New York/ Boston prices for Putnam, CT faire. I imagine the only reason it remains in business is that it is one of few restaurants in a 30 mile radius. I heard great things prior to going there and I was definately disappointed. What can you expect from a cullinarilly challenged region? Blah.. read more

Terrible service. Rude all around. Owner kept coming up to us to apologize. Said they had a really busy night the night before. I'll never go back. Worst restaurant experience I've ever had. read more

We were visiting the area from California and ended up meeting friends for lunch at 85 Main. It was wonderful. Not only were we able to stay and visit as long as we wanted, the meal was fantastic! I had the fried clam special---and the clams were served with bellies--they weren't just strips. They were carefully cleaned--no gritty residue as you sometimes can get when that isn't the case. My husband had a luncheon meal salad and he proclaimed it delicious. We enjoyed our meal so much that we came back a few days later and brought another friend with us! Thank you for the yummy meals! read more

Everything was just ok and nothing really lived up to most of the reviews I read on here. What didn't help was our server was distracted or something and not really into being our server. We waited a lonnng time for everything (it was not busy) and the longest wait was for our check. Can't really say I'd recommend this place. (The coffee/pastry place next door is awesome though). read more

Don't ever go here- food is so-so, portions are small and they charged me $9.00 for a 6oz draft beer . Go to Elizabeths Farmhouse instead

The perfect place for a family graduation celebration! Welcoming ambiance and superb food. Warm fig with blue cheese was delicious and such a treat to have it on the menu. Ready for a return visit! read more

We visit Putman quite often and alway eat at Bellas. This time we decided to try 85 Main for a change. Bad mistake. Six other people at tables waiting for food in restaurant and it took us 1 hour to get our food. We ordered burgers and fries. The burgers were ordered medium and came out well done and dried out. The fries, on the other hand, were extremely greasy and limp. The service was terrible and the prices were extreme for what we got. We should have gone with the sure bet, Bellas. Terrible dining experience and quite a disappointment. The coffee shop next door made up for the shortfall with their wonderful pastries and hot drinks. read more

To start off a review with a negative may seem odd when I gave place 4 stars. The problem with 85 Main is it is hit or miss. When it is a hit, it is wonderful! When it is a miss, the disappointment is overwhelming. The sushi/sashimi here is excellent. It's worth a shot! Try out 85 Main! read more

My boyfriend and I stopped here after antiquing. It was great because I love sushi but he does not. I ordered one of the sushi specials and the salmon was the best I've ever had, fresh and buttery. My boyfriend ordered the pulled pork wrap which was delicious and the sweet potato fries that came with it were cooked perfectly... nice and crispy. The ambiance and decor was nice, with a fun bar area as well as more quiet table seating. Was very pleasantly surprised that we just randomly walked into this place for lunch and the food was super. read more

A great local establishment that takes pride in their creative and usually local menu. 85 has a big city feeling nestled in the quiet corner. We often gather here for our ladies night out, or for a date night dinner. Always delicious. My personal favorite is the Vegetarian Experience, but I have never been disappointed. read more

Good hideaway date night place for us. The atmosphere is bustling but still intimate, casual but you can get a little snazzied up and not feel overly dressed. We have been to this place a couple of times and we have been quite satisfied. People have mentioned that it is reasonable- which I think needs clarification; Dinner 4 2 will run easily $75, which isn't a cheap meal- but certainly for the presentation and experience a fine value.I have my own opionons regarding "cheap" food and since 85 main supports local and sustainable types of food, I am willing to support that. The menu has a good amount of choices- maybe more than it needs to have. I haven't been in the sushi mood when we went, though from the other reviews sounds like they are doing that well. It seemed out of place to me to have sushi out in Putnam- though I don't know why. I have had the Saffron PEI Mussels, very nice. The Bruschetta was decent- I believe the tomatoes were pretty local which I like. As I write this review, I have looked over the menu again, I must have been pretty happy with what I ordered, as I cannot remember what my husband had! It probably isn't a 4 star -of blow your mind away place, but it is solidly good. I think you need that kind of place more often than the fancy 4 star kind. read more

A very pleasant surprise. Inventive and tasty fare. Very good service.

