The Reptile Cantina — Restaurant in Morganton

We keep coming here because we want to love it, but it really leaves much to be desired. We love Cutty, we love the idea, and of course we want to support local. The food is great, the cocktails are pretty good (though we know we could make them at home for cheaper but that’s the whole point of going out for a drink) and we love the decor and atmosphere. However, our biggest issue is with the staff. I wouldn’t mind the drinks and the prices if we didn’t have to worry about rude staff every time we consider coming. Every single time we come, the bartender (specifically the older guy with the whitish goatee and glasses) does not speak to us, does not make eye contact with us, and acts irritated that we’re asking him to make a drink, and this isn’t just when it’s super busy, it’s when there are maybe four other people in the entire place. He has been here every time we’ve come and we tried to brush it off as an off day, but it seems to just be his personality. He has actively ignored us when we tried to order. We want to love it and we keep trying over and over, but as much as we like other things about it, that bartender is a serious problem. He has been the sole reason that we’ve been wary about coming back. I know that we aren’t the only ones who have had issues with him. As someone who has worked in the restaurant industry, I am genuinely appalled at his behavior. The rest of the staff that I’ve had are pleasant people, which makes me even more confused on how that sour bartender is still here. I really truly wish they would find someone else for nighttime/weekend bartending because he ruins the...

What an unexpected find! We live in Asheville but we are often at High Rock Lake, and so sometimes when we leave the lake late, and we don’t want to drive 2 1/2 hours without eating, we will stop in Morganton. And we pick places based on reviews. This place looked amazing In terms of vibe. So I initially picked it for the vibe. And it did not disappoint! In fact, it was even cooler than the photos. I was in high school in the 80s, so a lot of the posters and memorabilia were very familiar to me and nostalgic. The music choice was excellent as well.

Bartender was friendly, and I had them make me a Mezcal old-fashioned and it was… Perfect.

I had three tacos. My husband had a burger special. My tacos were wonderful, creative and priced well. My only complaint was the guacamole. See photo. I would’ve expected about twice that much when you order it as a separate item. This looked more like a side of guacamole. But that’s the only complaint.

We will absolutely be back. The tacos were interesting, the bar and the drinks were festive, and again, wonderfully priced.

Great vibe. This will be our new stop when we are driving between the lake and the mountains. Hope to...

Have been hearing about this place and was excited to try. It has cool vibes with the decor and definitely has that dive bar feeling. Small space, but they make it work with a bar and a few tables. PBR on draft which was cool. I was excited they had Topo Chico, but it was $5 a bottle so I skipped and just did tap water. The chips were fresh and the queso was really good as an appetizer. We ordered the chicken sandwich and a few different tacos to share for our meal. Overall, the seasonings were really salty (and I love salt!) on the chicken sandwich and the pork and steak tacos. I would go back for sure, just would have a drink and the chips app...