Cheese Shoppe — Restaurant in Town of Southampton

Europe comes to Main Street! Whenever I walk in the front door, I feel like I have stepped off into a Parisian shop. Small bistro tables both out front and just inside the door add to this thought. As you progress through the crowd toward the rear, you will walk between a wall of crackers, chips, biscuits, candy, popcorn, jams, spreads on one side while browsing by the finest selection of cheeses on the other. Whether you prefer goat or cow milk-based cheeses, they have a substantial variety to make your selections. They also have a salad counter to order a salad for lunch or dinner. There is a case with German sausages, prepared meats, and unique items. In the rear of the store is a large chalkboard listing the extensive selection of sandwiches, wraps and panini's to choose. I am a "New Yorker" so I enjoy my pastrami on toasted rye with swiss cheese and coleslaw. They serve Hale and Hearty Soups daily as well as baked goods and coffees. They have several beverage cases to choose from soda to juices to ready to drink teas. A visit here and then either retreat to the rear grounds and take a seat by the beautiful fountain tucked inside the garden or stroll down to Agawam Lake and enjoy the moment, enjoy the day! Now you can't get more European than that except maybe...

I’ve been to The Cheese Shop in Southampton many many times—different times of day, different seasons—and unfortunately, the experience is consistently disheartening.

The food quality is hit or miss. Sometimes it’s great, other times it’s thrown together or missing ingredients. For the price, it’s just not consistent enough to rely on.

What’s really upsetting, though, is how the staff is treated. It’s very obvious they’re trying their best under a lot of pressure, but the owner is constantly snapping at them, speaking in a nasty tone, and creating an uncomfortable atmosphere—both for employees and customers. They used to have one employee who basically ran the place, and since that person left, things have only gone downhill. The owner seems more stressed and more aggressive toward staff with each visit.

Wait times are also a big issue. Orders take far longer than promised, and there’s zero communication. People just stand around waiting with no idea when their food will be ready in a small cramped environment.

I wanted to like this place. But the toxic environment and lack of basic customer service make it hard to justify coming back. The employees deserve much better—and so do...

This place has potential, but it’s completely overshadowed by its attitude. Yes, the prices are high — fair enough, given the area, but the service is appalling. Staff are consistently rude, and management (the mother-daughter owners) set the tone. Instead of offering hospitality, they respond to customer concerns with condescension or hostility… just look at how they reply to online reviews?? Ask for a basic accommodation and it turns into a full-blown interrogation.

The environment feels tense and unfriendly, both for customers and employees. I’ve seen how staff are treated, and it’s uncomfortable to watch. Food quality is inconsistent, and they clearly can’t handle peak-season crowds — especially in summer, when wait times skyrocket and efficiency drops.

If you’re looking for excellent service, consistent food, and a welcoming atmosphere, I strongly recommend St. Ambrose, Argento’s, Sean’s Place, or even Citarella, the supermarket, all offer a better experience without the attitude.

Hopefully, there’s a shift in customer service and overall attitude in the future because right now, this shop is coasting on location and reputation,...