Favorites Bistro Bar — Restaurant in New London

Favorites Bistro Bar is a new addition to Bank Street, and being a local of NL for 14 years, it’s always exciting to see businesses pop up in buildings that were previously empty. I dined in for the first time on the patio this evening with a friend. I can say that the two dishes we did receive and eat were delicious, the fried crab roll and mussels.

The issue is that we were there for over an hour and were never served our cocktails or had our waters refilled and were only told after the hour that there was no beef for the main course ordered, the fritay.

We decided to have the missing items voided. The server did maintain politeness and even offered to not receive a tip, which is something I would never do to a service industry worker regardless of the general failures of the dining experience. The owner also personally apologized, which is always good practice and was appreciated.

It’s a bit of a mystery to me, as it seemed the tables inside received their drinks and meals in a much more timely manner, and we were not the only table on the patio that was questioning missing drinks and delayed food. I know the place is called Favorites, but playing favorites with what patrons/sections of the restaurant are adequately attended to is a disappointment.

That being said, from local knowledge, the restaurant just lost a very capable executive chef. The transition period might be rocky, but my hope is that Favorites will fall into better stride with better communication between the bar, kitchen, and servers throughout the entire establishment.

I must reiterate that we loved what we ate, but we didn’t get to enjoy all that this place could offer. Rooting for you Favorites - but next time definitely hoping for a...

Let me preface that the food was good and we appreciated the owner coming table to table to ask for feedback. I am a waitress myself and always give restaurants the benefit of the doubt because I understand some days you’re understaffed, overwhelmed, or triple sat, etc. Nonetheless, this may have been the worst service I’ve ever experienced. The staff was outwardly arguing with each other, the bartender barked at her coworkers when they tried to take over the table that she did not have the time to serve, and yet she refused the help. We felt like we were front row seat of a reality show and constantly looking for cameras to see if we were being pranked. I think the restaurant ultimately has a lot of shortcomings in staffing. Why wasn’t there a hostess stationed solely at the front station? (Witnessed so many parties of 2 wait up there and just eventually leave). Why was the busser constantly asking us if she can take a single plate?? (Just take the dang dirty plate and come back for the rest). Why did the foodrunner not know what salad dressing went with the undressed salad that was delivered to our table?? (He brought us ranch for a kale pecan salad). They ran out of forks…6 people shared 3 forks. Somebody at our table literally started eating with her hands. I think the thing that really bothered me is that the bartender insisted on taking our table because she knew she could give us shitty service, and then just slap on auto-gratuity for a “large party.” The only reason the person paying realized gratuity was already added, was because I knew some servers are shady and don’t tell you when dropping off the check that the tip has already been...

I have to say this is one of the few places I've been to that’s afforded a review.

My wife, I and 3 of her co-workers visited this restaurant last week, and I have to say the experience was amazing! When we walked in, immediately, the vibe was settling, cozy, relaxing, and comfortable. It was packed, but we ended up closing the restaurant that night due to the ambiance.

Being that they're a new addition to Bank Street and the foodies that surround the area, it was understandable that service was a little slow that day (I also commend them on participating in Restaurant Week, which I'm certain brought in more customers than expected. That’s what brought us in) ; but to only have been in business for 2 weeks, I can see that it'll only get better and probably be one of the most popular restaurants on Bank Street! I work in the customer service and catering business and know potential when I see it. Once the staff learns the pace of the restaurant, familiarity, and the logistics flow, they'll be phenomenal!

The food from the appetizers all the way to the dessert was superb! I know Caribbean Food, and this was a great representation of serving my heritage with a delicate touch. Drinks are great too!

I read the other review and honestly don't know if that person went to the same restaurant we did, or just had bad luck with their visit, but I wholeheartedly recommend this place at least once, you...