I read all the reviews and was quite impressed with all the stars. I recently moved down to NC from NY and have experienced many restaurants. We generally do not go out on New Year's Eve because it becomes very commercial. Our experience at Choplin's should not be based on an evening where all hell broke loose.
I believe that a fine dining successful restaurant should not capitalize on a holiday event. Although not rushed, we were crowded in a small room. I don't feel at $60 a person we should be passing plates to one another. The servers could not walk around to serve properly. There is a lot more to dining than the taste of the food. I questioned a staff member on a sauce on the way out. He was very pleasant and answered with knowledge.
The food was prepared well and was well worth the money. I rarely give 5 stars or even 4 stars unless the restaurant is very good.
I hope I'm not a snob by saying that the server isn't my friend when I'm a patron. I think "what are WE drinking this evening" isn't the way to approach a table. People go out to be served, hence "server" not pals.
We will definitely patronize this restaurant again on normal evening. I hopefully will be able to add a star to my review.