David l.
Yelp
There's a joke at the tavern in Essex Junction, but it's not very funny, because if you eat there, that joke is on you. The food here is mediocre, at best, but the prices - the value - are so ridiculously off the chain, that it's almost laughable. The chicken pot pie comes in a 3 inch cast iron skillet. there are about 4 tablespoons of typical chicken pot pie filling, topped with a 2 inch piece of bland cracker that looks like it was broken off of a larger piece. It comes with a small side salad that was just OK - overdressed. This little gem cost $27. $27!! It's so ridiculously overpriced, that you have to wonder what a set of balls they must have to make this offering. It's worth $10, Max, and that's if you get to keep the skillet. It's an appetizer or a quick lunch. The customer next to us at the bar seemed like a nice gentleman. I couldn't help but notice that he opened up his grilled cheese sandwich, and there was no cheese in it. In case you didn't hear me, I said, there was no cheese in it! He called over the bartender, and showed him what he had discovered. About five minutes later, the bartender returned, holding a piece of cheese in his hand, which he gave to the customer, who put it inside the two pieces of bread. This grilled cheese with a small bowl of tomato soup Costs about $15. We travel a lot, and eat at wonderful restaurants all over the world. We are not on a budget. But, we do expect some value for our money. If something is expensive, there better be a reason. At this joint, there is not one reason I can think of why anything should cost double - perhaps even triple -- what it should. The atmosphere is that of a typical neighborhood bar. This is not a restaurant with tablecloths and fine china. it is just a common tavern in a hotel. I would not eat here again, if I was starving. It is such a rip off. Drive five minutes toward Burlington for a great selection of good restaurants, and leave these thieves to their own device. By the way, the larger restaurant on site - the junction - is expensive beyond belief and also highly underwhelming.