Twin Oaks Restaurant
Cranston, RI 02910-1099
Phone: (401) 781-9693
- Price:
- $$
- Best of Citysearch:
- Family-Friendly Dining 2005, Comfort Food 2004
- Hours:
- Tue-Sat 11:30am-12:30am, Sun 12pm-12:30am
Editorial Review for Twin Oaks Restaurant – by Dawn Keable and Michele McCole Moss
The Scene
The parking lot is always full, a testimony to the popularity of this Rhode Island institution. Be sure that you have a reservation, or at least know someone on the inside, because an hour-long wait for a table isn't uncommon. Why do customers put up with it? Taste the food and everything becomes clear.
The Food
From jalapeno poppers to escargot with garlic butter, the appetizers cater to all palates. Sumptuous steaks head the menu, followed by delectable baked stuffed shrimp, scrod topped with buttery cracker crumbs and Italian specialties like veal Parmesan. Daily specials include dishes of New England boiled dinner, quahog (clam) pie and meat loaf with mushroom gravy.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Hidden TreasureKeep your eyes peeled for the collection of small signs pointing the way to the restaurant.
Take Home Twin OaksThe restaurant sells its own brand of pasta sauces in stores throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
User Reviews for Twin Oaks Restaurant
01/08/2008 Posted by timkellerman
I grew up going to Twin Oaks, when it used to be good. I then only would go once every couple of years on a special occasion. Not anymore. The only reason why people continue to rate this restaurant highly is because this place is a dinosaur. It brings back memories of the old days. They haven't updated it in ages. I am sure all of the good reviews are made by people over the age of 65. Unfortunately, along with a persons hearing, the tastebuds go as well. When you're on a fixed budget, Twin Oaks low prices seem a plus. Yes, the parking lot is always crowded, but as you pull in you'll notice the elderly people being escorted in by a relative. Yes, the prices are low for a big portion of lousy food. Legally, they are allowed to only hire men for the waitstaff (not women) due to a grandfather clause. Hey, it seems classy if you're sexist. They don't write your order down, but commit it to memory. The service is not great anymore as the waiters don't have a good attitude and don't seem to take their job seriously like at a fine restaurant. The wait is ridiculously long, unless you slip a few bucks to the maitredee. I can only assume that people get tanked in the "great bar" and then actually don't mind the poor service, cold bland food, iceberg lettuce, canned vegetables, and bad quality meat.
Pros: Good Bar
Cons: Poor Service, Bad Quality Food, Long Wait,Ugly Interior
01/01/2008 Posted by rick_w
After dining at least a dozen times with countless other couples, the conclusion is that the steaks are well above average and very consistent. My main meal has consisted of the large filet mignon, almost too large to finish, which was 2 inches thick and cooked every time to perfection. My wife selected the teriyaki tenderloin. This dish consists of two large tenderloin steaks smothered in teriyaki sauce, again cooked perfectly. She never seems to eat more than half of one tenderloin, which the rest will allow her two addional meals in in the following days. The dinner rolls and butter, however, suffer from lack of heat. The rolls are always cold and the butter hard(although, lately the butter has been spreadable). The wait staff consists of all men. Very polite and attentive yet conversational and playful when necessary. The prices are wonderful, the quality of food demands higher prices yet strays from the normal 5 star menu pricing beating them hansomly. Truly a gem. The atmosphere is casual and inviting. The decor is old world with dim lighting and dark paneling. There are two bars in the main area which seems to always be at limit(probrobly the wait). The bar tenders are liberal with the alcohol, making large strong drinks of all kinds. The parking area is always full and they do have a valet service at the door. Seating wait time is usually an hour. But the time in the bar with the chattering patrons makes it fly by. The taste of the exquist meals will make this a destination of choice. I have never written a review before this one, but this experience need to be shared. With all the other couples we bring to this resturant, this is unanimously OUR destination of choice. Rick W.
Pros: prices, great steaks and extreamly consistant
Cons: hidden in a residental neighborhood, needs a little makeover.
Users Like You Also Viewed
White Horse Tavern
26 Marlborough St
Newport, RI 02840
Applebee's
300 Quaker Ln
Warwick, RI 02886-0159
