Stockton Inn Restaurant — Restaurant in Stockton

I’ve been watching the quality restoration of this old renowned Inn for a while now. I remember it years ago when it needed attention which gratefully it received by the current owners. I noticed the restoration finishes appeared to be first rate, so of course I was anxious to go n try it out! I called to get done basic information prior to arriving at The Stockton Inn … like where’s the entrance door? I learned it’s in the back, off the parking lot. The decor I felt was “just okay”as compared to the solid quaint exterior vibe of the building . The main entry to me was disappointing in its look, though the Dog and Deer tavern area was better looking, it shortly became loud but vibrant. I think some sophisticated background music would help a bit to elevate the feel. My bartender ,David, was very kind and helpful. He didn’t seem to mind my endless questions either . The crowd is upscale similar folks you’d see at Black Bass or BlkShed, just as you might expect in this manicured yet natural “Bucks County” general area. The Bartenders knew their job so my drink did the required job for me,and there seemed to be countless selections of alcohol lining the bar area walls. I watched what others had ordered to eat and chose the burger which was a tad greasy n smallish . The bread I don’t think helped it as my guess was that it was buttered ..hence the greasy taste. I’d make the burger a bit bigger and put it on a more worthy bun. I didn’t have the fries but had the side salad . It took a little while to be served my food but in the meanwhile I scoped the bread appetizer which looked very tempting, but from what little I could see being served the pizza seemed the winner! You know next time I go there just what I’m having! All things considered I’m sure I’ll be back . It will be great in the summer out by the wishing well made famous by the Lorenz Hart song that memorized The Stockton Inn to begin with. A great place for a date, not a place I’d bring a child , but I haven’t experienced their actual dining room, Finch . I’d say give it a try n bring a friend or a loved one to enjoy it...

Let me start by saying: this place is gorgeous. Beautiful outdoor seating, relaxed vibe, the kind of place that whispers, “you’re about to have a great meal.” Unfortunately, it also yelled, “SURPRISE BEEF TARTARE!” — and not in a good way.

I’ve had my fair share of tartares. Some great, some okay. This one? Easily, hands-down, the worst I’ve ever had. I genuinely questioned whether there was beef in it at all. It tasted like someone added a pinch of meat and then got wildly carried away with capers, mustard, and… something else? Possibly regret. The texture? Confused. The flavor? Aggressively wrong. If beef tartare had a rebellious teenage phase, this was it.

And the thing is — I wanted to like it. I really did. But this tartare was less a dish and more a dare. I almost felt like I should get a t-shirt for finishing it: "I survived the tartare at Dog and Deer tavern.

On that same visit, I ordered the scallops and risotto, which, to their credit, were actually very good. Balanced, flavorful, well-prepared — everything the tartare wasn’t. It was like the chef remembered how to cook halfway through the evening.

As for the mocktails, they were more mock than cocktail. Vaguely sweet, mostly forgettable, but at least not offensive — which, by that point, felt like a win.

My first visit had been milder: just a pizza. Not bad, just overly salty and generally unremarkable. I had chalked it up to an off night. But after that tartare… I’m not so sure.

So here’s the breakdown:

Atmosphere: Fantastic

Service: No complaints

Risotto: Nice

Tartare: A culinary crime scene

Final verdict: I’d love to give this place a solid 4 for its setting and potential — but that tartare haunts me. So it's a 3 and that’s with...

Absolutely perfect in every way! Drove from the Lehigh Valley to try this newly revamped Stockton Inn pub/restaurant. We were truly blown away. We were greeted warmly by staff at the door and lead to our table in the tavern. The vibe is cozy and dark like a pub in an old inn, but with all updated furniture, brass tables, a nice glowing fire in the hearth. Our server, Chelsea, was amazing… pitch perfect. Friendly, fun, attentive, informative. She truly was one of the best servers we’d experienced! She explained some dishes, offered suggestions, helped with drink selections. A+++ to Chelsea!

My husband had the burrata appetizer, and I had the baby iceberg wedge salad. Chelsea recommended this salad saying that the dressing was to die for. She was right! BEST blue cheese dressing ever. The whole salad was perfection, thick little pieces of bacon, Point Reyes blue cheese crumbles. I am a salad geek and love a good salad. This was astoundingly good. Husband loved his burrata with greens as well. He ordered the Mo’Better mocktail which was not only beautiful, but so tasty! My martini was also perfect. Our entrees were just as brilliant as everything else up to this point. I ordered the black bass with olive oil crushed potatoes, olives and salas verde. Husband ordered the steak frites. Both dishes were perfection. My bass was delicate and moist and the olive oil potatoes and green olives made it truly scrumptious. Husband said his steak was also just perfect. Cooked to perfection with a lovely bone marrow bordelaise.

The whole evening, from start to finish, every single detail was perfect. Despite the distance, we will be back again and...