Darien Social - Permanently Closed

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1. DR

   DandR

   New York Area

   37 reviews

   vip
   3.0

   37 reviews

   Dined on March 11, 2017

   overall3food4service3ambience3

   The restaurant was very understaffed today. Paco, the only waiter, did the best he could to keep up with cleaning, hosting, and serving guests. He should be commended and compensated for such admirable work. There was no host and we waited 15 minutes to be seated. The restaurant needs to do a better job with staffing levels.
   

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2. RP

   RobP

   New York Area

   14 reviews

   3.0

   14 reviews

   Dined on February 18, 2017

   overall3food3service4ambience4

   Take this review for what it's worth, as I did not bring a big appetite this evening and I feel like I did not order to the strengths of this restaurant. A group of us began by ordering cocktails and apps - a plate of nachos and a plate of chips with just guacamole. I only had the guac, which was fine. My cocktail was a bourbon and hard cider concoction which tasted good but was small and over-iced - it got watery really fast. For my entree, I got the pulled chicken salad, which was a romaine salad with shredded chicken and avocado, onion, some kind of vinaigrette. It was not exploding with flavor, but it was fine. It was a Saturday night and they had a live band that was playing covers, mostly from the '80s and '90s. We were in the back room away from the band, so we could hear them but we weren't really experiencing the whole scene - there appeared to be a lot of dancing around the bar and the band and everyone up there appeared to be having a great time. I would give the place another shot but I'd be slow to recommend it. I don't live in that area - I drove 90 minutes for a birthday dinner there - and where I live (Hartford area) there are places with better food for the same prices, places with better values, places with better cocktails and places with better live music. But, again, I would emphasize that, other than the cocktail, I don't feel like I ordered to their strength and we didn't really make an attempt to fully enjoy the atmosphere they were selling. So, I would give them another chance if I were in the area again, for sure.
   

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3. PJ

   PeterJ

   New York Area

   52 reviews

   vip
   2.0

   52 reviews

   Dined on February 18, 2017

   overall2food5service4ambience4

   We had a reservation at 6:46 for six people and at 8:40 o'clock they told us we need your table. As the only six top they had we were sitting. I would rather spend 500 some place else.
   

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4. SB

   S68B

   New York Area

   5 reviews

   4.0

   5 reviews

   Dined on January 28, 2017

   overall4food3service4ambience4

   Good solid food, great ambiance with a fun, high-energy live band. Canjun Popcorn shrimp was how we started our meal. Done just right. The wife ordered the Thai steak salad as her entre and it was excellent. I had a bacon, cheddar burger on the pretzel roll. Cooked medium for the right amount of pink. Our server Ben was fantastic who made up for the hostess being off her game that night. We'll be back!
   

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5. W

   Will

   New York Area

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on January 20, 2017

   overall5food5service5ambience4

   Thank you for having bands three or more times each week. I have been to Darien Social with friends about 40 times over the past three years for dancing. We have also had birthday and holiday dinners, and it's always a fun and easy place to be.
   

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6. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   New York Area

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on January 8, 2017

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Food was great and the service was outstanding. My friends and I agreed that we would definitely go back. We had a great time!
   

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7. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   New York Area

   1 review

   3.0

   1 review

   Dined on December 31, 2016

   overall3food3service4ambience3

   Like Darien Social alot. Our server Meagan was top-notch. Been a few times, the bands are a highlight.
   

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8. L

   Lapcstam

   Salt Lake City

   34 reviews

   vip
   4.0

   34 reviews

   Dined on July 27, 2016

   overall4food4service4ambience4

   Executive Chef Quint has brought his magic and special attention to detail to Darien Social. That makes for a true foodie experience. Nice ambience adds to the dining pleasure, but this restaurant is really all about the special chef.....
   

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9. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   New York Area

   19 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   19 reviews

   Dined on April 17, 2016

   overall5food4service5ambience5

   The bottomless brunch cocktails are a great deal at $15. Though I only had two sparkling strawberry lemonades , it was a good value. The mushroom frittata comes bare - without and bread or potatoes but there are plenty of sides including the sautéed spinach which I ordered as an accompaniment. By the way the frittata is large enough for two to share.
   

