Blackwater Bistro — Restaurant in Milton

(Updated) Originally had a slightly higher rating despite a subpar food experience. But it's management's (or owner) inability to professionally respond to any issues without flying off the handle causing a bottomed out rating. Have a less than pleasing experience here and leave a review? Make some popcorn and watch the comical lashout responses you get of how wrong you are and even go as low as name calling... What an advertisement! They will call you untruthful and inaccurate, and most all the responses to negative reviews are very similar. Big business or small business, a code of ethics should still be protocol when dealing with criticism. There's never any embarrassment in telling one's experiences, nor should anyone be made to feel that way in speaking the truth. What's the hype of this place? Such a flop. Out of any of the beers I asked for and a real slim selection of any microbrews. Water is obviously unfiltered tap water. The fish of the day, swordfish, is easily less seasoned than a pack of tuna. If it weren't for some bland sauce on top of it, there would be no flavor at all. No seasonings, no grill flavor, just a substance. Two tiny sides with the fish. Not worth the price. This place actually has an in house chef? The only positive was pleasant service. Edit per response: Yes, the Sweetwater 420 was said to be out of stock, and the bar replenishes on Tuesdays. It's still listed on the drink menu after not having it for that long. There was another out of stock as well, I can't recall the name. Also, not looking for a refund or anything free, as I did eat it. "Nothing you can do for me now," well try to improve for future customers and update your drink menu. Further edit: What is too funny, is the absurd lack of managerial skills it takes to continue to tell a customer their wrong for what they experienced. I would hate to imagine what employees experience there with such lacking communication. The seasonal (name eludes me) was also said to be out. And yes the food was eaten, I would love to see the response given in person by calling management over and saying "Hey my side items are too small and the swordfish is unseasoned and ungrilled." Especially with the lack of professionalism you've exhibited here as some criticism has been received. The water was "Florida water," that hard sulphuric taste and smell, it's expected there no doubt if unfiltered. But then again, you seem to know what I experienced...

The drinks here are great, lots of options that sound really good. I had the bloody Mary which was very tasty. The food took an abnormally long time to come out, but was overall delicious. It's a busy local spot so call ahead if you want to make sure there isn't a long wait. We came from Pensacola and they were kind enough to reserve a table for us when I called ahead for brunch. I will say though, that when we arrived there was a table reserved for us... but they almost gave it away without even telling us due to someone who was seated outside saying they were cold. When the employees discussed it right in front of us it was kind of unprofessional, but ultimately we got a table right away and were treated quite well. The one gripe I had about this place was that they added $2 charges to the price of my bloody Mary for ordering the Grey Goose vodka. In both their online menu and the menus we were provided at the table, Grey Goose Bloody Mary was clearly listed as $7. There isn't even room for discussion about it, as they have 3 vodka options for the bloody Mary with 3 clearly marked prices right next to the descriptions. When the bill came there was an extra $4 for ordering Grey Goose, and our waiter was rather awkward and just shrugged it off when I asked about it. I think it was odd that he didn't even bother asking another server or member of management about this, because I asked for an explanation. Ultimately another kind server noticed and asked me about it. I explained that I don't have a problem with $4 but I do have a problem if it's not priced correctly on the menu. They gave me a fairly terrible explanation that the $7 was paying for the vodka itself, and the extra charge was for the tomato juice. I chuckled and kinda said OK whatever, and they refunded the $4. I urge this establishment to exercise caution, as this is the kind of thing that will scare new customers away. We want to have a nice brunch, not argue about your menu being broken. At the same time this place is small and quite busy, so I doubt they're super concerned about losing my business. I'm deducting 1 star for the strange experience with our server and the bill, but we will definitely be giving them another shot. Ironically I could care less about Grey goose, I only ordered it because the price was fair and it was the first option. Please fix your menus to reflect correct...

Truly one of the nicest dining experiences Ive had in a while. On a whim decided to ride up into Milton and a Google Maps search revealed several places and Blackrock just stood out to me for some reason. Arrived about 2:30 in the afternoon for a late lunch / early dinner and found the establishment easily with only a few people dining. The bar was welcoming and once inside I noticed immediately daily specials / discounts for Law Enforcement, First Responders and Military. That should have special meaning to everyone. The bar was small with only a couple on one side and three veterans at a table discussing their medications. Eileen the bartender was efficient and super friendly. In conversation she revealed that she had been working there since opening in 2008. The founder is also a veteran. The menu showed innovation and creativity with appetizers like "Cajun Cheesecake" a delicious combination of shrimp, cheese and crab baked into a flaky crust and served with flash fried crispy and chewy Gambino bread and a cajun remoulade. Fabulous with an added dash of Louisiana! Everything on the menu sounded delicious. Kitchen Service was very quick and all the dishes were delicious. Chef Jason doing a great job in the back of the house! Prices are reasonable for this out of the way jewel. Of note, patrons I met and others I spoke to were very nice and small town friendly. They have live music Wed, Thursday and Saturday 1800-2100 (6pm-9pm) and they give a good nod to our Military. Thursdays kids get free ice cream. Sundays 0900-1400 (9:00am-2:00pm) are brunch only with bottomless mimosas!

See them on Facebook for holiday specials and a complete menu.

I fully recommend and will be returning. It's definitely worth the drive to visit this spot. It's in charming Milton, a quick 30 min drive from downtown Pensacola.

Urban...