Southern Cafe in Seaside

[WJL]

Ate there last week....the waitress was really rude and cavalier....food was very average, forgot our appetizers....wine list was good....

[Jennifer Steele]

I was pleased to hear that the onion ring side item had gone down from $8 to $6 (sarcasm).

[Smiling JOe]

You guys let me know when it consistantly gets rave reviews and I will go check it out, sans $6 onion rings.

[skippertoo]

I was pleased to hear that the onion ring side item had gone down from $8 to $6 (sarcasm).

A lot would have to change before we would try this place again. Ditto first quote too. There are way tooooo many good places to eat down there to waste money there. Some really liked their experience but not us.

[TreeFrog]

I was there for appetizers at the bar last week. Our party liked the food, and service was good at the bar.

The owner (sorry, I forget his name) stopped by to chat. He said he was having to deal with turnover in wait staff and kitchen staff. I gently suggested he probably chose the most inopportune time of the year to work the bugs out of a new restaurant...

I think I'll give him a couple of months and then try them for lunch.

[Jim Tucker]

I was there for appetizers at the bar last week. Our party liked the food, and service was good at the bar.

The owner (sorry, I forget his name) stopped by to chat. He said he was having to deal with turnover in wait staff and kitchen staff. I gently suggested he probably chose the most inopportune time of the year to work the bugs out of a new restaurant...

I think I'll give him a couple of months and then try them for lunch.

I am tired of hearing that excuse here about turnover and labor shortage. The consistently good restaurants in SoWal have at least a core staff that is constant. The difference is they are willing to pay fair (a little more than the compettion i'd bet), and they treat employees well. A few have a truly family atmosphere (Borago) with employees that are part of the "family" and truly give a damn. And are nice people to boot.

If you're going to get in to bed with Larry Davis and Seaside, pay for the highest-traffic spot in SoWal, spend a bunch of money renovating, take away a family favorite (Shades) . . . there is no excuse for not doing it right and that DAMN sure means having a decent staff in place and well-trained. GIVE ME A BREAK! Any owner that blames crappy product on staff problems (even if deserved) needs to have his hat handed to him and a bus ticket back to where he came from.

It will be interesting to see if they thrive because of the location or just limp by. Can you say "Mall Food Court"? Great Southern, Pickles, Roly Poly, Bud & Alley's, Spiazza . . . it seems they are only as good as they have to be to keep from getting the boot. Not at all how they do it in Seaside's "sister city" over in Italia.

[Garner]

If you're going to get in to bed with Larry Davis and Seaside, pay for the highest-traffic spot in SoWal, spend a bunch of money renovating, take away a family favorite (Shades)

May I respectfully make a correction to the above quote:

Larry Davis is the half brother of Robert Davis. Robert Davis is the developer of Seaside. Larry rents space in Seaside from Robert for his real estate company, Davis Properties of Northwest Florida, Inc.

These are two completely different men.

[TreeFrog]

I am tired of hearing that excuse here about turnover and labor shortage. The consistently good restaurants in SoWal have at least a core staff that is constant. The difference is they are willing to pay fair (a little more than the compettion i'd bet), and they treat employees well. A few have a truly family atmosphere (Borago) with employees that are part of the "family" and truly give a damn. And are nice people to boot.

If you're going to get in to bed with Larry Davis and Seaside, pay for the highest-traffic spot in SoWal, spend a bunch of money renovating, take away a family favorite (Shades) . . . there is no excuse for not doing it right and that DAMN sure means having a decent staff in place and well-trained. GIVE ME A BREAK! Any owner that blames crappy product on staff problems (even if deserved) needs to have his hat handed to him and a bus ticket back to where he came from.

It will be interesting to see if they thrive because of the location or just limp by. Can you say "Mall Food Court"? Great Southern, Pickles, Roly Poly, Bud & Alley's, Spiazza . . . it seems they are only as good as they have to be to keep from getting the boot. Not at all how they do it in Seaside's "sister city" over in Italia.

Don't shoot the messenger.

For the record, I'm not defending bad service or bad food. Just like everybody else, I don't care for the way Seaside appears to have done Shades, although I know none of the inside details of that deal.

I'd bet that almost every restaurant along 30A was a little lumpy when it first opened. I can't do anything about lingering resentments over the loss of Shades. And I do think it was bad judgement, or at least bad timing, to open right before the summer peak season. In time, the free market system will take care of inequities, if any, in staff pay or treatment. I'm not going to speculate.

