Erwin K.
Yelp
Key Points:
- Review is for takeout
- Relatively fast turnaround time for how busy they were
- they automatically include tip. Even for takeout.
We recently visited Monterey with a large group, including multiple kids, and needed to get takeout for our get-together. After trying Old Fisherman's Grotto (which doesn't do takeout) and Old Grotto's Fish House (which didn't have what we wanted or anything the kids would like), we found Sand Bar and Grill based on its good Yelp reviews and proximity to our hotel
I could tell, even on the phone, that they were incredibly busy. Every time I called, I was placed on hold with audible chaos in the background. Despite this, the staff still accepted our takeout order, which we appreciated.
Despite the quick turnaround time, unfortunately, the food left much to be desired.
We ordered:
- Fried calamari: very soft, almost too soft, and not crispy. The texture actually resembles mozzarella sticks, which was strange. Calamari is usually the Little One's favorite, yet she would barely touch this one.
- Penne puttanesca: sauce seemed diluted and watered down. Seafood portion was small. Worst of all, the sauce leaked out of the container and seeped into our bag, causing a mess anywhere we placed our takeout bag.
- Clam chowder: decent, but nothing special.
What really rubbed me the wrong way was the automatic gratuity included for a takeout order. While the turnaround time was relatively quick, with our order completed in about 20 minutes, I found it unreasonable to include a tip for takeout, especially when we weren't dining in. I mean, who even does that?!? Maybe I'm old fashioned, but that just doesn't sit right with me. The lady who brought me the bill did mentioned after she had already rung me up and handed it to me, stating, "Just to let you know, the tip is already included." What did she expect to say back, "no. Ring it up again!?" Even if I did, we were in such a hurry that it just wasn't practical to do it.
I'm giving two stars: one being the lowest possible, and the second because the staff was polite enough and managed to accommodate our takeout order last minute, while I also understand that takeout doesn't always do food justice. However, with the subpar food experience and the forced gratuity on a takeout order, I don't plan on returning.