Hillholm Estate

As the bartender was closing, he offered everyone else one more drink, then went off to make a phone call. I assumed he’d forgotten me and planned to order after he got back. Instead, he started talking about how he practices setting boundaries by refusing cocktail requests after closing, and by then it was well past closing because of the call. I didn’t ask and risk the embarrassment. His drinks are overpriced anyway. Avoid this place. If you’re nearby, go to Longfellow's instead.

They’ve become our favorite spot in town, whether we’re there for Karaoke or for a really delicious dinner. We’ve tried just about every place within an hour of Kingfield, and nobody else is serving food like this, not even the popular spots near Sugarloaf. The menu is unusual for a rural Maine town, from the prohibition-era cocktails and wine to grilled peaches topped with smoked olive oil infused whipped cream. The flavors have a big-city feel, while the fresh ingredients and spot-on service still feel like small-town Maine. If you’re lucky, the chef may bring out your dinner and talk you through it, though that might not happen on busy nights. We’re so glad we found this gem.

My sister had her wedding reception here, and this is the only place we’ll stay when we come to the region. The staff are first rate, and the owner, John, is truly great. The main house is gorgeous, with beautiful rooms, amazing Persian carpets, and a cozy fireplace lounge and bar that looks like Ralph Lauren designed it. John makes a mean drink and delicious eggs, too. It’s rare to find somewhere that inspires this much loyalty.

The hosts, John and Vivian, are the best part, and the bar is lovely, with great wine and drinks. The house itself is charming and cozy, and the rooms are comfortable and very clean. Make sure you try the delicious food at their restaurant. This place is a gem.