East Street Eatery - Wolcott — Restaurant in Wolcott

I just had the WORSE experience of my life as far as dealing with a business/business owner goes.

I booked my daughter's graduation party at ESE a couple of months in advance. I had been a guest on multiple occasions for events and enjoyed the food and scenery, so I chose to book her party at East Street Eatery. I spoke with the owner (in person) about a week prior to her party (to confirm everything, so there would be no surprises). I was told I could not decorate the evening before (which I was told I could do when I initially booked and paid my $250 deposit), but I could come at 7:30am to decorate for her 11am graduation brunch.

I arrived at 7:25 this morning and no one was in the building. The business next door phoned the owner and his father arrived 45 minutes later to let us in. I waited outside until 8:15, (when I needed to leave the venue by 8:30 in order to get myself and my two daughters ready for the event).

When we walked in... The room was set up entirely WRONG!! The tables were the wrong size and shape, the tablecloths were wrinkled (I had to have my husband bring my iron and ironing board so I could iron them), the napkins were the wrong color, the coffee cups had coffee all along side of them, there were cobwebs in EVERY corner (which I knew in advance because I saw them on my visit, and so I knew to bring cleaning supplies), fingerprints on all of the windows, the floors were FILTHY!! I swept and washed the floors, cleaned the cobwebs, washed the walls, dusted, windexed all by MYSELF.. on top of getting let into the building 45 minutes after I was told I could arrive.... AND this was all done in the dark!!!! The owners father did not know how to turn the lights on.. or the AC, so it was also hot!! It was muggy and gloomy out from the rain.

The owners father did not know where the correct tables and linen were, so he did his best to help us. He was very kind and as helpful as he could be. He phoned his son and I spoke with him, shared everything with him, told him about the tables, etc.. he said he would arrive in 45 minutes to give us the correct tables... I needed to leave in 15 minutes (which obviously didn't happen). I waited an hour and a half (well cleaned and set up), he NEVER SHOWED! His father found the tables, but I would not allow him to move them, so I did it myself: I had to move all of the wrong tables out of our party room and then move the correct tables into our room and RESET the tables afterward.

A waitress arrived when we were leaving, but everything was already cleaned set up correctly. She was very sweet and helpful. I had less than an hour to get myself and my daughter's ready for our event.

THE ICING ON THE CAKE... During our event, I was NEVER greeted by the owner, he never came up to me and personally apologized.. not during or after my party. He did not alter my bill in any way. I asked to speak with him when I received my bill and they said he was not in. That is highly unprofessional. I don't even care about the money, but as a business owner myself, I would NEVER leave someone without a sincere, face to face apology if my services were any less than excellent. I have referred multiple people to ESE and I am really disappointed that I was treated with such little regard.

I am sure this post will not deter people from eating there or booking parties, but I feel like it is my right to be heard. I was unable to speak with the owner face to face and so here is what I would have said to him. I'm sure he will read or hear about it.. he probably will not care, but I feel a little better now that I have expressed myself. After the day I had, I deserve to vent.

P.s. An apology would...

I've been a restaurant customer for several years and have always been happy with the food quality, service, venue and beautiful location. Just recently, a milestone event needed to be celebrated including both local and extended family, many of which would have to travel several hours to attend. The Eatery was a contender on my list of a few other facilities who are well-known, or known to me personally, based upon past experiences. After vetting each and every venue, in order of preference, it narrowed down to the East Street Eatery. A single phone call and follow up with a drop in visit, the stage was set for the party. A very accommodating staff memb held my hand through the process. I wanted everything to be perfect, especially since so many guests were coming out of there way to attend. It was my first time planning an event of this magnitude. Little did I know at the time that all my fears and worries would be for naught. The host also orchestrated, and played out the planned "surprise" element of the party, up to the moment of our entrance. It was great. Everything about the party was perfect, the food, ambiance, service, and staff and etc. I was profoundly thankful to all the staff of the East Street Eatery that made the party a success. I'd like to also pass along accolades from the guests on how good the food was as well. Great Job! It couldn't have been more perfect. ...

Thursday, September 11, 2025

Tonight, the Wolcott Republican Town Politicians had their pasta dinner at this establishment. One of the servers was inconsiderate, rude, disrespectful, and nasty towards me. I sat at 1 of the tables on the patio and was waiting for my other friends who were running late. This server was so upset and couldn't use their words appropriately, as they were truly irritated that I was sitting at a table on the patio and eating the dinner that the establishment put out for the fund raiser. There really was not enough room for my party of 6 at the part of the patio that was hosting the fund raiser. My friend was paying the tab at the end of the event, and of course I didn't care to discuss that with the server. Anyway, from having a pitcher of water slammed down on the table in front of me, to slamming a knife harshly as well on the table top, to just giving my friend's daughters an attitude and dirty looks, made that server thinking they were entitled to treating us like Sugar,Honey, Iced Tea, and that's putting it mildly. I know that the restaurant is already established with a great clientele, and great staff, however, I think this server should be talked to about their disrespectful behavior towards those who are spending $500+ on an evening of having to endure...