Waterford's Family Restaurant — Restaurant in Dedham

The amount of good reviews for this place is frankly, astounding, and I can only assume it's from people who pop in for beers and not shell out thousands of dollars for botched "events"

I'll keep this as abridged as possible since I already wrote a very long unanswered email but this business lacks any shred of hospitality, professionalism, or moral character. I assisted my friend in hosting her kids baptism/1st birthday here under the impression we had a private event, based on all the information provided from the coordinator and also paying a "room fee". We have had 2 other events here that we were fine but also not amazing. This one though...wow. the morning of, the staff had done absolutely nothing to set up for the party, and when my friend showed up just to do finishing touches, she wound up setting the whole thing up herself for hours, something which the staff gets paid to do, but had no interest in I guess. This was not a private room, it was called a "patio" and was indoors, and also half the bar area. There were 2 other parties booked that day, but there was a room next to us that was empty the entire time our party was there. There was never enough seating, the food came out hours late, plates and utensils were consistently delivered 10 minutes after food items were brought out, there was no dedicated server to this event or really any attention at all. My friend and her husband literally traded a fork back and forth to eat because staff "couldn't find more". We were asked to leave a nice review at the end of this FUBAR which is laughable, and my friend and I joked we would not since we didn't want to lie. However, as someone who also manages a restaurant for many years, I was forced to write this review after the abysmal mishandling of this situation in the following days from management, and worse, ownership. They did not offer any refund or giftcard or frankly, any apology and said this was a "learning experience" for them. They had fired their event coordinator days before and apparently we were just collateral damage, though I can't imagine even if she was there, there magically would have been enough space and silverware for 50 people in a space that clearly maxes at 30. Not only is it flagrantly disrespectful to us as clients, but you should also be ashamed to put your other patrons in a position in which they sit at a bar for dinner and are next to a party for a child??? The lack of common sense still confuses me.

The owners clearly do not care about setting up their staff for success, and are here for a money grab whether you have a good time or not. Go book your event literally anywhere else in the area, im shocked this place is still...

Two stars just for food. First I will start off by saying I've been to functions here before and the food and display are lovely. I had called over a month ago to book a function for after my daughters baptism. After calling many places who wouldn't take 20 people, waterfords said they would with no questions asked. We arrived there at 11:45. Food was out, yummy and warm. I had just sat down with my food when the waitress rushed over to start cutting the cake. I was a bit taken back why she was in such a rush but allowed it to happen. By 1230 they were taking table cloths off tables as family members were ordering another round of drinks. I thought it was rude that they would be cleaning up like they wanted us out ASAP. Now it's about 1245 and we ask for the leftover food as they hand us our check. They informed us they can't pack up food that has been out for 2 hours. I was very annoyed seeing as we hadn't even been there an hour and everything bad been picked up as soon as it came out. After contacting the owner she called me right away to let me know she was "livid" that staff didn't pack up our meal and that she would be sending us a $100 gift card. After talking to many outsiders about this, they all agree that they were in the wrong. Owner had let me know that they had another function coming in. Personally, I feel as though if someone is paying over 500 for some bacon and eggs, they shouldn't be rushed out after an hour when they booked that room over a month before. She then proceeded to tell me we were an hour late, and that she was "sorry the church service ran late" she can't admit she was in the wrong, got the times mixed up and booked events to close together. She also came at me with "we have a 25 person min, we took your 20 people" again, I did not know that and she should have spoken up and said it when I first called like every other place did. She refuses to give me the $100 refund which is beyond me. I will not be back because of this horrific customer service. A wonderful memorable day for our first born will forever be a horrible memory and for that we...

Absolutely perfect place for a function where you want quaint home like surroundings, professional staff, good food, no hassle and budget friendly event. Had one of my daughter's bridal shower there on a Sunday. Maureen is a breeze to work with and there were no extra fees for a bartender, cutting a cake, or coffee tea with dessert like so many others. We were able to bring our own cake as well. Final count due the Tuesday before the event and we could get into the room an hour ahead of time to decorate. Totally hassel free party. Our two servers Laura and Lorraine pleasantly provided for all requests including moving tables, finding a platter for the cake, refilling the sangria bowls and accommodating special requests during the lunch time dinner buffet. Food was good and hot and served when requested. We especially loved the ambiance of the facility; charming older building with modern touches. I was able to set up and host the event without any limitations. The buffet style was self serve and generous, many went up for seconds and allergies were accommodated. I really don't have anything negative to say but the only two challenges I could think of were trying to find a place where the whole room could see my daughter open presents and possibly parking, if there were two large events happening at the same time. Part of the upstairs room's charm is that it's not a typical square function room, so there are a few who had to move their chair to see my daughter open gifts. We didn't think it was a big deal. And as far as parking, it seems to be a common issue for such a convenient location. GREAT experience, WONDERFUL people to work with, quaint and inviting; would gladly do a function there again! Thanks to everyone...