Well, this place has gone downhill, for sure. As a rule, I avoid refined carbs, so when I look at a menu and EVERY SINGLE item has some sort of simple carb as a major component, I'm immediately turned off. It wasn't always like this.
I ordered a bowl of the mushroom soup, which was tasty, but more like a cup. The salad I ordered was mediocre.
I just wish this place was as good as it used to be. The building makes me want to love it so much more than I can justify.
Oh, and the staff is unpleasant. Not much more to add.
I see no reason to return.
Look out below!
Stopped by for Lunch.
I had the gnocchi, bacon, peas and wine reduction. The gnocchi were not good, they were hard and dense. The wine reduction sauce was ok, but it was like the gnocchi came out of the water and were placed on TOP of the sauce on a plate. So, the gnocchi were totally plain, and there's a sweet sauce beneath them and then there's bacon and peas in the center.
The medium rare burger came out medium well.
Best part: the bread, it was spectacular (the butter, too).
I just remember it being SOOOO much better. I don't know what happened. :(
Not sure if we were there on AARP discount night, but we were the only ones under 70 in the dining room. Even our waitress had more wrinkles than a Chuck Palahniuk novel.
I was very excited looking at the menu. Very creative pairings for bumfreak NJ. The crabmeat and avocado salad was VERY tasty, and the scallops on the special menu melted like butter. The seafood ravioli was well executed. The steak was servicable. Ordered chocolate bread pudding for dessert, and while it was rich and delicious, was more of a brownie than a bread pudding.
I suppose the atmosphere is romantic - if you're a vampire. It was dark and as cold as a tomb.
Cons:
- Not a very good value. I expect just a bit more out of someplace so expensive.
In a nutshell: Not the worst place in the world to bring your walker.
When I think back to my meal at The Harvest Moon Inn I start to click my ruby red flip-flops three times, and repeat, "There is no place with better rolls, There is no place with better rolls, There is no place with better rolls!" Sadly, once I open my eyes, I am still in Delaware in the middle of what has been called "a culinary wasteland."
Why am I judging a place on just their rolls? I find that you can judge a place by their bread options. These rolls are cared about. They come to you piping hot with a delicious crust and chewy center. Is your mouth watering yet?!
My entire party was very happy with our salads and pasta dishes. Â We were with a couple who has been there several times and has enjoyed ever meal they had. It is pricey but worth it. Go there for a special occasion and don't forget to get the dessert sampler. I took a bite out of everything (maybe two bites) and it was more than just a dessert, it was an out-of- body experience.
Quick shout-out for the coffee. The owner/chef makes his own blend that is very good. See what I mean?! This meal is good from the very beginning to the very end. There are no short-cuts or down-falls. Every bit of your dining experience has been well thought out and executed.
Oh yeah, there was a baby shower in the tavern when we went there so we sat in the dining room. They seemed to be having a good time. It is a nice sized room for such an event. I can't wait to have my engagement party there. Now that I have the place picked out I just need the ring :)
This place is great, it's homey and takes you back to nother place in time - a relaxed atmosphere,i  would recommend eating in the bar area as opposed to dining room, because you get a slightly less refined menu.  their bread is the best i have ever had - i usually eat 2 rolls - they cook them 3/4 of the way, and then fire them up for the last 1/4 when you sit down so you get hot rolls.  have some great desserts too, although the food is rich so watch how much you eat they'll even have a piano player.
Review Source:The food was very good. Â We had a party of three and dined on a Saturday night. Â We all started out with salads (two came with the dinner special) and I had the Crispy Duck and Arugula - very good all around. Â I had the Pork Loin with spatzel and it was excellent. Â The two ladies had Ahi Tuna and Bass - both got rave reviews. Â We had a couple bottles of the Kristof Pinot which was a great selection and reasonably priced compared to other less worthy offerings. Â I would probably skip desert - not bad but not worth it in my opinion. Â The waitstaff was efficient and friendly. Â The only suggestion is to update the decor. Â I really felt like I stepped back into the 80s with the dated wall paper, captain chairs and window treatments. Â It was more "lodgey" feeling than that of an old, historic tavern. Â You may see Jack Nicholson and Lloyd serving drinks next time if you are lucky! Â Overall, it is worth the trip. Â Ringoes is beautiful, peaceful and has some history.
Review Source:The Harvest Moon Inn consistently provides excellent service and perfectly-cooked food. I highly recommend you consider booking a table there for your next special occasion or even if you're just seeking a more refined dining experience.
On our most recent visit, our party of six sat in the tavern, which offers a charming, Colonial-style setting. (Upscale dining room seating is also available.) We ordered off of both tavern and dining room menus, sampling everything from homemade pastas and pizzas to the daily vegetarian creation, and beef tenderloin sandwich -- the latter being somewhat of a favorite dish among locals. Even the pickiest in our party expressed extreme satisfaction with their meals, all commenting on the smart use of seasonal ingredients, eye-pleasing presentations, and great tastes. The wait staff earned high marks, too, for being so pleasant and attentive, but not at all hawkish or annoying.
When I phoned to make the reservation, I mentioned that we would be celebrating a 65th birthday. The reservationist suggested we consider their "Birthday Dessert Sampler" -- a tray of 5 miniature (and sharable) desserts for $13. I immediately agreed to her recommendation, and asked that this dish be brought out at the end of the meal along with coffees for the table -- but without any formal mention of the dessert being made. The plan was properly executed, and was such a pleasant surprise for the birthday girl. A simple candle with the words "Happy Birthday" adorned the platter, and it was a tasteful treat for the whole party.
