Elixir — Restaurant in Hartford

Our recent visit to Elixir was, in short, a deeply disappointing and thoroughly regrettable experience. I say that not with dramatic flair, but as someone who has just spent $133 on what may be one of the most underwhelming meals in recent memory.

Let’s begin with the baked fig appetizer. What should have been a simple, elegant start was instead served with what can only be described as stale—if not outright moldy—bread. Whether it was sourced from a clearance bin at Shaw’s or a forgotten rack at Target, the texture and taste were wholly unacceptable.

Then came the ribs. The menu promised something slow-cooked and savory; what arrived was dry, fatty, and devoid of any seasoning. A whisper of red wine might have grazed the dish at some point, but salt, pepper, or any recognizable flavor had clearly missed the invite. The accompanying “gravy” was an uninspired, unappealing addition—why not elevate the dish with a proper demi-glace? Meanwhile, the mashed potatoes, clearly not made fresh, were served cold or luke-warm at best. However, at least the plate it was served on was hot, or so your server thought it was!

The pesto bucatini fared no better—bland, pale, and unimaginative. It was a dish without soul, seemingly assembled with the same carelessness that pervaded the rest of the evening.

The experience was foreshadowed the moment we stepped inside. The decor was outdated, the scent of old seafood and cracked leather hung in the air, and the ambiance felt more like a forgotten lounge than a restaurant trying to justify “hard-to-get reservations.” In hindsight, perhaps we should have handed our reservation over to the two gentlemen who were politely turned away at the door—they would have been spared.

To top it all off, Elixir doesn’t even manage to deliver on its name. The cocktails were uninspired, lacking the creativity or finesse you'd expect even from a mid-tier chain restaurant. I’ve had better drinks at The Cheesecake Factory, and I say that without irony.

To the team at Elixir: If you’re going to market yourselves as a destination dining experience, it’s time to rethink everything—from your kitchen practices and menu execution to your ambiance and hospitality. At the very least, live up to your name and serve a decent drink.

Final word: Be better. Because this?...

🍸🍽️ Elixir: Where Culinary Sophistication Meets Cocktail Mastery!

Nestled in the heart of White River Junction, VT, Elixir stands as a beacon of culinary elegance and mixology finesse, offering a dining experience that tantalizes the taste buds and elevates the art of fine dining.

Let's start with the star of the show—the food. Prepare yourself for a gastronomic journey that transcends mere sustenance. Elixir's menu is a symphony of flavors and artful presentations, showcasing culinary craftsmanship at its finest. From perfectly seared steaks to delicate seafood creations, each dish is a harmonious blend of creativity, skill, and locally sourced ingredients.

But wait, there's more to this culinary delight. The cocktails at Elixir? They're not just drinks; they're masterpieces in a glass. Picture a blend of premium spirits, house-made syrups, and fresh herbs meticulously crafted by skilled mixologists. Each sip is a sensory experience, a dance of flavors that complements the exquisite dishes served.

The ambiance at Elixir exudes sophistication without feeling pretentious. It's an upscale setting that invites you to relax and indulge in culinary artistry. Think chic décor, soft lighting, and an ambiance that strikes the perfect balance between intimate and lively.

The staff at Elixir? They're the epitome of professionalism and hospitality, guiding you through the menu with grace and ensuring every aspect of your dining experience is nothing short of exceptional.

Elixir isn't just a restaurant; it's an ode to culinary mastery and mixology expertise. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking an exquisite dining experience, Elixir delivers with finesse. Prepare to be enchanted by the flavors, dazzled by the cocktails, and immersed in an upscale dining experience that lingers in your memory long after the last bite. Cheers to Elixir for creating an unforgettable culinary...

We were traveling from Tempe, AZ to our 2nd home in Windsor, VT for Christmas week. We were going to have a special dinner with a dear friend from the Hanover, NH area. She made this reservation for Friday night, the 22nd. Loved the restaurant atmosphere... really felt like I was somewhere special. Since I like to try craft beers made in the area that I am visiting, I ordered a Von Trapp Ale… it was quite good. The other 3 ordered wine & cocktails. Fresh baked bread & dipping oil was brought to the table for all to enjoy. Our guest had a starter salad… us other 3 had the ‘special’ Cream of Broccoli Soup. The soup tasted like it had been made by the gods! Fine dining indeed! Entrees were ordered (see photos) and words like incredible, phenomenal, superb were tossed around the table. All loved their main entrees.. but me. At the last minute I changed from a special pasta dish to the Pork Schnitzel w/ Red Pepper Spaetzle. Love German cuisine so I made the change. The Pork Cutlets were dry & over-cooked. Spaetzle was dry, hard, & crunchy. Turnip Mash & Greens were great. I’d like to think that if I went back and ordered the same dish over again the results would be different.

Desserts (see photos) were mind blowing!

My wife commented that she never felt rushed and we had a long and pleasant visit with our friend. Special Note: Leigh Whitten was our server… he was pleasant, helpful, and attentive without...