Clark's Restaurant — Restaurant in Santee

Food was salty, overcooked, bland, and mostly tasted frozen instead of fresh. I ordered a medium rare top sirloin steak, it came out well done. I mentioned it to the server (named Austin, who was very prompt and cordial) and he took it, apologized and returned with one cooked rare (still not medium rare). I didn't send it back again, although I considered it. For a rare steak it was tender but the taste was somehow lacking. Not juicy. It seemed simultaneously unseasoned yet too salty. Same with the rare filet mignon. I would not be surprised if the steaks were frozen. Spinach casserole tasted like microwaved lean cuisine. The breading on top of the casserole was chewy and soaked in grease. Baked sweet potato was very sweet from a glaze, and not fresh tasting. Steamed vegetables were cooked beyond all recognition - mushy, lifeless, salty. Not crispy or fresh tasting. Boneless bbq pork ribs "special" was indistinguishable from that of any corner pub selling frozen, reheated food. French fries were hot and crispy but tasted frozen, like any battered fries at any chain like Chili's. Atmosphere is dim, dingy, stodgy, dated. Schmaltzy piano music playing over the house speakers. The room, although large and boasting high ceilings, was so dark and stuffy that it felt like being trapped in an airless closet. Closest comparison for decor is the haunted house ride at Disney World. Thick vinyl tablecloth did not match the formality seen elsewhere. In fact nothing really matched. Floral curtains looked like grandma's house. Service was totally fine, although they were evidently forced to wear bow ties. With sneakers. It made for a dated, uptight and pretentious, yet shabby costume. Prices were far in excess of the quality of the food. Most entrees cost above $20 with some well above $30. For those prices I would have expected food that was better than your average truck stop buffet. Outrageous. The specials list was laminated and printed very nicely, suggesting perhaps that the specials never actually change. Lazy kitchen and management. This place could have potential but I will not return unless there are...

This place is beautiful and the Inn is really cute. If it was in the woods or country somewhere I'd love to stay. The restaurant's decor is cute and makes you feel like you're in a bed and breakfast (which I like). The food looked good but lacked taste. They do have a sign out front that they're looking for a cook. My first course was the garden salad with ranch. The salad wasn't anything special. It needed some cracked pepper and some kind of cheese to add flavor. The main course was fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and a side of rice for my daughter. The part of the chicken that had flavor was the skin. When eating the chicken alone it had no flavor. Ugh mashed potatoes are my favorite and they gave me reheated ones. That is so not expected from a place that charged $23 for this meal! I added the gravy to hide the horrible taste. My daughter who's 7 loved the rice. I tried it and guess what...yes no flavor. My meal did come with dessert. I chose the peach crisp which was good. Over all I was not impressed. The prices are high for what you get. I'm very surprised by the high reviews but I think it's because the only other restaurant close by is...

Another delicious meal at Clark's! This was our third visit and I think they keep getting better. Tonight we started with Fried Green Tomatoes because, South Carolina. Who am I kidding - we always start with them! They come with two sauces; kind of a honey mustard which is great and another that it more like a marmalade so we skip it. Love these southern fried creations. I had shrimp and corn chowder that was the best I ever had. Chunks of potato, kernels of corn, bits of shrimp. Accompanied it with the blue cheese and cranberry salad on field greens that also has diced pecans and served with a balsamic dressing. Had it on another visit and it was just as good. My husband had the liver and onions. It came with collard greens and mashed potatoes. I wanted to try it but by the time I looked over, it was gone! I'm guessing it was great. We sat at the bar and had interesting conversation with locals as well as seeing the bartender from December (Lexi) that we liked. Danny was the bartender tonight and happens to be Lexi's brother in law (he made a good drink, too.) Highly recommend this local favorite. P. S. Check out the gift shop while...