Splendid Shabu — Restaurant in Pooler

My family has been in Pooler for over 13 years, and we've always gone to the same restaurants every week 2-3 times a week, depending on the week. Because we knew what to expect from them. So this year we decided to try all the restaurants in Pooler that we always pass by to find our next favorite. Today was my birthday and my 3 girls voted on which new restaurant to try. And they decided on Spendid Shabu. They super excited since they love soups and vegetables. My eldest made reservations which were obviously not needed since there was only one other table seated. And server looked at us like she didn't know what a reservation was. We sit down anywhere and she brings menus that have the 6 crossed out and replaced with a 5 for the 18% gratuity. We are an African American family of 5. Disappointing, I would've left if my girls hadn't picked it out. So I didn't make it a big deal. Server says what do you want to drink?. We then have to ask for the dirty drink menu to see what's available. Order $20 in drinks and when she comes back I feel like she more attentive and suggestive with food menu. Maybe because I was taking pictures of menu and drinks???. Make sure they explain the sharing portion, that was clear until bill came and all we saved from her suggestion was $3. Kids could've just gotten own meal. She upsold us to more chicken that we didn't even need for kids. Inside is small but not in a bad way, parking is limited. Never had bubble tea before, so still unsure if it was served correctly, Slightly warm with ice. Overall server was nice, food was good. But because of the gratuity situation will not be back. It truly felt like they thought we weren't tippers. My husband and I both worked at a fine dining restaurant downtown for over 15 years each. We always start our tip at 30% and adjust up or down from that based on service and food. Our minimum is still 20% even if it's not the best overall. So she cheated herself there. 50 % tip is usually to regular servers at our usual restaurants. Also, be ready for 4% fee for using your CC. They need to add sanitizer to sauce station. People come in, sit, and Noone washes hands before touching handles, just a suggestion. Add an updated menu online. There were itleast 3 menus posted from customers, but one in restaurant is $4 more...

I have been coming here for years. It had been a minute since my last visit but I wanted it so I order to go. The prices have gone up slightly which I did not mind. But I feel like they were being dishonest.

MY ISSUE was my price kept changing. When I order my food the lady told me $67. I go to the car to get my card I forgot and came back to another woman telling me it was $72. I said ok. But when I checked my signature ticket it said $75. I ordered 3 orders usually it’s about $60. I’m like why does my price keep going up? May I see my order ticket? She said the other lady didn’t add tax, I’m like tax is not almost $10. Then she says oh it’s a credit card fee too.

Just a suggestion, your customers come into your establishment to spend good money. You won’t spend less than $20. Why can y’all not pay for the credit card fee??? Even most stores keep it at a $5 minimum for the credit card fee. As a customer buying over $70 It’s just tacky to me.

Also my broth was not filled as it usually is. When I got home my husband said that’s it!?!? It seems like this restaurant is cutting corners and wants customers to pay more prices for the adjustment. Just tacky.

Food is always good tho. I haven’t found another place that sells the lamb pho. Just tell me my price the first time & I won’t feel like your being dishonest. I would gladly tip. & post that you charge credit card fee. Don’t just surprise customers...

I went to have pho for dinner but they don’t have a veggie pho option only beef, chicken and seafood. I ask the server if they couldn’t make me one and she said no so I ask for only shrimp and she said yes they could do that but it was going to be with beef broth in which I ask again if that was the only option she said yes. (I was not happy with it but was hungry and didn’t want to go anywhere else, also raining) so I agree to get a shrimp pho then I proceeded to asked if I could get a side of bok choy and mushrooms I didn’t mind paying extra but she said no because that doesn’t come with the pho and that not how you eat it. So I just got whatever she wanted to give me technically. The pho itself was good I just didn’t agree with not being able to get what you want even by paying extra and fyi I’m not picky I just follow a plant based lifestyle and try to stick to it as much as possible but if you are vegan they don’t have a pho for you just so that you know in advanced. They do have a good variety on the hot pot but I didn’t like that they charge for every item you order you pay a separate price and some are overpriced unlikely the other hot pot places I been at they charge a price for doing hot pot and you get everything you want with it at no additional cost. The experience was ok would I go back probably not since I can’t get what I want and they’re not customizable...