Heaton's — Restaurant in Vero Beach

Moved to vero a couple years ago and hadn't tried heatons yet. Went with the wife for lunch today. Bar staff was very friendly and greeted us a we walked up. Tall gentleman server was also really welcoming telling us to sit wherever we like . Mostly empty restaurant. So we chose a corner table on the elevated patio where we had a nice view of the water and a good breeze. This is when the female server Toni came up and told us we couldn't sit there because she was saving it for bigger parties. We were a little confused as the place was mostly empty including other medium sized tables. We asked her to clarify, asking if reserved for someone. She said she's reserving it for bigger parties and we could go sit below but not there. So we went to the lower level where you can't see the water and there is no breeze. Our server, who's name I can't recall, was nice and took care of us despite my confusion about the online menu which it seems is way out of date vs the current offerings. My fault though there. Table we wanted stayed empty the entire time we were there.

I would happily try this place again, but having an encounter with a server who decided we didn't fit the bill for who she wanted in her section at a table so pushed us elsewhere after the rest of the staff were so kind is really off putting. Our lunch was ruined by this interaction. You don't reject your customers to try and curate who your customers are in your...

Had a friend surprise birthday party there this passed Sunday. We arrived at 2:30 and waited for the rest of our party, ordered drinks and appetizers then after three was handed a menu for 35% off appetizers if before 3 PM, missed that boat because we were not given that menu in time. They gave us 1 at 35% off and there were at least 8 or so appetizers. I ordered shrimp cocktail 3 shrimp for 21$ and after completely deveining eating one shrimp I noticed something was off and by the time the server got back to us I was already not feeling well. Server came back after a while with a new order of shrimp cocktail which I did not eat and told me they had removed it from the bill and that the chef admitted it was a little off.?? How did that even leave the kitchen? I spent the rest of Sunday evening and all day, Monday, sick in bed, fever, vomiting, and diarrhea. I do not have a weak stomach, so I know the shrimp were bad and the chef admitted it. I would not recommend the seafood if you are going there. Sever was very friendly and accommodating, atmosphere is right on the water so that’s nice. The fans were a nice add to keep the heat down. Also, it seemed very frustrating to the staff that we asked for separate checks which they eventually accommodated. 1 star for me. Sad day for Vero...

WORST SERVICE AND FOOD EVER!! Stay away!!!! Totally disappointed in the food and service at the restaurant! The staff was not friendly and seemed to be unconcerned about their customers and unprepared to serve anyone in a timely fashion! We had a reservation but upon arriving THEY were not prepared to seat us at proper table and only had a high top table for us to sit at. Once seated it took them at least 20 - 30 minutes to take our drink order and another 30 minutes to deliver drinks and an appetizer! Dinner was extremely disappointing! My husband order blackened swordfish which arrived burnt, very dry with no flavor! My son ordered steak that also burnt and dry! I also ordered swordfish with roasted potatoes the potatoes were burnt with little flavor on the swordfish! The appetizer was jumbo shrimp cocktail that was very tough! Burnt and dry seems to be their specialty! I normally don't write bad reviews for restaurants but this one was ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE! The only thing that came quickly was the bill! Save your money and select...