Five stars for service and accommodating our restrictions. When diners have a different way of eating it definitely gives the restaurant challenges so if they can adjust and be flexible with their menu it's a win-win. We ordered pasta - Rigatoni Rustica (with different noodles), veggie pizza no sauce, and steamed vegetables - all good for our tastes especially for the hungry. The pizza crust is fantastic, while slightly thick, the crust was crisp and balanced well with the moist upper layer. Tiramisu was very good and their bread that was soft inside that they baked fresh every single day was good too. Nice and clean ambiance - wood tables and chairs, like a modern traditional style. They have a nice loft for big parties that we would have liked to stay at. read more

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Went on Mother's Day Buffet was disappointing and a limited selection 5 people $300+ dollars only three alcoholic drinks Didn't even include a coffee read more

Absolutely dreadful food, some of the worst service I've ever had. We went for a reception following a funeral and arrived 30 minutes early. Since we were early, there was no expectation that food would be ready. But we walked into a completely dark banquet room with no heat on, no water or coffee, I thought the place was closed. I turned the lights on while my brother turned up the heat. Eventually a shrieking waitress showed up and began asking who turned on the lights. Throughout the meal (which came out 45 minutes later, so it would've been late no matter what), she was literally screaming at mourners. When we asked for extra cutlery, she brought it over and demanded to know who it was for. She was counting the napkins on the table and got increasingly angry when she couldn't figure out who already had cutlery. I told her to just put them on the table and we would figure it out. She stormed off after that. Why waste your time doing that? You have a million other tasks, just give the guests the cutlery and go. Someone went up to the buffet line at the wrong time (I guess) and she ran, yes RAN, across the room to scream at them that now wasn't their turn. Honestly, she seemed like someone who can't get a job anywhere else and has been given this job as a favor. They need to stick her in the back scraping dishes, as she has no idea what it means to treat people with decency. The food was worse than frozen: the veggies were limp, the chicken looked like fish and tasted like it was close to its expiration date. The shaved sirloin was gray and even the unpickiest of eaters in our group said the taste was foul. I can't recommend enough staying away from this place. You might be reading this and think "oh how bad could it be, let's try it." Don't do it! Why subject yourself to people who treat their customers like pests? read more

After a hectic day, we were looking for dinner and didn't want to go far, we saw the restaurant and stopped. 7:45 PM and the place was dark, then we noticed they were closing at 8 PM. On the Berlin Turnpike and they close at 8 PM. A place for seniors? read more

Came here with my family to enjoy early dinner, service was excellent and food was great read more

Elaine's - a bowl of cheese soup on a plate - American Near Me - Wethersfield, Connecticut

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Towards the end of the Berlin Turnpike, rests this restaurant called Elaine's and I was going to find out about both the service and their steaks. I was on a whole entire mission after reading the reviews. I was seated instantly upon my arrival and though it wasn't packed for lunch or anything, the few people that were there, myself included were all well received and the gentlemen working ensured that everyone was both comfortable and enjoying their meals. The elderly woman spoken of in the reviews came a bit later and for the most part, she roamed about the restaurant just checking on things but didn't interact with the customers and so there isn't much that I can say about her but it does not matter for I am here for the food anyway. I ordered garlic bread with mozzarella and before it had arrived, they came out with the house bread, which was fresh from the oven with two small butter options off to the side. The soft chew that came shortly after sinking my teeth into the roll was warm and soft. Inviting if you will, as if you were coming in from being out in the cold for hours and Family had the fireplace going just for you. It did not need butter but I applied some anyway and as the butter melted into the dough, I took another happy little bite of bliss. Maybe 3 minutes later, my garlic bread arrived with mozzarella and though it was decent, it lacked the garlic flavoring and the mozzarella cheese itself missed the mark a bit. Not really cheesy, almost as if it were a basic slice from a grocery store from some off brand and it left me with "meh" vibes but I was not here for the garlic bread....I want to get at that steak baby!!! My Steak arrived roughly 10 minutes later and just how I ordered it too. Medium!!! Definitely a pink center and some nice fatty edges. Seared with a side of lovin' and my first bite was a step into Steak Heaven. Juicy, flavorful, exciting to the tastebuds, tender and savory. I had it all within my sirloin and I was not upset about it at all. The baked potato and veggies were fine but it was the Steak that awoke the Beast within and I have no complaints about that at all! read more

