07/06/09

Hemenway's Stands Large in Food & Service

by Hurakan1780

We had been told by our Chauffeur, Dennis Murphy of Whatcheer Chauffeuring, 401-486-0840, that if we wanted great NE Seafood, then Hemenway's was one of the best, so we said, take us there please. Was he right or what, dang... we love seafood, especially Gulf seafood, but wow, we tried such dishes as the littleneck steamers, the clams casino, the special 2-lb. lobster that was stuffed with shrimp, scallops, crab meat, and more lobster then baked with sprinklings of bread crumbs. My main course was their Seafood Casserole, which made me feel I was in King Neptune’s food court with all the different types of seafood such as shrimp, lobster, scallops and fish baked in the bowl under a thin crust of breadcrumbs.

Our waiter, Tom, proved to us that service excellence was still alive with his assistance in not only his tableside service, but his helpful suggestion of matching wine, and cocktails. I do hope management is aware of his talents in making customers feel welcome and special as he did as we celebrated a belated wedding anniversary. Our evening was topped off by their “Mile High” Key Lime Pie, and coffee, and then a nice selection of their Ports.

All we can say is that we will be back, the next time we get up this way from the Houston area. Oh… thanks also for the relief from that Texas heat.

• Pros: The New England Seafood & Our Waiter, Tom
• Cons: We are leaving town in the morning

04/14/09

Best seafood in Providence

by jsss

I went there with my friend who was visiting me. The service was excellent and very professional. Seafood was nice, fresh, well prepared. it might be a little pricy to go every day. And you cannot reserve the window seats. But overall i am very satisfied with what I paid

• Pros: Location, fresh seafood
• Cons: A bit pricy

09/28/08

Great Seafood and Huge Portions

by bjhouser

I went out to Hemenway's for a nice day off dinner. The wait staff was knowledgeable and attentive. The portions were HUGE! One appetizer per couple is more than enough. The fish was prepared perfectly, and the wine list was better than average. I highly recommend the lobster bisque and the calamari. I had the mahi mahi with shrimp and a butternut compote for my entree, and it was excellent. Seafood lovers will enjoy this restaurant. Very much like a McCormicks, but with local flavor and an excellent chef. You will leave happy, but definitely not hungry.

• Pros: Preparation of the fish, taste of each course
• Cons: None that I experienced

05/06/08

Awesome.

by jcosta

The steak is the best I have ever had and the chicken was really good and only $22 and big enough to take home. The sides are all a la carte, but you can ask for a half size. The martinis are very good. The chocolate flourless cake never dissapoints. The staff is great and they take take very good care of you. It is a treat to go there since it is expensive but worth every penny! You have to make sure you make reservations or you will probably wait a while for a table especially on a Saturday night. The Parking is not usually too easy because it is downtown.

• Pros: Food
• Cons: Parking

02/13/08

Amazing

by blondygurl126

I have been to Hemenway's several time for my birthday and I cannot stop coming back. I always ask for Diane. She truly does make your dining experience an amazing one. She is so personable and makes sure everything is to your liking. Hemenway's food is so tasty. I am not a huge fan of fish (I usually go for shellfish) but Hemenways has turned me into a fish lover. Their stuffed sole is so light and flavorful it melts in your mouth!

• Pros: The windows allow you to see everything. gorgeous stone floors and dark wood.
• Cons: Definitly suggest makign reservations no matter what night of the week.

10/30/06

Worth the splurge

by finzup

If you're going out for a big budget dinner and you're a fan of seafood, choose Hemenways. The food is superfresh and the menu is constantly changing. The location, decor, and ambience are unrivaled. The bar is a great place to sit for drinks and some appetizers. Try a selection of oysters (offerings change daily).

The service is always good too.

• Pros: Location, Service, Menu offerings

07/19/06

The Best Seafood & The Best Pint of Guinness in New England.

by mmcnicholas

This place sings......located on the rivers edge with windows all around, it is the perfect location for a seafood repast. It has become a favorite since moving to Providence. Chef Jeremy spends a great deal of time with his diners ensuring that the plates he puts on the menu are what they are looking for. He also encourgages his team to constantly create new dishes and preparations - I know because I have tried many of them.

Sustainable seafood features high on Hemenway's priority list - with unique offerings such as organic cod and salmon from the Shetland Islands (halfway between Scotland & Norway).

And the bar is a social scene watched over by the lovely Karen - who, together with her lads, have learned to pull the best pint of Guinness in Rhode Island. Where else but maybe in Ireland would you have a team who know when to call in the Guinness rep and tell him the gas needs adjusting.

A wonderful eatery where all of the staff are extremely well trained - and believe in what they are doing. I highly recommend Hemenways.

• Pros: On the river where you can see the water fires from your seat.
• Cons: Reservations are often needed.

06/23/06

Phenomonal Service

by dragon21

OK...After the last reviewer I was expecting snobby staff and a poor experience. My experience at Hemenways was fabulous. Diane served us. She was fast, knowledgeable and definitely earned her 20% tip. The food was delicious, I had organic salmon, my husband has filet and lobster...both were top notch. His steak perfectly medium rare--which many restaurants screw up. Diane asked him to check it to make sure it was done to his liking. We started out with oysters (very fresh), crab and lobster cakes, and finally deep fried shrimp with amaretto sauce. I didn't particulary like the shrimp as the amaretto taste I found was too rich with the shrimp batter. We were given a tasty chocolate cake to bring back to our hotel room complementary, because it was our 5th wedding anniversary. Nice touch. I am big on details....and Hemenways is it! We'll be back next month--it's worth the hour drive for us.

• Pros: Service, Fresh Seafood, Innovative Menu
• Cons: Non-wait staff that clean tables noisy, one guy dropped a plate on the floor and put on the table anyway

06/03/06

Poor Service

by eac1959

I have been to Hemenways a few times and while the seafood is very good, I will not go back because of the service. It seems that, at Hemenways, if you appear to be well-off or are dressed in expensive clothing then you are treated well and get good service. If you do not appear to be well-off or are "dressed down," then expect to be treated poorly by both the hostesses and the wait staff. (Both scenarios have happened to me and my family.) While we can certainly afford to dine at Hemenways, I would rather spend our money at a restaurant that does not gauge its service according to the financial worth of its patrons.

• Pros: Fresh fish
• Cons: Snobbish Hostess/Wait

02/16/06

Best Seafood Around!!

by th21

If you want fine dining and a great atmosphere, stop in to Hemenway's Seafood in Providence, RI. Everything from the courteous, friendly, and knowledgeable staff to the excellent, creative cuisine, you won't be disappointed!

Favorites to reccommend: Crab & Lobter Cakes, Chowder, Chef Specialty (always a good choice) and the dessert menu is too good to pick a favorite! For lunch I highly reccomend the Sirloin Tip Salad--yummy!

This probably is one of the most happening places in downtown on waterfire nights as there is a great view of the river from their huge floor-to-ceiling windows along the waterfront. You can also use the spacious Regatta room for large parties.

Definitely a place to put on your must-visit list!!