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  3. Boston / New England
  4. Western MA
  5. Agawam

The Federal Restaurant & Bar

4.6
4.6
927 Reviews
$30 and under
Contemporary American
Built by Samuel Converse in 1862, the impressive Greek revival structure at 135 Cooper Street in Agawam, Massachusetts became home to the Federal Hill Club in 1936. under the management of its owners the Moretti family, that establishment remained a premiere restaurant for over fifty years. The Federal's current owners Michael Presnal and Ralph Santaniello easily integrate the white linen elegance of that bygone era with a fresh and innovative "new american" cuisine that is perfectly prepared and impeccably served. strong Italian and French influences inspire the contemporary culinary style of Chef Presnal in dishes such as his red beet risotto, burnt tangerine glazed cod, and white-chocolate panna cotta. The Federal is dressed up as a special occasion restaurant, but is sociable and affordable enough for every occasion. It enjoys a dedicated following of appreciative diners from New York to Boston.

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Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.


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Additional information

  • Dining style

    Fine Dining

  • Cuisines

    Contemporary American

  • Hours of operation

    Lunch: Friday: 11:30am - 2:00pm; Dinner: Monday - Wednesday: 5:00pm - 8:30pm, Thursday: 5:00pm - 9:30pm, Friday & Saturday: 5:00pm - 10:00pm

  • Phone number

    (413) 789-1267

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Business Casual

  • Executive chef

    Michael Presnal

  • Catering

    When the Federal caters, our reputation travels with us, whether to a dinner for fifteen or a wedding party of 300. The Federal brings the same exacting standard to every detail of your event, be it a graduation party, wedding, or business luncheon. Total event planning is also available – to your specifications, of course.

  • Private party facilities

    The elegant and relaxed atmosphere of the Federal Restaurant can be reserved for weddings, special events, corporate functions, private parties and private luncheons. The restaurant offers different sized rooms for private gatherings. The largest room accommodates seventy guests and the smallest accommodates up to fifteen. no additional fee is attached to table service or menu in these rooms. The staff of the Federal will make every effort to procure your desired audio or visual equipment for business presentations if requested at least two days in advance.

  • Private party contact

    Cristina Presnal: (413) 789-1267

  • Neighborhood

    Agawam

  • Parking details

    Private Lot

  • Entertainment

    Live Music in the bar every Friday & Saturday night

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Corkage Fee, Entertainment, Farm to Table, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Wine

What 927 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.6
4.6 based on all time ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.4Ambience
  • 4.1Value

NoiseModerate

Sort by

  1. KTReview

    New England

    38 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    38 reviews

    Dined on February 16, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food, fantastic service. We had the risotto balls, fried oysters, clam chowder and more - everything was DELICIOUS. We'll definitely be back soon!
  2. CameronC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    First time at the Federal for Valentine's Day. Every dish was exceptional and the service was great, even for such a busy night. Highly recommend the Federal. Worth the trip.
  3. OpenTable Diner

    New England

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on February 14, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Loved It !!! The appetizers were great!! We always enjoy everything!!
  4. CandaceG

    New England

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on February 11, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a fantastic meal and service was excellent. Thanks!!
  5. ChrisK

    New York Area

    9 reviews

    4.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on February 10, 2018

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    The appetizers were exceptional but both main courses were disappointing. We have had better meals at the Federal.
  6. OpenTable Diner

    New England

    29 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    29 reviews

    Dined on February 10, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Early Valentines Day celebration
  7. CoralC

    New England

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 9, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a party of six, and we all enjoyed our dining experience.
  8. CarrieH

    New England

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 27, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The Federal was absolutely wonderful! The waistaff was very friendly. Our table was ready even though we arrived 15 minutes early. Our waitress was very well educated in the menu and explained things in an understanding manner. The food was phenomenal. Beautiful presentation and absolutely delicious. It's as if each bite made my taste buds explode with joy. I would absolutely go again!
  9. Netta

    New England

    18 reviews

    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on January 27, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I’m always impressed with the level of service and quality of food every time I go there. Simply excellent!
  10. RogerJ

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on January 27, 2018

    overall4food5service3ambience4
    Waitress had no personality. Just doing her job kind of attitude. Ladies room had no heat!!! Wine glasses were not specific to red or white wine??!! Food excellent! Just need to make these changes for an upscale restaurant charging top dollar everything should be perfect!
  11. OpenTable Diner

    New England

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 27, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    All of the food was delicious, got seared scallops with truffle butter sauce and it was amazing. Service was prompt, seating was easy with out opentable reservation, great night
  12. TannerB

