This might be someone else's cup of tea, but unfortunately it just wasn't mine…read more
When I first saw this restaurant on Instagram, I genuinely thought it was an upscale waterfront restaurant. As the date got closer and I looked more into it, I realized it was actually more of a sports bar/entertainment venue vibe which, honestly, I should have known going in. That's on me. I'm just not a sports girlie, and this place is clearly made for people who love that atmosphere.
We went on Fourth of July weekend, which was probably the busiest possible time to go. If you love being surrounded by tons of people, loud music, sports fans, jerseys everywhere, and a high-energy crowd, this could be your dream night. The World Cup was on, everyone was dressed in their team gear, and the energy was definitely there. But for me personally, it was overwhelming.
It was also 101 degrees outside, and while part of the area is partially enclosed, most of the space is outdoors. Between the heat and the crowds, I was just uncomfortable. Again, that's not necessarily the restaurant's fault the weather and holiday weekend definitely played a role but it affected my overall experience.
We arrived around 5:30 PM because we wanted to catch happy hour (which ended at 6). Parking was easy, and the line to get in only had a few people ahead of us, so no complaints there. The surprise came when we reached the entrance and were told there was a $20 cover charge. When I asked if there was usually a cover, they said no, but because it was a holiday weekend and they "had a lot going on," they were charging one. My issue was that this wasn't advertised anywhere on their Instagram or when we were planning our visit, so that was frustrating. Paying $20 to enter a mostly outdoor venue where there weren't even seats available didn't sit well with me.
All the tables were full, so we ended up sharing a table with another couple. We ordered the wood-fired pizza -- buffalo chicken and margarita and I'd rate it about a 7/10. It was good, but nothing that I'd specifically go back for. They do have a lot of other food options, but I personally only tried the pizza.
For drinks, they have cute bucket options, but I didn't want that. I ordered a Peach on the Beach (whiskey-based), and it was fine. Drink prices were actually reasonable and not overpriced.
They also have a creamery, which was a nice touch. I got a scoop of pistachio ice cream for $5.31, and that was honestly very good.
They advertised fireworks at 9 PM, but as it got closer, the DJ announced that guests would need to leave the property, walk across the street to the beach to watch them, and then wait in line again to get back inside. At that point, we decided to leave. When we left, the line to get into the restaurant was absolutely massive; there was no way I would have waited in that.
Getting out of West Haven was also a nightmare. It took me about 45 minutes to get out, even though getting there only took a couple of minutes.
Overall, I think this place could be a great time for the right person. If you love sports, big crowds, loud music, and a party atmosphere, you will probably have a blast. If you're looking for an upscale waterfront dining experience, higher-end food, or a more relaxed night out, this probably isn't the place.
My biggest advice: don't go on a holiday weekend unless you're specifically looking for that packed, high-energy experience. On a regular weekend, I could see this being a completely different experience.