Beginnings — Restaurant in Town of Hempstead

Went for the Harry Potter themed dinner, more on that in a minute. We have a lot to say, nothing great.

I had called a month ago inquiring about pricing for the themed dinner, and if there would be any accommodation for those with allergies. My wife has a seafood allergy, and they said one meal would easily be adjusted to accommodate. We make the reservation on June 9th. The day comes a month later, we were seated and then asked about any allergies before being served the items on the menu. We mention the seafood allergy, and our waitress said that "I was told strictly no substitutions, and no exceptions can be made". I then said well I called a month ago to verify that and she said they cannot make an exception. She then told my wife "we will just have to skip your entree for that portion of the dinner" and just awkwardly walked away. We were dumbfounded that they couldn't make any accommodations. We almost left, but a lot went into coming out that night (more on that later) so we decided to have an open mind and stay.

The food was outstanding, but what made us annoyed was that they couldn't accommodate any allergies whatsoever. I'd be less annoyed if they even allowed us to get an extra portion of something else on the pre-fixe menu or even order from their regular menu (I would've paid for it). We were offered nothing. Meanwhile, mid-dinner, we noticed the table next to us also parttaking in the Harry Potter event and they had a ton of items not on the pre-fixe menu: extra drinks, meatballs, pasta, etc.

Now about this themed dinner: torn out pages from the books hanging from the ceiling, wait staff in harry potter glasses and house ties, and three harry potter movies playing at different times (one stopped working and they just left it alone). No movie soundtrack music being played, just regular generic restaurant/retail store garbage. Pretty pathetic to be honest and sickening to harry potter fans to be honest. We have a 10 month old son, so we had to coordinate our work schedules and get a baby sitter. We're new, hard-working parents who dont have a lot of money and certainly dont get to have a night to ourselves. This was a special moment for us and we felt like we were ripped off and lied to. Oh, and that 20% gratuity that was automatically added? That was NEVER told to me during the reservation placing, on the website, or at all before we starting eating so that was a lovely expensive surprise. I certainly hope that didn't go to our server, because after our conversation about the allergies, she NEVER returned to our table except to serve the first drink. We had other servers taking care of us. She never even gave her name, but she had a butterfly neck tattoo for sure (nothing wrong with that, we both have tattoos all over).

I called the restaurant the next day to talk to someone about this, they said no one was available to take my concern. I then left a message on their elwebsite that day, no response yet. We want to return, but we hope this gets seen first so we can feel comfortable returning otherwise we're staying far away. $170 wasted, as a good meal turns sour and awful once you're...

Beginnings Gastropub, nestled in the heart of Atlantic Beach, NY, is a literary lover's gastronomic dream. An enchanting blend of unique culinary delights, warm hospitality, and delightful entertainment, Beginnings is a venue that has turned dining into an experience. The charm of this gastropub lies not just in its food and beverages but in its character, a testament to its apt name.

Upon entering, you're welcomed into a charming space lined with shelves full of books - a sight that warms any bibliophile's heart. It's as if you've been transported into a delectable blend of a cosy bookstore and an inviting pub. This literary-themed decor extends an atmosphere of comfort, intrigue, and nostalgia, making every visit uniquely memorable.

The menu at Beginnings is just as impressive as the atmosphere. The selection is diverse and innovative, offering dishes that pique your interest and satisfy your cravings in equal measure. Whether you're a seasoned food connoisseur or someone looking for comforting classics with a twist, Beginnings will not disappoint.

What truly sets Beginnings apart is the array of themed nights and games they host, fostering a sense of community and engagement that is hard to find. These events provide an enjoyable and immersive experience for patrons of all ages. The energy in the room during these nights is infectious, making it the perfect spot for a family outing, a catch-up with friends, or even a romantic date night.

The service at Beginnings matches the exceptional standard set by their ambiance and culinary offerings. The staff is warm, attentive, and committed to ensuring every visitor has an enjoyable experience. They navigate the balance of being readily available when you need them, yet unintrusive when you're immersed in a good book or deep conversation.

As a dessert lover, I must mention their standout dessert drinks. They are the sweetest way to round off a perfect meal, each one expertly crafted, visually stunning, and irresistibly delicious. They're not merely drinks; they're indulgent, liquid desserts that are worth every calorie.

Beginnings Gastropub is more than just a restaurant; it's a gastronomic adventure steeped in charm and character. It is the embodiment of what a gastropub should be - a place of comfort, community, and culinary innovation. If you're in Atlantic Beach, NY, I wholeheartedly recommend a visit to Beginnings. It's an experience that satisfies the palate, warms the heart, and feeds the soul. Undoubtedly, it's a five-star experience that deserves every one of...

What an amazing Christening for our daughter. During these unprecedented times we wondered if we would be able to Baptize our daughter. We also worried if we would even be able to celebrate with our family. This is where Beginnings & Ben came in and made everything perfect. It was safe for all of our guests that may have had any health concerns. My husband has been in the catering / restaurant business for over 25 years and to see him blown away by service & food is a sight to see. From the appetizers to the entrees everything was delicious. The portions were more than enough for all of our guests. We also did have some children ranging from infant to 14 years old. It wasn’t just about accommodating the adults, the children were also just as important even catering to allergies which they take very seriously (They never use peanut oil). We had open seating and one family filled in another table more than we expected and within a blink of an eye the staff had another table and 4 chairs all set up. The setup of the party was also very easy. I was able to go in early and bring all of the items. Michelle & Cassidy were unbelievably helpful and conscious to every one of our needs. They set up our balloon arch perfectly along with other decorations. Never an empty glass or plate! Have a vegetarian?? No worries Ben had the kitchen whip up a bacon free Carbonara pasta. The place was decorated beautifully with fresh flowers and is a very cute themed establishment even before decorations. I could go on more and more but I would 100% recommend Beginnings and I will be hosting many more parties there over the years. There was one more personal touch to note - Ben designs a menu to go along with your invitation. I wouldn’t change a thing on food choices, there was something for everyone!

Chapter 1: Whipped ricotta cheese / w toast, eggplant meatballs, boom boom shrimp, pastry wrapped franks, burger sliders.

Chapter 2: Caesar salad & wedge salad.

Chapter 3: Southern fried yard bird, pan roasted salmon, pasta carbonara, roasted potatoes & brussel sprouts.

Our guests even got to leave with leftovers! Thank you Ben &...