Smarty's

My friend had fish & chips, I had broasted chicken. Everything was fresh, hot & delicious. Sides included a green salad, garlic mashed potatoes, baked beans & Cole slaw. The salad was a nice side salad, fresh, crisp. Potatoes (French fries, garlic mash) were good, tasty. Beans were adequate, probably canned. Cole slaw was okay, but it's not my favorite dish, anyway. My chicken was very good, juicy, super crispy, 2 large beast pieces, just like Broasted Chicken is supposed to be. My friend said her fish was delicious, tender with a light, crispy batter. Our service was very good, friendly, brisk. My friend & I both have worked as wait staff, so we understand & well appreciate good service. The restaurant was clean, a comfortable, family-friendly style with a fun, welcoming pub atmosphere at the connected bar area. We happened to sit in the enclosed porch area with views of downtown Niantic & Niantic Bay. I would be very comfortable recommending Smarty's for lunch or dinner, for couples or families, and the bar area seemed full, fun & lively by the time we left after our leisurely meal.

Smarty's Bar & Grill 8/30/2013

On a recommendation from a friend we decided to go to Smarty's for dinner before taking in a movie. We were greeted right away and brought to a table outside facing the water. A one man band was entertaining so we thought we were in for a good time. Not so much! Turns out Smarty's was not the smartest choice. Awful does not do this place justice. Had we read the reviews BEFORE going there we surely would not have gone!

We just ordered appetizers to keep it fun. It took them 45 minutes to bring out cold sweet potato fries, cold potato skins, over cooked- dry and equally cold pulled pork nachos and guess what the chicken wings were... Yup, you guessed it also COLD! No plates or flatware so after we got tired of waiting I went inside to get my own flatware and plates. My wife never got water or the ice cubes for the drink she had. Those were brought well after the drink was finished. The milk shake I ordered never showed up and although I asked for extra salsa that never showed up either. I asked for the manager but she never came out. I had to go inside to find her. While listening to all the excuses for their awful service another diner also came inside looking to pay for his meal so they too could leave. Not surprisingly we shared the same waitress.

After I showed the manager the 3 latest bad reviews on TripAdvisor she offered to comp our meal which we refused. We were not looking for something for nothing, all we wanted was to have a good meal. Because the food was cold we sent it back. We did eat the potato skins and one drink so we paid for those and left. We will NEVER EVER set foot in this "restaurant" EVER again! Ever!

If horrible service, cold food, long wait for food and so-so entertainment is your idea of a fun time then this place is for you. If not, there are plenty of "smarter" choices than this place.