Website says they are vegan friendly but the staff doesn't know what that is. Went to a banquet there when they finally figured out what vegan was it was a dish they could have put out with the spread but instead I had wait and wait and be embarrassed because I eat healthy. read more

If 0 stars were a thing it would be. We came here 2 years ago for my grandmas birthday and it was the worst experience of my life although my grandma decided to come back this year to give it another try it was nothing but worse. The brown haired waitress that has no expression was terrible, I understand you are annoyed and hate your job but do your job correctly. I have worked in a restaurant before and I have never seen more terrible service. On top of that we couldn't order off the actual menu it was a "set menu" which was outward horrendous and tasted terrible. The old lady who helped us at the end of the night was why i'm giving this at least one star she was amazing and so kind. I'm appalled read more

My family held a banquet luncheon here for a funeral today. If I could give 0 stars for the service, I would. We had the room from 12:00-4 pm. It was a small gathering, 4 tables total in the room. Everyone found a seat when we arrived and because there were a few empty chairs at two of the other tables, The server told 4 of us at one table (including my disabled brother) that we needed to move because they were "closing down" that table because there were seats elsewhere. This was not in the main restaurant, this was in the banquet room that we had a private party in. We should not have been restricted from sitting anywhere in that room. The service was terrible, at best. The servers were unfriendly and in a huge rush. As I said, we had the room from 12 PM to 4 PM and they were running around clearing our plates as we were taking the last bite. By 1:15 PM they had packed up all of the food from the chafing pans and were rushing us out the door by 1:45 pm. The food was pretty good, but the service was worse than terrible. I would not host another gathering here and I would not recommend Elaine's for a gathering to anyone else. read more

If I could leave less then one star I would. Went for Mother's Day, got told I was leaving a 50 dollar deposit but nothing else over the phone prior to Sunday. When we showed up it was a "buffet" style which no one told us.... ... the buffet was ridiculous... the food on the buffet was not cooked all the way or over cooked.. they didn't keep it stocked.. then charged us 38 per person...... which when we were brought the check the "deposit" didn't show and when we asked "yea subtract it yourself". ... So 200 dollars for 1 kid, 1 senor and 3 adult for a table and food that was less on par with a Denny's WILL NOT BE RETURNING!!!! read more

Attended a private party here and could not believe how horrible the food was. The service was no better. Ran out of food before 1/3rd of attendees went up. The waitress had an attitude and lacked skills in so many ways. There is nothing good I can say about this place. Not sure what kind of red sauce they are using on their pasta but it tasted like something out of a jar. Felt bad for the people that paid a good amount of money to have their party here. I would never go back here or recommend anyone else going. read more

Outstanding food, ambience and service. Home cooked luscious food. Service cannot be beat. Love it here. read more

Sunday brunch: Saw an ad for brunch and decided to give it a try. It was delicious! There is one guy who makes waffles, omelettes and carves ham and roast beef. Some of the items I ate we're deviled eggs, eggs Benedict , chicken Marsala, roasted potatoes, pasta, green beans, and chocolate pudding for dessert. This place has a real clean, pleasant atmosphere to it. I like clean places and you could almost eat off the tables and floors here. Wait staff very friendly. Private restrooms very clean too. It wasn't crowded here either, which is good cause I don't like to feel rushed. while I eat I like to read the Sunday paper Ugh, no egg whites! My only complaint is chef doesn't have any egg whites for the omelette station. My relative cant eat yolks, so when a place doesn't have egg whites they miss out on a nice omellette. It should be an easy fix for them. my only other nit pick would be they charged me $2 for soda, when other beverages are included with brunch brunch is $13.50 per person read more

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Decent food at a slightly steep price. Try any of the Italian entrees and pass on their steak. The steak has a trend of being too tough despite how it is prepared. The wait staff was friendly, funny, and helpful. The resteraunt simply lacks flair and/or uniqueness. Nothing separates it from the crowd. The layout of the restaurant gives you the impression they remodeled an old Denny's. read more

Elaine's - American Near Me - Wethersfield, Connecticut

Ordered a steak salad that was raw. Poor server was very sweet and apologetic. Won't be going here again.

