The Brooklin Inn

This was an excellent experience for a quick getaway. The room was clean and modernized. Wifi is good, and the breakfast nook perfect. We ate out on the deck with the chirping birds. We had dinner at the inn and loved it. Local food prepared well. Make sure you remember the door code when leaving the inn.

The restaurant has excellent food and service! We now have been dining two summers in a row and are always remembered. We always feel a warm and genuine welcome. One of our favorite restaurants on the Blue Hill Peninsula. It is a gem not to be missed.

I'm reviewing only the Brooklin Inn restaurant - on this occassion we didn't stay at the Inn. A new menu this season with as much local food as possible including Deer Island oysters, farm-to-table vegetables. Food was excellent, well balanced, terrific preparation and super-tasty. Good portions but not super-sized - so just right for me. Hats off to the incredible chef Tyler Hull and the really lovely, attentive servers. Tables beautifully laid with fresh flowers and a real candle - not the fake electric ones. Wine selection excellent and thoughtfully paired with the menus. The salad "Spring Lettuces" from local lettuce - watermelon radish, snap peas, hakurei turnip, spiced turnip, apple with a lovely tangy miso dressing. Very refreshing. We both enjoyed the halibut - probably about a 6oz portion - I would have preferred it slightly less cooked but still flaky, tender and a lovely meal and all well-above any average restaurant. The accompanying brown lentils were a superb bed and wonderful mild arugula soubise around the edge - the sauce a perfect balance to the fish. I also had the salt and vinegar fries -warning more salt than vinegar! My partner had the ricotta toast which was sweet and tasty and quite filling combined with a main course and a shared salad. Two of us with wine and a 20% gratuity added by the Inn amounted to a reasonable $158. It is a local gourmet attraction, so book and remember the early closing at 8pm. We stayed in the Inn several years back around covid time but not since. The rooms are lovingly appointed, fantasically comfortable, great location and a wonderful Maine freshness ... excellent too if you can find one - limited space and seasonally well booked.

Debated a long time before posting this review because as a Mainer myself I love to support local businesses and see them succeed. But I could not be more disappointed in The Brooklin Inn. My partner and I had stayed there three times prior, and booked it again for my birthday last year. A couple days prior to my birthday weekend, my dad needed emergency open heart surgery, so we were obviously not going to be able to go to the Brooklin Inn that weekend. My partner called the inn, not even trying to get a refund, just trying to reschedule for a different weekend at a later date that summer when my dad was more recovered. The woman he spoke with on the phone was very cold and told him that was not possible and there was nothing they could do. I understand small businesses in Maine have short seasons and need to make money while they can, I have worked at small seasonal businesses here myself. I’m just beyond disappointed that they would not honor our stay for a different weekend, and that The Brooklin Inn was not sympathetic or accommodating to loyal customers of theirs that have stayed and dined at their inn multiple times prior. Really unfortunate, I expected better.

A truly magical place. The space was impeccably designed, very clean, and so well thought out. We never wanted for anything that wasn’t readily available to us. The staff was friendly and welcoming. We loved the shared kitchen space for breakfast. The pub in the basement is a magical vibe and we loved dinner at the restaurant. We are so impressed with the menu and execution on the food. Our only feedback for improvement would be that although we understand it is a historic space, better insulated doors and windows would improve the privacy of the space. We plan to be back a few times each year!

Dinner reservations made, we were seated right on time. Parking lot is small, plan on alternative parking at establishments nearby. Our server was friendly with a big smile. The food was tasty, we thought the clam entree was maybe enough for one person, definitely not two. Gratuity is included in the bill, which is nice . Cocktails very delicious 😋

Expect to be ignored. My husband and I arrived with our two year old and were promptly seated, that was the end of our attentive service. My husband was not planning to drink, and was dismayed to learn that do not serve iced tea. After our first course, I had to request a bottle of water to refill our empty glasses after noting all the tables surrounding us had carafes of water on them for self-refills. I also had to request a wine list to have a glass of wine with my dinner after finishing my cocktail. At the end of the evening, my husband and daughter went to the car, I waited, no one came by, I placed my credit card on the table, still no one, I finally flagged down a server and requested our bill. When she delivered it, she noted that gratuity was automatically included. This explains why we were completely ignored over the course of our meal. The food is good, but not worth the lack of service and attention, especially at this price point, I expect better.

For the longest time I didn’t wanna leave a review since I loved to keep this place secret! This is a gem! They know, understand and appreciate their guests, the real hospitality. I love this place.

