SOCU Southern Kitchen & Oyster Bar - Birmingham

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1. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Miami

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 4 days ago

   overall5food5service4ambience5

   Great vibes

   Report
2. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Birmingham

   1 review

   3.0

   1 review

   Dined 4 days ago

   overall3food5service3ambience3

   The food was great but the wait time was almost unbearable… We had a reservation for 6:30p, however we didn’t receive our food until after 8pm..

   Report
3. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Mississippi

   1 review

   1.0

   1 review

   Dined on January 29, 2023

   overall1food1service1ambience1

   They will take your reservation through open table but don’t honor it once you arrive. Terrible way to try and get customers.

   Report
4. EW

   EricaW

   1 review

   2.0

   1 review

   Dined on January 29, 2023

   overall2food2service4ambience4

   Oysters were burnt not chargrilled. Toast was burnt.I was disappointed in my experience, since I was so excited to finally try this restaurant.

   Report
5. RB

   RoseB

   Birmingham

   3 reviews

   3.0

   3 reviews

   Dined on January 29, 2023

   overall3food5service3ambience4

   The food was great but it took a long time to be served.

   Report
6. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Chicago

   2 reviews

   vip
   1.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on January 24, 2023

   overall1food1service1ambience1

   One of the worst experiences we’ve had in a long time avoid this place at all cost

   Report
7. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Tallahassee

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on January 22, 2023

   overall5food5service3ambience2

   Food was outstanding. Service was much better than it has been previously. I understand it takes a while to prepare such amazing food. In past visits, staff has hung around talking among themselves. This visit was much better and staff checked on us more often while we waited for our meal. Music choice was great but too loud for us to have easy conversation. I’d reduce volume just a little. Cocktails / mimosas were delicious. During a previous visit, I ordered a white wine and it was served in a champagne glass - felt a little cheated.

   Report
8. TB

   TriceeeeeB

   1 review

   4.0

   1 review

   Dined on January 21, 2023

   overall4food5service4ambience4

   Great food but the meal price point needs to match the experience.

   Report
9. EW

   EvangelineW

   Birmingham

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on January 21, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   The food and service was excellent! My hubby and I did our usual date night and this was our first visit to this restaurant. They did not disappoint! Our server Meagan was superb! We definitely will be back! Evangeline and Henry

   Report
10. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Birmingham

    7 reviews

    1.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on January 7, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience2

    Reserved a table on Open Table app for 1:30pm. We arrived at 1:25. No one asked to seat us. After about 10-15 minutes someone came over and seated us. No one came over to take our order. We sat and sat. We then overheard a waitress tell another table that they stop (serving?) at 2 or 2:30. Well we still sat because we were not sure due to the app showing open reservations after our 1:30 reservation. We finally left after no one addressed us. Never again!

    Report
11. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 6, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4

    The meal and service was great.

    Report
12. C

    Chelle

    Birmingham

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on January 1, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    SOCU was a great place to eat. The staff was very friendly and helpful. The atmosphere was nice and pleasant. We had the Oysters Rockefeller and deviled eggs for an appetizer and both were delicious. Our dinner was also great. The fried chicken was so moist and flavorful. I recommend this place for everyone who wants to enjoy delicious food, a great atmosphere at a great price,

    Report
13. L

    Lilly

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 1, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience1

    Made a reservation, didn’t get seated for a while, one poor server for New Years Eve that couldn’t get to us, understandably, drenched in sweat. Seated RIGHT next to a DJ speaker that was so loud I couldn’t think. Prices were unthinkable for the atmosphere. We didn’t stay past water being served. I asked to be seated away from the speaker, i have sensory sensitivity issues, they were unable to accommodate. Personally, for somewhere that I needed a reservation for, they could not have let me down anymore.

    Report
14. AJ

    AvariaJ

    Birmingham

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 31, 2022

    overall1food2service1ambience4

    There was only 1 server for the entire brunch hours. Service was AWFUL. My lobster and Waffle was salty and the Waffle was cold.

    Report
15. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Orlando

    3 reviews

    1.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 30, 2022

    overall1food1service5ambience3

    Waitress waited until she brought the food to the table to tell me they were out of snapper. My party ate their food and I had nothing.

    Report
16. j

    jasminep

    E. Tennessee

    7 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on December 29, 2022

    overall2food3service2ambience5

    A friend and I went for happy hour. It was very laid back and the drinks & appetizers were tasty. The service overall could use major improvement but our server personally was very attentive and knew the menu very well.

    Report
17. MJ

    MzJones

    Birmingham

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 29, 2022

    overall2food1service5ambience3

    Wayyyy overpriced…Waitress was great but food was lacking terribly. Too salty, too much breading on soft crabs. Gumbo was a salty mess!!!

