Let me save you the trouble: do not eat at Embargo in Hyannis — unless you're okay with being scolded, accosted, and publicly embarrassed by the owner’s mother, a woman named Nicki, who is apparently allowed to run wild through the restaurant like an angry cruise director on her last nerve.
We had a reservation for four, and we were there celebrating my husband’s birthday. Despite clearly understaffed service (which we were patient and understanding about), we had a great server (shoutout to Kyle, who was truly lovely and doing his best). We ordered multiple courses, cocktails, and had plans for dessert, coffee, and take-home treats for our kids and babysitters. We were still actively dining.
Then, completely unprompted, this woman we later learned was the owner’s mother walked up to our table and — without introducing herself — rudely declared:
“You guys have been here for over two hours and we’re really busy. I can give you like 10 minutes and then you need to leave.”
No warning. No grace. No professionalism. Just a rude, condescending command, delivered so inappropriately. We were shocked. We’d received no time limit, and we were still ordering and enjoying ourselves.
When we asked to speak to the manager, she came over and — again, no introduction — immediately said, “There’s two sides to every story” before we even had a chance to speak. We asked to speak with the owner, thinking surely they’d want to know how horribly we were being treated. First we were told he’d be right over. Then we were told he was “unavailable.”
The manager ended up comping our bill — which we didn’t ask for and would have gladly paid. But the damage was done: my husband’s birthday dinner was completely ruined.
And just when we thought it couldn’t get worse — it did.
As we were leaving, Nicki (the “hostess”) went off on my friend in front of everyone. Loud, aggressive, unhinged behavior. Then she literally followed us around the corner on our way out the door because she just couldn’t let it go.
I flagged the (very sweet) kid working the door and asked if he could get the manager again so I could let her know what just happened. He quietly shook his head and said, “It wouldn’t do any good. That’s the owner’s mom. She treats the staff terribly and is rude to customers all the time. He’ll never do anything about it because she’s his mother.”
Then he followed me out to the sidewalk and said, “Her name is Nicki. Make sure you include that in your review.” So kid — this part is for you. Thank you for validating what we experienced. I only hope the owner reads this, listens to his staff, and fires his mother before she drives the place into the ground.
Until then?
Avoid Embargo like the plague. Cape Cod has plenty of great restaurants where you can have a nice meal without being harassed and berated by management’s family. This place isn’t one of them.
claire
Second time in one week to Embargo as we were staying in Hyannis. Good location on Main Street. Great drinks and tapas. My husband and I sat outside on a beautiful summer night. It was a great experience.
Christine
Waitress was pretty attentive, food was solid but better in the past. Ordered a martini that was warm and taste was not pleasant.... Followed with sangria which was yummy. 3 out of 4 appetizers were decent- the short rib was quite good :)
chris
We arrived a few minutes early and were seated at a booth(we requested on our reservation) promptly. Our server came to the table very quickly and welcomed us with a smile. We made some decisions on the menu and got a number of Tapas at a very nice pace. They were all excellent. Had Vanilla Crème Brûlée for dessert, which was wonderful as well. Can't wait for the next chance to visit Embargo.
Phil
Always receive good food and service during their early tapis hour. Cannot beat the value or quality choices.
Helene
Excellent service and atmosphere! The food and drinks were delicious with a variety of choices! Definitely a favorite choice while visiting the Cape.
Joseph
Visited embargo for the first time. Even though we've lived in the area for many years. We are definitely coming back. The food was great, the drink menu is one of the best on the Cape! Lots of tacos and appetizers, lots of options. My daughters are vegetarian and vegan, and they have many things to choose from which was very much appreciated. It was a bit noisy, but, that also made it a fun overall experience.
Debra
We had high expectations for the restaurant based on the reviews. It's in an easy to find location on main street in Hyannis, the layout of the restaurant is attractive and it has an extensive menu. We did enjoy sharing the lobster ravioli. We tried their specials of sushi and found them disappointing, more filled with rice than the lobster and avocado that was supposed to be in the roll. We ordered the shishito peppers. The portion was generous but half the order was too charred to enjoy.
Robert
Great vib with amazing cocktails a list of tapas both hot and cold. They can ordered on their own own or shared. A unique Restaurant that is unique to itself.
Lucy
Had a wonderful experience at this lovely restaurant.  We enjoyed some excellent wine, short rib, tapas, and a sushi roll. Very nice atmosphere. I highly recommend it and will return when back in the area.
Overall food was excellent as usual. Service was also very good. However, the idea that if something unexpected happened and we had to cancel or change we would be charged $80 was absolutely OFFENSIVE and has now moved a place we liked to go to a place I will only reserve if our kids are visiting and request it. There are plenty of other restaurants that are not extortionists in their reservations. VERY UNFORTUNATE for a place that was prior a favorite.
Caroline
Love this tapas restaurant. So many amazing options for both hot and cold. We are never disappointed when we come here.
Amy
Love the fresh food and variety! Service great! Looking forward to our next dining experience!
Gerald
Food was average nothing special. Waitress forgot our appetizer. Atmosphere was ok, more of a cocktail lounge than restaurant.
Angela
The four of us had the opportunity to dine out here. We would say that the food was very average. Service was spotty and it was very loud. Not sure we would go back.
