Canal Side Inn

The atmosphere was nice, and the staff were so welcoming. Service was amazing. I hadn’t realized the Valentine’s Day dinner had a $75 prix fixe menu, though, and the food didn’t impress me for that price. The portions were tiny and everything tasted bland. I took the food home and added flavor so I could enjoy it. I’d had high expectations, but it just wasn’t worth the money.

The food was a letdown for the prices. The butter with the bread tasted stale, though not rancid, and was inedible. The Caesar salads were small and not very good, and the beef in the Beef Wellington was tough and flavorless. This place charges Manhattan prices in upstate NY, so I expected better. Our waitress was new, so we knew service might be slow. We gently reminded her about the soup or salad with the entree. She said she knew and would bring it, but she’d already taken our order without asking which we wanted. She did eventually get it. I wouldn’t go again.

Chef John brings a lot of energy and creativity to every dish. The beet salad and Creme Brûlée are especially worth trying. I’d absolutely recommend this restaurant. Whatever you order, you won’t be disappointed.

Chef John came by our table himself to make sure everything suited us, and he was genuinely attentive to any dietary wants or needs. He and the rest of the staff were welcoming, so I’ll be back many times. The room had a warm feel and plenty of art to look at. We had calamari with a fantastic chili dipping sauce, prime rib, and an amazing cheese cake for dessert. I haven’t stopped smiling since I left. Thank you!