Tarks Of Dania Beach

4/12/2015

I must say that this was a pleasant surprise.  After a long day of shopping we were starving and wanted some place amazing.  All we knew was that we wanted fresh seafood and something inexpensive.  We were on our way to Hollywood beach and wanted to find s place by the beach....that may be expensive.  Luckily we pulled out our yelp and started looking around.  We found this place and it was a mile away, it was a no brainer.  When we pulled up, it look a little sketchy with cars parked everywhere and over flowing with people by the door.  Instead of turning around....we knew we found a hidden gem.  We had to hustle our way to grab a seat inside by the bar.  Poor Joanna was the waitress/bartender and was running the whole show.  She was only one person and there were many people trying to grab her attention to order. Many time she kept saying she's only 1 person and going on human speed.  We miss our philly charm so it wasn't so bad. Waiting was a bummer but it truly is worth the wait.  We kept staring at other people's food so we would know exactly what to order when she made her way around to us. Although my husband didn't wait for her to come around...he had to hustle his way to place an order too.  I think that was the norm there.
We ordered both New England and Manhattan clam chowder, steam clams, garlic and old bay shrimp, fried grouper sand which, mild wings, and conch salad. Everything was so good.  The clams were a perfect size and plump, the conch salad was a huge portion and I couldn't get enough.  I was on a hunt for a great conch salad after having it for the first time in the Bahamas....this one did not disappoint. The shrimp was so good in the garlic and old bey seasoning....remind me so much of chickie and Pete our favorite seafood sports bar in Philly.
I must say that we ordered so many things and the bill was very inexpensive.  Definitely will be back soon to try the rest of the menu!!

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  Poor Joanna...she had a 1 women show. Think they needed two of her.

  Poor Joanna...she had a 1 women show. Think they needed two of her.
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  Sat at the bar and we had to hustle our way in for the seats.,

  Sat at the bar and we had to hustle our way in for the seats.,
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  Raw oysters!

  Raw oysters!
• See all photos from Ratha M. for Tarks Of Dania Beach

5/29/2015

My mission for good seafood continues.... Stopped by this little seafood shack. It was interesting at best. It was packed when we walked in, limited seating at the bar top and only a handful of tables outside. I came for just the snow crab legs for $13.95 for 1lb w/fries & slaw. My hubby ordered their famous wings and the grouper sandwich with a side of curly fries and slaw. We also ordered the BBQ garlic shrimp. The cooks are sarcastic in a funny way. We sat next to a very particular old man who sent back his order of hot wings back because he wanted to enjoy his oysters first. So we were entertained as he fought with the cook to send them back. I'm sure he got them back extra special when he was finally ready for them. Lol.

You can't expect much, food is descent, you can't really mess up snow crab legs.
Good portion + great price = happy tummy.
I'd eat here if you don't mind eating shoulder to shoulder, like to people watch and eat fresh seafood. It's true, it's not the cleanest place but it's part of its charm. Enjoy.

4/6/2015

Total dive... One of the originals... this place is always busy... total locals spot.

Wings, fried clam bellies, shrimp... total dive but a great dive..

6/28/2015

I have to say I was really impressed with the quality of food, cost and service. Food was very fresh with good taste. Would recommend making a visit if you are traveling in the area. Only downside is the size but worth the sacrifice. Can't find anything like this in CA.

10/27/2014

Guy Fieri needs to come to Tarks & film an episode of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives here. This is the best "dive" I have ever eaten in. I can't believe I have been living in Florida for 22 years & have not been here. I sooo blame my sister (Jodi C.) for this, LOL.

I read the reviews so I knew beforehand what to expect. When they say "limited seating" that is very true. There are a few tables outside & only counter service inside. You have a full view of the fryers & a lot of the food preparation. This is not the cleanest (to say the least) restaurant so I chose not to look. I was here for the experience & that is what I got. Oh and great food!

