The Ainsworth - Newark

The overall decor and look of the space is spot on BUT the execution in service was less than stellar. I am a avid wine drinker and ordered a glass of Sauvignon Blanc. I was served a small glass that was not even standard size. I was not unsold during my time at the bar. I was not asked if I wanted a bite to eat or even a dessert with my drink.

Unprofessional. Rude. Unorganized. Understaffed.. I wish I could give this place a 0 review. We came here for dinner before a concert and made a reservation to play it safe. We walked in to the restaurant and were greeted by... no one. Literally, not one person even said hello. We were second in line and a large crowd piled in behind us. We waiting 5-10 minutes and still nothing. When one of the women in our line went to ask the bartender what was happening, the bartender basically told her that it was going to be at least 15 minutes before anyone was addressed. There was no hostess, no manager, 2 bartenders, and a complete lack of service and professionalism. Not sure how a place wouldn't want to ensure that they have a full staff during the night of a SOLD OUT Concert. The operations were a complete mess. Never again.

Had an absolutely terrible experience here before the Fleetwood Mac concert. Only 2 bartenders, 1 waitress, 1 food runner, 1 cook working. No manager. They couldn't handle the influx of people, and the people that were working were terrible at their jobs. I'm normally very understanding of people in the food services industry, as I have done that and know how difficult a job it can be. We ordered food, and after 45 minutes were told that not only was it not ready (we were there before the crowd, yet everyone else in the restaurant had already gotten their food), but were advised to just go to the concert, as the kitchen was backed up and we probably wouldn't get our meals. On the way out, the cook told us that she didn't even have a ticket for our food, so it seems the order was never even placed!!? At that point it was nearly time to go into the show, and every other restaurant was jammed pack. Will never go to this place again.

Location and atmosphere is nice. Beautiful old building. Parking is tough. Prices are too high. Ordered guacamole & chips and at $12 for the small portions it was way overpriced! $14 for 3 small chicken tacos is also overpriced. This is not NYC, it's Newark! Maybe this is why no one was there. The best part is the architecture of the building and seeing the old bank vault. No need to return.

I like the Ainsworth generally, love the rooftop bar. That said, it's expensive with small portion sizes and not much atmosphere. The staff is always nice though it's often understaffed so they're busy or pulling double duty. I live not very far so my favorite thing about it is I can grab a drink here when there's nothing going on at the Prudential Center and have it be mostly empty and quiet. In the summer, I can grab a drink on the roof and have a quiet, scenic night. If there's an event, at their lounge or at the Prudential Center it's much too crowded and loud. Also, for what you get, it's too pricey. It isn't my go to in the area or even on the same street.

Went in to rendezvous with my wife after work on a Friday, place was slow but got busier after a Devils Hockey game down the street. Bartender needs polishing, they were out of some of the food items I wanted and the menu is small to begin with. I really wanted to check out the rooftop bar but disappointed that it was closed. Wouldn't mind going back but not very impressed by the experience.

The place has gotten a little weird dark and empty oposed to the first time I went it was lively and the bartender was nice. The second time a few months later the bartender wasnt knowledgable about what he had in stock told me there was no tea. And The place just looked like a dungeon. No music also. Very weird vibe.