Back in December Plymouth was able to enjoy the opening of a new restaurant, The Grotto. It opened in early December, about a week before finals for the students of Plymouth State University. Now that the second semester is in full swing more Plymouth State students are able to fully experience The Grotto for themselves.
The Grotto can be found on Main Street next to the Lucky Dog. The Grotto has a post-modern feel of the décor as you walk in, with a classic 1990’s-2000’s alternative and rock playlist. Personally, I appreciated the modern, minimalistic feel given by the dim walls and white tables. The bar extends like a rectangle giving customers all around the restaurant access to alcoholic beverages.
I asked students of PSU who visited The Grotto what they thought of the atmosphere. Samantha Latos, a Plymouth State junior, had this to say: “As someone who values interior design, I love the black, white, and red look of the restaurant. The modern style compliments the classic Italian menu."
I had gotten mixed reviews about the restaurant beforehand. Most people I talked to say the food was delicious and the price was low, which I agree with. I had hoped to ask for an interview; however, the new restaurant seemed to be so busy that proved to be difficult.
It took a while for drinks to come to the table, especially the drinks from the bar I had ordered. The food, however, reached us in a reasonable time. Our server was very friendly, and did a great job. I was more interested in the food, which was delicious.
English major Mason Masotta also said, “I was very impressed with their extra thin angel hair pasta. I don’t order Italian food all too often because it is so filling, but The Grotto has an awesome choice that was both satisfying and unique.”
I had some fettuccine alfredo, that I thought was delicious. The cream was delectable and very complimenting of the perfectly cooked noodles. The presentation of the meal also came across quite well, I was excited to take home leftovers.
It seems the best thing the Grotto has going for it is the wonderful food and cheap menu. Service could be better, and the wait time could be shorter. Otherwise, it was an enjoyable night out.
Isabelle Elsasser says, “I really liked the environment and how it felt like an actual bar. All the prices are super affordable and worth it! I highly recommence any pizza there, as well as the fried dough dessert. For anyone that’s 21 drinks are super cheap and taste amazing.”
The Grotto is a great new restaurant that opened, hopefully they will continue to grow and improve during their time here at Plymouth. For now, I leave only wishing the waitress had given us a pen to write her tip with.