The Brooklin Inn

I have eaten at The Brookilin Inn on 5 occasions during the past three years and it was excellent each time. The food is outstanding and would stand up well against restaurants in any major US city. The menu focuses on farm-to-table freshness. I particularly enjoy the beer list featuring local brews the wines selected by the owner. To top it off, there is dog friendly outdoor seating available and a lovely pub on the lower floor. The only downside is that reservations are generally required during the Summer, so if you are planning a trip to to the area, I suggest reserving a table before you leave home.

Food and service were fine, not really standout, but the gratuity policy really irked me (and frankly, ruined the dinner). Waiter dropped off the check, which had the usual subtotal, a blank line for “tip”, then a line for the total. What went unmentioned was the fact that a 20% gratuity had already been included. No quick word by the waiter, no signage, no “extra tip” line on the bill, nothing. I was all set to just add $40 to our $200 tab when my wife mentioned that she thought she read something online about the tip being included. I began my search, and sure enough, there it was, in minuscule print, barely readable it was so small, on the original bill. When I asked the manager to confirm, she mumbled something and scurried off. Look, times are tough I don’t necessarily have a problem with add ons for kitchen staff etc so long as it’s clearly explained, but this felt intentionally deceptive. I looked around the dining room and wondered how many patrons were going to do exactly what I almost did and unwittingly leave 20% more than they intended. I hate to leave a bad review for this place, but it was all very disappointing.

Great bed and breakfast with cozy rooms and excellent service.

One of our favorite restaurants! Absolutely worth the visit.

The best meal we have had in a long time! Good service. Reasonably priced wine list with a limited but good selection of Spanish, French, Italian, and American wines. Excellent appetizers: the Atlantic squid was a stand out. The shoulder of lamb with white beans and eggplant puree (really) was great. The duck good, though the congee was not inspiring. Great deserts, good coffee. Informal, fun setting.