Cafémantic - Willimantic

The mulled sangria was just perfect. We also really enjoyed the Arfichoke dip with the crisp pita chips. read more The mulled sangria was just perfect. We also really enjoyed the Arfichoke dip with the crisp pita chips.

**Chicken Wings:** These were incredibly tender and perfectly cooked, but I wished for a bit more crunch. The real issue was the lack of flavor—it tasted like e... read more **Chicken Wings:** These were incredibly tender and perfectly cooked, but I wished for a bit more crunch. The real issue was the lack of flavor—it tasted like eating plain chicken wings, possibly seasoned with just salt and pepper. The sauce was abundant but didn't help much. **Pork Belly:** Again, tender and perfectly cooked, but this time it was excessively salty—almost like ocean water. The pickled onions and cucumber slices helped balance out the saltiness. **Smash Burger and Fingerling Potatoes:** This dish was very greasy. The bun was drenched in grease and completely soggy, while the potatoes were undercooked. We left most of this dish on the plate after just two bites. **Duck:** The leeks and mushrooms were absolutely divine! I have a deep love for duck and order it whenever I see it on a menu, so I know how it should taste. Unfortunately, I had to send this dish back because the duck tasted sour and seemed spoiled, which was a huge letdown. We didn’t send anything else back or complain further because everyone has different tastes, and the other dishes were at least edible. However, the duck made me feel unwell after just a few bites. On a positive note, I really enjoyed the atmosphere at Stone Row, and the bartenders are experts at crafting the best cocktails I've ever had. We might return, but primarily for drinks. They have an impressive selection of liquors, some of which were unfamiliar to me, but the bartenders are very knowledgeable about their offerings. Although I'd love to try other dishes, like the oysters, my experience with the food has left me hesitant. If we go back, I’ll be sure to update this review. Overall, I’d rate the drinks a strong 10/10, the food a disappointing 3/10, presentation 10/10, atmosphere 10/10, and comfort 7/10.

HIDDEN GEM ALERT! This is such a wonderful restaurant with affordable prices and high quality food and drinks! My friend and I each had a pre-fixe 3-course lunc... read more HIDDEN GEM ALERT! This is such a wonderful restaurant with affordable prices and high quality food and drinks! My friend and I each had a pre-fixe 3-course lunch for $25 each and it was such a steal! The food was absolutely delicious and the chef was extremely accommodating of food allergies! Finally, the cocktails were outstanding! The artistry in the presentation is second to none and the taste was impeccable, it made it hard for me to only order one! Overall, a trip here is one you will never regret!

This place never disappoints. The dishes are very tasty, and creative. Local ingredients are used, so the freshness is always there. We sometimes just go for a... read more This place never disappoints. The dishes are very tasty, and creative. Local ingredients are used, so the freshness is always there. We sometimes just go for a cocktail and small plates or the charcuterie board. The cocktails are also very good. I always get the old fashioned, and my wife gets the manhattan.

My most recent review is based on my experience during restaurant week. I've also been here in the summer and the outdoor space is lovely. THE FOOD: -there were... read more My most recent review is based on my experience during restaurant week. I've also been here in the summer and the outdoor space is lovely. THE FOOD: -there were a good variety of options for restaurant week that you can also find on the menu, my party had quite a few of the options -charcuterie board was good, I liked the salted house made crackers, the cheeses weren't my favorite but I am pretty basic when it comes to cheeses (cheddar, toscano, etc. so I didn't eat much but others in our party really enjoyed it -tuna crudo is a small serving but tasty -parsnip+celery bisque was good -Brussel sprouts : as a big fan of brussels these didn't disappoint. Good crisp on outside and nice flavor -mushroom toast: strong mustard and was good. Cut into nice bite size slices -Monkfish: I don't like pieces of onion so I ordered without the soubise but would have preferred if it was on the side (which I asked but I don't think he got that because I think the sauce would've really elevated the dish. Broccoli rabe was delicious. The lemon vinaigrette was tangy and good as well. -duck carbonara: very savory and simple, great flavors -brownie: delicious dessert, served HOT -citrus almond cake: it was okay, I wish I had opted for the brownie THE DRINKS: -beer flight special: 2 in our party ordered the beer flights that were on special on restaurant week which gave them lots of good options -sangria: I ordered the sangria that was (supposed to be [see below] on special for restaurant week THE SERVICE: -our server was very polite and attentive -While I appreciate a meal that isn't rushed and meant to take time and enjoy your company, I will say there was a long lag from when we sat down to when we put in our appetizer order. I think it would've been nice if we were asked closer to the time we ordered our drinks so we didn't have to wait so long for our first food to arrive. -I am not sure if the waiter was having an off night or was new but we had some issues with the drinks. For beer flights, both orders were not what our party asked for, for ex. not simply swapped, but beers both missing completely and what was provided were totally mislabeled. We tried to figure it out amongst the table but the errors were pretty bad. When he brought back the corrections there was still one completely missing but we didn't want to be a hassle so we let it go. He was courteous and apologetic in fixing it -it also seemed like he was not fully knowledgeable on the (restaurant week menu since I ordered the special sangria, listed as the red, and was asked if I wanted red or white. Upon pointing out that it said only red he seemed a bit confused so I just said red was okay. When we got home I realized I was charged full price for the regular menu sangria instead of the special price. -he got the rest of our meal perfectly accurate, just seemed like an oopsies with the drinks. Maybe the bartender was out and he wasn't used to ringing in and grabbing beers/drinks himself? THE ATMOSPHERE -on top of the rustic building they have fun decor as well. The Christmas wreaths were still up (in February but we also saw some heart decorations too. I enjoy wintery touches since winter doesn't stop after Christmas. -nice attention to detail, looking forward to warmer weather to eat outside as well Overall, it was a good price for what we ate this evening. Typically for me Stone Row is a splurge location so I am glad I was able to enjoy it and try more of their fare during restaurant week.