Yellow Dog Eats - New Smyrna Beach

On July 21, 2023, we visited for lunch, making the trek specifically for it. The restaurant was bustling, but all the staff were working diligently, with the manager efficiently seating guests. Despite the hustle and bustle, everyone remained very friendly. My concern arises from our seating at the bar, which allowed us a clear view into the kitchen. I noticed one of the cooks drop a receipt on the floor and struggle to pick it up. Eventually, he managed to grab it, but it was evident his gloves had touched the floor. He then reached into the bag of buns to grab one for an order without changing his gloves or washing his hands. It made me wonder how often this occurs with him or others working in the kitchen—it was frankly quite unsanitary. I informed the bartender that I didn't want our food and requested to pay for my sangria and leave. She was very understanding and told me not to worry about it, so we departed. Unfortunately, I don’t think we’ll return. It’s disappointing since we truly enjoyed this place, but we can no longer trust its cleanliness. On a side note, the curtain hanging at the kitchen entrance is quite dirty, and all the servers touch it as they come and go. Sometimes they even use food trays to push the curtain open, which is also concerning.

This restaurant is truly one-of-a-kind. I adore the dog theme, the playlists, and the old photos embedded in the tables. The servers are incredibly friendly, and the food is fantastic! The sandwiches have clever names and the pulled pork sandwiches are the best I've ever had – they come with a twist, featuring ingredients like bacon, goat cheese, and fig. There are plenty of traditional and modern accompaniments to choose from. Each sandwich is served with a side of slaw or chips. This is definitely a must-visit spot!

The tacos were incredible! The atmosphere was relaxed, the staff were really friendly, and they make an amazing hot sauce. They also offer several vegan options that are packed with great flavors.

One of those places that is good every time you go. The chips for the pulled pork nachos don't get soggy after 5 min. The poke tacos arent what I would call traditional, but good nevertheless. The sandwiches are tasty and super consistent. The kitchen is always on point and the service is great. Definitely worth a stop in if you haven't been.

Walking in to a relaxed atmosphere. Smiles and great energy. Food was to die for. Highly recommend for all travelers or locals. Get here and enjoy.Food: 5/5