FAQs
What are your hours?
We are open every day of the week. For dinner, Sunday thru Thursday 4pm - 10pm, Friday & Saturday 4pm - 12am. For lunch, Saturday & Sunday 11am - 2pm. We are closed for the following holidays: New Years Day, Easter, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day.
What's your service style like?
We have a unique service style that not every diner is used to! At Protocol, food is brought out as soon as it's ready - presenting it just as the chef intended. While we try our best to present your group's food all at once, some food may need to come out earlier or later than the rest due to limited space in the kitchen. Rest assured what we place before you always comes fresh from the pan.
Where can we park?
Downtown Amherst has over 800 on-street and town lot parking spaces within a 1-9 minute walk of Protocol. To see locations, parking restrictions, and cost, please visit the Downtown Amherst Parking Map.
We recommend the parking lot behind CVS, a 4 minute walk from Protocol, 75 spots, and free after 6pm.
Several of the local banks offer parking outside of their business hours. Please respect posted hours and lot signs.
Do you accept reservations?
We accept reservations for very large groups and special events hosted in our space. Please visit Private Events to book. With capacity for 170 people, we are sure to have a spot for you in short order.
Are you a bar or a restaurant? Do I have to be 21?
We are what you make of your experience! We do have a 50’ copper bar and majority high seating, but also some out-of-this-world food options that rotate seasonally and utilize fresh, local ingredients. We ID for alcoholic beverages but welcome all ages — unless specifically noted at the door (typically later on weekend evenings). Come on by for a family meal, date night cocktail, nightcap dessert, work event, or however you see fit!
I missed your special, when will it come back?!
Oh no, so sorry we missed each other! We recommend following us on Instagram and Facebook as our chef and bartenders come up with special food and drink often! We’re always looking for ways to bring new experiences into the space and rotate specials and our base menu often with the season and to keep things fresh for y’all!
Where can I view your wine menu?
Is Protocol handicap accessible?
We are! Entrances, exits, bathrooms, low top tables are 100% ADA compliant. We are proud to be accessible to all!
Are the plants real?
Sure are! What better way to bring life and fresh air to a space than plants? There are roughly 300 plants that live in the space - all connected with an above-ceiling irrigation system. 20 seconds is all it takes to get every plant the water and food it needs!