Our evening at Katie Belle's
 

On the spur of the moment, today, I booked a table at Katie Belle's for my hubby and I for this evening. I called to make the reservation, It was a $6 charge to reserve the table. I was told there was a $10 min per person.

"Rocky and The Rollers" were there tonight and we considered ourselves lucky to get in.

We went to the late show as the early show was sold out. The late show started about 9:30-9:45. To make it easier for the servers, they stagger the seating times. 9:00, 9:15 and 9:30. We were scheduled for 9:15 but arrived a few minutes early to get the lay of the land. The staggered seating times are to accommodate the wait staff, so that they are not trying to give prompt service to the full house at one time. We were seated by 9:05.

The entrance is lovely, very spacious with a beautiful stairway going up to the restaurant and also an elevator.

Once upstairs, we found a lovely "supper club". The place is spacious and very attractive. The reserved tables are directly in front of the stage and dance floor. Tables were about 4-5 rows deep and 4-5 rows across. We had a table near the rear and I was worried about being able to see the band, but that was not a problem at all. The tables are spaced with generous room between them so that everyone in the dining area can see the stage, which is raised.

There is a quieter dining area off to the side between the elevator and the bar. I don't think those tables require a reservation. They also do not appear to have a direct view of the stage. The bar area is raised with several high top and standard dining tables there also. The view from that area of the stage seemed like it would be great.

The salad bar is at the opposite side of the restaurant from the bar. There are tables there which have a view of the stage, but slightly off to the side. There were also tables behind the reserved section, with partitions which I think would have a limited view of the stage, but could enjoy the music.

The place looks GREAT!! The stained glass ceiling is still there and gorgeous! The Front Stained glass window is beautiful from inside and everything looks first class, attractive and spacious. The tables are very attractive with hammered copper designs under glass.

I was concerned about the dance floor, as on the diagram on line, it looked tiny. In reality it is plenty large enough. "Rocky and The Rollers" had everyone on their feet dancing and there was not a problem with space.

Rocky played form 9:30 to 11:00 and did a great show! We had a wonderful time and will enjoy taking visitors there!

The menu looked good! My husband ordered the shrimp and scallops Alfredo, I had the Katie Belle's fried shrimp which were very lightly battered, fresh and delish! We both had the salad bar and it had a very generous selection.

All is all, it was a wonderful evening and we plan to go again! There were many regulars who enjoyed being there and we didn't hear a single complaint.

We actually enjoyed it much more than the original Katie Belle's. Most likely, because we came on the scene in the last 2 yrs and the old Katie Belle's always looked dusty and in need of a deep cleaning. That is not to criticize it. I know it was well loved and a favorite of many.

Katie Belle's now is more of a "Supper Club" with live entertainment, a format that we thoroughly enjoyed. I am glad we gave the new Katie Belle's a chance. It was a wonderful evening! We recommend it highly!

Thanks for such a thorough review. It sounds lovely and I will put it on my list of things to try next time we are there! Interesting that they charge for making a reservation, though.

Great fully comprehensive report Dotti and I really appreciate you doing this. Many people are looking for a high end dining/supper club and I think this will do very well with both Villagers and outsiders. Whether one likes them or not, the developer knows how to do things right.

Now, please excuse my ignorance, but where did you get the information on what is playing, how to book the table, etc. etc. I guess I am being lazy and asking you to do my leg work for me.:smiley:

A great evening!

So, after asking Dotti to do the leg work for me, I decided to get into TV website and there the information was. Great site too Home Page. You can order tickets on line etc. etc.

Excellent review, and having been there for dinner, spot on.

Dotti,

I couldn't agree any more. Thanks for posting. I guess the family knows how to run a business !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The $6.00 fee was to reserve the table of your choice. I don't think that was in appropriate at all. I guess you could take your chances, not pay the $6.00 fee and take a chance of getting a table around the perimeter, if they are available.

The $10/pp/minimum is toward food purchase. (or drinks maybe?) Our dinners were fairly priced and we just had diet coke which was quickly refilled at no additional charge.

Glad you found the info. I just googled "Katie Belle's, The Villages" and found the site that way.

Looking forward to seeing it. Have read a lot of negative reviews but I get the impression that most just did not want it to change from the old format.

So if you walk in and there are tables available for the show, you don't have to pay the $3.00 per person for the table ?

We are glad you enjoyed your time at Katie Belle's. What you described is the reason many of us will not attend the new Katie Belle.s. We do not believe this format will survive when the renters and snowbirds go home.

Sounds wonderful ! I haven't been in there yet, but look forward to going. I'm sure it's beautiful. The Villages always does things top notch !!

But if you haven't experienced the new format how do you know it is so bad?

Thanks Dotti105 for your review. There is no charge for a dinner only reservation, only for show and dinner together. I've booked dinner reservations for a large group to have dinner before going over to the Sharon and it was no charge. We'll be out before shows start. I'm really looking forward to it. All reviews of people who have actually been there seem to enjoy it, especially the food.