My friends and I live Bin228. The bartenders are very attentive. We were going out to dinner but…read morestopped in for happy hour. We had these amazing corn appetizers. The name is escaping me but check out the pics. So yummy with a couple dirty martinis.

This used to be one of my favorite spots, which makes this disappointing to say…read more Service -- specifically from one of the blonde bartenders (she's never introduced herself, so I don't have a name) -- has consistently gone downhill. We've had to repeatedly flag her down while sitting with empty plates and glasses. No check-ins, no acknowledgment. When she does come over, her attitude makes it feel like guests are an inconvenience. I'm a bartender myself, so I understand busy shifts. But basic hospitality like eye contact, clearing empties, professionalism -- isn't optional. My drink was poorly made and unbalanced, which only added to the frustration. What really crossed the line was hearing staff behind the bar openly speaking negatively about customers -- including people currently seated. That's not just bad service, it's unprofessional. It's unfortunate to see a place I enjoyed decline like this. I hope management steps in.

Stopped in and it was happy hour. Everyday 3:30-5:30 drinks, apps, food & pizza. We got the $8…read moresmash burger and it was delicious. Think a grilled cheese with a burger inside. It was just the right size too. Very flavorful. Got a side of fries too and they were just ok, next time we will try the duck fat crispy potatoes. Partner did get a bite of bone in their burger, but understand how that can happen. Great atmosphere and service. Sir at bar for happy hour.

*This review is from June 2023, I forgot to post it, accuracy was preserved with Word…read more Came for brunch. Menus were confusing, printed on paper in landscape format. Choices were limited to 'small and large plates', there was no appetizer section. We were asked "sparkling bottled ($$) or tap water?". We chose tap. Server brought an old-style quart-size milk bottle and small juice-size glasses. The water had no ice, so I assumed water was cold, it wasn't. I ordered a 'breakfast' stout, my wife coffee. Stout was served in a wine glass, not a traditional pint glass. Wife said coffee wasn't that hot. When they brought our beverages, wife asked for a napkin since none were on the table. Like most civilized countries, I like to put a napkin in my lap when I sit down in a restaurant. Apparently you need to ask for one here. Young server muttered something about place settings are brought when food is delivered. I guess an ale and coffee aren't napkin worthy. Not sure what they accomplish with this goofy policy. It looks more like some kind of cost cutting measure. We made reservations a week earlier, wanted us to confirm a second time through text the same morning. It led me to think this must be a popular place with people clamouring to get in. Once there, place wasn't bust at all, no waiting customers and a sea of unoccupied tables. Our guest arrived after we ordered our beverages. After a few minutes, I ended up flagging down a server to get her a drink. Another sign we were stuck with a 2nd or 3rd-string staff. Our aunt ordered a specialty drink from their menu; "champagne in a laundry basket", (looked more like laundry water in a wash tub). After taking our orders, paper menus were collected to be reused. Maybe they were saving money on copy paper. I kinda' wish she left one in case we wanted desserts or something later. They were keeping the table clear of literally everything. I ordered a humus plate for use as an appetizer, something to share and couldn't be screwed up while waiting for our main course. When entrees showed up, we all chose 'smoked sausage eggs-benedict', extra servers were in tow with plates, napkins and silverware, napkin place settings given after all plates were on the table. My wife was seated across from me, sitting next to her Aunt Nan. The first plate was placed in front of me. Even being the neanderthal caveman I am, I knew this was the most basic etiquette faux pas (I felt humiliated j/k). Ladies are ALWAYS served first, another red flag from an inexperienced staff. The 'smoked sausage' Eggs Benedict failed on many levels. It wasn't hot, poached eggs were both over and under-cooked- egg whites had chunky white snot, yolks were not runny. The 'smoked sausage', was kielbasa logs cut in half lengthwise, they were overcooked and impossible to cut without flattening and mutilating egg and muffin. They could be used as wheel chocks, I had to deconstruct it so sausage could be wrestled with on the side. Wife said the 'homemade' English muffin had the tap water taste like what we were served 'for free'. I couldn't help but envision a garden hose filling a mop bucket used for filling the milk bottles. The Hollandaise sauce lacked silky richness and flavor, I've had better with McCormick packets. Benedict was overpowered with the taste of the smoked sausage. This meal was our aunt's special treat for our birthdays. They did not finish their meals, leaving mostly the pieces of the hockey puck-hard sausage. Server had been touting the pastry chef for the home-made English muffins. They were not any better than Thomas's English muffins. I am a plate-cleaner by habit, I've even been called human garbage disposal, so I managed to clear this one, (except for the egg snot, it would've taken a straw to finish it). My wife always has leftovers I happily dispose of quietly, not this time, gave it a hard pass. I felt unfulfilled, I was food frustrated, so I ordered some bacon cheese scones and shared them with the table. They turned out to be the best thing we had, warm Bisquick quality with a good taste of bacon and cheese almost as addicting as Red Lobster cheddar biscuits. We consumed them like a pack of hungry wolves. I asked and was told they don't serve them with butter. These begged for butter. IMO, butter should already be on the table. My wife picked this venue for our birthday treat meal with our beloved Aunt Nan from MA treating us. I apologized to her for our disappointing choice. She said she was glad I said it, she didn't want to say anything to make us feel bad. With tip, the bill for 3 was $171.00. We could have had a better meal and service at an IHOP for a quarter of the cost, I know I would have felt more satisfied. This experience made onto my list of top 5 worst eating experiences.

