Arrived for reservation for family dinner. When we requested a window table we were told by the self- described maitre'd/sommelier that they needed to "turn the tables quickly" because it was Fall Family Weekend, so our party was seated in the middle of the room. I asked for the manager, described the conversation and how inappropriate it was. He proceeded to confirm their urgency to "turn the tables" and that they were busy because of the same and there was nothing he could do. I know! That is why we were there! We would have walked out but our daughters arrived and we did not want to ruin their evening. So...good but not great food. Trying to be fine dining but not there yet! Rude service. Be advised, you are just a table to turn...go to Black Sheep Bistro in Vergennes... Beautiful food and thoughtful excellent service! read more

The reviews written for this restaurant previously are just plain whacked! This is one outstanding restaurant that has been recognized as such for decades. Go check out Trip Advisor if you don't believe me. It's scores 5 stars with 32 reviews. We just came from Jessica's. Our group of 5 all had different dishes and everyone absolutely loved everything we had--2 different steak dishes, mushroom ravioli, Thai Noodles in Peanut Sauce--all were exceptional, as were the Greek, Caesar, and green salads for starters. The Banana Bread Pudding was to absolutely die for! Don't let a few people with particular axes to grind or who zero in on the ambience (which is quite wonderful!), try it, you'll LOVE it!!! read more

The food may well be very good here, but I won't be able to verify that due to the poor management. I'm leading a bicycle tour that is staying in town in late August, and had made a reservation for six at Jessica's for that evening and received email confirmation, but the next day I'm told they are hosting a Gala that night and won't be able to honor my reservation. If the establishment was properly run, you would think that they would enter this in their books at the time the arrangement was made, so there wouldn't be any blunders like this. read more

One of the nicest inns we have stayed at. Loved the room and the decor. The bath was large and well done and the bed was so comfortable. The staff could not have been nicer or more accommodating. First time to the area but won't be the last ! Can't wrong here. read more

After a day of kayaking in Middlebury, we wanted a place that seemed casual enough for our quick change, but suited to our 9th anniversary. We sat on the porch overlooking the terrace to avoid the mosquitoes at dusk, but had the peaceful view of the lawn and gardens of the inn. The service was attentive and well-informed. Other than a small and profusely atoned bobble with the timing of our courses, everything was delicious, perfectly presented and delivered with grace. I had the vegetable stack for my main because it sounded--and was--so luscious and summery. My husband had the blueberry glazed duck. We stumbled upon Jessica's and I wish we had found it sooner. read more

Accommodations are top notch, staff is friendly and extremely helpful and the house and grounds are lovely. Add walking proximity to middlebury village and a delicious complimentary full breakfast and you cannot beat the Swift House Inn. We will be back! read more

This restaurant was delicious. The service was friendly and the food fine. I love the farm to table menu! We had a shaved Brussels sprouts salad that was out of this world. My daughter had the salmon and I had a grass fed burger. We shared duck fat fries...because when you see duck far fries you can't pass it up! And the dessert was a special sour cherry crumble with in house made salted caramel ice cream. Going back to this same area in 4 weeks and will eat here again!! read more

We made a reservation the day of our visit and was assured a seat by the fireplace. We arrived to friendly staff although sparce. There were only three people working that I could see, two women and one man, the wine guy. Our service was fine but we noted the hurriedness of the wait staff. The dining room was mostly full. Our food was good but not great. I had the special of the evening of Scallops with a lobster topping. Scallops were good, lobster not so good. I was disappointed with the caesar salad, way too much dressing and no option for anchovies. My partner had the duck and it was quite delicious and perfectly done with a blueberry glaze but not demi-glaze. The mushroom soup was delicious. Still there is something about the place that lacks the elegance they are going for. Maybe its the table set up or the hurried staff, something. I might give it another try another day. read more

Beautiful place with very nice and hospitable staff. The breakfast was delicious and the rooms were always clean. I will not think twice to stay here again when visiting Middlebury again. read more

We live in the area and love this restaurant so much we go there only on important occasions, to keep it special. In particular, I love the crab cakes that are actually better than those I've had in restaurants in NY, Baltimore and Boston that specialize in seafood. read more

This is the same review I posted on Trip Advisor: Aside from the White Barn Inn in Maine and the Inn at Little Washington, Virginia, I have usually been disappointed by historic inn restaurants. Often they're long on history and short on eating. I don't care if General Grant ate there if it's expensive and the fare is mediocre. I thought I would give Jessica's (The Swift House Inn restaurant) a plug since no one had reviewed it on this site in some time. It manages to strike the right balance between fine dining, ambience, casual laid back atmosphere, and enthusiasm by the staff. Chef Rob does an excellent job and the staff are sincerely friendly and attentive. We ate outside on their deck the last week in July and enjoyed several wonderful wines with our meal. I'm a wine snob and I found Tom and Jason's wine list imaginative and very fairly priced. I let Jason choose an Italian wine with dinner just to see what he could do and he nailed it right on! Now I'm sure they would be first to say that Jessica's does not play in the same league as the 2 aforementioned restaurants. But if you would like a first class and unexpected treat in Middlebury, give them a try, especially you food and wine folks! read more

