Anglins beach cafe — Restaurant in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea

This little (12 tables if that) cafe is surprisingly good for such an old dive. It is clean, the beach and pier environment are unique, and after hundreds of breakfasts or lunches here I still enjoy it as much now with kids as I did as a single the first time back in the day.

The food is good, the servers have great attitudes, and the bar well stocked. The menu has some surprises and is competitive or a little better than local diners, but not as elaborate as Aruba's across the square or Lauderdale by the Sea's four-corners restaurants. Prices are what you would expect and they have no problem taking care of their tables.

I prefer off-peak dining here. This restaurant is best for singles and up to four people. It is all outdoors and a bit crowded with tables and chairs, so bring your relaxed go-with-the-flow self, dress for the weather, and have a plan-B which you'll have no trouble determining here in Lauderdale by the Sea. You are likely to be interrupted and get wet if a shower passes, or lose napkins if it's windy. On a hot day you will sweat unless you eat and speak slowly, practicing your best Southern poise. The best you can hope for is a light crowd, nice breeze, and a spot at your table shaded by the roof or umbrella. I wouldn't bring a group of more than six although I've seen them do their best to fit everyone comfortably. Consider coming back later or finding another restaurant if there's a line or big party.

I'll just note that the servers here make quite an effort to take care of us although they are working in the same open-air environment. I've never seen one act like I might after a long shift. If you reflect on their grace under-fire a moment it could remind you to take life as it comes. I usually leave with a better...

Before I begin, please look back at the several fake reviews posted by themselves I assume (hence the unrealistic 3.5 stars).

OK, so if every single eating spot is packed except the one right on the pier, DO NOT attribute that to luck or timing, there is a reason. Anglins has the perfect spot, yet the first time we went there we waited over 45 minutes for a burger so we left even before we received the food. We thought, OK maybe the word "cafe" is not accurate and this is more of a seat down restaurant, so my wife and I gave it a second chance. Here is where it gets interesting:

Receiving a menu: 15 minutes Receiving two glasses of water: 12 minutes (warm water that is) Receiving one chicken sandwich and one chicken fried dish: 1 hour 7 minutes

During this time, there was only one other table occupied with an elderly couple. Three groups sat down, never received their drinks and left. Michael the waiter (maybe manager?) was very nice but simply stood there completely oblivious of our long wait or the fact that every other restaurant was completely packed on a Saturday afternoon but Anglins.

The food was mediocre and fairly expensive, and the only reason we did not pay to walk on the pier is because we had a receipt from the cafe proving we spent money there. Please stay away from their bathroom. And if anyone at Anglins reads this, Lauderdale by the Sea had an amazing renovation of the area, perhaps you missed the memo but it's not too late to clean up a little bit. Would love to go back just for the amazing view you guys got. But for now, readers you have...

Disappointing Service Ruined a Great Experience

I visited this restaurant today with my family. At first, everything was wonderful, the ambiance was excellent, and dining by the beach was a truly priceless experience. My family and I even commented on how we definitely wanted to come back.

Unfortunately, the service quickly changed our minds.

While we were still eating, the waitress came over and asked us to pay, without even bringing us the check. We told her we’d prefer to pay after we finished our meal. About 10 minutes later, she returned and said the total was $147, again without a check. We asked if the tip was included, and she told us, “No, only the 10%, but in the USA you must leave 20%.” That statement was not only presumptuous, but also incorrect in how tipping works, especially when you haven’t even received the bill yet.

We paid in cash and asked for a receipt. She returned with our change but said they didn’t have smaller bills and that they “owed” us $3. Despite the awkwardness, we still decided to tip $18.

Shockingly, she returned to our table, looked at the tip, and told us we could keep it, saying it wasn’t even 10% of the check, then walked away. That level of rudeness was completely unacceptable.

My family works in the restaurant industry, we know how tipping works in the U.S. Tips are earned through good service, not demanded. We are not tourists, and this experience left us disappointed and disrespected.

Sadly, despite the great location and atmosphere, we will not be returning to...