The Federal — Restaurant in Agawam

My wife and I finally tried The Federal for our 5th year anniversary, and while there were many great aspects to this restaurant, we both left feeling underwhelmed. Maybe our expectations were too high from all the 5 star reviews, or other customers raving that their food was 'the best', but after leaving the restaurant we decided we would not be in any rush to eat here again. The restaurant itself is elegant, and feels very much historic. The servers are all dressed up, they're attentive and very knowledgeable about every food and drink item on the menu. Our appetizers were fried brussel sprouts and fried risotto balls. Both were crispy and very much enjoyable. For an entree I ordered the simplest thing on the menu, a cheeseburger. I found the hand-made burger to be very difficult to actually eat, the bottom bun was completely soaked in the burger fat which resulted in the bun falling apart when picked up. The thick hand-packed bun also split apart at some point, and I ended up only eating half since it became too difficult to pick up and eat. Sure, maybe I shouldn't have ordered a cheeseburger at a fine dining restaurant, but they're so simple to make and I was really disappointed in it. My wife ordered the seafood special which was large and combined different seafood items in a butter sauce served over mashed potsatoes. She said the fish tasted fresh, but that overall it wasn't very flavorful, and that the sauce didn't have much taste other than butter/olive oil. She too was disappointed and felt the quality didn't equal the price. We had cinnamon sugar beignets with chocolate, raspberry, and caramel sauce. We also took some 'handspun' cotton candy home incorrectly assuming 'handspun' in this instance meant hand-pulled. All in all I'm left perplexed by my experience, and a bad taste in my mouth. Was this an 'off' Tuesday night for the kitchen? Did my wife and I simply choose two plain dishes? Or is this restaurant simply too highly coveted for what you get? In my opinion,...

For starters we arrived for our 6:45 reservation and there was nothing but total incompetence. They need to hire someone who knows how to correctly write up a reservation. The hostess, at the podium was too busy to get off the phone; and her assistant had her head in the clouds They finally decided that we actually must have made the reservation; so we now move on to the seating.. A two table tiny room hidden in the back next to the two bathroom doors. I declined that table, and we had to wait since they said they were fully booked. However, on our way to the table they now prepared for us, there were several open tables. We had been advised that this restaurant was the best in Agawam, so we were expecting something very special. I guess I was expecting what we are accustomed to in Boca Raton. New York Prime, Abe & Louie, Morton’s, Capital Grill or Chop House. My friend ordered the New York Strip. He was greatly disappointed. For the price they charge, you would expect to get a cut of meat that is “PRIME”. Not here ! The meat was tough, and had bones in it, our server advised the Chef, who said it was Cartilage. Who ever heard of Cartilage in a New York Strip. It was in edible and they did take it off the check. I ordered the Rack of Lamb. Tough and Fatty .I didn’t bother to say anything, I just left the entire meal. It wasn’t worth my breath to say something. I will say, however, the servers were very attentive. Oh well, raise your prices if need be; because the quality of the meat does not rise to the level of what a supposed fine restaurant would serve...

I had my wedding at The Federal and that was the BEST decision I've ever made. My husband and I wanted to have a smaller and intimate event and from the ceremony to the reception, The Federal worked perfectly.

The staff was so friendly and made me and my family feel so welcomed and taken care of. I worked with Cristina for the past 6 or so months, and she was amazing. She answered all my little questions, made sure I was on the same page and made the planning process so much easier for me. Robert took care of us for the night of the wedding, and he made it so easy for my husband and I to just relax and enjoy our day.

Of course the food was the talking point of the night. We selected the Braised short rib, roasted chicken and salmon for our menu options, and all of my guests were raving about their meals. The serving time in which the food came out was perfect as well and allowed the for the timeline of the wedding to run smoothly.

Everything about my wedding day was perfect, and I cannot express how happy I am to have chosen The Federal for such an important day. I would recommend them 100 times over! The staff, the food, and the restaurant itself is unmatched. Thank you so much...