What about Wintzel's?

In Tuscaloosa social atmosphere is much more than just parties and football games, it’s also about good food. Being as close to the gulf as we are good seafood is sure to be found. A perfect example is Wintzel’s Oyster House, a restaurant that can be found just across the Black Warrior River in Northport. With an impeccable view of the river and sought after fresh gulf seafood cuisine, no wonder it is a Tuscaloosa mainstay. Although it’s very well known around town, is it actually all it’s cracked up to be? One trip with a group of my sorority sisters to Wintzel’s was enough of an experience to form my opinion.
We all filed into the expansive parking lot around 7 pm on a Friday night. There were fifteen of us for dinner and we had no reservations. Our estimated wait time was roughly thirty minutes but to our delight and surprise we only waited fifteen. The staff at Wintzel’s quickly cleared our tables. As we waited to be seated I took particular notice to the cleanliness and spaciousness of the reception area. We all enjoyed the large fish tank in front of the waiting area as well as watching the upbeat interaction between younger children and their families. Everyone at the host stand was extremely friendly, especially our hostess who seated all fifteen of us gracefully and swiftly.
After an unexpectedly short wait to be seated we were not waited on by our server for at least another ten or fifteen minutes. We all became very impatient and aggravated as the wait to get our drink order equaled our wait to be seated. By the time our waitress came to take our drink orders we were prepared to give our entrée orders as well, which she found frustrating and made it very apparent. Our drinks also took too long coming out considering we all ordered water except for one person. After our drinks were finally delivered our oyster appetizers were delivered shortly thereafter, and they were positively divine. After the appetizers we were brought bread and butter, which in my opinion, was awkward timing.
Once our waitress returned to finalize our dinner orders she continued to be rather ill. She was very snippish, lost attentiveness, and was entirely unprofessional. However, once our meals did come, which took another thirty minutes, it was all worth it. Everyone devoured their food and no one had any complaints. I had grouper while the girl on my left had salmon and the girl on my right had shrimp, a bit of a sampler took place. I personally enjoyed every bite of food I tried.
One major issue of our experience was no one working in the restaurant was curious to see if we were enjoying our food or if we needed anything. My friend Erica went the entire meal without ketchup for her fries. To say the wait service was poor would be an understatement; we seemed to be a nuisance rather than customers.
Our checks were quickly processed and delivered; making it quite clear they were more than ready to move us in and out as fast as possible. Over all, the atmosphere was great though; the river view and relaxed mood made me feel like I was at the beach. For the majority of the time we enjoyed ourselves. We were pleased with the cleanliness and terrific food but the service can be greatly improved. I would definitely dine at Wintzel’s again, except, perhaps next time with a smaller group.