Nola's is known for contemporary American cuisine, situated at 9 West Park Row, just off the village green in Clinton, NY--an historic, small college town near Hamilton College, led by Executive Chef and Co-Owner Janssen Fay. We visited over the weekend with friends who had dined there previously. Our 6:30 reservation was honored promptly upon arrival. The village setting is quaint, and the restaurant itself is warmly decorated--upscale enough to feel special but still relaxed and approachable. After being seated, our server presented the drink menu and specials. Our friends ordered the fried green tomatoes as an appetizer, along with the Steak Nicholas and the double smash burger. My wife selected the seafood special--a blackened salmon with lobster salad--while I opted for the Steak Nicholas as well. The food arrived in a timely manner and was everything was very good. My steak was perfectly cooked, complemented by the house Worcestershire sauce and compound butter. The fried green tomatoes were also well-prepared. The only disappointment at the table was the brown butter cake our friends ordered for dessert, which they found dry and lacking freshness. Where the experience fell short, however, was service. While our server was polite, she was difficult to find at times, leading to long waits for assistance. There was also some confusion when boxing up leftovers. The most significant issue arose when it was time to settle the bill. Our total came to $260, and we requested separate checks. Unfortunately, our server seemed very flustered and unsure of how to split the bill, and after some back-and-forth, she suggested dividing it evenly. We agreed simply to avoid further delay. However, when processing payment, the card charge came to $153 before tip--well above the correct half of the bill (approximately $130). Combined with our friends' $200 cash payment, the total ended up being $380, which inadvertently resulted in a very large gratuity - something we didn't realize until we had left the restaurant, as the confusion surrounding how to split the bill was frustrating and we simply wanted to head out. While we take responsibility for not carefully resolving the issue before leaving, the confusion around the bill frustrated us in the moment and left a negative final impression on an otherwise enjoyable meal. Overall: The food was excellent and worth trying, particularly the Steak Nicholas and seafood offerings. That said, service and billing procedures could benefit from improvement to ensure a smoother dining experience. read more

Nola's - New American Near Me - Clinton, New York

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Nola's is one of Clinton's best spots for a memorable dining experience. During my recent visit, I ordered the steak sirloin with mashed potatoes, and broccoli, and both exceeded my expectations the steak was perfectly cooked and seasoned, while the mashed potatoes were creamy and comforting, making for a fantastic pairing. What really took the night to the next level were their cocktails, which are truly 10/10 crafted with care, balanced, and full of unique flavors. The friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere completed the experience. Nola's is definitely a top choice for anyone looking for great food and nice atmosphere to take your partner out on a date. read more

Nola's - New American Near Me - Clinton, New York

At dinner last night at NOLA'S they were fine when the first three of us walked in and I told them the reservation was under ... and they gave us a table. And I told them we were still waiting for one more person. When Professor ... arrived a few minutes later, they told her they had never heard of the reservation or the group! We were sitting right near by and they had been told several times by me that we were waiting for one more person! They ended up sitting on a bench outside until I happened to go out for my phone, and found her!!! NOLA'S is INCREDIBLY IRRITATING AND IRRESPONSIBLE. I will never use them again. Please spread the message read more

While visiting my friend in Cooperstown, NY, we met others for lunch. What a lovely place. It is about 45 minutes away from Cooperstown and you drive down beautiful country roads. The uniqueness of the homes you pass and the manicured lawns are a nice change from my Illinois hometown. Food was delicious. I had the turkey club. The French fries were home fresh. Try the apple cider bread pudding for dessert! Amazing! Our server was very kind and convinced two in our group to get the grilled cheese special. read more

This review is for Nola's Bar which is attached next to the restaurant. This is a cozy cocktail bar with around seven tables and a bar. The mixologist did a wonderful job with my pumpkin expresso martini and my husband enjoyed his expresso martini. read more

Nola's - Pumpkin expresso martini - New American Near Me - Clinton, New York

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Spend and evening at Nola's! What a surprising treat! We swung into the little joint next to the main restaurant and had a blast! The server was fantastic, whitey and makes the perfect cocktail! Get the beef tenderloin sliders or the fried artichoke, you'll love em! Can't say enough! read more

Very good food and service. It is truly a World class restaurant ! Strongly recommended.

The food was okay and a day that with a sour look upon my lovely face. My dear cousins burger was to large for his mouth get those BUNS UNDER CONTROL! The service was Slow like molasses on a snarled rug. And there was a plethora of flies around my head they stayed so long I named them Fred Ted and dead after I squashed them! read more

Nola's - The Ketchup Broke - New American Near Me - Clinton, New York

The food was good when we visited recently and would have been interested in returning but for the unwlecoming and condescending person who was our waitress/server. It was hard to believe this was someone employed in the "hospitality" industry- she was so inhospitable! She ruined what would have been a nice experienced. read more

We had the most delightful date night/birthday celebration the other evening at Nola's! Our server April was friendly, knowledgeable and made our meal so special! My cocktail was something out of this world! The name escapes me but it was a kind of take on an espresso martini but 1000 times better! My fiancé got the special and I got the salmon. Both were impeccably cooked and had superb presentations. The piece de resistance was the Cider Donut Bread Pudding. I cannot even begin to describe the perfection that this desert is. The perfect combination of sweet donut with cooked and caramelized parts topped off with vanilla ice cream. Needless to say this place is getting added to our regular rotation!!! Highly recommend checking this place out ASAP and maybe start with dessert! read more

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Upscale restaurant with delicious food that is worth a splurge. I always take out of town guests here for a nice dinner or lunch.

