Wonderful ambience, great staff, surprisingly reasonable prices for the experience. Cocktails are next level; great selection of craft beers. I rarely go out to eat these days because things are so expensive & simultaneously mediocre/subpar in the post-COVID restaurant industry all over rural and semirural New England. This is hands-down the best ROI I’ve found in all of the Northeast, outside of Boston & NYC; stopped in by accident when Iya Sushi was unexpectedly closed. Just a beautiful place with decent portions of outstanding deliciousness at a sane price & a seemingly cool crew working there.Whoever manage/design this place know what they’re doing & offer a remarkable old school experience that middle class people don’t often get in 2024. ?
Mariel Olcoz
Had a first date there, I'll keep you posted ;)Vegetarian options: I had the best curry
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Vy Nguyen
Protocol offers a stunning ambiance with lush plants, complemented by delicious drinks and food. The combination of aesthetics, flavorful beverages, and satisfying dishes makes it a definite go-to spot. I'll be back soon to explore more of their menu.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Duck Confit
Stanley Yuan
Menu is small but well thought out and everything is good. Service is exceptional and the vibe there is great and they make the best of a small space by filling it with plants and great lighting. Cocktails are on the expensive side but they’re pretty tasty. Been there twice so far and will definitely be back in the future.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Robert Walters
Great upscale spot for Amherst.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jim R.
First time visiting and I had the Duck Confit. Absolutely fantastic; tender and savory with a bit of sweetness. Very unique menu item that did not disappoint. If you're looking for a sandwich item besides the usual burger, chicken, or fish, this is it! Great service, too. Relaxed and friendly but also very efficient.
Julia Carpenter
Protocol has a lovely atmosphere, laidback but attentive service, creative drinks, and is overall such a welcomed business to have in the valley! The only reason I give it four stars is because while I’d like to eat there in addition to enjoying their cocktails, I was really surprised at the lack of plant-based options. Whoever designs the menu is clearly passionate about food and intentional about where they source their produce. However, serving hummus/fries/green salad as the only vegan options (and this is really just accidental) feels pretty passé for a restaurant in 2024. I’d really like to see them expand their menu to include creative and intentional plant based options, not just afterthoughts.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Margarida A.
Wonderful atmosphere! The food and drinks are always amazing. The chef's creativity shows in the meals we have tried. The staff is always friendly. Daniela and Victoria always make a point to talk to us. We love it and will definitely keep going.
John G.
A bit more upscale than most other Amherst bars. Drinks are unique and food choices are eclectic. Bartenders were friendly and willing to offer suggestions.
Bahar Jafarizadeh
Very nice atmosphere to be true for Amherst! Finally! Nice food and also the cocktail i ordered (Violet femme).
The food here is excellent and they make great drinks, too. The atmosphere is also quite nice.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Recommended dishes: Whipped Ricotta, Smash Burger
No Names No Numbers
Great addition to the town! Great music, great staff, and great drinks #OldFashioned ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Emma L
Been waiting for a place in town like this! You can tell there was a lot of thought and care put into this for the customers. From the soothing, warm and welcoming atmosphere, to the great service, I’m heavily impressed by Protocol. I feel like I’m in the city going in here, and the seating is extremely comfortable and flattering. There are live plants inside which adds a refreshing element. By the bathrooms there is a private event space that I saw and hopefully will use for a birthday event in the future!! Although we only ordered drinks and fries, we will be back to try more of the menu. Overall, this place is a must visit downtown and great for a girls night
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fries
Robert Laprade
Went to dinner with friends. Had a great experience. The service was polite and timely. The food was excellent and the wine list and specialty drinks available were impressive. I highly recommend giving this establishment a try, you won't be disappointed.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fried Chicken Sandwich, Fries
Bryan Margaca
Ate like kings. Delicious food and great service. Everyone at this establishment was very friendly. A nice staple spot for Amherst for the foreseeable future!
Wonderful ambience, great staff, surprisingly reasonable prices for the experience. Cocktails are next level; great selection of craft beers. I rarely go out to eat these days because things are so expensive & simultaneously mediocre/subpar in the post-COVID restaurant industry all over rural and semirural New England. This is hands-down the best ROI I’ve found in all of the Northeast, outside of Boston & NYC; stopped in by accident when Iya Sushi was unexpectedly closed. Just a beautiful place with decent portions of outstanding deliciousness at a sane price & a seemingly cool crew working there.Whoever manage/design this place know what they’re doing & offer a remarkable old school experience that middle class people don’t often get in 2024. ?
Had a first date there, I'll keep you posted ;)Vegetarian options: I had the best curry
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Protocol offers a stunning ambiance with lush plants, complemented by delicious drinks and food. The combination of aesthetics, flavorful beverages, and satisfying dishes makes it a definite go-to spot. I'll be back soon to explore more of their menu.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Duck Confit
Menu is small but well thought out and everything is good. Service is exceptional and the vibe there is great and they make the best of a small space by filling it with plants and great lighting. Cocktails are on the expensive side but they’re pretty tasty. Been there twice so far and will definitely be back in the future.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Great upscale spot for Amherst.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
First time visiting and I had the Duck Confit. Absolutely fantastic; tender and savory with a bit of sweetness. Very unique menu item that did not disappoint. If you're looking for a sandwich item besides the usual burger, chicken, or fish, this is it! Great service, too. Relaxed and friendly but also very efficient.
Protocol has a lovely atmosphere, laidback but attentive service, creative drinks, and is overall such a welcomed business to have in the valley! The only reason I give it four stars is because while I’d like to eat there in addition to enjoying their cocktails, I was really surprised at the lack of plant-based options. Whoever designs the menu is clearly passionate about food and intentional about where they source their produce. However, serving hummus/fries/green salad as the only vegan options (and this is really just accidental) feels pretty passé for a restaurant in 2024. I’d really like to see them expand their menu to include creative and intentional plant based options, not just afterthoughts.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Wonderful atmosphere! The food and drinks are always amazing. The chef's creativity shows in the meals we have tried. The staff is always friendly. Daniela and Victoria always make a point to talk to us. We love it and will definitely keep going.
A bit more upscale than most other Amherst bars. Drinks are unique and food choices are eclectic. Bartenders were friendly and willing to offer suggestions.
Very nice atmosphere to be true for Amherst! Finally! Nice food and also the cocktail i ordered (Violet femme).
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
The food here is excellent and they make great drinks, too. The atmosphere is also quite nice.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Recommended dishes: Whipped Ricotta, Smash Burger
Great addition to the town! Great music, great staff, and great drinks #OldFashioned ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Been waiting for a place in town like this! You can tell there was a lot of thought and care put into this for the customers. From the soothing, warm and welcoming atmosphere, to the great service, I’m heavily impressed by Protocol. I feel like I’m in the city going in here, and the seating is extremely comfortable and flattering. There are live plants inside which adds a refreshing element. By the bathrooms there is a private event space that I saw and hopefully will use for a birthday event in the future!! Although we only ordered drinks and fries, we will be back to try more of the menu. Overall, this place is a must visit downtown and great for a girls night
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fries
Went to dinner with friends. Had a great experience. The service was polite and timely. The food was excellent and the wine list and specialty drinks available were impressive. I highly recommend giving this establishment a try, you won't be disappointed.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fried Chicken Sandwich, Fries
Ate like kings. Delicious food and great service. Everyone at this establishment was very friendly. A nice staple spot for Amherst for the foreseeable future!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5