Hemenway's

Was in town for a concert. Hit this place cause the window dressings were nice. Nice ambience, nice decor.\r \r I dont think I was dressed appropriately. The waitress was disinterested. I left a hefty tip, maybe she will feel bad and start giving EVERYONE 1st class service.\r \r Food was good, as far as NEW ENGLAND SEAFOOD you didnt blow me away especially for the prices. The beauty of new england you can buy seafood anywhere and everywhere, a dillipadated shack next to the water will hit you with seafood that will knock your socks off.\r \r This place is designed for people to go to and feel fancy. more

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.\r 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.\r 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. \r Pros: The New England Seafood & Our Waiter, Tom Cons: We are leaving town in the morning more

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 more

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 more

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 more

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. more

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). \r The service is always good too. Pros: Location, Service, Menu offerings more

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.\r 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).\r 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. \r A wonderful eatery where all of the staff are extremely well trained - and believe in what they are doing. I highly recommend Hemenways.\r Pros: On the river where you can see the water fires from your seat. Cons: Reservations are often needed. more

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 more

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 more

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!! more

After reading many sterling reviews, I was much chagrined to find my dining experience at Hemenway's significantly below par. From the gluey mashed potatoes to the gelatinous fish, from the flavorless processed lobster in the ravioli to their bland, lumpy cream sauce, from the lump of iceberg and 'glop' of dressing atop to the improperly prepared cocktails, Hemenway's served up one bomb after another. I can't even mention the thing that was called risotto. The best part of my meal was the packaged oyster crackers. Cons: flavorless food, pretentiousness, bad presentation more

I spent one night in Providence this past weekend and it looks like I made a great choice for dinner. From the ease of online reservation, to the great waiter Chuck to the great seafood and complimentary (from my hotel) appetizer, it was a great time. If I'm ever in Providence again, I'll definitely come back. Pros: service, food, drinks more

If you are a visitor to RI and only have one night to dine out.....make it here! If you are a native Ra-Dilenda ...... What are you waiting for? Free parking at the parking garage in the same building..... you don't even have to go outside to get in! The very best food and service in little rhody Pros: Everything Cons: Nothing more

After hearing good things about Hemenway's, we decided to try it out. The food was unimaginative and mediocre (and the fish was overcooked - despite specifically requesting that it be rare to medium). The service was atrocious. The waiter was completely inattentive and forgot the appetizers. When I pointed this out as our entrees were being served, he turned and walked away without saying a word, then returned a few minutes later saying we could have the appetizers in ten minutes or so if we wanted. I do not recommend this restaurant. Pros: Good location, Casual Cons: Dull food, Horrible service, Overpriced more

Absolutely the best piece of fish I have ever had. I had the grilled catfish which was done medium rare with some cajun spices, but not blackened. I had it prepared oscar style (with asparagus, crabmeat and hollandaise sauce) and it was possibly the most satisfying seafood experience of my life. The beer was cold, the chowder was flavorful and the cheesecake was succulent. The only issue was that the oysters were a little bland, but I have every confidence that whomever I recommend Hemenway's to will come away happy. Pros: Food, Food, Food more

Every visit is a delight. The food and drinks are superb, service is excellent, and there is no more romantic spot in RI than a window seat here during Waterfire. Well worth the price, dining here is an experience not to be missed. Pros: Food, Service, Water view more

I normally try to eat at Hemenway's on my trips to Providence, and recommend it to others. However, my last dining experience there had less than normal service. The wait for a glass of water alone was 15 minutes, and from there things seemed to go downhill. If you can survive the wait, the food is great!! Pros: Excellent food more

The food is fantastic (try the tuna appertizer) and the staff is excellent. While you are there treat yourself to their Stoli Doli drink, it is a perfect accompaniment to your meal. more

A taxi driver reccomended this place to me while visiting Providence this past summer. It was outstanding. The atmosphere, food and service were great! I did think it was a little overpriced for the lobster, but you do pay for what you get. I would reccomend this place to anyone! Pros: Excellent Seafood, Excellent Service, Atmosphere more