The Smithville Inn — Restaurant in Galloway Township

I have been coming to the Smithville Inn since I was a small child. It has always been a magical experience for four generations of our family, even with occasionally unpleasant changes in the menu over the decades. Our visit on Tuesday, however, was the worst to date. I decided I was going to treat my parents for a change. The semi-recent menu changes have been a huge disappointment for quite some time (no corn relish and other fun accoutrements served with with bread? No fried tomato or lump crab appetizer?) and the absence of the live pianist is a bummer, but at least the experience remained enjoyable. For this visit, I had requested a window seat when I made reservations. That didn't happen. (We have generously tipped the hostess for such accomodations every time we have ever visited, so this isn't payback, I swear!) I figured they were busy and brushed it off, but there were two tables by the windows that were never filled during our stay. In fact, the restaurant was more empty than I have ever seen it. We have dined by the lights many times with my son, but this was the first time he would have been old enough to truly appreciate it. The cherry on top of our seating arrangement was, we were seated next to someone who had a dog in her purse. I assure you, it was providing zero service in her purse.

As for service, our server was pretty awful. Not very friendly or personable (but definitely not rude or anything!). She did not return even once to refill beverages or check on us, and we had to hunt her down when my son's order was wrong. He ordered off the kids' menu: mac and cheese with a side of broccoli. He was served penne pasta with butter? oil? and loads of pepper. We chopped up his broccoli to try and bribe him to eat the plain noodles (he really likes broccoli), but he wouldn't touch it. When we were finally able to get our server's attention, everyone was done their meal and leftovers were wrapped up because the busboy was absolutely incredible and attentive. (He was on top of water refills like a Ninja!) Our server took away the plate of pasta and brought out mac and cheese (definitely Kraft dinner) -- but no broccoli. It wasn't even worth sending back again, so we just wrapped it to go.

Our entrées were good. The steaks were prepared correctly, potions were very large. The provolone cheese on the antipasto plate was soooo aged and delicious. My dad was raving about it. We also tried out the cheesesteak egg rolls. I wasn't a fan, but everyone else seemed to like them. I'd prefer several smaller, crispier egg rolls rather than two GIANT mushy rolls. The sriracha ketchup was a nice touch.

I know times are tough, but this was meant to be a special night, and the service was just sooooo bad. We tipped 20%, and we didn't make any fuss, but these little details are what will probably stop us from making the one hour trek to visit our once...

If you're in the mood for classic American cuisine with a modern day twist, check out the Smithville Inn. Do not let the vintage style decor fool you, the food itself is colorful, fun and delicious! I brought my mom here for a late lunch/early dinner for her birthday, which just so happens to be on Halloween and it Witches Weekend at Smithville. We waited about 20 minutes for a table, 10 minutes shy of the 30 minute wait time we were told, so that was the first plus. Seating was a little snug. We were sat at a small table against a half wall with the other tables about an arms reach away. I really felt bad for the guy at the table behind me as he was not a thin man by any means and once we were sat, with our chairs back to back, I knew he had to be uncomfortably pushed against his table. We planned on ordering a bottle of wine, as if the two samplings prior were not enough, but the prices were a little higher than we expected, even for a nice restaurant. But we did order two fruity drinks that the waiter recommended and we were glad we did bc they were amazing! I wish I could remember the name...hmmm. For an appetizer we shared the Portuguese Style Mussels...OMG!!! This was the first time I've ever had them this way, but it will NOT be the last. The bold chorizo flavor mixed with the light garlic and cilantro is amazing. Needless to say we demolished the mussles and were cleaning the plate with our bread before salads came out. Salads were pretty basic. Fresh leafy greens, onions and cherry tomatoes with a basic balsamic vinaigrette. For the main coarse I chose the Braised Veal Short Rib over mushroom risotto. The veal was cooked to absolute perfection. It was tender and juicy and literally fell right off the bone. The risotto was good as well, nothing spectacular, but good. My mom opted for the usual Gluten-free "friendly" meal of BBQ spiced salmon. She loved it. I did manage to sneak a bite of the fish and the combination of spices were on point. The broccoli was steamed perfectly and the sweet potato hash was delicious. It isn't often my mother or I will completely finish an entire meal without taking a good portion of it home from not being able to finish it...not this time. We both ate everything. And as embarrassing as it may be, I will admit that the portion sizes were pretty generous. So if you're ever out and about doing some shopping in Smithville, check out the Inn if you hungry for something a little bit more than just a burger and fries. Just make sure not to wait until you are absolutely famished due to the sometimes extremely...

My brother and our wifes stopped at the Inn for lunch on 10/18. Told the wait would be 45 Min. (no problem, we didn't have a reservation). Wife's did some shopping and my brother and I went to the tavern for a drink. I had a glass of wine and my brother had a beer. After 45 min., we went back up to the dinning room. I, still nursing a half glass of wine - that was paid at the tavern brought it up to the table. The check came to $180 and we paid it without checking the details. We all agreed lunch was great. We left a $40 cash tip. However, before leaving, I happen to look at the check and notice we were all charged for two glasses of wine each. I know I only had one glass at the table and one that I paid for in the tavern. Called over the waitress, she said let me check and she returned with the dinning room manager. Both insisted that I had 2 glasses at the table. I said how you be so sure? They said they had a surveillance video plus "the bar never makes mistakes". I couldn't believe they went through that much trouble over a glass of wine that probaly cost them $5. I repeated, that I did have two glasses but paid for one in the Tavern. The augument was getting silly and I became embarrased in front of the other dinners and didn't know how much longer it was going to take to continue all of this. I declined to watch their video. I then reduced the tip by $10 (manager's fault) and began to leave the Inn. As I was leaving, I then changed my mind over the principle and because something like this has never happened to me before and I am 77 years old and have probably eaten in hundreds of restarants. I then asked to speak to the manager again (regarding my viewing the confirming video...maybe the video would show I was walking around with a glass of wine from the bar?}. The manager was no where to be found. I waited another 5 to 7 minutes in the lobby then left.

Several days later, still ticked off, I called the Inn and left a message on the general managers message line....(Mr Copolla's line) to return my call. He never returned my call and after several weeks, I then called him back and finally received a returned call from a subordinte. Explained that I had a poor payment experience at the Inn. He said he would provide Mr. Copolla the message to call me back. He never called....so I am writing this review....over a silly and unprincipled argument and for ignoring to return my calls....a first time customer who got this much grief over the Inn's questioning a $5 drink I hadn't consumed in front of a...