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10. BM

    BrittaM

    Atlanta Metro

    31 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    31 reviews

    Dined on February 14, 2016

    overall1food1service1ambience1

    Unhealthy, deep fried foods, zero atmosphere, slow service. I don't understand how anybody can write anything positive about this place; unless you are looking for anything deep fried. The place has the atmosphere of a dining hall in a cheap ski resort. The server preferred to have a never ending conversation with one guest forcing the other tables to get up and find somebody else to help. Total disaster. Won't be going back. Ever.
    

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11. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 28, 2016

    overall4food4service4ambience5

    Food was great, the wild mushroom pizza was amazingly good. But the nachos, man were they DISAPOINTING..being nacho fans, we were not happy to get a pile of dry chips with barely any cheese and a scoop of salsa in the middle. The nachos need a serious upgrade! Beware!
    

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12. W

    Wfages

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 15, 2016

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    I started with the spicy onion rings, and they were the best I've ever eaten - I need that recipe. I could not concentrate on reading the menu at all so I asked for a recommendation, and it was fabulous. I knew I needed salad but wanted something crispy with it and had the choice of chicken, shrimp and crab cake. Living out of the country I happily took the latter, it was a medium sized patty and perfectly seasoned. The salad was nice too, fresh mixed baby lettuces like arugula and spinach with romaine and perhaps iceberg to mellow it. My only regret was that I forgot to ask for the raspberry dressing on the side. It would have been much nicer in less concentrated doses. Our waiter was so nice, and after we had finished eating there was the most excellent band playing - Short Bus. Actually Short Bus was the reason we had come, - it was just an added bonus that the food was this good - truly a memorable evening.
    

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13. t

    tony

    New York Area

    8 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on December 17, 2015

    overall3food3service3ambience3

    Kept the door open in a chilly and rainy December afternoon. Menu was very limited. Won't be going back.
    

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14. N

    Nicole

    New York Area

    10 reviews

    4.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on December 6, 2015

    overall4food4service3ambience3

    The brunch menu was a decent size and everything on it looked absolutely delicious. I'll definitely be going back.
    

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15. r

    riverside114

    New York Area

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 30, 2015

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    A great spot for a quick bite to eat. Food is always good and the bar scene is great. For more quiet seating sit in the back away from the bar.
    

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16. NC

    NCRN

    New York Area

    155 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    155 reviews

    Dined on October 18, 2015

    overall4food4service5ambience4

    Our food was delicious (calamari and chicken wings apps, burgers for entrees). Service was exceptionally pleasant and efficient. We'll be back!!
    

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17. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on July 11, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We found this through Open Table on our way home from Norwalk - Sat outside & had an wonderful meal Steph our waitress was great A little hard to find Would be nice if there was a sign by the road
    

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18. J

    Jeanne

    New York Area

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on July 6, 2015

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    We had a wonderful dinner at Darien Social, but the standout was our server (I know it would help if I remembered her name.) She was very attentive while not pushy! Very helpful.
    

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19. JW

    JayW

    New York Area

    15 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on June 13, 2015

    overall2food3service2ambience2

    went there saturday night at 7, first week of June. place was empty. service took forever. limited menu
    

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20. F

    Faramir

    New York Area

    88 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    88 reviews

    Dined on May 19, 2015

    overall3food4service1ambience3

    Our server messed up every single dish. Food was good, but figuring out who had what and getting everything that we ordered was a pain in the neck.
    