I've been wanting to check this place out for years and finally made it and honestly, it was just…read moreokay. We went on a Saturday night around 9, and since it's winter, the rooftop was enclosed, which was actually done pretty well. The setup was nice and they had a DJ playing old school hits, which I loved it definitely helped the vibe. That said, it wasn't very busy, but somehow the bartenders still took forever to serve us. The drinks were pretty mid, nothing special or memorable. I do like the area, and I'd probably come back in the summer just to experience the rooftop when it's fully open, but overall it's not really anything to write home about.

Parking: large but busy lot as it is shared with multiple businesses…read more Decor: stylish but cold, not just temp but feeling. Great patio for summer relaxing out on a rooftop (3 floors up) bar lounge. Staff: friendly but not very attentive and when I was there it was maybe 10 people in the entire place. Seemed like they were more interested in talking amongst themselves. Food: menu and presentation are more aligned with a bar menu and plating rather than an upscale restaurant Overall: would definitely go for drinks one evening but I'd eat first unless you want bar munchies. They also have a different name on the wall for inside seating but it's the same menu the hostess said.

I'm back! Welcome to Carmine's! The restaurant is located on 389 Main St. in East Hartford. It's…read morecold in here! The temperature has got to be 55 degrees (the way Carmine likes it). I live the nice music in here. It's very livel! It's Happy Hour from 3-7 on weekdays (food) and all day for drinks on Monday! The kitchen here makes everything built fresh, from scratch, and all homemade. The appetizers, pasta, entrees and desserts combine old-world traditional Italian flavor with a modern flair for presentation, and the freshest ingredients around. Menu staples like calamari, chicken milanese, fettucine carbonara and ravioli are paired with unique recipes like pappardelle with sausage and tenderloin steaks. They have staffed their kitchen with a dream team of local chefs that ensure our quality does not waiver and our kitchen is always OPEN! Not every place can say that! For my first drink, I'm having the Manhattan's Creek made with Knob Creek bourbon, sweet vermouth, dry vermouth and Angostura bitters. Wait a minute! These are the same ingredients as a Perfect Manhattan! This is chilled, well balanced and nicely garnished. I like it! For my first food item, I'm having a House Salad (small, off-menu version). This is made with a spring mix including basil, tomatoes, julienned carrots, cucumbers and a red wine vinaigrette dressing. This is nice and fresh! I love the dressing! I like the nice cloth napkin as well as a disposable one. The bartender is the nicest one I've ever met. For my next item, I'm having the Rigatoni Marinara. The is made with rigatoni and house marinara sauce. It's low cholesterol and guilt-free (for me). This is steaming hot and delicious! Nice portion size too! For my next item, I'm having a cup of soup. This is broccoli cheddar with potato. Oh yeah! I love those oyster crackers! This is yummy! For my next drink, I'm having the Pratt n Whiskey made with Woodford Reserve bourbon, sweet vermouth, red wine and sour mix. I love it! It's shaken well and tastes great! For my next food item, I'm having the Carmine's Secret Tenderloins. These are actually pan seared caramelized CHICKEN tenderloins made with wine, olive oil, cracked black pepper, kosher salt, shredded Parmesan and a VERY special secret sauce. I can eat this with little regret. This should be interesting! This is quite good! I do like that creamy sauce! For my dessert, I'm having the Toasted Almond. This is soaked in Amaretto layered with light custard and topped with crushed almond. Oh yeah! Look at the presentation! This is fantastic! What a great meal here!