    Report
18. H

    Hashim

    Chicago

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 27, 2022

    overall1food3service1ambience2

    TERRIBLE SERVICE. The service barely exists! And prices are very high. We were pleasantly surprised to find an available reservation for this restaurant on December 26. After we arrived and sat down, we waited 20+ minutes before anyone came to our table. There was only 1 server, who seemed to actually be the bartender. We ordered after she eventually came. After another 20+ minutes, we had not received the cocktail that I ordered. I went to the bar to inquire about it. It came out about 10 minutes later. Sometime during this time, a waitress arrived at the restaurant and seemed to begin working. She brought most of our food, except that I ordered chicken and waffles which was brought out without any waffles. (!!!) After that she sat down, looked on her phone, then went outside and did not come back. We eventually managed to pay our bill with the bartender/waitress and gladly left. With all the huge, obvious service problems, nothing was comped nor was even a small "sorry for the inconvenience" said. We were, however, charged for a drink we did not order. We paid it just so it wouldn't take more time & we could get out of there. We were the last people in the restaurant and we still had to wait quite a while to pay. No one said "thank you." The restaurant's prices are very high, for anywhere not just Birmingham. The food was good but as a business this place seems to be a disaster...

    Report
19. A

    Ambie

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 23, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience4

    Loved the music and vibe. Our waitress Marie G. was very friendly and attentive. Will definitely be back!

    Report
20. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta

    1 review

    vip
    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 23, 2022

    overall4food3service4ambience3

    The waitress was very nice . The food lacked flavor and the sides were cold. Food was not worth the price and I will not return for the food but it’s possible I will grab a drink from their bar.

    Report
21. JK

    JasmineK

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 22, 2022

    overall1food1service1ambience3

    We had to wait a very long time for everything we ordered. Everything was super cold, sweet tea wasn’t sweet, and coke was completely flat. We ordered crawfish bread and it was literally ice cold. The restaurant is beautiful and food selections were great but overall I will give it 4/10.

    Report
22. N

    Niki

    Atlanta

    3 reviews

    1.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 21, 2022

    overall1food1service1ambience1

    My mother decided to try this place for her birthday based on a recommendation from a friend. I’d heard the service was poor and to avoid it. Well, it’s fair to say they have horrible service because we were never served! We arrived and awaited to be greeted and seated at the time of reservation. The staff (one male, one female) completely ignored us as if we were not there. We attempted to get the female’s attention at first to no avail. The place was not crowded either….one table of two and two tables of 5-6 and one appears to be finished. I highly recommend that NO ONE waste their time or money! It’s staff like this that make it hard to support black owned businesses.

    Report
23. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Tallahassee

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 11, 2022

    overall1food1service1ambience1

    Some of the worst food I’ve ever had. Took forever to get food. Food we ordered were missing. Take a second to smell the silverware… disgusting. Oysters were made of rubber. Stay away from this place. The deviled eggs were good but a 12 year old could make those.

    Report
24. F

    Foodie87

    Birmingham

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 11, 2022

    overall4food3service4ambience3

    Food and service were good but seemed quite overpriced.

    Report
25. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Birmingham

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 10, 2022

    overall1food1service1ambience1

    We arrived at 7:00, it took 20 minutes to get our drinks, our appetizer came out in 1 hour and 15 minutes. The waitress didn’t check on us to refill waters or ask if we wanted another drink except when she brought our appetizer and dinner. The dinner arrived 2 hours after we arrived. We will never go back!

    Report
26. m

    mattm

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 9, 2022

    overall1food2service1ambience2

    It took almost 40 minutes after order placed for appetizer to arrive, unfortunately it arrived at the same time as our meal. We had a dozen raw oysters, quality of oysters was good, but their shucking skills where sadly lacking as we had to cut each one out of the shell. Once order was placed was ignored by our waitress, ended up going back to the wait station to refill our drinks and another time to get more cocktail sauce. Had ordered a draft beer which was good but was never asked if I would like a second to go with our oysters. I ordered the pork chops with gravely, dirty rice and garlic green beans. The greens beans where amazing , unfortunately the dirty rice was more of a stuffing and with little to no actual rice and mostly a bread substance. Pork chops were ok, about on par with Waffle House though. Overly breaded and over cooked. The gravy was good but only had one small rammikin of it that made it for one of them. Could never get the waitress back to ask for more so ended up not eating the second as the gravy was the only redeeming factor

    Report
27. LL

    LaLa

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 4, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    This spot was perfect for me and my three best friends to celebrate our 45th birthdays!! The food was delicious and our waitress Dina was such a delight from the time we walked in until we left!