I didn't sense that the owner was blaming his problems off on his staff. For what it's worth, he had a pretty good sweat from working in the kitchen - not parading around profiling in a white shirt. His wife (or so she appeared to be) was hustling around trying to keep the front room going, too.

I don't doubt that WJL and Skippertoo had poor experiences and I respect their decision not to go back. But I'll stand by my original intent to give Great Southern a couple of months and then try them for lunch.

[miramargal]

Ok, I've got what will probably be a stupid question, but I'll axe anyway.
Did Seaside force Shades to leave? And is the Shades on the Loop place the same Shades?

[30A Skunkape]

I feared the worst when we went there for lunch and the hostess was a buxon gal from eastern Europe in a tight black dress with a slit going w-a-a-a-y up her thigh. Then the waitstaff were all in black ala a chic hair salon. Nonetheless, I had a very good grilled shrimp caesar salad and Mrs skunk had something which was pretty good. I think the whole thing just seemed silly when you consider it was Seaside at lunch-and you know that you sat at the same table when it was Shades and had a casual (really casual) meal without the black-clad staff pushing bottled water treatment.

[WJL]

It looks like Seaside is going for the higherbrow vibe-the little French guys wine bar...the soon to be closed Southern Cafe(if they don't change quickly) giving shades the boot-moving Bud and Alllies.......I guess Pickles will be a Starbucks...it would be a shame if the casual beachtown that is(was) so awesome, becomes a snobby Alys Beach...too bad

[Kimmifunn]

Places down there can get away charging exorbitant prices with so-so food and people will line up for it.

Hello! Shades? Remember that little twinkle in Seaside's eye?

[TN Eagle]

It seems that some fools can always take something that isn't broken and fix it until it is. Shades was the perfect fit for Seaside in the perfect building for the type of restuarant that it was. All the zillion dollar construction constantly ongoing at Seaside could never create such a combination - the neighborhood bar with great food in an old house with the art, atmosphere, etc. At least the building is still there. Just think - they could jam in another overpriced art shop there with several condos to rent stacked on top! It's becoming the Seaside way! Stopped in Great Southern last week just to check it out and looked over the menu while having a cold one at the bar. Needless to say, I did not (and will not) return to eat. The only positive I saw was the relocation of the bar onto the deck allowing enjoyment of the sights and sounds of a day at Seaside, although Shades bar was just fine even though it was a bottle neck at the front door in the evening. Great Southern seems to be the perfect restaurant created at board room level, not the customer level. My impression was that it's a casual Bud & Allies - overpriced creative foods, not the kind that you can get in your head and anticipate how great they will be for dinner while you are lounging at the beach. I hope it's demise is swift and painful. Granted, there may have been a dining gap at Seaside between Shades and Bud & Allies, but another eatery should have been added, not a popular one deleted. The moron architects of that decision should crawl on their knees back to Shades and beg forgiveness, pleading with them to return and reoccupy their former location when Great Southern closes, as it will. Shades was not just a twinkle, it was a beacon and a place to feel at home while away from home.

[John]

Oh for crying out loud...Shades was never more than average quality food and service. A lower price point for sure, and that's all I miss.

[Donna]

I miss Shades, too but they were no stranger to a rude management and staff. I particularly disliked their unprovoked and quite vocal insistence that they did not offer French fries, but "Freedom fries." Give me a break and don't politicize my side dish, especially when it's being served with something as politically incorrect (albeit tasty) as a hamburger. I will say that Shades was a good fit in Seaside, especially for kids and people who like football. Mostly, I miss Orangey, the cat with attitude.

For every restaurant owner who whines about the shortage of a good labor force and falls back on that argument to justify problems with their establishment....I'll show you a person who is the problem with his or her wait staff. They are usually jerky bosses and people at SoWal have lots of choices, let's face it.

[Here4Good]

Which restaurants are consistantly good? I have experienced service meltdowns in places which have been highly recommended to me during July and August - it is just a fact that when everything is crowded it is very difficult to maintain service levels.

I remember that our experience when the Old Florida Fish Company opened was so bad, we stayed away for months, but when we returned in the off season it was wonderful. And I understand that that is a management team with a lot of experience in the area.

I almost hesitate to recommend a place (or to take visitors out) during the extreme summer months. It's just impossible to know how it will be (unless you are at one of the very small, very expensive reservation only places - BUT, I had a food quality/service meltdown at one of those places last year, also!)

