March 21, 2008
Rosie’s Wine Bar
Double date in Westfield, NJ (okay really Garwood, NJ)
My take: We had reservations for 8pm. We didn't get seated til 9pm. There are only like 15 tables, so the place isn't that big. I liked the inside decor, but the view outside is just of a street and the Shoprite Supermarket. We got a decent, free bottle of wine ($20 value) for waiting so long, but they charged us a $15 wine corking fee. My filet mignon wasn't bad, but the rice was undercooked. They have a great wine selection at reasonable prices, but the food and service definitely need some polish. I'd rate the service as shambles. They are nice, but it was like no one had any experience in a restaurant before.
Rosie's Wine Bar 514 North Avenue Garwood, NJ 07027 (908) 518-9463
do yourself a favor and find somewhere else to eat.
rosie’s definitely has potential, but it has RIDICULOUSLY bad service. a friend and i were served and were finished with our app. before even getting our glass of wine! (at a wine bar!!) the wait staff is constantly running around, yet they are accomplishing NOTHING. same thing with the OWNER. it is a small restaurant, so being that flustered is pretty much inexcusable.
if they work (BIG TIME) on the service and staff’s knowledge, it could be a cool place to go. they are a long way away from that though………
I went to Rosie’s the first week it openend and then a few times after that. I have to say that the food &serivce deteriorated seriously over about two months. The last time I went the service was a joke and the restaruant was almost empty that night! As for the food, I can understand that wine is the focus, not food, but the portion size went from small to microscopic, yet the prices remain the same. As far as the wines that I liked there, you can get them at your local liquor store for much less! $15 corkerage fee??? Give me a break ! Rosie’s can not compare to 16 Prospect (used to be Trattoria) in Westfield where the service and staff are great and friendly. And the food portion at 16 Prospect is in proportion with the price. I’m sure if there are wines that I can’t live w/o, I’ll just ask my local liquor store or restaurant to carry it.
I think originally Rosie’s had a shot at being a nice addition to the area until they got greedy and dismissive w/the customers. That style doesn’t work for the general Westfield/Cranford restaurant goers. I give all new restaurants I frequent 3 visits. Rosie’s seems to be getting progressively worse and I won’t be back there for those prices.