Went to the Tipsy Seagull last week for the Monday lobster night. After the 1/4 mile hike from the parking lot we arrived at 6:20 pm to see 2 people sitting at 1 of their approximately 25 tables. The rest were empty. We were told that we couldn't be seated because we didn't have a reservation. What a joke. Don't waste your time at this place.
I would highly recommend The Great Escape just up the road. We had a wonderful shrimp dinner and the owner Kevin is a great host. They have the best selection of beer on the Island and Grandma's pie for desert is delicious.

Steve and others, we respectively disagree. We have gone to the Tipsy Lobster night the past 2 years and have enjoyed it very much. Nice tables on the beach and excellent service both times. Reservations are a must. I am sure the place was packed after the "Happy Hour" ended at 7:00PM.

I'm sure it's great George ...we could see the location was nice but obviously many people know you need reservations. None of the advertisements we saw ever indicated you might want to consider them. Therefore I would still stand by my statement not to waste your time ....unless you have one.

I also have to respectively disagree. My several experiences at the Tipsy Seagull echo those of George. It's unfortunate they didn't advertise the need for a reservation, but I'm not sure, with all due respect, that warrants a "Don't waste your time". I jumped into the thread to get a recent review of the restaurant with a concern that it had slumped. I'll be back in Bonaire next week and plan to make a reservation.

Not sure how they could change that, but Patty and I too arrived there to an empty restaurant and were told they could not seat us without a reservation. It is frustrating, annoying and could warrant someone to not return. And I do understand the 1/4 mile hike from the parking lot. There are plenty of other restaurants to try. If not for that location and view, it would not draw a full house.

C

A "good plan" Robert...

This is NOT a critique of their food ....

The "Tipsy Tip" is for those who do NOT want to "waste their time" by going to this restaurant, without a reservation, and being turned away while looking at an empty dining room. That's all it's about.

Sorry to hear you experienced the same Carl.
Two words..."reservations suggested" on their advertisements would probably do it.
We had no idea of the location, view etc. Simply went for lobsters and a bottle of vino....alright maybe desert too.

Especially during the winter high season, reservations are a good idea at any Bonaire restaurant.

Steve, Don't get mad at a restaurant that is simply honoring its commitment to customers who made a reservation. We live here five months every year and know that in season you are safer to make a reservation. Also, diners on Bonaire eat much later than in the US so many places don't get busy until 7:30 or 8:00. My wife and I ate at the Tipsy last Friday and had a great meal, great service and at one of the nicest settings on the island.