Deer Cliff Inn Restaurant — Restaurant in Preston

Today is my anniversary and I am so excited to spend it up Cub River. We made reservations with Deer Cliff, Friday, as soon as they opened for the following day. I explained that I wanted a table outside right next to the river as it was my anniversary, and I asked what times were available to make that happen. The lady I spoke with said that they were wide open and I could choose anytime. I chose 7pm. Upon arrival we were taken outside by the hostess to an area that was half full or half empty, however you see it. We were asked to sit at a table away from the river. We asked why we were not being seated by the river and were told that it was reserved for a large group. To be clear, there was a table for 2 and a couple tables for 6 open. We wanted the open table for 2. We were upset that the size of a group would push us away from our reservations. Especially given that we specifically made reservations for river view. Less then 5 mins later a couple walked in and were seated at the open small table by the river by the same hostess that sat us. They were treated like regulars, even bringing their own wine. A few mins went by and I asked the hostess that sat us where the rest of the large group was and she replied that she is doing the best she can. I asked if my reservation wasn't notated and she said nothing but just rudely walked away. Another couple arrived and again they were treated as regulars, again bringing in their own bottle of wine. I had another waitress come up to me and say she heard we were complaining about our seats. I explained that we wanted the seat in one of the vacant tables by the river and that the first lady lied to us about a large group. She said that she didnt lie, she is my daughter. She told us that we could move to one of the large tables by the river. I explained that didnt make sense now as we had already had appetizers and drinks. We remained at our seats and didnt dare get refills on our drinks due to the confrontation. The food was amazing. But the situation will make me never come back. I've been coming up here for 20 years and will not try to compete with locals and their wine over a reservation on a special day. I do want to point out that our waitress was very sweet and she is in no way at fault, which is why we left her...

I remember going to Deer Cliff as a child on very special occasions so while camping for the weekend we decided to go to Deer Cliff for our anniversary. It was very disappointing! There is no clear entrance so we sort of wandered in and found a "Wait to be Seated" sign just outside the kitchen door. The interior is old, tired and faded.

We were brought large green plastic glasses of luke warm water but no menus. After finally getting menus we both ordered the trout dinner. The salads were sad little bowls of lettuce with nary a shred of carrot, bit of cucumber or tomato.

My wife ordered twice baked potato I ordered broasted potato. This is Idaho so we expect good potatoes. When our meals arrived the twice baked was about 1/2 cp of fake mashed potatoes in a small oblong tin with a little cheese on it. Mine was a slice of a small potato about 1/2 inch thick. It tasted ok but was soooo small. I don't understand how they can't just give people a whole freakin potato? I can buy 10 lbs of them for about $3 that breaks down to something like 15c a potato for pete's sake.

I saw that they had a hot fudge brownie sundae which I love so we ordered that for dessert. There was a tiny little brownie about 1 1/2" square brownie under a couple scoops of ice cream topped with warm chocolate syrup NOT hot fudge! They are not the same thing.

On the bright side the trout was quite good and the riverside view is very nice. The band was not our taste but did seem talented and others were enjoying them a lot. Over all the experience was very sub par. Deer Cliff has a great tradition and I believe that draws people in but I can't imagine why anyone...

BRING CASH OR CHECK! We found out the hard way. Thankfully, my mother-in-law happened to have her checkbook.

The front door is not clearly marked. I wandered around back and found the back door.

The food was mediocre. The Trout, Chicken and potatoes were basic. The Prawns were cooked from frozen leaving them chewy. The soup was enjoyable, even if it tasted like gravy. The scones and onion rings, needed salt, were very enjoyable and made from scratch.

The fun came with the locale, history and serving plates. The crockery was old fashioned, if not outright old. Not but old in a bad way. This place reminded me of my grandparents home. Crockery plates and atmosphere thick with memories. The fish was served on a old fashion oval iron plate. The canyon, trees and rushing river was hypnotic and relaxing. The budding flower bush on the back deck smelled heavenly.

The music was a surprise as was the place itself. The drive is time travel, out of time and out of place. Anything and everything, including cell service and internet, are a distant thought in this hidden glen. It is family owned and operated. The daughter of the original owner helped our waiter, her son, serve us dinner. I might as well have been at a friend's house eating dinner. James was very friendly and personable. Our visit was worth it just...