After reading the menu several hundred times before I even got to Tarks, I already knew I was going to order the Buffalo Shrimp and Conch Fritters. Well after seeing how delicious the wings looked, I went with the small order of medium garlic wings. The sauce looks a little greasy at first but don't worry. It's right out of the fryer & served piping hot. After waiting a few minutes for them to cool off, I dug right in. The medium garlic sauce was perfect. Tons of garlic but yet it was not overpowering. The heat was just right. The wings remained crispy even though they were heavily sauced. These were awesome wings. The blue cheese dressing was very good. I am not sure if it is homemade but it was better than most. My sister ordered a small order of medium wings and she loved them too.

The fries arrived very shiny. Again, they take everything out of the fryer , throw it in a basket & serve it to you. After they cooled down they were actually pretty good. They were out of a bag but I didn't care. I loved the conch fritters. I think they were homemade but I am not sure. The fritters contained lots of conch, red peppers and spices that gave them a zesty kick. I tasted very little filler and lots of delicious conch. The cocktail sauce was also good with lots of heat.

Ok, I cant give Tarks five stars because the place is very dirty. I think I would give it 3.5 if possible but since it's not I am rounding up to 4 stars. The food was awesome & we had great service from Joanne. My leftovers were delicious. I even ate my leftover wings for breakfast the next morning. Don't judge me, I woke up craving them. Best wings I have had in Florida, period.

They have lots of healthy options. Fresh fish, conch salad, oysters and clams are just a few things on their menu. I was being bad & stuck with all fried food. I have no regrets because everything was fresh, hot & delicious.

Prices are cheap. My sister treated but I think our bill was only about 20 dollars. I will definitely return & soon. I normally would not recommend a dirty restaurant but Tarks is my one exception.

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• See all photos from Britt Z. for Tarks Of Dania Beach

6/26/2015

Great pricing for the food and a definite local dive.  Don't come expecting a clean corporate restaraunt chain as it looks a bit unclean.  

But it didn't upset my stomach.  12 oysters for 9.99?!  Will be back again!!

1/9/2015

Places like these bring warmth to my heart. Divey,  full of characters and greasy, fried decadence.

The yelp reviews don't lie. It's a total hole in the wall but delivers quality seafood.

Happy hour: 50 cent wings. They just be hand breaded to each order. Really good, and were a really good size! I was surprised, because much of the time happy hour specials don't deliver.

Next, shrimpies in terminator sauce. Not too spicy. Flavorful, delicious. The wings totally out did these, but I definitely still liked them.

The blackened grouper looked really good, but I cannot attest to the taste. I'll get it next time.

Last, oysters. Holy mackerel were these big boys. They were fresh (some if the freshest I've ever had- with the disclaimer I'm from Wisconsin).

I'll be back!!

Great place that everyone should check out. Nice people fill this joint- not too often found down here.

3/19/2015

So I was told this place was a legendary locals joint, my type of place. I wish I would have skipped it. It is definitely what I consider to be a joint, dumpy and full of real people but the food didn't live up to what I was expecting. There was a wait to be seated but only about 10 mins and we had a beer before sitting at the bar. Oysters were very good but the wings were really bad. Service is terrible, and it's not really part of the charm.

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  Wings

  Wings
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  Mmmmmm

  Mmmmmm

6/1/2015

Stopped there on our way from the airport! It was Sunday night and the place was packed, so we ordered oysters to go. Only $10 a dozen! In NY, where I'm from, these go about $3-$4 per one! Crazy cheap and mad good. Other than oysters they serve alligators, too bad they ran out when we got there. But definitely will be coming back to get more oysters and try alligator meat

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  3 dozen of fresh delicious oysters for 30 bucks! Is it real??

  3 dozen of fresh delicious oysters for 30 bucks! Is it real??