You always pay for what you get, and the Harvest Moon Inn is no exception. Tavern menu items hover around $15, and you can expect to pay upwards of $25 a dining room menu dish. Still, the experience is worth the price.
A few tips:
* This place is definitely suitable for well-behaved and mild-mannered children. And there is a children's menu -- you just have to ask for it.
* A piano player is featured in the tavern on Saturday nights.
* The tavern menu is NOT offered on Saturday nights.
* There is a fully-stocked bar and extensive wine list featuring vintage and non-vintage bottles. Wine by the glass is priced around $8 and up, and a minimal, but noteworthy, selection is offered.
Nice setting, a tad on the dark side. Went to dinner at 6pm on Sunday with a party of six and there was only two other tables there. Attentive, friendly service. The menu is rather extensive and goes in fine details about the food. Not your average tavern menu. Everyone at the table enjoyed their meal bur dessert was the best part. I never find myself having a hard time choosing between desserts, but they had so many awesome choices. I would definitely go back if I was in the area.
Review Source:Disclaimer: Â I haven't been in a while, but I've been a number of times over the years.
And, over that time, I've found the menu to be extremely adventurous - with dramatically unpredictable results. Â I've had dishes that were world class; Â others were barely edible; Â many others were spread across the range.
This variability wouldn't be as much of a problem if the prices weren't high. Â
I've also found that the wait staff, at least in the bistro, wasn't the best. Â Maybe it was just my luck but I've experienced a serious inability to talk; Â disappearing for long periods; Â and too friendly ("high! Â My name is .....").
Although I've mostly eaten in the bistro, I do remember that the tables in the dining rooms were pretty uncomfortable. Â The "charming" tables which were probably old sewing machine tables smacked me in the shins.
There's a full bar, which you might like, but it does increase the $$ if you drink.
They've had nice live entertainment - a pianist. Â But, be warned that it can get loud in the bistro and if you want to talk, you might request a table a distance away
Final comment: Â I probably wouldn't be this negative if everyone else weren't so smitten. Â
If things have changed - please let me know with a private message and I promise to return and try again.
The food is excellent and you get what you pay for. Â The steaks are done to perfection the way you want it plus they serve local game like venison, quail, duck, pheasant. Â When we were there we finished our dinner with a lavender ice cream! It was a special at the time but ask for it if its not on the menu. Â The decor is a little outdated. Â It kinda looks like my grandmother's home but the atmosphere is very colonial. Â They have done a good job of keeping the old parts of the building and making you feel like you have transported back to the 1700's. Â There is a tavern room for a more casual feel and there is the main dinning room which is more upscale where you can eat by the fire place. Â You won't be disappointed!
Review Source:Love this place. Â Period. Â Love the atmosphere. Â Love the food. Â The waitstaff is the best. Â I've taken my son many times and he loves the filet mignon and the sorbet. Â So, if you have children that will behave well and mind their manners, I would say it is even a child-friendly establishment... but they must be well-mannered. Â We've had large gatherings here and intimate dinners and always wonderful experiences. Â The seasonal menus are a lot of fun and worth a few trips each year. Â Highly recommended.
Review Source:Ah, The Harvest Moon. Â Considered one of the top restaurants in NJ.
The chef/owner is truly an artist. Â The combination of ingredients, the presentation, the taste sensation is all amazing. Â The menu is seasonal so my recommendations may not be there when you go. Â But trust me, you won't go wrong with any choice.
The restaurant is housed in an old stone farmhouse. Â Giant bar with a piano and tables to one side, more formal dining rooms to the other. Â If you sit on the tavern side, in addition to the main menu there is a tavern menu that features less expensive, less formal items. Â However, it is not available Saturday nights.
Perfect for a romantic night out, or even for groups and private parties. Â Unless you're sitting on the tavern side, ordering from the tavern menu, consider it a special night out. Â Dress up and be prepared to fork over some dough!
The only downside to the Harvest Moon is the service can be spotty. Â The reason for this, I believe, is the high turnover. Â I know someone who used to work here and the owner isn't happy with anything less than perfection. Â He has been known to fire his entire wait staff at one time. Â Gotta love those temperamental chefs.
This restaurant offers reasonably elegant dining in a cozy atmosphere in an old, converted farm house. Â One can eat in either of two dining rooms or a tap room. Â The food is quite good and the menu has a large selection of appetizers, salads, and entrees. Â (Entree prices are around $30 or slightly less.) Â The service is quick and the waitpeople are attentive -- almost too much so. Â The chef comes from what I think of as the "vertical stack" school, i.e., level 1 = sauce, level 2 = vegatables, level 3 = starch option, level 4 = meat, level 5 = decoration, all arranged in a neat tower. Â This is a good place to go for a special occasion.
One nice touch: If you are willing to fill out a form at the bottom of the check that asks for your name, address, and the dates of birthday and wedding anniversary, they'll mail you a postcard on the month of the event that can be used as a coupon that entitles you to a free sampler dessert (value = $13) with a meal. Â And, thank goodness, they do not come out singing "happy (whatever)" -- they just put a festive candle on the dessert and leave it at that.
They have a bar, so no BYOB. Â Pretty good selection of wines.