Went out for a quick brunch and we wanted something different. Let's get out of New Hartford and the usual haunts and hit a new, for Utica downtown restaurant. We ended up at The Compound, formally of Clinton. Cute little place nestled in a prewar era building at the foot of downtown. Restaurant was eclectic but very welcoming. Staff/owner possibly were very helpful and friendly. Don't be in a rush or do your homework before you get there. There's a lot to the menu. Chose one of their burgers with some of the best topping combos around. Didn't think a smash burger could be cooked rare but they did not disappoint. Burger was awesome. Full of flavor. Side of tomato basil soup complimented the burger perfectly. A great choice, great people and most importantly great food. Will definitely go back. Sorry no pic to share. Was half way through before I knew I was writing this review. But trust me the presentation was as perfect as the food.
Audra Benincasa
I ordered a Valentine’s Day charcuterie board and it was delicious!! Super fun and beautifully arranged assortment of cheeses, fruit, crackers and more! 10/10 would recommend !!
Jessica Yager
The Compound has the most delicious, and unique grilled cheese menu around! I try something different every time I visit and I'm never disappointed. Don't leave without grabbing a few of their signature butters to cook with at home. The staff are always friendly and kind.
Rebecca F.
A warm friendly local spot. I’ve moved out of the area, but my fiancé and I always make a point to stop in when visiting home. Not only is this a small family run local business, they sell an array of local products that make the trip extra special. I love seeing small businesses lifting up other small businesses. Not to mention… the menu is incredible and the grilled cheese is savory and not too greasy. There is usually a small wait to get your order because they literally make it from scratch. Bring a book, pop over to Utica Coffee to get a takeaway coffee and then enjoy your meal. Get soup for dunking, you won’t regret it.
Stephanie Czajka
The compound is a frequent lunch spot for my co-workers and I throughout the week & it never disappoints! The owners are genuine and authentic adding a warm, welcoming atmosphere as if you were neighbors when you walk through the doors. The staff are always willing to answer questions about their unique menu and never without a friendly smile. I can’t say enough good things about the compound and any chance I get I tell people to check it out! This is exactly the sandwhich shop we needed!
Ilya K
As a fellow Austine transport, the compound hits the spot for any foodie with tomato soup, sandwiches and quesadillas. My wife and I had The Odit’s goat sandwich, which was delicious and will definitely coming back soon.
Alex Hanson
This is a great place to grab lunch in Clinton, especially if you like butter and/or cheese. The service is wonderful, and it's impressive what they can create with such a small kitchen and limited staff. The tomato soup is delicious, and they offer great vegetarian options.
N C.
We were up visiting our daughter and she recommended the compound. We ordered 4 different sandwiches and wraps. They were so good! Yummy bread, not soggy at all and came with chips. We ate outside across the street at the park.
JY H.
I rarely give lower ratings than 2 stars. We checked this now joint out for a lunch already with a expectation that the service would be slow. However, it was still disappointing. I think they may have updated the menu as I remembered that there was tomato soup with the grilled cheese which somewhat justify the high price. I would have never expected a grilled cheese alone would cost this much (26 for 2 grilled cheese and a bubbly) while the sandwich itself was nothing but mediocre or worse: both of our sandwiches were burned (blackish) and the sides of the bread were too hard. The bread cut both of our mouths. I would not call that as crispy especially when you think the bread for grilled cheese are usually the softer kind. We had different stuffings but both are not cheesy. I thought grilled cheese should be cheesy with gooey melted cheese? Nothing like that. The flavor profile is also not impressive - meh. The wall decor was fun but that's it. If you are sitting inside, you also get the grease smell. All in all, the food itself does not meet my expectations so not coming back.
Deborah Halstrom Hanson
Excellent customer service and food preparation in spite of the labor issues experienced everywhere. There was a minor mix up with our order and they truly went above and beyond to quickly correct it. Food and atmosphere was good, would definitely return!
I found this place on Yelp and we stopped by for a sandwich. Yummy! The menu is light on choices, but we each found something we liked. Drinks were can choices of Coke and Pepsi products. (Bubly and Diet Coke for us). Sadly- if they have a restroom, they didn't say so. We asked where to find it and they pointed us to the Utica Coffee shop down the road. Coulda swore they had a "Powder room" sign on the door behind them. No masks worn during this Delta variant spike.
Chris DeCarolis
Great lunch! Fast, friendly. Best grilled cheese around. Many variations.
JJ
Great spot for custom butters and light lunch! so exciting to see places like this pop up in town!
