Ruby Lee's South

Arrived for my reservation and was told we had to sit at the bar. I thought my reservation was for a table so we asked to be seated at a table. Apparently this was frowned upon by hostesses who found us a table but was visibly not happy. She sat us without menus at a table that rocked horribly. Waitress introduced herself and asked if we wanted drinks or appetizers. We asked for drink menus and dinner menus. She poured water into the glasses but the table was so unstable the water splashed out. Waitress brought back napkins and propped the table. Reading the menu, I noticed there was a 3 hour time limit for tables. Also was somewhat insulted by the $7.00 per person up-charge added to the check to hear the band's performance. I ordered cup of gumbo which consisted of LOTS of tomatoes and LOTS of okra. I think there was one piece of shrimp that was diced into very small pieces. The problem with the gumbo is that it did not taste like gumbo, but like okra and tomatoes. Thank goodness I like okra and tomatoes. I ordered the side salad with vinaigrette which was basically bag salad. No tomatoes, no cucumbers no croutons. Just iceberg and purple carrots and shredded carrots. Shrimp and grits were not good either. There was no salt and pepper shakers on our table and I kinda feel there should be salt and pepper shakers on the table for a $7 up-charge. Waitress reached over and took salt and pepper shaker off of a table where another party was seated. So what if they wanted salt or pepper??? Dear owners, If you were at all interested in feeding people good food it would show in the quality of the recipes and meals. What your're selling has nothing at all to do with quality dining, but rather you're selling an atmosphere, which comes with an up charge for entertainment. I would recommend a trip to Ocean 60 restaurant in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. Quaint martini bar, music, excellent atmosphere, you're welcome to stay as long as you'd like and the best food I have ever tasted. Never fails to satisfy. Please hire a real chef who is willing to create good recipes and I will consider another visit.

Food is superb (always). Service is good. Entertainment is excellent. However, cannot say the same for the wait for the food.......looong. Would give a 5-star rating otherwise. Lots of fun and a great evening if it were not for the food wait. (The wait is worth it, though, from the overall perspective..) Will go back and hope for an improvement.