Elaine's is a restaurant I go to monthly when I visit a friend who is a senior citizen that lives in the area. First, I must state the waitstaff are friendly and attentive. The owners son is super friendly and always greets the customers, including myself, with a warm welcome. My problem is with the older woman (I think the owner). During a recent visit in August, on a 95 degree day I was denied service because I had on a tank top. I would have been fine with the dress code but the woman, knowing I had been there 20 plus times was rude & had a bad disposition when telling me not to enter. But for my friend who loves it there, I would never return to the restaurant after being treated unkindly. However, he loves Elaine's and I don't want to ruin the dining experience for him. Full disclosure, I had a jacket in the car and was ultimately allowed in. I must point out several women had on tank tops and one of the waitresses had shorts that barely covered her legs. My rating of this restaurant is strictly based on the food and but for my bad treatment I would not have posted a review (which is negative) but I must reveal the food here is hit or miss. For example the scrod was not seasoned and the sauce lacked flavor. The vegetables are always over cooked and mushy. The burgers are ok (the fries are delicious). The gyro & ribeye sandwich's were both disappointing. And my pet peeve, restaurants that don't toss the salad in the kitchen and have you pour the dressing yourself over the salad not allowing for even distribution of the dressing. For the positives, my go to items are the mozzarella sticks, French onion soup & fries. read more

My partner and I are always fans of a good brunch, so when we were looking for brunch on the way to Stews, we decided to try Elaine's. We were excited that it didn't seem busy and then that it was a buffet. Score. We were seated immediately and offered the drink menu. The alcohol was reasonably priced but neither my partner or I are big drinkers so we didn't actually try them (think $3.95-ish for a mimosa). Next, we went to the buffet. I should have been skeptical when I noticed they had eggs benedict in a chafing dish. There's literally no way to keep eggs benedict warm without overcooking the yolk. This was true of what was in the tray when we got there and of the next batch the cook brought out. They did have good baked goods, delicious waffle, and made to order omelettes. They had other lunch-ish things - veggie lasagne, a chicken risotto dish, fish, ham, etc. Overall, I think it was ok - reasonably priced, but a somewhat limited selection, and some things overdone - but such is life when you're at a buffet. read more

Bait & Switch? Failure to inform? We reserved for Sunday Brunch on Mothers' Day. Our youngest called to make a reservation. Their website says Sunday Brunch $14.95. We had three couples. Elaine's demanded a $50 deposit. But, when we got the bill, they charged over $20/pp. No mention on their website of a different charge on Mothers' Day. And they could have confirmed the higher rate at the time of booking (taking the reservation with a deposit). And, on top of all that they had the audacity to add on an 18% 'gratuity included' for a BUFFET. Between the gratuity for buffet service at a rate associated with table service, and the unadvertised price increase, it kind of spoiled the Mothers' Day glow we had during the buffet meal. How would this make you feel? A word of advice - get the price in writing before sitting down to make sure Elaine's doesn't take advantage. read more

My husband and I came here for a lunch awhile ago. Older lady was rude and the food was cold and quite expensive. They brought out syrup for the hamburger I ordered. We left most of our food behind. Won't be back. Ellen read more

I came home from Elaine's on Thanksgiving thinking I had a good meal but the more I thought about it and had my parents input the place sucked. First off the Bloody Mary my mom ordered was absolutely disgusting!! Prob worst tasting drink I've ever tasted.. The food.... it was buffet style and was all Cold!!!! Even the meat cutting stations meat was cold!!! Cold stuffing cold taters cold swetaters cold dark meet turkey cold Mac and cheese...the gravy wasn't cold but it wasn't hot either... they ran out of most desert!!! Rice pudding Pecan pie. Pumpkin pie was all gone before we got a chance to try. We asked what was left in the back and all they had was a stale fall apart cheesecake... no thanks.. 25.00 gets you a cold buffet Thanksgiving Dinner... sure glad we spent the holiday at Elaine's... read more

