The Boro Restaurant & Bar — Restaurant in Swansboro

Disappointing Dinner Marked by Poor Execution and Lack of Standards

We arrived at the restaurant at 7:05pm for our 7:00pm reservation, delayed slightly due to the notoriously difficult parking in the area. Despite placing our order promptly at 7:15pm, we didn’t receive our first plate until approximately 8:10pm—nearly an hour later. During that time, we watched several tables seated after us receive their meals, finish dining, and pay their checks before we even saw a dish. We eventually had to flag down our server to ask about the delay.

When our food finally arrived, I was served a charbroiled 12oz NY strip with asparagus and mashed potatoes—what should have been a straightforward and satisfying plate. Unfortunately, it was anything but. The steak lacked any color or sear and had zero flavor beyond an overwhelming smear of jarred minced garlic and butter. It was overcooked, the mashed potatoes were clearly microwaved—half of them hot, the other half ice cold—and the asparagus was served cold, topped with equally cold cheese.

I sent the dish back, hoping for a better second attempt. What I received was a hastily flash-cooked steak with a cold center (I requested rare, so I’ll own that part), more microwaved mashed potatoes that were again scorching in spots and freezing in others, and once again cold asparagus with unmelted cheese.

I understand that restaurants get busy and kitchens fall behind, but there is no excuse for food going out to customers in this condition. As a cook myself, I hold restaurants to reasonable standards—especially when preparing simple dishes like steak, potatoes, and vegetables. What I experienced tonight made it painfully clear there are no real chefs or cooks running that kitchen—at least none who care about quality or consistency.

Sadly, this meal missed the...

8/15/24: Need to add on to my previous positive review after a crap experience tonight. We are courteous and took the time to make a reservation. Got there and they had a reserved table in the sun amongst a million flies for us when they had lots of space under shade that was open, we were almost the only ones eating outside except for one couple. We asked if we could move to a table under their sunshade (had a breeze too so would of been less flies.) They said no and gave some BS excuse why they couldn't pull two tables together under the shade when there was almost no one outside so no one needed the space. 20 minutes later a group was seated in the same space...and they pulled two tables together for them. Such BS. I know that group didn't even make a reservation because as soon as they sat down they realized they went to the wrong restaurant and got up and left for the Ice House Restaurant next door. Never going back. Get a hostess who knows what she is doing and a manger who doesn't treat people like crap. We laid down over $240 to be treated like that. We won't be back. Annual trip usually includes a visit to Boro.. Won't be back.

Terrific food. I eat out a lot with family and Boro was amongst the best I've been too. Had the Mediterranean salad with Ahi Tuna and the tuna tonight was cooked perfectly, very fresh and flavored so well it was the best I ever had. Natalie was a great server. She was very professional and very kind in dealing with our many requests. Wife really liked the shrimp and grits and my mother thought their scallops were top notch. Atmosphere is great with great lighting and plenty of outdoor seating. My new favorite restaurant...

I had a pretty good experience here. Fathers Day, place was a little busy. We ate outside under the cover they have posted outside. The river breeze was nice and soft. Felt super good. Our table was one of those metal mesh patio tables. It was very wobbly, but it did the job. We ordered the Crab Dip and it was amazing! Definitely a must have for an appetizer. I ordered a platter of Fried Shrimp & Flounder with Sweet Potato Fries. My wife ordered the Olde Fashioned Burger. She said it was one of the best burgers she’s had in a while. My dish was okay. The fried shrimp was pretty good, the Flounder didn’t have much flavor to it, but it wasn’t bad with a little salt and pepper. The sweet potato fries were under all the fried food. They were okay too, they didn’t really season anything. To me it was just cooked. The sweet potato fries were just that, and I think my plate was recently cleaned. One of my fries tasted a lot like soap and it was a little gross. The rest didn’t though, so I just brushed over it. The waitress took care of us very well and even though our food took a while, she let us know why it was taking so long and kept us informed. Very profession and nice. Constance, I think it was. Thank you ma’am!

Eventually the local wildlife decided to come by and get any leftovers that might have fallen. They were cute Ducks and wagged their tales and were friendly enough. Not anything to do with the restaurant but it was just a cute experience.

Overall this place is a nice location with the river right there and the breeze was amazing. Service was good. I’d give it another visit but I’d definitely try something different...