Historic Rocky Hill Inn & Tavern — Restaurant in Rocky Hill

It pains me to pen a poor review.  I understand that a good number of folks make decisions on where they'll dine based more on “stars” than on cuisine, location, or almost anything else.  A good review is easy: I have been debating with myself whether to post a less than stellar review or just shut up. In the end I decided to post this review.  I know people who follow my reviews appreciate candor, and perhaps a critique will cause management to focus on customer satisfaction.

So.  The Rocky Hill Inn & Tavern is a well established restaurant in Rocky Hill.  We decided to meet old friends for an early Sunday “Linner”.  We knew we would want to catch up, so we intentionally came between lunch and dinner, so as not to be taking up a table when the restaurant was busy.

My wife and I arrived first.  When we walked in the door we stopped at a podium, in a back room.  There were several unoccupied tables around us.  The waitress informed us that since we had a reservation, we needed to check in at the front.  Off to the front we trooped, only to return to exactly the same spot we had started.  Once seated we informed our waitress that another couple would be joining us.  The server immediately asked when our friends would join us: she was clearly put out that there was a delay.  Our friends promptly appeared, we ordered drinks and were presented with menus.  As soon as our drinks were served we were asked if we were ready to order.  We asked for a few minutes, which was reluctantly granted.  Three of us were prepared to order, one of the wives was not.  Our waitress hovered over our friend, clearly impatient that she haddened made up her mind. I would note here that I looked around: only one other table was occupied, the restaurant was clearly in a slow spot, so we each felt that we were being rushed for no reason.

Okay, so we came to eat.  How was the food?  Well, first, the girls ordered Cosmos.  Both ladies thought the Cosmos were more like martinis, and weak ones, at that.  My wife had a burger, which she said was overdone.  For someone who likes her meat well done, that's going a way.  One of our friends had a Chicken Pot Pie (I think: or a Shepherds Pie).  Either way, he thought it was “OK”.  His wife had a Steak dish, again “OK”. I had a Salmon Burger, which was good, but our server chided me for not eating the bun because “they toasted it for you”. The four of us concurred that we were clearly not up to the waitstaff’s expectations, and that for the price the meals were a disappointment.

The Rocky Hill Inn & Tavern is centrally located.  Parking is adequate.  There weren't many people in the restaurant while we were there, so noise levels weren't bad, conversation wasn't difficult, although occasionally the sound level rose from the bar.

I had wanted to enjoy the Rocky Hill Inn & Tavern: several years ago an old friend recommended it.  I'm not sure if or when it changed, and perhaps we just had one of those days.  Whatever the case, as we left the Rocky Hill Inn & Tavern we all agreed we were not inclined to repeat the experience.

I'm truly sorry...

So, where do I start? Burgers? Sandwiches? Appetizers? Beer? Entrees? Atmosphere? The Rocky Hill Inn has it all. Start off with great service and a friendly atmosphere.. so you're ahead of the game already. The staff--from the hostess and waitresses to the bus boys--is cordial and attentive. The rooms are rustic with a small town, country feel. Don't go if you expect chandeliers, tablecloths, or waitstaff with white gloves. Who would want that anyway?

Blah, Blah, Blah, you say... What about the food? Well I'm glad you asked. Let's start with the apps. The Pretzel with spicy beer mustard, bacon-fontina cheese dip is great and the Beer battered pickles are unique and delicious. The cornmeal crusted calamari with sweet and spicy sauce is a great twist on the fried calamari that everyone else makes. But the Belly and Clams is the best clam dish I have ever had. It's a unique steamed clam sauce made with coconut milk and unknown spices, with smoked pork belly to round out the dish (I tried to bribe the waitress for the recipe but she didn't bite).

On to the main dishes. I'm a burger guy, and if you are too, then you have a home at the Rocky Hill Inn. I've tasted three so far and they are all top notch, and my new favorites. The RHI Burger with apple-wood smoked bacon, grilled onion, cheddar, and a Griggstown Farm sunny side egg; The Buffalo Burger with wild boar bacon, cheddar, and gastropub sauce(whatever that is); and the Pub Burger with beer battered onion rings, apple-wood smoked bacon, cheddar, and chipotle mayo. I plan on trying the rest of the burger menu. In the entree department I have only had their 12 oz steak and their Fish and Chips, both of which were 5 stars. I plan to have the short ribs on my next visit and try a different burger. No.. I don't order 2 meals. I'll order the short ribs and tell the wife to order one of the burgers I haven't tried yet. She'll eat half and.. well.. somebody has to finish it! No doggie bags in this family! Did I mention they have the best fries?

Do you like craft beers? NO? Then you should stay home, eat a Hot Pocket, and drink a glass of milk. But if you do, they have an ever-changing selection of premium craft beers of all types. My favorite is the Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Beer. And if anyone from management is listening, don't ever rotate that one off the menu please!

OK.. so I think I covered most of my experience. That said, they also have unique Mac and Cheese dishes like Lobster Fontina and Pulled Pork, and assorted salads for those of you who are WIMPS! Just kidding.

I'm not much for desert, but for those of you who partake in this ritual that signifies you didn't order enough food, I did try their pumpkin cheesecake and it was great too.

So.. you can't lose at the Rocky Hill Inn, unless you're in the...

I’ve been wanting to come here for sometime and finally got the chance. This place dates back to the 1700’s. It’s part of an historic village. At the main entrance there are two stairs and a ramp for anyone who is handicapped. The entrance is a bit tricky from the parking lot. You have to walk all the around to the front entrance or you wind up walking through one of the dining areas and bar to get to the hostess like we did. We chose to come early we didn’t have a reservation but we were seated immediately by a lovely hostess. ( I suggest making a reservation.) Our waiter came over and he was very friendly and pleasant. He took our drink order and gave us time to look over their menu. They have a nice selection of Signature Cocktails, IPA’s and Draft Beers and Wines. It was cold out so I decided to start with a bowl of their French Onion Soup, and it was delicious.My soup was loaded with two kinds of cheeses with a rich broth with a piece of toasted baguette topped with those cheeses. To go along with my soup I ordered their Lamb Sliders- 4 sliders with tzatziki, red onion jam, and arugula.My sliders were cooked perfectly, and that red onion jam was so good. My boyfriend started with their Deviled Eggs- pickled red onion, cucumber, green olives. They were creamy and delicious. For Entree he chose their Braised Lamb Shank Shepherd’s Pie.It had chunks of lamb creamed spinach, and topped with mashed potatoes.( This is not your typical shepherd’s pie.) It was served in a personalized cast iron pan. My bf enjoyed and said it was rich and filling. My daughter chose their Fun Guy Burger with Fries-Wild mushrooms, gruyere cheese, arugula and truffled aioli. She really enjoyed her burger it was cooked perfectly med-rare. We were full and didn’t order dessert. The decor is simple and classic, with several small dining areas. From the looks of things it’s very popular, it was 5 pm and packed. Rocky Hill Inn Tavern offers something for everyone. I look forward...