Three stars, but let me explain. We've had friends hype this place up.... Big time. It opened…read morenearly a year ago, just down the road from our house and haven't had the opportunity to try it until this week, but have always noticed the lines out door and the packed parking lot. Friday, we decided to go for a late lunch pick up. Let me say again... we only live about three miles from the restaurant. We arrive, it's around 3pm and the place is PACKED. It's an adorable place. Great ambiance, totally welcoming when you come in the door. They've got nice outdoor seating as well, with cornhole games and lighting. Nice touch, especially on a beautiful day. Walking in, we were greeted by the clerk at the register and informed it would be a 20 minute wait, which was fine. This having been our first time there, we both decided to order the sampler platter, which was one catfish filet, two chicken tenders, three shrimp, fries, and a hush puppy. For $16.99, it's a pretty good deal! We also ordered a side of cheese grits to try. The clerk was in the process of leaving and did so after taking our order. We waited. People came in after us and we watched them get their food before us. 15 minutes...20 minutes...30 minutes... finally about 35 minutes later, they come out with our order. We left. Drove the three miles home and opened the boxes. Everything was cold. Not Luke warm. Cold. Waiting that long doesn't bother me. But I do expect after that long, that the food be fresh. The fries had gone soggy, the batter on the fish, chicken, and shrimp were also soggy and starting to fall off. It was obvious that our food had been ready for a bit and then sat back there longer than necessary. And this is where my husband and I part ways on opinion... I do NOT generally care for catfish. Never have. I actually had asked the first clerk if I could sub that part out for flounder, but she said, no. I'm glad she did. Hands down, best catfish experience ever, even though it was cold and falling apart. Zero muddy, off taste that I normally associate with catfish. It honestly was delicious and if that's what it's like cold, then I can only imagine how good it would be fresh. I also liked the shrimp, the chicken, and the hush puppy- although I will say... I was a bit disappointed to see there was only one, it to be fair, it was gigantic. It was NOT soggy, so I don't know what happened there. Anyway, the hush puppy was crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside with bits of corn throughout. The shrimp, though I liked it, lacked a bit on seasoning and I can say the same about the chicken. That said, the chicken was juicy and tender. Not quite Gus's or Gutheries quality, but head and shoulders above Zaxby's or Huey Magoos. I could honestly take or leave the fries but that's me... I don't particularly like crinkle cuts, especially after they've gone soggy, which is why I don't like Zaxby's. My husband, however, was disappointed overall. The only thing we agreed on was that the catfish was really good, but he did point out that between the fish, chicken, and shrimp, they all had the exact same batter...the catfish just carried it better. I did love the grits and would pick that as my side over the fries. Just a matter of preference, there. Here's the thing- we do our best to support local, small businesses, pointedly ones who are veteran owned, and recognize that small businesses, in particular, are especially vulnerable to bad or off days. Based on all the reviews from people we personally know, we're positive that's exactly what happened to us on Friday. So, in light of that experience, I'm giving it 3 stars with the promise that we will try again and I will edit this review to reflect that second experience. Overall for me, I'd go back for the catfish any day and they showed me how good that one thing can be when it's done right. As for my husband and his opinion of the other items... I pointed out that it's not called Brookton SHRIMP OR CHICKEN School. Catfish is what they specialize in, and as far as I'm concerned, they nailed it.

It is hard to find whole catfish anywhere near us. My husband found Brookton doing a google…read moresearch to surprise me. It is a 20 mile 45 minute drive for us and honestly we would drive twice as far for it. It is that good! $45 for a bucket of catfish. That is 6 pieces of catfish (fried to perfection may I add), 2 large sides, and hush puppies. It is at least 2 meals for us (most of the time 3). That averages out to either 11.25 per person (2 meals) or 6.70 per person (3 meals). You can't eat nasty processed fast food for that price anymore so I don't understand those complaining about price. These catfish remind me of the rio-vista from long ago.

You must try the Cajun Shrimp and Grits! It was magnificent. I've been there a couple times before…read moreand had a couple different versions of the seafood platters and they were very good. But this last time we went the Cajun S & G was the daily special. My friend and I were very pleased. The server girls were wonderful as always. We ordered about 11;30, and our cooked to order entrees came out at 11;45ish. Not really a fine dining atmosphere, but a delicious friendly environment every time.

Staff pleasant…read more Eager to help Food always fresh Seafood almost being by the sea. So fresh

The staff was very friendly and helpful. The Grouper and Snapper tasted great my only minor…read morecomplaint is that 2 meals for $63 is kinda HIGH other than that everything was great!

Wow, fantastic food - oysters, gumbo, fried whole fish. Fresh, so good. Reasonable prices. I would…read morehave eaten here again the next day but they were closed, and I was headed to another city. Must try this place if you love seafood. It's a market with a few tables. Go for the food, not the ambiance. Friendly servers too.

