$$$$ • Grill • Atlantic Beach
I booked an 8:45 PM reservation via OpenTable for my birthday dinner. We arrived 30 minutes early and inquired with the host about the rooftop menu compared to the main dining room downstairs. She wasn't familiar with the rooftop menu, so she suggested we go check it out ourselves. After realizing the rooftop small plates weren't quite what we were looking for, we returned downstairs to check in for our main reservation and ask about the online Happy Hour (which was listed as starting at 8:30 PM). Unfortunately, the host was unfamiliar with the Happy Hour offerings and initially told us the kitchen was closed and only lounge drinks were available—which was confusing since OpenTable allowed us to book an 8:45 PM dinner. As we decided to leave, we felt uncomfortable as the host team made a comment ("there they go") as we passed by. However, the experience turned around completely once we stepped outside. A staff member named Gabriel ran out to catch us before we reached my car. He apologized sincerely, explained that the host was on her second day and there was a communication breakdown, and assured us that our reservation was fully honored and the kitchen was open for us. Shortly after, the manager, Steph, came out as well. Steph was extremely apologetic, accommodating, and made everything right for my birthday dinner for 2. Thanks to Gabriel and Steph’s incredible initiative and hospitality, my birthday dinner ended on a wonderful, happy note. I am so grateful to both of them for stepping up and turning our night around!