Fifty Three Fifty, The Pourhouse — Restaurant in Holmes Beach

1/5/24 UPDATE: In response to the establishment's feedback.

Thank you for your response, while off-putting, thank you nonetheless.

The business was not busy. There were 2 other tables, only one of them being ahead of us. A couple arrived 10 minutes after us and sat at the bar.

To imply that bias can't exist because someone is from a minority community is as egregious as it comes. For the record, our party is indigenous, french, and black, so I'm uncertain what the point was of mentioning that in your response. Rude is rude.

Let's say for grins and giggles, you were busy, which you were not, it doesn't excuse poor behavior, being rude and condescending to guests. If you're inclusive, every employee would speak to such. It's ignorant to operate under the guise that one being overwhelmed allows room for offense, let alone thinking inclusivity only encompasses race. There's more to diversity and inclusion than that.

Yes, we returned the next day because of the young man who was so poised and professional in the midst of your other employees' temper tantrum. We recognized that the one bad apple shouldn't dictate our movement on the island or experience. We wanted to teach our children and nieces that ignorant people are everywhere and just because they don't want you there or are bothered by your presence, you don't run or allow that to dictate the experience you create for yourself. You see, this moment was much bigger than your one employee, so if you must know why we returned, there you have it.

The service she provided didn't come close to the national chains we've experienced or the local shops we continue to support. They're phenomenal. That's an excuse. It's not about her not meeting my expectations. It's about the expectations your establishment set and we observed. The other parties were greeted, asked how their day was, how their vacation was, etc. She was quite talkative, greeted other guests - we got a blank stare, she was inviting to the other tables, and even offered a smile to them. We didn't order a single item to go, yet that was the assumption. In fact, the question was never asked. Let's not attempt to save face here because you're concerned about an honest review and lack accountability. Instead grow from it, don't take it personally. There's nothing worse than an owner/leader dismissing a customer's experience and taking the position of it was busy, there's no way this can be, etc. We didn't make up the treatment we received. Your employee was snarky, own that. She was rude, own that. It wasn't her best day, own that. The rest of your staff we're pleasant even while she changed the trajectory of the atmosphere, making them uncomfortable.

We wish you the best, truly.

ORIGINAL REVIEW:

I wanted so desperately to love this experience because the food is excellent; however, the service for my family in comparison to the other families (at the other two tables in the restaurant) was very poor. We won't return, but perhaps that was the plan of the woman assisting us. We ordered food and drinks just as the other families did. Their food was brought to their table, and we were called to pick our items up. They asked for water, and it was brought to their table. The exact words of the woman assisting us were, "their smoothies are ready. They're acting like they don't hear." Our expectation was to receive the same treatment as the other guests. The vast difference in treatment was the most abhorrent experience I've had, to which my child and niece were subjected to. It called for some very hard conversations. It's challenging to explain to children what makes us so different that our experience differed so much.

The food is excellent. The smoothies are amazing. However, I can't, in good faith, recommend this experience to a diverse audience unless some serious changes are made, including sensitivity training and prioritizing the guest experience for all. If you're looking to have service that is inclusive and balanced, I'd say to proceed with caution. It was...

We've now been here five times, at different times of day, trying as much of the menu as possible. First, the pros. It's a terrific addition to the neighborhood. I wish there was one of these in Anna Maria, and in Bradenton itself. Great idea, great choices. The breakfast burrito without eggs is wonderful, not at all greasy, more like an Australian sandwich/wrap than a regular burrito. Guacamole is quite good, though the avocado toast was pretty skimpy when it came to the actual avocado. Espresso is very good, iced coffee likewise and just the perfect strength. The gentleman who does most of the cooking (at least, when we've been there) is nice to deal with, appropriately concerned and straight forward about wait times. The grouper sandwich has the hugest piece of grouper we'd ever seen on a sandwich, and that includes every single place on island. Be forewarned - it really IS made fresh, and takes a little while. Well worth it, definitely enough for two to share. The cons. Avoid the roast beef at all costs. We'd expected deli-style and instead got stringy gristle-filled cheap beef we ended up throwing out. You'll do better getting a sandwich at Publix. The only places we'd seen RB of this low quality before was at cheap food and gas marts. The waitress - who blithely ignored our table of several women and one man - eventually made her way over to us, long after the chef had put in our order. It was doubly annoying because she'd quickly served an all-male table. Then we had to listen to her loudly and rudely complain to her boss after he criticized her using a dirty mop head without following up by using a clean one. She made excuses, whined, got angry, all within earshot of every patron in the place. Someone should have taken her outside or to the back of the restaurant. We realize help on island is difficult to come by, but an experienced manager would have dealt more efficiently with her instead of allowing an argument in front of people trying to eat. We'll be back because over-all the place is really good and we'd like to support it, but it still has a...

Absolutely sensational! We recently had the pleasure of dining multiple times at this delightful gem on island, and we are beyond impressed. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with the warmest of welcomes and treated to an evening of deliciousness.

The mushroom galette was an absolute revelation, a perfect harmony of buttery, flaky crust and earthy, rich mushrooms. The meatballs, the burrata, exquisitely indulgent. And the blueberry goat cheese appetizer? Simply divine. The tangy goat cheese paired with the sweet burst of rosemary blueberries was a flavor combination I never knew I needed in my life until now. Glorious with a red wine.

It is evident that the owners and staff’s expertise and passion extend far beyond the kitchen as the wine, beer and coffee suggestions were perfect.

Speaking of the staff, we must commend Luke and Chef Skyler for their incredible service. Luke’s attentiveness and knowledge of the menu made us feel right at home, and we craved Chef Skyler's creations all week long. Their genuine passion for what they do shone through in every aspect of our meal, creating an atmosphere that was as inviting as it was impressive.

After one week, we consider...