4/2/2015

This is a great little seafood restaurant considering the decor isn't necessarily fancy. We ordered crabs, clams, chicken wings, fries and a few more that I can't remember but I gotta say everything we ordered came out fast and tasty. Everything was fresh (and made in front of you if you sat at the bar), they actually shucked the clams right in front of us right before they served it. The best part was that the prices were surprisingly low, they even have daily specials.
I would say that the only downfall to this place is the lack of space and the somewhat unkempt appearance. I gotta admit tho that it gave off an authentic sea side ambiance. On the plus side, the staff was extremely friendly as well as speedy. This place is truly full of character and would recommend any seafood lover to stop by.

5/24/2014

The best way to describe this place is a dimond in the rough. I've been coming here for 10 years and NEVER have I had anything but a great exeperience. This place has been around forever. I would definitely call this a dive bar. When you drive up it looks like a little shack but do NOT be discouraged by appearances go inside and experience all their delicious goodies they have to offer.

No matter what you're in the mood for you must get their WINGS they're the best in the area hands down. They have several options for sauce I usually go for their hot. It's not as spicy as the name says it'll be, its more packed with flavor. If you really love spicy food try their terminator sauce its delicious with a nice kick of heat. I always get my wings fried but they'll also grill them for you no problem.

Feeling a bit adventurous go for their gator tail you'll thank me later. They give you these fried to perfection golden morsels of gator tail it comes with fries and cole slaw. Gator to me tastes better then chicken and Tarks gator tail is the best I've eaten anywhere.

Try any of their seafood its always fresh and cooked on the spot. From shrimp, to crab legs, fish, steamers, shucked to order oysters. You will not be disappointed.

I can not forget their ice cold pitchers of beers it pairs up perfectly with all the fried goodness I usually eat. Go on a Wednesday and with your purchase of a pitcher of beer they give you 10 free wings, can you say winning! I'm not embarrassed to say that I probably spent 5 years worth of Wednesdays there ;)

The restaurant is small but you'll always manage to find a spot either inside or outside. The staff is great they get to know you by name. If you're looking for a chill super casual night and want some wings and beer this is your place.

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  Best wings in the area

  Best wings in the area
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  Fried to perfection gator tail

  Fried to perfection gator tail
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  Ice cold pitcher of beer

  Ice cold pitcher of beer

5/15/2015

Tonight l visited Tarks because of the reviews of others and they were absolutely on the money with this place. The outside appearance has little to be desired but it makes up overall else. That which really matters the most; The food was great; the price was right; the employees were patient and very polite(especially Eddie). I enjoyed myself and look forward to coming back soon.

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  Mmmm good

  Mmmm good
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  Excellent location

  Excellent location
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  Simply delicious

  Simply delicious

1/13/2015

Go where the locals go to eat and drink.

This place is an establishment - it is always packed! We went there on a Friday at 4 and we had to wait to get a seat. They have a great take out that you can place when you get there or call in for pick up.

The bar seats around 12 people and they have ledges around the windows to seat around another 12. There are a few picnic tables to sit outside as well.

The service, well it is part of the entertainment. You aren't waited on hand and foot - most likely you will have to try pretty hard to get their attention. Place your order quickly and your food gets brought up to the bar within a few minutes.

The quality of the food was amazing - all super fresh from the raw oysters, to the shrimp, to everything we tried. They are known for their Terminator sauce that you can buy in bottles there too, if you'd like.

Overall, if you're looking for a place where the locals hangout to drink and eat check this place out.

11/12/2014

This isn't a place to go if you want a fancy meal- this is the place to go if you want to roll up your sleeves, pass the lemons and butter, & dig into some good ol' seafood. Fresh, delicious crabs, shrimp, clams-- you name it, for a great price. I'm so happy to have discovered this gem.

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  Beer battered fried fish with curly fries

  Beer battered fried fish with curly fries
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  Snow crab

  Snow crab
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  Steamed combo

  Steamed combo

1/16/2015

I enjoyed my food so much that I forgot to get my phone out to take any photos. Always hard when you're eating chicken wings. I had an order of 10 hot wings, and shared a dozen raw oysters. Others at my table had a grouper sandwich, fried calamari, and gator bites. Everything was SO good! And not to even mention how reasonably priced everything on the menu is. The dozen raw oysters for $9.50 had to be the best deal on the menu! They were large oysters and very fresh!
The place itself is kind of a dive, but everyone was nice and the service was good. There's not much room inside for seating, as they just have some high top bar areas with stools and a few tables. There are a couple of tables outside too.  
I would definitely be a regular customer if I lived in Florida!

