had a wonderful dining experience at this restaurant. From the moment I walked in, the ambience stood out -- warm, inviting, and perfectly balanced between cozy and upscale. It's the kind of place where you immediately feel relaxed but still excited for the meal ahead. The staff was friendly, attentive, and genuinely welcoming without being overbearing. As for the food, I ordered the quarter pound lobster roll, and it was absolutely outstanding. The lobster was fresh, tender, and generously portioned, with flavors that were rich yet beautifully balanced. Every bite was satisfying. Overall, this restaurant delivers on all fronts: atmosphere, service, and quality. I'd happily return and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great meal! read more

The Sole Proprietor - Lunch 1/4 pound Lobster Roll - Bars Near Me - Worcester, Massachusetts

So disappointing :( first time coming back in 7 years since moving out of state. Used to come here all the time in college. Here is the breakdown. The lobster bisque was RICH and thick. Honestly very heavy and was glad I split the one size they had with a friend. It would have been too much. There was a little layer of oil on top too. The Faux Fiz mocktail I got was good. However, a lot of "spices". I ended up requesting more ginger beer and lime to cut it. That helped. But overall good quality drink. The Atlantic salmon crudo was very interesting. Nothing close to what I expected. It was gross. Really thick salmon over globs of a black garlic aioli. The ratio was so off. It was so pasty. I am shocked they haven't reviewed that item on their menu. Usually crudos are so nice and light. This was not. The wild Spanish octopus was the better of the three dishes. Just needed some more salt. Or more of the chorizo would have sufficed. I was surprised that this place was nothing like it used to be. Will not be back :( read more

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This is our favorite restaurant in Worcester. There's ample comfortable seating, and I love the general vibe of the inside of the restaurant. We've always had really pleasant waitstaff each time too. Now that we live farther away we will struggle to find a dish that measures up to the seafood sautee. We couldn't help but order that dish almost every time we visited, it's so good. The apps are great too, my favorite is the goat cheese crostini -- the flavor combinations were so unique and delicious. My fiancé always enjoyed the oysters. Their bisque soup specials are great too, super creamy and flavorful. The cocktails had wonderful flavor, and our waiters always gave solid advice on what white wines would pair well with our seafood orders. Anytime we are back in the area we will have to prioritize a stop at The Sole, I miss that sautee! read more

The Sole Proprietor - Seafood Sautee - Bars Near Me - Worcester, Massachusetts

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Incredible if I could give this place 9 stars I would in a heartbeat!!!! From the reservations to the dessert was a dream, we sat down and the waitress came over and thanked us for choosing their restaurant! We were then greeted by another waiter who works closely with the first, I never had to look for either of them, when I needed something and looked up from the table one of them were either coming over or already there! That was a first! So super glad that this gem was recommended to us. First course sushi, the freshest I have tasted since being back on the east coast. Followed by a lobster bisque with not two but four lobster claws and still more meat! Dinner was a crab stuffed sole with jasmine rice and spinach that flaked to perfection and just melted in my mouth with a flavor explosion, I cannot recommend this spot enough if you love fresh seafood this is your new favorite place! It was over an hour and a half drive but I would go again tomorrow! The ambiance is so cool you feel like the boat is behind the restaurant just bringing the beautiful ocean bounty right from the grill to the table. Bravo read more

We went to a restaurant to celebrate my birthday." We ordered seafood sautéed dish. It was really good then sweet thing chocolate cake with writing birthday celebration. I forgot the waitress, she was nice and polite. I love this place, The atmosphere was sophisticated, with elegant decor that made for a memorable, intimate evening". read more

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Food is good and the portion is worth the money. It's worth the money to go here. Prices are not bad.

Disappointed. Ordered take out through door dash. Firecracker roll didn't come with the spicy mayo as stated on the menu. Mac and cheese had to breadcrumbs- but last week it came with breadcrumbs. No consistency. Have been a long time customer but pretty disappointed. read more

We visited Worcester in August and beau's aunt suggested this place but we didn't get a chance to go, although the name alone was enough convincing for me. She ended up passing and we came back with family to enjoy dinner together at the price her sons say she would have wanted us to go. Food was amazing and staff were so nice. We closed out the place and they did not rush us. I'd definitely want to come back here if in the area again. read more

Worcester Restaurant Week kicked off Monday with amazing options, and we chose The Sole Proprietor. As early diners, we arrived just before 4 pm and enjoyed both lunch and dinner menus, plus dinner specials. I had Nova Scotia oysters, and we shared firecracker sushi. My dish was the salmon rangoon with seared salmon, crab rangoon filling, and spicy duck sauce over jasmine rice and asparagus, all for $19.99. He opted for the $29.25 restaurant week special, featuring tuna poke, clam chowder, and a Mediterranean mixed grill with swordfish, tuna, and shrimp. Our waitresses, Katerina and Crista, provided excellent service, making the experience truly satisfying. read more

