This was for restaurant week and we ordered from it. This was a Friday night and you really need a reservation. They have valet parking which is needed. They were very busy. They have tables, booths and high tables. They had TVs which showed the hockey game, and they had a pianist who sang and had a female join him for some songs. My husband started with the special soup of the day which turned out to be New England clam chowder. It was rich and creamy but not too thick. I had the chopped salad that was flavourful and refreshing. My husband had three pieces of fried chicken with mashed potatoes and gravy. I had the short ribs with mashed potatoes. We were both satisfied and happy after finishing. For dessert my husband had the Toll House pie with Ice cream and I had the fruit cobbler with ice cream. Breanna was our server and she was very efficient. Our hostess who helped us when we arrived was very kind and often checked on us to make sure we were doing well. All in all we would like to go back.
Tom
Everything was great. However, as the restaurant filled up, the noise level was much too high.
Michael
The service was outstanding....the food was plentiful and well prepared. The noise level from the bar area and several female local golf club members was distracting. Our seating at a high top table was a surprise
Randi
Charge to plate share is actually ridiculous. Our service was rushed and we had to wait 20 for our table we had a reservation for. Seated elsewhere. In and out in about 45 min. The food is delicious and portions are large. It is like walking into the 70s.
Terri
Food was delicious, service was excellent. Old school feel without being pretentious. Server was knowledgeable and friendly. Highly recommend!
Lynda
We had a table of four and three out of the four people were very happy with their meals. The Sole, Sand Dabs and pasta were excellent. I ordered filet mignon and I'm sorry to say that it was was absolutely the worst filet I have ever eaten. It was so tough that I wasn't even sure if it was a filet. I will never order that again. The service was excellent, the ambience and music were good too.
JM
I wholeheartedly agree with one of the other reviewers, “People make a difference!”. Overall, The Sandbar in La Quinta is a mixed bag. On the positive side, the food is excellent—I’ve had the sautéed sole twice, and it was delicious both times. The live music is a highlight; Bill Baker keeps the energy up and the crowd entertained. I disagree with some of the other reviewers who complained about the average age of the clientele; I love seeing an older crowd out enjoying themselves!
That said, be warned: it’s very loud. If you’re looking for a place to chat or have a meaningful conversation, this is not the spot. It’s more suited for those who want to enjoy live music with drinks and a meal without the expectation of much talking.
In addition, tables are packed tightly together, making it hard to move through the dining room without bumping into others. And forget about pausing at another table to say hello or chat with fellow diners. The angry busser or hostile, female-presenting manager will yell at you to get out of the way. Overall, it feels cramped and chaotic.
Prices are very high, and unfortunately, the service doesn’t match the cost. Although efficient and professional, service was also cold and unfriendly. The real downside of the experience, however, was the staff demeanor beyond our server. The overall staff attitude was cold, unwelcoming, and gave off the impression that guests are an inconvenience. If you're going for the food and music, it's worth it—but don't expect warmth from the staff or a welcoming atmosphere.
Amy
Everything like food service and ambiance was fabulous except the booth we sat in the seat was old and broken and slanted. Ouch 😳
Hovig
Great dinner! Amazing value! Delicious food and cocktails! We will be back!! Cozy atmosphere with tons of regulars and live music!!
Tris
Our food was delicious and our server was very attentive. The music was way too loud and we were t in the room where the music was being played! When we come next time we'll ask to be seated as far from the music as possible.
Party of 4 brought promptly to the back patio as requested. Service was definitely not what we experienced in the past at the patio. Dirty martinis ordered were definitely not made correctly and were sent back only to come back with same drink- not good! I had to get up and find someone to service our table after 45 minutes of no general service with amenities after we ordered. The server didn't seem to be as professional as previous visits. Other than this, we enjoyed visiting in a quieter environment once again as well as having great dishes ordered.
Elissa
Always fun! Fabulous and professional staff, the bartenders are great and know what they're doing and entertainment is fun and lively (and Bill Baker is a legend!) And the food is legit: love their fish dishes and my husband loves the veal piccata and Marsala, bolognese is delicious and really enjoy all their dishes. Be sure to know which dining room you're in to gauge your “noise” level because this is a sing-a-long type of place and can get super loud! But always SUPER FUN!
Diane
Delicious food and large portions, at reasonable prices. Accompanied by great service, a very pleasant dining experience
Mrs C (MrsC.)
Well. What can I say about the Sandbar. Recommended to us by a friend, now I'm questioning everything I thought I knew about this person. You don't go here for the food, it is underwhelming and very bland. However, the people watching and the Bill Baker show are fascinating. Service was great, drinks and deviled eggs were great. We also ordered the shishito peppers which had all the salt the other dishes did not. All around I might go back to the bar but the food won't bring me back.