    New England

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 20, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great service and food as always. The Federal goes above and beyond your expectations. Highly recommend.
  13. OpenTable Diner

    New England

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 20, 2018

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    We recently went there for dinner for our anniversary and had a nice time. Our waiter was very friendly and knowledgeable when it came to the menu items. The food was delicious and the portions were much larger than expected. We both brought leftovers home. We don’t normally order dessert but we tried the little ricotta donuts with dipping sauce and they were amazing! I highly recommend those. We will definitely go back again.
  14. JeremyD

    New England

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 16, 2018

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Good experience as per usual. Went for the wife's bday, her fav spot. Went to seat us, was extremely loud due to two large groups. We moved to the bar and were well taken care of. Also, provided with a special, free, birthday desert platter, and my wife ordered the cotton candy to go, and that was comped as well, for her birthday
  15. OpenTable Diner

    New England

    7 reviews

    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on January 14, 2018

    overall4food5service5ambience3
    The service is very good and so is the food. Just a little pricey. I got the prosciutto and gig pizza and it was huge! Yum.
  16. PolarBear

    New York Area

    34 reviews

    5.0

    34 reviews

    Dined on January 14, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The restaurant is in a converted house, a very large one. It is set on top of a hill. It is as nice inside as it was outside. We walked through a fairly full dining room, and I was seated with my back to them. I forgot anyone was there until the table I was facing got seated. The noise level is low even with a table of eight next to us talking. Food was fantastic. Great apps and entrees. I did not look at the wine list, as I was the only one drinking wine. Their wine by the glass selections had names I knew of good quality. So quite happy to have a glass of Cab. We plan to go back there, even with a 45 minute drive.
  17. WillRun4Wine

    New England

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on January 6, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We've had so many great experiences at the Federal!!! Tonight was yet another amazing dining experience! The service, food, and overall experience were excellent!!! If you haven't been yet...go if you haven't been in a while...put it on your calendar!!! You are missing out if you haven't yet visited this gem in Agawam!!! Go...you and your belly will be so happy!!!
  18. OpenTable Diner

    Baltimore

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 5, 2018

    overall5food5service4ambience3
    The food is exceptional.
  19. OpenTable Diner

    New England

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 31, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My wife Jen and i had a 9pm NY Eve reservation, ease of reserving on Open Table and then loved the confirmation from The Federal. Upon arriving great to have valet parking and coat check, the bar was fast moving and tables were being turned at a great pace so we had only a 20 minute wait for our table and were seated at 9:03pm!! Our service was with Jackie, she was both friendly and proffessional, easy to converse with and made sure we had our bread, drinks, and her service made our dining experience even better. The appetizers were fantastic, the oysters on the half were fresh and had a great clean taste, the "meat candy special" bacon wrapped dates were excellent, we both choose the NY Eve special which was a tuna piccada, it also was excellent and we both turned in clean plates! Dessert was pumpkin creme brulee and that just topped off another very good meal @ the Federal
  20. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 31, 2017

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    The food was very delicious and the service was supper!! the waitress was so very nice and helpful, I highly recommend her.
  21. larrytraveler

    New York Area

    19 reviews

    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on December 30, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We don't go to The Federal often enough! It's a real gem and a wonderful place for a special meal. We celebrated our 44th anniversary on 12/30 and I arranged for our two kids and their spouses to be there to surprise my wife who only thought it was the two of us. As always, the food was magnificent, the service superb, and they kept the secret until my wife and I were shown to our table where we "encountered" four additional guests! Couldn't have been bettter!!! Highly recommended.
  22. love2dineout

    New England

    29 reviews

    4.0

    29 reviews

    Dined on December 30, 2017

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    We went to Federal for early New Years Eve meal at 5:15. As per usual the food and service was very good to outstanding. The only negative was a large loud party seated behind us.
  23. MMSX2

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on December 28, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great evening of fine dining! The waitstaff was attentive and helpful. The dinner was outstanding with flavors and freshness.
  24. OpenTable Diner

    New England

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on December 23, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always blown away by The Federal! From the ambiance to the drinks to the delicious appetizers and dinner...exceptional! It’s our local favorite spot, for a special occasion or a romantic date night.
  25. majmom

    New York Area

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on December 8, 2017

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Server Matt was above and beyond. Great Food, Great Service.
  26. JenniferW