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Had a great cup of chowder and some of the best fried shrimp I have eaten. Normally not a fried guy when it comes to shrimp, but the mood struck and these were great. read more

The best seafood restaurant in and around Worcester! This is our favorite place and have celebrated multiple birthdays here. It's very nicely decorated on the inside and the staff has always been so friendly. It gets busy so I recommend a reservation! The food is also phenomenal. read more

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"When in Rome," is what I saw on a review before coming here, and I followed suit. Visiting the East Coast, you gotta get some oysters and lobster. This is my friend's favorite local seafood place and it did not disappoint! Definitely had to make a reservation for 8pm on a Saturday and had to park on the street because the lot was full at peak hour. Depending where they seat you, the ambiance changes from feeling for formal in the back dining room, to more casual by the bar. The two servers we had were appropriately attentive. We started off with oysters and the octopus (with chorizo, red chiles, and potato) appetizer. The octopus was kinda flavorless and chicken-y, good, but not worth ordering again. The oysters were discounted for oysterfest, which was awesome, and the champagne mignonette and horseradish toppings were delicious! I know my focus should be on the seafood, but I'd like to mention that the side salads were really nice. When they brought it out, I thought it was plain vegetables, but the dressing was so well balanced and lightly sweet. The clam chowder was good, and the lobster for me was a star, very nice. The swordfish special was also really good. read more

The Sole Proprietor - Swordfish with pumpkin risotto, steamed 1.25lb lobster, Baked Seafood Platter - Bars Near Me - Worcester, Massachusetts

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It's been like 7 years since I was last here and we were passing through Worcester recently when I remembered that I ate here once on a biz trip. And so here we are, trying Sole Proprietor after a long hiatus. I'm happy to say that the food is still as good as my last visit (though the prices are a bit higher!). My wife had the fish tacos which she said were excellent; my daughter had a tasty fried haddock sandwich (with good crispy fries); and I had a terrific scallop and shrimp pesto pasta. For dessert we shared a white chocolate mousse in a chocolate tulip cup and a crème brûlée - very nice. A satisfying lunch and good service staff. read more

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The big rubber crab is your first clue that it's a little different here. It's a huge place, bigger inside than it is outside. The seafood portions, also generous! If you're used to going to seafood for a light appetite, think again. All the plates were excellent. The Sole Meuniere was easily enough for two meals, and delicious. You want a careful hand cooking your white fish, and they know what they were doing. The crab-stuffed Haddock was quite stuffed, and the crab excellent. Great combo, and quite reasonable at $40. The grilled Chilean sea bass was just as described, but more ordinary. I'd pass on the Jonah Crab Cocktail -- them tiny, and more work than bite, especially without shell crackers. Bloody Mary was okay, but the Dave's Mai Tai is where it's at. Note that just about every side is an upcharge on dinner. Pear Salad for $+7, chowder for +$3, etc. All in all, good stuff. Come hungry, with a heavy wallet. Parking was easy in their big lot, and they have Chargepoint EV chargers near the front entrance. read more

Coming from a small port town south of Los Angeles, this was some of the best quality seafood that I've ever had. Staff was efficient and accommodating, as I came in last minute on a business trip to Worcester. Shared some clams and mussels with some colleagues and could tell that they were well prepared and fresh. Afterwards, the waitress brought some lemons and hot towels to clean our hands with (a little odd but trust me, it works great). Clam chowder was solid - well seasoned and hot to combat the otherwise inclement Massachusetts weather. I ordered the lobster risotto for my main course and was blown away; I needed to pause for a moment and appreciate the rich taste of it. Would highly recommend to anyone stopping by Worcester or WPI, as I'll be coming back if I'm in the area. read more

Way over priced & serv3d me.raw shit .. got food poisoning from them.. Watch out .. they dont care about anything but there pockets read more

Once again, The Sole is the #1 dining spot in Worcester. When you directly compare seafood quality, service and restaurant atmosphere this is the standard that others strive for but is not easy to attain. At most places today the wait staff are over worked and it drags down your experience. At The Sole there are always 2 high level team members making sure that you are satisfied with every detail. Tonight we went from Goat Cheese Crostini to Caesar Salad with Grilled Shrimp to Sushi. All items were well prepared, well presented and delicious. Top notch!! read more

The Sole Proprietor - Sunshine Roll left, Buster Roll right - Bars Near Me - Worcester, Massachusetts

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First time coming here, and it won't be the last! We were very impressed with all aspects of The Sole Proprietor. The apps were great, our server explained the oyster selections thoughtfully and the drinks and mains were exceptional. Can't wait to come back - check this place out! read more

