Great Blue Heron Restaurant and Bakery — Restaurant in Town of Kent

We came to try this place out for lunch today with my family. We are moving in the area and told them that we were here to try it out and was hoping that this would become a spot for us. I was there with my son who is three years old and on the spectrum. He spilled their salt and pepper and a cup of water. The server (Lucas) went and told the chef (Frank) about this bill. Wish I came over and picked it up. I apologize to him several times and told him I didn’t realize that he did that and that I would clean it up. So a little bit hard to go out with him and I felt great to be able to go out somewhere for lunch, but I guess this place did not welcome people with kids and especially kids with a disability. Frank came over to us with a separate check of two dollars saying Salt-N-Pepa on it. When I asked him what this was about, he explained to me that this was a charge for the mess that my son had made because the servers needed to clean it up. We spent $173 for lunch for three people and I tipped $30. I didn’t tip him to clean the mess. I tipped him for the service that he provided to us, but it was not a bad tip to where he felt. He should make me have to pay for my sons mess. Frank was very unprofessional when I confronted him about it and told him the least he could’ve done was say something to me when he came over while I apologize 1 million times I explained to him my son was on the spectrum And that I apologize for what he did. I understand that salt and pepper cost money and if you would’ve said exactly that beforehand, I would’ve been able to explain myself to him, he said he also had kids and that his kids would never do that. I felt very uncomfortable that he was also talking down on my parenting, making me feel bad about how I parent my autistic son. I told him that I would be more than happy to pay the two dollars. I didn’t think that it was necessary to make such a big deal out of it, especially since we spent so much money there and we’re nothing but kind to everyone that I would be leaving about review for them and they definitely would not be seeing us back there his exact answer was “I would really love that”. I really hope this never happens to anyone else again making you feel so unwelcome with your children. It’s a shame the business loss a very possible...

Visited on Friday, May 23rd

I waited a few days before writing this review to reflect on the experience and provide constructive feedback in the hopes that the owners will take it seriously.

We were genuinely excited to try this new local restaurant, but unfortunately, our experience was extremely disappointing. The restaurant was clearly understaffed—both on the floor and in the kitchen, as our server openly admitted.

To start, I ordered an unsweetened iced tea, only to be told they don’t serve it. That alone was surprising—it's hard to imagine a restaurant today without iced tea on the menu.

We began our meal with soup. The clam chowder arrived cold and was served with a teaspoon. When we asked to have it reheated and requested a proper soup spoon, we were instead given a large serving spoon. The chowder itself was shockingly thin for a New England-style version.

Dinner didn’t fare any better. It took 50 minutes to arrive. My husband’s Bacon Egg Burger was literally still frozen in the center. When we showed this to our server, his only response was, “Well, that’s not cooked.” The Chicken Schnitzel and Pork Schnitzel were both overcooked, tough, and clearly made with low-quality meat. Presentation was equally underwhelming—just a large scoop of what seemed like potato salad and a piece of fried meat. Another member of our party had the salmon, which was bland and served on plain white rice.

I understand every restaurant can have an off night, but the issues we encountered—from the service to the food—were beyond what can be excused as a one-time mishap.

We left very dissatisfied and, sadly, will not be returning. I sincerely hope the owners take this feedback to heart and make the necessary improvements, because the potential is there—it just wasn’t realized...

Nestled right on Lake Carmel, Great Blue Heron is a culinary gem that brings the heart and soul of Czechoslovakian cuisine to life. Owned and operated by the incredibly personable Frank Gaspar, the restaurant exudes warmth from the moment you walk through the door. Frank’s genuine hospitality makes you feel less like a customer and more like a cherished guest in his home.

The ambiance strikes a perfect balance between rustic charm and modern comfort. Soft lighting, tasteful Eastern European décor, and a welcoming atmosphere create the ideal setting for an unforgettable dining experience.

But let’s talk about the real star: the food. Great Blue Heron offers a menu brimming with authentic flavors and time-honored recipes, but the standout dish that has everyone talking is the Berlin Wall Grilled Kielbasa. This isn’t just sausage on a plate—it’s a masterpiece. Perfectly grilled with a smoky char, the kielbasa bursts with savory juices and rich spices that pay homage to its traditional roots while adding a modern twist. Served alongside house-made sauerkraut and a tangy mustard that’s clearly made with care, every bite is a harmonious blend of flavor and texture. It’s bold, satisfying, and undeniably addictive.

Whether you’re familiar with Czechoslovakian food or trying it for the first time, Great Blue Heron is an absolute must-visit. Between Frank’s welcoming presence and the phenomenal menu, it’s an experience you won’t...