My first experience at Swift House Inn was last fall, when my family and I ate at Jessica's. The food was absolutely delicious and the service impeccable. I was so thrilled that business took me back to Middlebury again this spring, where I had the great fortune to actually stay at Swift House Inn, for a portion of my visit. Michele and Dan placed me in the gorgeous Carriage House. The rooms are stunning, incredibly clean, and quite charming. The grounds are beautifully manicured and the daily complimentary breakfast selection is fantastic and made to order. If you haven't been to Swift House Inn, it should be added to your list of "musts" in the Green Mountain State. Just be sure to book ahead, as they fill up quite fast. Highly recommended-- five stars! Looking forward to my next visit. read more

Food's not bad, but they say they put an emphasis on local and then have three (3!) beers on tap, in the state which has more breweries per capita than any in the nation. I asked the sommelier about it and he said 'beer will always be an afterthought here." In which case, this place will always be an afterthought with me--what do they think New Englanders drank for most of their history? French wine? not so much. Hard cider, beer--this is our tradition, and especially now that the state is crowded with amazing breweries it should be honored. read more

we stayed at the B&B and didn't have a chance to eat at the restaurant (they serve thursday-saturday only), but breakfast was made to order every day with a choice of delicious hot entrees and lots of fruit, coffee, etc. the people were incredibly nice and helpful, and there are always cookies available in the main house, plus a tea and coffee machine. delightful rooms, pleasant atmosphere - overall a great experience. read more

LOVELY place, fireplace, couch, jacuzzi, comfy bed, great lighting, patio, wonderful host, great breakfast, privacy, steam room, and one romantic weekend! read more

We just spent the night at the Swift House Inn and stayed in the Swift room. It was a beautiful room with a nice little private deck attached. When we came back after dinner we bought a couple of drinks at the bar and took them out on the screened in porch. It was a nice way to end a lovely night. The staff were very friendly and the breakfast was delicious. We would definitely come back. read more

We have stayed at Swift House twice before and it has become the most wonderful and romantic tradition for my husband and I. The rooms are so cozy, clean, and tastefully decorated. The whirlpool bath tub is such a treat! Breakfast the next morning is always fresh and delicious, and the service is warm and friendly. Middlebury is a really quaint town with fun shops and restaurants. We have not eaten at Jessica's, the restaurant at the Inn, but we are planning to book a reservation there next time since we have heard it is also really good. Judging on breakfast, I'm sure it will be worth it! We are heading back up in a couple of weeks for our 'babymoon' and are even bringing our dog (yes, they also have pet-friendly rooms!!), and I couldn't be more excited! read more

Two years ago we ate here and had the most wonderful experience, both the food and the terrific sommelier were top notch. This review, however, is about the bar experience. Stopped in with some friends for an after dinner drink and ended up having the loveliest evening chatted with the world class bartender. Perfect cocktails and great conversation. Hard to beat. We will be going back for dinner soon. read more

Quick trip up to celebrate a family birthday, this was a beautiful inn...wonderfully warm and inviting staff....Room was clean and comfortable with a terrific breakfast in the morning. read more

Without a doubt the finest inn we have stayed at. We had the Garden Room and the bed? I can't say I have every slept in a more comfortable bed. The bed linens were super fine quality as well. Loved having a private entrance. The complimentary full breakfast was out of this world. Cooked to order. The honey-oat french toast with a strawberry/blueberry compote was my favorite. Excellent service. Welcoming innkeepers. An all around quality experience. Doesn't get any better than the Swift House Inn. read more

John's review from 2010 could very well have been cut and pasted here. We arrived early and could not be seated - no problem; we just hit the bar and sampled one of the three local brews on tap when seated, instead of a packed dining room, we were seated along the edge in a room with three other full tables and four empty tables in the middle. It became clear they were simply understaffed as it took some time for our order to be taken, drinks delivered, and bread to arrive (the latter after three reminders). The poor waitress was running all over the dining room. The menu does not appear to have changed in the four years since John visited. It also advertises that local farms and their food are highlighted, but it is clear from the menu that it is hard to find a complete entree featuring locally produced food. Three of the four entrees were good, although the ravioli was over-sauced. The medium-rare burger came well done (although the steak did come medium rare - how do you get the steak right and the burger wrong?). The fries were barely warm and were soggy and flavor-less. They did offer to cook another burger, but the wait for our entrees was long enough for me to be concerned that I would be the only one eating. I passed and they didn't charge for the burger - nice touch (especially since half went back to the kitchen for the chef to see). Not sure we will return as there are plenty of other options in the area. read more

I knew I would like this place as soon as I walked in. The woman at reception was so welcoming and polite, it felt like I was staying at my favorite aunt or grandmother's house. I stayed in the Governor's Room and it was nicely decorated and clean. The bathroom was ok but could use a little updating, then the room would really be top notch (the grout job on the tile floor looked pretty bad, some outdated fixtures, etc). As for the breakfast which is included in the rate, you have your choice of pretty much whatever you want. I opted to get French toast with scrambled eggs on the side. The problem with breakfast for me was that they used way too much butter and that's all I could taste. I would definitely stay here again though, one star off for the bathroom that needs updating and for the overuse of butter at breakfast. I'll just get the yogurt and granola next time. read more

Delicious! Ordered the Beet salad, Thai Peanut Pasta and Bread Pudding for dessert and it was all amazing! Great menu with something for everyone. We had a party of 17 and everything was brought out at the same time with no issues. The Chef did a fantastic job. Servers were great and we all had a great time! read more