Good Winds Restaurant — Restaurant in Hatteras Island

Where do I begin. My family and I were visiting the area for Thanksgiving weekend and staying right down the road. We only get to meet up all meet up together once a year. We called to see if they were open since most places were closed for the season. Had we been told at that point they were short staffed, which I understand, we all live in this world, we would have chosen to drive 30 minutes to Nags Head. We got there around 2pm for a late lunch. Not a super busy time. We were told there would be a 15 minute wait. No issue there, although there were several open tables. We had a mid-sized party, 6 adults and 2 kids. There were a couple other tables that size as well. Again, another missed opportunity to communicate that you are short staffed. There was a young waitress who asked the older (I’m assuming manager) waitress if she could seat us and she was scolded and told that we were told we had to wait 15 minutes. When we were finally seated we waited forever just for water. Again, the young waitress asked the older waitress if she could get our table water, and she was again scolded and told no. She seemed to be on a power trip. It would be one thing if it was because she felt more efficient. But efficient she was not. After we finally placed our order and our soups and salads came out, one was missing and one was supposed to be a bowl not a cup. I asked if the Mac and cheese I ordered for my toddler was coming out as well and she said it would come out with the rest of the food. Restaurant etiquette for the sanity of everyone is the toddlers food comes out before anything else. I asked for some crackers and she brought them out 15 minutes later. The older waitress started to get passive aggressive. When the rest of our food finally came out after she was standing at the table behind us letting them know they were shirt staffed so we would overhear her, it was cold. My husband’s salad was missing after she said she brought all of our food and would be back with the condiments, so he politely asked if his salad was coming. She got SO murder-him-with-kindness level of petty passive aggressiveness. When she came back with the missing salad, my brother in law let her know that my daughters food was cold, we didn’t have time or patience or want to cause any more inconvenience than we clearly already were just by existing and let her know everyone’s food was cold. She ripped the bowl from his hand, sighed loudly and stomped back to the kitchen. Didn’t apologize or say anything. When she brought it back it was steaming hot to the point that my daughter couldn’t even eat it. She’s a friggin baby. Now I have a problem with you. I’d like to add none of us ever expressed any impatience or made any comments. We were totally understanding to the situation we assessed on our own. Although my 15 month old toddler was visibly impatient, and hangry at this point. And my 6 mo pregnant SIL. My in-laws already decided she wasn’t getting a tip, but when we got the check a 30% gratuity was included. So she gets to act like that because it’s non-negotiable. She also did this bizarre thing where she announced my mother in laws full name and the rest of our names to the whole restaurant when she brought the check over. I’ve seen several other reviews about her acting like this, which is the only reason I decided to leave one as well. I am one who rarely leaves reviews. I also work in a high demand customer service industry as a manager. And I know her behavior is unacceptable. To end the nightmare of an experience, after we all left, my brother and sister in law split off to use the bathroom. When he came out, he met the waitress standing outside of the soooo busy restaurant overlooking the parking lot watching us all leave out the window. He was like what are you doing? She creepily said she was making sure our family made it safely to our vehicles. So psychotic. 10/10 recommend the drive to Nags Head. We would have had a more pleasant experience, better food, and would have eaten and been back long before we were just right...

A Warning to Tourists: Avoid Good Winds Wine Bar and Restaurant in Rodanthe, NC

As full-time RVers who review restaurants across the country, we feel compelled to warn fellow travelers about our extremely disappointing experience at Good Winds Wine Bar and Restaurant in Rodanthe, NC on March 30, 2025. Despite its convenient location near Camp Hatteras, this restaurant delivered some of the worst service we’ve encountered, and based on other reviews, our experience was not unique.

Red Flags from the Start

We arrived just before 5 PM and immediately noticed something concerning—only one other couple was dining. Given that Good Winds has a mediocre 3.9-star Google rating after nearly 1,000 reviews, we should have taken this as a sign.

The hostess was cold and indifferent, greeting us with no smile, energy, or enthusiasm. She seated us at a table with no view, despite the restaurant’s stunning waterfront location. Meanwhile, the only other diners had one of the best view tables. When we asked to move, the hostess barely acknowledged us, and we had to relocate ourselves without any assistance.

