Los restaurantes americanos contemporáneos más populares en Branchburg

We met friends for an annual anniversary dinner as we’ve done for several years at this restaurant which changed ownership since our 2024 visit. The ambiance was unchanged — rustic elegance and utterly charming. It now offers a tasting menu, and selections from their menu. We opted to order from the menu, which offered four courses. Among the four of us we had the tomato/mozzarella/basil first course and corn chowder. The chowder was a creative mix of ingredients including crab butter - a winner. Although it came without a spoon which we had to ask for. The tomatoes were fine but forgettable. Topped with little chunks of bacon, barely visible thyme flowers, and two marble sized balls of mozzarella that popped mozzarella liquid onto the tomato, it was interesting but more experimental than soul satisfying. Our main courses were seared halibut over fava beans and fennel puree, and duck. Our friends had the duck and truly enjoyed it. We had the halibut which was also very good. We were just sorry there weren’t more vegetables in our meal. Three fava beans? Again, art exceeded appetite. For dessert we tried the blueberry tart with ice cream. This dessert was lovely but rather petite. And the tart was a bit firm to cut into bite-sized pieces without a knife. We also ordered decaf coffee and tea. The server forgot to bring the tea. The decaf coffee was rather plain and weak. I’ve had outstanding decaf coffee around town and this one missed the mark. It’s worth mentioning that the restaurant is well staffed, although my water glass didn’t need refilling every time I drank an inch. Constant refills are disruptive more than helpful. And in the post-COVID era, restaurants ought to stop the practice of refolding my cloth napkin when I step away from the table. In all we had a pleasant evening. And a nice dining experience. But it did not offer the value I expect for price. Overall, I thought this dinner was more precious than necessary. The chef is trying too hard.

Great place for a superb dinner. Food and senate 150%.

Family lunch on the outdoor deck. Nice to be able to enjoy a Saturday lunch outside and enjoy the great weather. Not rushed by the staff so we had the opportunity to enjoy our cocktails , then our apps and then lunch. Great job!

The meal was sensational. Amazing how a pizza can be made to taste so good and not like one from the pizzeria on the corner. Apps are good, entrees are even better.

What a lovely experience! The atmosphere was sophisticated and warm. Our server, Guillermo, couldn't have been nicer or more accommodating. One of the mains wasn't as described. Guillermo told the manager who came to the table to apologize and removed the charge for it. Other than that dish, everything was delicious and served beautifully. We will definitely go again. Highly recommend The Hartley for an elevated dining experience.