Reviews for Village Restaurant in Essex, MA
There was a week to start, and it appears that they were short-staffed, which of course is not unusual today. We waited about a... half hour, and then had a pretty good meal. My wife had haddock, and I had steak tips over salad. They own an ice cream standright next door, so there's ample choices for dessert. Read more
We really enjoyed this historic little restaurant. Expected it to be crowded on a late Sunday afternoon but service was prompt... and efficient with a smile and chat... Seafood with some Italian dishes, we got a couple cups of haddock chowder in a tomatobase, split a fisherman's platter which was just enough. But the desserts were excellent. Indian pudding with vanilla ice creamwas spicy, warm and satisfying. A blast from the past for me! Everything was so fresh and I dare you to say which is better..Essex or Ipswich fried clams?! Read more
We pulled off looking for a place to eat as we drove through Essex, looked up from our phones and saw this gem sitting in front... of us. Straight in, ordered quick, food came fast. We had a large bowl of clam chowder which we shared. Plenty of meat andpotatoes along with good flavor. Then we each had the Haddock Sandwich with fries. Very good and fresh! Will return! Read more
Terribly slow service. Over 2 hours not because we wanted it to be. We had 3 young kids. We ALWAYS go out to dinner with them.... Thankfully they are very well behaved but the service was horrendous. Drinks didn?t get dropped until after we were done withappetizer. Had to ask for bread twice. Rude when I asked what kind of pasta it was - I was a server for years, I can appreciatebeing busy. it was NOT busy. No check-ins. No clearing of any dirty plates, which with a party of 7, (4 adults, 3 kids), it wasa lot. Overall a disappointing experience. It was similar during Covid last summer, but gave benefit of the doubt consideringthe state in which restaurants were operating under. Now it?s just down to horrible service. Food was only OK. Wasn?t cheap.Won?t be back. Read more
The food is very good. Great burgers and fried fish. You do get enough for 2 meals. The servers are very friendly and... accommodating. I've been eating outside because the weather has been so nice. You're encased in a little garden. It's verypeaceful and enjoyable. I highly recommend it! ? Read more
My inlaws have been eating at the Village for 30+ years. We all went last night. The restaurant is incredibly under... staffed. There was one waitress for a large room (9 large tables). No busboy, no food runners... Just the one waitress. She hustled! Even with hustle, 20 minutes to order drinks, 15 more for them to arrive, then an hour and 15 before food arrived. Food itself was OK - nothing amazing but also not a cheap place to eat. I'm 100% certain my inlaws will continue to dine here- I wouldn't. Edit after response from owner: The purpose of reviews is to share experiences. Our kids are older, werehungry, but fine. Someone with younger children might not want to wait over 90 minutes for food from the time they wereseated. My wife and I dine at many restaurants with our family and despite the post pandemic hiring issue... We've not waitednearly this long at any other establishment anywhere in Massachusetts or travels to other states or countries. Read more
From beginning to end a great dining experience. Staff is amazing! Restaurant is clean and spaced out just right. We ate in the... igloo and our waitress Valerie was the Best! Her helper Abby was so kind making sure everything was down on the table before thefood came outside but inside the igloo. The bartender made the perfect bloody Mary that was an appetizer to me! My baked haddockwas perfect along with our other dish we ordered shrimp dinner. Large shrimp with the tails off, just perfect???? The onionrings a must try also perfect! An all around 10! Can't wait for our return visit ???? Read more
everything was delicious. I had the hostess as a waitress and she got too busy. I ordered a sparkling rose and she brought a... glass of blush wine. she quickly fixed it. she forgot whipped cream on my piece of pumpkin pie to go. a huge disappointment whenI got home! I plan to go back. I'll rate it again. Read more