The Sly Fox Pub — Restaurant in Southern Pines

Staff: When we got there, the parking lot was packed. When we went in, we were seated right away by a self-admitted new waitress. She was polite. The first round of drinks came out and our food followed fast. But that’s when it went down hill. Our waitress had a big party and our table of 4 was an afterthought. I didn’t get a refill on my water until after my food was finished. The bartender made one drink wrong the first time then when a buddy ordered the second drink it came out different. Obviously he wanted the same as the first one. When she finally came by and we asked for a second round, it took forever to get. Then we wanted to order an appetizer that every other table was getting as a desert, but because it was taking so long, we just cashed out, not staying for the extra food and more rounds.

Building:The seating layout works. Fits plenty of people, is is spacious and very well taken care of. The bathrooms are clean.

Food: the food. 5 star. I had the Buttered chicken which was recommended. If you go there, try this! One of the other meals ordered was a Shepard’s pie, which was a well received. The other meal that was ordered was the chicken pot pie. Dude didn’t breath while eating it and was licking the bowl when it was finished. He highly recommends.

Parking: plenty of parking, but on a Friday night, very few spots available.

Star rating: 3 because of three reasons. One the bartender made the wrong drinks, though they corrected the bill, he really wanted a second jalapeño margarita. Second was our waitress was clearly over worked. We could see her hustling so I am not sure if it’s a management issue or a short staffing issue. But, what ultimately saved this rating was the food and the atmosphere. Both make it a place where I’d return.

Note: though we had service issues, I wouldn’t use this as a reason to to go here again. The food was top notch and I think with some adjusting of staff, our experience could exceed 5 stars.

I have no problem coming back here every chance I get. Plus the container they give you the check in is hilarious! Picture below.

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Visited today with my husband and our two dogs. We called 15 minutes after they opened to see if they had a patio for dogs. The girl who answer said yes, but that they were on a 25 minute wait. That’s crazy, I thought, considering they just opened 15 minutes prior. We arrived a couple minutes later and my husband went inside to put our names down. The host called us 10 minutes later saying our table was ready. Not knowing how to go inside considering we had our dogs, I went inside to let the hostess know we were there and asked her if my husband needed to meet us out back. She just looked at me blankly and nodded her head like I was dumb.

I get it, maybe to some folks that’s common sense. But considering it was our first time at the establishment and our first time taking our dogs with us out to eat, it was a little less obvious. The hostess just seemed totally aloof and like she didn’t want to be there.

Additionally, I did notice as I followed the hostess through the pub to the back patio that the restaurant was not busy at all. So I was confused about the 25 minute wait we were quoted. Plus no one was on the back patio, so again, not sure why there would’ve been a wait to be seated there either.

In any case, not a big deal. Our server made up for the less than stellar service from the hostess. She was friendly and attentive. The food was good but a bit pricey. One of the eggs in the eggs benedict was overcooked and not runny, but the other one was fine. The chicken biscuit was a good size and delicious, but both meals were not even slightly warm. I think had both dishes come with an additional side (they come with one), that would’ve justified the price a bit more. But $18 a pop for each dish that wasn’t even hot was pushing it.

We ordered a plate of bacon for our pups and a nice gentleman came directly from the kitchen to serve it, which was very nice.

Overall, we’d go back to give it one more shot, but likely not a place we’d...

So this place was so good the first night my wife and I came back two days later. If I had stopped at the first night this would have been a glowing 4-5 star review. Unfortunately, our second night, Friday night was not as good or pleasant as the first earlier in the week. Our first visit was simply outstanding with impeccable service and delicious food. We had the sausage rolls, fish and chips, brussel sprouts and apple strudel. Between the exceptional service and outstanding food this was a complete win. Upon our second night our server was slightly confrontational. My wife hadn't touched her appetizer as she was working on her phone to resolve an issue with our next destination the server started to chastise her for not eating the soup. As the evening progressed his level of service and attitude declined. This greatly impacted our expectations for the evening. She once again got the Fish & chips. I got the "No named beef dish", brussel sprouts and Gouda Mac and cheese. The Brussels sprouts were almost as good as the first night. The quantity and serving dish were smaller. The Gouda Mac and cheese was outstanding. The "No name beef dish" was quite frankly unappealing or appetizing. The beef was tough and the gravy with it had an off putting taste that just didn't ring true to any English gravy I've had. Consisting of Dijon mustard and horseradish it sounds appealing on the menu. The presentation was fine. It looked kinda like upside down Shepard's pie. The taste though was very off-putting and I can't recommend it at all. We once again ordered the Apple Strudel. The confrontational demeanor of the server with my wife and the horrible entree kinda set the mood and my opinion back on the Sly Fox. So long story short go on a slower week night when the service and food quality are at an all time high. Avoid the "No name beef dish" at all costs. The fish and chips are great as is the Gouda Mac and Cheese. Can't go...