Dude, why does this place always seem like I am going to hate it? The menus always need a stiff disinfectant, you never know when you'll get a chipped pint glass, and it always feels like the lighting is "off"... BUT! But. They friggin' deliver every time. So if you are jonesin' for decent wings, or upping your healthy game with a fancier salad choice-take your pick-they get it right. read more

On a busy football Sunday food is flying out of the kitchen, servers are zooming around the restaurant and seating is scarce. It was not well marked that you needed to see the hostess to be seated from the back entrance we came through, so we were told to leave our table and go speak with a hostesses... We did and were reseated at the exact same table barely 2 minutes later.. awkward. Servers generally seemed stressed and forcibly trying to put on a happy face. We were served at a fair pace, but towards the end of the meal we were somewhat forgotten. I would prefer to give Eli's a 3.75 if that was possible. Not bad if you're looking to grab a drink with friends. The overall age group here seems to be in college. Nachos were killer and more than enough for two people. Prices were fair. Would come back. read more

Eli's on Whitney - Shipyard pumpkin beer - sugar, cinnamon rim - American Near Me - Hamden, Connecticut

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Went last night with my boyfriend and family for my birthday. New menu items, go check them out. Mac & Jack was delish. It's a mac and cheese with a hint of pulled pork, jalapenos, and white cheddar, gouda and monterrey jack cheeses with a light panko dusting on top. oh goodness it's good. The chipotle chicken appetizer pizza was fabulous. read more

My group held its meeting at Eli's on Whitney for the fourth year in a row and we were not disappointed. The service was excellent and attentive. Our orders were taken in a timely manner and the food arrived quickly. We'll be back next year! read more

Great burgers and calamari-some issues with special orders but delicious food with large portions read more

Eli's on Whitney - Mushroom & Swiss Burger no bun - American Near Me - Hamden, Connecticut

It is s difficult to give up control when planning a party, but Eli's made it very easy and the results were fantastic!!! Our party planner, Robin, made the process so easy. Very accommodating and very customer friendly. The brunch menu was huge and everyone raved about the variety available. The service was exemplar. Our servers were very attentive and responsive. The people in the back (the cooks) made due there was plenty of delicious food available at all times. the room was conducive to socialization and party games. so if you are planning a party, do not hesitate to utilize Eli's in Hamden read more

Consistency! For several years, our association holds a monthly meeting in Eli's private dining room and on every occasion the chef and waitstaff deliver a perfect meal. The professional and friendly service is something we've come to expect, and we are never disappointed. Kudos to the Eli's team. read more

I was in Hamden visiting family for the last two nights. Both nights I went to Eli's. I have to say, that I am not one that usually writes any sort of reviews, but after my experiences there for these two nights, I feel compelled to say something. my first night there, I was with two friends. We will enjoy drinks at the bar, and I mentioned to the bartender that I would like to get a food order to go. He assured me that the kitchen was open until 1045. When I went to place my order at 10:15, he said that unfortunately because it was slow there was a late night menu that I could order from. I may be picky, but if you knew that a guest wanted to order takeout food, why would you not let them know that the menus will be changing? That being said, the food that I ordered, boneless chicken wings were OK. Now, on night two, I was with one friend and again sat at the bar. Not busy at all, but it took an unusually long time to get a drink. I don't mean to bitch about that, but when it's that dead, I think service should be a little quicker. As a Rhode Island native, I was curious to see what the calamari Rhode Island style would be like. It turns out that it is not at all similar! If anybody has had calamari in Providence they would realize that it is sautéed in butter, garlic, with some sweet peppers. I don't think I've ever seen calamari served with marinara sauce around here. additionally, there are more fried pepper rings served in this dish, then the actual calamari. OK, I am done ranting. I just feel this restaurant, is more of a bar that serves mediocre food. Sorry that it took me so long to get to the point! I will return when I visit again, but strictly for drinks. read more

One star is giving more than they deserve. Ok, so I order the $15.00 grilled shrimp salad. It looks good, well presented. 6 miniature shrimp on top symmetrically laid out. Ok it's a salad with 6 shrimp, I get it we're not at an all you can eat buffet. OH GUESS WHAT? IT'S REALLY ONLY 3 SHRIMP!!!!! THE DARN MINIATURE SHRIMPS ARE SLICED IN HALF AND PLACED WITH THE CUT SIDE DOWN!!!! WTH is up with that? I guess it's policy is to stick it to the customer? Never again, never again. read more

Friendly and attentive staff. Private room was perfect for our wedding rehearsal dinner. Food was tasty and drinks were cold.

