Tavern Off The Green

432 Bantam Rd, Litchfield, CT 06759, USA

Address:	432 Bantam Rd, Litchfield, CT 06759, USA
Phone:	+1 860-361-6764
Site:	litchfieldinnct.com
Rating:	4.2
Working:	4–9:30PM Closed 4–9:30PM 4–9:30PM 4–10PM 4–10PM 4–9:30PM

Location

Photos 17

Reviews 10

David Barton

Bantam Bistro is located within the historic Litchfield Inn. We went to check it out a few weekends ago and, while the scenic views and gorgeous interior are beautiful, they can’t quite distract you enough from a disappointing dining experience. Atmosphere Bantam Bistro is located right off the main lobby of the Litchfield Inn through a set of wide French doors. The restaurant is modest in size, with dark woods, dark khaki colored walls and touches of modern lighting. A row of booths sits along the far wall tucked individually behind arches. We were seated in one of these booths and they have a very private and segmented feel – a nice touch. Food We had our fill on this menu, ordering: House made Gnocchi: local zucchini, peas, arugula pesto and truffled pecorino Crisp Calamari: pesto pomodoro, asiago aioli, tossed with chili and garlic Grilled Pork Flat Iron: fennel sausage and broccoli rabe, creamy polenta and a smokey demi Pan Seared Scallops: cauliflower-potato puree, cippolini and mushroom ragout Grilled Steelhead Trout: shallots and haricot vert, almond basmati and a crab and chive buerre blanc It took FOREVER to get our food. However, when it did arrive, everything tasted great. The house made gnocchi was delicious, coated in lots of melted pecorino cheese and tender vegetables. The gnocchi was very plump and absorbed a lot of the oil from the melted cheese. The result was a very flavorful dish. The grilled pork flat iron came out as grilled pork sliced and placed over polenta, sausage and broccoli rabe. That’s right – two types of meat in one dish – I was in heaven. The pork was very heavily peppered and the fennel sausage gave this entree a little kick to it. This was a big dish and even I was full after finishing it. All of us thoroughly enjoyed our food, although the overarching comment was that everything was very heavily seasoned. Service The service is where this meal went south. We had a reservation and requested a booth. When we arrived, the restaurant was fairly empty, with only a few occupied tables. However, all the occupied tables were booths, leaving no empty spaces for us. We were told it would be a five minute wait. Ok – no big deal at all. We gladly said we’d wait a little bit for a booth and the hostess told us we could sit in the room next door while we waited. Nearly 20 minutes later, we were curious what was going on. We discovered the table had been cleaned and ready for us for 15 minutes. The hostess completely forgot to let us know. Our waitress wasn’t much better. The service was unprofessional, sloppy and slow. The waitress had poured nearly a full glass of wine before remembering she had to offer us a taste first. We had to proactively ask for water refills numerous times and at the end of the meal we were never asked if we wanted dessert. Instead, the check came and we got the impression it was time to leave. Our food also took an eternity to arrive at the table. I don’t know what the kitchen was doing since the restaurant was practically empty, but they need to get their act together. Value The prices range from $10-$14 for appetizers and average in the low $20 range for entrees. If you put the prices up against the quality of food, the value at Bantam Bistro is great. However, add in the low quality service and I’m not happy to be paying these prices. The Verdict Bantam Bistro serves up some great food with terrible service. The entire meal, while delicious, was underscored by continuously shoddy service that detracted from the overall experience. Bantam Bistro needs to get its act together. If this is how things are when the place is practically empty, I’d hate to see what it’s like on a busy night. If you’re around the Litchfield Inn and hungry, keep going. I don’t recommend Bantam Bistro and will not be going back.

Leah

The food was good, the beets in the beet salad were tough (undercooked), and the salad was plain (just beets and watercress). The head chef was on the restaurant floor, taking in feedback from myself and other patrons. They had music which was good, not loud and overpowering. The decor in the dining area doesnt match the decor of the rest of the tavern, and the paintings in this room are loud and brightly colored, taking away from the feel of the old tavern. This needs to be fixed.

A Private User

the new owners are renovating the entire inn and the bistro was an early project. the decor is very pleasant, the bar is lively and the service is usually friendly and professional. the menu is encouragingly small, which usually means a chef with a point of view. in this case, the food can be wonderful but sometimes it feels like its too ambitious for what the kitchen can deliver.

drew nelson

Excellent food and service. Would put this place up against almost anyplace in NYC or Chicago. Should be a destination for anyone in Eastern NY, CT, or MA.

Britney Williams

Went here for our wedding tasting. The service was amazing, as was the food. John is such a wonderful person and his staff goes above and beyond for you!

Johna Dibeneditto

The food is amazing, the place is beautiful n the service is magnificent. Id refer this place to anyone. Prices r very reasonable too

Mark Sanchioni

A lively bar and restaurant with an older crowd out for a fun time. Food was good and the menu was diverse.

Chris G

Sunday Brunch is Killer, so much to choose from. Little pricey without the drinks though

Tavern Off The Green

there is a new restaurant at this Location the Bistro is closed

Dorothy Barrow

Great food!