Brown Barn Tavern — Restaurant in Munson Township

First, I would go 3.5 stars if able. This is a fine establishment and staff was very friendly. Particularly our waitress whose name escapes me. She was an average height woman with short hair, like super short. She was ABSOLUTELY amazing and one of the best service personnel we have had anywhere. The next best thing about this place are the handcrafted cocktails. The seasonal mule that my wife ordered is hands down the best mule I have ever tasted. The other drinks were slightly above average quality which is a plus in my book. The food is where I get a little lost. We had the chips and pretzel apps. Both were quite good. I did not inquire about the chips, but had a feeling the pretzel and beer cheese are not made in house. I was correct. On one hand, I was a bit miffed that it was pre-made, but on the other hand, if you can't make it or have the resources in house, this is the best option. The wife got the Brown Barn Burger. It was cooked to temp perfectly, but that's about it for the plus side. The patty itself was under seasoned / not seasoned at all. The maple chipotle aioli, which was the selling point for my wife, did not seem to appear. Visually, there was a sauce on this burger, but the flavors did not come through. The fries were acceptable, nothing otherworldly. I had the Chicken fried Chicken. The breading was perfectly crispy and not overdone which is always great. Unfortunately, it seemed you could taste the oil. I meant to ask what oil they use in their fryers but yet again, I forgot to ask! The first few bites, I could not taste the red pepper au jus, but over time the flavor builds. If it weren't as watered down, it would be phenomenal! I would abandon the frizzled scallions as they bring nothing to the plate, and top this chicken with julienned freshly fire roasted red peppers. This would compliment the Smokey red pepper flavors in the sauce and maybe bring it to the pallet sooner. The mashed potato's had a fine consistency, but did not contain as much garlic as I like. This is personal preference! The apple jalapeno slaw is a great idea that could be executed a little better. The slaw is cabbage and vinegar based, containing chunks of apples and jalapeno. I have not done this, but as a thought, I would huck some apples into a food processor. Half the amount of cabbage and replace it with shredded apple, add double the amount of jalapeno currently in there and season. It may turn out as an abomination, but worth a try as the current solution lacks any real flavors unless you tactically grab a slice of apple! Lastly, the side of Mac and Cheese was of average quality. I was glad to see it was thick enough to hold to a noodle as other places make it so watered down with cream. As a personal preference once again, I like a little smoked cheese in there to give it more flavor without having to add salt or pepper to the dish as this can be done at the table.

All in all, If I lived in the area, I would stop in for happy hour every now and again as the drinks were top notch and the apps were acceptable. I would not stay for dinner. I would like to end this with the wife and I are picky and we let our server know it is just how we are. She had informed Marco, and he did come by the table and offer services and compliments as well as a good chat. Marco is an exceptional fellow. We typically do not complain to managers as we do not want to deal with the hustle of sending this back and sending that back. Our goal is to be open and honest about our experience. That is what we have...

Birthday reservation, food was great as usual! Ordered waters and a Dr Pepper, proceeded to drink our beverages and found a foul taste accompanied by hints of sulfur, to the point that I'd considered we had been served iced hardboiled egg water. Then I realized my DrPepper also smelled of sulfur. When the server returned, my pregnant fiancé expressed that perhaps due to her childbearing, the ick we were experiencing was some sort of biological response, but that she would like to try a Sprite. The server then relented, (after we had ordered apps) that the establishment has well water and the "sulfur levels" were way off.... Normally not a big deal for myself personally, however as I watched my beloved birthday girl sip her iceless Sprite, I began to spiral. How come we weren't told of the water issue whilst making the reservation or at the door or when we ordered?? How come we were able to consume unorthodox amounts of sulfuric water so nonchalantly? Again, I had made a reservation for 4 ppl, 2 of which were children and 1 of which, my pregnant fiancé! As I spiraled, I realized that the water issue was expansive, as the ice was made with the sulfur water and im sure the noodles were boiled in sulfur water amongst countless other menu items. How many patrons were ingesting the tainted H2O in its various forms? And how come nothing was said until we noticed?? Anyway instead of enjoying our $130 meal, I contemplated this ethical failure and by extension my own failure to speak up on the matter. And now 16 hours removed and potential medical issues having been researched, I have concluded that I will...

Nicest find since moving to the region. We had been to the Geauga County Fair thinking to have lunch there only to find fair fare no longer has any appeal. My cardioligist will be happy. By dinner time we were hungry, but it was Labor Day weekend and the place we thought to go was closed. Google found this place. Saturday on a big holiday weekend meant a half hour wait but it was worth it.

Service was impeccable. Genuinely friendly, helpful for first-times, and just the right level of service. I guess our server told the manager we were first time customers because she appeared at our table with a complimentary tot of champagne and a sincerely warm welcome. But the food was still to come. It didn't disappoint.

My wife is a light eater and just got a couple of appetizers but the generous portions made a full meal. Superb in-house clam chowder and large meaty wings with a choice of sauces, mild to killer.

I went for something I usually don't: the 3-cheese mac & cheese, to which I added one of the meat options: smoked brisket. It was the most interesting flavor I've ever had - a hint of maple sweetness in the smoke.

Though we had to skip dessert, the icing on our cake was the patio where we were treated to a beautiful sunset.

The only downside was the rather extreme noise level inside. I take one star off for it. Far more than I'd consider healthy for the staff. Between the music and the customers it was unpleasant. However, we only experienced it briefly on the way to and from the patio. I'll bring some hearing protection on our next visit - and there WILL be...