Silly me. I chose not to believe many reviews on various sites. The 4 star overall review had me believing the Negative Nancy's were Karens who never had anything nice to say anyway. I, as an open-minded millenial, decided they deserved a chance. Plus, I needed to feed my family, asap, and the other restaurant we tried was telling us 90+ minutes, while RipTydes was only saying 60 minutes for a wait. 🤷🏼♀️
A 60 minute wait isn't awesome, but after hearing a couple high times, I figured it was the nature of the beast at the time we were there. We got on the wait list at 7:45pm on a Monday night. We waited on the ground floor, my husband and I with a couple drinks, while the kids played in the sand and we waited for our table. We were pleasantly surprised when our table was ready in 40 minutes instead of 60. Our drinks were tasty while we waited.
Once seated it took several minutes for our waitress to appeal. When she did, we were ready with our drink order. The kids' sodas and hubby's and my waters came quickly. Our drinks from the bar took much longer. Another sizable wait to get our food ordered. I don't have exact times, because I was giving everyone the benefit of the doubt. The place was crazy busy and I know servers and bartenders can only work so fast. When our waitress came back, we ordered an appetizer and our four meals. Eventually we got our drinks, and later our appetizer came as well. We were glad we ordered an app, considering how long our wait was. The Rip Shrimp appetizer was my favorite part of our meal. Unfortunately, the woman bringing our food practically tossed it on our table with nothing more than an eye-roll of acknowledgement. The app was tasty, but the service left us with a bad taste.
Our waitress came back a couple times, not often enough for my tastes. Each time she seemed frazzled. I'm sure she had many tables. Of course, I did see her laughing it up with the bartender while we were looking around waiting for her, but everyone needs a moment to relax in a long shift. Our meals finally came. The man who delivered them was much kinder and more friendly than the woman who delivered our appetizer. The food was fine. Like I said, our appetizer was my favorite. I got a Shrimp PoBoy, Hubby got a Crab Cake Sandwich, Kids got Fried Shrimp and a Hotdog. Homemade chips were good too. Drinks were tasty. But oh, the wait. The wait for food, for drinks, for the check.
Overall, just okay food. Adequate to poor service. Extremely long wait times. Spendy food and drinks. I wanted it to be better, but wvery chance they had to do something right went the wrong direction. Not from the area, so I wouldn't have been back anyway, but not a place I'd recommend to...
Read moreSun, Surf, and Seafood: A Laid-back Paradise at Riptydz Beach Bar
Riptydz isn't just a restaurant; it's a slice of beachside bliss where the relaxed rhythm of the waves sets the pace for an unforgettable casual dining experience. This gem of a beach bar captures the spirit of the sea in every aspect, from its laid-back vibe to the stunning ocean views that frame your meal with an ever-changing panorama of azure skies and sparkling waters.
At the heart of Riptydz's appeal is its seafood, with the seafood boil deserving a special shout-out. It's a dish that feels like a celebration of the ocean's bounty, served up in a way that's unpretentious yet bursting with flavor. The seafood boil, a harmonious mix of juicy crab and lobster tails, seasoned to perfection, and sides that complement without overpowering, encapsulates the essence of beachside dining—simple, fresh, and utterly satisfying.
The bar area at Riptydz is where the casual beach life really comes to life. It's a vibrant spot where the sound of clinking glasses mixes with laughter and the occasional cheer for a well-made cocktail. The drink selection is as refreshing as a cool ocean breeze, with an array of choices that promise to quench any thirst brought on by the sun and surf.
What makes Riptydz truly stand out is how effortlessly it welcomes everyone, from couples seeking a sunset drink to families making beach day memories. The kids’ menu, with options that even the pickiest little diner would find irresistible, ensures that family outings are as enjoyable for the young ones as they are for adults. It’s a place where sandy feet are welcome and where meals are shared not just as food but as part of the day's adventure.
With the backdrop of the beach framing every meal, dining at Riptydz feels like an escape to a place where time slows down, and the simple joys of life are savored. The views, a constant reminder of nature's beauty, add a layer of tranquility to the laid-back atmosphere, making every visit feel like a mini vacation.
In essence, Riptydz is more than just a beach bar; it's a haven where good food, great vibes, and the beauty of the beach converge to create a casual dining experience like no other. It's a place that embodies the carefree essence of beach living, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to relax, unwind, and indulge in the pleasure of simple, delicious food. Five stars for Riptydz, the casual beach bar where every visit feels like coming home to the sea. I'm already looking forward to kicking off my sandals and enjoying the laid-back charm that awaits on...
Read moreI was highly dissatisfied with my experience at this establishment and will not be returning.
The first issue arose when we were seated and informed of a pre-card hold for the table. The waitress assured us that "the card would not be charged, only a hold for the table, similar to starting a tab." However, shortly after, she returned to inform us that the card was declined. This was confusing because if no charge was being made, there should not have been a decline. When I explained that my card was locked, she stated that "the card was declined because we were from out of town, and the system flagged it as potential fraud." I have never encountered this issue before at any other establishment.
The second concern was the quality of the food. When it arrived, it lacked seasoning, which was disappointing but not the primary issue. What made the experience worse was the persistent pressure to pay the bill. While we were still eating, the waitress asked if we were ready to pay—not once, but three separate times. This created an unwelcoming atmosphere. After the third time, we asked what time the restaurant was closing, only to be told "now." This was surprising, as the restaurant’s website stated it was open until 2:00 AM. There were no signs indicating different hours, nor were we informed upon being seated that they would be closing early at 11:30 PM. We had been seated at 10:45 PM and were given no prior notice of the early closing time.
Additionally, when we requested to split the bill, the waitress seemed visibly frustrated. It gave the impression that she either doubted our ability to pay or suspected we would leave without paying, which was both unprofessional and insulting.
The final issue was the cost. Our bill totaled $200.88, yet we were unable to properly enjoy our meal due to the rushed service. We had ordered the Low Country Boil Steamer, which included peel-and-eat shrimp, potatoes, corn on the cob, and added snow crab. This type of meal is not suited for takeout, as it does not reheat well and would leave a strong seafood odor in our hotel room. Additionally, there were no appropriate containers provided for transporting a seafood steamer.
Overall, the only positive aspect of our experience was the valet parking. Unfortunately, the service, food quality, and overall experience were unacceptable. I would not recommend this...
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