Viola & Agnes' — Restaurant in Seabrook

I was eager to try this restaurant because I heard it was nice. When I got there I was really feeling the atmosphere...very chill and inviting. Unfortunately, I was soon disappointed with the rest. I ordered food to go. I ordered gumbo, NOLA Hot Chicken Sandwich and the house special of Sticky Chicken. The gumbo roux was way to strong and dark for my taste. My New Orleans born and raised mother in law's gumbo is way better. The gumbo had full pieces of chicken and a boiled egg in it and only one little piece of blue crab. I've never had it like that that. It also was very greasy. The NOLA Hot Chicken Sandwich was actually very good. It was seasoned well and although a bit greasy, it was crispy. The Sticky Chicken was ok at best. I was told it was the best seller. I don't see why. It was a braised chicken leg with honey drizzled over it. The cornbread was the best! However, although the food was at best a 5 out of 10 stars, my biggest issue was how long it took to get my food. I was told it was going to take a little longer than normal because they were very busy. Ok, I can understand that. What I cannot understand is that it took an hour and a half to get my order without even as much as a "we are sorry for the delay," While waiting, I went to the grocery store, filled my tank with gas, sat in my car and played solitaire for 15 minuets and much more and my food still wasn't ready. At one point my blood sugar started to drop. A very nice waitress gave me a cornbread muffin to munch on. Still no food. I asked a young man that was waiting for his order if it was normal to wait this long. He said he did not know but that he had placed his order over the phone over an hour ago and it still was not ready. I spent over $80 in food there but what is worse, I spent time I can never get back. Bottom line: I am not telling anyone not to dine there. All I am saying is that you better have at least 2 or more hours to just sit there and ponder the meaning of life while they prepare your food. It would be a doable place if they worked on being more efficient. Maybe Gordon Ramsey can help them get organized. To me time is more valuable than money.

I see the owner's response below to J. Dillion. A business owner should never respond like that to a customer. I am not saying the customer is always right but the customer is always entitled to their opinion. A business owner should always take the high road and respond in a professional manner. Telling a customer that everyone clapped when they left is not...

A Culinary Journey to the Heart of NOLA: Viola and Agnes Delivers Soulful Flavors Amidst Challenges

Nestled in the heart of our community lies Viola and Agnes, a soul food haven that promises a taste of New Orleans with every bite. With Chef Aaron's commitment to sourcing the freshest local ingredients, this restaurant brings a burst of creativity and flavor to every dish.

From the moment you step through the doors of Viola and Agnes, the aroma of scratch-made, NOLA-style meals fills the air, tantalizing your taste buds and stirring your soul. The menu is a celebration of Southern comfort food, featuring classics like shrimp and grits, jambalaya, and fried chicken alongside innovative twists that keep you coming back for more.

One of the standout features of Viola and Agnes is Chef Aaron's dedication to sourcing the freshest local ingredients. His daily visits to the seafood market ensure that every dish is brimming with the flavors of the Gulf Coast, with seafood that's as fresh as it gets. It's a commitment to quality and authenticity that shines through in every bite.

However, despite the culinary delights that await, Viola and Agnes is not without its challenges. The restaurant's cleanliness leaves something to be desired, with noticeable dirtiness that detracts from the overall dining experience. Additionally, the wait times for food can be quite lengthy, testing the patience of even the most eager diners.

Furthermore, there's a bit of confusion regarding the self-service nature of the restaurant, particularly when it comes to tableware and condiments. While some may appreciate the hands-on approach, others may find it inconvenient or off-putting, especially given the high prices and large portions.

Despite these challenges, the soulful flavors and generous portions at Viola and Agnes are undeniable. For those willing to overlook the shortcomings and embrace the vibrant spirit of New Orleans cuisine, a visit to this local gem is well worth the journey. With a few improvements in cleanliness and service, Viola and Agnes has the potential to become a true culinary destination in...

We found this restaurant 3 weeks ago while on a girls trip 5 hours from home and decided to try it based on Google reviews. The food is fantastic! It is flavorful, unique, creative and just outstanding. We enjoyed it so much that when we found ourselves needing a hotel after a cruise, we chose a hotel close to this restaurant so more of our family could enjoy the food. Our service experience this time on Saturday evening March 2 left a sour taste in our mouth. We ordered 3 appetizers and 4 entrees. One of the employees came to tell our table and the table next to ours that the chef was out of one ingredient for the poutine and would we like anything in it's place. We opted for the cheese curds instead. The table next to us couldn't find anything they wanted and they had their order refunded. But then they asked for the sausage/bacon stew and received it. Ok extra customer service for the party of 2 who didn't get the exact same appetizer that we ordered. But wait, there's more...the employee then brought out a gift certificate to their table and apologized profusely for the lack of appetizer. What are we? Chopped liver? Maybe the two next to us were famous food critics or relatives or frequent diners? If we hadn't witnessed the service they got and we did not, we would have left thinking our evening was good, our food delicious, and wouldn't have really though much about the appetizer being replaced with something of less value. We left feeling like meh, we didn't get that same courtesy and literally about the same exact "issue" if you could even call it one. Ingredients run out, It happens. I suppose if I was the couple writing this review I would be over the top happy with my refund, free food, and extra gift certificate. As it stands we left paying for more than we received and with a meh view about coming back. Chopped liver we are, and well... I guess even at this place the chef could find a way for liver to taste amazing, so take that as a compliment. This place is worth every penny for the food. The service needs a little tweaking as our experience wasn't...