Avenue Restaurant — Restaurant in Clayton

Avenue proves that a restaurant can be both lively and romantic, providing comfortable seating in a room with a fireplace that fills quickly with an interesting and quietly talkative crowd on a Saturday night. We had been warned about the noise in the bar, but we had no problem conversing normally on our recent post-Valentine visit.

We'd also been warned that seating and service could be slow but when we arrived with a reservation via Open Table, we were greeted warmly at the door by the hostesss and seated immediately. Our server, John, was a consummate professional: there when he was needed, not when he wasn't. He was unnecessarily apologetic when a few dishes were slow coming from the kitchen, but we were in no hurry so it wasn't an issue.

Meanwhile, the menu is quite diverse and there is an interesting selection of wines and local brews. We started with a dozen oysters from New Brunswick, which were cold, fresh and briny. The mignonette served with then had an unusual but very pleasant salinity. Next we enjoyed the smoked salmon plate, which was accompanied by whipped cteam cheese and festooned with thinly sliced cucumbers and radishes -- as pretty to look at as it was fun to eat.

We elected at this point to forgo entrees in favor of more small plates and enjoyed two pasta offerings: the gnocchi, served in a light preserved lemon sauce with wild mushrooms, and the rich pumpkin ravioli. The latter was our favorite of the evening and next time we go we'll definitely order two! The portions were small as befits a "small plate", but perfect as part of a larger meal. We also split an order of roasted turnips, which were expertly and simply charred. Nothing like a well made vegetable in season! We finished by splitting an order of house made vanilla ice cream, mine with caramel sauce, hubby's with chocolate.

In summary, Chef Brian Carr has done himself proud with a tasty and welcoming establishment and we look forward to trying the weekend...

We had our rehearsal dinner at Avenue and it was such a fun night! The space was perfect for our 60 guests (we did the full restaurant), and then we invited other out of town guests to come after dinner and that was such a fun addition as well. The bar, main restaurant area, and the room off the restaurant provided several options for people to spread out during the cocktail hour and after dinner drinks. Vicky helped us plan the night and menu and she was great! She was very easy to work with and provided us so many ideas. She even asked if we wanted to approve their Christmas decorations to verify if it matched our theme which was so thoughtful. We did family style entrees and this was a great way to try more options. Our guests loved the food, and the night overall! We had our wedding party stay at the Seven Gables Inn next door so it was a 30 second walk home which was great for people who wanted to leave at different times. Thank you...

Update: I took a break on coming here because I got tired of the back and forth when asking for to-go silverware with my food. Came back today and nothing has changed. It seems so simple. Not sure is their is a plasticware shortage or not but if I ask for silverware, just know that I’ve already checked the bag for it before asking you. I don’t need you to stare me down while I double check the bag for your sake. Only to say “no, there’s no silverware in here”. I promise I’m not here ordering food from here just to scheme you out of silverware.

It seems small but its not when it happens to me all the time here.

Older review: Great food and excellent customer service. I would highly recommend. My personal favorite is the seared turkey sandwich with fresh fruit.

They close and reopen between lunch and dinner so be...