This was for restaurant week and we ordered from it. This was a Friday night and you really need a reservation. They have valet parking which is needed. They were very busy. They have tables, booths and high tables. They had TVs which showed the hockey game, and they had a pianist who sang and had a female join him for some songs. My husband started with the special soup of the day which turned out to be New England clam chowder. It was rich and creamy but not too thick. I had the chopped salad that was flavourful and refreshing. My husband had three pieces of fried chicken with mashed potatoes and gravy. I had the short ribs with mashed potatoes. We were both satisfied and happy after finishing. For dessert my husband had the Toll House pie with Ice cream and I had the fruit cobbler with ice cream. Breanna was our server and she was very efficient. Our hostess who helped us when we arrived was very kind and often checked on us to make sure we were doing well. All in all we would like to go back.
Everything was great. However, as the restaurant filled up, the noise level was much too high.
The service was outstanding....the food was plentiful and well prepared. The noise level from the bar area and several female local golf club members was distracting. Our seating at a high top table was a surprise
Charge to plate share is actually ridiculous. Our service was rushed and we had to wait 20 for our table we had a reservation for. Seated elsewhere. In and out in about 45 min. The food is delicious and portions are large. It is like walking into the 70s.
Food was delicious, service was excellent. Old school feel without being pretentious. Server was knowledgeable and friendly. Highly recommend!
We had a table of four and three out of the four people were very happy with their meals. The Sole, Sand Dabs and pasta were excellent. I ordered filet mignon and I'm sorry to say that it was was absolutely the worst filet I have ever eaten. It was so tough that I wasn't even sure if it was a filet. I will never order that again. The service was excellent, the ambience and music were good too.
I wholeheartedly agree with one of the other reviewers, “People make a difference!”. Overall, The Sandbar in La Quinta is a mixed bag. On the positive side, the food is excellent—I’ve had the sautéed sole twice, and it was delicious both times. The live music is a highlight; Bill Baker keeps the energy up and the crowd entertained. I disagree with some of the other reviewers who complained about the average age of the clientele; I love seeing an older crowd out enjoying themselves!
That said, be warned: it’s very loud. If you’re looking for a place to chat or have a meaningful conversation, this is not the spot. It’s more suited for those who want to enjoy live music with drinks and a meal without the expectation of much talking.
In addition, tables are packed tightly together, making it hard to move through the dining room without bumping into others. And forget about pausing at another table to say hello or chat with fellow diners. The angry busser or hostile, female-presenting manager will yell at you to get out of the way. Overall, it feels cramped and chaotic.
Prices are very high, and unfortunately, the service doesn’t match the cost. Although efficient and professional, service was also cold and unfriendly. The real downside of the experience, however, was the staff demeanor beyond our server. The overall staff attitude was cold, unwelcoming, and gave off the impression that guests are an inconvenience. If you're going for the food and music, it's worth it—but don't expect warmth from the staff or a welcoming atmosphere.
Everything like food service and ambiance was fabulous except the booth we sat in the seat was old and broken and slanted. Ouch 😳
Great dinner! Amazing value! Delicious food and cocktails! We will be back!! Cozy atmosphere with tons of regulars and live music!!
Our food was delicious and our server was very attentive. The music was way too loud and we were t in the room where the music was being played! When we come next time we'll ask to be seated as far from the music as possible.
Restaurantji Recommends
Charming. Great food, service and ambience
Party of 4 brought promptly to the back patio as requested. Service was definitely not what we experienced in the past at the patio. Dirty martinis ordered were definitely not made correctly and were sent back only to come back with same drink- not good! I had to get up and find someone to service our table after 45 minutes of no general service with amenities after we ordered. The server didn't seem to be as professional as previous visits. Other than this, we enjoyed visiting in a quieter environment once again as well as having great dishes ordered.
Always fun! Fabulous and professional staff, the bartenders are great and know what they're doing and entertainment is fun and lively (and Bill Baker is a legend!) And the food is legit: love their fish dishes and my husband loves the veal piccata and Marsala, bolognese is delicious and really enjoy all their dishes. Be sure to know which dining room you're in to gauge your “noise” level because this is a sing-a-long type of place and can get super loud! But always SUPER FUN!
Delicious food and large portions, at reasonable prices. Accompanied by great service, a very pleasant dining experience
Well. What can I say about the Sandbar. Recommended to us by a friend, now I'm questioning everything I thought I knew about this person. You don't go here for the food, it is underwhelming and very bland. However, the people watching and the Bill Baker show are fascinating. Service was great, drinks and deviled eggs were great. We also ordered the shishito peppers which had all the salt the other dishes did not. All around I might go back to the bar but the food won't bring me back.
Loading...