Not a good choice for a birthday dinner, very disappointing. The ambiance was nice, and I liked the cut-out seating with its own dimming light fixture. The pork belly pots was just bacon in syrup with some side lettuce, not very appealing. It was okay but something that could easily be made at home; nothing fancy. The ribs were extremely dry. And was goven a butter knife (nothing else) to cut the rib, it literally FLAKED off the bone thats how hard it was. My husband and I just laughed it off, We spent over $150 and didn’t enjoy our food. The best item we had was the side of garlic mashed potatoes. When I asked the server for options she said everything is pretty much good. Well, I beg to differ. I had a gut feeling when I arrived because booked during prime dining hours, there was like 2 or 3 other vehicles if that. The restaurant was pretty EMPTY for an evening druing a weekend. Meriden isnt a spot I would normally go to eat, however I drove by it once and said “Hey Id like to try it, menu looks good etc” again, biggest regret. I chose this over Flemmings in West Hartford and thats probably one of my biggest regrets. I would have 100% enjoyed my meal and left satisfied AND RETURNED. Whoever the owner is, I really hope you can reconsider this location or execute the menu more. After I left, i read the bad reviews and from 6 years ago, the reviews still align with the same issue. For better business and culture (since its named Taino) I would expect a lot more than a nice place to sit, but the food didn’t give me the slightest bit of “Oh i love this” We fine dine in and out of the home. If im going to a place of service, why should I have to pay for anything mediocre. The drinks were okay too, nothing stuck out at all. I can’t give a recommendation to this spot not on a regular day or a special day.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 2
Cody Carrillo
Hi Chris! Just wanted to take a second to say how great of an experience I had with my takeout order. From start to finish, everything was seamless and super friendly. Tony was awesome to work with when I requested wings in a large quantity—he was open to my request and incredibly helpful throughout the process. And the Alabama flavor? Absolutely out of this world.
We were originally planning on going to J. Timothy’s in Plainville, but decided to give you guys a shot instead—best decision ever. If you’re looking for great food (especially the wings and collard greens!), look no further than Tiano’s. Both the Middletown and Meriden locations are top-notch, and the service is truly outstanding. Thank you again.. - Cody
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Brian Thompson
Always excellent. Large enough I've never needed a reservation.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Prime Brisket Plate, Pulled Pork Plate, Baby Back Ribs, Brussels Sprouts, Brisket Sandwich, Garlic Mashed, Two Meat Platter
Ann Gawlak
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Outstanding Experience at Taíno Prime
Taíno Prime delivers excellence on every level. The service was outstanding and the food was absolutely excellent—flavorful, beautifully prepared, and consistently impressive. The location is also a huge plus, with easy access from all parts of Connecticut.
They are especially wonderful to work with for events—professional, flexible, and truly accommodating. Lisa, the banquet manager, personally called to discuss event details and provided truly upscale, attentive service, making the entire process seamless and stress-free. A special shout-out as well to Chris, the owner, for running such a top-notch establishment.
Highly recommend Taíno Prime for both dining and special events.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Engineer
Good BBQ, cool bar, good drinks.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jared Aubin
Great service, food and atmosphere. The parking lot was almost full however we were still able to be seated right away given the large capacity of the restaurant.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Two Meat Platter
Phylis Iqbal
I have been here before, but didn't really remember the experience. Glad I went back, my friends got the barbecue and I got the steak frites. Everything was flavorful and delicious and the staff was nice!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Joan Walker
Great food!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sharisse John
Came here for lunch and did the Cesar salad with Salmon and my friend had the chicken wrap. The wrap with slightly dry and the salmon could have used a tad bit more seasoning. But I enjoyed the atmosphere and the service was top notch. Probably will return.
Have been to the Middletown location many times and decided to try Meriden for a dine in experience. The atmosphere was great, very clean and inviting. Our server was nice and friendly although maybe a bit distracted. We ordered brisket, Mac n cheese, corn bread, as well as buffalo wings as an appetizer. The brisket had great smoke flavor, was tender and juicy. The buffalo wings were specially delicious. Very smokey and crispy, I would suggest them to everyone!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
luis vivo
Nice place for meats!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Tina Davis
We've been here several times now & have always had excellent food & service! Tried the pasta today, which is made in-house, & it was amazing! Ribs, brisket, steak, chicken, & sides (try the coleslaw!) are also incredibly good. Will definitely be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Don Furmanski
They ran out of many food items, tried to put us outside at night without any lights, served us mystery salad dressing, the place smelled like disinfectant. We went as a group and the comments the next day were “wow, no one got food poisoning”
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 2
James
Don't sweat it, I'm not coming back. This was my first time here, only 'cause the one in Middletown is so good, but the food and service here at the Meriden Taino Smokehouse were a letdown. You know the food's bad when you're already thinking about cooking more at home. It's wild, 'cause the one in Middletown, the first time, maybe even the second, was good, but I heard so much about this place. The atmosphere gets a 10, but the food and service just don't measure up to what I've heard from the people at the Middletown one.
