The Refuge — Restaurant in Isle of Palms

This is our second time trying to enjoy our experience at The Refuge, unfortunately this experience was worst than the first. Sadly the problem isn’t really the food, it’s the service and the staff. The overall vibe from everyone in there is that you are irritating to them, no one is friendly, welcoming or attentive. We ate with our three kids (two are toddlers), I asked for a table for 6 because I didn’t need a high chair or a booster seat for any of my kids, once seated an elderly woman (owner? Manager? Not sure she never introduced herself) immediately approached me, stood over me and leaned down into my face and scolded me for not telling the hostess I needed high chairs and booster seats and if they had known 3 of the 6 of us were children they would’ve sat us somewhere else- now at this time the dining room was empty except for two other small parties, there were open tables everywhere and we were fine with where they sat us. I explained I didn’t need either of those things my kids can sit just fine in the booth they prefer it, she audibly huffed, walked away only to return about 5 minutes later to ask me ‘Didn’t you bring sippy cups, or anything for them to drink?!’ I confusingly answered no to which she rolled her eyes at me and said ‘so what you expect us to get them drinks? Like, what a water in a plastic cup?’ As if that was asking too much. I said yes please and she again audibly huffed away. This was also all happening before our waitress even came over, we waited about 15 minutes before our waitress even greeted our table. When our waitress appeared at the table it was a quick, irritated greeting with a vibe of impatience but we ordered, only to wait another 10 minutes for our drinks to slowly start being delivered a few at a time. The food was about 30 minutes after that (Dining room still only maybe half full). We ordered pancakes and bacon for the kids, one huge plate came out with almost burnt on one side pancakes, we promptly asked for a extra plate which we never received. Our waitress only returned once we had all eaten, we got the check and they charged us for a full size pancakes and bacon not the kids menu, irritating but whatever. There was also one other up charge for extra gravy, would’ve been nice to have a heads up, but again whatever. We left after spending 90 minutes there, being treated badly and eating mediocre food. Overall, just save yourselves and go somewhere, anywhere, else. Or at least go somewhere where you can leave feeling like you were treated with kindness...

If I could give this review a 10, I would. My experience with The Refuge was more than positive. I contacted the owner after my son and future daughter in law had brunch at the restaurant and new that this was the place to have their rehearsal dinner. You see, they live near the Isle of Palms and I and their families are from Maryland. I spoke with Jocelyn, the owner and set the date for October 18, 2019. Jocelyn couldn't have been more gracious. We spoke several times leading up to the occasion and I felt like I'd known her forever. She wanted to make sure everything would be perfect for us and it was. The evening came and The Refuge was set up just the way I wanted it, with beautiful white flower arrangements on the tables and a lovely menu printed out for our guests. This was a surprise from the Chef which made a beautiful touch to the table. When I walked through the doors, I was greeted by Jocelyn. It was such a pleasure putting a face with a name. She wanted to see that I was pleased with everything before she left. The sweet young lady bartenders were busy waiting on my guests. The waiters and waitresses were so attentive and friendly, especially towards my 2 year old grandson. They got him a bowl of buttered noodles which he devoured and kept him content through dinner. They also saw that my guests were satisfied with their meals and delivered their plates with a smile. The manager, Nick, was not only hospitable and kind, but conscientious of what our needs were. Then there was the food. Outstanding!! From our hors d'oeuvres to our desserts, everything was exquisite! The Chef, Jason, gets 10 Stars from all of us also. He added all the right touches to make our dinner experience unique. I can not thank you all for making this a memorable evening for not only my son and daughter in law, but for all my guests and myself. When I and my guests come back to the Isle of Palms, we will definitely be visiting "The Refuge". Again, I sincerely thank you. ...

How much do you like pancakes and crab cake sandwiches? If your answer is anything other than $200 and 2+ hour wait for these items, this restaurant will disappoint you. And God help you if you're planning to come with small children.

Most reviews of this place must be from the off season because our experience, during the height of IOP's busy time (6/4), was abysmal. Showed up at 11:30am and were told it would be a 30 minute wait for a table. 45 minutes later, we're seated in the back to the faint aroma of urine. But we're starving at this point and have 3 little kids, so we tell them it's ketchup and decide to power through. We order pancakes for the kids and sandwiches and salads for the grown ups. Uncomplicated items. Over an hour and 15 minutes later the food arrives. And it was nothing special. The kids refused to eat more than a few bites of their pancakes because they "tasted like wood" (their words). And we pulled a long black hair out of one of the crab cakes.

The servers and staff are doing the best they can. They told us a few times they were understaffed and overwhelmed. So I lay our horrendous experience squarely at the feet of the owners/management. People sitting at the bar seemed to get priority to those in the restaurant. Dispensers in the bathroom had run out of towels and were not refilled during our 2 hour visit. I felt bad for the staff as they were pulled in multiple directions by irate, half-soused bar patrons waiting for their tables. These are failures of leadership.

Avoid during the busy season, as they’re not equipped to deal with the demand. Food is nothing to write home about. I attribute the good reviews to hunger resulting from a long wait and several cocktails consumed in...