I was really disappointed and underwhelmed by my food. I ordered takeaway the second night of the snowstorm and was totally unimpressed by the buffalo wings and fish tacos. The wings were not particularly special; none of them were meaty enough. The fish tacos, probably shouldn't trust it since it comes from a bar (Mikro up the street has wonderful food though), tasted stale and frozen. Even the limes they gave me were rancid. read more

Eli's on Whitney - American Near Me - Hamden, Connecticut

Super disappointed with our meal tonight. Used to come all the time pre COVID. clearly they are trying to make their money back from closing during that time. I always used to get the Cesar salad with salmon. Tonight was really different. It looked like a side salad with a tiny, overcooked piece of salmon. $22 later I was pissed! My boyfriend got the steak sandwich and it was half a hoagie roll sliced in half with a small plate of fries. Pathetic! We are never going back! I Can pay the same at Viron Rondo for exceptional food! Oh yeah and the nasty ladies room had no toilet paper! read more

We ordered take out from Eli's and both my husband and I felt very neutral about the experience. I ordered the Mediterranean sandwhich- prosciutto, mozz, tomato, arugula. The sandwich as a whole was extremely bland tasting. There may have been some balsamic on the bottom, which made the bread super soggy- still didn't add much flavor. Overstuffed with arugula. Overall, it was something I could have easily made at home, for less $. Husband ordered the Buffalo Chicken Wrap...his comments, "It was OK. Spicy." Neither of us enjoyed our food enough to care to come back. (First impressions are important!) read more

Service at Eli's this last visit was great! The penne alla vodka tasted really good this time and was full of yummy cheese. I got it without chicken this time and think I enjoyed it more also because of that. I also got their warm brownie and chocolate chip cookie sundae which was phenomenal. It's huge and definitely something you should share. I didn't and was stuffed after eating most of the enormous sundae. Eli's is definitely back on my radar. I've also had their cheese pizza for take out and it wasn't bad either! read more

Pretty disappointed with my takeout order this evening. Placed an order for "buffalo-style" chicken tenders (an appetizer) nachos with pulled pork and a cheeseburger. Was told the order would be ready in 15-20 minutes, which it was. The quantity was there was the quality was pitiful! Nachos were probably THE WORST I have ever had. And the little pulled pork that was on them was drier than the chicken tenders that came WITHOUT any sauce or celery. Normally not a big deal but after ordering from the same place for a few years and getting such a disgraceful order (I mean how can youre kitchen send food out like this!?) I can see why Eli's is going DOWN hill. read more

For a dinner spot I think it's pretty damn good. Been there twice for dinner both times was very legit . The chicken colnago is awesomeeee and I got the fish tacos once which was also pretty tasty. The bar gets packedddd after like 930 literally no room to move.. The pizza across the street is also reallllll good thin crust awesome. Get the chicken colnago read more

Eli's on Whitney - Chicken colnago bang bang - American Near Me - Hamden, Connecticut

I ordered the fish n' chips and a side caesar salad and unfortunately there was a dead bug in my salad. I don't typically choose Eli's but I figured I'd give it another shot today....never again. read more

Eli's on Whitney - Bug in my salad - American Near Me - Hamden, Connecticut

I would never have thought of going to dinner here. A friend suggested we meet there so I did. The fact that I felt like I was eating in a bar with the TVs and such on really was the only reason I did not give this review 5 stars. I ordered the herb crusted salmon and it was among the best I have had. Also I find most spinach to be bitter and this was not, it was great!! I was shocked to be honest. Our server was great and it was a great meal. I hope someday they add "Resturant" style seating vs. tables around the bar. I will be back read more

Eli's on Whitney - American Near Me - Hamden, Connecticut

We rented the party room for a baptism and were very happy with everything. The food here is delicious and there is a nice selection. Great customer service. Only thing to note is there is no elevator (at least not that I saw), so if you have relatives with mobility issues this may be too many stairs for them. I would rent the space again and recommend it to others. read more

So I went to this restaurant today with my wife and mother-in-law to friends and their children and my service dog. The manager Andrew denied the seats inside because of my service dog. I had his identification card that he is a registered service dog with me and I showed it to him. He proceeded to tell me that all service dogs except seeing-eye dogs do not qualify as a service dogs and as such will not be permitted inside the restaurant. My service dog was in a stroller and still this made no difference. He said that this was company policy and when I asked him to show me that policy he went to the office and never returned this is the kind of people employed by the company and I am absolutely a palled. read more

Awesome experience with prompt service from a very friendly server. All the food came out quickly and was delicious. Cajun shrimp Mac especially hit the spot. My only complaint was the less-than-stellar margarita (definitely made from a mix). read more

Nothing like it used to be. Too bad corporate took over. Menu has been reduced to nothing. The only reason they are still open is because Nick and Mike are still bartending. The mask gestapos at the door are getting real old. Bring back the old Eli's. read more

I love their signature salad with grilled chicken. I've been coming to them for a couple years and the quality of the salad has not change yet. They give you a good amount that I must say is very fulfilling. Everyone is always courtous and my order is always ready when I come in to pick it up. read more

I'm a regular here at Eli's. Food is good, TVs always have something to watch on, drinks are great. Gets very crowded on weekends and nights with big sporting events in the bar area. Once you guys had a banana pudding special and I've been craving it everself. Highly recommend the Irish nachos from the late night menu, the penne alla vodka, the signature salad, and the Savannah salad. read more

We recently used them as the venue for a celebration party and they were great! A lot of space and the staff was very accommodating. All guest really enjoyed the food. read more

