Vibrissa Beer — Restaurant in Winchester

I can say without hesitation that this was the most unpleasant restaurant experience I have ever had- that includes while living in four of the world’s biggest cities across three continents- and this in my hometown. I was having dinner with the mothers of two childhood friends, one of which friends had passed recently and whose memorial I hadn’t been able to attend because of a last-minute cancelled flight, so it was a bit of an emotional occasion. Everything started off fine but our waitress began her first interaction with us- we were seated at the central fire pit and didn’t have much room to arrange our things- by snapping at one of my dinner companions, “I’m trying to hand it to you,” the “it” in this case being a plate of rubbery mussels, when she was told we just needed a moment to figure out where to put things. This tall-ish, spectacled server returned later with our food, which she again put somewhere well out of reach of where I was sitting so I couldn’t get to it.

I then asked her to hand it to me from the corner of the fire pit where she had gruffly said “I’m just going to put this here” and ordered another beer (which was pretty good) and looking down and thinking she’d left, remarked under my breath that it didn’t seem she knew what she was doing. Probably shouldn’t have but it was true- none of us had any impression of hospitality extended to us- she had unfortunately heard me speak though, and aggressively, almost threateningly shouted at me, “did you say something else? Didn’t think so” and stormed off. It was clear that she then went in and told some other story to the rest of the staff, as we weren’t served for the 45 minutes or so more that we sat there, apart from a nearly comatose server who came by without speaking to us and cleared some glasses. We did catch frequent, poisonous glares from inside during that time.

Finally upon having to go inside to pay the bill despite the tables around us very clearly having had POS terminals brought to their tables, we calmly brought our issues up with a stoner type who seemed to be the manager. We told him what had happened and he could only make excuses for our server - she couldn’t put our food within reach because “maybe her hands were hot,” and citing that they had been working 14 hour shifts. Guys, grow up. I felt treated like an enemy, but in a restaurant your guests are your lifeblood. We aren’t there to be your friends. I can understand the thrill of feeling united in the mission of a restaurant’s success, but some training in guest relations was clearly missing, as well as a solid interview and vetting process.

We all left quite disturbed, and upset that a fairly somber occasion was destroyed by the attention-grabbing tantrums of a malevolent waitstaff. I can say this is not the kind of spot I want taking up space in the former home of our town newspaper. It’s not cool- the interior design would just about make for a forgettable tourist trap in a larger city; the food was similarly forgettable- but it would be a cool spot if it were staffed by people who had the warmth that people in this town tend to have. Will never be going back, and I hope something better comes around to take the spot of this mistake...

Nice new brewpub in Winchester.

What makes this place different from most of the other microbrew locations is they have a full restaurant with excellent food, not a “food truck” or limited snack food as many in Winchester currently have.

The outside seating is very nice, with covered tables and a fire pit to also sit around. Inside seating was packed, but the weather was perfect for outside. The large tables have built in “lazy susan” turntables, so if you order shareable food, can spin around so everyone can reach it easily…nice touch! You can look at the food and beer menu with your phone online, however there was also staff who came by and helped order as well as delivered the food.

Ordered a taster selection of IPA style beers, nice variety of tastes and styles. Same with the food, ordered a variety and was well pleased with the selection as well as the quality. The pizza was outstanding…cooked perfect and very flavorful.

Only a couple downsides 1st, the beer samplers are glass…and come on slick plastic plate….any ideas about how this slips and slides around? Waiter almost lost both our samplers…really not well thought out. 2nd, the interior is incredibly loud due to the modern “sparse” style of furnishings; lots of hard wood, solid floors, ceilings, tables, with little if anything soft to break up the bouncing sound waves. If you are in your 20’s to 30’s it will probably be fine. However anyone in their 40’s on up will hate the overwhelming cacophony of noise. Too bad, because when we walked through the inside, it looked nice, however we could not stand the racket. If they added some good sound treatment panels around, it could not only enhance the look, but would definitely help with the issue.

Would I go there again - Yes…just as long as we can sit outside, which unfortunately then limits the visits to fall/spring when it is good weather outside….what a shame. And have to keep in mind the samplers might wind up in your lap.

Would I recommend - yes…with the above warnings about the noise and slippery drinks!

Update - just had a great response from the owners to my review. They know about the sound issue and are working to get it acoustically set so the problem should be fixed down the road. Good to know they read and take feedback to heart…excellent!! Looking forward...

I visited after passing this place a few times and wanted to try it out since it wasn’t too crowded yesterday. Gorgeous atmosphere. Friendly staff. We ordered drinks and food. The drinks came out quickly and they were good but I noticed the waiter kept forgetting my order. I ordered an appetizer which was never put it in. I watch our entrees sit under the lamps for about 40 minutes before I asked the waiter about the appetizer we ordered even before the entrees. We watched couples finish eating their order before any food was brought to us. After I asked, the waiter brought out the entrees that were sitting under the lamps. The meat looked like it had been sitting for quite a while (which it was) and it was also cold. We just felt forgotten about and maybe that we weren’t wanted there, honestly. I hate to think it had something to do with our appearance (sweats, locs) but sometimes it feels that way when everyone gets taken care of but us. Not to say this wasnt by chance or an isolated incident. There is no way I could know that for sure.

The waiter was kind but had a large party as well. After I told her about the cold food she took it away and comped the items. She even asked if we wanted to keep the food and still offered to comp which was nice. I declined though. We finished our drinks and had dinner at another restaurant near by.

Again, kind staff but I really just wanted food. I dont think I will come back or recommend but I also wouldnt advise against coming for some...