Lighthouse Sports Bar — Restaurant in North Carolina

Review for takeout order -

Our first time vacationing in Buxton, and we needed some dinner... We thought we would come here but upon entering it was clear this was mostly a bar, with some bar-height tables set up to eat. There was a single person taking food orders, and a single bartender. The place was pretty full, so they were both very overworked and had little time to look in our direction. We ordered our food online from their website. It was to take 35 minutes which seemed reasonable, buy with how busy they looked, I was doubtful. I tried to call them before I went to pick up the food to make sure it was actually ready, but their "voice mailbox was full" so they couldn't answer the phone. It was right down the street from where we were staying so I just drove there and there was no one to greet us, not any information as to where to pick up online orders. I tried to get the bartenders attention (the only person there), but he was understandably running around getting drinks for people. Finally I was able to get his attention, and at the same time, I got a text that my food order was read for pickup. Great, I thought! He packed up my order from a small window behind the bar area where prepared food was placed from the kitchen. I got home and realized that one of my orders was missing. So I had to drive back, get his attention again, etc. and thankfully, they said it would be right out. A few minutes later, I got the missing order. The food itself was decent, but the experience was pretty disorganized and confusing. Maybe it was because they were short staffed, but for those reasons I'm...

7/2023: Upon arrival, I was a little surprised by the disorganization of establishment. Wasn’t sure whether to seat ourselves or wait to be seated and we weren’t greeted by anyone…. So, we kind of stood around and then eventually made our way to a table to make our own seating arrangement. The odd part was a couple came in and sat at the bar and was promptly provided menus. So, we weren’t sure if we needed to order at the bar or wait for a server to come to us… after about 15 minutes we were waited on and things were mostly smooth. Waitress did separate the table apart that we sat at to make more tables for other patrons. It’s apparent they were understaffed and busy and I think we did our best to be patient. Appetizers, beverages and entrees were ordered in first pass since we had waited a long duration. Ultimately, everything started to come out odd ended. Entrees before appetizers, sides before meal. I get that it happens, but sometimes a simple acknowledgment of “Hey, welcome in - seat yourself. Short handed, but will be with you in a few.” can go a long way instead of assuming everyone knows protocol. Otherwise, tacos were excellent & loved the chips & salsa. As a Marylander, I salute that they had Old Bay wings...

It's a good place to get a beer when you are on Hatteras and it's open late, the food and wait time ...Not so much. I ordered the "deluxe" grilled cheese for $9 (with turkey) and after 35 minutes, I noticed that people who had come in after me (mostly locals because they knew the staff) had been getting their orders so asked the bartender about it. She went into the back then came out and said that it would be 10 minutes (she forgot). Another 15 minutes passed by and I asked another bartender if I could cancel the sandwich order and just stick with the beer (great selection!); she gave me a strange look and went back to the kitchen. 10 minutes later, the first bartender came out with my sandwich....2 pieces of toasted bread, turkey lunchmeat, a tomato slice and 2 slices of unmelted American cheese. Nothing grilled cheese about it. I ate half and was over it. I have been there on multiple occasions when I visit and alot of improvements have been made to the place along with the great beer selection. Maybe because I dont live there and I'm not local? I'm always courteous and never a difficult customer when I go out. Not a good experience at all...