I'm writing this about the pub. Around back and down the stairs. Great atmosphere, great staff, Shannon the bartender and primary server in the pub is aces! Every one of the wait staff was attentive and professional. We had the long cove oysters, delicious. The roast duck breast, lamb shoulder, and patatas bravas. Everything was great. The local beer selection is good. And the wine list is reasonably extensive for the size of the place. I'm almost reluctant to post this as I still want to be able to get in, but hey, they deserve the accolade.

Delicious food, tasty drinks and wonderful hosts. Jenny and her team are the best! Regardless of how they prepare it, the duck breast is always everything it is quacked up to be.

This is one of those places that you hesitate to write about- it's so perfect it's tempting to keep it a secret. I've eaten a few dinners there over the last two summers and after our most recent meal I was just so impressed that I can't keep silent. This place is a real gem. Its balance of sophistication and earthiness, casualness and refinement, adventurousness and classicism is special. Friendly service, excellent unusual wine, and even a super charming yard with bocce court make it perfect spot for a summer night. Everything I tasted there this year was delicious. If you're in the area and looking for a nice night out at a place that's fancy enough for a romantic dinner but casual enough for kids, this is it.

Randomly stayed at this place on my way riding to Bar Harbor. Got dinner... I had the most amazing burger in my life. Compliments to the chef who designed this menu, and those in the kitchen who executed it so well. The orchestration of flavor profiles... the organic tomato slice with the perfect acidity, the pickles with a little smoke on top of savory sour, the caramelized onions with their rich, dark, sweetness. Then the juicy, meaty, medium rare paddy that reminds you of what devouring flesh- a big fat piece of meat that feels like life itself- vitality, and one that has to be grilled in heaven.... They even intentionally blackened the top half of the brioche bun to give the whole thing more smoke... but done just right so there's no bitterness. Everything is so divine and to be sing about in the symphony of flavors in this burger. I was almost crying gobbling this down. Oh the pleasures of life! And I had the goat ribs and oyster mushrooms before the burger. If you're in this neck of ME, definitely worth a detour just for the burger.

Best burger in town. Wash it down with a nicely made Negroni. Can't go wrong. (Sit in the garden and you'll feel like a local)

This restaurant wouldn't exist is there was another one within 15 minutes. All of the food was slightly off. You'd do better if you tried to make a dish at home. Expect slow service and a disconnected service where they will promise you food one minute that someone else will immediately tell you is not available.

Great hotel! Great vibe! And awesome restaurant with plenty of seating! I have went to the restaurant every night during our stay (tried out every single main courses) and it is on par with good restaurants in NYC or Boston. The room is quiet, well decorated and the bed is extra plushie. Our dog loves being adored by the all the staff as their own pet. Location-wise, If you are thinking about visiting the Acadia National Park, the hotel sits an hour away without the noise and traffic. 5-10 small regional parks if you are tired of the tourists. One baseball-field-converted dog Park just five minutes away. And numerous coffee shops, farms, bakery around. Love it! And, thanks for taking care of us Pi!

Stayed here and loved all the little touches they added to make our stay so enjoyable! Pour over coffee in the room and water in the fridge! The breakfast was delicious and very accessible. Wonderful outdoor seating. Very attentive and welcoming staff.

I wouldn't recommend staying here. This appears to be more of a restaurant than an Inn. When we arrived for a 2 night stay for 2 couples, our keys were left out on the counter for us. Absolutely no one greeted us. When we left it was the same. We never met the Innkeeper or had anyone ask us if we needed anything during our trip. This is not what we have experienced elsewhere at nearby Inns. When we walked through the lobby where personnel were being trained, no one said a word and acted like we were interrupting them. We were headed out to dinner at the time and this is the only way out. I'm sure the food must be good because the restaurant seemed busy but I am glad we didn't spend any more $$$ here because we got absolutely no personal attention. Not what you expect at Inns in Maine!

Outstanding dinner and cocktails, beautiful garden setting if the weather's good. It was a splurge meal but worth it.

Fantastic COVID concept, lovely seating in the garden...order at the cashier and food is served. LOVELY food...such a serene setting. Thanks for creating a positive tasty experience.

This was the sweetest little place. We had two dinners there and stayed for two nights upstairs. Very quaint and homey Inn with about 4 rooms. Beautiful design and very quiet. We had trouble with the internet but the staff, who was not on site, was immediately responsive by text. Food at the restaurant was really great. Highly recommend having dinner there if you are in the area. We would definitely go back!

