The Spott NSB — Restaurant in New Smyrna Beach

I have been to the Spott NSB multiple times since opening. It started as a quick new favorite of mine, and has since declined each time. I was there this week and feel like writing this review in hopes management takes the feedback to make a couple important changes. To start, I generally like the concept of 1) higher price point, 2) higher quality food 3) casual environment & 4) service focused staff. I don't mind paying a premium for better things, in fact, I prefer it. That's why I want to give this feedback....so the Spott sticks around.

I was there this past weekend and ordered the $80 ribeye (i've had one in the past that was $125, but was not offered that on this visit). As soon as they put it in front of me I did not think it was a ribeye, I thought it was a NY Strip. I asked to confirm and they said yes, it was in fact a ribeye. I was not convinced and they explained it was the "end" of a ribeye, and offered to get the chef to speak with me. I have never heard of the "end" of a ribeye, but I am not butcher. I also did not want to make a big fuss or cause a scene in the restaurant so I said no that's okay, and decided to try the steak. Simply put, it was not a good cut of meat. It was very tough and had a large tendon down the center. I did surgery to work around it and gave up after eating less than half of the steak. Having the initial reaction that I did when served, I was hoping (expecting) the server would notice that I barely ate it and would ask if I did not enjoy it. She did not ask, and in fact she asked me if I wanted a box. I said no, and she took the plate to the kitchen.

I am writing this review to offer feedback about the service - not the steak. The fact that I got a poor cut of meat may be outside of your control, and I understand that. This review is about the service and guest attention - that is within your control, and at this price point I expect it. The servers should monitor guests to ensure enjoyment, and the chef should monitor plates when they return to the kitchen. A lot was missed in my experience, and my suspicion is that management does not have sincere concern, which is a deeper concern at this price point. Customers like me will not make a scene...we will vote with our feet and not come back. I'd rather not, because I genuinely want to pay $125 for a steak...I just expect to be wowed 100% of the time, and if I am not, have confidence that the establishment cares about that and will step in.

My fear, is the sign in the restroom is an indication of Managements attitude (see attachment). I hope not, because this is wildly inconsistent with your price point. My sincere suggestion is to 1) loose this sign in the restroom, and 2) demonstrate more care about your guest satisfaction. If not, you might survive on apps and bar food...but your $80-125 customers will not come back.

I will visit in the next year and give you another shot...I am sincere that I appreciate your concept...just want to give you this feedback because I care. I hope you are not laughing as your bathroom...

I wish I could give them 10 stars! Ironically, it wasn't our first choice but after arriving at another local restaurant at 8:12 (yeah,I looked at my watch,they closed at 9)and getting a less the warm welcome,we actually got up and left.I HATE doing that, it's so awkward. But it was his Birthday, he works late, and I didn't want to feel rushed or like we were bothering them, so I suggested The Spott,as I knew they stayed open later...we walked in and asked if we could still get dinner (it was 8:35,again,watch,lol) Our greeter happily said "of course, sit where ever you'd like".She was our server,Nikki and she was amazing,friendly,explained the specials and fish of the day in such great detail,I bought it :) Birthday boy got the filet'.when I say he's hard to please..I'm just gonna say he's hard to please and leave it at that.. We were greeting by Scotty, the FOH manager. THIS guy made us feel like celebrities ,like we mattered that we were there. Everything you read in these other 5 star reviews about the quality of food and service at this place is Spott On. We had French onion soup, he had the filet,perfectly.plated with the coolest prepared layer potato thing,green beans (49.00) I had the Fresh Catch with the best risotto ever, and perfectly crisp broccollini (44.00) which Scotty explained "had been swimming 12 hours ago,locally sourced"), sweet tea,2 draft Ying Ling,2 expresso martinis,and creme' Brulee cheesecake for dessert.. total bill right about 160.00,pre tip.. We're just your average working people,and this meal was worth every penny.Seriously, treat yourself to dinner here..we don't go out very much and when we do I like to try places we've never been,even tho Mr Hard to Please usually can find something to complain about.. we both agreed this was the best meal we've ever had,!!!!!!!!so we probably won't be trying anything new anytime soon.We found our Spott ! As a bartender at an Oceanfront hotel in NSB,I'm regularly asked by guests my recommendations for dinner, and now I have a Favorite place to send them!! Oh.. and Dinner is HAPPILY served until 11 pm ! Thank you all for the amazing drinks, food, service and...

I had a recommendation to try “The Spott” and heard nothing but great things about this place. The rumors are true!! What a gem and a rare find in a small town. There were three of us for dinner tonight. The workers couldn’t have been any more personable and terrific with answering questions about menu choices. We started with the Bone Marrow appetizer and it was Delish 😋 - 💯 recommend trying it. I selected their “Chop” entree with Garlic Green Beans. The flavor profiles built around the protein were absolutely on point. I would order this again and again and again!! The Smokey flavor of the chop and tenderness…one of the best I’ve ever had. I can’t forget to talk about the Mac n Cheese. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Great homemade taste with great combinations of cheese make it a dish to not miss. The other dish was the 7 oz Filet. Again, the flavor and tenderness were done just right. I will say, the cook on the filet was a bit more than I normally like but the flavors made up for it. The potatoe side was tender and also full of flavor. Can’t go wrong with this entree. The third selection was the grilled Caesar Salad and the catch of the day; Red Snapper fish bites. The fish bites were so fresh and the breading very light so the Red Snapper is still the star of the show. The grilled Caesar was on par with what I’ve had elsewhere with the exception of the dressing. It sets it apart and better than what I’ve experienced before. To finish, we did the crème brule. The actual crème was phenomenal. They added too much sugar to the top and didn’t really crisp it as much as I’d like. Again, the flavor made up for the abundance of sugar.

I will be making return trips here and can tell you with certainty…it is worth the experience and you should check it out.

Finally, take the time to just go upstairs to have a drink. The atmosphere upstairs is beyond anything I would expect to find at the beach. It is very well thought out, inviting and speak easy”ish” I didn’t have time for a cocktail but I promise you I will make time and share that experience in...