Sunset Grill and Beach Bar — Restaurant in Saint Petersburg

We dine at Sunset Grill at least 2-4 times a month. This was the first time we went here at 6pm on a Friday night. Before I begin, I must say that the food has been perfect every single time. Every waiter or waitress that we have had the pleasure to serve us has been wonderful. The atmosphere, especially at sunset will make everyone stop and enjoy the beautiful sunset across the bay. Some people will leave their food to walk out to the pier to record the sunset. There is no better place to enjoy the food, friends, live music, free valet parking, validated parking, the best key lime pie in the area, and friendly staff.

But...

Always a "but..."

They implement runners during really crowded times. This usually means the processes improve and customer service becomes more efficient. In this case, the runners are focused on what they want to be focused on...and that is just getting food to the tables...minus the extra napkins, silverware, condiments, refills, missing food items, etc. Fries get cold when I plan to eat them with ketchup. Waiting on a fork so I can eat my food as it gets cooler. The waitress finally caught on that whatever was missing, she had to bring it. One runner, realized that he'd forgotten when he looked me in the eyes as he averted his glance elsewhere to act like he didn't see me (as I watched him from a long ways out as he passed me). No worries. I caught my waitress and she went to grab my silverware. Then they both came back out with silverware. Really, there were no issues or ranting on anyone's part. It was starting to become comical really. The manager was walking around, and we were able to get her to find ketchup. It was funny because the set of condiments she brought to our table had an empty ketchup bottle. 🤣😊😆😂

The manager had one of our guests' meals replaced as it had gotten cold in the process. As we have been dining here for a couple years now, I must say, this is a first by any means anywhere I have experienced this type of dining event.

But check this out... everyone has a bad day (or night) at some point. Their record has been superb up until that Friday night.

I'd suggest, a positive motivation and see who can get customers to mention them by name.

Maybe a challenge for the customers to see who can eat their Crabby Patty (Combo of Angus Burger, Crab-stuffed Portabella Mushroom with their Signature Cusabi Slaw, Pepper Jack Cheese, and Remoulade sauce) with a side of their Fries, and a liter of something to drink. If they can finish it in a 20 minute setting, they can get their picture on the Wall of Fame and a slice of the best House-made Key Lime Pie in Central Florida and a mug that says Sunset Grill and Beach Bar. If they don't, they get their name on the Wall of Shame! Shoot! To join the challenge, add the price of a mug. You can't put a price on Bragging Rights... 😆

It really is a fun place for the whole family. I recommend Sunset Grill, but if it's packed, bring your sense of humor and enjoy the atmosphere. You'll still have a good time because the food and atmosphere is...

I will never come here again! PERIOD!

I used to rent a condo in Little Harbour, and every time I was in town we ate here multiple times. When I moved to Sun City Center permanently, I looked forward to coming back. Man am I sorry I did.

I don't know if they changed owners or managers but this place has gone to hell in a handbasket. On my previous visit the service was slow and both my appetizers and entree were wrong. The server was nice and corrected both but it took forever to get my order out the 2nd time. I thought maybe it was an off day and I would try it again.

My friends came to visit and I took them here for lunch. There was no hostess or greeter. I had to wander around to find someone. I found a server and he told us to sit anywhere and he would be right out. 30 minutes later he brought us a menus that were filthy. Food caked on the menus and menu had sticky something. GROSS! I asked my friends if they wanted to go somewhere else but they were hungry and opted to stay. Big mistake.

10 minutes after getting our menus he took our drink order. We were ready to order food, but he told us he wanted to get our drink order in. It took him 20 minutes to return with our drinks and take our food order.

After 40 minutes of waiting for our food, I asked our server to cancel the food and I just wanted to pay for the drinks and leave. He said our order was up, and he would bring it right out. 10 minutes later her brought our food. We had to ask for silverware, catsup, and mustard. WTH?

The really sad part is the menu is awesome and the food is amazing, but the service is beyond horrible. When I asked to speak to a manager our server claimed the manager was not available. Not once did he apologize for the long waits, the disgusting food crusted menu, or the 2 hours it took from the time we sat down until we got our food.

I realize this is a vacation resort, and that people are here to relax, but even my friends on vacation said they could have found a better way to spend 3 hours than sitting at a lunch table.

I have friends visit me monthly, and they always want to eat out while they are here. Next time we will spend our time and money at either Circles in Apollo Beach or Hooks in Little Harbour... Right next to the Sunset Grill.

BTW before writing this review I attempted to call and email the manager and as of 2 weeks after my last attempt, I have not heard back. That shows me why this place has gone so...

Listen, I’ve been to a LOT of restaurants in my life. I’ve had good servers, bad servers, and a few that made me question my life choices. But last night, I had the privilege—the honor—of being served by the undisputed, undefeated, reigning champion of food service: Abby.

Let me make one thing clear: Abby is a top 3 server of all time, and she’s NOT number 2 or 3. She’s the Michael Jordan of waitstaff, the Beyoncé of the beverage industry, the Tom Brady of taking orders (minus the questionable retirement comebacks).

From the moment we sat down, we knew we were in for a legendary experience. Before we could even glance at the menu, Abby materialized out of thin air like a hospitality ninja, greeting us with the perfect balance of enthusiasm and chill. She didn’t just ask what we wanted to drink—she somehow already knew what we needed, like a hydration psychic. Water glasses? Never empty. Napkins? Magically appeared before we could even ask.

And let’s talk about her timing. Abby had the precision of a NASA launch engineer. She checked in just the right amount—never intrusive, never MIA. It was like she had a sixth sense for exactly when we needed her. Food taking a little long in the kitchen? Abby was already on it, probably whispering sweet nothings to the chef to speed things up.

Her menu knowledge? Impeccable. She described each dish with the confidence of someone who had personally harvested the ingredients that morning. We were so impressed that we asked for recommendations, and let me tell you—Abby does not miss. Every dish she suggested was a home run. At one point, I considered just letting her pick my entire meal, my future career path, and possibly my retirement plan.

But what really sets Abby apart is the vibes. She wasn’t just a server—she was a mood booster, a day-maker, a five-star experience in human form. By the end of the night, we weren’t just full—we were emotionally fulfilled. If this restaurant was a basketball team, Abby would be the MVP, the coach, and the entire starting lineup.

So, to anyone reading this: If you ever have the chance to sit in Abby’s section, consider yourself blessed. You’re about to experience greatness. To the restaurant management: Protect Abby at all costs. Give her a raise. Name a menu item after her. Build a statue in the lobby. She’s not just the best server of the night—she’s the best server of all time.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Would give 100 stars...