I have never in my life written a review of anything, but I hope that my experience keeps others from going through the same thing. Last weekend, I ubered an hour with a group of 10 to visit what appeared to be a fun new spot. When we arrived, there were a few people waiting outside, who eventually decided to get out of line. We were then the first group in line for over an HOUR. During our hour wait in 20 degree weather, I lost count of the amount of people who went right up to the door, said they were either "VIP" or "had a reservation", and were let right in, while we stood there freezing. I asked the bouncer how you get on this list since it wasn't on their website, and he did not have an answer for me. I kept asking the him if/when we would get in, and he assured me we would get in soon. I then spoke to both managers, who told us that we would be let in "in 5 minutes" for about 45 minutes, eventually ignoring me completely. Then, I asked if one person in our group could just be let in to use the bathroom, and they would not allow it. Eventually, after over an hour of waiting in a line of which ZERO people had been let inside from in the hour we were there, we decided to visit the bar next door. I would absolutely NOT recommend visiting the Forbidden Llama if you value warmth, being treated like a human being, and actually having a good night. Can't speak to the food, drinks, or atmosphere (would have loved to lol) but I personally would never give money to owners who value favoritism and deception. read more

the food is decent at best. the drinks are fun to look at and are creative but are disgusting and weak. customer service is subpar. management and ownership care more about how it looks than the service, food and drinks. only got any stars at all because its cute inside and the music is decent. read more

They claimed to be open till 10 i went to go celebrate my best friends 21st birthday an hour before they closed and they were already closed but the door was open! Very disappointed especially since they claimed to be open drove 21 minutes to a closed restaurant but with the door open literally no security. Decor was cute but the vibe wasn't it. read more

My friends and I decided to try this place to go out at after we saw clips on social media. DO NOT TRY TO GO THERE WITHOUT A RESERVATION, they will tell you you can come in soon but they're at "capacity" but allow as many "VIPs" or "reservations" in. We waited outside in the cold for 45 minutes, inquired how to get in and that we would buy a table or whatever needed. The bouncer told us we had to make a reservation- but then said they have no website. It isn't advertised anywhere that this is reservations or VIPs only, and my entire group opted to go to the bar next door that was super nice and great service. If you want to have a fun night out, avoid unless you can figure out how to even get in the door (which management won't help with, don't worry.) Unfortunately can't post a video, but took one and will post on other social media websites to spread the word. My entire group will be posting reviews to avoid this place as much as possible, that is unless you like freezing to death in the winter for no reason. read more

Stopped in for a drink while waiting for our table at another restaurant so this review is primarily limited to bar service/drinks. Atmosphere is geared towards a younger, hipper crowd and I can see the appeal. It is probably a fun spot later at night, something Middletown doesn't really have. We were greeted by host immediately who asked "do you have a reservation". We advised that we would just be going to the bar and he escorted us. We sat down but then were told where to sit, and were asked to move down. Odd. Ordered 2 drinks. Interaction with bartender was limited and wouldn't say overly friendly. There were like 6 people behind the bar talking and just kind of walking around, it was confusing. My husband's drink was fine but my martini was a mess. Think they forgot to add the vodka and way too heavy handed on what tasted like boxed lemon concentrate. Nasty. $30 and based on the other reviews, I am now wondering if gratuity was included in the total, I really hope not. I don't feel compelled to try this place again, Middletown has too many other outstanding options with solid customer service. Again, I can see the appeal for a younger crowd looking for a fun night out to gather. If reviews improve and they work out some of their growing pains, I would give them a try down the road and give the food a go as well. On a side note: I think it speaks volumes when owners/managers respond to reviews online, either thanking customers for their reviews or responding to a customers concerns. I think it is especially critical when a new business is trying to establish themselves in a community and location that is well known for their variety and offerings as it pertains to eating establishments. While I have not looked at all of their reviews, I have not seen any type of outreach or communication from this owner, which is a missed opportunity for them and quite honestly, a bad look, given some of the complaints about them. read more

Service, drinks, vibe/music was good but the food was very average and not memorable. But everything else was great! Would recommend for a vibe/ drinks. read more

Horrible I made reservations for a party of 15 we arrived on time but was late due to waiting in the long line and trying to find parking. The guy at the front was informed we had reservations but we still had to wait. When we did reach the front he was so rude even made a comment that we don't know how 5 star restaurants work.... Then he switched it up and said we couldn't be seated cause all our guest weren't their yet( they were driving around lookin for a park). All while a group came in was seated and their guest were walking in 5 to 10 mins apart... I would not recommend this place to anyone. And the guy at the front desk need to be a little more polite.. read more

Very good Caesar salad. OK appetizer. Very limited menu and main dishes were nothing out of the ordinary, unsure just what was "Peruvian" about them. Perhaps a good place for mixed drinks, their stated specialty, but we wanted wine, about which waitress, with limited English, knew nothing. We asked for salad and appetizer first, then main course, but everything came at once, had to ask for tableware. All in all a pretty forgettable experience. read more

Food is fine, aesthetics are great and drinks are good. All around good place to go during the day. However if you're black and trying to go for the after hours/nightlife I suggest you dont. This place is prejudice. I went there with my siblings and was waiting in line and noticed the line was full of POC. I witnessed about 20 non-POC people come out and was told we had to keep waiting. 10 minutes goes by with more people coming out, so I decided to ask the bouncer what was going on. He claimed that the owners decide who goes. He said only a certain amount of POC are allowed. I thought that was absurd and outrageous !!! So disgusting but not unheard of. A lot of establishments practice this to keep a certain image. And Forbidden Llama is one of them. I took that info and told everyone in line and we all went next door to La Boca and had a great time! Again, DONT GO HERE AFTER HOURS IF YOU ARE A POC, THEY DONT WANT US THERE !!! read more

