Verified
We had reservations and were seated promptly. We ordered oysters and clams for appetizers which were both excellent. However, it took 40 minutes for the appetizers to be served. The entrees arrived in a reasonable amount of time. We had flounder and steak bites which were both very good but could have been hotter. Our server was very good and apologized for the wait
Zero customer service.. Went there for brunch today. Drinks came out quick and we placed our order. FIVE tables that came in after us got served before us! The waiter, who was very nice, kept coming over to apologize and told us our food was coming right out (2 or 3 times) and that he informed the manager. Our food finally came out an hour or so later and the waiter again apologized and said he told the manager. The manager NEVER came over. We had to find the manager as we were leaving who said "the food came out hot and you said it was good... Sooooo, ok" Rude to say the least. We didn't expect a free meal - just better customer service. We dine out a lot, Salt and Barel won't be a repeat. Really poor management and customer service.
I know this place is owned by two couples and I have supported their business from when they first opened when the food was terrible but they had good service and drinks. Fast fwd they hired a good chef from another local restaurant, I walked in with my wife tonight who had a baby three weeks ago, and this was our first night out since she has been pregnant. She was excited to go there, and we always like to sit by the bar area The ball was full and there were two hightop tables available. We were told that they were reserved. As we were walking out, another group of people asked if they could sit there and if they were reserved and they said no, you can sit there My wife and I always keep well in order a lot of food and drinks. It was a young girl working and didn’t recognize any of the owners who are usually there. I heard the conversation the two couples and the woman at the front desk had. She asked how many, not a name of reservation. You won’t see my business after being disrespectful I will never go back
Reply from Salt & Barrel
2025.12.29
Hi Franke thank you for coming in and we are so sorry there was some miscommunication. We do feel we must clear up a few facts. S&B is owned by a family. Brother, sister, father and longtime friend. When we first opened our chef was from Gramercy Tavern in NYC and our food was incredible. Our current chef for the last 3+ years is from the city as well, not another local restaurant. He came from a Michelin star restaurant actually.
The bar tables were reserved all night long, so I think the conversation you heard was misinterpreted because the group that came in actually had a reservation on the table but a guest in the group did not know that.
We are honored that we are the first restaurant you would go to after having a baby, congrats that’s a big deal!! Please come back and try us again as we would love to host you. If u make a reze request a bar high top and we certainly will reserve it for you! Another nice option with baby is the lounge. Happy New Year and we hope the above info cleared up a bit of confusion. Hope to see you again.
The bar tables were reserved all night long, so I think the conversation you heard was misinterpreted because the group that came in actually had a reservation on the table but a guest in the group did not know that.
We are honored that we are the first restaurant you would go to after having a baby, congrats that’s a big deal!! Please come back and try us again as we would love to host you. If u make a reze request a bar high top and we certainly will reserve it for you! Another nice option with baby is the lounge. Happy New Year and we hope the above info cleared up a bit of confusion. Hope to see you again.
I’ve been here several times and, food-wise, I’m confident it’s the best restaurant in Bay Shore. Unfortunately, the way reservations and seating are handled really takes away from the experience.
I don’t like sitting in the main dining room, so on two different visits I booked a bar-area table online. Both times, I called to confirm that we would not be seated at the bar table by the entrance—cold and unpleasant. And both times, we were still brought to the table by the door.
The second time this happened, I asked how that could be. The response from the maître d’/floor manager was surprisingly unpleasant. Instead of acknowledging the issue, she raised her voice in an odd way and suggested I was being unreasonable for expecting the table location that had already been confirmed (I got confirmation on the phone that we will not be seated by the door). She said holding specific table/s is “difficult.” Really? That explanation wasn’t helpful—especially when the request was clear and confirmed in advance.
The food is excellent, but the attitude and lack of follow-through at the front of the house make it hard to fully enjoy the place.
Verified
I do like this place, this is my second time here . Both experiences , the oysters were perfectly shucked, sweet , briny and super fresh. We live on an island , but for some reason it's hard to find good oysters here. They always deliver and from a variety of regions.
However the lobster roll is pretty bad. It was a bit undercooked and tasteless.
Everything else was good , beet salad, truffle fries, and service all very good. Will be back not ordering lobster roll
Verified
This would have been a 4.5 rating but the lobster roll I ordered was pretty bad. It seemed undercooked , kind of that transparent look and slimey , not firm like well cooked lobster. The oysters , excellent, the beet salad great, and the truffle fries were awesome! Definitely would return just do not order lobster roll.