The Sole is a Worcester institution. I hadn't been for a long time, but I took my uncle out for lunch when I was last visiting Massachusetts. We both had the fish and chips and our other companion had the shrimp scampi. Everything was excellent. The place was BUSY, which goes to show how pertinent it remains. The staff handled like pros though. I definitely recommend a trip especially if you haven't been. read more

What an awful establishment. They make your food incorrectly and then tell you there's "nothing they can do about it." Not once but TWICE. The person answering the phone is a completely rude and ignorant person. She talks down to you and 100 miles an hour, like a used car salesman fresh on his latest scam. They just lost a lifelong customer who orders once to twice a week! I hope every person who reads this, knows they do NOT honor the ingredients on the menu. When they make the order wrong, they tell you "it's not their problem." Shameful and deceitful business practices. I'll be calling the AG and the BBB first thing Monday morning. I won't stop until it's been taken to the highest level. read more

I ordered the mussels and they were amazingly mediocre. They lacked flavour. Several were spoiled, as they arrived completely shut. The sauce was an unappetizing, murky grey hue and only had an overload of tasteless garlic for seasoning. It claims it's prepared in white wine but I detected none. Typically, the sauce is the highlight of ordering mussels, and you get bread to enjoy it. I refuse to enjoy dishwater. Why was it grey?! Everything considered, Kate was our server and she was wonderful. Very attentive and helpful, she's the best. read more

In a time where good service seems to be hard to find they are never lacking! Every single time we come the service is top notch and friendly too. The waiters are always able to provide recommendations and they always accommodate any changes you want to make to a dish especially for kids. We have never had one bad thing or something cooked wrong. The fish is always cooked perfect and never dry, the drinks are heavy handed and the sushi is very good. Honestly the actual food and sushi is so good here I would suggest having more and skipping dessert my 6 yr old daughter loves their mixed greens salad - yes 6 yr olds - that is how good it is. They have a very large private lot but it gets packed quickly. Their prices are what most consider on the pricey side but once you factor in the service and amazing food they are definitely worth it. I love that they remember our birthdays and anniversaries when we come in with reservations. I know it is their computer system but it's those little touches that put it a step above other places. read more

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I brought my wife to the Sole for her 60th birthday. Sadly, as we were about to leave she said, "I'll never come here again." We ordered the mussels as an appetizer. They were bland, tasteless and quite unremarkable. When asked, we expressed the same. The manager, when he was told by our server, explained "the chef likes to let the mussels speak for themselves." They sure did; they were bland. It takes a chef to bring out the flavor. My wife ordered the scallops over risotto. They arrived in a bowl and it looked like the scallops were dropped from a hand onto the rice. PRESENTATION, F! I guess the scallops were to speak for themselves as well. They were tasteless as was the risotto. Our server was wonderful. read more

While food was good absolutely horrific customer service. Mice hanging out right in middle of floor Cindy the manager made it crystal clear that she was not concerned and she actually tried to gas light and say that don't worry where food is cooked it isn't a problem. Mybfriend should have made significantly more of stink but she is such a kind-hearted person. NEVER ever will that establishment get a dime. And let's just say after callsntongealth depart and dept consumer protection I hope she gets put out with the mice. This place had mice that were socialized . They had no fear no concern..just hanging out like they were home . Cindy then stated that she has heard someone else mention mice but was very casual and said but there's nothing to be concerned read more

yesterday my son got me lunch from proprietor. I had high hopes it was seafood paella unfortunately I had these tiny shrimp that hardly cooked and disgusting. The salmon was was delicious. The calamari not so wasn't cooked enough. The rice was delicious. you pay good money I for a better quality. I'm sorry to say I was totally disappointed. read more

The food was wonderful! Thaddeus and Cyndi were our servers, and they exemplified the meaning of service. No... I don't know them personally, but I travel a lot, and service is key in this burainess. 10/10 for both service and food! read more

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Seems pretty much unchanged from 20 years ago. Very lackluster and mediocre. Presentation of food is horrible, everything is haphazardly dumped into a bowl. Flavors are good but I expected more elevated flavors for the price. Food allergies were not addressed. Service was okay. read more

Delicious. The menu has a little bit of everything and we all loved our entrees. I was impressed by the kids menu options as well. The giant crab on the restaurant was an added bonus. Definitely coming back here. 10/10 read more

The Sole Proprietor - Buster - Bars Near Me - Worcester, Massachusetts

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Great experience at Sole. I came here to celebrate a school event in which we were able to make a reservation for greater than 5 people with ease. Our server was incredibly kind and funny throughout the meal. He was really attentive and provided us with amazing recommendations. We got a variety of appetizers and meals. The restaurant was fairly busy for lunch time as it can be difficult finding a lunch reservation in Worcester, but it was not particularly loud or I also like how there is a dedicated parking lot. I got the haddock which seemed like a lunch portion nevertheless still very good and flakey. I'm looking forward to going back. I believe the lunch dishes were between 10-30 and the appetizers were a little cheaper. read more