Do not order from Elaine's through Grubhub. The order will be screwed up and Elaine's will claim they're not even on Grubhub. So they'll take the order but they won't stand behind it. Total scam. read more

First time and very impressed! It was exactly what our family was looking for at the end of an early winter day. Solid assortment of Italian dishes with very tasty and well presented appetizers. Wait staff was so very attentive and caring - true, long time professionals. It has the feeling of one big family at Elaine's. Felt right at home. We will definitely be coming back for Sunday Brunch next time. We all around the table unanimously gave Elaine's a solid four stars. One area for improvement would be the table bread. Thank you for a wonderful meal. read more

Went to Elaine's for dinner on my wife's birthday and there was only 2 tables with people in the entire restaurant. We found out why when our food started to come out. Stuffed mushrooms were barely ok and cold, so was the fried mozz and the blue cheese dressing that you have to pay extra for was like water and tasted like water too. My wife andmom got the scallops, which they say are bay, but by the size and taste of them they were sea and for the price we feel like we were ripped off and my daughter got the chicken parm which was old and seemed to be frozen by the dark microwave edges on the sauce. I got the special which was steak but when you ask for medium and it comes out well done i guess it just goes with the way the rest of our dinner was. This was not our first visit to Elaine's, but it will be our last. read more

This review is about a take-out order for lunch. One of my co-workers picked up Elaine's takeout for lunch, and it was terrific. I ordered a chicken philly pita without onions and it was made to order per my specifications. The French fries were possibly the best I have ever had. (After their 10 minute drive in the take-out container they were still warm and crispy). The pita sandwich was good, lots of chicken, lots of cheese and mushrooms and peppers, very tasty. I thought the amount of food was reasonable for the price ($8.50 included the sandwich, French fries (or salad or soup) and cole slaw) Not sure how they are for brunch or dinner, but definitely give them a try for lunch!! I will be ordering again! read more

Omg..unbelievable food..the best food i have had in a long time.. Everything was so fresh and tasty..the staff was great too..cant wait to go back read more

Elaine's - Yummm - American Near Me - Wethersfield, Connecticut

Had the Sunday brunch....not an expensive meal and was very adequate. Eggs Benedict yolks were hard, but that happens with most buffets. Tasty deviled eggs , chicken marsala, roast beef with horseradish sauce, penne, chicken parm, roasted potatoes. Made to order omelette was great. Also, Belgian waffles with strawberries were good, other than the fake cream. Hate the fake cream ...it is easy to make real cream and would be an elegant step. Had many desserts, and fruit. Waitstaff were very accommodating and efficient. Altogether, nice for the price. read more

Everything is just SO GOOD. I can't help but eat until it hurts. Pictured is the veal Marsala. The veal was cooked perfectly! So tender and the Marsala was rich and decadent. I highly recommend their seafood stuffed mushroom caps and their raw oysters. read more

Elaine's - American Near Me - Wethersfield, Connecticut

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Definitely one of the more overrated restaurants in the area...especially for the cost of items on the menu. The meats in particular are not well marinated and put through a basic roasting process. read more

I've been eating there for about 15 years the food is excellent the people are friendly.. I have an auto repair shop right down The street. Ricks auto repair LLC. read more

Sunday brunch is cool. U can't beat the price. There's not a whole lot to choose from like Dakota's but it does beat the price and wait. Friendly employees for the most part and food is okay. It will get the job done. Catering-UHHHH no thanks...my friend had a special dinner on the banquet side and I was not pleased. The food was crappy and I just can't be bothered. No thanks. I'll stick to Sunday brunch if I wanna spend a less for okay food. read more

Food good on whole. Meat on carving station was cremated. Amazing shepherds pie though! Home made cheese cake was great. Mimosa and Bloody Mary are $3each! Good value. Sort out carving station for another star! $45 bill for 2 of us including a couple of drinks! read more

