We decided to go to Nau-ti-gal for restaurant week because they had a Key West themed dinner set and we were married in Key West exactly three months prior. We decided to make reservations since we figured it would be busy. When we called we were told the only opening they had was for 7:45 on a Thursday night. I thought that was odd but we booked it anyway.
We showed up around 7:15 for our reservation. Figured we could get a drink and maybe the table would be ready early. When we arrived, we noticed many tables available for inside dining. We gave them our name for the reservation and immediately the woman told us "No, we don't have your reservation." We were shocked but told them to put us on a wait list to sit outdoors for dining. We were told it would be about a half hour. She also preceded to tell us we probably called the wrong number and made reservation at the Mariner.
We sat at the outside bar and ordered drinks. We thought we had made reservations so we decided to call the number we called the day before to cancel the reservation if we had indeed made them at the mariner. When my husband called the host at Natuigal answered. Nope! we had called the correct number and yes, you didn't keep our reservation.
We had barely gotten our drinks when we were buzzed for our table. I went back to the hostess and told her we were buzzed. She then told me to walk outside and find a staff member who would seat me. What?!?!? isn't that the entire job description of the hostess? to seat you? I walked outside and tried to find someone, who I had never met, to seat me. I found a bunch of servers and a woman who seemed "managerial". I told her I was buzzed and I was to find someone to seat me. She was extremely rude and asked "where is my buzzer, and how many people?" She rudely walked us to a table.
Then we had the either most stoned or clueless waiter I've ever come across. SLOW and HORRIBLE.
We each ordered off the restaurant week menu. HORRIBLE food. Shrimp extremely overcooked. Grouper with crab from a CAN. Come on! Side of vegetable was clearly a frozen vegetable mix. It's summer, get some fresh vegetables! Clam chowder was watery and not as tasty. We've had it at Captn Bills so we know how good it can be. not worth the $25.
Would only go back for drinks to sit outside and listen to the band. If I ever go back.