The service and ambiance are great. We especially loved the large illuminated bar top!
Sarah J.
I've been here several times for various reasons - birthday parties, bachelorettes, dates...The ambiance is excellent, and I think the interior is so chic. The only thing I will say is that the hours can be kind of dodgy. When it is open, though, it's wonderful!
George S.
Stopped by Rafters for a nightcap with 5 friends after dinner at El Paso. Sat at a table for 12 mins being completely ignored until we decided to leave. Not very busy, only guess would be the bar tender wanted to close early.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Khalil S.
After two visits I highly recommend Rafters. Dining on a Friday late evening was the perfect time. It wasn't too busy and the staff was allowed to be very attentive and inviting. The first time there was an event being hosted by Hampton's in their courtyard. The menu was shortened to mainly appetizers. We had the Korean wings, Calamari and White Pizza. The food was paired with a glass of sparkling (the wine list is expansive. Great options for varied palettes.) and a signifier cocktail. I had Smoky the Bandit as well. Even with the event downstairs the kitchen presented and prepared the meal very well. The service was spectacular. Our waiter gave great suggestions and was professional and attentive throughout the evening. On my second visit last evening, I came in to a bit busier time upstairs. It seems like 6:30-7:00 pm is the higher traffic time. Frank was our server and he nailed it! He told us about the 22 Oz. Tomahawk that was a special menu option as well as the grilled Octopus. Yes grilled Octopus that was cooked to perfection. The texture, the flavors, the mix of peppers and spice...*chef's kiss*! Thank you Frank for the suggestions. Oh and the scalloped potatoes disappeared in no time. Whoever is cultivating the bar menu must like Gin. And so far they have done exceptionally well with the twist on the classics. I had the Negroni (made with Gin and Rosé) AMAZING!!! Definitely enough of a reason to just visit the bar for a few drinks in the future. Rafters is very picturesque so it's a surprise this hasn't become a "destination" quite yet. I look forward to making that happen.
RJS108
We are visiting Sumter for a family event and have discovered Hamptons in downtown Sumter. The food was delicious and the service was excellent. Wr sat outside and enjoyed the evening. We were “campers” (3 hours) but never rushed (we did keep ordering more). Overall it was a great time.
Matthew Kreider
Hidden gem in Sumter. Comfortable atmosphere and good food. A little towards the more expensive side, but you get what you pay for. They do have outdoor seating as well.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
r l
I have never had this happen before at any place I've traveled. We tried desperately to arrange for curbside delivery/takeout knowing we were not going to make it in time to order and eat. We followed all of the prompts on the phone and left messages and e-mailed and tried to send messages through Resy where you book your reservation. We could not find any option listed on the website for curbside delivery even though we saw listed in the description that curbside pick up is available if not dining in. We got no response from the restaurant until we arrived and explained what we tried to do after which we received a rather weak apology with no explanation for why they could not answer their phone or why there is no information on the website to arrange for curbside pickup. Why can't they answer their phone or respond to messages? As we were not local to the area, we had even written before the day of our arrival that we could not predict road conditions and needed to know if they had received our message and how to reach them to update them on our arrival time. We did our best to communicate and lost out on a chance to eat at what appears to be a nice restaurant. I will be happy to retract this review, if I get a decent response and see proof that the phone will be answered and that if curbside pickup is available, they will post on the website how that is to be done. An apology with no amends is unacceptable. Hamptons you must do better!
Amanda R
Such a lovely space. We love coming here. You can order a perfect pizza or a entree that compares to any fancy restaurant. Their service and selection is amazing. Love coming here for date night.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Trek620909
We have dined at Hampton’s for probably the last four years while traveling home on I-95. Always great food and service with quality wines and cocktails. Never rushed and have thoroughly enjoyed the break from long travel. Enjoy the small town atmosphere and cordial southern hospitality.
