The Bantam Kitchen — Restaurant in Redding

I really really wanted to love this place and debated even leaving a review. However, we unfortunately are going on two for two on poor experiences here. One was the first time we tried this place in Dec 2021 and then the second one when we decided to give it another try in January 2024.

The first experience- All of the food for our table (a party of 4 adults + one kid) was brought to our table, except for my son’s. Nobody checked on the table until everyone was finished eating, and the server came back to our table to ask how everything was. We all said it was great, but that my son never got his food. By that point, he’d already eaten off of my plate and was no longer hungry. I just wanted her to remove my son’s food from the check and skip it. Instead, she put the order in so we all had to wait longer, and it was placed in a to go box so we could leave. There was no apology, empathy, or accommodation for this. We didn’t even want or need it anymore but we were ignored and still charged for it. Me being someone who does not like confrontation, just paid for it and didn’t complain. The icing on the cake was that when we finally got to it for leftovers, it was literally so overdone that my son couldn’t even eat it. The whole experience was just really disappointing.

The second experience- I grabbed a bite with a few friends and asked for Cajun fries with my food. They brought regular fries and I’m like ok no big deal, regular fries are still good. The server asked if we wanted any dipping sauces, I said ketchup please and my friends said they didn’t need anything so the sever was like ok bet, and didn’t bring the ketchup lol. No big deal, I just ate my food without it. Food was still good, but then we get our checks and I was literally charged an extra $1 for Cajun fries that I didn’t even get. I just didn’t say anything about. We paid, tipped, and went on our way but it was just not a good experience.

So basically, the food is the only reason I’m giving this place 3 stars. Everyone I’ve gone here with have liked their food (with the exception of my son’s chicken). I unfortunately won’t be back but I hope y’all have a better experience...

I’m giving 4 stars even though more went wrong than went right. I hope this feedback can help this place succeed because it has potential. Starting off, my partner and I both ordered a Coke, but the server came back to the table, explaining it was too “watery”. We were given Sprite instead. My partner ordered the shrimp po boy, but was given the catfish po boy. I ordered the catfish and was asked if I wanted ranch dressing with it. I asked for tartar sauce and was told they don’t have tartar sauce. They served it with a remoulade. As a Southern transplant, I love a good remoulade, but that does not go with catfish 🫤. The food came out pretty quickly, but I was disappointed there was only one piece of catfish. In the South, you’d get 2 (minimum) or 3-4 pieces of fish. I didn’t want a meal of mostly fries, so I left hungry (personally, would love to see a side of mac+cheese or a side salad option). Our meal was over $65 for two people and we only got 1/4 of what we ordered. As we ate, our drinks were never refilled and the server never checked on our table again because he seemed to be the only one working. Also worth noting - we sat in the back and the restrooms smelled awful!! I am not advocating for the restaurant to mask the smell with a bunch of air fresheners, but they desperately need to pour some bleach or vinegar down the floor drains to eliminate the mildew. Not a great first impression, but I’d give it another chance because I am always looking for good Southern food in...

A Reason to visit Redding!

Some of the most dazzling shrimp and grits I have ever had, what a surprise of flavors and layers of flavors. I solemnly affirm that I could taste every nuance in the sauce. So much so I needed a spoon to be sure to enjoy every bit of it. Ah. The mac n cheese is as tender, mild and mellow as the shrimp and grits was spicy. A completely opposite taste experience, but right on in both cases. The hush puppies were smooth and tender, the dipping sauce good but not as alluring as the shrimp and grits sauce (see a theme here?). Anyway, a good selection of cold beers accompanies the fun food. Service here is efficient, alert, sincere and colorful. There's a little artsy atmosphere to the place, but only a little. It's tables and chairs and a hard concrete floor that echoes every conversation to the point where on a busy night it can be kinda loud. Don't fret. It's just the energy of the people letting loose after a long day. So put on your fave jeans or a flouncy bohemian dress, maybe wear your dad's baseball cap, and smile as you enter. They'll help you get a table or find a seat at the bar. Order some good grub and talk, laugh, hydrate, and let off steam in a wholesome atmosphere that is absolutely a great Reason to...