Essex House And Tavern - Brighton

Best food and service in Vermont. If your service is slow, it is because they are lubricated! Why are they muddled? Because this place is the best. Easy. Do not leave bad reviews because you are impatient or you are just a typical Karen.

7.17.22 We didn't stay here. We only had dinner. Upon entering the lobby I was pleasantly surprised at how nice and modern it was given the area which is very out-of-date, old and plain. A hostess walked us over to the bar area and our drinks and dinner were served quickly. Our waitress even offered to split our bill when we paid. Food was delicious. My glass of wine was $8 so that's very reasonable.

Food is delicious but unfortunately it's been hard to get. Last two trips up the kitchen refused to do a take out order. We understand being busy/under staffed, but it's been disappointing to not be able to rely on getting service.

Room was not clean bed was rough and old. We had a suite so the AC was in the bedroom only so the other areas were very warm and the noise downstairs even if you expect it until the Tavern closes goes on LONG after with employees. It's clear only the eatery and Tavern patrons matter They also have all hotel and restaurant patrons using the same door not cool

Well...sometimes you learn a lesson. I had high hopes for the Essex House Tavern because my neighbors in the NEK spoke so highly about it. We stopped to discover for ourselves how it was since we have some guests coming to visit and wanted to know what the talk was about. Arriving for a midweek dinner, I liked the casual atmosphere of the tavern and the jovial banter coming from the bar area. The tavern is a unique mix of nostalgia and modern industrial lighting with a long menu that seemed too aggressive for the dining experience. Staff was attentive and friendly, but almost a little too aloof in terms of the meal/product/experience they were representing...the attitude being: We 're the only option in town, so you 'll like it! I don 't go for that. It doesn 't matter if you 're the only meal for 100 miles or the standout restaurant among 100, you must acknowledge that your food may have defects and be prepared to cater to individual tastes. With that said, the food... I enjoyed the maple glazed fries as an appetizer. Who knew that the combination of maple and pretzel salt on hand cut (doubtful...probably frozen) fries would be such a delight. I should have stopped there. I sampled the specials with a Chipotle Glazed Salmon that seemed fresh from the freezer banquet fare, complete with a cheap limp side of vegetable medley. The zucchini slices were thin enough to see through. The salmon was thick and randomly bony and gummy in places. The glaze was slathered on and there was little chef/kitchen creativity in the presentation. I was shocked by the speed of delivery another telltale sign of pre packaged/prepared and quickly nuked foods. A baked potato arrived plate side with runny packages of butter, but a hefty serving of sour cream sans chives. The second sample was the shrimp scampi. I knew from the get go the dish was a disaster. The shrimp were curled up in fear from being overcooked, and an attempted bite confirmed that they were likely twice cooked rubbery, chewy, and tasteless. A bowl of chili from the starters menu was delivered cold in the middle, and tasted of Hormel. In short, hit the Tavern for a draught and conversation and the maple fries, but leave the serious dining for another place and time. The Tavern disappointed, the way banquet restaurants that cater to busloads of foliage seeking seniors will disappoint.