Unfortunately, this restaurant provided the worst customer service experience I have ever had at any vegan restaurant (and I have been to many across the world.) The restaurant was full of white folks and white staff, one of whom (tall, gaunt, advancing-in-age, white, male-presenting individual with glasses) berated me as soon as I entered the establishment telling me the restaurant was "closed" even though there was waitstaff currently taking orders from other diners (who were white) the staff refused to serve me. This was exactly half an hour before posted closing time. I drove almost two hours to dine here and was hoping to do a nice review of this restaurant for my Instagram followers but unfortunately will not be able to recommend this establishment and will be sure to tell my audience that we may not be served at this establishment. I am assuming the individual who kicked us out was the owner or manager. He didn't even offer for us to come back another time or make any type of accommodations or apologies, but simply barked that they were closed, would not serve us (not even a to-go order), and that they were "too busy" to deal with us, and we needed to leave. We had attempted to call for hours in advance to either make a reservation or place a to-go order and the phone number does not work. We also attempted to order online ahead of time and their online ordering did not work either.
I understand that restaurants oftentimes are busy and that it can be stressful to work in that environment, but this treatment I received from this employee was inexcusable and so awful that I felt leaving a review was necessary. I genuinely do not want anyone else to experience this type of treatment, which can be especially re-traumatizing for those with trauma related disorders. If you do not love people, you should not be interacting with customers. It's not as much the content of what this individual was trying to communicate, but the matter in which they went about conveying this content that was so harmful. There is always a kind way to communicate. After all, as vegans, our lifestyle is centered around kindness, empathy, and compassion for all, and we experienced none of this at this establishment (quite...
Read moreI really enjoyed my meal! It was baby & hubby's twintastic birthday and the food here was great! We had the appetizer combination. There was a palm cake, chips and nacho sauce, 2 "wings", onion rings and a black bean sausage slider. The slider was fantastic and we ordered an order of sliders to go when we were leaving. The onion rings are very bready and not crunchy. Also I am not a huge fan of fake meat, so the wings were not my speed. For entrees, I had the quiche loraine and he had the black and Bleu burger. He loved my quiche and ate most of it We had a side of black beans and rice and a side of garlic string beans. Hubby didn't like his burger but I ate it the next day. It was flavourful but it didn't have enough texture for him. My quiche was HUGE so that was no big deal. All the savories are heavily seasoned and mildly spicy. Nothing was bland! We brought home a new York style cheese cake for my Mom which she loved! It was really decadent. We also shared a strawberry gelato Sunday which was yummy. The service was very good. Our server was prompt and attentive.
Sounds like 5 stars right? Why 4? This place is outdoors and next to a canal... so there are bugs and it was hot. Smacking mosquitoes takes away from the dining experience. Also, the baby was sweating bullets and the chairs are metal wire frame with no cushion - not comfortable. We probably won't be back until it is much cooler... or we will drive up and order take out, lol. Also, there is very limited parking and generally a bit of a wait. There is no comfortable place to wait. You just have to stand at the entrance awkwardly... which would be fine if your party is all adults. The restaurant is is not conducive to babies... the tables are very close together and difficult to negotiate a stroller without bashing other guests. Imagine you're dining on someone's small lanai and your chair backs into an I there guest's chair and you've got about the size of it. Still... yummy food and that's what...
Read moreI've been a fan of Darbster since it first opened in 2009, and I recently returned after being away for several years. The restaurant's charm and quality have only improved over time. My girlfriend and I love sitting on the outdoor patio, which offers a lovely view of the water. Although it's harder to see at night, the ambiance is still wonderful. I do wish they'd plant more fruit trees to enhance the experience further.
The service we received from our server, April, on our past couple of visits has been exceptional. She brings a fantastic attitude and provides top-notch service, a testament to her years of experience. It's clear she's mastered her craft. What makes Darbster even more special is their commitment to an animal rescue foundation. Proceeds from the restaurant support this noble cause, making every meal even more satisfying.
On my girlfriend's birthday during our recent visit, the limited service staff went above and beyond. Upon request, they brought out a surprise ice cream sundae with a candle, adding a delightful touch to the celebration. The menu caters to both vegans and non-vegans alike, and the quality of the food won't disappoint. Most dishes offer generous portions, especially the entrees. While appetizers are an exception, I must say the sweet potato fries stand out. Do note that sandwiches are standalone items, with sides available for an additional cost.
Whether you're a vegan or not, I highly recommend a visit to Darbster. The combination of delectable food, a charitable cause, and a warm atmosphere makes it a must-visit spot. Your taste buds and your heart...
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