Painters' Restaurant — Restaurant in Town of Brookhaven

We had a terrible experience at Painters on Sunday, June 12th. We had a private party for our kids 1st communion for about 40 people. In short - my catering order was wrong, the food overcooked, and to top it all off, the red velvet cake that I ordered through their pastry chef was RANCID - well the icing was anyway.

I should have been suspicious when I didn’t have to sign a contract.. I’ve planned many private events and have always signed a contract, but had friends who had events at Painters and had good experiences, so I took their word for it. Zach - the catering manager is nice on the phone, but not prompt in calling you back. I wish this was my only complaint. The first problem is Zach told me I could drop off additional decorations (just some balloons and a banner - nothing complicated) and well as some other desserts that I could have put out day of that Saturday night (As late as possible) for my event on Sunday at noon. He said the staff would take care of the decorations that morning because we were at the church. When we arrived a little before 12, nothing had been done. Like I said, there wasn’t much so we did it ourselves. Zach still hasn’t come down to introduce himself. This is unusual since he has been my point of contact for weeks , and at any other event I’ve planned the catering manager usually avails themselves to the private party - at least as an intro.

I won’t bore you with the details of the food being wrong - it was wrong, but I wan’t going to get into a pissing match with Zach since it was my word against his - again - didn’t sign a contract so there is no proof.

When dessert came out - the red velvet cake looked beautiful. The problem with the cake was that it tasted like the chef mixed up cream cheese with feta or gorgonzola cheese? It had a distinct sour foot flavor. No one could eat it and Rich our server tried it and gagged. He took it back without delay and stopped people from tasting it. I have no idea what happened but if I didn’t know better I would think someone purposely sabotaged the pastry check. It was really bad. Also, Zach never communicated to Rich about the other desserts so that stuff came out late after I asked about them.

So they took the cake off the bill ($100). Personally I think they should have knocked more off but at that point I was out of energy to fight. It’s Thursday now, and no one from Painter’s has tried to reach out to apologize about the cake - which I find terrible. We spent $3000 dollars for a 3 hour party. A call would have been nice.

Bottom line - don’t book a party here. If you already have - insist on getting every detail in writing and don’t be afraid to micromanage because because apparently Zach won’t relay anything to his staff unless specifically requested.

As an aside, Painters Restaurant and bar basically has good reviews. Do notice though that any bad review they have usually involves a...

My sister threw me my baby shower here, and I will say the shower was very nice. Although, most of it was because of all the work my sister did. If it weren’t for Zach, Painter’s events contact, I would give the place a 4 or a 5. Unfortunately, Zach is one of the most unprofessional people I have ever dealt with in the catering business. Unfortunately not all guests my sister anticipated on attending could attend. She was going to be short on the 30 guest minimum Painter’s has for their events. My sister had asked if it was possible for us to take the leftover food home after the event since she was paying for guests that weren’t able to attend, she was told that she could not. Without her knowing I wanted to double-check with Painter’s, as I feel terrible her money is going to waste. I tried calling Zach 3x and he never answered. I ended up emailing him asking what the minimum guest count for a brunch event was and if the headcount is not met if any food can be brought home. A day later Zach eventually answered that catered food is not allowed to be brought home. I replied asking him what the reason why was; I wasn’t going to ask for an exception if there was a solid reason behind his response. We went back and forth several times, as it was like pulling teeth to get a straight answer out of Zach. He had ended up saying because it’s their policy they developed over many years of experience. Still not answering my question, clearly it’s their policy but I’m wondering why it was their policy. I then responded how my sister was throwing my baby shower there the following day and how I feel terrible that her money is going to waste and if there is any way they could make an exception to their policy. I was expecting either a yes or a no reply. Instead, Zach comes back saying something to the effect of “let me get this straight….you made up a fake event to see if there was a conspiracy against your sister taking home food?” … Excuse me?? First of all, I did not make up a fake event, I asked specific, clear questions on their policies – and by no means was I checking for any conspiracies. What event manager talks to the guest of honor of a baby showering that will be at their restaurant will be hosting the following day. Zach then replied something that he will “deal” with my sister… He then calls my sister and tells her that someone is anonymously emailing him. Who is being anonymous?? I didn’t sign my name but I told him exactly who I was. Clearly, I was trying to be discreet and not let my sister know I was contacting Painters, was Zach trying to stir up trouble between my sister and me???? He then replied that if I have any other issues that I can take them up with my sister. There are so many other ways he could’ve handled my question – he is clearly in the wrong business. As long as he is still the event contact, I would recommend elsewhere for a...

What an absolutely delightful experience. We were invited to a Christmas Party and was not sure what to expect. The food for the party was served buffet style and abundant. I hate to nit pick but I was underwhelmed by the chicken (then again who is ever blown away by a chicken dish in most occasion) but was pleasantly surprised by their flank steak. A good steal buffet style is very hard to achieve and they did a wondrous job! It was tasty as well as tender! The mashed potatoes...ummm yum-o! Sp needless to say mixed reviews on the food...but for a buffet it was top rated!. The staff is incredibly nice and patient to a default. The waitstaff and bartenders deserve a raise if you ask me. It was truly a well oiled machine. The staff is pleasant...personable... and genuinely seem to care! We were asked more than once who was driving home and questions of our general welfare. I would highly recommend Painters for your special occasions as well as for a date night with your significant other...or a fun night out with friends. The band and DJ were remarkable and for a 47 year old I was able to enjoy the majority of it all. A place for all ages to eat drink and be merry with like minded souls. I am thankful to have found this hidden treasure and loom forward to sharing the secret with as many friends and loved ones as I can. Thank You Painters and to all the staff for a truly memorable evening. I don't go out often but when I do I wish all the occasions could be reminisce...