The Gill Tavern

We visited The Gill Tavern a few years ago in the fall. We drove by before they opened and the owner was outside sweeping the steps, then went inside. I knew the Tavern was closed at that time, but walked up to the locked front door and knocked with the intention of making reservations. The owner opened it and stated «we open at 5:00!»…and not in a friendly manner. We ended up having dinner, the food was good, seated right by the front door when there were plenty of good tables elsewhere, but was very put off by the owners lack of receptiveness. Will not go out of the way to visit again.

Been back since my last review a few times. Just this past weekend I had dinner after a while and I was BLOWN AWAY by the new chefs.
I thought this place was great before and now — I am dazzled. Something magical is going on in that open kitchen!

We recently had dinner at the Tavern, with the new chefs in the kitchen. They bring some wonderful dishes to the table. A smoked eggplant purée that accompanied black lentils was complex and delicious. The lentils were perfectly prepared as well. The pulled pork taco was good — especially enjoyed the handmade corn tacos. Unfortunately, we didn’t care for the kimchi on the taco — a personal taste preference, and kind of an odd pairing. We shared an appetizer of crostini with ramp pesto and chevre — the bread was crunchy, the topping was well-​balanced — no one flavor overpowered another.
The polenta was also well-​received by the group.
We shared the flourless chocolate dessert that was accompanied by a bit of maple ice cream.
The entrees were small, which is generally fine with us. But next time, we’ll order more liberally from the appetizer menu to round out the meal.
All in all, we’re pleased with the work of the new kitchen staff, and look forward to seeing what else they dream up as more fresh produce is available.

Delicious food made with love and the freshest ingredients. Farm to table excellence. Chef Walker hits the bullseye with every dish. Cozy, warm atmosphere (nice background music AND you can still have a conversation), friendly service, great host. You’ ll love it. Worth the drive if you’re from out of town.

I’ve been going to this local gem for years and always enjoyed the food, cozy atmosphere, and friendly vibe, but since Chef Walker took the reins, the food is out of this world. The short ribs and mashed potatoes, among other delicious items, are the best I ever had. Definitely worth the stop, even if you are not from the area.

I have been a patron of the Gill Tavern for several years, but the bloom is quickly leaving the rose…
My last dinner was a major disappointment, and truthfully, that was not a surprise. I am finding myself leaving the Tavern unhappy more and more. I just may be done.
The Caesar salad was a pile of thinly sliced lettuce, lightly under-​coated with dressing, thinly under-​topped with grated parmesan, with three thin slices of toasted french bread alongside the lettuce. The plate was piled HIGH with lettuce and nothing else. This was the most uninteresting salad I can recall being served in a restaurant, and by far the most difficult to eat. The lettuce was unforkable! And this entire plate of unpalatable greens put me back $ 7.
The pizza at the Tavern is hit or miss, and it missed the mark on this visit. The crust was more cardboard-​flavored than usual, and one of the toppings was under-​cooked. No, I didn’t send it back. I was there for a quick and easy dinner and wasn’t about to wait for a repeat of the main course. We brought the pizza home and finished the cooking in our own stove.
This unimpressive meal put two of us back over $ 40, and we left unhappy. Service was very good, but the food not so much.

Wonderful little restaurant in an out-​of-​the way place. Blood orange Cosmo was delicious. Cheese board had a nice range of flavors. We had fish and pork entrees. Both were very good. Nice portion sizes with leftovers. Comfortable and warm dining room. Attentive but not overbearing wait staff. If you sit in the front room you’ll have a good view of the kitchen and will marvel at how the chef puts out the menu from such a small space. I recommend that you give this place a try.

This place is such a gem. Inventive fun drinks compliment the artisanal fresh menu. I’ve been twice (drove 45 mins one way, it’s that good) and have enjoyed both experiences. Call ahead for a table, they book up quick!

We had our rehearsal dinner there for about 40 people. Their food and service was excellent, as always, above and beyond our expectations. We feel very fortunate to have had that special dinner in such a beautiful place with such great people taking care of us. Definitely consider the gill tavern for your next event or just dinner out.

Used to be our GO TO place for special occasions and just for a special night out with out of town guests. Since the arrival of the new chef we have been extremely disappointed. Ordered a savory pie recently and dough was raw. Menu has become a lot less interesting. We tried it twice since the new chef arrived and second time was even more disappointing.

