Anthony's Banquet Hall

I recently attended a wedding here... I won't comment much on the decor or food, because it was completely not my style... it's just too stereotypical Italian wedding hall and nothing to really write home about - but the bride and groom seemed happy, so to each their own...

I will, however, comment on the manager (possibly owner's) attitude and unprofessional demeanor.  I witnessed him provoke a guest at the bar that (to my knowledge) seemed to be having a good time and causing no problems.  It seemed that perhaps there was some prior smalltown drama with the guest or one of his family members... but when you operate a business in a smalltown, I assume this is something you have to deal with and should have the respect for the bride and groom to deal with it either before or after their special day.  The guest repeatedly attempted to shake hands with the manager/owner/whatever-he-is and say he was not interested in causing a stir... but the manager persisted and was even physically aggressive with the guest.  I was appalled.  Luckily the night was ending shortly and the guest left on his own, seemingly out of respect for the bride and groom.  I would think twice before recommending anyone doing business with a hot-headed staff like that around...

They are now Anthony's banquet hall, so only do speiclal events like weddings, etc.  I went to the Cairo Durham Alumni Banquet last weekend and It was the usual banquet fare,, beautiful building, nice bar,, all in all a good time/good meal, clock work service, happy bartenders, can't complain.......

Went here for dinner on Saturday night and was pleasantly surprised.  For appetizers, we had steamed clams (pretty good), shrimp in a garlic sauce (excellent, we even used the sauce to dip bread in), and the stuffed mushrooms (marginal...kind of lacking flavor).  For an entree, I had seafood fra diavolo which at $21 including choice of soup/salad seemed expensive, but when it was delivered, it was loaded with delicious seafood.  Everyone was really happy with their meals.

The servers seemed a little busy and caused a lack of attention.  They didn't have a great support system to fill the gaps for a busy Saturday night.  And they charge $2 for a soda, but there are NO FREE REFILLS...that is insane, soda costs pennies.  

Reservations are recommended.

If the restaurant wants that 5th star from me, train bus people to check on the tables frequently during busy times, flavor up the mushroom stuffing, and offer free refills.