Michael L.
Yelp
We managed to get a 6:30 reservation at Arthur and Sons on July 4th, so we were pretty relieved to have a place to eat. The reviews online were mixed, but we tried to remain open, objective and excited about our meal. Only minor traffic on 27, thank you holiday, so we arrived in a good mood, and were greeted warmly by the young staff. We were offered a table or a booth, and chose the booth, even though it was in the back corner. The bus boy arrived quickly and glasses were filled, and the young yet professional waiter soon followed. Since we had already decided what we wanted, we ordered as soon as the waiter arrived. We had considered ordering the cheesy garlic bread, because, cheese and garlic bread, what could be bad? Prior to ordering, however, the bus staff brought fresh baked bread and a roasted garlic spread which was so good we not only forwent the cheesy bread, we asked for a second helping of the bread and garlic. My vegetarian daughter ordered the truffle gnocchi, and the waiter took the time to explain not only the dish, but the difference between black and white truffles, and which were in the dish. My wife and i were torn between the chicken parm and the shrimp fra diavolo, so i reared the former, she the latter, and we planned to share. Thank god we didn't order appetizers, because the mains were massive portions. At the end of the meal the manager came by to see how we were doing, and my wife asked if the mains were family style. The manager said, "Yes, didn't they tell you when you ordered?" Oops. The gnocchi was excellent, according to my daughter, as was the chicken parm (which does not come with pasta), but the fra diavolo, while good, was a bit too fra diavolo for us.
So. Very young, yet friendly and reasonably professional, staff. They are new, and they clearly need some practice on explaining the family style thing, but if you understand that up front, and order a main and some pasta for 2 or 3 people, the price becomes very reasonable, and Arthur and Sons will be a solid addition to our dining out rotation. Looking forward to visiting in the off season as well, as they plan to be open year round, staffing permitting.