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21. PD

    PeterD

    Cincinnati

    21 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on May 17, 2015

    overall1food2service1ambience1

    My wife and I are frequent diners (Open Table VIP's in several cities), and frequent the Darien Social as bar customers and frequently have large, big-ticket carryout orders. Today was the worst experience of our dining life. We have started to take our family to the Social for Sunday night dining (average ticket $200) and we were enjoying starters, a bottle of wine in an empty dining room (literally) when the manager felt the need to tell us that we could no longer watch ESPN ( my girls like college softball) because some new guests (presumably kids) needed our tv to watch Disney (without sound) on the outdoor patio...are you kidding? Anyways after being told that more management would come over to "fix" our situation we did not see the end of the game that we were watching nor did one person come over to provide an explanation nor did they "fix" the problem. After the channel change the service went down hill from there-no condiments, no drink refills and we were relegated to having the bus boy bring us the check; unreal, insulting. I usually only write to compliment places (speak only when you have something positive to say) I felt compelled, make that obligated to urge families to stay clear of this place....no customer service...let the smug management rely on someone other than you to pay their bills...they simply do not care about you! Go somewhere else!
    

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22. J

    Jm86

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 13, 2015

    overall5food4service5ambience4

    Great location go way too loud in the dining room but not a big deal as it was rangers game & staff was great about relocating us to back room without issue
    

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23. U

    Unhappy

    New York Area

    1 review

    vip
    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 28, 2015

    overall1food2service1ambience1

    If you have kids, stay away. They relegate kids to the back room (even early). No ambiance, chilly, understaffed.
    

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24. h

    hermo

    New York Area

    11 reviews

    3.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on February 25, 2015

    overall3food3service2ambience3

    Great place to meet up with friends to hang out. It was nice to hear some live music, as they had a solo guitartist. It was especially nice because he was good and we were still able to hear each other talk. Unfortunately, our waitress was horrible. She didn't know anything....had no answer to any of our questions, she could only recite the most expensive steak special. She was nice enough, just not good at her job. Food was good and we'd go back for a casual meal.
    

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25. J

    Jsizzle

    Philadelphia

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 7, 2014

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    Nice place in Darien - looks relatively new/updated bar/restaurant. Pretty noisy on Friday night (particularly in bar area), they probably could have lowered music a little since so many people were eating. Service was a little slow but it was very busy so understandable. Food was very good, prices reasonable. I would go back and recommend for a causal get lunch/dinner.
    

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26. d

    dbarbz20

    New York Area

    17 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on November 7, 2014

    overall3food3service5ambience4

    My friends and I went to eat dinner and hear a friend's band play. The food was good, service very good and attentive by the waiter and other staff to fill glasses and clear the table. Disappointed in the desserts we ordered because our cheesecake was frozen and the apple tart was not very good. I would skip dessert at this establishment next time but the experience was good otherwise.
    

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27. d

    dolphin

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 7, 2014

    overall5food4service5ambience4

    Good food and great service, always. Bar in separate area active and fun many times. An ace go-to spot even with the many choices in the area whether fine entrees or simple casual.
    

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28. C

    Chipie

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 1, 2014

    overall2food2service4ambience3

    I used to like Darien Social for family dinners - I have two kids, 11 and 13. On our latest visit, we learned they'd implemented a policy of seating all children (not sure where the cut off is) in the back room, which is much less desirable than the front. I'm not sure why they did this, but we won't be going back. The food seemed off as well - oversized portions and not that tasty. They also stopped serving bottled root beer, which was one of my kids' favorite items, and they did not have tomato juice either. Again, not sure what's behind these changes, but not good ones in my view.
    

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29. m

    mickeylassie

    New York Area

    17 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on October 11, 2014

    overall4food3service4ambience5

    This was our first time at Darien Social and it did not disappoint. We were there for friends whose band was playing Saturday night Oct. 11. The theme was Oktoberfest and all the waitstaff were dressed in Bavarian garb. It was very festive and very lively. The bar was overflowing. We cannot give it a fair rating for the food as we ordered from the special Oktoberfest menu, which was good but not great.
    

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30. BM

    BM116

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 13, 2014

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    We visited for the first time this weekend and were delighted by attentive friendly service, delicious entrees (short ribs and fettuccini with chicken) and overall warm decor. I would highly recommend and looking forward to returning to this great downtown neighborhood find.
    

