Cape Fear Seafood Company — Restaurant in Wake Forest

Tonight we wanted to try CFSC for the first time as a family. I specifically checked the website ahead of time for a kids menu to make sure it was a kid friendly restaurant. It was a little after 5pm and I came in inquiring about getting a table for two adults and two high chairs for our one year old twins. The young adult at the front desk had a rude tone asking if we had a reservation- in a way that almost prompted me to ask, is it reservation only? The manager came over and looked over her shoulder at the computer and again asked if we needed two high chairs. Then proceeds to tell me "I don't think we're going to be able to get you in tonight." I said with shock, "at all?!" while seeing empty tables around the room. Which turned into well, maybe not until after 8pm. Weekends are busy. We aren't reservation only, but we aren't really able to accommodate walk-ins unless it's during the week. As I was about to leave the woman standing behind me that overheard our entire conversation, said "we also don't have a reservation, can we not be seated?" And the hostess said "only two adults? It'll be about a 20 minute wait." So, are you unable to accommodate walk-ins or just walk-ins that don't have children? We left feeling discriminated against. Never in my life have I had a restaurant tell me that they would not be able to seat us at all. Say it's going to be a long wait, give a time estimate, some sort of accommodation and let ME make the decision if that is something that we're willing to wait for. But to have the audacity to tell somebody sorry we can't make a space for you here- but can make space for a childless couple- feels completely unprofessional. First and last time we will attempt...

My husband made reservations for us for my birthday a couple days ago, which was our 1st time going! I was looking forward to going all day. Even knew what I was going to order before I got there. Started out great when we arrived as we were greeted right away by a young lady with a big smile and welcomed us in. The restaurant wasn't that busy so we were seated right away. We were at our table only a few minutes before our waiter greeted us and took our drink order.

This is where things went down hill ... SERVICE and PROFESSIONALISM WAS LACKING!!!! Not even 2 minutes later another man walked over to us and said "you need to move tables!" We were shocked as he offered no reason just that we needed to move. My husband said why and he didn't reply but at that moment our waiter came over and asked the same question the man said we have a 8 top and need this space. (Again the restaurant was not busy). We agreed to move -- but the gentleman was rude and didn't even say thank you or a show of appreciation. Our waiter ended up with that large party and seemly forgot about us. I had to flag him down to ask for a refill of my drink.

What is saving them from 1 Star is the food.. it was very good and the serving size was bigger than I thought it would be. We ordered the calamari appetizer, stuffed flounder which my husband enjoyed and I had the lemon pepper broiled scallops which were amazing. Everything was cooked perfectly.

I will also mention that our table looked into the kitchen which was a bit loud. Add the large table that was seated next to ask made dinner...

We have been to the new Cape Fear Seafood restaurant in Wake Forest numerous times since it opened. Our experience has been wonderful and this is now our “go to” restaurant bar for food and drinks. In particular we have been treated extremely well by the bartenders Nikki, Stephanie and CC. They are personable and strive to give everyone great service. I highly recommend Cape Fear and their staff. Also, Alex (the GM) makes a point of getting to know the customers and making sure they are accommodated. Do not pass up this restaurant if you are in Wake Forest!

Neglected to mention the food. We have enjoyed the shrimp platter (reminds us of shrimp we love in Calabash), the Saltimboca was delicious, enjoyed the filet and our friends enjoyed the salad with blackened salmon. We plan to try most items on the menu!

Update: there have been some personnel changes since my original review. Stephanie is the only remaining bartender and she is wonderful. However, during busy times she is over worked. We still enjoy Cape Fear Seafood, however, I am not a fan of the crabcakes (may be a result of my Baltimore roots and demand for authentic Maryland...