The Gill Tavern — Restaurant in Gill

I, along with two companions, recently had dinner at the Gill Tavern on a warm spring evening. Located way-y-y out in the country, fairly isolated with no other commercial establishments within miles, this has to be considered a destination restaurant. It's not someplace you're likely to casually come across while out window shopping downtown, although with the Northfield Mount Hermon prep school up the road it probably does a good business catering to the students' visiting parents.

We'd made a reservation and were immediately seated at an umbrella-shaded table outside, just inches from the northbound lane of Main Road. Although there wasn't a lot of traffic, the occasional pickup truck or Harley motorcycle noisily speeding by was a bit nerve-wracking -- you'll have to decide whether the pleasure of dining al fresco is worth the risk of being mowed down by an unattentive driver. More timid patrons might prefer having their meal inside the small, dimly lit but cozy dining room.

The service was generally excellent. The restaurant was pretty busy with all the tables inside and out occupied by convivial diners. Nevertheless our small party was fussed over by three very pleasant and attentive servers -- one who seated us and brought the drinks, another who took our orders and served the food, and a third who cleared empty plates. All of them made sure we were comfortable and cheerfully answered our questions about the menu, the restaurant, and the little village we were in.

The food wasn't bad. Portions were small and prices were a bit high for what you got, but not excessively so. I had a Caesar salad to start -- chopped romaine lettuce heavily coated with a creamy, tangy mayonnaise-based dressing (reminded me of Marie's), some rock-hard croutons that may or may not have come out of a bag from Stop and Shop, and some good, funky anchovies ($2.00 extra). For an entree, I ordered the fried chicken -- a small "Statler-style" chicken breast (a mostly boneless breast but with the first joint of the wing still attached) accompanied by a spoonful of black beans, some stewed collard greens, a bit of some kind of slaw, a few thin slices of bread-and-butter pickle, and a small cube of good yankee (i.e., sweetish and cake-like) cornbread. The chicken was well cooked -- tender and juicy with a light, golden-brown coating -- but underseasoned and therefore somewhat lacking in flavor. Most of the sides had an agrodolce (sweet/sour) thing going on, which while not unpleasant, made them all taste pretty much the same. And the slaw, although it tasted appropriately cool, crunchy, and fresh, was an unappealing brownish gray as if it had been sitting around too long and had oxidized -- not a good looker.

One of my companions started off his meal with the cheddar biscuits, which he enjoyed, and followed them with the Tavern Burger -- plump and accurately cooked but a little dry and on the small side. For dessert he had a chocolate pots de creme -- basically a small serving of chocolate pudding with a dollop of whipped cream on top -- simple but satisfying.

The bill for one glass of wine, two starters, three entrees, and one dessert came to $168...

A delightful, delicious experience. Fresh, creative dishes paired with excellent service and charming ambience. Start to finish, we had an exceptional meal. My partner and I spontaneously decided to dine out after a long drive, it was 4PM and every place we wanted to go was closed until 5PM (fair enough but we didn’t want to wait). I called The Gill Tavern and lo and behold they were open for service and booked us a table on the spot. We are vegetarians and I was pleasantly surprised at the many options available on their carefully curated menu. I’m glad I started the meal with a cocktail from the bar, it was the perfect size, well balanced, refreshing and relaxing at the same time. We ordered the Greek salad which turned out to be a lovely fresh take on the traditional. The greens were farm picked & gorgeous, razor thin onions, just the right amount of Feta and a perfect vinaigrette. A savory medley of cured olives on the side was the perfect touch. The vegetarian flat bread was golden and topped with Gorgonzola and more fresh greens served on a beautiful wooden board. The vegetarian tacos were great, bursting with clean, fresh veggies and an awesome dressing with perfectly roasted vegetables on the side. I was glad there was only one dessert option because I might have chosen something other than the Pot De Crème which was absolutely heavenly. We loved the music and decor, even the bathroom is charming. The service was warm and professional with just the right amount of engagement. The Gill Tavern maintains a wonderful balance of being both refined and cozy at the same time. Kudos to all and thank you for a great time. We look forward to...

Gill Tavern exceeded all expectations with its impeccable service and delectable food. From the moment we walked in, the staff was warm and welcoming, creating a delightful atmosphere. The attentiveness of the waitstaff was remarkable; they were quick to offer recommendations and cater to our preferences.

As for the food, each dish was a culinary masterpiece. The menu boasted a diverse selection, and every item we ordered showcased the chef's skill and creativity. Fresh, high-quality ingredients were evident in every bite. The flavors were well-balanced, and presentation was artful.

What truly stood out was the seamless coordination between the kitchen and the serving staff. Our meals arrived promptly, and the timing between courses was impeccable. It was evident that the team at Gill Tavern prioritizes both the quality of the dining experience and the satisfaction of their patrons.

In conclusion, Gill Tavern is a hidden gem that combines exceptional service with a gastronomic journey. A visit to this establishment is not just a meal; it's a memorable experience that leaves a...