I was at E-Class Barbering Experience on State Street in Binghamton, NY owned by Eric Ballard in getting my haircut by the Master and I asked him about a great local non-chain restaurant to celebrate our anniversary. Without hesitation, he immediately recommended Remlik's Grille & Oyster Bar and his other barber and operator Anar Doski chimed in about how great the establishment is. I asked Eric about what he likes there and he said that they are known for their Filet Mignon, Pork Chop Milanese, Calamari, and their Oyster Bar amongst other items. I asked him if reservations are required and he indicated in the affirmative. I immediately called Remlik's at 03:24 PM on a Friday and made reservations at 07:00 PM for two because I had to drive back home to Whitney Point to get dressed and then return to Binghamton. Remlik's Grille and Oyster Bar is an elegant, beautiful, upscale, and cozy eatery with casual attire offering great food, beverages, and desserts. They have a smart menu that is not too busy but has something for everyone! You can have a delicious and fabulous meal and drinks coupled with warm, friendly, and attentive customer service without riffraff. The establishment is definitely a popular place with the locals and it is definitely a refreshing change from the chains! It can get very busy in there and so make reservations early, arrive on time and you won't be disappointed!
Upon entering, we were immediately greeted by the hosts. They were very friendly, pleasant, professional, and had genuine smiles. We were immediately seated, provided with menus and water. Sophie was our server and she smiled, welcomed us, and immediately introduced herself and took our beverage orders. I had a Southern Tier IPA Beer and my wife ordered a Stella Artois Beer. I immediately told her that my fabulous master barber, Eric Ballard- owner of E-Class Barbering Experience had recommended the restaurant and knows Edward the owner. We asked her for her personal recommendations and favorites as well. She immediately recommended the Filet Mignon and the Pork Chop Milanese.
Truthfully, we do not generally order appetizers but the food looked and smelled so good we had to try something. With that being said, we wound up ordered the Calamari and Oyster Rockefeller since we do not consume raw oysters.
For my entree, I had the Pork Chop Milanese with a fresh garden salad and white balsamic Vinaigrette dressing. My wife though torn with their great selection decided on the Filet Mignon Medium-Rare with fresh garden salad and white balsamic vinaigrette as well. Sophie quickly brought out fresh baked bread and butter. We particularly loved how all of the items were served properly "in stages" as opposed to a smorgasbord plopped on the table. Everything was absolutely delicious and both meals were prepared, portioned, cooked to perfection, and were served hot. Sophie was very attentive, friendly, efficient, personal, and happy to help! In short, the fabulous food and awesome customer service made for a great dinning experience! Best of all, we had another meal since we could only eat half of our food due to eating the two delicious appetizers as well as the bread. Thus, our leftovers served as Saturday morning breakfast the following morning. We will definitely be returning here to try some of their other phenomenal entrees...
Read moreI am writing to express my deep dissatisfaction with the dining experience my guest and I had at your restaurant on Saturday, January 11th. The purpose of this review is to formally make you aware of incidences regarding several aspects of our visit, which, unfortunately, fell far short of our expectations.
We made a reservation for two, specifically requesting a private booth due to the special nature of our occasion and my recent spinal operation. I reiterated the necessity for a private, secluded booth to the hostess when making the reservation and received confirmation that a private booth with walls on three sides would be reserved for us. Additionally, our reservation for 6:30 PM was confirmed.
Upon our arrival at the scheduled time, we were informed by the hostess that our booth had been allocated to another party with more people. This decision was highly disappointing and unprofessional. Instead, we were seated in the main dining area, where the tables were uncomfortably close to each other, and the noise level was exceedingly high. This setting was far from ideal for a special occasion and made it difficult for us to enjoy our meal.
After voicing my concerns to the hostess, we were relocated to a table in a different room and provided with a pillow to sit on. This attempt to rectify the situation felt inadequate and unprofessional.
During our meal, we ordered a bottle of table wine, Filet Mignon, and Chilean Sea Bass. The portions were notably small, with the Sea Bass measuring approximately 2x4 inches and the Filet Mignon weighing no more than 6 ounces. The side dishes included three asparagus spears and a small scoop of mashed potatoes. The salad was served on a plate typically used for coffee cups. While the quality of the food was satisfactory, the portions were insufficient, and the overall pricing felt exorbitant. I left the restaurant feeling hungry and disappointed.
Additionally, the wine list was unclear. My date and I ordered a bottle of table wine priced at $25.00. However, when the bill arrived, it listed the wine at $50.00. Upon inquiry at the bar, I was informed by the manager that the $25.00 price was for a half bottle, which the server failed to mention. The manager acknowledged this oversight but maintained that the charge was valid.
In hindsight, we should have considered dining elsewhere after the initial seating mishap. Overall, the evening was marred by the small portions, unclear wine list, noisy atmosphere, and the hazardous condition of the parking lot due to ice and snow.
The check totalling $153.00 was excessive. Our server was very kind and friendly, working very hard so I gave Fred a 30% tip for his efforts.
I hope you will take my feedback seriously and address these concerns to improve your service for future patrons. A prompt response would be greatly...
Read moreAs a true lover of fish and chips, I recently had the pleasure of dining at Remlik Grille & Oyster Bar, and I must say, their rendition of this beloved dish felt like a genuine taste of tradition. This review aims to capture the authentic experience I had at this establishment.
Let's start with the fish. Remlik Grille & Oyster Bar certainly knows their way around sourcing quality seafood. The fish in their fish and chips was impeccably fresh and cooked to perfection. It had a moist and tender texture, flaking apart effortlessly with each bite. The batter, while not overpowering, added a satisfying crunch that was reminiscent of the traditional British-style fish and chips I hold dear.
Speaking of chips, Remlik Grille & Oyster Bar did justice to this crucial component of the dish. The chips were rustic, thick-cut, and expertly cooked. They had that coveted golden hue on the outside and remained fluffy and soft on the inside. It was evident that care was taken in their preparation, ensuring they were crisp without being greasy.
Accompanying the fish and chips was a side of tartar sauce that complemented the dish perfectly. The sauce had a tangy and creamy consistency, offering a delightful contrast to the savory flavors of the fish and chips. It was a nostalgic and familiar touch that completed the authentic experience.
The atmosphere at Remlik Grille & Oyster Bar captured the essence of a traditional eatery. The cozy and unpretentious setting, coupled with friendly staff, created a welcoming environment that added to the overall authenticity of the dining experience. The attentive service provided a personal touch, making us feel like valued guests.
In terms of variety, Remlik Grille & Oyster Bar goes beyond fish and chips, offering a range of tantalizing seafood and other dishes to cater to diverse tastes. Their commitment to sourcing quality ingredients shines through in every bite, making it an ideal destination for seafood enthusiasts.
Considering the quality of the food and the portion sizes, the pricing at Remlik Grille & Oyster Bar is reasonable. While it may not be the most budget-friendly option, the value for money is evident in the care taken to create an authentic and memorable dining experience.
If you're in search of a restaurant that pays homage to the timeless tradition of fish and chips, Remlik Grille & Oyster Bar is a spot worth visiting. With their genuine approach to this classic dish, attentive service, and inviting ambiance, they offer a taste of tradition that will surely leave you satisfied.
Please note that this review reflects my personal experience and appreciation for the authenticity of Remlik Grille & Oyster Bar's fish and chips, and that the restaurant's offerings and service may...
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