Hey Sailor! — Restaurant in Searsport

I really hate to leave this type of review. I only leave reviews if something was truly AWFUL or over the top amazing. However, my experience at this establishment was so over the top awful and unlike ANYTHING I have ever experienced in many decades of patronizing bars/restaurants in the midcoast area. I’m compelled to leave a review. I genuinely don’t feel good about this and wish the interaction had been different. My gf and I were made to feel very unwelcome. Told we were “encroaching “ by a patron (gay man) then that was reiterated by the owners. We spent about $200 and $25/person cover.. not including tipping the queens.. and I was told I was acting entitled. Apparently because I took a hit off my vape. The owner rudely chastised me and told me if it was weed it would be ok. Ummm what? While he talked about heroin and took shots with other customers . Which who cares about that in all honesty it’s just the irony that stands out. I had email communication with one owner about the event, and was told there would be standing room. We stood. I did make the unfortunate mistake of sitting down in a barstool that had been unoccupied the ENTIRE evening for about 20 seconds, as my feet were killing me. I’m not used to wearing heels. We consciously tried to stand out of the way of servers and not in front of other ppl. We asked the ppl behind and next to us if we should move and they were just lovely! Told us to squeeze in! This is the INSANE part There was a bit of a scary confrontation on our way out the door with one of the owners.. who denied communication with me. And basically told me I was lying. He himself sat me at the bar. Knew I didn’t have tickets and then sat my gf when she arrived. It was quite shocking. He started screaming at my gf and me.. as we were LEAVING. To get out of his bar and off his property. Which we did and we were doing anyway. It was very scary and embarrassing. It happened in front of multiple other patrons. He then followed us outside while I was changing into sneakers in my car. We yelled at him to leave us alone. His response “I’m walking around MY property “ like a child having a temper tantrum. This seems to be a location supportive and welcoming to gay men only. Definitely not queer women. I have heard since this encounter that this has happened to several other ppl. Queer women in particular. I have also seen their responses to customers complaining of similar instances. I very apparently didn’t fit the demographic they’re catering to. Super disappointing because the food was good, entertainment was enjoyable and the staff were absolutely delightful. But the owners are unkind and are clearly completely obtuse to any criticism.. as you can see their responses to any negative reviews prove this. Telling someone to “buzz off buddy”??? I even reached out to try and clear up any miscommunication. They read my message but never responded. So here we are. Decades of going out in this area.. even when I was younger and much more rowdy. I have never been treated the way I was at Hey sailor. NEVER. Having experience in business there are approximately 50 other ppl with the same or similar experience per bad review. Just food for thought. No pun intended. Also to add I ran into an employee that evening who I do not know nor have I ever met..I overheard them talking about the event at a gas station of all places. I told them about my experience and they said they weren’t surprised and they’ve heard other similar things. So I’m prepared for some snarky reply or some comment blaming me for their bad behavior. Which is fine. I’m used to men gaslighting me. I also own a business and am one on one with many ppl from Knox and Waldo county. I have no problem sharing my experience. So my dears as you read this.. I truly hope it means something even in the slightest.. to have ruined a customers evening, made them feel unsafe and unwelcome. Hopefully it prompts some contemplation. That was $200 that could’ve gone to...

I have read many reviews which were mostly very positive and said the food and atmosphere were excellent to very good. So, I decided to try it but found the food to be very salty, maybe that is why they should call the restaurant the Salty Sailor? The service did not live up to the prior reviews that I have read. When I mentioned that my food was too salty to my taste, the server gave me the impression that is was take it or leave it and do not come back, we do not need or want your business.

Here is an original review by another customer that I had not read before I dined at the Hey Sailor; "Unfortunately, my husband and I went there on Monday, Sept 12 which happened to be my birthday (their normal business hours). Hoping to have a delicious meal and cocktails, and they were closed for the day with a sign on the door saying they will be back on Thursday. We traveled 35 minutes to get there, so over 1 hour later we had to make new plans. Hopefully, when we come back next year we can give it another try. Comment from Kirk L. of Hey Sailor! Business Owner 9/13/2022 We posted on social media we would be closed, it was unavoidable. Based on your one-star review- maybe save us both some grief and dine elsewhere next year. This is truly laughable, the world doesn’t revolve around you. Boo hoo Does this sound like a fair response to a customer's remarks by a customer? Update to Hey Sailor response Unfortunately, we didn't check social media only the website. My husband has been a manager for some upscale restaurants in NY. If short staffed you limit the number of tables, or just offer drinks and a bar menu. Most establishments do not close their doors if they do not have enough employees to run as such". I, Wayne Arcuri, worked in a large resort hotel when I was a Senior in high school. Waited tables and later worked alongside some really good Chefs. If a customer said something was not to their likely we made it right! No questions or unkind comments. I graduated from high school in 1967. I never forgot this lesson and have practiced it all my life. If you are a professional and properly trained, this is taught to you from the very beginning. The only way to turn a bad review into a good review is to consider the person's point of view and invite them back so you can make it right! Period!

I would hope that the attitude of the owner and business partner would take these comments to heart and amend their way of thinking and conduct themselves as professionals.

I was the guest of a friend who picked up the...

Hey Sailor! has some incredible vibes. The restaurant is split into two sections. One side has frequent live music in the evening (and other events too!) with a number of tables and a few booths. The other side is closer to the bar with booth seating. Both sides can get a bit loud depending on the music performance, so if you're looking for quiet conversation, you may want to come earlier in the evening.

The cocktails at Hey Sailor! are nothing short of incredible. They're masterfully crafted and completely unique. They also have two excellent non-alcoholic cocktails and several local beers available.

The food here is a real winner. The tacos are the bomb. While they can be a bit messy, they're packed with flavor. They have a number of protein options, including a vegan option (if you ask for no dairy on the taco). I'm very thankful that they offer vegan options. They also have recently added a pizza oven. The pizza they put out is truly delicious. You can't go wrong with the classics, but if they have a seasonal option, I highly recommend trying it! The summer seasonal pizza I tried had summer squash, fresh corn, and a delicious cheese blend with plenty of fresh basil for flavor.

The servers during our visit were incredibly friendly and attentive, though the kitchen can be easily overwhelmed (it's a popular spot). You may end up waiting a bit for your food, but for our group we didn't mind one bit. We sat and enjoyed our cocktails and soaked in the good vibes...