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Came into town a couple days ago on business and gave this place a try....Needless to say we came back here again before heading to the next city. Try it, you won't be disappointed. read more

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The food is top shelf here from what we have sampled in two lunches, aces, highlighted with very fresh seafood. Portions are sufficient but not overly large. Prices are high but not outrageous. Service is quite good. Ambiance is comfortable busy. read more

Had restaurant week offering. Bang bang app was just like the service--excellent! That's about it. Weird experience coming in just seemed unwelcoming. No obvious host at the stand and bar folks just staring. The chowder was mostly cream I think not a modicum of clam pieces. The entree had excellent tzatziki sauce on which was skewers of way overcooked seafood. It was awful. Great drinks though. Been going here since the 80's sure has changed a lot. read more

I love this restaurant and the service. Delicious food and drinks. Chef Toddy is amazing. read more

Sorry but this place is just not a very good restaurant ... Worcester has precious few decent restaurants, so anything above an Applebees may as well be considered fine dining. The atmosphere here is what's the worst ... it's noisy and crowded and has all the charm of a busy bus station. They redid the lighting inside and now it's incredibly bright with white fluorescent lighting that has all the ambiance of a gas station. We were seated in the bar area in a booth. We asked if there were seats in the main restaurant, even though the atmosphere was similar, but we wanted to avoid the table of 9 college kids next to our booth. 'No.' was the answer. That would be our seat for the evening. The bar area is loud ... the ceiling bounces little bits of conversations everywhere and its like being in a constant loud airport. The bar is crowded, just as the rest of the restaurant and you are pretty much staring out into the other tables. The crowd here are a bit rough ... lots of diners wearing sweatpants, hats and ripped jeans. There was a girl at the table next to us in ripped jean shorts that were almost obscene ... which matched her screaming the 'F-word' two or three times per minute. In terms of a special occasion restaurant where you want to dress up and go out on the town ... this ain't it anymore! The lighting is also so bright and harsh, it's almost impossible to relax. The food is mediocre. The chowder comes in a tiny, little cup and is okay. The grilled fish is bland and just blah. Really small portions. I had the grilled shrimp, which was okay ... hard to fuck that dish up ... the odd thing was that every shrimp was a different size from small to large. Everything came with predictable 'wedding food' sides ... roasted fingerling potatoes and tiny, thin asparagus stems only, which was odd. Prices here are fairly crazy. The best deal is the three course pre-fixe dinner but the options are very limited. There was nothing on the menu that really stood out as something I couldn't wait to order, which is why I ended up with the boring grilled shrimp. Most seafood dishes are $30+ unless you want lobster, in which case you are looking at $50+. The king crab legs were $99/lb. I never have seen prices that high ... even in NYC. Overall, it was a regrettable, average meal in a terrible atmosphere. I'd rather have cooked at home. Everyone who went with us was let down by both their food and the overall vibe. Rarely will I leave a 1 or 2 star review but for this place, I will. read more

The Sole Proprietor - Tiny clam chowder - Bars Near Me - Worcester, Massachusetts

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Absolutely amazing seafood, no question! The shrimp appetizer is awesome, and the Scollops are super fresh. read more

The Sole Proprietor - The lobster bisque was awesome. - Bars Near Me - Worcester, Massachusetts

Was a regular customer in the past. Returned to find drink and food portions especially have shrunk and prices up. Food was dry and bland. Really disappointed. Service however was still as good as always. I'm done with The Sole Proprietor read more

The service was great Ambiance was great . The food on the other hand left allot to be desired. We were there the Saturday before mother's day. The baked haddock was dry and had no flavor. I could have made way better at home. The clam chowder tasted like it came out of a can. The stuffed shrimp were ok. The seafood boil was good. How can you really mess that up. Fish and chips , although I didn't taste it looked like the oil needed to be changed. It was way too dark. read more

The Sole has been a Worcester staple for decades. It's the upscale, go to place for business lunches, after work gatherings, and weekend dining. The food quality has remained very good to excellent over the years and I usually can count on a solid dining experience. It is usually busy (good sign) and parking can be hit or miss. However they get the food out quickly and typically have experienced and helpful staff working there. Very good drink selection. Overall, I'm glad to say I can still recommend this place. read more

The Sole Proprietor - Yummmmm! - Bars Near Me - Worcester, Massachusetts

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The food here is always good. Their restaurant week menu did not disappoint! Lobster bisque is a mainstay favorite. Service is fast and multiple checks on you as well. Ambiance is a bit noisy on a Friday evening, but that is to be expected as this place is packed because of its excellent food and service. Had the squid ink pasta with tons of seafood (scallops, lobsters, etc.) read more

We went there for lunch had the lobster roll and fries. The lobster roll was huge and delicious atmosphere was very nice and the service was great. read more