I wish there was the possibility for a 3 ½ Stars. In the past I would be all over this place with a five star rating. The atmosphere is great, the staff are really friendly the Bartender Pam makes a mean cocktail! We first started going to the Gill Tavern when Jordan was the chef. He was so capable in the kitchen, a joy to watch, very humble and unassuming. Recently Jordan left for bigger things and the owner (I wish I could remember her name) brought in an interim chef while she searched for a new permanent chef. The interim chef was also spectacular. So we had high hopes and expectations for the new chef when the owner said she had hired someone and was very excited. We have been there twice with the new chef and I am afraid he does not do the Gill Tavern justice. I always ordered from the specials board because everything was always so creative and delicious, it all sounded beautiful right down to the deserts that we would order ahead to insure we got a «piece of the pie». It is sad, both times we have been there recently nothing on the board was of intrigue. I find the food and dishes to be heavy in the cabbage and fermented items, not a fan of that stuff nor is my digestive system. So I have ordered from the menu and had the Lamb Stew both times and both times I came away less than impressed. The chef also seems to be really full of himself, I truly think he believes he is putting out amazing dishes or at least the way he moves around the kitchen he gives the impression that he is creating «Art». The presentation was more «Mom’s Kitchen» than what I have come to expect from The Gill Tavern. The flavor was ok but I am afraid with dinners like we have experienced, our frequenting of the Gill Tavern will be decreasing dramatically. We were always excited to bring friends and family there but now I don’t feel we have much to get excited about. I will probably be writing the owner because I feel she deserves to know how a dedicated and devoted patron of her restaurant is not so pleased with the direction the kitchen has taken.

Well, I am kicking myself for not coming here sooner, especially because I live right down the road in Turners.
The Gill Tavern is 5 stars all around. Great cocktails, great food, awesome service, nice people, GORGEOUS atmosphere, just a really great feeling place to be in.
I can’t wait to go back!!!

A remarkable little place nestled in a small town up near the Vermont border. Generally, when I take holiday out of the city for a long weekend, I head up to the Hudson Valley around the Rhinebeck area. That region is noted for its fine dining, principally because of the proximity of the Culinary Institute of America. Gill Tavern reminded me of the little restaurants and bistros of that area. The setting is small and homey. The service friendly. The food is exceptional. I had the fillet of salmon that was on special that day. It was cooked just right — neither sushi nor so overly cooked as to be deprived of moisture or flavor. It became with a generous side of kale and a kind of potato pancake. My colleague had the bacon cheeseburger, which, he said, was one best burgers he’s had. I had the opportunity to say «hello» to the chef and thank him for a splendid meal, though my reaction upon meeting him was, «Isn’t this a school night?» Talent and youth are a good combination though: he will go far. I will definitely stop in when in the Northfield area again.

We were in the mood for Sunday brunch so we decided to try out Gill Tavern for the first time. When we arrived we were excited at the layout of the restaurant and the overall atmosphere was incredible. We loved the rustic feel of the restaurant and thought that the décor was comforting.
Our waitress was very polite and the brunch menu was great. We ended up ordering a two egg sammy as well as the steak and eggs. When the food arrived the plating was great and everything smelled delicious. The potatoes were seasoned to perfection, the eggs were perfect and the steak was made exactly how I wished.
In the end we thoroughly enjoyed our meals and we can’t wait to come back in the future. The next time we stop in it will be for dinner since everything we ordered was perfect.

Hidden gem? Really I don’t think so! $ 5.38 for 2 extra small cups of coffee! There was NO brunch! $ 9.00 for an breakfast egg sandwich! We left & went to the shady Glenn! Got our $$ worth! I live in Gill very disappointed .I can’t comment on the food. We were there for the advertised to brunch. There was NO brunch! Their version of brunch was choose entrées that were FULL $$$ price and then take something off the breakfast menu which was extremely expensive $$$ and mix-​and-​match and that was your brunch there was no carving station or an omelette station! It was not a normal brunch it wasn’t even a brunch at all! So I cannot comment on the food. To me a hidden gem is good potions, good price, great service! I just can’t see why they would advertise a brunch when in reality there was no brunch! Really I didn’t want to give them any stars because of the price of coffee which was the only thing that we ordered. The waitress needed a Calculator to figure out how much are two coffees cost I was not impressed with the charge! Did they charge me for the sugar and the cream as well and the coffees? Been a waitress for a long time and I’ve never had to use a calculator to figure out two coffees!