Everything about this place is fantastic - the delicious food, the chill vibes, the attentive staff - all of it. I've eaten here several times and have never been disappointed. It's a gem in the Village of Clinton! read more

Nola's is an excellent choice for a night out! I recommend making reservations as it can get busy. Even though there were quite a few people there, it didn't feel crowded and I was able to chat with my party without a lot of added noise. The servings are generous, and super tasty. I recommend the short rib pappardelle! read more

What a tremendous restaurant. We were staying in Clinton for the first time, and stumbled upon it. Just a fabulous meal, service, and ambience. Everything from the authentic sourdough bread, cider donut bread pudding was extremely memorable. We happen to be in there on St. Patrick's Day weekend, so while I don't think you'll be able to enjoy the corn beef on a regular basis, if it's any indication of the regular menu, it was stupendous. Not to mention the fact that the drinks were generous and we really appreciated the warm yet. Updated ambience. Kind of like, having a great babysitter, or Electrician. I hate to recommend Nola's too highly because I'm afraid we won't be able to just pop in next time. I would suggest reservations. Highly recommended. read more

Great little restaurant. The food is delicious and carefully prepared. They have a diverse menu that suits everyone. The staff is friendly and welcoming. And the ambiance is cozy. A true gem! read more

I will never go back to this restaurant. I have never been treated more rudely by staff at any establishment in my life. The food was not good enough to overcome the arrogant and condescending wait staff. read more

The best food in Clinton, the only place I know where, weather permitting, you can eat on their patio, facing the village green. It is a small place so make a reservation. Not good for unplanned drop-ins. read more

Nola's is wonderful. The food is really good. The people are fun and the service is top-notch. And the atmosphere is conducive to a relaxing, enjoyable dining experience. We always eat here when we are in Clinton and recommend it always to others when they are in upstate New York. Go and you will not be disappointed. read more

This is my second time in Nola's and YOU have to go! This place is great! Atmosphere is chill and cool but the staff is also really friendly. They know what they're doing and what they're talking about, and you can tell making the customers happy is their main priority. The Brisket Sandwich is to die for. IT WAS FIRE!! (Sorry no pictures - I eat then I review lol) The service is amazing... will definitely be back again. read more

Nola's - a bar with a green glass on the counter - New American Near Me - Clinton, New York

We sat at the bar and enjoyed lunch while a summer storm raged outside. Weather was our excuse for dessert. The salads were great. Nola's was slammed with customers. We sat right away and service came before we figured out what we wanted to eat. The circus cake was amazing! read more

Wonderful, upscale dinner! I had the crispy chicken thigh with the grilled peach salad, which was delicious. The cocktails were good, and the atmosphere was great for an upscale evening. I'm glad that Clinton has such a nice restaurant for lunch and dinner. read more

Ella was our waitress. She was very sweet and professional. Our lunch was so good. French fries were amazing. We sat outside , it was a nice experience. Look forward to going again. Clinton market isn't the only reason to head out to Clinton. We look forward to dinner at Nola's real soon. read more

Five stars! Food was delicious and had generous portions. Service: Server Carrie was very friendly and attentive to our needs. Also, the food came very timely. Ambiance: Nola's is a cozy place with an easygoing atmosphere. We had a nice table near the window overlooking Clinton town square. Really nice. This is our second time to Nola's and it won't be our last. read more

Great place to grab COVID cocktails. Good local stop, with EXCELLENT no contact pick up, and a variety of specials and standards. So glad they have made it through this ordeal. read more

This is a strange restaurant. The food was delicious, very plentiful and creative. The crème brûlée was the best. But, the service..I will never go back. It's a small restaurant, and we had reservations and the first thing they said when we checked in was "you have 1 hour and 15 min for your reservation. We are booked tonight." Omg, seriously?? We ordered drinks and 3 courses each and they rushed us through. Then, for only two of us they included a 20% gratuity, and asked us to leave when our time was up! There was a snow storm and empty tables but they picked up my unfinished glass of wine and moved us to a lounge two doors down the street. Didn't even let us move to the bar. The food was delicious but after spending well over $200 for a dinner for two, and being treated like we were bothering the staff, we will never go back. read more

The food, drinks, and atmosphere was perfect for a fun date night!!! Can't wait to go back! read more

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I'm confused how Nola's is only rated at a 3.5... they have some of the best food in the area, hands down. Everything is sourced thoughtfully, cooked perfectly, and the menu is always on point. Prices are more than reasonable for the quality and quantity of food you receive. I don't think I'd be exaggerating in saying this is one of my favorite local American restaurants. The chicken salad sandwich has become a go-to for lunch but everything I've had is great. There was a sinfully delicious smore's dessert available awhile back - might still be, not sure because I know they like to switch it up a bit. If you have the opportunity to try it, DO. You won't regret it (although your waistband might)! I particularly appreciate how seriously they're taking precautions for the pandemic. They've exclusively been accepting takeout orders, even when indoor dining resumed, in order to prioritize the health and safety of both their staff & patrons. They also support the local community - doing school supply drives, collecting winter wear for those in need, etc. They've got a lifelong customer in me! read more

Elegant restaurant in the Village of Clinton, excellent dining and efficient service.

