Lifesaving Station — Restaurant in Duck

A little sun-kissed from the beach, we were looking for great outdoor seating because it was a perfect evening with light steady breezes and it was time for the sun to set, so a good view was preferred. We drove down to a cluster of restaurants, but walking in one place the atmosphere was not friendly and the outdoor seating was closed due to staffing shortage. . Even though they have a awesome place off the sound to watch the sunset. We turned around and left and I told my husband I had seen the Lifesaving Station with a terrific deck of outdoor seating so we headed here and couldn't have made a better choice! Just walking up other guests were greeting us, and walking in I was impressed with the space indoors. The restaurant we had just left was so compact but here even indoor seating was spacious and the decor was interesting and on theme. The hostess was wonderfully pleasant, friendly and polite. When we asked for outdoor seating she excused herself to set the table up herself so when we sat down menus were already on the table and our seats were facing the gorgeous sunset. Really this deck is perfect. If your dining outdoors I highly recommend this experience! And our dinner was just as wonderful! The mixed green salad was dressed really well. My hubby ordered the corn chowder which he liked. For an entree I ordered the Seared Tuna and swapped out the shoepeg corn risotto for the Yukon Gold mashed potatoes, the romesco was delicious. So filling I couldn't even finish. My hubby ordered the Filet Mignon and he did get the risotto which he said was really good. Our waitress was friendly, knew the menu and food prep well to answer any questions and we lacked nothing. We took our time and were in no hurry to leave. The warm atmosphere, perfect deck seating, sunset views, and delicious meal made for a very romantic experience. This is now on our must do...

The Only Thing Being Saved Here Is Your Appetite

The Lifesaving Station? More like the Life-Sucking Station. Staying at the Sanderling and being forced to eat here as part of a prepaid breakfast package has been nothing short of a punishment.

Let’s start with the wait—despite having a reservation and being guests of the resort, we were left standing for over 30 minutes just to be seated. There is a hostess stand and a line, but absolutely nowhere to sit while you wait. Guests crowd awkwardly around the entrance, while dozens of tables inside sit empty—some still dirty, others untouched. The lack of organization is frustrating and, frankly, baffling.

Once seated, prepare for more delays. It takes at least 10 minutes for anyone to even fill a water glass or take a drink order. Food arrives slowly, and every meal here has been a lesson in patience we didn’t ask to learn.

The staff operates in a state of confusion, with no clear roles or direction. The person who appears to be the manager is everywhere and nowhere—seating guests, bussing tables, running food—but clearly not managing anything. There’s no leadership, no urgency, and no sense of hospitality. Just a disorganized shuffle of people trying to keep their heads above water.

This isn’t a one-off issue. A look at past reviews shows this has been going on for years with no improvement. That’s not just poor service—it’s willful neglect.

For the prices they charge, the service is appalling. The Sanderling should be embarrassed to attach its name to this place. Fire the manager, bring in someone who understands how to run a restaurant, and give guests the level of service they’re paying for.

Until then, avoid the Life-Sucking Station unless you enjoy standing in line, being ignored, and paying resort prices for diner-level...

After my first visit to the LSS a year ago I wasn't at all impressed and even less sure on what to expect upon returning this year.

Long story short, this establishment has gotten its act together and become a contender among many other very popular establishments along duck rd.

I was not expecting such an orderly and organized effort in delivering such a high level of customer service, after much observation and interaction with the staff, it was quite clear who was responsible for this organized 5 star effort being put forth, a manager by the name of Tasia.

Not only was she clearly orchestrating a highly organized operation, she was following up with each table throughout the evening and making adjustments along the way to provide the ideal evening out.

You don't need a steak knife for the filet Mignon here, the butter knife will more than suffice in cutting through this exceptionally prepared entree, highly impressive! And what better to go with it but a perfectly prepared serving a mashed potatoes and gravy, let's also not forget the expertly prepared broccolini! Seriously, at this point there is not a better steak in the area, so don't waste your time looking elsewhere.

They have stepped up their game here, it's well organized and the staff clearly strive to provide a 5 star experience and my recommendation to Sanderling would be to hold onto Tasia, she is clearly running a tight ship! Another visit to come in the...