Barnsider

I am from the Albany area and had been to their other restaurant there. It was years ago and I remember enjoying the meal, but not being overly impressed. Having been in Providence now for 3+ years, I've become very spoiled. The restaurants here, and all over Rhode Island, are amazing...most of them anyway. Last Saturday I decided to give Barnsider a try. I was pretty disappointed. I had a 14oz sirloin Au Poirve. The steak was cooked to my specifications (med-rare) and the sauce was pretty good too. It was very tasty. However, the french onion soup I had first was bland, too sweet and just not that great. The salad bar was very standard also. Again, living in Providence has raised my expectations. I spent $60 with tip, on myself only for a bowl of soup, salad (included with meal) a couple of beers and a 14oz steak with blah-blah steamed veggies. The previous weekend I was at La Laiterie down the street from me in Wayland Sq. I had spent $70 for myself for 2 glasses of wine, an amazingly prepared radicchio salad, a delicous sirloin with amazing mashed potatoes and a dessert that made me think I was back in europe. La Laiterie (as well as many other restaurants) take genuine care in what they prepare. The Barnsider is a step up from a food-factory chain. If all you care about is the slab of meat, you might like it...but if your palate desires anything more sophisticated, you will be sorely disappointed. I'm delighted to pay an extra $10 for a truly enjoyable meal. Pros: Good steak Cons: Everything else more

for as much as this restaurant has received rave reviews, i thought the food left much to be desired. the seafood was tasteless, greasy and covered with layers of thick breading. i ordered the crab stuffed scrod and there was'nt a crablump in sight. the service was fine but the prices were ridiculously expensive for the quality. this was one of the worst dining experiences i've ever had. i would have rather eaten airline food. i will never return to the barnsiders mile and a quarter..i will instead dine in places such as" the rue" and chez pascal, i suggest you do the same. Pros: ok service Cons: expensive, horrible food more

Was my first time at Barnsider,the steak and lobster was fab. The atmosphere was very calm and delightful you can have a wonderful dinner and great conversation. The salad bar was well kept and fresh. Pros: food, staff, atmosphere Cons: none more

Service and Food outstanding... Salad bar is always looks fresh and kept clean. They serve the best duck around. Definitly worth the trip Pros: Service, quality more

Using a value/quality standard, I believe that Barnsider is better than the Capital Grill! Pros: good value more

My boyfriend and I have eaten at other Barnsider Restaurant Corp.'s establishments (The Beverly Depot, The Hardcover, The Dandelion Green) and were thoroughly pleased that this one lived up to the others. Solid service, great food, and a salad bar w/variety to start on immediately. I suggest not going late in the evening, because they will run out of some the more popular entrees. Pros: ample parking, attentive waitstaff more