Chive Sea Bar & Lounge

We live downtown and have been eyeing Chive since it opened.  We waited several weeks with plans of trying it out for the first time for my birthday dinner.  
We had a similar experience to Joseph B. except we were eventually seated.  He and his date were probably one of the 4 couples we watched get turned away after expressing their frustration at trying to make a reservation, the flawed call-ahead system, and not being seated at one of the several empty booths reserved for larger groups.

We called the day before to make a reservation: no reservations accepted.  We were instructed to call ahead, about an hour before we planned to arrive, the following night.  We did so, and the hostess over the phone seemed confused about our request and said we could just come in as they had tables open.

When we arrived, the inside was beautiful.  A swanky, 1920's vibe with colors in rich blue and silver with lots of chandeliers and mirrors.  Running the length of one wall are couch booths which can be sectioned off into individual tables with a curtain.  Since several were open, we were expected to be seated at one of those.  Instead, we were told we could wait for a high-top for two or take a table right against the front window, butted right up against a large party.  We asked about the booths and were told they were for larger parties.  I understand Chive wanting to have full tables.  However,  those cozy, curtained booths are perfect for a date night, and couples are going to want those booths.  It was frustrating that the hostesses were considering turning away our business rather than just sitting us at a booth.

Eventually, one of the hostesses (there seemed to be 3-4) went to the manager who "made an exception" for us and allowed us to sit in a booth.  The multiple hostesses just created confusion because we told the first hostess we didn't want the window table, but then two additional hostess set that table for us two different times, and we then had to explain to them that we didn't want that table.  It just made us feel embarrassed and like jerks for having to say three times "no, we don't want that table!"  

Once we were seated, though, things were great.  While our waitress didn't mention the specials to us like we heard other waitresses doing, she was friendly, didn't rush us, and checked back to see if we needed anything frequently.  You can order a traditional dinner from the menu, or you can order small portions of the entrees to do a meal of tapas.  The beef carpaccio with seaweed salad and venison entree were the two highlights.  I also recommend the clover martini and French 75 cocktail.

If it weren't for the snafu at the start of our evening, I'd give Chive 5 stars.  However, even though I'm planning to dine there again and again, I'll always be hesitant, worried we won't get a seat or will be made to feel unwelcome since we're just a party of two.  And if that happens again, we don't be going there again after that.

While walking down Broughton last night we decided to try Chive. The restaurant did not appear full and it seemed reasonable we would not have to wait for a table. We tried to make a reservation earlier in the week but were told they do not reserve tables.

Upon entering we were promptly greeted and in the same breath told they do not allow outside drinks. We were certainly willing to comply but asked if they had a table for us. We were told that all of the tables for two were taken and that they would have to check to see if we could be seated at one of several vacant tables for 4 people. The hostess returned to tell us they could not seat us at a table for 4 but we could eat at the bar which was occupied by only a couple customers.

We chose to leave since we did not want to feel like we were eating at a Waffle House setting at their bar.

Since several new restaurants have opened recently downtown. We strolled a couple of blocks to another new establishment. By chance we were greeted by the owner and promptly seated. There was no attempt to take our outside drinks. We had a delicious dinner for two and several drinks. When leaving we were asked to return. Completely different experience. Maybe Chive can take some pointers from their completion.

Alienating local residents who live downtown and eat out frequently is not a way to build a business.  

It will be interesting to see how long they stay open turning away potential customers when only about half of the tables are taken.

WOW! Just WOW! This is a new restaurant right off of Broughton Street and I'm wondering where has it been all of this time?! You walk in and enter a lounge tainted blue decorated in what seems like you have stepped back in time to a classy era given the black and white films playing on the wall, the flowers and chandeliers, and the comfy booths accented with plush pillows. The waitresses are all wearing uniform, chic black dresses and are dolled up to the nines. The bar seats over a dozen, which for what seems like a small place is actually really helpful in terms of crowding given the number of people coming in for their cocktail concoctions. I tried the Lavender martini and also the Bohemian. GET THE BOHEMIAN. It goes down way too easy, it could be dangerous. I had the She Crab soup which was the perfect starter. The group of women I was with also split the cutting board which was a nice blend of cheese, fruit, and crackers displayed eloquently. For my entree, I had a small portion of the lobster and edamame risotto, which was just right in terms of quantity. It tasted AMAZING. Overall, I cannot give praise for this place enough - it was delectable in every way!