Tate's — Restaurant in Middletown

Finally, an outfit worthy of the location! I had dinner first on the patio this evening (10 June 2024), with its spectacular views of the Connecticut river. It was beautiful but blustery, so I then moved inside to the bar for dessert and coffee, with big picture windows open to the river but not so exposed. Unlike too many previous efforts, the new managers (linked to our beloved beer garden, Eli Cannon's on the north side of Main Street) are clearly committed to good food and drink. They don't make the mistake of promising too much (and doing it all poorly, as in too many places) but there's a lot of variety and, above all, attention to freshness, quality, and taste. I was happy to see that even on a Monday evening not so long after their launch there was a good (but not oppressive) turn-out inside and on the patio. On the menu you'll find New England staples (hot and cold lobster rolls, clams and oysters on the half-shell, shrimp cocktails, e.g.), regional dishes (crab cakes), and international touches (thai chili, kimchi seasonings on this or that dish, for instance). Besides fish and shellfish, they offer several interesting meat, pasta, and vegetarian dishes, salads, and sandwiches as well as entrees. This evening, too, three well-chosen, inventive desserts made on the premises. The cocktail list, again, is inventive and varied, with the emphasis again on quality. Even the cappuccino was excellent. I had the hot lobster roll with a side of nicely-dressed greens: fresh, buttery, on a rich brioche bun. For dessert, the watermelon cake: cake flavored with watermelon puree, the green "rind" made of a not-too-sweet sour cream frosting, and the seeds evoked by chocolate chips. Visually clever and good, not cloyingly sweet, or overwhelming. There's indoor dining, bar seating, and the patio itself on the river. Thankfully, they know this meander of the river is prone to flooding and have done their homework: that means the chairs and tables are functional; the other finishes (including the bar, large windows, trim, wood flooring for the patio) are very attractive. Too many such places seem to think in the midst of so much beauty we need the distraction of strident piped-in music. I prefer just the din of voices and utensils scraping plates, especially on the patio, but even the music they kept firmly in the background. The staff was attentive, solicitous, well-informed, and friendly. Another plus: they're open 7 days a week, at least now in the summer season and it's possible to eat on a Monday evening up to 9pm. The pandemic curtailed opening days and hours at too many restaurants in central Connecticut and those of us who like to go out any day of the week and to eat on the later side can only be heartened by signs of recovery. This is definitely one to be celebrated. Because this location is challenging I am relieved we have managers committed to quality and cognizant of seasonal floods. That's why I especially loved their choice of an emblem: a stylized frog, perfectly poised to handle the meeting of land and our temperamental, if poetic, tidal river. I wish them...

A Culinary Adventure at Tate’s Restaurant Nestled along the Connecticut River, Tate’s Restaurant is a hidden gem that delivers bold flavors and creative dishes. From the first bite to the last, each selection showcases a balance of textures and tastes that make for an unforgettable dining experience. The Thai Chili Fried Cauliflower was a perfect harmony of heat and crunch, this dish transforms humble cauliflower into a fiery, crispy delight. The Thai chili glaze adds just the right amount of spice, making it an addictive appetizer. We also enjoyed the Sweet & Spicy Plantains, a tropical twist that hits all the right notes. The caramelized sweetness of the plantains pairs beautifully with the subtle heat, creating a dish that is both comforting and exciting. My boyfiend had the Garlic Butter Lobster Roll Platter, a true indulgence. The lobster is generously portioned, bathed in rich garlic butter, and served in a perfectly toasted roll. Accompanied by crisp fries, this platter is a seafood lover’s dream. He also tried the Fried Fish & Scallops Platter, crispy, golden perfection. The fish and scallops are expertly fried, maintaining their delicate texture while delivering a satisfying crunch. Served with classic sides, this dish is a testament to Tate’s knowledge of seafood. Last but certainly not least, the Sweet & Spicy Plumaki Bowl, a true showstopper! The pan-seared Faroe Island salmon is beautifully cooked, complemented by the vibrant flavors of grilled pineapple, peach salsa, and pickled vegetables. The coconut rice ties everything together, while the sweet and spicy plum sauce and bang bang drizzle elevate the dish to a whole new level.

Tate’s Restaurant is more than just a meal, it’s an experience and the live entertainment was a welcoming extra. Whether you’re indulging in seafood classics or exploring bold new flavors, dishes are crafted with care and creativity. With its riverside ambiance and exceptional menu, Tate’s is a must-visit for food lovers in Connecticut. If you visit, ask for Olivia for...

Really wanted to enjoy my first visit to Tate’s but the food and service didn’t make it happen. I will say the remodel of the building and the space was excellent - hope it’s as waterproof and flood ready as claimed.

Arrived on a Saturday just about an hour after they opened for the day, outside seating already full but plenty of room in the dining room - no problem.

Took about 10 minutes to get drink orders done, and then our waitress disappeared. Got drinks around 20 minutes after seating, and ordered appetizers. What came after that was the most excruciating 55 minute wait for appetizers. We ordered the Tuna Nachos, Kimchi fries, grilled oysters, and sliders, nothing I’d consider “kitchen demanding” especially for a restaurant that was maybe 40% full.

After sitting for an hour (and before any food showed up) our waitress reappeared and asked if we knew what we wanted for lunch (but also didn’t notice or seem to have the intuition to find out we still hadn’t gotten any food..?). Given that we were still waiting for the original food we ordered, we decided that probably wasn’t a great idea and skipped.

Eventually the apps came, Grilled Oysters were the tastiest, but you pay $20 for literally the 6 smallest oysters you can get in New England scattered amongst random pieces of iceberg lettuce. Tuna Nachos and sliders were good but the Kimchi Fries just weren’t appealing (also where was the Kimchi?). The common theme with all of the food is the presentation - all of the plating is underwhelming and generally looks nothing like what they post on social media (with maybe the exception of the Tuna Nachos?), so when your Kimchi fries arrive and you’re like ‘wow this looks nothing like the Kimchi Fries Instagram post that enticed me to come here in the first place’, you end up even more disappointed after taking a few bites

Hopefully they can work past some of these issues, but it’s frustrating that for their 3rd restaurant it feels like some of the ‘restaurant 101’ basics just...