Good questions.

FAQs

Hours, parking, reservations, dietary options and everything else you might want to know before you head to Protocol.

Visiting

What are your hours?

We’re open every day. Sunday–Thursday 4pm–10pm and Friday–Saturday 4pm–midnight, with our late-night menu Friday and Saturday from 10pm to midnight. We’re closed New Year’s Day, Easter, Memorial Day, the 4th of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Where can I park?

Downtown Amherst has 800+ on-street and town-lot parking spaces within a 1–9 minute walk. See locations, restrictions and costs on the Downtown Amherst Parking Map. We recommend the lot behind CVS: about a 4-minute walk, 75 spots, and free after 6pm. Several local banks also allow parking outside business hours, so please respect posted hours and signs.

Is Protocol accessible?

Yes. Our entrances, exits, bathrooms and low-top tables are fully ADA compliant. We’re proud to be accessible to all.

Are you a bar or a restaurant? Do I have to be 21?

We’re what you make of it. There’s a 50-foot copper bar and mostly high seating, plus a seasonal, scratch-made menu built on fresh, local ingredients. We ID for alcohol but welcome all ages, unless noted at the door (usually later on weekend nights). Family dinner, date-night cocktails, a nightcap and dessert, a work event: come as you are.

Food & Drink

What’s your service style like?

Food comes out as soon as it’s ready, just as the chef intended. We do our best to bring a group’s food out together, but with limited kitchen space some dishes may arrive a little earlier or later than others. Whatever lands on your table is fresh from the pan.

Do you have gluten-free, vegan or vegetarian options?

Yes. Our menu marks dishes that are gluten free (gf), vegan (vg) or vegetarian (veg), and an asterisk means it can be made that way. Please tell your server about any allergies before ordering.

I missed your special. When will it come back?

Sorry we missed each other! Our chef and bartenders rotate specials and update the menu with the seasons, so follow us on Instagram and Facebook to catch them.

Where can I see your wine list?

Right here, or download the wine list PDF.

How many beers do you have on tap?

We pour 11 drafts on rotation, plus cans and bottles. Ask your server for today’s list or see the beer menu.

Can I order takeout?

Yes. Order online through Toast.

Reservations & Groups

Do you take reservations?

Yes! Book online for parties of up to 16, up to 30 days ahead. With room for 160 guests, we’ll usually find you a spot quickly.

Is gratuity included?

A 20% gratuity is added to parties of 6 or more.

Can I host a private event?

Absolutely. We host rehearsal dinners, showers, staff parties and department mixers, from a semi-private back corner for 15–25 to a full buyout. Start an event inquiry.

Do you sell gift cards?

Yes. Buy a digital gift card online, or pick up a physical card at the restaurant during open hours. Gift card details.

The Space

Are the plants real?

Sure are! Roughly 300 plants live in the space, all connected to an above-ceiling irrigation system. It takes about 20 seconds to give every plant the water and food it needs.