Sage American Bar & Grill

Recommends

SusanFromWesterly

Joined 5 years ago

What a difference a year makes!!. On a friend's recommendation, I returned yet again to the Sage American. Having had a few "less than stellar" experiences there in the past, I was hesitant, but assured by my friend that changes in staff and management had made a difference. Boy was he right! The "kettle" of lobster bisque was chock full of lobster meat in a rich, but balanced soup. And the "mini-me" lobster appetizer may as well have been an enteree. There was so much simply, but perfectly, prepared lobster meat it didnt need the potato chip that accompanied it. My entree of baked stuffed shrimp was presented beautifully. The stuffing was well seasoned with a nice kick, not too dense, with good bits of seafood throughout. The mashed potatoes were real: no chunks of overpowering garlic, no bits of unattractive skin, not over mashed, with just a few small lumps to convince you these were hand made. Top this off with a terrific wine-by-the-glass list and an excellent dark chocolate mousse and the meal was worth every cent! The wait staff was very pleasant and attentive, unlike some of the past help, and the building and the surroundings are just beautiful. Definitely worth my 40 mile drive!!

Doesn't Recommend

sirgourmand

Joined 6 years ago

Horrendous experience despite the nice views. Horrendous experience. Despite the beautiful setting right on the water this restaurant should be avoided at all costs. Salad wasn't fresh, clams casino were drenched with butter and the main courses were barely adequate. One of my guests had a sub-par piece of salmon but the dining experience came to a halt with the lamb. I ordered my lamb medium-rare and it came out medium-well. Without an attitude I returned it to the kitchen and minutes later the OWNER of the restaurant came flying outside and said, "this is medium-rare in my restaurant, what do you want?"

I suggested that it wasn't cooking uniformly throughout and only one bone of the whole rack-of-lamb was cooked correctly. The owner said, "of course, the center is going to be much more cooked than the outsides." I followed the owner to finish the discussion with him and he told me that we had been making, "special requests all night." The only request we made all night was for some soy sauce to add to a flavorless piece of tuna. I've sold meat to some of the finest restaurants in NY and IMHO this guy is a clown and his restaurant isn't very good. Most importantly, I've never been treated so poorly in a restaurant before.

Recommends

suepsue

Joined 6 years ago

Not so hot. I've been to Sage a few times and have had very inconsistant service and food quality. It is definitely a crapshoot. Not worth the price at all. Nice ambience but sometimes the food is good (never great) and other times it is less than mediocre. I've had wait staff ignor my party and other times hover around waiting for us to leave at 5 minutes before closing time. Last time was so dissappointing that I decided not to go back. It was embarrassing to bring my out-of-town friends here, although I knew I was taking a chance.

Friends have also had similar experience so I don't think my experiences have been flukes.

The atmosphere is nice with fireplaces burning warmly and views of the rushing brook below. I suppose going for a cocktail might be nice...

Recommends

curtis1082

Joined 9 years ago

Regular Customer. Sage has the best Prime Rib in Connecticut. Arrive early since they sell out often. They have excellent martinis. Atmosphere and location are beautiful. Scenic view of the Pattaconk Brook and indoor antique decor. The building used to be a brushworks factory. The lounge is a great place to meet friends, drink and eat. The wine list is extensive and offers numerous wines by the glass.