The Watering Hull — Restaurant in Stone Harbor

Ate here twice while at the shore last week, once for lunch and also for dinner. Six of us went for dinner and no one was disappointed! I was unsure of how the shellfish chowder would be as I don't like "fishy" tasting chowders but wished I had ordered a bowl instead of a cup; delicious, not fishy!! Our party ordered braised short ribs, crab cakes, crab and tomato stack, pork carnitas, and the seafood festival. The seafood festival truly may have been one of the best pasta/seafood dishes I've ever had. Just wish they'd included a piece or two of crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices. The food was delicious, drinks tasty, and desserts better than homemade. Liked the changes in menu from the past two years. Many former menu choices remain however the menu is larger with more variety. Great options for lunch or dinner. For lunch we had the fish of the day and also the Hull Burger; award winning and we could see why! The restaurant has expanded in size with open decking on both 96th and 97th Streets. With the decking and new flooring, it seems much larger and brighter. Can't wait to get back again later this summer to try some other menu choices. If you enjoy a great place to eat at the shore, you don't want to miss with this place right in the middle of...

Halfway through our visit, I was really enjoying the place. The ambiance was welcoming, the music was great, and the temperature inside was just right. Our waitress was kind and attentive, and I appreciated the variety of options on the menu—especially the vegan and gluten-free selections, which are important to me as someone with dietary restrictions.

However, one major issue left me concerned. I clearly communicated multiple times that I needed my food to be gluten-free due to celiac. When the bread on my impossible burger arrived, it didn’t look gluten-free, so I checked with our server before eating it. She confirmed it was not gluten-free, and they immediately swapped it out. I’m incredibly grateful I hadn’t taken a bite, because that could have led to a serious medical emergency.

Mistakes happen, but for guests with dietary restrictions—especially medical ones—this kind of oversight can be dangerous. I’m sharing this not to criticize harshly, but in hopes it will lead to more careful handling of allergen-sensitive orders in the future.

Aside from that issue, the experience was great. I would consider returning, but only if I felt confident the kitchen had stronger gluten-free...

My party of 3 waited 45 mins to get a table. Once seated, we waited an 1 1/2 for our entrees. A drink came out soo strong of tequila, it had to be sent back. Our appetizer of “spinach artichoke dip” came out cold, was not the dip it was described as, and just was soupy. While waiting for entrees, we saw multiple air conditioning vents leaking water from walls on to customers/tables. The customers were never moved while employee came with giant mop to clean the vents on the wall, customers were left sitting at tables with food. Customers were given rags to dry off table and themselves. One hostess was rude to a customer when they rightfully complained about having the vent leak onto children. It was SO cold inside, no wonder the air vents were leaking. People were wearing coats inside! Once food came, not impressed at all. My mashed potatoes were dry with no flavor, not even some butter. Asparagus was dry tasteless and over cooked as well.

The food and entire experience were not worth the money spent. Really felt like a Friday night wasted. No complaints of server himself. He did the best he could with the...