Just came back from a dinner date at Armsby Abbey located in downtown Worcester, MA, which deserves a three (3) star rating at best based on the service (bad), food (meh), beer selection (good), cocktail(good), and ambience setting (meh). Overall, to say the least I was quite disappointed from the expectations this restaurant boasts in Worcester.
Service: No Star
I'm confident to say this was my least favorite part of my experience and let me explain why. Remind you I was on a date and our server, Craig, really took his time with us and made us feel uncomfortable. From the beginning, it took longer than 5 minutes for him to greet us and get our drink orders. I decided to order a beer since A Abbey is boasted for its craft selection, which ended up being in a wine glass (seriously?). I didn't like it so I asked our waiter for another which he was gladly able to exchange. Future reference - the managers can write in their menu how much beer is dispensed (12 oz? 16 oz? Tulip glass, pint glass?). Throughout the whole meal we had to wait and wait, my date didn't even recieve a straw in her margarita and I had to ask the bartender. After we finished the meal, our waiter asked us if we wanted another round of drinks we said "no", he then drops off the check. I didn't realize if we didn't want a round of drinks meant we had to leave.... Then, the beer I did not like earlier was on the bill on top of everything so I spoke to craig but he mentions to me that he couldn't resell the beer so thats why he had to keep it on my bill. If it wasn't for the nice manager, I wouldn't have drops this down below a 3 star. Remind you this was a first date and clearly went down south due to the lackluster service by my waiter.
Food: OK
It seems the menu was slightly overpriced due to the farms to table concept. Other than that, the I ordered the poutine and my companion ordered the Grilled cheese. Both were exquisite and flavorful. The menu seems like it had extensive options of charcuteries and cheese, antipasta, small dishes, and large plates.
Beer Selection: OK (problem with the beer in a wine glass).
This restaurant lives up to the beer hype. I mean they have an assortment of high rated breweries and I really liked the milk stout I ordered. I record all my beer tastings on the app "Untapped" so I am glad to add this onto my long list of beers.
Cocktails: OK
My date ordered a margarita and I had a sip - wasn't the best or the worst. UNDERSTANDABLE - this is a restaurant that entertains guests on their beer selection not there cocktails. The margarita was a little bit more acidic and could have used more balance perhaps agave or some honey. OK to say the least.
Ambience: Meh (not good or bad)
The music was really loud considering it was late evening towards 8 PM. Host and manager are very accommodating and were nice! They did simple things that made it better like saying bye and smiling.
Overal: 3-Stars
Well, it is sad to say the least there is so much hype around this restaurant but at the same time there are only a handful of restaurants in Worcester, MA that are I guess semi-quality? I am from the border of Connecticut and New York City so I understand the concept of farms to table food but this place would just be any other place in my area. Its sad to say there aren't that many places to go for a decent experience but in Worcester I guess this fits its own standard. Whelp, I can say I would return again to Armby Abbey for another shot, but our waiter just ruined the experience honestly and I would never want him to serve us again next go around. read more