What a stunning place. Quiet and serene. They take COVID protocols very seriously and have made the stay contactless, which was smooth and secure. The inn is perfectly appointed and the rooms are comfortable and wonderfully designed. The outdoor space is great. Our only regret was coming on days that the restaurant wasn't open which would have added more life to the place and of course we'd have loved to have sampled the food. The breakfast was exceptional on day one, but a bit of confusion about arrangements on day when we were supposed to pick it up from the general store but hadn't been told. That said, it didn't detract from what was an exceptional stay in a beautiful inn in a picture perfect corner of Maine. We can wait to return.

A lovely building. The service is professional and attentive. The food is delightful. It's worth the visit. A nice find in this area of Maine.

Amazing food and great service!! A little pricey but definitely worth it for the quality of food you are getting!

We had a superior dinner in the lovely dining room, overlooking the patio and extensive gardens in the back. Highlights included the beet salad with toasted hazelnuts, blueberries and a horseradish cream and a blueberry cobbler with berries that just came into season. This would be considered a special dinner in any major city, but here we were in little, bucolic Brooklin.

(Covid review) Adorable, tiny inn with a tasty outdoor restaurant. The room was comfortable, with a large bathroom and king sized bed. Air-conditioning worked sufficiently to keep us cool on hot summer days. The main floor was basically closed due to the pandemic; I'm sure it's much cuter during normal times. The service was pleasant and the inn perfect for a relaxing getaway. This is a place for couples, not children, so book accordingly. Another note: there isn't a ton to do in the immediate vicinity, so expect to drive a bit to natural areas or other locales. Still, it's a good jumping off point in quiet town. The restaurant was very good, with a couple small missteps. Overall, great experience inn with solid cuisine.

We had an excellent outside dining experience. The service was friendly and efficient. The food was artistically presented and scrumptious. We highly recommend this delightful restaurant.

Terrific new restaurant! Our group enjoyed the Lubina and the Lamb Chops! Delicious appetizers. Wonderful service and lovely setting. Worth another visit.

There is no take out, so, because it's getting cold, we chose to eat inside--first time during the pandemic. Big mistake: the wait staff doesn't wear masks and tables are as close together as pre-Covid. The food is pretty good--a little uneven, but I can't recommend it because of their carelessness.

Talk about utter transformations!!!! An amazing young couple bought this previously awful inn and turned it into an adorable place to stay and an absolutely fabulous restaurant. I can't believe there's a place this good to eat so close to our house here in Brooklin. The rooms are done in a spare yet cozy country style. Exquisitely tasteful. Excellent linens and bath products. Just lovely. The food is (as I said) excellent. Terrific steak, amazing Spanish vegetarian dish, perfectly prepared fish. We couldn't be happier!!

While we did not actually stay here, we stopped in for dinner and the food was outstanding. If you are looking for an incredible meal, peaceful surroundings and a charming staff, try the brooklin inn!

The Inn has seen several changes of ownership in recent years and now is being run by a pair of young women and they are doing an outstanding job. The setting is warm and inviting especially the bright and airy back room with big windows overlooking the garden. There is also a little café area by the porch in front and the pub downstairs which we didn't check out this year. The food in the dining room is truly exceptional and the service is willing and friendly. There is a nice list of wine and cocktails and they have local Maine beers on tap. We felt the dinner we had was one of the best we enjoyed this summer. We started with fresh clean local oysters and a well-constructed charcuterie plate. It was enough to share but there were only 2 small pieces of toasted bread and a cracker. Also they did not serve any bread and butter for the table which we missed. For mains I had the cod fish. This was a large thick piece of perfectly cooked sweet white fish set off with salty chopped Kalamata olives which were the perfect foil to the mild fish, There was also a nice vegetable garnish. My wife had the whole Labuina which is another name for a Branzino or European Sea Bass which may be the same as a fish called Loup de Mare in France. Whatever you call it is was a lovingly roasted whole head on fish with a wonderful flavor and very easy to filet and eat. It came with some nicely roasted potatoes and some vegetables and was delicious. All in all it was a delightful meal and worth another visit.

We have eaten there four times since mid-summer. The best meal was in August. We ate again on Saturday night, November 23. There were only three main courses offered in the dining room. Three of our foursome had hamburgers, which they said were fine. I had the lamb shoulder, which was dried out and was so salty to make it barely edible. I drank at least 10 glasses of water during the meal. My understanding is that the summer chef from Barcelona has left and has been replaced by the sous chef. We want the new owners to succeed but the food needs to stand up.

Unusual menu. Bread cost extra. Very, very noisy. A great effort on the owners part but they have to do something about the noise. Will not return until that is corrected.