Bear Flag Fish Co. — Restaurant in Newport Beach

Had a super bad experience three or four years ago when they were still in the old location, but I was so angry that I thought I would wait before I write some thing and then I never wrote about it. Then I visited the new location a few times and never felt good because the place was really mismanaged. It’s like a bunch of teenagers running the place however hell they please. Anyways went in yesterday to get the prime fish burrito. Waited for 27 minutes and got the burrito which was cold. Initially, they said that the gift card did not work and that it expired. I protested and told them there’s $40 on it so he tried again and it worked. But anyways, if you try to wash your hands, it’s a total disaster. It feels like you’re in the Soviet union. in the time of pandemic and with people with their dirty hands and everything… You gotta push this thing and for a few seconds, you get water but it’s the worst sink I’ve ever seen in my 27 years in the United States. Your hand is touching the sink because there’s really a few inches between the faucet and the sink on both sides. I even took a picture. It’s absolutely disgusting and I cannot believe they have it like this. Whoever put this sink and the water faucet in place must have been a real idiot. Won’t be going back for a while. This one woman is trying to clean all the tables and she’s doing it alone. This poor woman was working nonstop, I observed it while I was waiting. When I finally got my burrito, all of the tables were dirty, and I had to ask her to clean one of them so I could sit and eat my food. Honestly I’m shocked how mismanaged this place. It’s a miracle they are in business. I’m not even sure why I gave a tip while...

Don't have three signs in the main line saying "skip the line and sit at the bar," if this bartender is just going to sit his friends.

We waited in the main line for 15 minutes when it became clear that a couple at the bar was paying their check. We moved out of the main line, waited patiently next to the couple until they had paid, and were able to sit down at the bar. NO ONE else was waiting or around the entire bar but us.

After we sit down, FULLY SAT, this guy comes around and says, "sorry I have two other people waiting for these seats."

Our thoughts: Waiting where? When? Didn't you see us standing here waiting for the couple before us to pay so we could sit down? Where are the so-called "waiting" customers you speak of? No one was even around.

Not only did he kick us out of the seats but we had to get back to the back of the line.

After a few minutes, he finds his friends and sits them at the bar. It then became very clear that this guy simply saved his friends some seats. What was worse was the girl he sat down had walked in after us.

When we got back in the main line, the people who watched us get out of line for the two bar seats and observed the bizarre interaction asked us why this guy didn't let us stay in our seats. They also felt like it wasn't right. We were all confused.

Look, there's only three options: reservations, a line, or first come first serve. Clearly this guy needs to go through another training.

He's also...

Worst customer service manager ever! I arrived Monday 7-3 about 7:45 and used the restroom, got in line to order. The line was to the door. A worker and manger were trying to keep the door locked to keep people out as it was fast approaching closing time - 8 PM. The third to last person (I was last) in line was told at 8 PM. “I’m sorry, we’re listed now. You can only order what’s in the cold case, which was very slim pickings and didn’t look appetizing at all. I stood there in disbelief. We were in line before they closed the doors, but like the story off Cinderella, once the clock strikes closing time, nobody gets to order. They couldn’t tell me that before I waited in line for 15 mins before being told, “Sorry, we’re closed”? I approached the manager and suggested as nicely as I could that they should re evaluate the way they handle customers at closing. He was defensive and argumentative and obviously only cared about getting the heck out of there. If he worked for me, I would write him up and/or fire him. Maybe he doesn’t belong in the customer service industry? I told him I wouldn’t be back after the way I was treated. He was indifferent. I suppose they have enough customers already? I went to Reunion Kitchen where I’m always treated professionally and with appreciation, and I will continue to not support Bear Flag...