Good Winds Restaurant

Where do I begin. My family and I were visiting the area for Thanksgiving weekend and staying right down the road. We only get to meet up all meet up together once a year. We called to see if they were open since most places were closed for the season. Had we been told at that point they were short staffed, which I understand, we all live in this world, we would have chosen to drive 30 minutes to Nags Head. We got there around 2pm for a late lunch. Not a super busy time. We were told there would be a 15 minute wait. No issue there, although there were several open tables. We had a mid-sized party, 6 adults and 2 kids. There were a couple other tables that size as well. Again, another missed opportunity to communicate that you are short staffed. There was a young waitress who asked the older (I’m assuming manager) waitress if she could seat us and she was scolded and told that we were told we had to wait 15 minutes. When we were finally seated we waited forever just for water. Again, the young waitress asked the older waitress if she could get our table water, and she was again scolded and told no. She seemed to be on a power trip. It would be one thing if it was because she felt more efficient. But efficient she was not. After we finally placed our order and our soups and salads came out, one was missing and one was supposed to be a bowl not a cup. I asked if the Mac and cheese I ordered for my toddler was coming out as well and she said it would come out with the rest of the food. Restaurant etiquette for the sanity of everyone is the toddlers food comes out before anything else. I asked for some crackers and she brought them out 15 minutes later. The older waitress started to get passive aggressive. When the rest of our food finally came out after she was standing at the table behind us letting them know they were shirt staffed so we would overhear her, it was cold. My husband’s salad was missing after she said she brought all of our food and would be back with the condiments, so he politely asked if his salad was coming. She got SO murder-him-with-kindness level of petty passive aggressiveness. When she came back with the missing salad, my brother in law let her know that my daughters food was cold, we didn’t have time or patience or want to cause any more inconvenience than we clearly already were just by existing and let her know everyone’s food was cold. She ripped the bowl from his hand, sighed loudly and stomped back to the kitchen. Didn’t apologize or say anything. When she brought it back it was steaming hot to the point that my daughter couldn’t even eat it. She’s a friggin baby. Now I have a problem with you. I’d like to add none of us ever expressed any impatience or made any comments. We were totally understanding to the situation we assessed on our own. Although my 15 month old toddler was visibly impatient, and hangry at this point. And my 6 mo pregnant SIL. My in-laws already decided she wasn’t getting a tip, but when we got the check a 30% gratuity was included. So she gets to act like that because it’s non-negotiable. She also did this bizarre thing where she announced my mother in laws full name and the rest of our names to the whole restaurant when she brought the check over. I’ve seen several other reviews about her acting like this, which is the only reason I decided to leave one as well. I am one who rarely leaves reviews. I also work in a high demand customer service industry as a manager. And I know her behavior is unacceptable. To end the nightmare of an experience, after we all left, my brother and sister in law split off to use the bathroom. When he came out, he met the waitress standing outside of the soooo busy restaurant overlooking the parking lot watching us all leave out the window. He was like what are you doing? She creepily said she was making sure our family made it safely to our vehicles. So psychotic. 10/10 recommend the drive to Nags Head. We would have had a more pleasant experience, better food, and would have eaten and been back long before we were just right down the road.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 2

Service: 1

The food and service were amazing!!! The view of the water was a definite plus! I wish that we had been there during live entertainment.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

We got two orders of fish tacos and cheese stick and side of hushpuppies. When we got back the house in Rodanthe, I opened up the take out boxes and had 3 tacos in each box with a piece of fish in each taco the size of a quarter. Over price for what you get. Needless to say we will never recommend this place. FOOD SUCKS!!

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 1

Service: 5

Great seafood. Relaxing atmosphere. Friendly staff. Perfect view.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Tuna Bites, Mahi Mahi Tacos

Always amazing!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great puppy friendly deck

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Food was delicious, waitress was top-notch and the atmosphere perfect for mine and my husband's date night. We will definitely be back. My fav OBX restaurant now.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Coming in after a long drive this was one of the only restaurants open on a Sunday we decided to try Good Winds. I understand that after Covid all businesses are struggling to find good employees and enough of them. They needed more staff on, but that is not always possible. For what it costs to go out now to eat now you need to be choosy. Drinks were ok and expensive as expected. The food was not to good, That is why I gave them a 1 star. The hamburger with a crab cake was cooked to "hocky puck" consistency as described by my wife. Problem is that the bartender never asked how she wanted it cooked. The bartender was definitely "in the weeds". My oysters po' boy batter was so salty it left that "hot" mouth taste. It was as if I took a teaspoon of salt. It was very unfortunate. I come from the restaurant industry both front and back of house. I truly hope they can get better.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 1

Service: 2

Hush puppies were great. Didn’t have steak sauce for my steak which was unfortunate. Food was alright but expensive

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 2

Service: 5

Great food and atmosphere. We almost didn’t eat here based on previous rating but keep in mind that most people are only going to complain… not compliment. We really enjoyed the food! Great shrimp po-boy and crab leg dinner.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great food excellent service

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We came for a couple of drinks. The waiter, Chris, was awesome. The view was spectacular! Can’t wait to go back and try the food.

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5

Service was sub par and food wasn’t horrible but also wasn’t great . Food very much lacked seasoning . Portions were good sized

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 3

Service: 3

Terrible... just

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Really good Mahi Tacos. Like really good.