The food was great and amazing service. Try the Brussels sprouts, so good. A cute spot on the…read moresquare in Gainesville.

Alright, this is one of those times that I must say some honest words that aren't all glowing and…read morepositive but I shall be fair as well. This is a good restaurant on the verge of greatness, short version. The longer version reads like this: First, the service here at Sanctuary on the Square is warm, fast, a pleasant feel. And the space itself is cool, on an awesome little small downtown square, so lots of positives to mention. Now, I LOVE tapas. IMO it is a cuisine tailored to the show off chef, but that also means it must be done with flair, beauty and flavor. LOTS of flavor... and that's what was missing here tonight. The goat cheese croquettes were nice and the shrimp scampi was too, but is "nice" what the kitchen is hoping to hear? I'm thinking not. Even the blue cheese on the gorgeous wedge salad was a tad underwhelming. Three dishes and I did not finish even one of them. Now, to be fair, I have very high standards and a breadth of food experience, so if the kitchen insists I expect too much, they could be on to something. And honestly I'd bet this was a mid-week off night, so ultimately I suggest you give it a try and decide for yourself. For me, though, it came in just under the standard I'm looking for. Cheers until the next one!

Last night was my first time here, the seafood boil was delicious and big. My friend got the…read morecatfish and it was quite cheap and a ton of fish. Don't sleep on their fries, crispy and delicious.

I only get to come here once a year a few days for annual company meeting, I eat here every day I'm…read morein Oakwood! My 4th year now, it's always great food, you gotta try it!

I love North GA BBQ but the last two times I've eaten there have not been the best experiences…read more Their ribs used to be fall off the bone tender but now they are different. Kind of tough and fatty. Totally different than they use to be. Please go back to the old ones they were much better.

My wife and I came out to North GA BBQ & Oyster Bar and honestly... we went all in. It felt like we…read moreordered half the menu just to try everything--and it was worth it. Let's start with the appetizers. The hush puppies are a must. They come with a hot honey glaze on top, and that combo is ridiculously good. Sweet, crispy, and just packed with flavor. The fried okra was something I've never had before. No breading--just split in half and fried as-is. Super unique and honestly really good. If you like okra, you've gotta try it this way. For sandwiches, my wife had the pig melt, which is their take on a pulled pork sandwich on Texas toast. The pork was tender, juicy, and stacked nicely, definitely a solid choice. I had the BBQuban, their BBQ twist on a Cuban sandwich, and it was excellent. Great flavor, well put together, and something a little different from the usual. The meats across the board were done right. The turkey was tender and served in big, thick slices. The brisket had a good bark and paired well with their BBQ sauce. Sides were all solid. The mac and cheese was creamy (I added a little salt and it was perfect for me), baked beans were flavorful, and the collard greens were on point. And the banana pudding... easily one of the best I've had in the North Georgia area. If you're going here, don't skip it. The space itself is fun with a bar area, and the service was great. Everyone was friendly, and the food came out fast. Parking is available right out front, but just make sure you scan the code and register your tag so you don't get ticketed. You can also park in nearby decks if you prefer. Overall, this is a strong BBQ spot in Gainesville. Great variety, solid execution, and definitely worth checking out.

I was simply searching g for a quick bite in an area I rarely visit when I found Playa Azul…read more.. completely by accident. I stopped in, was greeted with a smile and promptly seated. After getting my drink order, I was surprised by an outstanding ceviche appetizer... really outstanding. Minced shrimp is so much better than the whole shrimp version IMHO. I ordered tacos - my go-to at every Mexican restaurant - and, I'm lucky about them... grilled chicken, corn tortillas, onions and cilantro doesn't seem difficult, but so many places have trouble filling the request. Let me tell you, they were perfect. And, so was the hot sauce... perfect. It was so hot, it made my gums numb! If you find yourself ANYWHERE near Gainesville, GA, look for this place. It's amazing! Once you visit, you'll go back... and you'll tell your friends! It's a great little local secret!

si deseas comer un cocktail de camarones este es el peor sitio que puedes elegir, y el caldo de…read morepescado horrible .If you want to eat a shrimp cocktail, this is the worst place you can choose, and the fish broth is horrible.

What I Loved: * The outdoor seating is awesome--shaded…read moresail‑canopies, breezy waterfront views, and a super relaxed atmosphere. * Menu is full of Southern‑style seafood and comfort food--grouper (6 ways!), peel‑your‑own shrimp, seafood gumbo, burgers, crab cakes, hush puppies, fried green tomatoes... all made to order. * Staff are generally nice and the live music adds a fun touch. It's dog‑friendly, too, so pup parents--bring your furry friend out!

The food was not good. The draft beer taps were not working. The wine you served was from Aldi and…read morethe water tasted like lake water. Our group was very disappointed.