"Rating: Market Place Kitchen and Bar in Avon, CT, presents an inviting and aesthetically pleasing environment. The decor is well thought out, combining modern elements with a cozy, welcoming vibe that makes for a pleasant first impression. The ambiance suggests a high-end dining experience, but unfortunately, the service and food quality didn't quite meet those expectations during our visit.Upon arrival, it was apparent that the establishment was understaffed. There were very few servers managing a relatively large number of diners, which became evident as we waited an unusually long time just to place our order. Our server, while incredibly kind and attentive, was visibly overwhelmed. She had to extend herself across multiple rooms, which made it challenging for her to provide the level of service she clearly wanted to deliver.The wait for our food was extensive—nearly an hour or more. When it finally arrived, the quality was disappointingly inconsistent. The Caesar salad lacked dressing, rendering it bland and unappealing. My short rib sandwich was another letdown; it was devoid of any seasoning and served on stale focaccia, which significantly detracted from the overall experience. Other members of our party also expressed dissatisfaction with their meals, citing similar issues of blandness and poor preparation.While the decor and initial ambiance of Market Place Kitchen and Bar set a high bar, the combination of understaffed service and subpar food makes it difficult to recommend. Despite the efforts of our well-meaning server, the overall experience fell short. With some adjustments to staffing levels and a focus on improving food quality, this restaurant has the potential to live up to its promising appearance. For now, however, it remains a mixed experience at best."
