The Owl at Twilight — Restaurant in Town of Minerva

I had dinner at the "Owl" Monday evening, Sept. 7th. I had a wonderful experience here two years ago late in September, 2017, and was anxious to return. Monday is a slow night for most restaurants, there was only one other table other than myself while I was there, so the owner was the server for the evening. It was he who had diminished my enjoyment on this visit. I ordered simply, basically a burger and local craft beer. This didn't seem enough of an order for the server/owner and he pushed the appetizers. I really didn't want one but I did order a grilled mushroom dish which was nice. I did request the complimentary bread basket with the garlic butter that comes with it and when I did, the owner's comment was "all that bread"! When the bread was delivered, it was three very thin slices the shape and size of a lemon. It had to cost nothing for the owner. When I was finished with my meal, which was good, I was quite full and when the owner asked if I would like dessert, I told him so and declined. He wouldn't stop pushing the desserts. He went through the whole lengthy list and I told him that they all sound wonderful but no thank you. He continued to tell of two special desserts that " travel well " if I would like one of those. Again I had to say "NO THANKS"! I asked for the check, paid with my credit card and left. One thing I can not stand is a pushy server, especially if the server owns the restaurant. The first time I was at this beautiful restaurant, on the wonderful screened porch, the server was a lovely young lady who was delightful without being pushy. Because of the pushy attitude by the owner on this recent visit, I doubt that I would ever return. He has an arrogance and a personality that is off-putting and I don't think he realizes how offensive his actions and comments are to his guests. This should never happen in the hospitality industry. A real shame because the food is very good and atmosphere purely delightful set amongst a very beautiful part of the...

What a great little find just 5 to 6 miles west of Pottersville, in olmstedville New York. Very unassuming from the outside, but on the inside a gem of a restaurant. They have a nice little bar, that only accommodates four, but at least there is a place to have a drink. We ordered a couple of drinks, which were perfectly measured out, instead of just poured, which gave the appearance that the drinks were a little chintzy, but Mark the owner, who was also the bartender, was a friendly and gracious host, so we didn't mind. My girlfriend had the hootini, (everything is owl themed) and I had a glass of Rye, neat. The inside dining room was rather beautifully appointed, but it was also nice outside so we decided to eat in the screen porch Outback, which also was a nice setting for dinner. We asked for the warm ciabatta bread with a delicious goat cheese spread, (I said ask for it because they won't bring it unless you ask for it) and we ordered the grilled calamari, (which you rarely ever see grilled instead of fried,) with a garlic aioli spread, and that was delicious. I also ordered the soup special, which was a version of a cream of mushroom, that was very rich & Hearty and loaded with mushrooms, but it came lukewarm, not hot. For dinner my girlfriend ordered the Gorgonzola encrusted strip steak, and Mark recommended the seafood stew for myself. That was absolutely fantastic, and didn't disappoint. Service is purposely slow, so you can enjoy your time there, and your company. In the past we've eaten a lot at Cafe Adirondack down the road, but I believe this is going to be our new favorite restaurant. Definitely worth the trip, and the extra miles. You can't bring your own bottle, unless it's something very special, but the wine prices are reasonable so not to worry. The bill with tip came to about$120, drinks were $20 total, and so is the tip, so factor out the booze, and we spent as much there as we did at Cafe Adirondack. Looking forward...

My first time there. But probably won't go back voluntarily. Food was ok and our service at our table was great but waited an hour with a reservation. We sat at the bar to wait. When I asked for a certain kind of liquor that would have paired well with the fresh mint on hand, I was told that "trendy liquors(st Germaine) weren't available and they didn't have mules either." - the owners reply. Not the answer to the question I asked and a bit snarky. So I dismissed the semi rude comment and asked what bourbon was available. A verbal list was given with good selection and I chose a knob creek on the rocks, while I watched the owner/ bartender pour me a maker's mark. After my first interaction with him I didn't want to ruffle feathers again so I drank it. While we sat and waited for our table we listened as people walked in to him complain about being backed up on drinks and his staff seemed to be use too the fact that he's probably always like that, it seemed like this guy has no idea he turns people off. During our meal I was approached again by the owner to tell me my burger wouldn't be the normal 8oz. No big deal. Something would be taken off the bill for compensation but when my burger came it was on the well side instead of the med rare temp ordered. Again our server was amazing and the rest of the food, good. Everyone has their off nights but I'm wondering if the many folks that were there have figured out that sitting at a table is the way to go to stay away from him. Probably why his bar was empty. My advice step out from behind the bar if you don't like making drinks, hire a bartender with a good personality and you'll fill that bar and make more money. I've worked in the service industry a long time, and I can't imagine saying some of the things that were said and doing some of things the owner did. Not my first choice for future outings but would go with friends if that's...