Between 2 and 3 Stars
We had heard mixed reviews about Pandora on the Square, but decided to give them a try. We had friends visit so we decided to have dinner there on June 27, 2026.
We had a 5:30 pm reservation. It was crazy in the square and parking was hard to find for both cars, so my husband dropped me off to check in. I checked in at 5:40 pm and because they knew parking was an issue that day, they allowed me to be seated at our table until the other three guests arrived.
We ordered cocktails and appetizers about 6 pm. They arrived in a decent amount of time. We ordered our meals about 6:20 pm. Prior to ordering I asked our server his thoughts on the short rib offering and the catch of the day, which was branzino. He told me the short ribs were very good, but they would take a while and the branzino would be our much sooner. Based on that I ordered the catch of the day/branzino.
As we enjoyed each other's company and our drinks and appetizers, it began to get smoky in the restaurant. After a little while I mentioned my eyes were getting irritated. When our server came by I asked about the smoke in the air. He indicated something was going on in the kitchen. He said they opened the front and back doors to help alleviate the smoke. I went outside for a bit to get some fresh air. After returning and siting at the table another 10 minutes or so I went to the restroom and flushed my eyes with cool water to soothe them.
At about 7 pm my three dinner companions received their meals. I was told my meal would be right out. The information was from the staff delivering the meals, not our server. About 7 minutes later I asked our server about my meal. He said it should be out shortly. About 4 minutes later I went to the gentleman at the host stand to see if he was the manager. He did not give his name, but said he was one of the managers. I let him know my experience a Pandora on the Square was not turning out to be a good one and shared my issue with the smoke and with me still not having a meal to enjoy with my dinner companions. He said he was sorry for these things and said he'd check on the issue. He never spoke to me again until we were walking out of the door after dinner, when he thanked us for coming to the restaurant. A few minutes later a woman walked up behind me, who I thought was another patron. She did not introduce herself. She walked up behind me and asked if there was a problem. I again said I still did not have a meal. She said she would check on it. Shortly after that a different woman, who did not give a name, came to the table and asked if everything was okay. I repeated I did not have a meal. When the first lady returned she said the meal should be out shortly. I told her I was less than pleased with my dining experience. She apologized and offered me a drink on the house.
My meal finally arrived about 7:30 pm. That is over an hour from when the order was placed. If there is anything on anyone's menu that takes a prolonged period of time to prepare; in a good restaurant you are advised of the wait time. I was specifically told the short ribs would take a while, but the catch of the day/branzino would be our much quicker.
Was it suggested because they were trying to sell the $85 catch of the day/branzino. The price wasn't listed so we did not know the price prior to getting the bill. I have to say we did not ask the server for the price figuring branzino, selling for about $16 to $20 a pound, rice and asparagus wouldn't be more that $60. The presentation was fine, but there was nothing in the presentation or taste that made me feel like I'd received an $85 meal.
Due to the smoke issue and them having to open the doors to air out the restaurant we had to deal with flies as we ate.
We ordered appetizers. The oysters were well received by everyone. The fried green tomatoes were okay.
The person who had the filet mignon was pleased with his meal. The person who had the shrimp étouffée said it was flavorful, but thought the portion a bit small for a dinner portion. The person who had the flounder thought the fish was flavorful, she enjoyed the asparagus, but she said the rice was a little undercooked. I had the branzino which was a little on the bland side. I was hoping when I saw the lemon and herbs packed into the whole fish that it would be bursting with flavor. I enjoyed the asparagus also, but I too had undercooked rice.
When I received my first drink, I believe it was call a peach flame, it should have come with an herb and peach slice garnish. When I received the second drink it had the garnish.
The servers helpers did a good job of refilling our water glasses and making sure dirty dishes were removed from the table.
Now if someone asked me about Pandora on the Square unfortunately I would have to give a mixed review also.
My husband suggested we give them another chance, but next time just do drinks and appetizers. read more