Tried this restaurant for the first time and absolutely loved both the food and the ambiance…read more I started with the Carmel Espresso Martini, which was delicious. The Brussels sprout salad was top-notch--packed with flavor and one of my favorite dishes of the night. The pasta was also excellent, with a perfectly balanced creamy sauce that wasn't too heavy. I especially liked how they presented all the dessert options, making it fun to choose. We ended up ordering the pistachio cake, but unfortunately, it wasn't my favorite. It tasted much saltier than expected rather than sweet. I'm not sure if it was due to the cream cheese or the pistachios themselves, but the flavor felt a bit off for a dessert. Overall, it was a great dining experience.

Photos from our most recent visit to the Manhattan, I have to say not only do they never…read moredisappoint! Everytime they get a new menu item it's unique, well executed and well cooked. They knock it out of the park one dish at a time! Excellent service from both our waitress and the manager, see you soon!!

I love a moody vibe and Conspiracy is just the right amount of dark and laid back. The entrance is…read morea bit tricky if you're driving by and expecting a big sign but once you're in the door and up the stairs, you're set. I got the pixie eyes which almost reminded me of an aperol spritz just a bit sweeter. The drink came with a banana bread shot which I thought would be strange but it works so well. We sat in the back and things weren't too busy. The staff is cool! Can't wait to come back.

Loved this intimate, 'secret', experience that Conspiracy has to offer!…read more The decor, the lighting, music, is all exceptional. I love the speakeasy vibe that they have very much achieved! Bartenders were great, it was so busy but they handled the rush very well (we barely waited for our drinks to come out, I was impressed!) I ordered the Devil (2024) drink and was very impressed. I will need to revisit for their updated menu this year!

Always looking for a new fun spot. The good, it's small, intimate, friendly staff, great drinks…read more Amazing vibes, good music.. The I wish there was more---- As a chef disappointed only hummus or a small charcuterie for food. (Better than no food but wish there was a few more picky things.. (I'm happy to help curate a few easy menu items for ya that don't require a full kitchen.. and can be set ahead as it's served cold ... I'll trade for cocktails!! lol) End of the day, glad we came, will be back

What a fun place ! The decor is unique and well thought out…read more It's a fun place to have a book club over cocktails or a fun first date . The drinks were unique. Jess and Lucia were just so awesome, friendly and made our experiences even more fun . Would definitely return for their spring menu ( apparently it changes every season).

Wow, what a find. Not sure exactly how I came across this business on yelp but so happy I did. I…read morestopped by an hour before close after dinner tonight. I just missed their live jazz band that they have on weekly Wednesday basis starting at around 7 or 8pm. I wasn't too disappointed because I knew I'd be back. The entrance is setup as a VHS store with VHS movie cases displayed all over the "storefront." Everyone here was polite and welcoming. I was met by a host who showed me the way into the hidden bar, that you enter via a soda machine. If I'm not mistaken, there's a specific button that opens the vending machine door (you'll get a hint as to which one it is.) I was lead to the back to a narrow, elongated bar area that was perfectly dim with cozy decor; incredibly inviting, warm, could make be described as elegant. At the end of the bar, near the exit (at the back of the establishment), is where the band usually sets up. I sat down and asked the bartender to free flow through his cocktail creativity and to please include smoke. He didn't disappoint, I can't recall the name of the cocktail but he included two scotches and delivered the smokiness I was looking for. I love a good spirit despite lacking the knowledge of its production to which Jeremy, the founder, explained to me in a way that helped me understand the distilling processes simpler than I thought possible. On their bar top there were two mini wooden barrels that held their own aged products . One contained Irish whiskey which was referred to as the Irish- the other was as a cherry infused bourbon-- both good but the bourbon? Divine. Tonight I learned that the wood you choose to age your alcohol in heavily impacts the flavor of the liquor, not only through the amount of time the spirit ages in the barrel, but the type of wood used. The example I was given was that of oak and its ability to allow sugar to be drawn from it via a liquor (can't recall which one exactly was used to describe this process). Here they also produce all of their bases/ juices or an additions to the drinks they make. You know exactly what you're drinking here. I had little knowledge of this distilling/infusion/aging components and also of Wallingford, a place that was once referred to as the wettest town in the U.S. It makes sense given that their main strip contains 18 bars in itself. This Gilded Curtain was incredibly immersive, there is no doubt that I'll be back, lots of times, with lots of different people to impress. Love this place, it's a must visit recommendation from here on out. Thank you Gilded Curtain (Jeremy).

Probably my favorite speakeasy I've been to in CT so far!…read moreLoved the traveling back in time theme. They had live music (cello, trumpet, and piano). Would give a 5 for atmosphere , though it is a bit small; bar seating only. It's also quite overpriced in my opinion, particularly for Wallingford area- $16 cocktails. I will say bartenders were very friendly and were able to make me a fun "feeling lucky" drink. Street parking is available up and down the street with a public lot a 5 minute walk down the road. I would definitely come back

I loved my experience at MIA. I had brunch with some friends on a Sunday and it wasn't too crowded…read moreat the time we went. The decor and atmosphere were really nice. It felt like I stepped out of Waterbury for a moment. Ella was our server and she was very attentive and friendly! The food was also amazing. I would def recommend eating here and will be back to try other menu options in the future.

