The Barn at The Hope Farm — Restaurant in Fairhope

First, let me say The Barn @ Hope Farms is a beautiful place. Just pure modern elegance. I hate to even have to write this review, but this is how restaurants stay on top of things when the service is not up to par. I ordered pick up this morning and spent close to $40 on my order. When I first arrived, the hostess was very polite and directed me to where I needed to go to pick up my food. I walk over to the counter and I stand there. The guy making the coffee did speak very dryly, but that's all he done. So I stand there for about 8 minutes, then the hostess comes to me and asked was I picking up a to go order? I told her yes and she said ok. They'll be right with you. Very nice young lady. Again, the guy behind the counter is still slowly making coffees for the two customers at the bar. By this time I had been waiting and standing there for about 12 minutes. Mind you a waiter and what appeared to be a manager, passed by me and continued waiting on their customers in and outside the patio. No biggie right? They weren't too busy, but someone needed to wait tables. I can just remain invisible. So the gentleman finishes the couples coffee and then he proceeded to clean the machine. Still hasn't asked how could he help me. Again, I've been just standing here patiently waiting as if I am invisible. After he finishes cleaning machine, he asks me, do you have an online order? Duh! Had I not, I would've been even more angry. A few minutes after that Im guessing someone brought him my order, and he just placed it on the counter. I had to ask if it was my order. I ordered a coffee with my order too, so I just stand there again with no acknowledgement. Again, I had to ask the gentleman are you making my coffee? To that he gave a dry yes. Once it was made, rather than handing my cup to me, it was slid on the counter, the same way my order was. He wasn't friendly and very dry. There was no appreciation for me taking the time to use my gas and money to support this establishment. Im not going to give the reason I feel behind it, but this is not the first time I've had a bad experience with this establishment. If it had not been so bad, I never would've wrote this review, but I saw how others in the restaurant were being treated so kindly and with dignity and respect and here I am being treated as if I wasn't even standing there! Had it not had been for the hostess being so polite, I would've gave it a 1 star. Please put the right people on the front line that will treat everyone that spends money with your restaurant like they matter and are...

DINING THRU THE ALPHAPET!!!

We are exploring new restaurants as we work our way through the alphabet. The only rule, it must be a new place we have never experienced.

REVIEW of THE BARN:

If you're looking for a restaurant with a great atmosphere, look no further! The moment you walk through the doors, you'll be greeted with warm and inviting ambiance.

The staff are incredibly friendly and attentive. And of course, the food is absolutely delicious! From the appetizers to the entrees, every dish is expertly prepared and bursting with flavor.

Farm-to-table is a growing trend in the food industry that emphasizes the use of locally-sourced, organic ingredients in cooking. The Barn implemented this concept beautifully by growing and serving their own produce (see pics for hydroponic gardens). This allows control over the freshness of their ingredients, resulting in healthier and more flavorful dishes.

REVIEW of FOOD DISHES:

Today we enjoyed a few items from the menu.

Farmhouse Salad: Delightful fresh salad using hydroponic greens, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers. The pepper ranch dressing is what makes this dish special, adding a unique and flavorful twist to the salad.

Airline Chicken: Chosen because of gluten free option. The chicken was cooked to perfection. The piperade (sauteed peppers, onions) adds a delicious sweetness and depth to the dish. Caper butter adds just the right amount of richness bringing the flavors all together for a perfect bite.

Seasonal Fish Tacos (Mahi Fish): Fish tacos are a always a delicious experience from the flaky fish to zesty flavor of the salsa, every bite is a treat. However, be prepared that with the 3 tortillas it seemed to be a small portion (refer to picture). Despite the portion these are a great option.

"Healthy" Cookie: If you're looking for a healthy snack that doesn't sacrifice taste, this is for you. The dark chocolate and cocoa nibs added a rich, decadent flavor without being too overpowering.

WOULD WE RETURN? Yes, the food hit the spot leaving...

The moment I walked in I wasn't greeted. I waited for a gentlemen to seat me and my son. He wasn't polite nor did he greet me. Our server forgot my guest's drink, a water and Arnold Palmer. My drinks were a kids sprite, a glass of Cabernet and water which was on time, but when the manager who gave me the table delivered my glass of wine...we'll, something didn't sit right with his demeanor. I could be polite to that man all day and he would never smile or even say you're welcome. I guess he never learned manners. It bothered me to order, but I did and when my fish tacos came out my guest still didn't have his water or Arnold Palmer. He politely reminded our waitress. It didnt come, so I gave my son's water to him since my son had a kids sprite. The serving size was 3 tiny tortillas with 2 small pieces of fish that were over salted. I'm not hard to please, but for the pricing and atmosphere, I expected to atleast be respected as I did your staff. I wont be back. I guess our kind...