Kelly Y.
Yelp
WOW, I have to say I have not tried this place based on so-so Yelp reviews but after more than one person said I had to try it, I finally did for lunch today..... and it was a TOTAL WOW.
I also realized I have not been putting any photos up of food and this place screams- take a photo.... as the presentation of dishes/drinks is exceptional!
First and foremost, the tavern is beautifully decorated.... truly one of a kind in the area. The seating layout is very comfortable and yet stylish. You literally will want to take the light fixtures and furniture home with you. There is a huge fireplace that is so pretty, very cool "new" farm kind of bar, and the outside view of the Silvermine area is gorgeous and just relaxing to look at.
The waitstaff was very accommodating and professional. They really allow you to dine (and relax) at whatever speed you would like! We had a wonderful cocktail called a Cin City..... bourbon, pineapple juice and cinnamon with probably a few other ingredients I am forgetting- very balanced flavors and way too easy to take down.
We opted for smaller plates to share, my favorite way to dine- wagu beef tartare which came with the most interesting bread flats and paired with whipped ricotta that all melted in our mouths literally. The rockfish tartare was like nothing I have ever had before- I will never give it justice to state the ingredients but it was so fresh, had grapefruit, red pepper purée and much more. Hands down must try if you are a raw fish/tartare fan.... no way you will be disappointed. The eggplant and burrata was also amazing..... again so interesting how they handled the ingredients and made it something you can not duplicate.
We ended with dessert (chocolate mouse with brownie crumble and salted caramel bottom- sorry no photo of that, forgot and just dug in) and espresso which was equally delicious and would totally get again.
Overall- so so happy I finally got to experience Gray Barns and I say experience on purpose because it was just that....such a wonderful dining experience!
I will definitely be back, maybe for dinner and perhaps might uber next time and enjoy more than one Cin City!