[Smiling JOe]

Sorry, Here4Good, but I am going to refrain from recommending my favorite restaurant in SoWal, due to it having the best service and excellent food. As more and more people go there, it will not be as funn to go to and I may no longer be able to get in the door. Mum is the word. I know noth-ing!

A couple of notes compiled:
John, I unfortunately agree with most of your statement about Shades. The food was average. I have had good service and terrible service there, and learned to sit at the bar for the best service. Prices were reasonable and comparable to the Roly Poly, which has taste roll-ups, but highly over-priced for that which is served. I liked the style of the cottage, but that building, too, will be moved elsewhere or torn down as Seaside fills in the holes of the total project. Location was good and I ate at Shades probably once per 10 days.

Donna, you make some valid points about management in general. From speaking with people who worked at Great Southern, I can vouch that management was non-existant. They relied on the most senior server to lead the group and not get paid additionally for it. The servers quickly grew tired of the chaos associated withthe restaurant being one of only a few places to dine in Seaside and they all seemed to rapidly jump ship. Treat your staff well, and insist that your patrons do, too, and you will keep staff for a long time, because good management is almost impossible to find in this area in the F&B business.

If you want to get great service, find that handfull of restaurants with servers who have worked there for over one year. They do exist, but again, my lips are officially sealed.

[Miss Kitty]

Sj...how are the margaritas?

[Smiling JOe]

Sj...how are the margaritas?

I haven't dined or consumed beverages at Great Southern, but I can tell you that from reading others' posts, the drinks will be pricey and mediocre, and service may suck.

Disclaimer: I have not dined nor consumed beverages at Great Southern. I use the fairly-reliable system of word of mouth. If you don't hear locals bragging on it, you may want to skip it.

[TooFarTampa]

We went this week. It was eh. My husband liked his chicken sandwich but I thought my lunch portion of crusted grouper and mashed potatoes was uninspiring. I wanted a grouper sandwich but since the po'boy was $15 and the crusted grouper $16, I spent the extra dollar. The grouper was disappointing -- kinda bland, which is not what you look for when you go for crusted fish. The kids seemed to like their food, and the outside seating was pleasant enough, but it was too expensive for what you got.

It was in huge contrast to my lunch two days later with Cork, Sunshine, Tootsie and Spidey at Wild Olives in Rosemary. Of course the company was fabulous (my first SoWal meeting!) but the food was reasonable and tasty and nobody was pretentious. MUCH more my speed, even though the service was a touch slow.

[Paula]

We went to Southern Cafe in Seaside last week and really enjoyed it (90% of our food was excellent as was the service). So, maybe it takes a while for a restaurant (any business) to get up to speed and to become consistent. It's still to soon to tell for Southern Cafe, but if you have some $ to spend (it's expensive) it's worth trying. We had an appetizer with a fried shell filled with southern greens and some cheese with a horseradish sauce and a fruit (mango?) salsa. It was beautifully displayed on the plate and was excellent, though we wish we had more horseradish sauce and we asked for more salsa.

We also had a grouper sandwich that came with a salad, also excellent.

the kids meal was a hamburger, great french fries and the meat was very good. A good price for a kids meal.

The fried green tomatoes were excellent.

We sent back the fried calamari because we couldn't taste the calamari because the breading was too thick. The waitress said the chef (wisely) agreed with us and realized the cooks were using too much breading. They were appropriately apologetic.

The server was very kind (a young woman who was here on an exchange program) and competent. The service was slow (you don't want to be in a hurry when you're there, and we weren't in a hurry because we were on vacation at the beach) but that wasn't her fault. Could be that the food is cooked fresh and that takes a while.

The food is presented in an innovative way -- pretty to look at. The bathrooms are very nice and the general decor is clean and sparce.

In short, I'd go again when I want a good, well-presented, somewhat pricy meal (and I wouldn't hesitate to send back something that wasn't cooked right for the price).

I recommend trying it for something different.

[hutch]

Paula;

I hope you are right. I believe the same people that run the Old Fish House in Pensacola which is excellent run the Southern Cafe.

