El Coqui’s Restaurant & Bar — Restaurant in Shallotte

Pleasant staff and management. The overpriced sandwiches were mediocre. For the money, we expected more meat, and homemade BBQ sauce. Maybe it was but tasted bottled. We were surprised to see the sandwiches were served alone on the sheet. No side dish. We have never seen this; this does not present well. Online customer photos show otherwise. We ordered a potato ball appetizer to be served first. After 15 minutes the pleasant waitress said 'it takes long, it'll be out soon'. About 10 minutes later, the food came. No ball. It arrived at least 5 minutes later. It was good. Their management team, who were friendly, did ask how did everythihg go? We didn't complain as all restaurants are different, and we give them a chance. It wasn't until we were home that we saw online that there should have been a side and free drink for the price we paid. We also saw that you can order a half sandwich but this was not on the menu in the restaurant. Maybe it's just available if you order online-? The sandwich size was long but not full. Again, for the price. I also noticed varying prices online. I think there's still an old menu posted. The atmosphere had charm, and the place was clean. The music was a bit too loud ~ we moved away from speakers as did another couple. $47.74, was a pricey lunch for what we received. 2 sandwiches (no side) / one potato ball / one water /...

First time. I ordered the wings with white rice and beans. All 3 were amazing and FULL OF FLAVOR. The absolute best wings I have had in a long time. Great marinade, perfectly seasoned, cooked to perfection, good size, no freezer burn, no "old" discoloration, full of juice. The rice was perfectly sticky. The beans were amazing💥 Pork chop was great as well. Delicious marinade, perfectly seasoned, cooked to perfection. We can't wait to go back. This will most definitely be one of our favorite local dives!!! You must give it at least 1 try! You'll be hooked. Small, quaint and off the beaten path in Shallotte. Dire tky across the street from Tractor Supply. Working on getting his larger signage, alcohol permit, and getting their name out there. BYOB until permit is issued. Health rating if 97.5. Clean!!! Outside seating. He has also had live music, karaoke and other entertainment. Keep an eye on this...

Cute place that could do well with locals. Cubano sandwich was mediocre, but not bad. More expensive than what I pay in a more metropolitan area for what we had

There were only 2 older females who had already ordered when we walked in. We ordered water to drink ($3/bottle and were not given options), split a cubano sandwich and it came out on one metal plate with parchment-like paper. When we asked for a second plate, eyes rolled and another metal serving plate (without the parchment paper) was delivered. The wait staff, Cookie, was rude and inattentive.

I would not recommend this establishment to anyone and will not return. Cookie, I hope that you understand the minimal tip that was left for you, as I was hesitant to leave anything.

For the manager: please take this as an attempt to improve your restaurant for the locals...