Such a great addition to Waterbury. Came here for lunch with my boss and we really enjoyed our…read moretapas style lunch. Service was a little slow although there wasn't a lot of people.

Visited this new winery with a friend to catch up! This space is so large and it's so cool that it…read morewas created from bare bones. I love the touches of green combined with Brown, it definitely makes for a calm atmosphere. Service was very friendly and quick. We ordered the charcuterie board, margarita flatbread, white flight, and mixed flight. The charcuterie definitely needed more crackers so we ended up ordering about eight for an additional two dollars. Since there is so much on the charcuterie, I do think giving more crackers would make sense. I enjoyed all of the whites, but particularly the oblique. I could definitely see myself visiting when in the Southington area.

I recently visited Mindset in Southington, and it's quickly become one of my favorite spots! This…read moreplace is all about local wines, and they truly know how to make each one shine. You can enjoy a wine flight, a glass, or even take home a bottle of your favorite, which I love for discovering something new and bringing it home. The food is just as impressive. I tried the spinach artichoke dip and the cheese & crackers platter, and both were delicious. They also have a selection of desserts that are perfect for a little sweet treat. I even got a sneak peek of their flatbreads, coming soon, and they were absolutely amazing! The atmosphere is cozy and refined its the perfect spot to relax, connect with friends, or just enjoy a quiet glass of wine. The staff is friendly, attentive, and genuinely welcoming, which makes the experience feel extra special. Whether you're a wine connoisseur or just looking for a hidden gem to explore, Mindset is a must-visit. I can't wait to go back!

First time coming here after visiting Lavender Pond Farm. Dog friendly outside with seating area…read more We ordered the McBarrel nachos which came with ground beef, tomato's, pickles, melted cheese and their special sauce (tasted like thousand island/big Mac sauce) We also ordered a cider but it wasn't as bubbly, tasted flat, but they were happy to swap if for a canned Down East cider I also got a plain spicy margarita. Very basic. Asked for flavoring and they have more sweeter stuff: strawberry, pomegranate Food and drinks were all out quick We were specifically looking for dog friendly places online and found an ad for "Yappy hour"; dog friendly food and drinks. Although this was an ad from last year unknowingly, we were still able to get a puppy bowl for our dog (hamburger, hotdog carrots and treats). Who I'm assuming was the owner, came out, greeted us, made some small talk and was on his way. Staff were friendly and food was good.

Stopped in after a hike in the Killingworth area. The restaurant is relatively small with bar…read moreseating and a few tables. In the warmer months, there are several picnic tables to enjoy your meal outside (this area is dog friendly too!). My friend and I sat at the bar and were lucky enough to be greeted with some live music. The bartender was friendly and attentive. The menu isn't large, but it has a good variety of food and drink options. I opted for the Cowboy Griddle Wrap with chicken and a pumpkin cider. The wrap was flavorful with cowboy caviar, avocado, and cilantro lime aioli with chicken and melted cheddar cheese. If you are in the area, it's a great spot for a quick drink and bite to eat.

I had been to Esca in the past, but this was my first time in a while, so I was excited to return…read more We were seated upstairs overlooking the restaurant, which gave the space a nice atmosphere and made for an enjoyable setting. At the start of the meal, we asked for sparkling water, and the waitress specifically told the busboy not to bring still water as well. Personally, I think it can actually be nice to have both on the table, but it was not a major issue. For an appetizer, we ordered the octopus, which unfortunately was the low point of the meal. It was extremely chewy, almost difficult to chew, and probably should have been sent back. The scallops for the main course were much better and redeemed the experience considerably. They were cooked properly with a pleasant texture and served over a decent risotto base with a flavorful sauce drizzled on top of the scallops that complemented the dish nicely. For dessert, I had gelato, two scoops of chocolate and one vanilla, and both flavors were excellent. Very rich and one of the better parts of the meal. Service overall was solid. One person in my party did not like being referred to as "dear" by the waitress, though I personally did not mind it. She was nice and seemed to really know the menu well. Overall, this was probably closer to a three-star experience based on this visit because of the disappointing appetizer. However, I know the restaurant has been better in the past, so I am giving it four stars and would still consider returning.

There's metered street parking and a few nearby lots, but nothing directly attached to the…read morerestaurant. I went early on a Friday night and it wasn't too busy, which made for a really nice experience. The interior is beautiful, with a mix of seating options bar seating, window seats, and two separate dining areas on different levels that give it a unique vibe. We were greeted right away when we walked in, and our drinks came out quickly. We ordered two appetizers: the octopus and the eggplant chips. I didn't personally try the octopus, but my dining partner said it was amazing, especially paired with the couscous. The eggplant chips were really good. For my main, I had the braised short rib. It was good and very rich and beefy, but I do think it could have used a bit more flavor. I also ordered a wine flight, which I really enjoyed. I got to try the burger as well, and it was delicious. The parmesan truffle fries were also a standout--definitely worth ordering. Overall, a great atmosphere, solid food, and a nice spot for a relaxed night out.