The Clubhouse Westport — Restaurant in Westport

Desperately needed restaurant and bar in the dead zone between between the Turkey Hills and Southport - and it’s a great addition.

Location:

Taking the spaces of the former Innovation Luggage and a restaurant that used to be on the end (whose name is as forgettable as the food was) across from the old New Englander (aka as The Westport Inn) soon to be a Delamar.

Interior:

The interior is very smartly and well done, the only notes I would have are:

1. the lighting is very sharp - even when they dimmed the lights it’s still very white and cold. They seem to be LED lights so hopefully there’s a golden option which would really warm the place up - as it’s a way too cold in feeling - even at night, and prevents a true clubby feeling.

2. Also, if I were them, I would cover the lower parts of the window façade with some kind of vinyl scenic or frost to eliminate the view of the parking lot and passing cars. That view, in my opinion, ruins the contemporary clubby feeling the beautifully designed interior is trying to achieve. I would keep the upper windows as is for daytime sun.

Service is exceptional:

Welcomed by the young lady at the front desk, went around to the bar and was immediately welcomed by bartender named Chantal with a big smile and a glass of water. Chantal makes an excellent drink and has great suggestions on the menu. She really is full of joy, and is one of the most welcoming aspects of the entire place - infusing the experience with professionalism and personality.

Food:

The menu was great, I was surprised as Google said it only had bar bites, but it is a full menu - a menu full of variety with really interesting and classic choices. All the food we saw looked great and the appetizer of shishito peppers we had was perfectly done - I know it seems like a no-brainer, but if you’ve ever had them prepared improperly, you know there is a way to do them right.

We had dinner reservations elsewhere, or would have stayed for dinner - and thought about staying but the white lighting really kills any warmth and the comfort that warm feeling provides - so we opted to keep reservations at The Bridge - whose staff could learn a lot from the welcoming staff at The Clubhouse.

Activities:

They were very busy but all the activities were reserved, when the Delmar opens, they may find themselves needing to expand, because with the business travelers that will frequent the Delamar The Clubhouse will be inundated.

They have two very lounge type karaoke rooms-which seemed great. Many booths of virtual games of golf, etc., and darts.

They also have a rooftop lounge which is not ready to be opened yet. Hopefully, that’s going to be an Adult Only area, because the kids on the main floor, not unexpectedly, who were there for activities were very loud. Of course, the parents feel, wrongly, since they are in an activity style place that they don’t need to keep them quiet, or keep an eye on them.

That’s why I do hope the upstairs has a bar, offers food and is a kid free zone.

Overall:

This place is a Winner, again the dining room and dining area at night should feel warmer, which would encourage a lot more dinner tickets, I’m sure - and keeping the kids under control - or keeping them relegated to an area would also encourage people to dine there for a nice well-made dinner. It would also justify the prices of the entrées which are standard for the area but high for the current colder and noisy atmosphere.

The Clubhouse is desperately needed and an excellent addition. Great service and menu - which is lacking in Westport. I’m sure they will streamline things as they progress and it can only get better from such a great start. Already have...

This is a unique and fun space unlike anything else locally, and the staff really elevates the experience to another level! Candidly, I am not a golfer, so that holds little appeal to me. However, the atmosphere is far more than the simulators, which are admittedly cool. For one, the owner, Tim, is very hospitable and attentive without being overbearing. We had originally wanted to sit at the bar, but there was no space, so they graciously gave two of us a sit-down table for four. Even though we just stopped in for drinks and to watch the USA vs CAN hockey game, there was never any pressure to spend more money or move for other guests. As a matter of fact, Tim regularly came over to check if we needed anything and chat with us. Chef Katie even brought us a complimentary basket of her delicious homemade potato chips as a kind, welcoming gesture. Behind the bar, Tori handles business with a friendly face and great conversation. This is not a sports bar per se, but they kept their lights on well past their usual closing time as the game went into overtime. Not once did anyone hurry us along or bring an unsolicited check. Great vibes in my experience, looking forward to going back to check out the rooftop lounge in the...

First time at this restaurant. Wife abruptly made reservation close to home for quick dinner with children. Food was good but the waitress who poured water for us had an attitude. Spilled water around the table, and onto chair as she was pouring and did not even say sorry. My daughter was also doing homework on a laptop as we were waiting for food. I was concerned that the water might damage the laptop. Came back with cloth and wiped the spill but did in a perfunctory manner. Again, no apologies. I felt personally uncomfortable and insulted, especially with our children around the table. I was concerned that our children might perceive this bad service / mis-treatment as acceptable. Thought about talking to a manager but did not want to make a scene. Tried to enjoy our time together and food at the time. As customer / consumer, I feel duty-bound to share with others, so that hopefully others are not treated this way and hopefully the management becomes aware and train their employees more properly. Don't think I...