Spanky's River Street — Restaurant in Savannah

This incident occurred on 05/24/2020. My family of 7 arrived at the restaurant at 2:00pm and was told there was a waiting list with a 1 & 1/2 hour wait. We thought “Ok, no problem, we’re very hungry yet so we don’t mind waiting”. My wife signed us up, and was told we would receive a text message when our table was ready. The host told my wife that once we receive the text message, we would have 10 minutes to arrive back at the restaurant, which we agreed.

We were added to the waiting list and left the location to continue our walk down River St. My 5 year old needed a restroom. We found one but it had a very long line outside. At 2:25pm (25 minutes after we put our name on the waiting list with a 1 & 1/2 hour wait time), my wife received a text that our table was ready. So I left my wife and daughter in the line for the restroom and immediately ran to the restaurant to let them know we were ready.

When I walked in, there was a man at the host/hostess station. I gave him my wife’s name, and told him we received a text that our table was ready. IMMEDIATELY, he’s just got a bad attitude. His kind of had a smirk and said “Well is everyone here?”......”Um, no sir, my wife just received the text like 1 minute ago so I ran down here. They’re in line at the restroom”. He said, “Well I can’t sit you if everyone in your party isn’t here, I’ll have to give your table to another family” Stunned, I just shook my head, and walked outside to text my wife. I told her to hurry, and be sure to make it within the 10 minute time limit they told us we had or he’s going to give our table away. My wife said they were done at the restroom and were on the way. I then stepped back in to wait for my family. I didn’t say a word to anyone (there were many other people standing in this area waiting also). Then the man that I spoke with came walking around the corner of the bar. He saw me and said “Well? Are they here?”...I’m baffled at this point because obviously I’m standing there by myself. I responded “No sir, they are not here. They are on the way. Don’t we have 10 minutes to arrive after we got the text?” He said “yea, 10 minutes”. Then, he kind of rolled his eyes, looked back at the computer and said “actually, it’s only 6 minutes now”. I said “Sir, obviously some time has passed since we received the text, my question was, DON’T WE HAVE 10 MINUTES FROM THE TIME YOU TEXT US TO SHOW UP?” He then says to me “This ain’t no argument, I’m just letting you know how long you have”. I said “Well I didn’t come in here to ask you any questions so you can just stop talking to me now”...

When I told him to quit talking to me, he smacked his lips and tried to get loud and said “Oh ok then! I’ll just take you off the list all together, no problem!” as he walked over and started tapping on the computer screen. Now, he’s got my blood BOILING... I don’t know this man from a stranger on the street corner and honestly could care less. I said OUT LOUD, “I BET THAT DONT HAPPEN, you’ll have to personally take me out of here yourself”.

Cowardly, he then begins to mumble under his breath and finally walks away (luckily for him or he may have been laid out unconscious on the floor). I then stepped back outside where I could saw my family in sight and on their way. They arrived (within the 10 min.time limit), my wife walked in, a nice lady was now standing at hostess station. We gave her our name and was promptly taken to our table. Our waitress and food was fantastic. I never got the mans name but I have his photo.

As a retired Army Veteran, this Memorial Day vacation almost ended bad for a total stranger. If I had his name, it could still end up that way. I’ve had bad service before but never have i been pushed to the point of wanting to physically put my hands on a worker (Especially a “HOST”). If any member of management would like more info, please let me know. This man was totally UNPROFESSIONAL and almost cost your restaurant over $100 in food we spent and...

I’ve been coming to Spanky’s on River Street for over 40 years — since I was 17 and living in Hinesville. Every time I visit Savannah, I make it a point to stop by Spanky’s. It’s been a tradition for decades, and I’ve always loved the fried vegetables, especially as a vegetarian.

I was in town from Augusta tonight and couldn’t wait to enjoy them again. I’ve never had an issue ordering the veggie platter without mushrooms (which I can’t eat). In the past, they’ve always been accommodating — sometimes substituting with more zucchini or just leaving the mushrooms out, which is perfectly fine by me.

But tonight was different. After waiting a while for service (they weren’t very busy — maybe five tables), a young server finally approached, and when I asked for the mushrooms to be removed, she immediately and bluntly told me, “We can’t take the mushrooms out.” I explained that it’s never been an issue in all these years, and she just repeated “OK, OK” and walked away. She eventually returned and confirmed again that they wouldn’t remove the mushrooms.

I didn’t want to argue — I just asked to pay for my drink and leave. She told me not to worry about the drink, which I appreciate, but overall, the experience was disappointing. I’m not asking for anything complicated — just a simple omission. If they’ve changed how they prepare the dish or now use pre-mixed veggies, I understand. But the way it was handled lacked the courtesy and care I’ve come to associate with this place.

It saddens me to say this, but after four decades of loyalty, tonight left me unsure if I’ll be back. I hope management takes this as helpful feedback and looks at how small acts of accommodation — and kindness — can make a huge difference to...

This restaurant was raved about by so many fellow GS troops, we made sure to put it first thing in our itinerary. After driving 6 hours with our group of 30, we made sure Spanky's was a priority. Early in the week we tried to call ahead to let them know our group was coming, they didn't care and said it's First come first served. We called all morning in the 2 hours leading up to our arrival- and the phone call was never answered. When we got there and told them the size of our group- they turned us away. Meanwhile there was a large enough space to fit us, a few of our girls saw when they used the restroom. The website says takeout available, just call ahead. So that wasn't an option since they didn't answer the phone. I asked the hostess to go ahead and call their restaurant on her phone and she was too upset with me to prove their phone "worked". We walked out to make a plan, sent one of our leaders in to order a family meal to go, and they responded with "we've turned off to-go orders". Additionally once our group was out, they locked the door when we walked past. I was rudely told to go somewhere else since there's "6,000 of "you people"" here this weekend. Not sure how they get the count of Girl Scouts in town for a weekend. But we happily took our $400 and party of 30 right up Lizzy's which I highly recommend, for their accommodating, and prompt service. Spanky's did not want us there, and they were not helpful...