Service That Borders on Hostile

Shortly after being seated, the hostess plopped down two glasses of water without asking if we wanted lemon or other preferences. My wife immediately spit out her first sip, saying the water tasted like cleaning chemicals. Since I have trouble tasting post-COVID, I had her try mine—it also tasted like chemicals. The smell was similar to the water in a decorative plant vase on the table.

When our waitress, Kristal W., arrived, my wife politely asked if the water normally had a chemical taste. Her dismissive response was, “I don’t think so.” Then, with an aggressive attitude, she snatched the waters away.

We ordered a Carolina Tea and a Waverunner, which arrived quickly. However, Kristal disappeared, and after 10–15 minutes, I had to track her down to place our food order.

Sensing tension, I tried to introduce myself and my wife, attempting to reset the interaction. Her response? “I don’t need to shake your hand!”—delivered in the most venomous tone imaginable.

At that moment, my wife stood up and walked out, stating this was the rudest restaurant experience she had ever had (I rank it as the second worst).

Final Insult: Charging for an Untouched Drink

Since I had taken a couple of sips of my drink, I offered to pay for mine. Instead, Kristal charged us for both drinks ($28), even though my wife’s was untouched. She dropped the check without a word, turned her back, and walked away as I was still signing.

A Pattern of Bad Experiences

After leaving, we researched other reviews and found similar horror stories: • Gluten-free items aren’t actually gluten-free—one reviewer was told their “gluten-free” food was cooked in flour. • One diner wrote: “Terrible. We had to leave. Options are non-existent. Bartender had a very poor attitude. Will never go back.” • Others describe overpriced, mediocre food and a staff that acts like customers are a burden.

Save Your Dinner—Go to Froggy Dog Instead!

Thankfully, our anniversary dinner was saved when we drove 16 miles to Froggy Dog in Avon, NC. What a stark contrast! • Our waitress, Ana (pronounced Ah-na), was amazing—friendly, attentive, and truly made us feel welcome. • The food was excellent, with generous portions and zero attitude from the staff.

Final Verdict: AVOID GOOD WINDS!

Unless you’re looking for a real-life “Dick’s Last Resort” experience, stay away from Good Winds Wine Bar and Restaurant. The water tasted like chemicals, the staff was rude beyond belief, and they charged us for an untouched drink.

Update: (1) Just learned the issue we had was with the Restaurant Manager herself. Want a great read, read the review on her from 2023 about the hair in the sandwich.(2) It appears this business is not registered with the NC Secretary of State. Not as a business (Good Winds) nor as a DBA (a doing business as entity). Is this a legitimate company.

Instead, take the extra drive to Froggy Dog and ask for Ana—you...

UPDATE TO THIS REVIEW: The below posted review was written 2 months ago in reference to an order that was prepared incorrectly and cooked incorrectly. I contacted the restaurant immediately and was given no satisfaction except to bring the food back to the restaurant so they could examine it.

WELL I AM VERY HAPPY TO REPORT THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN RESOLVED. After speaking with Manager/Chef Tom, my entire opinion of the restaurant has changed. I realize mistakes happen. I am not that unforgiving but a friendly attitude, great customer service and a listening ear goes a long way.

I spoke with Chef Tom approximately 2 weeks ago and he offered to make this right. I had been hearing this for 6 weeks from previous management.....mind you at this point, it was not about the food or the money, it was about the lack of concern over a very unhappy customer and principle. But I kept in my head this is a different person and don't hold him accountable for everyone else's actions. Chef Tom CALLED ME on January 18th to make certain this issue had been resolved. I told him it had not. He assured me he would contact me in another week to check in.

I am very happy to report this issue has been put to rest. I know this may seem like a small thing and something that should not be sweated. However, you've got to stand for something or you'll fall for anything. There is no doubt in my mind that Chef Tom has the strong leadership qualities it takes to run a fine restaurant. He is kind and considerate and seems to take pride in what he does. For this reason alone, I would come back to Goodwinds. You will never see a more beautiful sunset in your life. The perfect view. Please visit!! All this positivity came from ONE PERSON. Never say I am just one person, I can't make a difference. You are and you can. Chef Tom is living proof.

THANK YOU TOM....it has been an absolute pleasure dealing with you!!!!!!

I understand the necessity of trying to earn dollar, but when you are charged an 18% gratuity AUTOMATICALLY on a to go order and it's wrong or incorrectly cooked then the staff has the audacity to ask that you bring the food back so they can check it. Bring your scrawny behind to me. $25.00 tip...