6/12/2015

I came here with my boyfriend on a Saturday. I got the crab leg special for $15 and he got the surf and turf. The crab leg special is supposed to be 1lb but it seemed like much more! My boyfriend and I were both able to share it. His surf and turf steak and mahi was seasoned well. Food is cooked right in front of you. Inexpensive and great. Definitely recommended for seafood lovers.

10/23/2014

I love this place,  for me it's one of the best and economic seafood dinner.  The oysters are the best and for the price you can't beat it, fresh and big oysters.

The cook guy was amazing (Italian guy) and my server a blond girl was cool as hell. They one me as a weekly customer since I work close and I loved the oysters.

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  Oysters

  Oysters
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  Oyster s

  Oyster s

3/26/2014

The food here is definitely fresh, but had to wait 40 minutes for take out is unbearable, especially having nowhere to sit when this place gets crowded. They should really start a calling system where people get a call to come back for their food when it's ready. So, count in the wait, I'm gonna have to go with a 3 star rating.

Now on to the food, we had plenty of raw oysters and top necks; all very fresh and the guys shuck them right in front of you. They also pack everything with ice and cocktail sauce, not bad.

As for the fried clam bellies and clam strips, they were just ok. I've definitely had better ones in RI and with a lot less flour than how this place makes them. The price for the fried clams are also a bit on the higher end considering there are only 10 pieces per order.

Now, I also ordered the supposedly famous conch salad, but apparently saw no sign of it when I received my food. I had to go back to ask them where the salad was and the girl told me it was sold out. Ok, so if it's sold out, why did u charge me for it. Eventually, they gave me a refund on the salad, but that was a disappointment for sure.

Overall, if I'm craving for raw oysters when in the area, maybe I'll come by again. But this place is not worth a long wait, IMO. On the plus side, they do take credit cards by the way.

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  A hole in the wall

  A hole in the wall

5/25/2015

I dont see why its so crowded. I orded the conch fritters  needs more conch less bread. Everything is greasy and no place to sit and men over take the bar and are rude. Trying to order is a joke. Tip go before 4pm key lime pie wasnt that great either. Three stars for the great cook for having a great personality.  Female behind the register needs a class on customer service or put waiters outside to take orders so shes not snapping at u after waiting in line 15 min to place an order.

9/13/2014

So I  am always looking for hole in the wall places with lots of character.  You know the kind of place that's rough to look at but where people flock to because the food is not only cheap but is really good. Tarks is that kind of place.  My wife and I read the reviews so we wern't expecting much in the way of decor. We found that the previous reviews were pretty spot on.  So in other words don't expect romantic candle lit dining.

However if you want good fresh seafood at a great price along with a cold beer, then this is that place.  If I was a local I would frequent this place.  All the staff was great, real salt of the earth type of people.  If your easily offended by people being themselves then don't bother.  They have  that disfunctional family feel, but the fun kind.  We may go back for lunch again tomorrow before we head back to Indiana.

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  A nice half dozen oysters to get things started

  A nice half dozen oysters to get things started

5/10/2015

OH MAN! Have I missed this place! Its been 5+ years since we've moved to N.C. and we were here within 10 minutes of being back for a visit. Glad to See Sammy and Pops! Of course we started with raw oysters and a Bucket of Bud. Krystal had the clam strips and curly fries and then we had the wings, Hot Garlic! NOBODY and I mean NOBODY makes wings like these. I have tried wings from everywhere between here and Charlotte and NOBODY comes close to the breaded, fried perfectly, buttery garlic sauce of Tark's. We will be eating here everyday  we are in town! Stock up on those oysters!

