Michael J.
Yelp
Let me start by saying that I really wanted to give this place 5 stars, but I could not overlook some glaring issues both in service and the plates that needed to be addressed. After I came here in August for my birthday and had a GREAT experience, this feeling I was left with Saturday evening was less than desirable. We had reservations for 5 as that was the only time they had open, so I'm led to believe it's going to be busy, which it in fact was. That would also lead me to believe they had been appropriately staffed and prepped for such a busy weekend night, which they were not. There was one bartender for the entire restaurant, and while a second round of drinks wass comped for the delay it took to get them, 25-30 minutes, I felt badly that she was flying solo.
The bigger issue I took from the bar was the fact they were out of the house made gin which is used for at least one 3 of their drinks, two of which I was set to order only to find it from our server they were "unable to prepare any" the previous night. If it is house made and a staple for a few of your cocktails, I feel someone should have made this either the night before, or the morning of. Again, it was 5pm on a Saturday with the whole evening ahead.
The food was mostly fine, not as good as I've had from them previously, but different seasons, different menus, I get it. What I cannot condone is the fact that the mussels dish was in NO WAY indicated to be made with an arrabiatta sauce and was very spicy. For me the spice is no issue, but my friend who ordered it doesn't handle spice well and was flushed after one bite with the heat being nearly overwhelming. This is the kind of thing you need to let your patrons know.
Our server was pretty good despite a mix up in the checks which was quickly rectified, and he was good to let us know of the wait from the bar and the comping of the second round. I'll give this place one more shot as they're one for two right now, but my expectations will be tempered after this. Also, is a fairly small restaurant and it gets pretty loud after 6 when it's at capacity, not uncomfortable, just happy sounds and libations flowing.