Boatyard Cafe — Restaurant in Homer

I came in today for the first time with my family including my 5 year old daughter. While others in my group had been here before and enjoyed it this was my first time dining. Unfortunately it will be my last.

We waited patiently for around 17 minutes in a cramped line. That is no problem. I understand busy weekends. But once I finally got to the counter and asked a polite question about ordering chicken tacos for my daughter who is a picky eater I was met with a completely inappropriate reaction.

The menu is clearly built for adults and while they do not offer chicken tacos specifically they do serve chicken and they do serve tacos. I simply asked if it might be possible. Rather than a simple “Sorry we cannot do that” I was met with a lecture. The cashier snapped at me for even suggesting a modification and told me how busy they were and how I should not be asking for anything custom. I immediately apologized and said it was fine. I would just order the beef tacos and a chicken breast separately and make it work. Despite this she remained rude and continued trying to rush me through the order even though we were the last in line and the rush had already passed.

Then she told me my order would take 25 to 35 minutes in a tone that strongly suggested we should just leave instead. I calmly asked why she was being so hostile. What had I said or done to deserve that kind of treatment especially in front of my young daughter. She replied that she was just doing her job and that informing us of the wait was standard. That is fine. But the way she said it made it clear we were not welcome.

Still I ordered. Three basic items including a couple tacos a chicken breast and a halibut sandwich came to 60 dollars. Despite the poor interaction I tipped 12 dollars making it a 72 dollar meal where I had to bus my own table and still be treated like an inconvenience. And to be clear I was not rude. I did not raise my voice. I asked a simple question and tried to deescalate when things became uncomfortable.

After I walked away and joined my family who had already been served our food took an additional 20 minutes. While I quietly and briefly recapped the awkward ordering experience to my relatives the cashier came back out and laughed out loud directly at us. It was humiliating and deeply unprofessional. Several in our group witnessed it. We stayed calm ate our food cleaned up and left.

Now the owner has responded to my father’s honest review by making false claims that we were abusive and caused distress to staff. That is completely untrue. I work in a service based creative industry. I understand how hard customer facing jobs can be. I was patient and kind. I even apologized when I was the one being treated poorly.

If they had simply said “We are sorry you did not have a good experience” that would have been the end of it. But instead they chose to double down and misrepresent what actually happened. I came here to enjoy a meal with my family. Instead I was made to feel like a burden and then blamed afterward.

It is a real shame because I had heard great things. But my experience was the opposite and I cannot...

Want lunch in Homer? Look no further than the Boat Yard Cafe. Yeah yeah yeah, it’s 5 minutes away from the spit, but that also means you’re five minutes away from all the people on the spit. I’m not saying there’s no line at this place because there is but for good reasons. Some of those reasons you ask? Boat Yard is kicking out the best fish n chips in town - the fish is fresh and they’re breaded to perfection. Little squeeze of lemon, quick dip in the tarter sauce and you’ll be floating on the moon. Not looking for fish? Well, you’re in luck! Boat Yard’s menu has it all. Burgers with so much cheese you’ll start to wheeze, chicken sandwiches so good it’s committing poultry-geist, a super stacked veggie sandwich that makes you feel like you’re in the jungle, and a philly cheese that will transcend you into the city that only has one superbowl win.

We ended up trying more than half of the menu while staying in Homer and we kept going back for a reason. The owners (Dave, Lila) have huge pride in their business and it really shows. From the ingredients to the presentation, this place knocks it out. Come hungry, leave happy,...

A local we met during our recent stay in Homer highly recommended we try out The Boatyard. So we gave it a go as our last stop before the drive north and I'm really glad we did!

Was by far the best fish and chips we've had in a long time. We went with the halibut, which was super fresh. Panko breaded like we prefer, not battered like a lot of places prepare it. And I got the Hot Honey chicken sandwich. Highly recommend to any pepperhead looking for something spicy. It has a house made ghost pepper mustard on it which is definitely no joke! Very spicy yet quite tasty at the same time. Hand cut fries were excellent and could've had more friendly customer service. Also prices were very reasonable.

The place opened at 11 and by 15 after the line was practically out the door, which tells me the locals really like the place. We'll definitely be hitting up the Boatyard again during...