The Buoy

Visited The Buoy today with a coworker. Very well decorated with a great atmosphere. I ordered the catfish nuggets, and they were really good, especially with the ranch. I did feel they were a little pricey for an appetizer. I also tried the corn nuggets, and unfortunately they weren’t my favorite, which surprised me because I normally love corn nuggets. Unfortunately, my coworker found a hair in her food. The staff did address the situation and made it right, which we appreciated. My biggest concern was noticing a cook and staff in the kitchen without a hair restraint or beard restraint. Food Code Section 2-402.11 addresses the use of hair restraints, including restraints for facial hair, to help prevent hair from contacting exposed food. Seeing that after finding a hair in the food was definitely concerning and made me wonder if the situation could have been prevented. Overall, the atmosphere is beautiful

Amazing dinner experience tonight! Our server Erika was extremely kind and was able to recommend a fantastic mocktail that wasn’t on the menu due to me being pregnant. My husband got the Siesta Key Sling, which was more on the sweet side, but really good. The corn nugget appetizer was to die for. Literally amazing. I got the shrimp and grits which was given in a huge portion and so tasty. Truly the best I’ve had. Husband got the catch of the day (yellow edge grouper) and the homemade tartar sauce which was 10/10. Ended the night with ice cream cookie sandwich. Spent just over $100. Everything was priced very reasonably but tasted phenomenal! Will be back! Worth the 45 minute drive for us -

Two stars for the decor, the fact that they are new and the friendly hostesses. I know they are still getting it together but what a disappointment. With the prices I expected so much more. Very tough shrimp, fries covered in old bay (some people do like that… not me) and overall very average sauces and hushpuppies. The portion sizes were small as well and the waitstaff forgot we were there…we had to find them to get what we needed. Beware of their cocktails. If you like them STRONG then you will be happy. All I could taste in the frozen cocktail was rum. I like my rum a little camouflaged. Hoping you guys get it together! An expensive lesson for me! (The picture attached is minus one shrimp that I ate. Most of this went back from where it came).

We had dinner and brunch there and both were AMAZING! Easily the best french toast I've ever had, but what also amazed me was that they make every single thing there including the whipped cream, the ranch dressing and they even have their own special butter which is so flavorful. I love their story too, that almost the entire staff is either family (2 of the 3 owners), friends since childhood, or people they've worked with for many many years. Wait staff was very friendly and accommodating. No complaints at all.