Lucy Anstett
Super friendly staff, adorable atmosphere, super good food, overall excellent vibes
Pipin
Beautiful place located right in the center of the main commercial area in Town. The sandwiches are great and the ambience very nice.
Went out for a quick brunch and we wanted something different. Let's get out of New Hartford and the usual haunts and hit a new, for Utica downtown restaurant. We ended up at The Compound, formally of Clinton. Cute little place nestled in a prewar era building at the foot of downtown. Restaurant was eclectic but very welcoming. Staff/owner possibly were very helpful and friendly. Don't be in a rush or do your homework before you get there. There's a lot to the menu. Chose one of their burgers with some of the best topping combos around. Didn't think a smash burger could be cooked rare but they did not disappoint. Burger was awesome. Full of flavor. Side of tomato basil soup complimented the burger perfectly. A great choice, great people and most importantly great food. Will definitely go back. Sorry no pic to share. Was half way through before I knew I was writing this review. But trust me the presentation was as perfect as the food.
I ordered a Valentine’s Day charcuterie board and it was delicious!! Super fun and beautifully arranged assortment of cheeses, fruit, crackers and more! 10/10 would recommend !!
The Compound has the most delicious, and unique grilled cheese menu around! I try something different every time I visit and I'm never disappointed. Don't leave without grabbing a few of their signature butters to cook with at home. The staff are always friendly and kind.
A warm friendly local spot. I’ve moved out of the area, but my fiancé and I always make a point to stop in when visiting home. Not only is this a small family run local business, they sell an array of local products that make the trip extra special. I love seeing small businesses lifting up other small businesses. Not to mention… the menu is incredible and the grilled cheese is savory and not too greasy. There is usually a small wait to get your order because they literally make it from scratch. Bring a book, pop over to Utica Coffee to get a takeaway coffee and then enjoy your meal. Get soup for dunking, you won’t regret it.
The compound is a frequent lunch spot for my co-workers and I throughout the week & it never disappoints! The owners are genuine and authentic adding a warm, welcoming atmosphere as if you were neighbors when you walk through the doors. The staff are always willing to answer questions about their unique menu and never without a friendly smile. I can’t say enough good things about the compound and any chance I get I tell people to check it out! This is exactly the sandwhich shop we needed!
As a fellow Austine transport, the compound hits the spot for any foodie with tomato soup, sandwiches and quesadillas. My wife and I had The Odit’s goat sandwich, which was delicious and will definitely coming back soon.
This is a great place to grab lunch in Clinton, especially if you like butter and/or cheese. The service is wonderful, and it's impressive what they can create with such a small kitchen and limited staff. The tomato soup is delicious, and they offer great vegetarian options.
We were up visiting our daughter and she recommended the compound. We ordered 4 different sandwiches and wraps. They were so good! Yummy bread, not soggy at all and came with chips. We ate outside across the street at the park.
I rarely give lower ratings than 2 stars. We checked this now joint out for a lunch already with a expectation that the service would be slow. However, it was still disappointing. I think they may have updated the menu as I remembered that there was tomato soup with the grilled cheese which somewhat justify the high price. I would have never expected a grilled cheese alone would cost this much (26 for 2 grilled cheese and a bubbly) while the sandwich itself was nothing but mediocre or worse: both of our sandwiches were burned (blackish) and the sides of the bread were too hard. The bread cut both of our mouths. I would not call that as crispy especially when you think the bread for grilled cheese are usually the softer kind. We had different stuffings but both are not cheesy. I thought grilled cheese should be cheesy with gooey melted cheese? Nothing like that. The flavor profile is also not impressive - meh. The wall decor was fun but that's it. If you are sitting inside, you also get the grease smell. All in all, the food itself does not meet my expectations so not coming back.
Excellent customer service and food preparation in spite of the labor issues experienced everywhere. There was a minor mix up with our order and they truly went above and beyond to quickly correct it. Food and atmosphere was good, would definitely return!
Restaurantji Recommends
I found this place on Yelp and we stopped by for a sandwich. Yummy! The menu is light on choices, but we each found something we liked. Drinks were can choices of Coke and Pepsi products. (Bubly and Diet Coke for us). Sadly- if they have a restroom, they didn't say so. We asked where to find it and they pointed us to the Utica Coffee shop down the road. Coulda swore they had a "Powder room" sign on the door behind them. No masks worn during this Delta variant spike.
Great lunch! Fast, friendly. Best grilled cheese around. Many variations.
Great spot for custom butters and light lunch! so exciting to see places like this pop up in town!
Super friendly staff, adorable atmosphere, super good food, overall excellent vibes
Beautiful place located right in the center of the main commercial area in Town. The sandwiches are great and the ambience very nice.