    Report
28. BH

    BHAM

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 20, 2022

    overall1food1service2ambience1

    Reserved a table for 4 around 6:15; Ended up having 5 and restaurant was unable to accommodate at that time. That was fine. Rebooked for 8:00 and arrived back with no table available or service for 20 mins, finally a kind bartender helped and seated us. Ended up waiting 2 hours to not even get our appetizers or meals. Was recommended to leave after telling us that our food would “slowly but surely come” to “not even started.” Manager did not once come and talk to us. My party understands short staffing but don’t wait until 2 hours to let us know our food wasn’t coming. Few staff members were kind but establishment needs some MAJOR help if they want to keep business because they were disorganized and chaotic. At the end of the day they still got our money from drinks. Kudos to SOCU Bham. Better off with the one location in Mobile.

    Report
29. TT

    TamTerrell

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 19, 2022

    overall4food5service4ambience4

    The food was absolutely delicious. I had the Ocean 11 (I think that the name) it was great even when I finished it the next day. We will definitely be back.

    Report
30. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Birmingham

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 19, 2022

    overall1food1service1ambience1

    Absolutely terrible. Waited 1.5 hours for food and it never came. Had multiple people walk out without receiving food before we decided to leave. The oyster we did get served were room temp. Ordered two drinks and neither tasted the same.

    Report
31. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Birmingham

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 19, 2022

    overall1food2service2ambience1

    Overpriced. Communal cafeteria feel dining in a hall connected to food court. Reservation at 6p. Left at 7:45 because we had to make an 8:00 show. Never got our dinner. Paid for 2 apps and 2 drinks each party of 4, $179. Never got our entrees, sketchy service at best.

    Report
32. R

    Reggiek

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 18, 2022

    overall1food1service1ambience4

    I was really surprised at how bad it was on November 18 2022. 1hr 45min wait on food that was not hot nor accurate. Tried to make up for the inconvenience with a dessert. Won't be returning to this establishment. Waitress was nice but everything else was below standard.

    Report
33. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Las Vegas

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 13, 2022

    overall1food2service2ambience2

    I was looking forward to bringing my family. We were solely disappointed. My fish and grits were subpar. The fish was on top of a bowl. Underneath, the grits were unseasoned, chunky and without gravy. My husband was frustrated that his food was not substantial. My daughter’s chicken and waffles were good. My son’s Shrimp platter was not substantial. We found it all overpriced. There was a party with loud folks and music that was not the radio edit version and we had our kids. We won’t be back. The waitresses seemed tired and draggy. We considered leaving before the food arrived; especially since we had to wait over an hour before eating.

    Report
34. TS

    TamaraS

    Birmingham

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 13, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Server was super nice and efficient! The lamb chops and caramel cheesecake were impeccable! We had an awesome date night!

    Report
35. JR

    JamesR

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 12, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We were in town celebrating my birthday and we visited Socu! Our server Tina was wonderful and the food was amazing! I would highly recommend SOCU to everyone!

    Report
36. DR

    DorothyR

    Birmingham

    32 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    32 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2022

    overall1food2service1ambience3

    Our reservations were for 7 pm and we were on time. They did not immediately seat us. They appeared confused or disorganized. They sat us in a booth which was preferred. Then a woman came to our table and asked if we had reservations! That was odd. It took 15 minutes before a server came to our table. We ordered drinks, appetizer & entrees at 7:15. Our drinks arrived at 7:35 - a 20 minute wait and we didn't even like them. The deviled eggs with lobster were good but needed a little more flavor. The 1/2 dozen grilled oysters arrived with our entrees at 8 pm (a full hour after we were seated) & there were 5 oysters, not 6! They were good though but not outstanding. My entree was catfish & grits. I did enjoy it and it was plentiful. My husband got the fried shrimp & catfish platter with a side of vegetable medley & yams. He said his shrimp was hard & over cooked, his vegetables & yams were cold. They must have been short on staff as the food took forever. Our server poured water, took orders, delivered the food & drinks, took care of the check & cleared the table. This took away from being more attentive to the tables she was serving. We will not be back!

    Report
37. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Birmingham

    3 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 9, 2022

    overall2food1service2ambience2

    Their fish and shrimp was absolutely terrible 😞 !!! I

    Report
38. KB

    KBT3

    Birmingham

    17 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on November 6, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience4

    Cannot say enough about the friendly service and the food: chargrilled oysters, oysters Rockefeller and SOCU’s oyster specialty with crab, shrimp and crawfish!!! Wow!!!

    Report
39. T

    Tiny

    Charleston

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on November 6, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great staff wonderful menu will be back again

    Report
40. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Birmingham

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2022

    overall2food3service1ambience2

    Average food. Poor service and poor management.

    Report