Seminary Hill Orchard & Cidery — Restaurant in Town of Delaware

I typically do not write negative reviews but the experience my friends and I had at this restaurant was off putting and concerning enough to warrant a warning to other customers.

On October 9th, 2021, around 4:45pm myself and a group of diverse friends inquired about dining at the restaurant as we did not have reservations. Because it appeared to be a slow day, the hostess offered to sit us with no reservation. The experience started off on the wrong foot. The hostess warned us that we shouldn't stay too long because of other reservations. The attitude and tone were dismissive from the beginning but we tried to let it go because we didn't want to assume ill intent without evidence.

After sitting for a while with no attention from the waiting staff, we started to notice other tables that came in after us being served drinks and food before we were offered water.  Ultimately we requested water for the table on four separate occasions and did not receive water until after the bill was paid. The waiting staff was not attentive only coming to the table once in a 3 hour stay. Please remember we were told not to stay too long but because of the slow service we were there for three hours.

The rest of the experience was mediocre, with the food being okay. That should have been the end of the story until we had a final negative experience with a manger who was rude and dismissive for no reason.  Because we had to wait so long to pay, we went to the bar to pay the bill. While paying the bill and expressing to the bartender our frustration, the manager with curly hair and glasses over heard some of the conversation and, with a loud and aggressive tone, said “what’s the problem? You’ll get a discount” assuming we were looking to pay less for the poor service. We were not looking for a discount and the assumption that we were, in my opinion, was coming from ignorant and ill tempered place.

This type of service and experience is unacceptable. We were very respectful. We were not loud and showed as much patience as possible. We don't understand why we were treated this way. I don't like making assumptions but the only difference between our table and the other tables were the color of our skin and the diverse cast of the group. I wrote this to warn others like us to be careful when choosing to dine at this location.

I advise the restaurant to hire and/or train open minded individuals that treat everyone equally and create an environment where all feel welcome. It's 2021 and its expected that businesses operate in a respectful manner. If the pandemic has shown us anything, it's that small businesses need our support. It's difficult to so at a place like this when the treatment is so repugnant. There are so many other great local businesses in the area that operate in a great environment and make their customers feel great, spend your money on them. Don't spend it in a place that is still stuck...

I have been coming to Seminary Hill since they opened a few years ago. This was likely my 7th time visiting. It was a beautiful night with a beautiful sunset and we were seated promptly outdoors at a hi-top table. All's well so far! Then we waited and waited and waited as we watched people who came in after us get served. Finally, after at least 15 minutes, we asked the first server whose attention we could muster that we wanted to order, at least some cider. Thankfully, Maria came to the rescue...and she was absolutely awesome! We placed our order and we thoroughly enjoyed the starters...a Cucumber, Fennel Salad, Marinated Feta, Peach along with a salad of Spring Peas and Chanterelle mushrooms. So far so good! For our mains we ordered the Steelhead Trout and the Pork Chop. While the pork chop was really tasty, it was a huge disappointment as half the chop was fat, grizzle and bones. Having paid $32 for this dish (which I might add was sitting on a plate with not a side item in sight), I felt like what a rip off. $32 for a tiny portion of tasty meat (after all the fat/bones)! When the server asked if we were done and saw the pile of fat on my plate, she asked if everything was OK. I had to comment about the ratio of fat/bone to meat. She couldn't help but feel my pain. While they offered us a comp dessert, I would like to send a notice to the management. If you're going to charge NYC prices for smallish a la carte plates, at least use some better quality cuts of meat. Will I be back? Likely! But the management and kitchen staff should...

Amazing views with great food and drinks! This is my third time here. I finally got to get there on a Thursday to enjoy the bbq menu. I ordered the fried chicken plate and chose cornbread and potato salad as my sides. The chicken was flavorful and had the perfect crunch on the outside. I was happy it was not greasy and oily like other places make their fried chicken. The homemade potato salad was delicious and was the perfect accompaniment to the chicken. The drinks are great and enjoy seeing their seasonal specials. It is awesome to see how everything is New York based that they use. Maria took such great care of us from the moment we walked in to when we left. Maria was very attentive and had such a positive attitude. We were never waiting with empty glasses or finished plates. She gave great recommendations when asked about food and drinks they serve. It was a breath of fresh air to have someone so competent and pleasant (we haven’t witnessed this at a lot of establishments recently). The tables overlook a gorgeous view over the orchard and surrounding areas. It is beautiful in all 4 seasons and the sunset views are great. I can’t wait to go back when it’s warmer and drier to enjoy the outside area with corn hole and outdoor seating and fire pit. I would highly recommend Seminary Hill Cidery for anyone looking for great drinks, food,...