Not worth the price!!! Won’t eat here again.
Not a good choice for a birthday dinner, very disappointing.
The ambiance was nice, and I liked the cut-out seating with its own dimming light fixture. The pork belly pots was just bacon in syrup with some side lettuce, not very appealing. It was okay but something that could easily be made at home; nothing fancy. The ribs were extremely dry. And was goven a butter knife (nothing else) to cut the rib, it literally FLAKED off the bone thats how hard it was. My husband and I just laughed it off, We spent over $150 and didn’t enjoy our food. The best item we had was the side of garlic mashed potatoes. When I asked the server for options she said everything is pretty much good. Well, I beg to differ.
I had a gut feeling when I arrived because booked during prime dining hours, there was like 2 or 3 other vehicles if that. The restaurant was pretty EMPTY for an evening druing a weekend.
Meriden isnt a spot I would normally go to eat, however I drove by it once and said “Hey Id like to try it, menu looks good etc” again, biggest regret. I chose this over Flemmings in West Hartford and thats probably one of my biggest regrets. I would have 100% enjoyed my meal and left satisfied AND RETURNED.
Whoever the owner is, I really hope you can reconsider this location or execute the menu more. After I left, i read the bad reviews and from 6 years ago, the reviews still align with the same issue. For better business and culture (since its named Taino) I would expect a lot more than a nice place to sit, but the food didn’t give me the slightest bit of “Oh i love this” We fine dine in and out of the home. If im going to a place of service, why should I have to pay for anything mediocre.
The drinks were okay too, nothing stuck out at all. I can’t give a recommendation to this spot not on a regular day or a special day.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 2
Hi Chris! Just wanted to take a second to say how great of an experience I had with my takeout order. From start to finish, everything was seamless and super friendly. Tony was awesome to work with when I requested wings in a large quantity—he was open to my request and incredibly helpful throughout the process. And the Alabama flavor? Absolutely out of this world.
We were originally planning on going to J. Timothy’s in Plainville, but decided to give you guys a shot instead—best decision ever. If you’re looking for great food (especially the wings and collard greens!), look no further than Tiano’s. Both the Middletown and Meriden locations are top-notch, and the service is truly outstanding. Thank you again.. - Cody
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Always excellent. Large enough I've never needed a reservation.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Prime Brisket Plate, Pulled Pork Plate, Baby Back Ribs, Brussels Sprouts, Brisket Sandwich, Garlic Mashed, Two Meat Platter
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Outstanding Experience at Taíno Prime
Taíno Prime delivers excellence on every level. The service was outstanding and the food was absolutely excellent—flavorful, beautifully prepared, and consistently impressive. The location is also a huge plus, with easy access from all parts of Connecticut.
They are especially wonderful to work with for events—professional, flexible, and truly accommodating. Lisa, the banquet manager, personally called to discuss event details and provided truly upscale, attentive service, making the entire process seamless and stress-free. A special shout-out as well to Chris, the owner, for running such a top-notch establishment.
Highly recommend Taíno Prime for both dining and special events.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Good BBQ, cool bar, good drinks.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great service, food and atmosphere. The parking lot was almost full however we were still able to be seated right away given the large capacity of the restaurant.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Two Meat Platter
I have been here before, but didn't really remember the experience. Glad I went back, my friends got the barbecue and I got the steak frites. Everything was flavorful and delicious and the staff was nice!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Great food!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Came here for lunch and did the Cesar salad with Salmon and my friend had the chicken wrap. The wrap with slightly dry and the salmon could have used a tad bit more seasoning. But I enjoyed the atmosphere and the service was top notch. Probably will return.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Have been to the Middletown location many times and decided to try Meriden for a dine in experience. The atmosphere was great, very clean and inviting. Our server was nice and friendly although maybe a bit distracted. We ordered brisket, Mac n cheese, corn bread, as well as buffalo wings as an appetizer. The brisket had great smoke flavor, was tender and juicy. The buffalo wings were specially delicious. Very smokey and crispy, I would suggest them to everyone!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Nice place for meats!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We've been here several times now & have always had excellent food & service! Tried the pasta today, which is made in-house, & it was amazing! Ribs, brisket, steak, chicken, & sides (try the coleslaw!) are also incredibly good. Will definitely be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
They ran out of many food items, tried to put us outside at night without any lights, served us mystery salad dressing, the place smelled like disinfectant. We went as a group and the comments the next day were “wow, no one got food poisoning”
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 2
Don't sweat it, I'm not coming back. This was my first time here, only 'cause the one in Middletown is so good, but the food and service here at the Meriden Taino Smokehouse were a letdown. You know the food's bad when you're already thinking about cooking more at home. It's wild, 'cause the one in Middletown, the first time, maybe even the second, was good, but I heard so much about this place. The atmosphere gets a 10, but the food and service just don't measure up to what I've heard from the people at the Middletown one.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 1
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