    New England

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 8, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Beautiful main dinning room, white tablecloths, pretty holiday decor, excellent attentive friendly service. Food was excellent. Everything from appetizers to dessert. Great for special occasion. Would like to return to try lounge food. Had wine in lounge before dinner, fun friendly atmosphere and the pizzas looked amazing.
  27. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 25, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We were in town for a dog show and needed a great place to celebrate a special birthday. We were immediately seated and the staff was promptly at the table taking our drink orders. Our waitress was awesome and so was the food. The "bucket of balls" and the meat candy apps were delicious, dinner was scrumptious, and the deserts were Devine! We will definitely go back when we are in town again.
  28. Michelle

    New England

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 25, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Beautiful atmosphere and food was incredible! Can't say enough good things about our experience. Large party of 12 and service was friendly and fast. Perfect perfect perfect!
  29. FoodSnob

    New England

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 23, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Old fashioned atmosphere and pricey but worth it for the experience.
  30. OpenTable Diner

    New England

    15 reviews

    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Thanksgiving dinner at the Federal is outstanding. The atmosphere is celebratory, the wait staff are friendly and attentive. The food is delicious beyond words. The pilgrims would be proud!
  31. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2017

    overall4food5service4ambience2
    Went on thanksgiving and the turkey dinner was outstanding. The service was very professional and helpful but seemed spread thin. Overall a great dinner and look forward to going back. The ambience was weird for an old building the decor was modern or trying to be. The noise level was high.
  32. KimO

    New England

    5 reviews

    2.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 22, 2017

    overall2food1service3ambience5
    For the food quality it was very over priced. I don’t mind spending money for fabulous food. This is was not that. I would give the food quality a two. I will not be returning.
  33. JeffreyV

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 18, 2017

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Excellent overall. Filet mignon special was no the rare category requested. Alittle on the med rare level.
  34. OpenTable Diner

    New England

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 18, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic food, exceptional service, an all around great experience. This was our third time at the Federal. We both had the chef tasting and it was worth every penny.
  35. OpenTable Diner

    New England

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 16, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This restaurant is one of our favorite places to eat...great service,friendly staff and good atmosphere..
  36. MichelleM

    New England

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 14, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    By far the best restaurant in the area. Everything we had was perfectly seasoned, well thought out and beautifully plated. Desserts were amazing as well. We will definitely return when we are in the area.
  37. OpenTable Diner

    New England

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Never disappointed here. Food is always amazing and service is top notch.
  38. OpenTable Diner

    New England

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 12, 2017

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    The Federal never disappoints. To say the food is outstanding would be an understatement. 5⭐
  39. OpenTable Diner

    New England

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 11, 2017

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    Great experience as always. We go every year for our wedding anniversary and The Federal never disappoints. My wife and I will continue to go here for years to come!!
  40. LewisM

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 10, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Had reservations, glad we did! Excellent service and food.

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from The Federal Restaurant & Bar using the Order Online button. The Federal Restaurant & Bar also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (413) 789-1267.

The Federal Restaurant & Bar is rated 4.6 stars by 927 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.


Is this your restaurant?
Claim this listing
Google Map for The Federal Restaurant & Bar

135 Cooper St, Agawam, MA 01001

Additional information

  • Neighborhood

    Agawam

  • Hours of operation

    Lunch: Friday: 11:30am - 2:00pm; Dinner: Monday - Wednesday: 5:00pm - 8:30pm, Thursday: 5:00pm - 9:30pm, Friday & Saturday: 5:00pm - 10:00pm

  • Cuisines

    Contemporary American

  • Dining style

    Fine Dining

  • Dress code

    Business Casual

  • Parking details

    Private Lot

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive chef

    Michael Presnal

  • Entertainment

    Live Music in the bar every Friday & Saturday night

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Corkage Fee, Entertainment, Farm to Table, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Wine

  • Phone number

    (413) 789-1267

  • Catering

    When the Federal caters, our reputation travels with us, whether to a dinner for fifteen or a wedding party of 300. The Federal brings the same exacting standard to every detail of your event, be it a graduation party, wedding, or business luncheon. Total event planning is also available – to your specifications, of course.

  • Private party facilities

    The elegant and relaxed atmosphere of the Federal Restaurant can be reserved for weddings, special events, corporate functions, private parties and private luncheons. The restaurant offers different sized rooms for private gatherings. The largest room accommodates seventy guests and the smallest accommodates up to fifteen. no additional fee is attached to table service or menu in these rooms. The staff of the Federal will make every effort to procure your desired audio or visual equipment for business presentations if requested at least two days in advance.

  • Private party contact

    Cristina Presnal: (413) 789-1267

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
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