Another great meal at the Tavern! I always stop by when I’m in the area. Great brunch! It’s worth a visit to check out the amazing «Eggs Benedicto» — which has delicious polenta squares and ohhhh, the crisy prosciutto –which is actually *better* than bacon (who knew this was possible??)
Also raves for the Crispy Red Quinoa Burger with cheddar, red pepper jelly and crispy potato wedges. This wasn’t your hippie grandma’s veg burger. It was so good I will order that next time for sure.
As always, the service is impeccable and the place is filled with charm and class — and totally reasonable prices.

Went back two nights later and upgrading from 4 to 4.5 stars! Stand out panko encrusted haddock on a potato galette. Husband was delighted with his braised beef ribs on a bed of New England kimchee. Had a crisp Soave and husband once again enjoyed local brews. Jordan is a creative chef who imbues his food with nuance warmth and such great care.

One of my very favorite places in this valley. Especially because of the location! Helloooo idyllic Massachusetts! But also the food is delicious. And the cocktails. And the desserts. OH, and they use as many local ingredients as possible. Yeah, I pretty much love them!
Would have resoundingly given 5 stars, but the last time I was here my fish came out raw and cold in the middle. The waitress took it back to be cooked more, but no one really offered any kind of apology or compensation. Please do keep in mind, however, that once everything was corrected my meal was stunningly delicious. Everyone has a bad night — I totally understand. I would have just appreciated some kind of gesture given the price of the entrée.

Loved it. In the middle of nowhere, what a gem. It compares favorably to the best of the upper Pioneer Valley, a smaller Hope & Olive, the sense that you’ve found treasure or learned a secret. Reminds me of the old Circa in NoHo, but hidden.
Plus, they handled our kids easy.

We were really blown away with the wonderfully bold and playful flavors! I started with the warm beat salad then went for the honey and cider glazed chicken I highly recommend both! Some of the best chicken I have had in a long time, I found it smoky and sweet with a tang at the end it was just right!
The best part is you get to see and smell it all being made with the open kitchen and cozy setting.
It’s that perfect balance between «cozy» and being able to have a nice private meal with friends! If your in the area and haven’t checked this place out it’s an adventure waiting to happen!

We absolutely love this restaurant! Tucked away in Pioneer Valley, this old General Store has turned into an ecclectic restaurant featuring foods provided by many of the local farms. We have enjoyed a wine dinner here in the Fall of 2011 and were so impressed with the Chef’s creation and tastefulness. We love to bring our friends here or stop when on a motorcycle ride for their outdoor patio dining in the warmer months. The staff is attentive and the restaurant is charming and clean.
Call ahead first, this place tends to fill quickly!

The Gill Tavern continues to be a cute place to dine. The food is unpredictable: sometimes fabulous, sometimes not so good.
The last time we dined there for dinner, I had an absolutely AMAZING Salade Nicoise. THE BEST EVER.
The 3 pieces of tuna was seared to perfection — tender, fresh, perfectly seasoned, Haricot Verts were crisp but not too crisp, and so fresh (no doubt from a local farm), the lettuce was not the majority of the show, and thank goodness. Potatoes were cooked to perfection, and seasoned well, as was the butter-​lemon sauce. It was served traditionally, with everything on the side (Sally from When Harry Met Sally would have approved!). A wonderful summer entrée!
The grilled trout, on the other hand, was another story. The fish, by itself, was perfectly-​cooked and seasoned. But, it was served with a red pepper coulis that was much too heavy for this delicate fish. The fish had many bones in it. It also came with a heavy, bland, mushy risotto, with perfectly-​cooked shrimp. The red pepper coulis went perfectly with the shrimp! A more delicate sauce (vinaigrette/​olive oil base) would have been so much nicer on the fish. And, a light salad with lemon dressing in lieu of the risotto would have been better.
The chef clearly knows his way around seafood. It was incredible.
Just please pluck the bones?
The desserts, too, were incredible! We had a lemon mousse tart, which tasted of Meyer lemon and was light on the tongue — citrusy but without the tartness or overly sweetness of most lemon desserts. It was a heavenly summer option! The other was a tres leche cake with a hint of white chocolate. It too was light and delightful.
The Gill Tavern is not air conditioned, and it was very hot the day we were there. I’m not a person who sweats a lot, but I left red-​faced, and ready for a change in clothes. They really need air conditioning for the hot Massachusetts’ summers!
Table service is, at best, ho-​hum (not much interest in the customer, but not rude either). Prices are moderate. Parking is on somebody’s lawn when the 4 places outside are taken. Kinda weird, but yeah, local. There’s alfresco seating. Yay. Seasonal menus, photography exhibits from Hallmark, and a blog to update us all make this local place a winner.