Nola's is hands down my favorite restaurant in the area! I have been here six times so far and it never fails to disappoint -- in fact, it just keeps getting better! I've sat in the annex twice, but I prefer the main dining area. They recently completed renovations and the inside has a great modern atmosphere. There are different seating options as well: tables, bar, and the chef's bar. They also have a great lounge in the back with couches and a fireplace. The chef's bar was such a great experience! The chef brought us a taste of shrimp and coconut curry to start and it was the most flavorful dish I had in months, and the meal just kept on getting better! We ordered the halloumi, manchego, brie, and burrata carbonara. I eat a lot of cheese, but this burrata was some of the best cheese I have ever had (and this includes the mozzarella I ate in Italy). It was served with preserved egg yolk shaved on top, sprinkles of dehydrated peas, and prosciutto wrapped around the sides. The flavors were amazing! We were eating it in awe. I also love the dried brie fruit tart. I've ordered it almost every time I've gone to Nola's and it's one of the best ways I've had brie. Next we ordered fall risotto, and finished our dinner with the lemon mousse and tea. Other dishes I've tried are the polenta fries, Steak Nicholas, pappardelle, and the Nola burger. They cooked the steak perfectly! My favorite desserts here are the flourless chocolate cake and the donut bread pudding (with cider mill donuts in the fall) I would definitely recommend Nola's! Can't wait to go back! read more

Nola's - Brie - New American Near Me - Clinton, New York

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Went there for a lunch again. The salmon burger was okay but I am not a fan of its crab cake like texture. I substituted the fries with salad, which was nice. The slaw was okay. We were in the window seat with the cozy sofa seating, this is great in a sunny winter day! Food was okay that day but the seating was great. read more

Nola's - New American Near Me - Clinton, New York

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Went here on a bit of a whim for lunch. Don't usually go to 3.5 rated places I don't know. It's not that they aren't good, but with only so many meals out I like to make every one count. Why in the world is this rated so low? Our meal was absolutely fantastic. Everyone got sandwiches and most of us subbed fries (sweet potato too). The basic price of the sammies was reasonable and the included chips were top notch probably made in house. Fries r a $3 upcharge making it a pricey indulgence, but great hand cut fries. Sweet potato were top notch, some of the best I ever had. Service was solid - efficient and friendly. Sandwiches were very good. Everyone was pleased with their meal. Personally got the NOLA chicken sandwich. It was very good and hit the spot. Okay, it was lunch and not dinner but definitely well worth a visit. read more

Cozy, great service, and the pesto pasta was amazing! Two appetizers and two entrees will be more than enough for two. Still, I was not deterred to order dessert to go. The bread pudding was one of the best ever. Reasonably priced and right in the heart of the Village of Clinton. read more

The food is always delicious but this was my first time actually dining in. Super Friendly staff! Will definitely continue coming back.

Dry burger Fatty lamb chops Overcooked pasta Really an underwhelming experience, would not recommend read more

Came here for dinner tonight and I was disappointed. Pros: - Portion sizes are huge - we couldn't finish any of our dish Cons: - The entree of the day (turkey leg something) and the steak dish were both over-salted - The waitress kept on hovering even when my friend was still finishing her entree dish. Please don't offer us dessert before everyone is done. My friend is a slow eater so she felt rushed. read more

If I could it would be zero stars!!! How dare you give me attitude about my service dog!! Can we say illegal! watch your self next person might sue you! The hostes was incompetent, unfriendly and can use a make over! I mean for real... I used to be a hostesss dress the part look the part act the part!! Major failure!! They think they owe you something by serving you... b--- please from NY keep it moving! over priced, average menu! you are better off with Tony's and a pitcher of beer! read more

Amazing food, and really convenient take out due to COVID19. Will definitely return!

Came here last night with my family and we thought it was all so delicious. The Burrata and steak salad is pretty genius and the Tom KaGai was perfection. Staff was super friendly and accommodating. read more

This place absolutely incredible! We are in town on a camping trip and wanted a nice meal. We were not disappointed. Everything from the apps, cocktails, dinner, dessert and service were amazing. We highly recommend Nola's! read more

Some people may not be terribly concerned about health and safety protocols now that New York is in Phase 4, but I very much am. I have not seen a better system for pickup! Easy, obvious, and no direct contact! Now for the food. There are many foods I'd rather not eat as takeout because even we'll prepared food suffers once it's put inside a styrofoam container. Nola's nailed that too. It was packed up and labeled extremely well in containers that helped keep the food in the condition I would expect it if I were eating in. The crust on the chicken was still crisp! We'll be back!! read more