The service was horrible, we had to ask 4 different people for utensils but also our waiter did not come until the owner saw we were upset, he never came and asked if we needed another drink, the food was cold and there wasn't many options to pick from, also we had 4 people and tio was included that's probably why the waiter wasn't doing a good job because he knew he was getting a tip read more

Worst experience ever. Food, gross. Drinks, gross. Super loud. Not clean. Difficult reservation booking system but place is basically empty when you arrive. Perfect example of amazing social media marketing but total let down and false advertisement in person. read more

Ditto to Kaylas review, would not recommend for anyone trying to have a good night. they would not even explain how to become VIPs even after offering to buy a table or pay a cover. Also due to having to wait outside in 20 degrees for 45 minutes, I got very sick the week after, big regret. read more

Drove an hour there on Mother's Day dressed up and all waited for host for 20 mins just for her to turn us away for open toed shoes no they were not flip flops. She said she was checking on our table for 20 mins just to tell us the outcome. Very unprofessional. No dress code posted anywhere in restaurant or outside nor on website. Never attempting here again. Waste of time read more

Absolutely loveeeeeee this place! I came here after many recommendations. The drinks, food, and service to the ambiance- AMAZING! It's definitely an experience- from the DJ/music, birthday celebrations, the many areas to capture pictures and more! It is such a VIBE! In regards to a negative comment below. I beg to differ, we were offered water, menus and silverware upon being seated like everyone else did. Please go check it out for yourself, you will not regret i read more

Came for a Sunday brunch and was very disappointed service was extremely slow and food was lackluster. It's obvious that this place is merely for the look and doesn't actually care about providing a good dining experience. My server was a woman with long blond hair and she was inattentive the entire visit. Multiple times I saw her standing around talking to her coworkers whilst my table was waiting to put in our drink orders. The general vibe I got was that she didn't care much about providing good service because the restaurant has an auto gratuity system so her tip is assured regardless. I feel like if that were not in place she would have worked harder to provide better service. I wouldn't come back and I would recommend everyone steer clear don't waste your money or time. read more

The food was AMAZING, very well seasoned, the service good, loved our serve. the vibe to the place wa amazin, good songs that made you just wanna dance. Overall everthing was spectacula, i will definitely be going back for my 18th. read more

I wish I could give 0 stars! Terrible customer service! If you have a big group reservation, they will not serve you unless everyone is present! They had our group sitting there for an hour and were rushing us. The table was were sat at was knee high because they messed up the reservation. No waiters came up to us and we were denied service! Staff was rude and unprofessional! Don't waste your $$$! read more

Cute ambiance, food was delicious, employees were very professional and attentive. Definitely worth trying out.

Loved it! Cute place and friendly servers. Will come back to keep trying more dishes, the food was very good.

Not great service, I would not recommend.went there with a group of friends, not everyone received their meals and after waiting for another 45 minutes with still no meal we decided to leave. read more

Great service. We were worried that because our visit was last minute we would wait a long time but Mauricio was very welcoming and was able to sit us fast. Drinks were cool, a nice little bubbly twist. The lomo tacos were savory. Looking forward to a nightlife here! read more

don't spend your money to come here and stay past 11 even if you're over 18, they changed two weeks ago and I came there so many times w my friends and stayed past 1 am and tonight after I spent money to get there and bought food I had to leave really kick like literally got kicked out. they shouldve posted somewhere or had a flyer saying something changed UNLESS what they wanted was for people to spend money thats not worth it. read more

Great atmosphere, cocktails, great service and food is just great. Love skewers and octopus and take out empanadas to go after dinner.

I am Peruvian born and found the food to be cold with very limited choices as well as expensive I will not return

I showed up for my reservation and they were not prepared/didn't know where to seat us. Then the guy seated a party that came in after us before us. We then got placed at a wooden uncomfortable table that was dirty and sticky with no regard. When we asked to move to a comfy booth literally right next to us (that seated the same exact number) we were told no that's reserved, which makes no sense because we are reservation in itself. Considering you have to secure your spot with a credit card, there's no reason anyone should experience less than they deserve. Great ambiance, shitty service. When we told him we were leaving, (as a courtesy because my card is on file), he did not do anything to accommodate us or ask how to make the situation better. He was basically like ok bye. We left and went to Esca who immediately accommodated us with spectacular service and no wait without a reservation. read more

Went this past Saturday 1/14 to celebrate a coworker's promotion and had a horrible experience. My coworker made reservations days prior only to show up and be told she couldn't be accommodated because three parties were coming in... well isn't that the point of a reservation?! We went to La Boca next door and had dinner and drinks until 10pm, we decided to revisit Forbidden Llama at that time. The owner is apparently racist, I watched him let several Spanish speaking customers in the door charging them $7 (he said this in Spanish), but all the black patrons were charged $10. Hey buddy, it's 2023, plenty of us know and understand Spanish lmao. I ordered an appetizer at the bar called papas locas and it was dry French fries with chopped up hot dogs on top, be for real lmao. Asked for a drink on the menu and the server said she couldn't make it, she could only do pineapple mixed with liquor... weird. Won't be back here! Y'all should venture out and try West Hartford or greater New Haven area for a better atmosphere! read more

so we tired to go there new years eve. they said they wouldnt let anyone in until 11pm. it was 11:30 and no one other than vip was let in. are you trying to lose money????? a new restaurant and you're only letting 20 people in max on new years night?? ridiculous. if you wanna stay open, you might wanna accept customers. our friends are currently in there vip and said it was so boring bc no one is in there. no one who was waiting in the line will give you money. good luck! read more