robertrudy
We were two couples who decided to eat upstairs after we were told it was a wine bar and less formal. We were also told it was the same kitchen as downstairs and the specialty was the pizza. After having a cocktail at the bar, we adjourned to a small, cozy table. The server was prompt and attentive. However, when we attempted to place two orders of the oysters as an appetizer, the server said she could not accept a partial order. We were totally perplexed. The server explained the chef would not accept an order for only appetizers and we would have to place our entree order at the same time. Having dined at many fine restaurants throughout the United States and Europe, I found the chef's demands less than customer friendly. But, we complied or, at least, attempted to comply. We asked if we could have an ordinary vegetable pizza with onions, peppers and whatever other vegetables were available in the kitchen. The server then told us the chef would only prepare the pizzas that were listed on the menu without deviation. Again, very perplexing. To compound the situation, the other couple asked if they could have extra arugula and they would be happy to pay for it. Once again, the server repeated that the chef would not permit deviations from the menu. So, we ordered two pizzas from the five that were on the menu. While I know some chefs can be temperamental, at least many of those chefs work at Michelin star type establishments. This restaurant was far from that quality. In fact, we found the pizzas to be only mediocre. And, the final observation is that while the wine list is extensive, it seemed the mark-ups were also high. I refused to pay for an expensive wine, especially after having been told in so many words that customer satisfaction apparently is not important. Obviously, this restaurant has now lost several repeat customers.
I have travelled the world and have not found a better dining experience anywhere! Chef Rafael is a wizard at transforming his Milano cuisine to local farm to table delicacies. His double filling both excites the pallet and frustrates the amateur chef in me. He demonstrated the filling and folding technique to me, but I still find myself making the 4 hour trip to Sumter to enjoy his fare. By the way if you ever happen to see his Cornish hen o the menu, do not pass it by, it's a masterpiece!
Teresa F.
Sophisticated but still fun. Craft cocktails and great wine list. Date night lighting with a good menu that ranges from craft pizza (gluten-free available!) to seared day boat scallops. One of the best espresso martinis ever. Shrimp with pasta was one weak note- Argentina Red shrimp could not compare to our local SC shrimp. Pasta was still delicious. Fresh mixed salad with grilled peaches and feta was fantastic. That strawberry Basil Vinaigrette should be bottled and available at the bar! Great choice for a date night, especially for the 35 and up crowd.
Emily P.
If the schedule and availability were more clear that would be ideal. Also have never been to a bar where you literally can't even have an appetizer at the bar because you can't eat on it.... But you can have drinks on it? It's a little ridiculous.
blacktruck511
Beautiful place the decor was outstanding and the service great the food was really good great great great I was well pleased
WestonN
Absolutely fantastic on all fronts. We had fried oysters as a starter, duck breast over risotto and braised beef short rib over cheese grits. Friendly wait staff and great environment. No complaints whatsoever.
The service and ambiance are great. We especially loved the large illuminated bar top!
I've been here several times for various reasons - birthday parties, bachelorettes, dates...The ambiance is excellent, and I think the interior is so chic. The only thing I will say is that the hours can be kind of dodgy. When it is open, though, it's wonderful!
Stopped by Rafters for a nightcap with 5 friends after dinner at El Paso. Sat at a table for 12 mins being completely ignored until we decided to leave. Not very busy, only guess would be the bar tender wanted to close early.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
After two visits I highly recommend Rafters. Dining on a Friday late evening was the perfect time. It wasn't too busy and the staff was allowed to be very attentive and inviting. The first time there was an event being hosted by Hampton's in their courtyard. The menu was shortened to mainly appetizers. We had the Korean wings, Calamari and White Pizza. The food was paired with a glass of sparkling (the wine list is expansive. Great options for varied palettes.) and a signifier cocktail. I had Smoky the Bandit as well. Even with the event downstairs the kitchen presented and prepared the meal very well. The service was spectacular. Our waiter gave great suggestions and was professional and attentive throughout the evening. On my second visit last evening, I came in to a bit busier time upstairs. It seems like 6:30-7:00 pm is the higher traffic time. Frank was our server and he nailed it! He told us about the 22 Oz. Tomahawk that was a special menu option as well as the grilled Octopus. Yes grilled Octopus that was cooked to perfection. The texture, the flavors, the mix of peppers and spice...*chef's kiss*! Thank you Frank for the suggestions. Oh and the scalloped potatoes disappeared in no time. Whoever is cultivating the bar menu must like Gin. And so far they have done exceptionally well with the twist on the classics. I had the Negroni (made with Gin and Rosé) AMAZING!!! Definitely enough of a reason to just visit the bar for a few drinks in the future. Rafters is very picturesque so it's a surprise this hasn't become a "destination" quite yet. I look forward to making that happen.
We are visiting Sumter for a family event and have discovered Hamptons in downtown Sumter. The food was delicious and the service was excellent. Wr sat outside and enjoyed the evening. We were “campers” (3 hours) but never rushed (we did keep ordering more). Overall it was a great time.
