Evolution Bistro & Bar

Review summary

1. P

   Paul VIP

   Greater Boston8 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Excellent food, drinks, service, and ambiance. The Old Forrester Old Fashioned was amazing. Scallop Crudo and beef rib were both outstanding.
   

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2. P

   Peter VIP

   Greater Boston16 reviews

   2.0

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 2
   4. Ambience 2

   We were excited that Manchester might have an "urban bistro" again on the level of the dearly-missed MInt Bistro (e.g.) & and Evo has many good intentions, but we left disappointed. Nice touch to have the hostess ask to hang your coat, that set a "feeling special" tone - as did the furniture, table settings, and waitstaff uniforms - all very nice. But once at the NOISY table the service felt very much "in process" and lacking supervision. 1st came an awkward mention of how long our food might take to cook (which never came into play - if the point was to set timing expectations then it might have been good to wait until we put in our order and then assess if there might any time delay... just seemed out of correct order of things). Then little things came up, like confusion over which meal went to which diner, one entree arriving after the other three, and the awkward manner that drinks weren't set on the table but instead HANDED to each diner (even if right next to the server). OK, all minor stuff but the real issue was disappointment with the food. Limited menu (but that can be a good sign) but with a limited menu you kinda need to explain the dishes in great detail so diners can make good choices. Shrimp cocktail and garden salad were very good, but Caesar salad odd to say the least, with a poached egg on top... interesting but the point of the egg in caesar is to enhance the dressing, not turn the salad into a breakfast item. Very little anchovy flavor - again, a key element. No offer of pepper. Entrees seemed to have very good elements - fresh meat, fish and scallops - high quality. But beyond that either nothing special on one hand or surprising (as in disturbing) on the other: the "beef rib" was an embarrassment of a Fred Flinstone "brontosaurus" bone - HUGE, awkward, strange (but, yes, tasty). No offer of dessert, we had to ask (and only 3 unexciting items). Nice to try the new place in town but for the high price tag we expected better.
   

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3. r

   ryan

   Greater Boston1 review

   5.0

   Dined 4 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Excellent food and signature drinks. We had the chicken schnitzle, gnocci and a side of brussel sprouts. All the food was excellent, only critique was that the brussel sprouts had a bit too much oil - by the bacon they were cooked with was excellent.
   

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4. S

   Stella

   New York City10 reviews

   3.0

   Dined 5 days ago

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 2
   4. Ambience 5

   This was our first time visiting this establishment. Great vibe, huge bar area. We were seated right away however it was about 15 minutes until our server came over. Our drinks took another 15. The drink selection was good. The gnocchi were simple/bland and chicken Milanese was heavily breaded but mashed potatoes were fantastic. Overall we could’ve had a better experience but willing to give it another try in the future.
   

   Evolution Bistro & BarResponded 4 days ago

   Hi Stella, Thank you for taking the time to review us. I apologize we fell short in certain areas, and we thank you acknowledging it so we can begin to make it right for you. I would feel the same exact way if this happened to me. We appreciate your willingness to give us another shot, and for that we will make sure you are absolutely taken care of. I'm going to follow up with you to faciltate this. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave this for us. Brian Busa Director of Hospitality
   

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5. VS

   VladimirS VIP

   Greater Boston37 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on 1 March 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Food and service were excellent. The wait time was long once again.
   

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6. c

   chris VIP

   Greater Boston6 reviews

   4.0

   Dined on 28 February 2025

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 4

   Best bourbon selection in the state of NH, however prices border on absurd. Need to know your pricing before ordering very few border on reasonable pricing Saying that mixed drinks were great and food was actually great Mash potatoes are a must , beef ribs and cauliflower were very good.
   

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7. J

   JULIE

   Greater Boston1 review

   5.0

   Dined on 28 February 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   The food was amazing and the staff was great. Bryan was very knowledgeable about the bourbons. Thank you
   

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8. D

   DOUGLAS

   New Hampshire1 review

   3.0

   Dined on 28 February 2025

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 5

   Food was ahhh so so. For the Foundry priced food and drink, it was level of burger king. The smashed burgers were smothered with cheese the kind you unwrap in single slices. The burger you were not allowed to select medium or rare or anything but well done. The port wine was good, probably a tawney. But for $30 for 3 oz is a bit steep. Probable won't go back as there are many other places without the higher costs. If the food was a bit more high end I would not mind paying the $300 price tag. But I have to say the wait staff were great and the Oysters were good.
   

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9. J

   Jen

   Greater Boston5 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on 25 February 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 4

   Amazing we all loved it!!! Hard to even pick a favorite cucumbers, salmon, filet, gnocchi all top notch! Will definitely be back!! Thank you Kelso! Camryn did a nice job as well!!
   

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10. J

    Jessica

    Greater Boston1 review

    5.0

    Dined on 23 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    This place is great! If you’re looking for a date night, girls night out or to celebrate just about anything please go here. The atmosphere is great and comfy. They make you feel like family, when you go ask to see Austin! Best server around!
    

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