I've been here a couple times, both with groups of co-workers. This is definitely a great place for groups. I've had a burger, apps, and sushi here, all were very delicious. Cocktails are divine! Would recommend for anyone willing to pay a higher fare. Well worth it! read more

Great food, on a pricey side though. Great atmosphere, you can hang out under the stars indoors or on their patio when it's nice out. 95% of what I order there is AMAZING. But there are a few dishes I didn't feel much for, but others with me loved it. I'm in love with the raw bar. Anytime I'm in the mood for little necks or huge shrimp, I go here, since this is really the only place I know locally that offers a raw bar. read more

Love this place. Reasonable prices, great tasting food, and a nice atmosphere. The Bread is excellent. I have never had a bad experience going to 85 main. The service is great. My wife is a vegetarian and she can always find something on the menu and is also a fan. read more

Excellent margaritas (rocks no salt) Can't comment on the sushi because I'm not into the raw fish scene. It was pretty packed on a Friday night and everyone looked like they were enjoying themselves - will check on the menu the next time we stop in for drinks - very clean, contemporary atmosphere, you will LOVE the drinks!!! Promise!!! read more

second time there, lunch recently outside, waitress a=was great , food was also excellent, seemed very popular and they have a nice appeearing place in a pretty little town which has a lot of restaurants! read more

One of my favorite spots in one of my favorite areas (CT's "Quiet Corner"). I don't believe I've ever had a bad meal here, lunch or dinner. So pretty inside, nice outdoor seating, and the menu always respects the seasons. read more

Meh. Don't bother if you're a vegetarian. Other than salad, your mostly talking Boca Burger. It comes on a wheat wrap and sounded good, but the limited veggies created a very dry, not particularly tasty sandwich. The fries, however, we're tasty with the potato skin left on lightly salted skinny fries. Service was very slow for an early afternoon meal. I don't think I'll bother to return. I'd go back to The Crossing that I've enjoyed or try one of the very many other restaurants nearby. read more

85 Main is a cozy bistro in downtown Putnam. The wait staff are attentive and welcoming and their level of service is certainly exceptional for this region. I have had dinner entrees here that were fresh and well seasoned and many of the appetizers too. In my opinion this is a good place to go and lounge for a few hours either inside or outside while munching on appetizers and drinks. read more

Just wanted to update and say that I have not had poor service since my last review and have been back quite a few times. 85 Main is one of my very favorite places in town. The raw bar is great, sushi is yummy, and the food and drinks and delicious! read more

Love this place. Saw it on Phantom Gourmet a few years ago and even though i live about 35 mins away i usually try to get here as often as possible. Whether your looking for a good place to go on a date, catch a burger and beer with your buddies or a family dinner its one of those places that's good for almost any situation thanks to their amazing Menu. Hands down one of the top 5 burgers i have had anywhere. They seem to source almost all of their food locally and its all homemade and you can certainly taste the difference. The hand cut fries and spicy ketchup are a must try. I've tried many of there specials and had steak dinners there a few times and can say i have never had a bad meal or service at this place and i have been here probably 25+ times.Not a big seafood guy or sushi but every person i have taken here has loved their meals and they rave about their sushi. If you haven't been yet, your missing out and downtown Putnam is definitely a cool little place to check out. ~Cheers read more

Fun spot downtown, adjacent to a few other restaurants, pubs, antique stores and art galleries. Sunday lunch was perfect with some fresh nicely priced oysters, sushi, salads and soup. Friendly attentive service, appropriate music, cute interior. Surprisingly hip for being in the middle of nowhere. I'd like to see the outdoor patio when there was less snow on the ground (grrr). I would heartily recommend it. read more

Certainly the best spot in the area. It's a little strange that this place serves American (New) style food and also sushi, but they seem to nail everything they put out. Very impressed. I've never had a problem with the service--not sure what others are talking about. It gets quite busy so I recommend making reservations. read more

Each visit here has been equally delicious with a healthfully delicious menu; salads can be customized, steak is tender and prepared to order - quality reigns in all their offerings, and the staff is excellent and attentive. Can't wait for the next trip here! PS-sample the Bomba! Cozy inside, but outdoors in warm months is delightful! read more

Been there a handful of times, with co-workers, with friends, in a group, or just with my wife, and all scenarios work well at 85 Main. They have a bar menu and a regular sit-down menu, both filled with delicious and imaginative dishes. I have never had bad Sushi there. The beer selection is decent, especially with Stone IPA on draft, and a Seasonal Peak Organic. The staff seems knowledgeable and friendly as well. read more

Pretty decent martinis and yummy sushi! I love the Seared Tuna Crunch! Sometimes gets too crowded on weekend evenings. EXPENSIVE!

Enjoyed Easter dinner at 85 Main last week. Enjoyed the food, wine and service. Being Easter sometimes service suffers, not so at 85 Main, Patrick, server was on his A game. He was very knowledgeable about menu and was always around when needed. My elderly mother-in law, a native of Putnam enjoyed the fried oyster appetizer and the sea scallops. My sirloin was cooked to a perfect medium and was a good cut. My wife had the wild salmon, yes wild which we never see on menus. Enjoyed the wine from Sharpe Vineyards which is nearby, and is excellent. My irish coffee had fresh cream . Been going to Putnam for thirty years, and 85 Main is a great addition to downtown Putnam. read more

Food and outside dinning make this a stop for sure!! Just stay away from the vodka as a vodka and soda water $10.50 (too much for sure)