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31. PL

    PrinulL

    Fort Lauderdale

    4 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 8, 2014

    overall2food3service1ambience3

    I love this place and went there with a group of girlfriends. They were closing the week after for some renovations. The service was horrible. They had hardly any of the drinks we ordered and we had to wait around a lot to order food and drinks. Even getting our check and paying took over 20 minutes.
    

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32. G

    Gucc

    New York Area

    45 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    45 reviews

    Dined on July 18, 2014

    overall1food2service1ambience1

    Met friends for dinner and planned to eat in bar area because we were there for the band. I want to state that the waitress was a 10 in courtesy and effort. But we couldn't even get tableware for at least 15 min. After the first appetizer came. Drinks never came for some of us so it was easier to go get your own at the bar. We Did all order about the same time and there was about a 45 minute difference from the delivery of the first diner's entree to the last diner's ....totally unacceptable. Food was good but certainly not great and there is absolutely no reason for any of us to consider dining there again. We will also be sure to let others know how poor the food service was. I have to believe it is a kitchen issue.
    

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33. M

    Msp0622

    New York Area

    10 reviews

    3.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on July 9, 2014

    overall3food3service4ambience4

    The portions were small! 4 out of 5 of us ordered the overstuffed lobster roll with cole slaw. Before we ordered, we could see the patron at the table next to us had ordered the same dish. When ours arrived, they were all considerably smaller than the patron seated at the other table. Seems as though they were running out and had to divvy it up.
    

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34. AM

    AnneM

    New York Area

    151 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    151 reviews

    Dined on July 1, 2014

    overall2food2service3ambience2

    This is a neighborhood bar located across from the train station. I was taking my good friend to dinner and we chose this place because of its halfway location between us. It was difficult to find. Parking was difficult. It would have been helpful to know in advance that there were two entrances, one into the bar on one side of the block, one in the back into the restaurant. It was impossible to sit in the bar at a booth (where drinks were half priced) as it was mobbed with shouting men watching a sporting event. We sat in the dining room where service was adequate but not exceptional and food only fair, and drinks very overpriced.
    

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35. J

    Jeffd

    New York Area

    30 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    30 reviews

    Dined on June 14, 2014

    overall4food5service5ambience3

    Excellent food, excellent service but priced like a high end restaurant instead of a pub that serves good food.
    

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36. J

    Jeanne

    New York Area

    12 reviews

    4.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on June 6, 2014

    overall4food4service3ambience2

    Good service, although it trailed off towards the end of the evening. Food good. Too loud, but it is a bar!
    

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37. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 31, 2014

    overall2food3service1ambience4

    The service was awful, which is unfortunate because this place has potential. The food was okay, but I'm sure has the potential for something greater and the venue itself is very cool. Maybe I caught them on an off night, but we waited 15-20 minutes between seeing our server, so much so that I had to ask another waiter to flag him down. I have pretty low expectations because I know how hard it is to be a waiter, so for me to even take the time to write a bad review things must have been bad.
    

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38. S

    Sirdinealot

    New York Area

    68 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    68 reviews

    Dined on May 24, 2014

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    Great burgers, salads and beer selection. It a great place to stop in after work or for a casual brunch.
    

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39. Y

    Youngprofdiner

    Sacramento

    127 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    127 reviews

    Dined on May 17, 2014

    overall4food4service3ambience4

    Solid food, mediocre service, especially considering we were one of the only tables at the time. Recommend the lobster cake Benedict! French press coffee was a pleasant surprise although there was barely enough for the two of us to fill a small mug each.
    

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40. SR

    StamfordResident

    New York Area

    9 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on May 11, 2014

    overall4food4service4ambience5

    One of my favorite restaurants in the area. The bar food is great-- love sitting in the booths in the bar area, much more romantic than the open layout in the back. Always great beers on draft, never been disappointed. Specialty items aren't always up to par, execution-wise, but the full conceptual menu, and flavorings all make sense. This review is for a Sunday night: quiet, only a few families, about 40% of the menu was unavailable and this fact was not announced before ordering (it was announced as we ordered each plate that was not available), not the most polite service but should not have expected more for a Sunday night.
    

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