Cafémantic - Willimantic

Overpriced. Food is tasty but definitely not the type of place you'd go if you were hungry read more Overpriced. Food is tasty but definitely not the type of place you'd go if you were hungry

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.

As for drinks, I highly recommend the Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, and the espresso martini was also very good and smooth. In terms of service and atmosphere, Carly's... read more As for drinks, I highly recommend the Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, and the espresso martini was also very good and smooth. In terms of service and atmosphere, Carly's exceptional kindness and perfect attentiveness truly enhanced our experience. My mom and I visited for a relaxing catch-up, and the tranquil, inviting ambiance of the restaurant was just perfect.

Food for one diner arrived while the rest of us waited about five minutes for ours. When the entrees finally came, one item was missing entirely, and we could s... read more Food for one diner arrived while the rest of us waited about five minutes for ours. When the entrees finally came, one item was missing entirely, and we could see that the chef was visibly annoyed by the situation. Additionally, the wine we ordered didn't arrive until after the food was served. Our waitress was largely absent and made an effort to avoid eye contact whenever we needed assistance, even though the restaurant was only half full. The good news is that the food was quite tasty, with the duck and creamed leeks being the standout dish. However, I noticed that, for a restaurant boasting a seasonal menu, 60% of what we saw was the same as our last two visits during different seasons. Some menu items, like the spinach artichoke dip, felt more appropriate for a chain restaurant like Olive Garden. Although the waitress apologized for the hiccups, no adjustments were made to our bill or any comp offered. We didn't see any management during our visit. We had brought friends who had never dined there before, and I doubt they or we will be eager to return.

**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.