Quattro's
Guilford, CT
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BEYOND THE MENU 🍸🎶
A Night Out in Guilford
Second Stop, Quattro's!
So, after stuffing ourselves at Prime (and I mean STUFFING ourselves!), Vinny and I headed over to another one of our absolute favorite places in Guilford — Quattro’s on Water Street!
And if you’re looking for a place where everybody knows your name, THIS IS IT!
Seriously, they should learn the theme song from Cheers!
We LOVE this place!
One of the biggest reasons we keep coming back is the fabulous Take 3 Trio, who play there on select Thursdays, usually twice a month.
Now don’t let the name fool you, because there’s often more than three of them! Other incredibly talented musicians come and sit in, including some amazing guitarists and a fabulous sax player.
Harley, the lead singer, has an incredible voice! Along with Luke Rodney on percussion, Marc Nadeau on guitar, and Kim Granberry on bass, they put on one heck of a show! And depending on the night, you might catch guest musicians like Christian Vegh, John Smayda, or Pat Kennedy.
Their music is such a fun mix of jazzy, upbeat tunes, old-time rock and roll, blues, and island rhythms. It’s almost impossible to stay in your seat!
And if you think you’re going to sit there all night, think again!
Because along comes Bonnie!
Bonnie is Harley’s mom, and I swear she knows EVERYBODY!
From the moment you walk through the door, she’s there with a big smile, a warm greeting, and usually a hug! And if you’re not dancing, don’t be surprised if she comes over and drags you onto the dance floor!
She’s just one of those people who makes everyone feel welcome, and honestly, she is such a big part of what makes the night so special.
Now let’s talk about the bar!
Remember in my Prime review when I mentioned how much I appreciate bartenders who go that extra mile to make you feel welcome?
Well, meet Angel and Natalie!
These two are an absolute hoot! Warm, friendly, attentive, and FUN! They actually interact with their customers, and you can tell they enjoy what they do.
And here’s something Natalie did last night that might sound silly to some of you, but I LOVED it!
She came around the bar replacing everyone’s wet cocktail napkins with fresh ones.
OMG! A bartender who actually notices a wet cocktail napkin without being asked?!
I swear, in some places I’ve practically had to BEG for a napkin or a cocktail stirrer!
There was a time I honestly thought Branford was experiencing some sort of shortage of both!
I mean, am I the only one who hates when your drink starts sweating, there’s a puddle on the bar, your fingers are wet, and you have nothing to wipe them with?
And don’t even get me started on stirrers!
I once had a bartender actually get annoyed with me for asking for one!
He said, “I shake the drink, so why do you need a stirrer?”
Ummm… because I want to squeeze my lemon a little more and stir it myself?
Is that a crime?!
When you’re paying $12 or more for a cocktail, I don’t think a napkin and a stirrer are too much to ask!
OK, rant over! Back to Quattro’s!
Photo curtesy of terradanbury Instagram
The food and atmosphere!
Quattro’s has a warm, inviting bar with that charming, old-world New England feel that I love.
Their food is great, too! And I especially love their tapas menu because sometimes you just want a little something to nibble on rather than a whole dinner.
Another bonus? They have Happy Hour EVERY DAY!
And in the summer, their outdoor dining is absolutely beautiful. White tablecloths, twinkling little white lights, and such a romantic atmosphere. It’s a completely different experience from a lively music night, but equally enjoyable.
Photo curtesy Quattro's facebook
And since this is Beyond the Menu, you know I’m going to notice the little things!
The ladies’ room is nicely decorated and fits the atmosphere of the restaurant, but I do think it could use a little more attention throughout the evening.
A quick check now and then to tidy things up would make a difference.
And can somebody please explain why people can’t throw their paper towels IN the wastebasket instead of on the floor?!
Seriously, people!
It’s one of those little details that can take away from an otherwise lovely experience.
So what’s my verdict?
Quattro’s is one of those places that reminds me why I love going out in the first place.
Yes, the food is important. Yes, the atmosphere matters. But sometimes what makes a place truly special is the PEOPLE.
Photo curtesy of Quattro's/Take 3 Trio
The musicians, the bartenders, Bonnie with her hugs, the familiar faces, and even the new people you meet who feel like old friends by the end of the night.
It’s just good energy, good music, good food, and a whole lot of fun!
And after all those steak nachos, French onion soup, and cocktails at Prime, believe me, I needed every minute on that dance floor!
One last thing! I was so busy dancing and having fun that I completely forgot to take pictures last night! So I’m sharing a few I found on the www.
Apparently, I was too busy living the moment to photograph it!
If you haven’t been to Quattro’s on a live music night, you’re missing out!
And if you see Bonnie, tell her I sent you. Just make sure you’re wearing your dancing shoes!
Have you been to Quattro’s? Or heard the Take 3 Trio? I’d love to know what you think!
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