Ellie's Farmhouse — Restaurant in Southington

Grok actually suggested Ellie's to us during a drive through CT, as a place with healthier menu items, just a few minutes off the interstate, and I'm so glad it did. We'd have never known about the place, otherwise. The cinnamon apple slices when we sat down were a welcome and unexpected touch. We both ordered the Barnyard Bennie (ok, so we didn't exactly stick to our healthy intentions) and they were excellent. Not only did they taste delicious, but they came out faster than other places might take for an order of toast! I realize service speed will vary, but this was our experience around 9:30am on a Friday.

The hash browns were surprisingly good, as well; they weren't doused with salt or dripping with grease. Honestly, some of the best I've had in a while. The poached eggs on the Bennie were darn near perfection, so my compliments to the cook. If I had to critique just one thing, it would be that the hollandaise sauce could've used just a tad more lemon and this is being extremely picky; I mean food snob level finicky!

All the staff seemed cheerful and happy, including our server, Keith, and even the gentleman who brought our food out. Seriously, these folks seem like they actually enjoy their jobs, which simply has to be a testament to the management's style.

The rustic, farmhouse-like decor adds a nice charm to the place. There are subtle touches that highlight an attention to detail, such as the style of door and latch on the bathroom stall. Consider the fact that I'm writing a restaurant review where I thought mentioning the stall door was worthy of being included (!).

Sincerely, I hope we remember and have time to stop in again the next time we're passing through.

P.S. Google asked me if Ellie's has a dog-friendly outdoor area. I answered I wasn't sure because there's no mention of it on their website or in reviews, but they do have a decently sized outdoor patio area, which seems easily condusive...

The atmosphere inside was really nice, clean, airy, and inviting. They had the large doors open to the patio, and it felt fresh and comfortable. Our waitress was friendly, attentive, and very accommodating.

We ordered an omelet, eggs Benedict, and the donut holes. The donut holes were disappointing without the $2 maple syrup sauce, which felt like something that should have been included. Without the sauce, they had no sweetness.

The eggs Benedict was a real letdown. I’ve had this dish many times and even make it myself, so I knew something was off right away. The hollandaise sauce was watery, bland and lacked any seasoning. I sent it back, something I have rarely ever done and declined another dish when the waitress kindly offered. However, the chef came over and insisted that I try it again, telling me I must not have had “real” hollandaise before. I declined several times, but he insisted and remade the dish and brought the sauce on the side. I tried it again and it was still watery and flavorless.

The corned beef hash also lacked any seasoning, and the potatoes in it were undercooked, still firm when they should have been soft. I only ate about a third of the second plate out of politeness. To top it off, they charged $1 extra for hot sauce, which felt excessive given the already underwhelming food. My fiancé did enjoy his omelette.

Despite returning my original meal and repeatedly declining a replacement, we were still charged the full price. The waitress was lovely, but between the disappointing food, upcharges for items that are included everywhere else and pushy handling by the chef, I won’t be...

I will start off by saying our server was very personable and professional, the patio is very nice with the brunch bar, and our best item ordered was the mimosa carafe (minus the fact that they’re half full for 35$). The food does NOT match their mantra stated at the top of the menu. It is not fresh, it is not homemade, and it is certainly not good. Let’s start with the hash browns. They’re literally worse than IHOP. So soggy. Then the “cheese sauce”…… shocked that it’s even called cheese sauce because it looks like gravy, tastes like a gross béchamel. My breakfast wrap that states it has hash browns in it… did not have hash browns in it. The chipotle aioli was good, though I am in disbelief that it is “homemade”. Moving on to biscuits and gravy, not bad but cubed sausage is an interesting approach. Would recommend crumbled sausage. The club sandwich was very good, but should be three slices of bread as a club sandwich is typically made. The barbacoa tacos…. Non grilled corn tortillas, hard meat, old pico….. not a good choice. The barbacoa bomblette was actually very good, no complaints there besides the hash browns again. And we will end this unfortunate review at the “corned beef hash”….. 0/10. I’m unsure why this place has such a long wait time, such a following, and not enough reviews like this. I was clearly disappointed but not every restaurant can provide real home made food. I will definitely not be returning or recommending. If I could post...