Great Road Kitchen

Reviews 4

TH

Thomas Lennon

Dining Catastrophe! Stopped at Great Road Kitchen for dinner with a professional colleague (both mid 50s) for the first time two weeks ago on a Thurs evening. We arrived at approximately 6:50 PM. We were seated outside. Restaurant was about 2/3rds full. At 6:55 we ordered a draft beer and a water, and a few minutes later we ordered our diners from the menu....little did we know that these would be the only two items we would receive until almost 9pm (not a typo). Some of you are probably wondering why we didnt just leave....read on.... At approximately 7:30 we were growing a little concerned that dinner was taking awhile so we flagged down our waitress and asked her to check on our food. She apologized and promised to be right back. At 7:45 we found her again (she never came back) and asked if we could speak to a manager....numerous people around us had been seated and were eating. The manager arrived and explained that our order had gotten mixed up, and that the kitchen was struggling to manage a wedding rehearsal dinner.....no problem...we werent in a rush and these things happen. Around 8:20 we flagged down the manager again to inquire about our food. He apologized, told us how embarrassed he was, and promised our food would be prepared next. He also told us he would "take care of the bill". At 8:45 we decided to leave. Two hours in, we had one empty beer glass to show for our time....no bread...no nuts, no refills... I went to speak with the manager to let him know we were leaving. I met him just outside the "open kitchen" line. He apologized again...while we were talking, the cook (who was standing at the counter) shouted out "Dennys is right down the street..." At that point I was really pissed off. We had been very civil and patient...there was no screaming or yelling...just waiting like a couple of idiots. Time to go.....the manager followed me out apologizing over and over for the remarks, and the delays. He told me that our food was was right behind him .....(keep reading). At that point we were gathering up our things to leave when the plates showed up.....stupidly we ate them. My food (salmon over greens) was actually very good; my friends meal (fish tacos) and truffle fries were almost inedible....the manager apologized again and asked if he could replace them....enough was enough. It was 9:05 at this point...truly time to go. The frosting on the dinner....the manager brought us a bill for $33.00...his version of "taking care of the bill" was far different than what anyone who has ever worked in a restaurant would think it would mean....we dropped $40.00 and walked away. Complete fiasco. I tried to contact the owners by email and phone before writing this review. I figured everyone gets to have a bad night...right? They never called or emailed me back. My advice: skip Great Road, or at least bring a good book!

LY

Lynne LaRochelle Richard

We are (were) regulars at GRK. We live in town and were excited that a good restaurant with quality locally-sourced food had opened in our neighborhood. However, we will never return after our experience last night. We were kicked out into the rain on New Years Eve at 1 a.m. when a manager overheard a comment regarding inconsistencies in the service. Its no secret there are many; quirky service is the main drawback there, but the food is very good. Ive been waiting for them to tighten up the front of the house before reviewing them, but after last night, we will never go back. The situation last night occurred when we were playing shuffleboard and finishing our cocktails while waiting for an Uber. We had had a lovely four course dinner and excellent cocktails and the pleasant evening of conversation with friends was winding down. The manager came by to tell us we had to leave because they had already been serving alcohol later than their license allowed for. A few minutes later, a server offered us another round and the manager turned and told her with some force, no, were closed. She looked surprised. Hence the comment intended for our little group, which was something along the lines of well maybe they could figure out how to run a restaurant.... The manager used this comment as an excuse to expel us on the spot, cocktails unfinished, treating us like we were drunk and disorderly. The lack of professionalism was astonishing. I have years of front-of-the-house restaurant work experience and Ive never witnessed anything like the treatment we got. As we were waiting for our Uber outside, the manager continued to berate us from the doorway and when we responded with disbelief and anger, we were told to leave - we were not allowed to wait for a car in sight of the restaurant. He threatened to call the police and he barred my husband from ever entering the property again. Perhaps you may think we were very out of line and must have somehow deserved this, but I assure you this was not the case. Since the front lights were turned off as we walked away and a bunch of people were still at the bar, my best guess is that he wanted to clear us out for a private drinking party. Whatever the motivation for this behavior, I cannot recommend GRK to anyone. I am embarrassed that we went there on my suggestion last night. It is certainly no place to take guests or clients.

RA

Ralph E. Abbott

We arrived around 5:15 on. Friday evening without reservations. This restaurant had only been open three weeks, but is apparently "sold out" on weekends. Indeed, when we left at about 6:30 PM only a few tables remained empty. The bar itself and the bar seating overlooking the busy kitchen were full. So reservations are strongly advised. The restaurant is quite large, with a high ceiling, and very attractive. Perhaps 70% of the floor area is carpeted, which probably helps keep the noise level with reason. Various fresh raw oysters are offered, ranging from $2 to $3.50. But there is a very attractive rand of appetizers. In fact, I assembled my dinner from appetizers. Lisa, our server, was very gracious and well informed - and lovely. We were tempted by the seafood. Two specials were offered, with the price of each. (It is so irritating to have to ask the price of "specials.") My partner orderEd a sirloin burger. It was prepared exactly as she asked, and was accompanied by a bowl of fresh cut French fries. The burger was huge and delicious. (Half of it became her lunch the following day!) I had the onion soup ($8) which comes in a large bowl, suitable for sharing, very good, but tasted sweeter than most onion soups. I also had the steak sliders, which come are a plate of three - moist and delicious. I made the mistake of ordering a side of fries but soon realized that my wifes burger already was accompanied by enough fries for two people. It is clear that all the servers and kitchen personnel are well trained. The food and drinks are excellent and the prices are reasonable considering the excellent overall experience. The manager, Adam Sheldon, stopped by our table to ensure we were satisfied and is assuring that every detail is done well. This restaurant is such a welcome addition to this area and is now on our "favorites" list!

JA

James Pijewski

I am honestly surprised this gets a 3.8 stars. Ive been in the culinary industry for quite sometime, so I have a leg to stand on. First off, the atmosphere. Can we be any less original with the dim lighting, open ceiling, chalk board walls, open kitchen, and meaningless decor? Now for the food. As others have mentioned, the rolls are literally Hawaiian buns out of a bag from Market Basket (conveniently next door). Next off, appetizers. We got their whipped goat cheese and fig jam to start. The bread that came with it was toasted white sandwhich bread... couldnt even spring for Texas Toast eh? The waitress assured us that was the correct bread after we had asked if there was a mistake. The flavors were dull and the texture of the soft cheese and jam didnt pair well with the soggy, butter drenched white bread they served with it. Next, the main course. I had the seared tuna steak. Cooked beautifully, and seasoned nicely. However, the side of rice and bokchoy was lost in their broth they had decided to drown the whole dish with, in an attempt to be creative. My guest had the steak and fries. Slightly over cooked steak served over burnt dry fries. The dessert list is as lack luster as their atmosphere. The 2 stars is for the kind waitstaff and the wonderfully cooked and seasoned tuna. Over priced and very unoriginal. Im starting to wonder if its the same person who keeps opening up these boring yet over priced restaurants.