Stay FAR away from this restaurant, unless you are a sadist and want to suffer the same treatment that my family did today (Easter Sunday 4-24-11). The event (a holiday brunch) was poorly planned... I have dined at Elaine's for years but never suffered this nonsense- so many tables in the banquet room, we literally had no way to get to our seats! I had to request that the tables be pulled apart a little so that we could sit down... But, that was the EASY part! When the brunch 'started', suddenly there was a line 150-175 people long!! No, I'm NOT kidding! I had NO idea that this was to be the setup... In previous Easters, they were sane enough to realize the impossibility of that, and had a brunch on one side and an a la carte menu on the other. I don't think that was such a problem, altho I never experienced it- I participated in the a la carte service... Bottom line- NO provisions were made for handicapped people. My dad is elderly and can't stand in a line 45 minutes long to get his food, but in my opinion, NOONE else should have to either! As my party was separated - some went to wait in the long line, while I stayed with the parents, trying to negotiate something with the staff to help my dad get some food, I got more and more ticked- we were being treated like cattle, and they apologized (the wait staff knew and admitted that it was a total mess), but did NOTHING top accommodate us... The other family members resorted to balancing extra plates on their already full arms, guessing at the types of food my parents would like to eat, and cheating themselves in the process. Finally, I got some food, after about an hour of waiting, and was so upset that I couldn't eat- I had already spoken to the manager to no avail, and asked the waitress to remove my meal from the bill... This was NOT done. My dad was so far behind everyone at this point, he asked for a container but was denied even that!! Honestly, there is more, but I think you get the idea... Profit seems to be Elaine's ONLY motive- I've known the original owner for years- a very nice man, but his son is now in charge, and the place has gone to the dogs... Stay away!! Far, far away! read more

The breakfast buffet is good, food and price. The bar is open all day. Worth a quick trip in.

Came here yesterday with the family. Sunday Brunch. I have been reading some great reviews online and they delivered. We were a party of 8. We were seated right away and they were busy too. Staff was great and very friendly. The food was awesome. They had a mix of everything and a selection of desserts. This is a very clean place. If your in the area, you need to try this place. We will definitely be back here again. read more

Usually love this place. Food is good and priced right. The Saturday night special, baked stuff shrimp is a favorite of mine. Usually the service is very good. But when my husband and I went this past weekend it was lacking. The hostess/manager (dark haired) didn't even say hello or follow me and started walking to a table expecting mental telepathy to indicate she was seating us. Then the waitress never brought us the water we asked for until after we asked a second time after the entree had been served. My husbands meal was not in fact what he had asked for. Really very disappointed. Usually much better service that this. read more

Went for dinner today so glad we did. Mike had veal parm which he said was one of the best he's had. I had the chicken rollatini with a mushroom sauce stuffed with ricotta, mozzarella and preshuto (sorry about the spelling lol.) Was a large portion an all I can say is OMG was it delish. Will definitely go back. read more

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Dino, Joanne and his staff for providing a wonderful afternoon for my cousin. A surprise 90th birthday party was planned and perfectly executed in their banquet room. The buffet was delicious, with many people going up for seconds. Any leftovers were wrapped up and we took them home to enjoy them again. The waitresses could not do enough to make our guests feel welcome and very comfortable. They were efficient, cordial and very helpful to everyone, offering special help to those who needed it. We were encouraged to bring our own music and the birthday guest of honor was truly enjoying them. Any special requests I made were promptly take care of. An important necessity -- the restroom was included in the private party room making it convenient for guests. Having planned this party from out of state, Dino and I spent many phone calls discussing the details, with reassurance4 from him that things would run smoothly and that the day would go off without a hitch. Needless to say, I was able to thoroughly enjoy the event and spend valuable time with the guest of honor. I cannot say enough about ELAINE'S, its owners and the staff. When planning a special event, I would not hesitate to recommend this restaurant. read more

This is a middle of the road italian. Pastas are way over cooked

i fear they might be out of business???? We have been trying for days to call for our usual takeout order and after about 20 rings the phone cuts out, no answer and no machine :O( will let u know next time we are near there and can take a look. Praying they are on vacation, but it seems unlikely...... so sad, soooo many places are closing down! read more

My favorite thing about Elaine's is that they make very classic Italian dishes very well. I often will try the Saltimbocca at Italian eateries and have many bad versions. Elaine's is made very well, their food is well seasoned and has a lot of flavor. They have a nice house salad that comes with the dinner entrees and a nice assortment of desserts. I think this is one of the better classic family style Italian restaurants around. I would definitely recommend. read more