The District Eatery Tap & Barrel — Restaurant in Sanford

I have never in my life been treated so poorly in such an establishment. I think all these 5 star reviews must be from friends or locals because me and my husband’s experience was absolutely terrible. Several months ago we came to try them out as an option to host our wedding rehearsal dinner there. We came on a Saturday at 4pm. Luckily it was 4:00 exactly because the door proclaimed new hours that they open at 4 and close at 10 or 11, which was not posted online. That was fine, we went inside and there was one woman at the bar and one small group of 4 at one table and nobody else in the entire restaurant. We asked the boy at the host stand if we could be seated for a table of two and he became nervous and unsure. He said he would have to ask his manager(??). My husband and I were very confused…until we curiously noticed that every table had a tiny “reserved” sign on it. Weird, they just opened. The manager came up and we asked her again if there was anything available. This manager was the rudest woman I’ve ever met. She acted as if we didn’t belong in her restaurant. She was dismissive and claimed she was “booked all day” and weirdly offered us a table only to say right after that she needed it in 30 minutes. We should have just left right then, but for some reason we still wanted to try the place. We looked out the window and asked if we could sit outside, as they had outdoor patio seating. The manager looked at us and reluctantly said “I guess so…” So we sat outside and waited for a server. The server did not come for another 25 minutes or so. We asked if we could see someone to talk to about possibly holding our rehearsal dinner. The same manager was brought out again. And again, this woman acted like she didn’t want our business and made us feel very unwelcome. It was like she was looking down on us for not being locals or something. We were having a rehearsal of about 20 people and when we asked her if that was possible she started giving excuses that she would need to hire more staff, they haven’t finished the expansion yet, they were apparently always busy every single Saturday, and then told us in a nasty tone that something like that would cost us “Several thousand dollars”. What kind of a response is that? She couldn’t even give us an actual number as if she doesn’t know how to run her business. She acted like we weren’t good enough for her restaurant and did not want our business. Now, my husband and I were trying to be polite and listened to what she had to say, so we figured since we were there already we would still order even though we clearly were not going to host there. The prices of the food were outrageous for what they were. Practically $15 for a Caesar salad? The food took forever to come out to us even though we only had salads. We were there for over an hour and maybe 5 people went into this “fully booked” restaurant the entire time and every single one of them walked right out 2 minutes later. The salad I got had brown and wilted lettuce. I ordered a water and it tasted like dish soap, like they didn’t rinse it out properly. When I asked for a new glass, the lady looked at me like I was lying to her and didn’t even apologize. I got another water and it didn’t taste like soap. We felt like we were left outside to be forgotten lol. It took a long time to get the check as well.

It’s pretty clear to me that this manager does not know how to run her business properly and is pretty much discriminating against her customers if they are not from the town. Even while we were asking her questions about possibly GIVING HER BUSINESS, she let some man walking down the sidewalk with his dog interrupt us to have a small chat! I was just absolutely amazed by how poorly we were treated and the restaurant isn’t even good anyway. Yet she acts like she serves the royals. I would never come back here ever again and I strongly advise anyone else to never go here unless you live in Sanford because that’s the only way you will be treated...

My recent return to the District was nothing short of a culinary renaissance. Walking into the familiar yet always invigorating atmosphere, I was immediately enveloped by the warm, inviting ambiance that had drawn me in times before. The experience was heightened by the exquisite "Nawlins Style Sea Bass & Crawfish," a masterpiece priced at $29. This dish is a testament to the chef's finesse, avoiding the common overzealous blackening often seen elsewhere. The Branzino's perfectly crisped exterior gave way to tender, flaky flesh, married flawlessly with succulent crawfish. The Andouille grit cake was a revelation, its rich, spicy notes creating a harmonious dance with the subtle sweetness of roasted peppers and the tangy zing of artichoke hearts and capers. The lemon cream sauce was the pièce de résistance, adding a luxurious, creamy finish that elevated the dish to new heights.

The thoughtfulness in the kitchen was evident in the detail of deshelling the crawfish beforehand, a gesture of culinary courtesy that allowed for uninterrupted enjoyment of the dish.

Venturing next to the "Red Crab Arrabiata," also competitively priced at $29, this dish featured plump, sweet red lump crab ensconced in a bold Calabrian chili sauce. The vine-ripe tomato confit added a depth of flavor, and the fire-roasted tomato sauce enveloped the perfectly al dente pappardelle in a warm, comforting embrace. While delicious, it was clear that the Sea Bass was the true culinary showstopper, a dish that transcended the ordinary and entered the realm of the extraordinary.

Service was exemplary, complementing the food's high standards. Attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely friendly, the staff ensured our dining experience was seamless and memorable. For those planning a visit, heed this advice: make a reservation to avoid disappointment. While the outside seating offers its own charm under the starlit Sanford sky, the indoor ambiance is a key part of the overall experience.

In summary, my return to this Sanford gem has rekindled my passion for its culinary offerings. The Sea Bass, in particular, stands out as a dish not just to be eaten, but to be experienced and savored. It's a dish that beckons me back, and I eagerly anticipate my next visit. For anyone in search of a dining experience that combines exquisite flavors, impeccable service, and a warm, inviting atmosphere, look no further than this downtown...

I want to support Sanford businesses because I live here, but don't think I will go back. Five of us went, and very limited wine list and menu overall. I had heard they had expanded their menu and the space, but they have not. The mussels appetizer was very good, but it went downhill from there. Two of us ordered trout, and two ordered the filet cooked medium. One ordered the braised short ribs. We also ordered two wedge salads to split between four of us. The entrees were delivered about 15 minutes later, and when I said we had not received our salads yet the young lady that brought out the filets said, "but your food is ready.". Our young male waiter walked up, and when I told him we had not received our salads yet, he looked a little bewildered and then said "I thought you wanted them with your meal". Yeah, right. One of my friends said we would take the entrees because we presumed they would just put them under a heat lamp. We cancelled the salads. The trout was very good, but the filets were both overcooked and were medium well to well depending on what part of the filet you cut into. I've had the short ribs before, and while they were okay, they were harder and slightly dry compared to the last time. The Twix creme brulee was more like pudding as it was not firm at all. Overall, for $330, which included $50 tip, one beer, one glass of wine, two Sanford Smash and one bottle of their only (cheaper) Chardonnay it didn't seem worth it. When you're dining at a restaurant that is supposed to be a step above your typical restaurant, you want a pleasant meal with good and efficient service. The waiter was a nice, young man, but I hate when a restaurant messes up the timing. It's right up there with bringing the appetizer immediately before or after the entree. I also hate when the chef doesn't know how to cook a steak to the proper temperature. Will this ruin my life? No, but still disappointing and don't know that I'll go back....ever. Thank you though for getting rid of the $10 metal chairs that seem to be in many restaurants and bars. The blue light special must have been back in style about...