"I ordered a martini, and during our visit, my grandsons received complimentary Sprites from a nearby liquor store. I also ordered the shrimp cocktail. With no description available for the Hole's shrimp cocktail, I expected the usual presentation: a large glass goblet filled with crushed ice, iced boiled shrimp, marinara sauce, and a lemon wedge. Instead, for $12, I received a half-sized elliptical platter with three leaves of Romaine and six shrimp that were clearly freezer burnt. To top it all off, the marinara sauce came in a peel-top plastic container.
As a resident of Apalachicola who seldom dines out, my experience at the Hole is just one of several reasons why. Dining service here operates at about 30% efficiency, a reflection of how much the town has declined. Once, Apalachicola was known for its seafood and good restaurants, but that seems to be a thing of the past. Many restaurant owners and staff appear content to serve subpar food to tourists. I can't help but wonder what will happen if tourists eventually stop coming.
By the way, did you know that most oysters served in Apalachicola restaurants are actually sourced from places like Texas, Louisiana, Virginia, and North Carolina? It's surprising for a town that claims to be the Oyster Capitol of the World!"
