FigLeaf Brewing Company — Restaurant in Middletown

4 days ago I left an updated negative review. You can read it below. I went back hoping that particular bartender wasn’t there. She was. I sat down and she said, “Sorry, I’m not allowed to serve you.” I asked, “You in particular?” She said, “My manager said I’m not allowed to serve you and if you don't like it, I’ll call the cops.” I shook my head in disbelief and asked if this was because of my review and asked if I could talk to the manager. She said, “She’s not here and you can leave or I can call the cops.”

That’s how fast it escalated. I was there 20 seconds. Of course, I walked out. Full review below, but moral of the story, they will never address a complaint and they’ll call the cops if you post a negative review. What a joke. …………… I was a regular and used to love it, but I go less frequently now. Some of the really good bartenders left and the redhead that seems to have picked up their shifts makes me feel like I’m bothering her by being there. I don’t expect a conversation - although that is nice in a bar, and it’s one of the reasons people go - but I can’t even get a “how are you” or, “nice to see you.” Mind you, I’m not talking about times it’s super busy. I’ve been there when it’ s me and one other person and she’ll give me the beer then turn her back to me to text on her phone. It’s awkward to have someone standing 3 feet from you with their back turned the entire time you’re there. I once built up the courage to ask, “Have I ever done anything to offend you?” She looked at me confused and said, “No. Why?” I said it’s just a vibe I got. She replied, and I quote, “What do you want me to do - chit chat with you when you’re sad?” I wanted to say I just wanted to be treated like a human, but I said ‘no’ and left it at that. I’ve seen her treat others the same.

Edit: Raised back to a 4 stars because a couple of the new guys they hired and the girl with dreads are really good.

Edit 2: After avoiding the red-headed bartender for 6 months and only going when I knew she wouldn’t be there, (Wednesday and Sunday) I went tonight when a friend invited me. When closing your tab, every other bartender there asks you if you’re a veteran or first responder. She has never asked me once in the dozens of times she’s served me. I normally don’t volunteer it because that feels weird, I just pay full price. But, as she rang me up tonight and handed me the checkout screen without asking me, I asked for the veteran discount. For the first time ever there, I was asked to provide ID proving I’m a veteran. I highly doubt this was some new policy that just came into effect the past couple weeks, but luckily I had my status added to my license. She looked at it and said, “Now I have to ring it up all over again.” I seriously don’t know what...

I am maybe not the best person to review a pub, since I don't drink. Went on a busy Friday night. If you have a big group, they do appear to take reservations - they reserved the biggest indoor area for a large group. You MUST stand in line to order everything at the bar. No waiters or waitresses (though indoor they had someone clearing dirty dishes and wiping tables, which was great.) All food is picked up from an area in the back. They take your phone number to text you when it is ready. If you're sitting outside on the patio, that is a bit of a walk, especially if you order for several people. (they also had seating out front, maybe eight tables, which were full, but I assume they're only available in good weather.) The reserved area by the food had maybe 9 tables. The front has 5 four people tables and five six person tables; the wraparound bar seats a dozen ( the corner of the bar is the main place to order, which kind of blocks the entrance and access to the bathrooms, but they did have up to 3 of the mobile registers in play when the line got longer). You can start a tab, which may be smart. This is because if you're ordering food they have a small kitchen, one stove and a small pizza oven. Only big enough for 4 people to work it. I ordered a pizza on this busy Friday and was told it would be an HOUR wait , which it was. A lady in our group who went to order was told 90 TO 100 MINUTES to get a pizza. The good news is that my pizza was great once I got it. They also had a solo guitarist start singing at 7, which was nice, but may have reduced seating and was kind of on the way from the patio & front seating to the bathrooms. Also from my brother in law the drinks were strong, which appears to be good. So if you have plenty of time to wait or hang out, it was great. If you're in a hurry, maybe...

Updated early 2023. Yes, Fig has changed. As it becomes more popular the service has suffered. They lost a few good bartenders and moved to one bartender during off hours. Off hours that can become busy and create a long queue for brew. Not just bartending, the staff has to bar back, clean, maintain the restrooms and handle customers checking out. That, IMO is a bad decision on managements part. Updated after a year+... Fig is a bar first, not a restaurant. It has a great beer, seltzer and spirits offering from Fig and March First. Mass market beers are not served... It has a small kitchen with a small but growing menu. Order food at the bar, get a text when it's ready and you pick your order at the kitchen window. The kitchen staff works non stop on busy days and double that when sports teams show up...there is no greeter to seat you, take your order and bring you drinks and food..It's a bar. Order drinks at the bar from the queue.. Which can be long because the place is popular with locals and brewery passport tourists. If you jump the queue and try to get a drink at the bar between seated customers, you probably won't be acknowledged. If you come with a large party, like a kids sports team, be patient. Again, small kitchen, kids queue for soda with the adults waiting for an adult beverage. Seating is first come first serve.. it is a popular place so consider picking up after yourself when done - return glasses and pitch trash. The next group will appreciate it and staff can spend time serving drinks, which is the reason you came right? End update. Great beers and spirits. Great crew behind the bar. What else do you need? Expanded food menu and new music...