The Sauce Italian Kitchen & Bar — Restaurant in Pooler

The hostess and one of the servers were very flustered when we came in. To the point that when we walked in and were standing mere feet in front of them they both made eye contact with us but didn't offer any type of greeting. We stood there for about 5 or 6 minutes while they were presumably working something out with their table seating chart. Then the poor little overwhelmed hostess apologized and sat us. The bruschetta and caprese salad were very good. The manicotti was okay and the Bolognese was flavorful. The braised short rib ravioli was a huge let down. Felt and tasted like the frozen I've bought for my home and the sauce was lackluster. My biggest regret was the lemon garlic penne. The 'sauce' was literally lemon water with garlic cloves. You could tell there was no butter, no wine reduction, no herbs, not even a pinch of salt to finish it off. The tiramisu was good but heavier on the coffee than most I've had. The limoncello mascarpone cake was very good! I would skip the Smoky Maple old fashioned which is upsetting as that is one of my most favorite drinks but there was something missing. The espresso Martini was really wonderful. Our server was nice but not as knowledgeable and engaging as I would have liked. We weren't offered the bread and oil at the beginning of the meal and I asked for a protein in one of my pastas three times and the pasta came without it. She seemed experienced and kind but maybe like the day had weighed on her. Aesthetically the vibe is really cool, but the semi 'low-key' dance music that they have bumping throws the feel off a little bit. Probably wouldn't return until they've had a little more time to settle into the shift from being Level Up or maybe would just go with the...

I rarely write reviews, but I felt compelled to share our disappointing experience. My girlfriend made reservations here weeks in advance for my birthday, which was not acknowledged by our waitress—not a huge deal on its own, but it set the tone for the evening. We ordered a whiskey sour and one of their mules. Sadly, the whiskey sour was undrinkable, and the mule was far from enjoyable. When I politely mentioned the issue with my drink and requested a beer instead, the waitress rudely grilled me about why I didn’t like it. She then sent another waitress to bring the beer, and we overheard her speaking negatively about us to the hostess. This was deeply unprofessional and left us feeling unwelcome. At this point, we decided to leave. While the management apologized and promised someone would follow up, the only communication we received was a very short email acknowledging they’re a new restaurant and inviting us back. There was no meaningful resolution offered. With so many fantastic restaurants in Pooler, this place has a long way to go before being competitive. I hope they take this as an opportunity to improve their customer experience, professionalism, and drinks menu.

Update : they never once offered to remake our drink and clearly missed the entire point of the review. As far as offering to comp our entire meal we only had drinks and they refused to let us pay . We didn’t even eat at this establishment now offering a gift card and inviting us back to actually eat would have been the...

A Culinary Delight Worth Savoring

Dining at The Sauce is nothing short of a refined experience, where impeccable service meets culinary artistry. From the moment you step through the doors, you are enveloped in an ambiance that seamlessly blends elegance with warmth—soft lighting, tasteful décor, and an inviting atmosphere that sets the stage for an unforgettable meal.

The menu is a masterpiece, each dish a testament to the chef’s dedication to quality and creativity. Whether indulging in the delicate balance of flavors in the vodka spicy pasta (my fav) or savoring the richness of the expertly crafted Alfredo , every bite is a revelation. The ingredients are fresh, the presentation impeccable, and the flavors harmoniously layered to delight the palate.

Beyond the cuisine, the service is a hallmark of excellence. Attentive without being intrusive, the staff anticipates every need with grace and professionalism, ensuring a seamless dining experience. Pair this with a thoughtfully curated wine list and decadent desserts, and you have an evening that lingers in your memory long after the last course.

The Sauce is not just a place to eat—it is a destination for those who appreciate the artistry of fine Italian dining. Whether for a romantic evening, a celebratory gathering, or simply a moment of indulgence, it exceeds expectations at every turn.

A true gem, deserving of every accolade. Way to go Pooler! ~ Shoutout to...