Uncle Ernie's — Restaurant in Panama City

It sucks that I even have to make such a review, however with the experience that my mom and I had tonight. I will never be going back and also recommend you stay far away from this place. To start the evening my mom and I arrived to enjoy a small dinner as we both just finished with work for the day. Upon entering the restaurant we were seated. Then shortly after, we had our drink order taken and ordered an appetizer of calamari. After our drinks arrived we ordered a salad & a bowl of soup that was the special for today. Up until the point at which our main courses arrived, I would rate the service a 3-4 out of 10. Now when my mother's salad arrived it was a tomato sliced into 5 pieces and Mozzarella cheese sliced, with a drizzle over the top. Keep in mind before ordering the salad we both asked the waitress twice what the course would look like and what to expect, and she thoroughly swore that it was a salad with lettuce, etc. basically a standard salad. However, it was not. So she proceeded to tell the gentleman who brought the food out that the salad was not as described and she would eat the side order of chicken she received but did not want the tomatoes and cheese, lol. He said okay then took it back. Shortly after the woman who claimed to be the manager named Summer came to our table and had an attitude right off the bat and started being very unprofessional and making claims as if we were not going to pay for the food. When we were only trying to resolve the matter and inform her that the food was not as described and did not meet our expectations therefor we did not want it. However, she proceeds to go to the back and bring back a to-go box and the check and throw both items in front of my face while standing over me. Then she sat in the corner within 1 foot of me and was acting childish demanding I pay the bill immediately. I felt uncomfortable by how close she was so I told her to please be at least six feet away from me and allow me to enjoy my meal. Then she proceeds to move about 6 feet away from and and lean up against the table beside us and continue to demand that I pay the bill immediately. Instead of allowing us to finish our dinner at least the part that was appealing. She continued to sit there for several minutes making threats to call the cops etc. even after I showed her the physical cash that would cover the bill. I welcomed her to call the cops because I would be more than glad to discuss my concerns about being harassed while we tried to finish our meal and showed her the physical money to cover it despite her not removing the "salad" from the bill because "then had money invested in the dish" Keep in mind it was a tomato and cheese are you serious. We felt profiled and treated differently because we didn't buy there overpriced high-value items and were not dressed to impress. I say this because I have been here before on a date night with my wife in the past and had a great experience and dropped over 175 dollars for 2. I will never be back and I do not recommend going to this restaurant either if you value service and food. There are much more affordable and polite restaurants to visit in the area but Uncle Ernie's is just not one. Kudos to McDonalds for real.

PS: the bill was only...

Uncle Ernie's Restaurant on the water is a hidden gem that promises an exceptional dining experience. Located right by the water's edge, this charming establishment offers not only breathtaking views but also a culinary journey that will leave your taste buds delighted. Uncle Ernie's Restaurant also has a unique and personal touch when it comes to decor. The walls are adorned with family photographs that tell the story of their journey throughout the years. This personal touch adds warmth and a sense of connection to the restaurant, making you feel like you're part of the family.

It's important to note that Uncle Ernie's does not take reservations. While this might mean a bit of a wait during busy times, it's a testament to the restaurant's popularity. The wait, however, is well worth it, as it gives you more time to soak in the ambiance and enjoy the scenic surroundings while anticipating the delicious meal to come.

One of the highlights of dining at Uncle Ernie's is their amazingly flavorful bread and dipping oil. The bread is a warm and inviting start to your meal, with a perfect balance of a crisp crust and a soft interior. What truly sets it apart, however, is the dipping oil. Infused with a harmonious blend of herbs, garlic, and just a touch of spice, it's a taste revelation. The oil elevates the bread to a level of culinary delight that's hard to beat.

Beyond the outstanding bread and dipping oil, the menu at Uncle Ernie's is a testament to their commitment to culinary excellence. Fresh seafood, perfectly grilled steaks, and an array of delectable dishes cater to diverse palates. Each dish is expertly crafted and bursting with flavors.

The ambiance is another reason to visit. The soothing sounds of the water, the scenic views, and the attentive service all contribute to an unforgettable dining experience.

Uncle Ernie's Restaurant on the water is more than just a dining destination; it's a culinary voyage. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a memorable meal, this restaurant should be at the top of your list. And don't forget to savor that incredibly flavorful bread and dipping oil—it's the perfect start to a remarkable dining adventure.

So, whether you're drawn by the heartfelt decor or the promise of a memorable dining experience, Uncle Ernie's Restaurant on the water is a must-visit for those seeking a blend of fantastic food, personal charm, and a touch of...

Update: pretty sure the hostess put something in my cousins water after overhearing my cousin complain about her. She said her water tasted like something was wrong and it was clearly a different color from mine. She was up all night & very ill, but no one else in our party of 8 got sick. I am so disappointed in uncle Earnie’s and unfortunately our family won’t be going back.

LOVE uncle Earnie’s! Came here many times as a kid and was happy when they rebuilt after the hurricane. BEST mozzarella sticks ever, but honestly all of their food is amazing. Atmosphere and views are great and we’ve always had amazing servers.

Honestly, the only downside of this place is the head hostess (a tiny brunette with a middle part, beady eyes, and an earpiece) - she’s been awful to us now twice this month. Just rude and snarky and not good at her job. Weird, because all of their other employees are fantastic. She tried sitting six people at a four top and said “you’re the first party who’s ever had an issue” when we asked for a bigger table. (Clearly not true just by reading the reviews which consistently mention the hostesses). Tonight they were able to sit our party of eight right away, but realistically they just made us awkwardly wait in the lobby for 20 minutes while they were getting our table ready. I’d rather they take our name and text us when it’s ready rather than squeeze eight people in front of the hostess stand. Four hostesses were working and it was chaos. We finally got seated by the head hostess who had been “prepping” our table, and one seat was completely cut off from the other seven because she pushed our tables together around a pole. I basically sat alone, cut off from the rest of my family. The server (who was great!) apologized as soon as he noticed and said he’d never seen a table be sat like this before. Also, I said “thank you” to the hostess when she slammed my menu down in front of me, she ignored me. Clearly, the head hostess needs to rethink her choice of a job. Being friendly and organized is all it really takes. I’ve never had a hostess warrant a bad review like this in my life. Otherwise,...