Southpaw Brewing Company — Restaurant in Town of Brookhaven

I really hate to report what an awful, awful first impression! I never was asked to leave a restaurant (while still eating from the plate in front of me) until I was earlier today at Southpaw. Also, I never wrote a negative, restaurant review until today and am loathe to write a negative one. I do hope my feedback here is used for their betterment and improvement, so that my experience isn't one that is repeated in this manner.

During the meal I wasn't about to allow the ill timing of the server (like when she continually came over to clear up while we were still dining from the previous course's plate) spoil my time out with my friend, so I didn't. That occurrence to me is a minor issue that comes up sometimes in restaurants but it's not reason enough for it to ruin my having a good time while out. And it didn't. However, when the tall, dark-bearded man came and asked us to settle up and leave in order for someone else to dine, well, I found myself flabbergasted and humiliated. I felt I was essentially being told my good time was now over and I wouldn't be finishing my meal in peace but to instead take it with me as it's time for me to go. Sadly, we weren't offered a place at the bar (or somwhere outside) to finish our food nor were we offered a drink, aperitif or coffee on the house for our being inconvenienced and our willingness to give up our table to the next incoming party. Quite unfortunate that the bearded man lacked the finesse in how to successfully handle this situation of accommodating the incoming party while still creating a pleasurable, dining experience for my party, as well. Instead we were "thanked" by him again on our way out for leaving which showed to me how unaware and/or uncaring he was of our feelings and our experience of being effectively told to leave the restaurant before having finished our food. He was pleasant in demeanor when interacting with us, but he was not empathetic, nor aware of what our reception and experience was on our end...and it wasn't good. Prior to being asked to get up from the table for the next party, I was contemplating ordering another meal to-go and/or having an after-dinner drink or cocktail. I, then, nixed that option because I wasn't going to order more after being asked to leave.

Now if anyone asks me my honest, unbiased opinion of this establishment I'll give it, but it won't be generous in regards to the service upon first impressions. It should be noted that the food's presentation had great eye appeal and what we tasted was palatable and decent enough for what we ordered. I'm disappointed that my first and lasting impression isn't a favorable one liked I hoped. We were left with the perception that this establishment's mission statement on service might be a turn 'em-and-burn 'em attitude with nary a care as to what the individual customer's experience might be as long as they turned plenty of covers that shift.

I'm expressing my displeasure here hoping it's used for good, so that the staff at Southpaw Brewing Company won't treat the next person as ineffectively and as tone-deaf as we were treated...

Nice food selection. Friendly service. Good location. Our meals were good. So why 2 stars? Filthy. The chairs all had hair and dirt all over them. Our drink was delivered with pieces of paper and black unidentified floating objects in them. Tables were not stocked properly. Had to steal salt from one table and a ketchup bottle from another. The bathrooms were clean but the front of house manager needs to prioritize dining room cleaning and expect more from your employees especially as they shove the tablet in your face at meal's end asking you for a tip.

Updated with reply to manager's response: I appreciate your pride and passion in defending your standards. I am a fellow restaurant chain owner and understand the challenges you face daily.

I dined at your restaurant on Nov 22, 2023 at 2:30 pm. My cashier was Joanna. I can provide the receipt transaction number if you wish. I arrived and was seated promptly and the restaurant was NOT very busy. Our food arrived timely and our server was always accessible.

I complimented you on your food, service and location as it was very well deserved. But I would in no way refer to your front of house as meeting 'extreme cleanliness standards'. As we were sitting down (in the booth near the front door) my wife immediately noticed the two chairs on the inside were covered with hair and crumbs. She noted it and looked for something to wipe it down properly. You can also check with my server as we did return our child's lemonade that had bits of black pieces and paper in the glass. Now in isolation those two items may seem negligible but collectively it was our very first impression at sitting-down and receiving our drinks.

Wiping down tables and chairs in-between customers was not done and certainly didn't even meet the lowest of standards. The bartender nor the server took the time to look at the floaties in our glass that my child noticed immediately upon delivery. Then we had to fish around on multiple tables to find salt and ketchup. So you do the math as to how customer expectations were set but even still we all did enjoy our meals and our server was good.

I am not trying to be argumentative and I certainly don't need your 'committed customers' to disagree with me. That's rather odd thing to say because you're implying we were not committed. To what, noticing dirty tables, chairs and glasses?

You're reply spoke out of both sides of your mouth. There was a far better way to reply without appearing defensive. I wish you good luck but given your reply I almost certainly believe you dismissed my claims the moment you logged-off and wrote me off as being some sort of web troll and not a family of four who spent well-over $100 on lunch. Good...

I recently visited this restaurant while on a family trip. At first, I was impressed by the atmosphere—it was lively, and I appreciated being able to watch a baseball game on the TVs while dining. Unfortunately, the overall experience was overshadowed by poor service.

Upon arrival, there was no greeting or warm welcome. Instead, I was met with a curt “table for two” before being seated. My brother and I were placed in the middle of the restaurant, away from other guests, which already felt a bit unwelcoming. We waited at least 10 minutes before anyone approached us, and during that time, no one offered water or even acknowledged our presence. When the server finally arrived, the interaction was transactional and lacked basic courtesy—there was no thank you or genuine hospitality.

As for the food, my brother ordered and a pizza. The pizza was excellent—definitely the highlight of the meal and something I would recommend. I, however, ordered the fried ravioli, which was disappointing. It was overly breaded, lacking in flavor, and not something I would order again.

What truly prompted me to write this review, however, was the service. Both my brother and I felt we were treated differently from other guests, and at times, it seemed dismissive and even discriminatory. I personally witnessed a younger staff member pick up our ticket, look at our table, and then deliberately set the food back down instead of serving us—despite the restaurant not being particularly busy. Several other staff members appeared to avoid serving our table, prioritizing other guests instead. When our food did arrive, the server’s tone and body language came across as rude and unprofessional.

Overall, the food quality is mixed—the pizza is excellent, but the fried ravioli was not. Unfortunately, the service left such a negative impression that I would not choose to dine here again. The only reason I am giving two stars is because of the quality of the pizza. Otherwise, this was not a welcoming or respectful...