Elbow Room

Recommends

adudalesdi

Joined 7 years ago

Nothing Special. I went to The Elbow Room about a week ago.Because it was my birthday,I wanted the dinner to be top-notch, so I researched several restaurants in the Hartford area before going.The Elbow Room had great reviews:I saw that it had many top ratings in the Hartford Advocate,and I read several rave reviews on other websties.I wanted a moderately priced dinner in an easygoing setting with exceptional food.The Elbow Room met few of my dinner expectations.

First of all, The Elbow Room supposedly has great outdoor seating; however, you cannot make reservations for outdoor seats on the roof patio, so when you arrive at the restaurant you won't get patio seats without a long wait. There ARE outdoor seats available, but unless you want to sit on cheap metal seats next to a busy city street, I do not suggest the curbside seats.

The lighting inside came from one candle on the table, which wasn't enough.I wasn't able to see anyone I was trying to talk to! And speaking of talking, The Elbow Room was EXTREMELY noisy.If you have elderly people or young children who don't speak up in your dinner group, forget it.Noise is not exactly what you want when you're trying to relax and enjoy your dinner.

The food on the menu looked o.k. There wasn't much selection, and prices ranged from $10 for burgers and small dishes to $30 for full entrees. There wasn't much of a dining ambience--sure, the walls are painted, and there are toy planes hanging from the ceiling, but the seats are uncomfortable and hard. Our waitress did her job, but she never cracked a smile and she was not in the least bit kind. The food was fine, but nothing amazing. My friend asked for a medium rare hamburger, and it was too rare, even though GOOD cooks are supposed to be able to cook meat correctly. When my friend asked that his hamburger be cooked a little more, the waitress did not apologize, and it took 10 minutes for him to get his hamburger back. I will NOT be returning to this restaurant.

Doesn't Recommend

xsailor8

Joined 7 years ago

don't waste your $$$. ordered rib eye special $22. overcooked, tough meat with a terrible sauce. potatos and asparagus were stale and overspiced. msg or salt appears to be overused. bottle of white wine was served warm. if you still choose to go there, don't accept a seat by the rear door...you will be cold and the smell of cigarettes from people smoking outside will waft over your table.

Recommends

Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

This friendly restaurant serves top-notch fare at rock-bottom prices.. The Scene
The Elbow Room has the feeling of a corner cafe and the menu of an upscale American restaurant. Not only are the management and service friendly and responsive, but everyone's in a good mood. It's the atmosphere: Who can keep from smiling amid pastel lights and warm wood tones as servers dote on them?

The Food
Start off with golden Maine crab cakes or the fried oyster basket--the spicy remoulade sauce packs a nice punch that won't knock you over. The cornmeal-crusted chicken with mashed potatoes and gravy is comfort on a plate. Flaky, pan-seared salmon rests atop a mound of vegetables in a light broth, drizzled with parsley pesto for an extra hint of color and flavor. Dessert is a must: Try a good old-fashioned banana split.

Recommends

AlyssaSmith

Joined 10 years ago

Definitely Deserves a Look. Elbow Room is a great place, especially during the summer. You can sit on the roof, where they have a great bar. Service was really great, and the food was exceptional. I recommend trying the Steak with Asparagus and Gorgonzola sauce and garlic mashed potatoes, it's to die for

Recommends

lawgal99

Joined 11 years ago

The Best. My favorite is the fried oyster salad drizzled with balsamic. Yummy.

Recommends

MsSadds

Joined 11 years ago

You can get anything you want.... One of my favorites for just about everything!

Besides all the comfort foods they offer, their breakfast items are very creative! Their version of Eggs Benedict served with steak is the BEST!! Worth every penny. To accompany most of their breakfast entrees, homestyle seasoned potatoes are served. No complaints from me!

Doesn't Recommend

Arlex

Joined 11 years ago

Why So Popular?. Drawn in by the many raving reviews, I was very disappointed.

Food was tasty, but at least one meal of five was served at room temp - i.e. cold. Several items on menu not available. Staff did not return to check on meal, and therefore did not verify it was cold. Given the atmosphere, I ate it any way to avoid waiting for reheat / recook.

Very crowded, with no elbow room - if you like bumping chair backs with the table behind you, this is THE PLACE.

Portions are small compared to price, except possibly the salads.

Small wine list. Those who suggest otherwise lead extremely sheltered lives. Try a real restaurant in NY sometime to see the difference.

Doesn't Recommend

pounciest

Joined 11 years ago

Elbows beware. This place has potential, if they hire a new more experienced staff.

The fish has a tendency to be overcooked, when you finally do get it.

Menu is enticing, but does not quite deliver the taste you expect.

Recommends

ksak

Joined 11 years ago

no title. The food wasn't bad, it wasn't great though. The service was decent. I had a fried oyster appietizer and it came with 6 bite sized pieces and it cost 8 dollars. I would not recommend avoiding this place though, others may enjoy it more than me. Try it for yourself!