80 Proof American Kitchen & Bar — Restaurant in New Haven

We celebrated my sister's birthday here on her actual bday, 6/20. Party of 12. Everything was great; mood, service, drinks, atmosphere. We enjoyed taking pictures outside before dinner and inside while waiting. Laughed sharing memories and catching up. It all went downhill once the food arrived. I have never sent a meal back, but personally I could not tolerate the taste of the Cajun shrimp pasta. 3/4 who ordered same dish agreed. It happens, no biggie. I settled on the fish tacos. However, I immediately lost my appetite when my nephew, seated across from me pointed out bugs on his garlic parmesan wings. He had just finished his ceaser salad topped with blackened mahi fish (he loved it). His wings were last to reach our table. We wondered why he didn't eat the wings. When urged to explain why he declined to get a togo container. He responded "you don't see all these bugs on them? I'm good." The server apologized, quickly removing plate from table. So sorry, no picture. Our waiter apologized, offered reason as kitchen door was open. Idk about that; the bug I saw (black, size of adult ant) appeared cooked with wing. He said the others were moving. Our waiter previously mentioned the owner was the chef. A celebration occasion, you would think the owner/chef come out and offer my sister an apology, complimentary of sort; something. Nope. A candle lit slice of cake (my sis ordered & paid for) was served to her in the mix of her checking her own GP wings and assuring her son was ok. Her facial expression said it all. Happy time had expired. The bug infested wings were removed from the bill. Check was paid. The end. As for me, I will not return. Unfortunately, I would not recommend this...

The food was good; nothing extraordinary to write home about, but no complaints. I wouldn't go out of my way to eat there again, but I would absolutely go if I'm staying at the hotel again.

The service was there if I flagged someone down for it. No one was overtly mean or rude, but it gave more of a "self service" vibe (even though it's definitely not a self service restaurant).

The atmosphere is fine -- kind of a student library/work space meets cafeteria feeling. Nothing special but it was clean and functional.

The only small issue I'd call out is the bewildering experience I had with the person working at the front. The "entrance" (there's no formal door or demarcation) to the restaurant is right at the door of the hotel, and the check-in desk of the hotel is farther in the back on the left. I approached the person who was taking reservations/taking people to their tables at the restaurant intending to ask where the hotel check-in is, and ended up spotting it myself when I got up to the booth. So I just smiled at her, Said "oh! Never mind, I got it!" and turned away towards the hotel check-in. She stopped me and was like, "you're food delivery, right? You need to stay by the door in the lobby." I'm completely confused -- I have no food with me, no packages, just a sleek black travel bag that I use for overnight recruiting trips (I came to NH for a recruiting event). I'm not sure how this person arrived at a conclusion of "food delivery." I told her I was staying at the hotel and just arrived to check in. She just looked at me like I was lying and said "Oh." I just left and got myself checked in, but it was a very...

It’s my first time here and I sadly encountered a VERY DISTURBING AND DISGUSTING SITUATION. I went into the bathroom and a short chunky lady was using the bathroom honestly can’t tell she was going #2, and she completely walked out without washing her hands and right into the kitchen. Me being furious and getting ready to walk out my server Short hair Tattooed sweet funny girl Jo something asked of everything was okay. After her insisting I finally told her about the situation because I honestly didn’t want that women to be touching my food or anyone’s food. Gladly Jo took control of the situation spoke to management Mateo and both of them convinced me and my table to stay. They both are the sweeties employees and we could tell that they will go out and about just to make the customers feel comfortable and at home. Besides that incident food was beyond delicious, drinks were amazing, service was fast very friendly and professional. Jo really knows her drinks and food, gave us plenty of recommendations of foods that would be paired with drinks. She really just made a bad situation worth the try. Thank you so much Jo and Mateo for convincing us to stay. Really...