Random selection in my travels off Rt 84. Food was delicious and I happily stumbled on live music…read more Mixed crowd Cappuccino gelato truffle, JD tips over pasta and 1/2 Caesar salad

J Gilbert's in Glastonbury, Connecticut…read more I got the 10oz sirloin with creamed corn (with bacon ) and potato au gratin -- everything was super flavorful and cooked perfectly. Total comfort food but elevated. My husband went with the burger topped with an unreal shallot jam and sweet potato fries... and yes, it was as good as it sounds Such a solid spot for a cozy steak night.

Oh man it hurts me to right this review. Because we have loved J Gilbert's for so long, but…read moreunfortunately it just not has been the same for a while. We were there celebrating after a very tough stretch for my wife so we needed a good night out. Our salads actually had brown lettuce in it. When we told the server she did not even seem to care or know what to do and actually said so do you still want them. Then my wife's scallops were way overcooked (I did not even think that was possible) and I ordered my burger Med Rate and cane out Ned Well. Again ghe server did not even seem to bat an eye. It was really about attention to detail and the steps of service. None of them were there. We saw employees walking past empty tables with dirty dishes and not help clear, and saw no teamwork. Maybe I am being to critical because I have been in this business for 35 years, but mayybe someone a manager or other employee will see this and will do something. Because that night no one came over to say they were sorry

Stopped in during an event on pratt st. 2nd visit. Birch bourbon was bold & hints of birch were…read morevery nice, overall a smooth bourbon. The tacos were excellent, very flavorful and fresh, and very filling/ample meat portions. The double taco-shell helps hold it all together. Wednesday was the perfect day for a peaceful visit before the rain storm. Happy hour menus attached for reference! Every visit, the staff is perfectly welcoming and knowledgeable, and the food surprises my taste as a former picky eater. I would be excited to get tacos again, or try something new.

Came here after going to bingo Loco to finish my celebratory birthday…read more We walked in within an hour of closing, so we were given last call. We were seated at a booth, but quickly moved to the bar where the bartender made our concoctions, chatted with us, and talked about the old distillery that was before the parlor. I got the Smoke Break; mezcal, wild moon sumac, apricot, amaro del capo, lime and absinthe. It was very good, very smoky, but the perfect balance. And of course, the birthday is not complete without shots! We ended up taking the sour cherry vodka, which is one of my favorites We were unable to get food as the kitchen was closed, but we will have to try next time

One of the best restaurants in the area. Great staff, food and drinks. Plan on going v back many…read moretimes.

Walking into the place you would never guess that this restaurant is in a strip mall. Stunning…read moredecor with lighting that accents the entire place. We started with mixed drinks that were absolutely delicious. Just the right mix of sweet but not overbearing. We wanted to try several things so we decided to order the El Festin. It was an amazing choice! The meats that we decided on were carnitas, carne asada, and brisket. All of them had so much flavor and were perfectly cooked, tender and delicious. The plantains had just the right amount of seasoning and done to perfection. It came with a variety of sauces that had so much flavor! Everything I ate was amazing. We had so much food left over. I was able to enjoy it again the following day. They even packaged the sauces for me so I could enjoy them with my leftovers. We will definitely come back here.

