This is a ZERO STAR review, due to the fact that Yelp only provides one star as the lowest bar. My experience at OC Fish Grill on Sun eve was so disappointing, frustrating and worthy of a negative rebuke.
My daughter and I arrived at 8:26 pm, the restaurant still active with patrons at 2 tables indoors and 3 outdoors. I inquired with the cashier if there was still time for a dine in option, and he responded "sure." We ordered, however cashier duplicated order, and it took couple more minutes to rectify.
Our meal was delivered to our table @ 8:48 pm (how do I know the exact time? Because I took a photo of the meal). At precisely 9:00 pm, one of the servers turned off the outdoor patio lighting - totally disrespectful and rude. The other two tables remained seated for a few minutes, and then departed. We continued eating, and then at 9:05 pm, a server abruptly showed up at our table with a to go container, and without prior warning, requested we take the food home, as they were "closing immediately". My push back was respectful, asking for another 10 minutes to complete our meal, and he declined and said staff were all leaving the restaurant instantly. We did not wish to take fish home, wanted to avoid any confrontation, so we departed very annoyed and disappointed.
My frustration grew the next day, so before resorting to drafting a negative review, I took the opportunity to visit the restaurant Monday morn, requesting to meet the owner to try make it right, who was 'conveniently' not available (because in this industry, we employ Managers to take the heat).
So, Kelly (Manager) called me in the evening, and doubled down, reminding me again that OC Fish Grill close at 9 pm, and that's it! No remorse,very dismissive and no apology - just a concluding remark " sorry that you feel this way, and I hope you have a good week." I explained that we just spent $40 for a ten minute meal, and that was unacceptable to me. No mention of " my apologies for your experience - please return and I'll offer you 50% off, or maybe just a couple sodas or complimentary dessert" - that would have gone a long way to mend this broken fence.
After researching many previous reviews on Yelp, particularly October 18, 2024 and June 27, 2025, I'm convinced that the owners of this establishment are so disengaged in the day to day operational side of this business, and probably only show up for occasional R & R, so here's my take;
* Your staff appear so disinterested and create the impression they don't really want to be there at 8:30 pm on a Sun eve. Just a sixth sense, but they conduct themselves like relatives or friends of the owners, by virtue of their "whatever" demeanor and goofing around while I was visiting restroom and requesting additional sauces (which incidentally were no longer available @ 8:55 pm).
* This is the restaurant/hospitality industry. Yes, it sucks when a customer shows up 5 min before closing time (and I'm not that guy!), but if you don't like it, choose another career.
* If your concern is minimum wage, overtime etc, then display a sign at your counter, with last call for dine in @ 8:15 pm. Display courtesy and decency, don't shut off lighting without notice, and ordering patrons out of your premises with military precision. That's beyond rude.
* Most restaurant employees don't normally leave at closing time, they remain there for cleanup, unless this restaurant employs an outside cleaning service after closing time. If staff are cleaning kitchen worktops and floors while meals are still being prepared - # Irvine Health Dept.
* If your staff can't come to terms that the customer is always right, hire employees who do, or sell your business.
* FYI - on Mon eve, I relayed the story to a friend of mine, so as an exercise, he reached out on the phone to your restaurant, and explained that he intended bringing his wife for dinner later in the eve @ 8:45 pm inquiring how late they could enjoy their meal, and your employee, Ogen stated 9:20 pm would be fine. Wow! Mon would have been a better bet for us.
Dining out should feel welcoming, but this visit was disappointing, upsetting and annoying. For this reason, I can't recommend it to others. Ownership/ Management should take customer feedback seriously and train their staff accordingly.
This is not my first rodeo at your restaurant, but it's certainly my last. It's not only what occurred......it's more how it was unsatisfactorily responded to.
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