Hancock Inn

The prices were shocking for this area, and I don’t know how they expect to attract local people. Our cocktails and appetizers included a slider and salmon tartare. The salmon tasted like it came from the grocery store, and the slider bun reminded me of a hot dog bun. Everything was overpriced and mediocre at best. It’s sad to see what’s happened to a place I once loved. I grew up around the corner, worked here one summer, and even considered having my wedding here. Now it feels like pretentious investors have taken it over without understanding the community they serve.

The decor is lovely, the drinks list is good, and our waiter was attentive and warm. The food tasted good too. I had the pasta with ramps, which was delicious. But the prices are wildly high, especially for how little food you get. I understand inflation, the challenges of running a restaurant, and the tradeoff at a fancy place: you’re paying for ingredients, cooking skill, and atmosphere, even if portions are small. But the gnocchi was ridiculous. It cost $36 for an entree with a smear of sauce, a few carrots, and exactly three normal-sized gnocchi. When it arrived, I almost laughed. Gnocchi are just potato, flour, salt, and water, so how much could they save by serving ten? Ten would still be skimpy, but three is comical. Were these made from rare heirloom potatoes from some hidden valley in the Andes? The other dishes weren’t as extreme, but they followed the same pattern: nice, just nowhere near worth the eye-watering prices. They have the makings of a good restaurant, but the food needs to offer better value. As it stands, come for drinks and skip dinner.

The beet cocktail might be the best drink I’ve ever had, and the carrot cake was unreal. My partner and I had one of our best dining experiences in a long time. The food and cocktails were incredible, and the staff were some of the kindest I’ve met. 10/10, I can’t recommend this place enough.

We’ve been twice, once for burger night and once for the regular dinner service, and the food was delicious both times. The Hancock Inn has been completely renovated, with a great atmosphere, excellent cocktails, and friendly service. Each room has its own feel. The whole experience is what I’d expect in a big city, but with the charm of a small rural town. Highly recommend.