Atlantic Social - REHOBOTH BEACH

My group of 9 (4 adults and 5 kids) decided to try this restaurant because we heard the food was good and in all honesty it was. However, the treatment we received from the manager was at the very least appalling if not borderline discriminatory. We “walked-in” to have an early dinner at 5pm today, Saturday before Labor Day. The hostess advised us that they had several reservations for the evening but had a table that could accommodate us but it was next to the window and the sun was shining through so it might be too bright. I asked if it would that table gets pretty hot and the hostess said no it’s just bright. Now keep in mind when we “walked-in” the restaurant was nearly 60% to 70%empty. We asked if we could be placed in a couple of booths and not necessarily right next to each other despite having several that were empty. The hostess said that she would not be able to do so. Given the time and the fact we are toting 5 kids with us we decided to take the sunny table. Three of our group did get the shine in ours eyes from the sun as we were warned. This we expected, we did not expect to also feel like we were getting grilled by the sun because she explicitly said the heat was not a concern. After trying to sweat it out for 5 minutes I went to ask again if we could be moved. The hostess proceeded to try and set us up with two tables separated by a wall, which would have been fine. However, when we were being shown to the tables, a man, who I assume is the manager, told us that was the sunny table is the only one we could have and all the 60-70% of the remaining empty tables in the restaurant are already reserved. I asked how could all these tables be reserved for the same time? Only response I got was that they were and that this sunny table was our only option. We reluctantly decided to try and stick it out despite my personal reservations and thus far lack luster treatment. We decided to have the adults sit in the sun and the kids sit in the shade. We ordered our food and surprisingly it came out pretty quickly. The food itself was pretty good. Everyone including the kids were happy with the food. We got the check and paid our bill with gratuity because we don’t penalize the waitress who took care of us. We were done with our entire meal experience in less than an hour and the restaurant still had about 60% of its tables empty waiting for their “reservations “ to show. While getting up to leave we noticed they had seated another family next to the window we were next too. They were getting sun in their eyes too. As we walked to the car I can see through the window they were be walked over to a different table. Of course this had me somewhat upset and maybe I could have let this go but I had to know why we were treated in such a manner. I asked the manager why they were being afforded this courtesy. He said they had a last minute cancellation and therefore was able to accommodate them. I pointed out how we just spent $270 and spent less than an hour in the restaurant and the entire time several tables, away from the sun, were sitting empty and void of customers. Again, his response was that they were reserved and that we as “walk-ins” were “allowed” to dine in his restaurant. This comment of being “allowed” to dine in his restaurant is what prompts my borderline discriminatory comment earlier. Again at the very least this manager is totally derelict in his duty as a customer service agent and/or does not know how to correctly turn tables. Needless to say he did not apologize for our experience and what we witnessed.

The drinks were excellent but the food was subpar at this restaurant. Locals tend to steer clear of this place for good reason. We learned about its poor reputation from our new neighbors after a disappointing visit on a Saturday night. The crab cake, in particular, was deemed the worst my wife has ever had, likely made with canned crab meat from overseas. Despite my delicious and perfectly cooked salmon, the cold, starchy bed of potatoes it sat on ruined the dish. The service was slow even though the restaurant was nearly empty, but the ambiance and drinks were enjoyable. Unfortunately, we struggled to finish our meals and hope this restaurant improves or closes down altogether.

Great value on Lobster Night perfectly cooked lobster! Brussels sprouts in Caesar salad were not trimmed so, hard to eat. Wait staff was over worked and kept forgetting items, extra napkins, missing flatware. Overall good place, but potential to be better.

We had a wonderful experience at this restaurant. Our server was pleasant and patient with our group of nine noisy college friends celebrating Halloween. The food was delicious and served quickly. The rest of the staff was also friendly and helpful. We will definitely be returning in the future.

I hadn't visited this restaurant in a while, but decided to go on Lobster Night. I am thrilled that I did because it was a fantastic experience. I brought a friend who was visiting and she also had a great time. The service was exceptional, with the manager personally attending to us. He was very knowledgeable about the food and wine list, and provided us with excellent recommendations. We will definitely be returning!