3/6/2015

I have been coming here for years. It's tiny, noisy, somewhat dirty, slow service and on a major busy thoroughfare. But the food and friendliness make up for it. The beer is cold, the wings are hot, the fries are curly, the fish is good, and the oysters worth the trip. Expect to be crunched together at the counter as food flies in every direction. Come on in and be abused, you will leave full and happy!

5/25/2015

This is the real Florida! A hole in the wall dive with phenomenal food. The chicken wings and buffalo shrimp were the best. The conch salad is to die for as well!

6/6/2015

The food is good.the food is greasy and good the fries are good as the wings and buffalo wings and buffalo shrimp.

3/6/2015

Very old fashion restaurant.  Do not expect a elegant place. This is very simple and busy place. The food is simple good and reasonable.

1/17/2015

This is a cute little place to come for some seafood, wings and good fun. The regulars are extremely friendly and hilarious. The service, when you're finally served is ok. The music is loud but that's all apart of the fun and charm of this little place. A song came on and the lady across from me starting singing, ahhh rather loudly, so I joined in and so did everyone else in the joint. That was fun! Great release from a hectic week! Just what the doctor ordered up for me.
There is indoor and outdoor seating. Indoor is all counter tops so sit where you fit in. There is no waiter service inside. So, you just yell your order to the person at the register. Hey, that works for me.
The food. I ordered the combo, came with a huge slice of grouper, shrimp clams and fries. I thought they were all fried a wee bit too hard. I think they also may have needed to change the oil. But the taste wasn't too bad. I think I'll try the wings and buffalo shrimp next time I'm in that part of town. As those items seem to be a big hit.
Parking is limited much like the seating. Get in where you fit in.

11/4/2014

The very first place I ever had fried clams, steamed clams, and buffalo chicken wings was Tarks, over 30 years ago now. Tarks set the standard for which I would forever measure chicken wings against, and no place anywhere has ever come close to these crispy, saucy, flavorful meaty bits of greasy heaven. I stopped in while in town last week and could not believe how good these still were.The happy hour with inexpensive wings by the piece and $1.50 beers is hard to beat anywhere. The clam cocktail sauce actually has a bite, in a very delicious way. I cannot believe I have not come back here sooner.

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  Heavenly

  Heavenly

5/28/2015

Second time here and I brought the kids. They loved the Gator tail and the clam strips. Great place for a quick lunch. But it's always busy cause it's so good. I recommend it.

3/5/2015

This review is based on my visit that I had 4 years ago:

I really do not care too much about how clean the restaurants are. I kinda like hole in the wall places. However, this place is dirty. I am pretty sure there are many places like this that we all eat but we do not see it because unlike here the kitchens are mostly in the back. Here they do almost everything in front of you and they do not do it cleanly. I admit, I would suck it up and go here again regardless how dirty it is if the food was outstanding but it is only good food. Not good enough to go back.

4/13/2015

I've come here a couple of times.  The reviews sum it up nicely.  It depends on your point of view.  It is all there.  This place is awesome and disgusting at the same time!  It is down to earth with decent tasting food.  Sometimes, you don't want fancy, you just want some cheap, good food.  One time we were there the cook was a hilarious character throwing the food around but at the same amazing us with his ability to man so many fronts at once.  He also was funny in a dry way at the same time.  The last time I was there, the place was crammed full of people.  You had to squish your way up to the cash register to bark an order over someone's shoulder.  The service was mostly fend for yourself, but you could tell they were maxed out.  The clam chowder I had was good.  And yes, it is a little dirty.  It is all what you make of it.  Sometimes, Tarks fits the bill and fits the bill for a lot of folks.

5/29/2015

It was ok to me. Nothing spectacular.  Very tiny hole in the wall joint. I ordered the medium chicken wings..again nothing spectacular about them. The key lime pie was ok...again nothing spectacular.  Probably won't go back do to the fact that I hate mosquitoes.  I got bite several times while waiting Inside for my food. The Windows are kept opened.