Hidden gem in Sumter. Comfortable atmosphere and good food. A little towards the more expensive side, but you get what you pay for. They do have outdoor seating as well.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I have never had this happen before at any place I've traveled. We tried desperately to arrange for curbside delivery/takeout knowing we were not going to make it in time to order and eat. We followed all of the prompts on the phone and left messages and e-mailed and tried to send messages through Resy where you book your reservation. We could not find any option listed on the website for curbside delivery even though we saw listed in the description that curbside pick up is available if not dining in. We got no response from the restaurant until we arrived and explained what we tried to do after which we received a rather weak apology with no explanation for why they could not answer their phone or why there is no information on the website to arrange for curbside pickup. Why can't they answer their phone or respond to messages? As we were not local to the area, we had even written before the day of our arrival that we could not predict road conditions and needed to know if they had received our message and how to reach them to update them on our arrival time. We did our best to communicate and lost out on a chance to eat at what appears to be a nice restaurant. I will be happy to retract this review, if I get a decent response and see proof that the phone will be answered and that if curbside pickup is available, they will post on the website how that is to be done. An apology with no amends is unacceptable. Hamptons you must do better!
Such a lovely space. We love coming here. You can order a perfect pizza or a entree that compares to any fancy restaurant. Their service and selection is amazing. Love coming here for date night.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We have dined at Hampton’s for probably the last four years while traveling home on I-95. Always great food and service with quality wines and cocktails. Never rushed and have thoroughly enjoyed the break from long travel. Enjoy the small town atmosphere and cordial southern hospitality.
We were two couples who decided to eat upstairs after we were told it was a wine bar and less formal. We were also told it was the same kitchen as downstairs and the specialty was the pizza. After having a cocktail at the bar, we adjourned to a small, cozy table. The server was prompt and attentive. However, when we attempted to place two orders of the oysters as an appetizer, the server said she could not accept a partial order. We were totally perplexed. The server explained the chef would not accept an order for only appetizers and we would have to place our entree order at the same time. Having dined at many fine restaurants throughout the United States and Europe, I found the chef's demands less than customer friendly. But, we complied or, at least, attempted to comply. We asked if we could have an ordinary vegetable pizza with onions, peppers and whatever other vegetables were available in the kitchen. The server then told us the chef would only prepare the pizzas that were listed on the menu without deviation. Again, very perplexing. To compound the situation, the other couple asked if they could have extra arugula and they would be happy to pay for it. Once again, the server repeated that the chef would not permit deviations from the menu. So, we ordered two pizzas from the five that were on the menu. While I know some chefs can be temperamental, at least many of those chefs work at Michelin star type establishments. This restaurant was far from that quality. In fact, we found the pizzas to be only mediocre. And, the final observation is that while the wine list is extensive, it seemed the mark-ups were also high. I refused to pay for an expensive wine, especially after having been told in so many words that customer satisfaction apparently is not important. Obviously, this restaurant has now lost several repeat customers.
Restaurantji Recommends
I have travelled the world and have not found a better dining experience anywhere! Chef Rafael is a wizard at transforming his Milano cuisine to local farm to table delicacies. His double filling both excites the pallet and frustrates the amateur chef in me. He demonstrated the filling and folding technique to me, but I still find myself making the 4 hour trip to Sumter to enjoy his fare. By the way if you ever happen to see his Cornish hen o the menu, do not pass it by, it's a masterpiece!
Sophisticated but still fun. Craft cocktails and great wine list. Date night lighting with a good menu that ranges from craft pizza (gluten-free available!) to seared day boat scallops. One of the best espresso martinis ever. Shrimp with pasta was one weak note- Argentina Red shrimp could not compare to our local SC shrimp. Pasta was still delicious. Fresh mixed salad with grilled peaches and feta was fantastic. That strawberry Basil Vinaigrette should be bottled and available at the bar! Great choice for a date night, especially for the 35 and up crowd.
If the schedule and availability were more clear that would be ideal. Also have never been to a bar where you literally can't even have an appetizer at the bar because you can't eat on it.... But you can have drinks on it? It's a little ridiculous.
Beautiful place the decor was outstanding and the service great the food was really good great great great I was well pleased
Absolutely fantastic on all fronts. We had fried oysters as a starter, duck breast over risotto and braised beef short rib over cheese grits. Friendly wait staff and great environment. No complaints whatsoever.