Cockeyed Clam Restaurant — Restaurant in North Carolina

As OBX people since the 1980's we were excited to try this newer restaurant in the neighborhood. The disappointing portion quality control and the paralysis of the serving staff to address concerns, brought about an interaction with the manager that made the root of both issues very clear. Great leadership in hospitality empowers staff and values the experience of the customer. Neither were present during our experience.

Based on the menu, we selected this restaurant for our special night out. We were greeted well and seated quickly. Our server was friendly and prompt, and advised our group of 7 very well as we made selections. Our starters and mains came out promptly and we were delighted as we started sampling the flavors. Almost all of the food was well prepared, and flavors seemed to be on point. My son and I ordered the same dish - Seafood Mac and Cheese, a $38.00 dish including lobster, shrimp, and a partial fillet of black drum. As we started to eat past the partial filet, we noticed that my son's dish had multiple shrimp, and pieces of lobster throughout. We looked at my dish and there were two shrimp and two tiny pieces of lobster. We assumed that this was an oversight and asked for our server. I told her we were enjoying our dishes, but noticed that the amount of protein in one dish was substantially more than the other. She said she would talk to the kitchen but "that may be just how it goes." When she returned from the kitchen, she said, "these are made in batches and mixed together, and whatever you get you get." I asked how do they make sure that portions are equal in protein for each customer. She said, "I don't know sir, I don't have any control over it, there is nothing I can do."

Our server seemed under duress, but not from us. I thanked her for checking. She said, "I understand what you mean, there's just nothing I can do." I said, "that's OK, I understand your situation too, I will just make note of this in my review." She said "ok," and walked away.

Within 2 min the tall dark haired female bar tender (who may also be the manager?) came over and leaned over me between my wife and I and condescendingly said, "I understand you are upset because someone got more shrimp than you?" I said, "No, I am concerned that a 38.00 dish is not balanced with the amount of protein from customer to customer. The fish was delicious the sauce is good, but 38.00 for noodles and sauce, seems a bit much." She said (with a sharp tone and a clearly forced smile), "if I cook you up some more shrimp, will that make you happy?" I paused at the defensive attitude and aggressive tone, and said, "well yes, I supposed that would be helpful."

She brought 6 more shrimp, and I thanked her. The shrimp were cooked in butter, and had a strong sweetness almost like sugar was added. My family sat dumbfounded at how I had just been treated, and my adult children (one in culinary/hospitality profession) expressed how rude and inappropriate it was for the hospitality industry.

It's rare that I am compelled to leave a strongly negative review. In this case, I was hoping to leave a glowing review about the value of the food and the flavors, but we discovered those appear to be a thin positive stretched over a hostile workplace environment for staff, and controlling leadership that is rude to customers.

Our bill was 311.07 for 3 starters and 6 entrees - no drinks, no deserts. We had intended to splurge further for creme brulee and tiramesu, but opted out after the encounter with the bartender/manager.

Once we returned to our house, we read reviews and saw that others have had similar hit-or-miss experiences. The flavors were good, I want to like this place, but I cannot recommend trying this place based on the unpredictable quality/value of the meal, and the lack of customer service accumen.

Additional issues that did not influence our review, but are worth mentioning: one of the chairs at our table was broken, a drink we ordered was not available, and the...

We were quickly seated and served, service timing and wait timing was good. However, the taps were down and no like substitutions were available.

Upon ordering, we were told the kitchen doesn't like to make substitutions (i.e fries for potatoes, or Brussel sprouts for green beans.) A bit strange, but personally I could work with that.

The portions were very generous, we all left full. However, satisfied is not the word I would use. While everything was cooked and seasoned well, and portions were proper and generous, the issue of how much seafood was in each bowl of macaroni and cheese was apparent. One person may have gotten six shrimp, while another got one or two. We were told it was all baked together, which is understandable. However, if the quality control on how much protein is in each dish is overlooked, one would simply order macaroni and cheese instead of seafood macaroni and cheese. Also, the pasta used in the dish was penne, not macaroni/elbow.

Our server was kind and quick to answer questions and comments, but seemed ill fitted to deal with said quality control. It wasn't until later that the bartender came around that our experience took a turn for worse, as she was patronizing and rude to our party member who was having the concern. She treated him as if he were a small child complaining about unfairness, when really he was simply curious.

I wanted to like this place, and while the food is good, but the service is not something to...

So many things to say about this place. Super friendly staff!! There were 12 of us so a variety of food & beverages. Red Snapper bloody Mary; if you like spice this is a homerun. Margaritas were delicious! Clamdigger was very tasty! Hatteras sunset was different with a strong but not hot spice bite. Clam chowder was out of this world good, served with 2 hush puppies that could have served as dessert. Oyster appetizer was good but could have used a few more minutes cook on them, jalapeño tarter should be bottled & sold. Bacon wrapped scallops were tasty, special appetizer of the day fried clam strips were very tender and not real chewy, lightly breaded. Seafood platter was amazing, lots of food, scallops were to die for, only suggestion is that crabcakes need Old Bay (we are Marylanders who are spoiled with some of the best crabcakes ever). All of the fried seafood is not heavily breaded and had great flavor. Seafood pasta was a little bland, also needed some Old Bay. Blackened shrimp salad was good & wished for more shrimp, lol. Nobody had room for dessert but wished we did. Prices are comparable to most other restaurants in the area. Wondered why there were not more clam options considering the name of the restaurant (fried clam strip dinner would be a good plus to the menu).The only real disappointment was that snow crab legs were on the menu but they had none, maybe add "when available" or "call for availability". We will...