I haven't been here in quite a while. Notice how WIDE my parking spot is. The restaurant is located…read moreon 110 Glastonbury Blvd in Glastonbury, CT. This may be, perhaps, the best Happy Hour I have ever seen anywhere. It's EVERY DAY from 3:30-6. The food item options are huge (20-25) plus three dessert choices. There's are also seven quality mixed drinks, three beers and seven wines! OMG! The bartender recognized me! I haven't been here since January 2025 (1 1/3 years ago). She is even knew where I sat! The menu is unchanged except for a few minor things. For my first drink, I'm having the Max Manhattan made with Old Overholt Rye, Cinzano Sweet Vermouth, orange bitters and orange twist. This has a nice garnish and tastes great! For my first food item, I'm getting a Caesar Salad made with romaine lettuce, garlic croutons and Parmesan cheese. The smell of cheese is quite strong! It's a good portion. This tastes good! Crunchy croutons and tasty lettuce. For my next food item, I'm having a Salmon lettuce cup. Nice presentation! It's on a bed of ice and a lemon to sprinkle. This is quite good! Next up, I'm having a Cup of Clam Chowder. I believe these are house-made croutons. This came out quick! It's nice and hot! Tastes great! Well, with a little hot sauce that is...I like the classic music here. For my next drink, I'm having an Old Fashioned made with Old Forester Bourbon, simple syrup and Angostura bitters. Damn! Nice presentation (the Amarena cherry on the wooden stick) and a great tasting drink! The bartenders are good here! Very attentive! For my next food item, I'm having the Steamed Mussels made with soppressata, capers, shellfish stock, spring herb butter and Pernod butter. I love the focaccia! It is heavily buttered. The mussels are real good! For my next food item, I'm having the Scallops A La Plancha made with mustard spatzle, pea puree, asparagus and mushroom cream. This is good. It's heavy due to the pasta. It's like an entree. To wash this all down, I'm getting a bottle of Pellegrino sparking water. I like this stuff! For my next food item, I'm having four (Buck a Shuck) Cherrystone clams and four Oysters of the Day (only $1.95 each). These are good! I love the cocktail and vinaigrette sauces (with the crushed pink peppercorns). Sprinkle that lemon! For my next drink, I'm having a Happy Hemmy made with rum, grapefruit juice, lime and vanilla extract. What a great drink! Very unique taste! This has kick! For my food item, I'm having the "Baltimore Style" Shrimp Cocktail made with Old Bay Seasoning and stone ground mustard. OMG! The shrimp are big These are great! I love that mustard! For my next good item, I'm having the Blackened Fish Taco made with pineapple salsa and aji verde. I love it! This is easy to eat. For my last appetizer, I'm having the Happy Burger made with lettuce, tomato and cheddar cheese. I miss this badly! This is delicious! It's a well-seasoned burger let me tell you! For dessert, I'm having the Creme Brulee. This is the cutest Creme brulee ever! On a Happy Hour menu?! This is a first anywhere! My favorite dessert! This is great! For my final drink, I'm having the Gin Gimlet made with Greylock Gin, simple syrup and lime juice. This is good! It's light so it's easy to drink at the end of my meal. That's 11 food items I ate and 4 mixed drinks. What a fantastic meal here!

Had an incredible dinner at Max Fish and it honestly delivered across the board…read more Started with the lobster bisque -- silky, rich, and absolutely amazing. The clam chowder was just as good, thick and loaded with flavor and ingredients in every bite. The grilled octopus with potatoes was a standout -- perfectly tender (not rubbery at all) and packed with flavor. Oysters were fresh, crisp, and just straight up delicious. For the main, the paella was -- rich, loaded with seafood (shrimp, scallops, calamari, mussels, clams), and cooked perfectly. Paired it with a light beer which helped cut through the richness and kept everything balanced. Service was on point and the ambiance made it a great overall experience. Definitely a spot I'd go back to.