Twin Oaks

I'm new to the area and I was anxious to try the "famous" Twin Oaks Restaurant. I was a bit miffed they did not accept reservations and I was greeted with a waiting line as soon as we entered the door. After wrestling our way to the bar, it became obvious to me that certain parties were being seated ahead of those of us who had our names on the list. Eventually, after an hour and a half wait, we were seated in a dirty, dingy booth and we literally had to brush the bread crumbs off the table and seats. The waiter was jovial and attentive. However, the appetizers were cold and greasy. Dinner was less-than-wonderful. The veal was tough and veggies were cold. While looking around, we determined we were the only people in the place under eighty years of age. After dinner, we were served luke-warm coffee and we reported our experience to our waiter, who reacted as if he didn't care in the least. Needless to say, we will not be going back to Twin Oaks. I'm wondering why they have such a following. It certainly isn't the food!

This is the second time I've posted this review. The first one somehow "disappeared"!! Then 5 rave reviews appeared in its place.

This restaurant has always been popular, but not really sure why. I ate here 2 years ago and was disappointed, but thought I'd try again. This time was no different. The veggies (green beans) tasted like they were straight out of a can and the mashed potatoes were instant! Before I ordered I specifically asked the waiter if the mashed were real-I asked twice, and was told they were, so I ordered them. Very disappointed. The tomato sauce used on the pasta was nothing more than average, certainly not distinctive. One of us had a steak, tasty but overcooked. The "melted butter" served with seafood was clarified/oil, but was replaced with melted butter when requested. There was a short wait for a table (no reservations accepted), but people who came in after us (and seemingly knew people who worked there) were seated immediately, but it has always been like that. It's a nice casual restaurant, polite waiters (male only, again, has always been like that)) but disappointing. There are too many great restaurants in RI to waste your time & $$ here, though everyone has to go at least once to draw their own conclusion.

Nice building, nice grounds, and it is a RI institution-everybody has been there at least once. The food is less than mediocre. The veggies taste like they're out of a can and they serve instant mashed potatoes. The tomato sauce is nothing special. There's alway a line (I can't figure out why), but if you know someone there you can skip the line. The bottom line: ambiance-good, food quality-poor. There are too many good restaurants in RI to waste time & $$ here.

The service is exceptional. The food is wonderful and the portions were a good amount. The prices are pretty fair considering the size and service you get. The wait is not very long, we've never had to wait longer than 15 min. It is well worth the wait. One of the best in Rhode Island, if not the best.

they have the best turkry club sandwich and many other dishes