Let me save you the trouble: do not eat at Embargo in Hyannis — unless you're okay with being scolded, accosted, and publicly embarrassed by the owner’s mother, a woman named Nicki, who is apparently allowed to run wild through the restaurant like an angry cruise director on her last nerve. We had a reservation for four, and we were there celebrating my husband’s birthday. Despite clearly understaffed service (which we were patient and understanding about), we had a great server (shoutout to Kyle, who was truly lovely and doing his best). We ordered multiple courses, cocktails, and had plans for dessert, coffee, and take-home treats for our kids and babysitters. We were still actively dining. Then, completely unprompted, this woman we later learned was the owner’s mother walked up to our table and — without introducing herself — rudely declared: “You guys have been here for over two hours and we’re really busy. I can give you like 10 minutes and then you need to leave.” No warning. No grace. No professionalism. Just a rude, condescending command, delivered so inappropriately. We were shocked. We’d received no time limit, and we were still ordering and enjoying ourselves. When we asked to speak to the manager, she came over and — again, no introduction — immediately said, “There’s two sides to every story” before we even had a chance to speak. We asked to speak with the owner, thinking surely they’d want to know how horribly we were being treated. First we were told he’d be right over. Then we were told he was “unavailable.” The manager ended up comping our bill — which we didn’t ask for and would have gladly paid. But the damage was done: my husband’s birthday dinner was completely ruined. And just when we thought it couldn’t get worse — it did. As we were leaving, Nicki (the “hostess”) went off on my friend in front of everyone. Loud, aggressive, unhinged behavior. Then she literally followed us around the corner on our way out the door because she just couldn’t let it go. I flagged the (very sweet) kid working the door and asked if he could get the manager again so I could let her know what just happened. He quietly shook his head and said, “It wouldn’t do any good. That’s the owner’s mom. She treats the staff terribly and is rude to customers all the time. He’ll never do anything about it because she’s his mother.” Then he followed me out to the sidewalk and said, “Her name is Nicki. Make sure you include that in your review.” So kid — this part is for you. Thank you for validating what we experienced. I only hope the owner reads this, listens to his staff, and fires his mother before she drives the place into the ground. Until then? Avoid Embargo like the plague. Cape Cod has plenty of great restaurants where you can have a nice meal without being harassed and berated by management’s family. This place isn’t one of them.
Second time in one week to Embargo as we were staying in Hyannis. Good location on Main Street. Great drinks and tapas. My husband and I sat outside on a beautiful summer night. It was a great experience.
Waitress was pretty attentive, food was solid but better in the past. Ordered a martini that was warm and taste was not pleasant.... Followed with sangria which was yummy. 3 out of 4 appetizers were decent- the short rib was quite good :)
We arrived a few minutes early and were seated at a booth(we requested on our reservation) promptly. Our server came to the table very quickly and welcomed us with a smile. We made some decisions on the menu and got a number of Tapas at a very nice pace. They were all excellent. Had Vanilla Crème Brûlée for dessert, which was wonderful as well. Can't wait for the next chance to visit Embargo.
Always receive good food and service during their early tapis hour. Cannot beat the value or quality choices.
Excellent service and atmosphere! The food and drinks were delicious with a variety of choices! Definitely a favorite choice while visiting the Cape.
Visited embargo for the first time. Even though we've lived in the area for many years. We are definitely coming back. The food was great, the drink menu is one of the best on the Cape! Lots of tacos and appetizers, lots of options. My daughters are vegetarian and vegan, and they have many things to choose from which was very much appreciated. It was a bit noisy, but, that also made it a fun overall experience.
We had high expectations for the restaurant based on the reviews. It's in an easy to find location on main street in Hyannis, the layout of the restaurant is attractive and it has an extensive menu. We did enjoy sharing the lobster ravioli. We tried their specials of sushi and found them disappointing, more filled with rice than the lobster and avocado that was supposed to be in the roll. We ordered the shishito peppers. The portion was generous but half the order was too charred to enjoy.
Great vib with amazing cocktails a list of tapas both hot and cold. They can ordered on their own own or shared. A unique Restaurant that is unique to itself.
Had a wonderful experience at this lovely restaurant.  We enjoyed some excellent wine, short rib, tapas, and a sushi roll. Very nice atmosphere. I highly recommend it and will return when back in the area.
Restaurantji Recommends
Overall food was excellent as usual. Service was also very good. However, the idea that if something unexpected happened and we had to cancel or change we would be charged $80 was absolutely OFFENSIVE and has now moved a place we liked to go to a place I will only reserve if our kids are visiting and request it. There are plenty of other restaurants that are not extortionists in their reservations. VERY UNFORTUNATE for a place that was prior a favorite.
Love this tapas restaurant. So many amazing options for both hot and cold. We are never disappointed when we come here.
Love the fresh food and variety! Service great! Looking forward to our next dining experience!
Food was average nothing special. Waitress forgot our appetizer. Atmosphere was ok, more of a cocktail lounge than restaurant.
The four of us had the opportunity to dine out here. We would say that the food was very average. Service was spotty and it was very loud. Not sure we would go back.
Loading...