The Bantam Kitchen

I’m giving 4 stars even though more went wrong than went right. I hope this feedback can help this place succeed because it has potential.
Starting off, my partner and I both ordered a Coke, but the server came back to the table, explaining it was too “watery”. We were given Sprite instead.
My partner ordered the shrimp po boy, but was given the catfish po boy.
I ordered the catfish and was asked if I wanted ranch dressing with it. I asked for tartar sauce and was told they don’t have tartar sauce. They served it with a remoulade. As a Southern transplant, I love a good remoulade, but that does not go with catfish 🫤.
The food came out pretty quickly, but I was disappointed there was only one piece of catfish. In the South, you’d get 2 (minimum) or 3-4 pieces of fish.
I didn’t want a meal of mostly fries, so I left hungry (personally, would love to see a side of mac+cheese or a side salad option).
Our meal was over $65 for two people and we only got 1/4 of what we ordered. As we ate, our drinks were never refilled and the server never checked on our table again because he seemed to be the only one working.
Also worth noting - we sat in the back and the restrooms smelled awful!! I am not advocating for the restaurant to mask the smell with a bunch of air fresheners, but they desperately need to pour some bleach or vinegar down the floor drains to eliminate the mildew.
Not a great first impression, but I’d give it another chance because I am always looking for good Southern food in Northern California.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

I am changing (updating) my review. This restaurant has really matured. It was hard for everyone, especially non chained restaurants to survive stupid covid, they not only survived but came out the other side better. If you are tired of eating the same tasting food from everywhere, then you have to give this place a chance. The food literally wakes up taste buds that have fell asleep eating out in Redding. Good Friendly serve too.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Always get a great meal here!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Fried Chicken Sandwich, Cowboy Nachos

I dont give five stars very often, but Bantam deserves a five! If you are looking for no nonsense, flavorful food, this is the place. The atmosphere is all about family. The food reflects those family values. Flavorful and simple makes the evening perfect. I ordered the ell river pale ale. It went perfect with my Mac & cheese with smoked brisket which was fantastic. The catfish and chips and amazing as well. Fresh, moisten and crispy at the same time. The server was always smiling and attentive. Easy to make conversation with. I highly recommend this establishment if you want that authentic down home feeling.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

They suck. Don't care about door dash customers. High priced. Not that good. Nobody screamed at anybody. They dropped the ball and now trying to act like the customer is the bad person. All I did was put my order in and they never made it happen. Nobody's mad nothing. I just called and asked. They were very rude. Whatever. Not worried but I will say this for 5 shrimp amd some grits for $30 they should be happy i called. Way overpriced. Don't care

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Good food, great and friendly service!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 5

Bread pudding great. Suggest vanilla ice cream over cream cheese frosting but very tasty! Por Boy off the hook. Delicious burger!! Shasta is the best waitress!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Fabulous place for beer, drinks and food. The Cajun shrimp and grits were fantastic and that’s coming from a southern girl. Hubby loved the jambalaya. The old-fashioned was one of the best he’s ever had. Perfect gin and tonic, good craft beers on draft and the banana pudding was super yummy. Great atmosphere and the bartender server was super nice. Gave us tips on our travels. It was a very enjoyable experience.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The fried food was amazing, the brisket sandwich was a bit over cooked in my opinion but it's nice restaurant that's kid friendly. I recommend the fry daddy plate, best fried catfish in Redding!

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 3

Stopped here while on a road trip. The fried chicken sandwich was the best chicken sandwich I’ve had! The server, Gage, was also incredibly helpful, providing recommendations for what to order and what to do on the road trip! Much appreciated and will come back next time I come to Redding. 😊

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Fun new place to try out!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

No dressing with salad no fork to eat salad no sauce on my dry ass chicken sandwich. Too many times of being inconsistent I'm done trying to like this place. Peace out bantom chicken you make it easy for yourselves to be replaced.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

The food was delicious very very good. Our waitress Roni did a phenomenal job excellent customer service

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Whoever breaded our chicken has mad skills, it was so tasty, crispy, and the right amount of salt. I would love to come back and try other dishes.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 4

Yummy place!! All the food we tried was super good ( especially the Mac and cheese 😩) waitresses were so helpful and friendly. Would definitely recommend!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Fried Chicken Sandwich, Carolina Cuban