This was a middling and overall disappointing experience given both the price point and hype. The new location in downtown Waterbury while nice, new, and clean, is soulless in comparison to the original location, it 's bright, sterile and very loud. The open floorplan does not make it feel like a special or unique place to eat. The food was honestly mediocre. The parker house rolls were the best thing we tried. Swordfish was overcooked and tough, the sauce while flavorful was quite bland. The duck was well cooked but the kale paired with it was bitter and rough, leaving a lot to be desired. The house made ice cream was quite good... But when the highlights of a $250 dinner for two were dinne...
I tried unsuccessfully on several previous visits to Vermont to get reservations at Hen of the Woods. This time, we planned ahead for our party of 6, attracted by the rave reviews. Our high expectations were met with disappointment. None of us, foodies all, were blown away by the presentation, or creativity, or ambiance. The steak was cold, the polenta was soupy, the service lackluster and inattentive. There is better and less expensive food to be had, as we did experience at Jessica's in Middlebury, Leunig's in Burlington, and the Black Sheep Bistro in Vergennes.
My family and I come on special occasions! We have eaten here since they opened! This occasion was our 27th Anniversary! Duck and hanger steak! PERFECTION! Timothy our server was fabulous! Food was pure perfection! We ordered one dessert and they brought the dessert and maple ice cream as a treat! I look forward to the next 27 years of eating at Hen of the Wood! For anyone who has never eaten here...PLEASE go! It's worth every penny! Dietary restrictions: Servers have always asked ne what they csn do to work with my diet! Thank you!
Overall a good but not overwhelmingexperience at Hen of the Wood. Ordered a large portion of the menu and some of the dishes were confusing the braised ham was swimming in olive oil and didn’t seem to have any other flavor to make it memorable. Mushroom toast (pictured) which seems to be there signature dish, was one half piece of bread on a huge plate barely enough to even share among 2 people. Entrees of pappardelle and hanger steak were highlights. No dessert and the drinks were relatively small for the price point.
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What an amazing culinary experience! Everything was unique and enjoyable. All simple dishes elevated in a way that that they unforgettable. We didn’t have a reservation and were able to get a seat at the bar. Conveniently they keep a waitlist for bar seating so that helped. It was worth the wait, but if you want a table make a reservation. The bar tender was very kind and did a great job making drinks and interacting with clients. Would definitely recommend this place if you are anywhere in the area.
Probably the nightlight of our trip to Stowe this last weekend. The menu here is small for good reason, they use the freshest and local ingredients which makes the food so amazing! If it’s in your budget to try this place out, please do, you won’t regret it! I’m still thinking about the duck I had. 5 stars all around!!
Extraordinary fine food duck was incredible, swordfish delightful and desserts were delicate and flavor filled. Can't say enough for the quality...
An excellent experience overall. The service is superb, the food excellent. Yes it’s expensive, but it’s very worth the price.
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Love the atmosphere! Bartender is great! Phenomenal meal and service! This is for Burlington.
Service: Dine in Meal type: Dinner Price per person: $50–100 Food: 4 Service: 4 Atmosphere: 4
Duck Sausage Local Cornmeal Polenta
Chocolate – Peppermint Layer Cake
Grilled Whole Day-Boat Calamari
Local Vegetable ‘Giardiniera’
Blue Ledge Farm Lake's Edge
Nightly Ice Creams Sorbets
La Belle Farm Duck Breast