We went with a party of four on the 4th and the crab cakes were horrible.
The service was bad. We have not been back. The manager ran all of the parents and kids out of the restroom area that were using it during the 4th concert. It kind of piss me off so I said something to the manager about it.
Some of these people just spent $$$ in his cafe and now they were being told the kids could not use the restrooms. Give me a break! Maybe, they were having startup problems. Hope they do better. But, I will not be back.
Bring Shades back.

the hutch

[Paula]

Hutch: I hope I'm right, too. It's very important for any business to show consistency in quality. It's Ok if once in a while something isn't right (e.g., the calamari) because nothing and no one is perfect all the time, but they should kindly apologize and (even better) make it up to the people in some way (e.g., an extra appetizer, dessert, etc.). People remember such kindnesses and sometimes a mistake can actually build customer loyalty moreso than a good and uneventful meal because that's a test of a business's commitment to quality and to their customers. As for not letting people use the restroom, especially people who just ate there, that's not good citizenship (unless the people were loud or rude or holding up other customers in some way). For now, I'll consider your situation part of the restaurant's learning curve and I'll go back a few more times to see how the food and service is, wishing them the best. I come from a family of small business owners so I do what I can to support small businesses (when deserved, of course).

[hutch]

Well said Paula. I own two small successfully business for over 23 years and we are not perfect, but all my employees are trained to do what ever it takes to assist and help our customers. In our type of business we have to deal with rude people everyday, just the type of business we are in, a degree in psychology helps, but most of it is good old common sense, treat people the way you want to be treated. I was just pissed cause I have a weakness for little kids and animals. And they were not busy. You are absolute correct in your statement. We will give them another chance.

[Paula]

And I hope someone from Southern Cafe is reading this thread. Friendly, welcoming, and efficient service; making up for the inevitable infrequent mistake (especially by giving an extra appetizer or some treat if there's a problem, especially since the prices are relatively high and people should expect high quality -- doing so says "we really care and stand by our quality"), and food fconsistently as good and as beautiful as it was when we were there last week would certainly create great word-of-mouth marketing!

[Seagrovedude]

Not that there is anything wrong with Robert Davis...but I don't think I would get in to bed with him.

[Paula]

Hmmm. I don't know Robert Davis and haven't received an invitation yet, but I am very happy with platonic relationships should one develop (not looking for anything more intimate).

[bamabeachbum]

Hate to here that about southern, We went back in June and had a wonderful experience there. Food was very good, and service was outstanding.

[Teresa]

My friends in town just had lunch at Southern Cafe. They really enjoyed the food. The service was very bad.

[muy bueno]

I had a liquid lunch there last week and it was so delicious.

[potatovixen]

I've been meaning to go there, but after hearing about your experience, Hutch, I'm not too sure. Do you remember the manager's name, by any chance? I'm just curious because I used to work with someone who left to go manage Great Southern Cafe. If it's the same person, I'm not really surprised at quality of service.

[John]

We had lunch at Great Southern a few days ago. Service was fine. Food was OK but not great. A little on expensive side.

[Chickpea]

We had brunch there one day this summer - food was, across the board, disappointing. I looked around and saw that many people still had substantial uneaten portions left on their plates (not a good sign). Service was medicore but most importantly (for me!) coffee was awful. I would probably need to be dragged there again. Hate saying this because I for one would like to support as many places as possible - so for now, am happily spending my hard earned $$$ at places where food is consistently good and service is too! And luckily we still have some choices

[Paula]

We had such a nice lunch there in August. We thought all was well done, including service, except for the fried calamari which we returned. However, consistency is what makes or breaks a business (and I assume especially a food business). So, sounds like Southern Cafe needs to work out the kinks very soon in order to stay in business. I'll probably go again next time I'm SoWal to see if I have another good meal there or not. But I trust the comments from others on this board, so it sure seems like consistency is a problem with Southern Cafe and it has now been in business long enough to know what it needs to do and come through consistently for customers. Especially since word-of-mouth advertising and repeat business will be critical to its success, especially off season.

[Smiling JOe]

We had such a nice lunch there in August. We thought all was well done, including service, except for the fried calamari which we returned. However, consistency is what makes or breaks a business (and I assume especially a food business). So, sounds like Southern Cafe needs to work out the kinks very soon in order to stay in business. I'll probably go again next time I'm SoWal to see if I have another good meal there or not. But I trust the comments from others on this board, so it sure seems like consistency is a problem with Southern Cafe and it has now been in business long enough to know what it needs to do and come through consistently for customers. Especially since word-of-mouth advertising and repeat business will be critical to its success, especially off season.

Judging by the empty restaurant everytime I drive or walk by, I would say that being consistant is difficult when you don't have any customers on which to practice. My guess is that it won't be long before you see it replaced with a casual restaurant, or something altogether different.

[OnMackBayou]

Judging by the empty restaurant everytime I drive or walk by, I would say that being consistant is difficult when you don't have any customers on which to practice. My guess is that it won't be long before you see it replaced with a casual restaurant, or something altogether different.

