Sharky's Place — Restaurant in Raleigh

Review of my first time eating at this establishment. Last night, 11/28/2021.

No diversity. Lack of respect for guests.

My fiancé owns a successful smoke shop that sells LEGAL CBD products to individuals who struggle with mental illness, such as severe anxiety, and other issues that require relaxation. So, of course I smell like those products after being in the shop a few minutes before. I went to PICK UP food for dinner. Not sit. I was in the restaurant for ten minutes MAX. I stayed multiple feet away from others, because I am aware that the smell of CBD can be somewhat strong. After signing the receipt and preparing to provide a nice tip for the kind service, the bartender (larger man, purple shirt) had the audacity to mention that I need to “spray next time” because I “stink”.

As someone who managed a restaurant for years before pursuing Criminal Justice and Social Work, and now being the fiancé of a store owner, I gained the understanding that not everything is meant to be mentioned or discussed, especially in regards to guests. I was not bothering anyone. The smell could not have bothered other guests. As stated earlier, I was multiple feet away from other guests (at the end of the bar, closest to the front door) and was there to PICK UP ONLY. Thus, the bartender mentioned my scent because he felt like it. It was so unnecessary, extremely uncouth, and very unprofessional. You never know what guest you will have in your restaurant. You never know how they could add to your life or benefit the store. You never know who another guest may know. You should always choose to be kind, as well as pick and choose battles. You never know who you are turning away, even with a few words.

You can read the responses from the owner to comments that provide negative reviews. UNPROFESSIONAL. NO CLASS. I will be contacting a few of my colleagues in order to further discuss and address this.

Left no tip. Never going back. Encouraging others to find somewhere else to eat, especially if you are someone who values customer service that exceeds expectations.

The food did not compensate for the terrible and inconsiderate customer service, by the way. It was average.

Choose...

If you're looking for a pool tournament to play in, don't waste your time trying this place. Food is ok, and it is hard to ruin a scotch on the rocks. But the "pool tournament" is complete garbage! $25 for a "double elimination" 9 ball tournament that you get knocked out of if you lose your second match. You can call push AT ANY TIME during the game, and if you make the 9 on the break, it spots...wtf? Meanwhile, the owners son who's running it is also playing because there are not enough people. You would think that as a business that makes money on people spending money INSIDE their establishment, they'd want to extend the 7 player tournament as long as possible... right? I mean, I would have had another 2-3 scotch on the rocks before I left, but instead, I lost my second match to their much better house player, and I'm out of the tournament.

What they are really doing, though, is padding the tournament for their 2 decent shooting house players who miraculously had to play each other first. The owner spots the player' entry fee right in front of us saying "yea I got you, dont worry about it." One loses to the other in record time and goes to the loser side where he is beating everyone. The other knocks me out in my second match. With 7 players, you knock out 4 with this BS almost instantly, and boom, your 2 house players are in the money without even paying an entry fee. The name is sharkys for a reason, folks. It's been here a while for a reason, folks. Being new here and as an avid player around the triangle area with my wife, they could have had a $100-$150 a week client with us and I will show my bank statement to prove it. I shoot pool 3-4 nights a week and spend $40- $70 every single time. But I will make sure every person I talk to about playing pool here knows the scam they...

So where do I begin? Boredom had me pull out a pool stick that was in my closet for 30 years. Googling where to play pool nearby and Sharky’s Place was Googles choice. Yay for me! My first pool playing took place at 11:00am that day. The rest is history! I am a regular and have been loyal to Sharky’s for the last 12 weeks. Best decision I have made regarding my life since I moved to NC.

They have 4 pool tables for your pool playing enjoyment. The atmosphere is just perfect. There are multiple tv’s around the bar area and a few in the back of the pool hall. There is a Juke Box where you can pick the music you enjoy. Just bring a wallet filled with singles. Dart Boards are here for your enjoyment too!

Now let us talk about the food. It is hard to resist ordering something from the menu. My favorite meal is the Chicken Teriyaki Rice Bowl. I love their chicken sandwich, hamburger and pizza. They have altered a meal for me as I am watching my weight. Love this place. It is my 2nd home.

Time to talk about the best part! The staff and owner are awesome! These people have added so much to my life! They are some of the nicest people I have met in Raleigh, NC. They made me feel at home right away! Randy, the owner, and his son have given me great tips to improve my pool game. The patrons are super nice too. If they can they offer suggestions to improve my pool game or root you on for a great shot.

All in all, Sharky’s is a great place to play pool, eat and socialize. Pool is only $4.00 an hour per person. Just give it a try. I stand by my review. You will love your time at Sharky’s. Just do not love it so much that you take up all the pool tables so I cannot do my thing! lol

Thank you to all the staff for what you do! Cheers to French for making me my...