parker. Eatery & Bar — Restaurant in Shelton

Wow!!!! What a shock. I was a regular at Parker’s’ original and new location since they opened. I moved out of state a year ago an came home for a visit so I had to go for dinner. The manager was working the bar with what seemed to be a new bartender and he was so incredibly rude. I ordered the prime rib but he forgot to ask me how I wanted it cooked - no big deal - and he came back to ask. I said - oh.. I forgot to ask, can I get fries instead of mashed - his reply - “I asked you how you wanted the steak cooked!!!” I was floored at his rude tone but I ignored it. I said I just want to make sure - I ordered the prime rib which he rudely replied “prime rib is steak!!!! - again, how do you want it cooked” I said medium but it came raw. I then asked to try a glass of one of their wines to which the same manager said I don’t have an open bottle so I can’t let you try it. Nice!! I’ve never been to a bar or restaurant where they won’t open a bottle to let you try it (and it’s sold by the glass). He and the bar tender completely ignored the people sitting at the bar, never asking anyone (I watched to make sure it wasn’t just me) how things were, if they needed anything else etc. SO SO SO disappointing - I will...

Incredibly disappointing experience.

The food was mediocre at best. The garlic bread sticks were cold and the garlic butter surprisingly underwhelming. The wine was embarrassingly and obviously cheap. It was gross.

The environment was clean and decorated beautifully but full of a few younger staff members who just didn’t quite have the professionalism down. No one greets you, no one even acknowledges you. It’s weird. Maybe that’s just generational.

The saving grace was our incredible waitress. She was personable and professional, so I’m thankful we got her. We tipped her well, she deserves better than this place.

The prices are outrageous for the poor quality of food and wine they provide. They should be ashamed.

The place was empty for a weekend evening. I feel like that’s telling.

This place needs a hard menu revamp and a staff cleanse. I assume the bar is what’s keeping...

We have been to Parker for years and the food and service has been great till this evening. I ordered a glass of Pinot noir and it was borderline as far as longevity. When I questioned the bartender on it he said “it’s the Parker Pinot and we sell many bottles, this was opened 2hrs ago!” I actually ordered a bottle of the Parker Pinot to compare at the bar and the new bottle was good! When I told him about the discrepancy he said maybe the other bottle was corked and that he said he offered me a “different” glass of wine. I said if it wasn’t for Covid you could taste what I’m talking about and he replied “I don’t know anything about wine”…..the discussion deteriorated from there and as he left me he made a comment about me being a sommelier which was completely inappropriate. I hope to return but I feel there are too many good restaurants in the New Haven area to support...