Maybe a restaurant like Shades would work in that spot.

[Paula]

Judging by the empty restaurant everytime I drive or walk by, I would say that being consistant is difficult when you don't have any customers on which to practice. My guess is that it won't be long before you see it replaced with a casual restaurant, or something altogether different.

Oh well... I enjoyed our appetizers and grouper sandwich, as well as the presentation, very much. But consistency is critical...

[Smiling JOe]

Maybe a restaurant like Shades would work in that spot.

I bet you are right. Shades is very casual, and the food is decent as are the prices. Shades would probably work very well in that spot.

Cafe Rendevouz doesn't seem to have any problem staying busy, and the food is great, as is the service -- very inviting.

[Beach Bimmer]

Had breakfast (Seaside DSA meeting) and lunch at Great Southern today. The Pensacola Pulled Pork sandwich with gouda cheese grits had outstanding flavor, and there was no extra charge for the side order. Service was prompt, and both the owner (Bob Pride) and his right hand (Maggie) introduced themselves and made sure we were well taken care of. I feel they're moving in the right direction now...

BB

[madjack]

I sort of feel the urge to stand up for Great Southern Cafe in Seaside. It's good. My friends ate there 3 times last week and wanted to go back again. Shades was so tired, and its atmosphere was intimidatingly conservative (Fox News running 24/7 can make you lose your appetite). People who miss Shades should still be able to go there; its owner told me that they were just moving down 30-A, to a bigger space.

[elgordoboy]

I sort of feel the urge to stand up for Great Southern Cafe in Seaside. It's good. My friends ate there 3 times last week and wanted to go back again. Shades was so tired, and its atmosphere was intimidatingly conservative (Fox News running 24/7 can make you lose your appetite). People who miss Shades should still be able to go there; its owner told me that they were just moving down 30-A, to a bigger space.

A lot can happen in two years. I had the grits and grillades there a while back and they were pretty tasty. The dish appeared to have been reheated in the microwave as it had that crusty edge on the sauce like a Stouffer's lasagna when you left it in just a tad too long. I am not complaining as I love that burnt, crusty bit......I wonder if that qualifies as a technique? lol

[avalon]

I was a bartender at Shades for five years or so , back in the day... Even before the guys from Taco Mac bought it, Seaside never found it to be "hip" enough. No fancy sauces or waiters in black. However, I am sorry to hear not good things about Great Southern. Some of these comments are almost mean. I thought only the positive was welcome on the restaurant forum, I guess it depends on what restaurant is being discussed.

[scooterbug44]

Great Southern has some yummy dishes!

Shades had good crab cakes and french fries, but you went there for a quick meal kids would eat, not cuisine or great service.

[Smiling JOe]

I did buy a very tasty, $6 () Newcastle at Great Southern Cafe, recently.

[30A Skunkape]

I think it should be pointed out that the criticisms above are almost 2 years old. I have heard good things about the place as of late, but it certainly had some growing pains.

[scooterbug44]

I did buy a very tasty, $6 () Newcastle at Great Southern Cafe, recently.

An overpriced beer on 30-A - almost as rare as a tourist w/ a sunburn.

[Smiling JOe]

scooter, you are spot-on. I guess I should expect beer to cost $6 plus tip, when lemonade in Seaside cost $4+. Thank God for the bars with better prices on beer!

[scooterbug44]

Gotta love Hurricane and Sally's prices !

[elgordoboy]

I was a bartender at Shades for five years or so , back in the day... Even before the guys from Taco Mac bought it, Seaside never found it to be "hip" enough. No fancy sauces or waiters in black. However, I am sorry to hear not good things about Great Southern. Some of these comments are almost mean. I thought only the positive was welcome on the restaurant forum, I guess it depends on what restaurant is being discussed.

This thread was dredged up from two years ago and it appears the negative comments were from when it was new. Two years at the rent I am sure Great Southern is paying must mean they are ok at something. If I have a vote - I prefer to hear someone's experience positive or negative if posted in a sensible manner and then read refutations it gives balance. I didn't see any "bashing".

[DuneLaker]

So, who does own it now? Is it Collier Merrell, businessman and major political contributor, of Pensacola? He owned the Florida Fish House on Main in Pensacola and Joe Scarborough even had his office upstairs. Or has he sold it like he and his family did with a lot of their Orange Beach condos at auction that was mentioned on another thread a month or so ago? Are they the majority owners of this Great Southern? Joe Scarborough was at the SoWal July 4th Parade a few years ago and set up in Seaside for his show.