Bridge Street Live is certainly making it's mark as a destination in the CT entertainment circuit.
The parking layout and surface isn't the best, but there seemed to be enough space when we arrived. The venue itself is quite nice, and the staff was friendly. The sound was done very well (at least for the night we were there), and they seem to have some pretty good acoustics going on. Bathrooms were pretty clean, and the overall layout of the venue was very good. The seating was ok as well.
Unfortunately, service was a bit slow as the customer to server ratio was quite lopsided. Just like at Toads, if you want a drink fast, then you better go get it yourself. We had dinner elsewhere, so we can't comment on the food. The main reason I'm not giving BSL 4 stars is because of the drink prices vs. the drink quality. I totally understand that a venue like this will be charging top dollar for drinks, but at least serve some good-tasting drinks! The mixed drinks we had were pretty bad.
Overall, we liked it and will be back. We'll just need to drink water, or something else instead of mixed drinks next time.
BSL: Why didn't I know about you before now??
My friend who lives in town invited me to see the Sierra Leone All Stars. What a great band and what a great venue. We were in the smaller music hall and I know they have a larger one for bigger shows.
They have wait service that comes to your table to see if you want something to drink. They offer beer, wine, and specialty cocktails. There are little signs on your table that if you click on are red (meaning you're all set) and if you click them to white means you need to order something.
They offer a limited food menu with some apps and simple entrees like sandwiches and salads.
They have a great outdoor deck that overlooks the water. They offer Sunday brunch which is out on the deck. I would definitely go for brunch for the views and would go to another show in a heartbeat.
Great experience for 6 women out for Girls' Weekend! Â We arrived about 1/2 hour before the doors opened at 7:00, and sat in the bar overlooking the Farmington River. Â We planned to have a few drinks before the comedy show and order some dinner. Â When I explained my many food allergies, the waitress went and got the chef (Diane) who was very attentive to my allergies and concerned to make sure I ate safely. Â (If you read my other reviews, you will see that this is not always the case!) Â The menu was mostly salads, sliders, cheese/meat plate, etc. Â (You can view the Cabaret Menu on the Bridge Street website). Â I ended up with a large salad with cold sliced chicken (UN-seasoned since that was what she could give me that was gluten- and dairy-free) with bacon and a balsamic dressing. Â It was very good. Â My friends ordered the sliders (which they said were fantastic), and my friend who is something of a Caesar salad aficionado, said it was the best Caesar salad she's ever had! Â The comedians were great ... the bar was a little slow (but the cocktails were delicious! Â I loved the Ladies Night!). Â Overall a great venue ... my only wish is that the menu had some items that were inherently gluten- and dairy-free (i.e. that the dressing didn't have dairy in it, and that the chicken seasoning didn't have gluten). Â But I can't express enough how impressed I was with the attention to detail to ensure that I did eat safely!!
Review Source:John J. Â indicated that we should eat ahead of time. Â He provided a great tip. Â I planned to eat earlier in the day but, missed the opportunity and wound up fending for myself at this restaurant. Â The food is OK, Â I discussed the menu with our server. Â The menu changes frequently, this evening it seems the food choices were limited to sliders, cheese plates and salads. Â We did not go hungry, the veggie sliders were tasty, the cheese and meat plates were nicely presented and quite good. Â The servers were pleasant.
A great live artist was playing Eilen Jewell and her band. Â She has a guitarist that rocks it, drummer and bass fiddle. Â I love the bass fiddle - he plays it indie style / rhythm an blues. Â Can't describe it really. Â They play some Loretta Lynn music and some of their own creations as well. Â Definitely worth a listen.
We had awesome seats very near the stage and the wait staff was attentive, making the experience more enjoyable. Â
Great venue for live music. Â Highly recommend, I also recommend you eat a real meal before you go and enjoy an appetizer or two while at the show.
Shows - music and comedy both - are just great. Â Food can be great. Â I had truffle macaroni and cheese once which was fab! Â Crab cakes are also great. Â I know they are adjusting menu and need feed back. Â Great bar and friendly staff. Â You can do dinner without going to a show but shows are well worth it.
Review Source:Just went to here for a birthday party. What a cool and unexpected place! They had a really good comedy show plus a bar and restaurant - all great. We couldn't get over how nicely done the place was - all in art deco style, fresh and clean. It's tucked away in Collinsville so look for it. Many of the people we were with said they will be back.
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