2/5/2015

My wife and I were visiting the area and came across this place on yelp with great reviews so we gave it a try.

Big mistake. Rude service. Countertops were filthy to the point my hand would stick to it. Oysters were good. Wings were absolutely disgusting and swimming in a large pool of oil and had no flavor.

STAY AWAY!!!!

2/7/2015

Great great great seafood at excellent prices.  The ONLYYYYYY thing that keeps me from posting 5 stars is that the place is always so crowded.  Oysters, fish, curly fries and next time I am trying the wings, for sure.

8/3/2014

Tarks is amazing. I went there to grab a quick bite before going to the Ft. lauderdale airport and the location couldn't be better for the airport. The place is a little divey restaurant with a sitting bar counter at the front. We choose to sit outside on the benches. The food was delicious...fried conch fritters and fried combo hit the spot but the real winner was that mahi burger. The mahi was so flakey and nicely flavored and for under $9 and came with fries!! Definitely would come back if I am in the area.

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  Fried combo

  Fried combo
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  Mahi burger

  Mahi burger

1/26/2015

If I could give this place 6 stars, I would! I ordered the wings and raw combo along with several beers. The food was excellent and the atmosphere was even better! Ate dinner with some strangers at the bar and had more fun than I've had in a long time! Great spot!!!

6/29/2014 Updated review

Back with a baby in tow!
It's been about a year and half since I had good half shells. Finally a trip out for some amazing oysters!
I looked over my review and saw I said I needed to try the conch salad and the chowder. So that's what I got, plus oysters.
Did not disappoint, even R loved his tomato slice, he ate two while mom and dad were able to eat their food.

A ton of food for a decent price. Still love this place.

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  Oysters, conch salad and clam chowder... so good!

  Oysters, conch salad and clam chowder... so good!
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  Sitting at the counter

  Sitting at the counter

6/10/2014

After reading many reviews, decided to give it a try. Now, i don't care if a place is not fancy as long as it has good food.

I gotta start by saying that the food was pretty good. We had chicken wings which were very good, conch salad was good as well and hubby had a mahi sandwich that was good. Again : Good, not great, not outstanding, not out of this world.
sure, the fish is fresh, service is friendly but it is very small, cramped and Dirty!.

In other words, i can take it or leave it. I don't think i would wanna come back here.

But we were in the area so had to try it since everyone seems to talk about it right?.

Well... let me just say that if theis place has been there for 50 years,that is how long they have not cleaned!!!. Everything was dirty:the walls, the floors,...
I honestly was skeeved out but too hungry to leave.

so it has been scratched off the list. Not going back.

5/15/2015

Oysters and steamers and shrimp, oh my!  Throw in a few beers and this is dinner at least once a month.  Yes, it is a small "hole in the wall" joint, but the staff has always been great and it has its own kind of charm.  I go mainly for the oysters on the half shell shucked right in front of you and the steamers.  The wings are not my favorite.  If you are looking for a place where you can "eat off the floor", this is not for you.  But if you want a great "roll up your sleeves and get messy" kind of meal with great food and a little local color thrown in, this is the place!

5/9/2015

Not new, Not much room, and at times can be difficult to get a seat or place an order. But once you do it will become clear.The food, prices and atmosphere are enjoyable.

5/10/2015

Bad day at Tarks today, sadly.  Seemed like a good, honest place - fryers right up front, oysters shucked at the counter.  Sat right down front and center at the counter

Ordered, waited.  Server wanted to cash us out, shift was obviously ending.  So I asked if she knew we had never gotten food.  No, she hadn't noticed...so fry station guy shouts he prepped it a long time ago, then he figures out it was set aside as a to-go order, shouts some more and goes to the back and gets it.

Fry guy wants to serve the order, but I know what fried fish and fries are like after 20 minutes in a styrofoam box.  Really angry fry guy now, slamming stuff into the fryers.  Server asked if we wanted fresh, but I know better than to eat food prepped by someone mad about my order.  Got my money back and bailed.

Too bad.