I work next door and the staff frequently attend happy hours there, which are awesome. Of note, it is busy when QU is in session. Summers are really nice on the patio. They have done a really nice job changing the motif and expanding from its early Eli's days. Their menu is solid and consistent. We have had pretty much everything on their menu and its all really good. Things they should do regularly, ADD THE BAKED PRETZEL TO THE APPETIZER MENU !! I have heard many people ask for this time and time again. My go to is the new grilled spicy shrimp lime salad... it is phenomenal. Now, that being said their house salad with spring salad greens, granny smiths, toasted walnuts and house balsamic is an excellent choice as well. Caesar salad excellent option as well. The avocado salad is just like guacamole. Great place in Hamden! read more

Fun little place in downtown. I sat in the bar area with some customers before the game and it's really perfect for that. Good service, decent food, plenty of TVs. Not sure if I were alone I'd come back for the food unless I wanted to watch a game. read more

Had a waitress today who not only took 5 minutes to seat us while having a conversation with her coworker but also decided to not check in on our meal. And when she did ask to take the plates she didn't even comment on the barely eaten chowder (super raw clams!!). Side note she also had the nerve to answer the phone in the middle of a shift in front of customers saying "please hold!" Allow the person to wait 5 minutes on hold and continue to tell the bartender and coworker a personal story while deciding to not answer the persons call on hold. I'm baffled at the service and can't imagine going back here! read more

The customer service was great! However, I did not enjoy the pizza. I will try their other choices but No more pizza from here.

Eli's never disappoints. Their burgers are the absolute best around. Servers have always been professional, thorough and lovely during every experience. I am a huge fan of their Philly cheesesteak egg rolls and my husband loves their sweet chili chicken wings. The bar can be crowded around happy hour but that's just the sign of a great business! If you want to eat dinner; grab a seat in the dining room - it has never been a problem to get a table. read more

Was not impressed seemed that the staff was not concerned with their customer's. The walked by many times before checking on my order or needs. There was little I really need at most restraunt's, based on reviews and what I heard the food was not worth the wait nor was waiting on the staff. I will give it another try but it will be a while. read more

My nephew highly recommended this restaurant, I'm visiting my sister from SC, I wanted to keep this restaurant on my phone, so I have it the next time I'm up here. read more

Wanted to enjoy an outside meal during the quarantine, but this was not the place. The entrees are way over priced for the quality of food you're getting. Server was nice and it was clean. Hope this place is better when you're not dining during a pandemic! read more

Food is delicious and the vibes are amazing. I had the Cajun chicken already and it was amazing. My new favorite restaurant will definitely be going back read more

Was hoping the service was better, the food however was very good! They have a lot of different dishes along with your regular type of quick meals. I would have given a 5 star review if the service was polite and more attentive. read more

I order chicken tenders for my daughter and they were absolutely disgusting. They looked and felt like calamari pieces. I called ask for a refund and the woman on the phone refused the refund and the manager would not get on the phone. The excuse was their menu changed - even though the online kids menu is still exactly the same. Don't waste your money here. I ended up ordering from Wood N Tap instead where we were served normal chicken tenders. read more

Very disappointed in the customer service and the lack of sympathy from the manager. I was standing waiting for my food for about 20 minutes while the employees kept saying a few minutes more than 3x. I understood it was busy so I kept waiting with no issue.. They finally realized after me standing there for so long one of the tablets were not turned on for the order to be sent to the kitchen! I waited patiently & asked the manager is there anything we can do about this: and his answer was " I can't cook the food any faster" .. I co-own a restaurant and would expect him to have much better respect for those who come to spend money in Eli's on Whitney!! read more

We were looking for a caterer near Quinnipiac University and we found Eli's through a friend. They were cooperative and helpful from the beginning. Great communication and polite. They delivered right to our tailgate area and the food was fantastic. Pasta chicken salad and a yogurt bar dessert. We will definitely go back and highly recommend their catering. read more

I had my husbands birthday party at Eli's last Sunday. Luckily I called to increase our number from 17 to 19 as there was a big mixup with our reservation. The staff worked very hard to get everything set up the way it was originally set up, calling me every step of the way. Our wait staff was excellent and everyone had a good time and enjoyed their food. Mistakes happen, but it's the customer service that still makes for a good experience. Debbie read more

I'll start this one off by saying that I visited this place for dinner on a football Sunday. If all you want to do is drink and watch sports - consider this three stars... they have tons of flat-screens lining the bar (inside and out). Had I not heard "[F* general explicative] [F* anti-gay explicative]" upon entering this establishment, I may have desired to order a full meal. We ended up ordering appetizers, Buffalo Wings, and dessert to go. The eat-in food was average to less-than average. Even the wings at Hooters are much better. The coconut shrimp were slightly burnt. The service was average to "cold." After finishing our so-so food, we asked for a "Warm Brownie Sundae" to-go. We got a cold brownie and cookie in a tin, and two small scoops of ice cream in a separate container. Although the cookie isn't what we asked for, the whip cream, caramel, and chocolate were completely forsaken. The least they could have done is warmed up the brownie and cookie, both of which tasted average (even after we warmed them). I'll suggest they care don't whether or not their customers leave happy. read more