Carolina House

Overall this is a very good spot for an area with few locally-owned restaurant options. Went here for dinner the other night and was able to sit out on their patio. The server was attentive to our group and the seating was comfy and spacious. I always get the corn fritters (a can't miss) and ordered a margarita and chicken burrito; both were excellent. I saw the fried chicken being served at multiple tables, and know for a fact that their ribs are top-notch.

With the patio it makes this cozy winter spot a good choice for warm summer nights.

This place is unusual.  It serves southern-style cuisine (yes, there is more to southern cuisine than BBQ), something you don't generally find up here.  And compared to what I've had south of the Mason-Dixon Line, it does it reasonably well.

The quality is very good, with generous portions.  There is always something interesting on the menu.

The decor and atmospher is pleasant and on the rustic-side, making it comfortable for casual dining but suitable for a more formal outing.

The only small gripe I have is that the prices are a tad bit high.  But it's really the only place west of Chatham that can be considered refined until you hit Albany to the north or Hudson to the south.  Compared to  Valkin just up the road, at least you get plenty of food for the price.

My husband and I decided to go back to give it another shot. The locals like it very much, so maybe our first visit was just an off night.

I ordered the Black Bean burger off the back of the menu and it was fantastic. Perfectly spiced, excellent cheese and just great all around. It is a little mushy, as is expected with a burger made out of beans, but still great. Also had the fried calamari which is excellent.

Third time I had a pasta dish that was a special - a spicy cream and whiskey sauce over fresh pasta with scallops and shrimp. The sauce wasn't too heavy or thick and the flavors were outstanding. My husband and I shared an order of the corn and maple pancake type things which are more of a funnel cake with corn in it. They're amazing.

The corn bread is pretty good, too.

They sat us by the fire in the back and it was a perfect date night. It's also one of the only restaurants in the area that serves Samuel Smith's oatmeal stout. Someone who works there knows their beers. Yum.