Celebrating a special event with a dinner party at 85 Main was perfect. The food, the private dining room, every detail was perfect. My thanks to Jaylen, our server, to Dawn, the events coordinator, and special thanks to James, the chef/owner. What a gem we have: 85 Main right here in Putnam. Check it out. read more

Great place!! The food was really good, had oysters, sushi, shrimp and a couple cocktails.... Didn't break the bank either! Sat outside, great on a nice summer nite. Very impressed... I'll be back real soon. The waitstaff was awesome too! ***** read more

85 Main is my favorite place to dine when I am visiting in Putnam. I love that I can have sushi and my boyfriend can find something that he really enjoys as well. My experiences have always been great here! I will say that my boyfriend dined here without me recently, and had terrible service, but that hasn't happened to me. I hope that whatever service issues occurred that night have been remedied, because I don't want to lose this favorite spot to eat! read more

Wonderful food, great atmosphere! Service is good, and at a nice relaxed pace. Amanda and Lindsey are particularly excellent servers and the bartenders know their stuff. Selection is interesting and fresh. We aren't seafood eaters, but we've heard nothing but raves for the sushi and oysters. They make an excellent steak and burger, delicious chicken, and the vegetarian options/specials are always pleasing to the palette! Prices are spot on for the excellent quality food, service, and atmosphere. One of the best restaurants in a 20mile radius. read more

I've been meaning to give 85 Main a review for a while. I'd say my rating is closer to 3.5. The restaurant is comfortable and the bar ia welcoming. It is a little confusing to get in; never sure what door to use. We've been here a number times and it's perfect for us because the menu is so varied. My husband is a solid meat guy and I'm the opposite. I enjoy the raw bar. The person staffing it is knowledgable about the oysters and a good guide. The sushi bar is excellent. I had a sampler plate with 2 each of 4 different fish. We always enjoy the soup of the day -- always tuned to the seasons. My husband loves the burgers. Hope this helps! read more

First off the dollar oysters for happy hour on Wednesdays are worth the trip alone. The service is always on point and drinks are great, Justin makes a kick ass drink, the owner is really chill and the specials are on point. If you dig tuna tartare it's not on the menu but they will make it for you and it's great, as is the rest of the sushi. 85 man is just about the only place I enjoy eating in the area. read more

Lindsey is always happy, friendly, polite and happy to see us. The food is always superb and always fresh! The bread made locally in Woodstock is fabulous. A great meal, atmosphere and staff make this our dining out choice whenever we want consistently great food!!!! read more

I have no complaints at all. Service was good. Food was tasty. Drinks were good. I don't know what else is in the area, so I have nothing else to compare it to. But it wasn't spectacular, which is why I gave it only 3 stars. We sat outside, and it was pleasant (save for the inconsiderate boorish motorcyclists who came by now and then and drowned out every other sound--over which the restaurant has no control, of course!). It was a very nice place, but nothing special. read more

This is the best place to eat in the town of Putnam when it comes to dinner. Its a hip place and the atmosphere is nice. The food is always well prepared and made by people that care about their craft. I've been here a dozen times and the menu changes enough to keep you coming back. My only complaint has been with the waitresses. Sometimes you get a waitress that doesn't share the same customer focus that the owners have. Usually the service is great, but once in a while you get a waitress that you wish you trade in for a better model. Then again, that's probably true for every restaurant. read more

Hit or Miss.. It really depends on what you are looking for. Unfortunately, night to night this place is so inconsistent with service, its hard to give it the four stars that it probably deserves. If you are looking for a drink or two with a ritzy appetizer, and you have an hour or two to kill, 85 main is great.. However, if you wanna have a full meal (or appetizers & sushi) in a couple of hours on a weekday, this is a bad choice. The interior is nice, its kinda trendy and artsy, and they have a pretty cool outdoor eating area and a nice vibe in the bar area... Best of all they do a great job of changing up the menu and making some great tasting dishes. The chef here does a great job, probably some of the best food I have ever had within a 30 minute drive of Putnam, however for the amount they charge, the restaurant management & service here is pretty weak. The problem with 85 main is consistency. This place clearly has an A team, and a B team. You will be taken care of when the A team is working, usually this is on the weekends, and you will enjoy your experience for around $100. On a weeknight, the B team will make you wish you didn't eat out... In my most recent experience with the B team I sat waiting for my food, staring at an empty drink that I had ordered a refill for when I got the first one.. When my food finally came out It had been an hour since I got there and all I ordered was some raw bar and sushi. But all the negatives aside, its a great spot, as long as you have patience and the luck to get the A team. read more

One of my favorite places to go and eat. Food is always great, service is always top notch. They always take care of me with my food allergies. Sushi chef is wonderful and has his own following of customers that I've meet on my visits here. They also have a great outdoor area to eat at & an extensive bar menu. read more