterwards he immediately texted me receipt details.

As someone who has worked in the food industry, I can't stress enough how much this level of service is truly appreciated. Their actions weren’t life-changingly (not a word) remarkable, but they were above the call of duty and I appreciated that both put in the EFFORT to help me.

Thanks to Sky and Dan's collective efforts, my friends had a MEMORABLE dining experience (isn’t that the #1 goal?!), and Quarterdeck has gained two more loyal customers.

I'll continue to recommend this restaurant tirelessly because they truly understand the job of outstanding service, problem solving and facilitating special moments.

If you haven’t gone to Quarterdeck on Dania Beach in Fort Lauderdale, you MUST put this place on your list! I already can’t wait to return for a second visit.

(Pics from my first...

I went to this quarterdeck for lunch today around 1:30 pm. When I got to the young lady at the entrance, she was In deep conversation with a co worker, didn’t notice me standing there until her co worker pointed me out to her. She took one look at me and said “you need to put your shoes on” which I was holding In my hands, and I said, ok. I asked for a table for one (which she made me repeat it) I noticed there was only about 3 people on the wait list, she proceeded to tell me it would be about 20-30 minutes for a table. Which I said, ok great, they took my number and told me they would text me. An hour passed, and nothing. Mind you, I was standing outside cooking In the sun, but I can see many tables that people had come and gone while I was waiting there. So, I went to the young lady and I asked any time on my table. She made a face and said “oh it’s going to be at least another 30-45 minutes” I asked how so, as I already had been waiting an hour; and with an attitude, and a harsher voice she said “we don’t have tables for one, and we are busy” I asked, why did you tell me to wait on the first place if you don’t have a table for me, or even intended on getting me a table. At this point I just asked to speak with the manager. He comes out, I told him what had just happened, he proceeded to apologize and say that they were busy. Same story. I told him, no worries, I don’t intent on eating here at this point, I just wanted you to know how your staff treated me today. He basically, just said sorry. And I left. This is obviously a case of discrimination on the part of the quarterdeck staff, they had no intention on giving me a table. Not sure if it’s because I was alone; or didn’t look like one of them. Either way, I’m extremely disappointed at this place. I will never ever return here. I’ve gone to the sunrise quarterdeck many times, as I live across the street from them and have always have a great time; with people or alone. I’m not looking for anything, just to bring awareness to this situation, and the way it made me feel. Hopefully it doesn’t happen to...