Children Unwelcome
Our family visits Kiawah Island frequently. Rosebank Farms Cafe has always been a favorite, and dinner there twice a week during our visit is normal. The food and service are excellent. However, we were there on two occasions in May 2003. The second was a family dinner for 17, and included 2 small children. The children's menu was overpriced and boldly stated that Rosebank does not like to make hamburgers. If the customer must have one, the cost is $12.50. They also charged and additional $.50 for cheese. A similar child's burger can be purchased at any Charleston restaurant for considerably less. When I questioned the Manager on the pricing and mostly the attitude, I was asked "did I read the menu"? That was his reply. Many Charleston area restaurants are excellent and are understanding about the presence of children in a family party. For years, we have looked forward to dinner at Rosebank, but I will not return where patronage is not appreciated. Competition in the Kiawah/Seabrook area is going to be tougher, and Rosebank would do well to re-think their attitude.    [27 May 2003 10:58:39]

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Recommended Dishes: Mahi Mahi, Fried Chicken, Veal Meatloaf

     ­Duke   duknsu at aol dot com

Delicious but noisy
The food at Rosebank Farms Cafe was, overall, delicious with generous portions. We had the Wild Mushroom Soup and the Local Seafood Stew for starters. I would get the mushroom soup next time. The stew was a little fishy. For the main course the Pan Seared Mahi-Mahi Fillet, chive whipped potatoes, White Wine Butter Sauce with Beaufort Crab....to die for. Also had the Twin Filet medallions...large and cooked to perfection served with the best Fried Oysters I have ever had..."corn fried." We were so full we skipped desert. The only problem here is no ambiance…don’t go there for a quiet dinner for two. We were there on a Wednesday night which you would think would be less crowded. Also, we used a restaurant.com gift certificate with no problem.    [24 Jul 2003 15:27:49]

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     ­Sue   

A manager's response
As the manager in question in the above review, I feel I must respond. I am truly sorry that our policy and pricing regarding our children's menu was an issue. It is in no way meant to discriminate against those with children, and families are most certainly welcome at Rosebank. It is difficult to strike a balance between being an upscale restaurant and being one in which families with young children can feel comfortable as well. Without getting into all of the reasons which make it necessary for us to price our kid's menu as we do, I will only say that accomodating young children in a small, busy restaurant offers it's own set of challenges. With an average entre price of $20.00, a twelve-dollar burger is not netting us a huge profit, and it is not meant to do so. We simply need to strike a balance. As for the incident in question, I was the manager on duty that night and I remember it specifically. The gentleman asked to talk to me as the party was leaving and inquired as to we "really charge $12.50 for a burger." I sheepishly replied that yes we do. When asked why we don't forewarn people about this, I replied by stating that "it's written on the menu." I in no way was trying to be dismissive, and I'm sorry if that was the way it came across. We work very hard at Rosebank Farm's Cafe to provide an enjoyable, friendly dining experience for ALL of our guests and I do appreciate a forum such as this as we are genuinely interested in knowing what we do right and what we do wrong. As for "Duke", I welcome you back next year. Ask for Randy; I'll be happy to buy you a drink.    [20 Nov 2003 11:03:59]

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     ­Randy   

We recently took our 14th trip to Kiawah Island. We have been going to the Rose Bank Farms for years. This year we again found the cafe with great food and a wonderful staff.    [05 Oct 2004 16:34:54]

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Recommended Dishes: the vegetable dishes and mac and cheese and the fried chicken

     ­the holden family   

Very accommodating
My college fraternity recently met a Kiawah Island for our bi-annual reunion. Rosebank Farm Cafe was very willing to work with the planners and were instrumental in making a lovely evening. The food was exceptional and the service was better.    [07 Jun 2005 21:29:36]

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     ­Shel   DrTee722 at aol dot com

We have been going to Kiawah for 14 years. Our group includes grown children and grand children. The best was when we discovered Rosebank Farms Cafe. We dream about the food. The staff is excellent. We are sorry our favorite waitperson is leaving for another career. We will miss her. It can be noisy, so go early. Actually we don't care. It is wonderful.    [01 Aug 2005 12:46:12]

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Recommended Dishes: grilled beef, oysters, pasta-seafood specials

     ­Sophie   

Wonderful Southern Hospitality
My first visit to Rosebank Farms Cafe had me wishing I lived in South Carolina. Four of us were on vacation, visiting the Carolina's from Portland, Oregon. Our trip began on Kiawah Island and after eating here we wished we were ending it at Kiawah so we could come back and eat at Rosebank again. We were fortunate to meet the owner, Julie. What a gracious person. Our waiter, Matt, treated us like royalty. Thank you for making our first meal of a great vacation unforgettable.    [22 Oct 2005 20:49:44]

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Recommended Dishes: Fried chicken, shrimp, catfish, crabcakes and the incredible brownie dessert

     ­Sharon, Portland, OR   

Wow! A Great Experience!
My wife and I dined at Rosebank Farms Cafe in May of 2006 and had a great experience. The location overlooking the quaint marina provided us a relaxing view while we enjoyed the service of our waitress. The food only served to confirm this restaurant as the best we have eaten at in the Charleston area. We will be back!    [11 May 2006 22:20:54]

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Recommended Dishes: Seafood Pasta Special. The salads and desert were also incredible.

     ­Jason and Sarah, North Charleston   

Wonderful!
My husband and I were staying in Seabrook Island for our 10th anniversary. After spending a busy day touring the historic plantations we wanted a relaxing and hardy southern meal. Rosebank was the place to go! My husband had one of the best steaks he has ever tasted (Firelicked Cowboy Steak) and I enjoyed the traditional southern fried chicken. Our waitress was friendly and the, despite being a bit loud, this spot on the water was great!    [28 Jun 2006 08:22:55]

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     ­Anonymous   

Perfect for all
Finding Kiawah Island full of snoots who find themselves a bit more important than they really are, Rosebank Farms cafe was a nice alternative. Non-pretentious and straight-forward, Rosebank is a casual approach to quality food. Its nice to wear a t-shirt and flip-flops and eat the best food the area has to offer. Keep up the good work!    [31 Jul 2006 01:47:08]

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Recommended Dishes: veal meatloaf, pimento cheese crusted filet of beef

     ­A.J. Papelbon