What a charming little place! In the country for the weekend and this was an unexpected surprise. For context: I dine A LOT in major cities at the fine dining level, and I was not even momentarily disappointed here. I giggled reading another review just now that called the servers "snobby" - because I found them warm, friendly, and enthusiastic. The only real little service faux pas I noticed (and they're small and completely excusable, but I'll note in case the business wants the feedback) was a mixup on where dishes were going in the room once, and the table was not perfectly cleared between courses - but again, this is me being absolutely pretentious and they didn't impact our evening at all. Obviously I expect something simple to be properly done, but the martini I ordered (basic GG DRY UP OLIVES) was perfectly made. The octopus was an unexpected surprise to find on a menu so far out of the city - but I was happy to see it and the texture was just right, presentation was lovely but I didn't really understand the salami as a garnish or accoutrement . I might have liked a different sauce but I like perfectly cooked octopus with even just lemon so it was great. I wish I had talked my dining companion into the escargot because they looked great. The salads were interesting too, but I opted for a French onion soup and it was rivaling the best I've had anywhere - perfectly seasoned broth and a stretchy layer of Gruyère. Literally just right. They had a couple of seasonal soups as well that sounded great. Entrees: I ordered the Skate Wing special - which she mentioned had skate and two scallops - but it seemed to arrive with more scallops and the skate was more in strips (which I don't think I've seen before). Two of the scallops were perfectly caramelized but the others not so much. The citrusy sauce with some cauliflower over it was really quite good. My friend ordered the short rib with risotto - it was lacking a little salt/seasoning, and the risotto was a little tight, and the short rib might have needed a little more braising to really fall apart - but they liked it overall. The couple next to us said the pork and sauerkraut was to LIVE for, so I have regrets there. Dessert we had the sticky toffee pudding and it was immaculate. Really so good. This is located in a historic home, and it's really elegantly appointed to match that style - think dark woods and lanterns and romantic lighting and wood burning fireplaces (which were lit on our cold evening winter visit.) A few little details - like the table candles were not matching the style (like little glass stones in them) and I would have been excited to see more mix-matched vintage or similar candles just for continuity. It IS a bit noisy acoustically as someone else mentioned but I didn't find it intrusive or hard to talk. I would definitely return if I find myself in the area. read more

I've evening coming here since I was a kid! Lovely place to go for any occasion. It is fancy !

I came here around a week ago with my family and the food and service was great but as I was leaving I saw the owner trying to hug two girls inappropriately and i was disgusted I will NOT be coming back and supporting that man. read more

Very cozy, intimate atmosphere in a historical setting. Due to the age of the building though, the acoustics were not good. We could hear the table across the room, so if you have trouble hearing over the din of other dinner conversations, you may find it difficult focusing on your own table mates. The drinks weren't anything to write home about, but the food pretty good. We shared the wild Burgundy snails and enjoyed two main entrees: chicken piccata and carbonara pasta. I believe this venue is only open on the weekends, but the Four Dogs Tavern (sister restaurant) is open all week long. However, unlike the Four Dogs, the Marshalton will take reservations for smaller parties. read more

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Had a New Years Eve dinner that went beyond horrific. The chicken was way over cooked and placed on some green slop that was inedible.

Met with friends for dinner. Atmosphere is relaxing and comfortable. Food was very good although our friends ordered the filet mignon and said it was OK. The wife had salmon & I had the fish & chips. Both were delicious. Thoroughly enjoyed. read more

I love this place and have been coming here on and off for many years. The building and atmosphere are beautiful and the food is always delicious and consistent, and very reasonable. Don't miss out on the desserts (I think the owners wife makes them). The lemon meringue ice cream is a must try. The martini glasses (huge) are awesome to accompany the delicious drinks. We have always experienced great service at this restaurant. Our sever the other night (Sarah W.) was terrific. Sweet, prompt, and was able to recommend some great dishes! A definite favorite restaurant. read more

Great restaurant with a nice intimate atmosphere. We had the French onion soup (phenomenal, well done French onion soup) with filet and 6 layer chocolate cake for dessert. Normally we aren't the dessert type but everything else was so good we had to give it a try. The historical aspect of the entire site is cool too, they have a kiosk in the parking lot with detailed information of the history of the building and area. read more

We held a post-funeral luncheon there and despite a snowstorm and the associated fluctuations in schedule and attendees, they were able to make everything perfect for us. The food was excellent (and they were able to accommodate a food allergy). A wonderfully cozy atmosphere and fantastic staff. read more

A very cozy and enjoyable atmosphere with very tasty food options. The snails were delicious!

The Marshalton Inn and Four Dogs Tavern are my favorite places to eat in PA! If I feel like dressing up and enjoying a candlelight dinner, I head to the Inn. If I feel like enjoying the outdoors and possibly even including our dog, Stormy, I head next door to Four Dogs and relax on the patio. (They have the same menu. It's all about which ambiance I'm feeling that day). The staff is always friendly and professional. The ambiance is always beautiful and relaxing. And I've never had a bad meal. The food is perfect and there are always plenty of options to choose from! read more

We're lucky to live a couple miles from here. Spontaneous quick dinner with my wife. Sat in the bar area of Marshalton Inn, tended to by Cathy, a very nice, attentive, friendly bartender with great recommendations. My wife and I shared a couple drinks, the very good crab nachos, and went straight to dessert: the fabulous lemon meringue ice cream pie. Lovely visit. Dark, romantic, moody atmosphere. read more

Marshalton Inn - Lemon Meringue Ice Cream Pie - New American Near Me - West Chester, Pennsylvania

Over priced dog food. What lousy entrees. One more disappointment in Chester County cuisine. It looks like it would be an upscale restaurant based on prices and charm, but really, it's just another burger and beer joint. What a disappointment. read more

What a shockingly, amazing find! After a long drive, we simply wanted food. Instead, we happened upon this out of the way and found a diamond in the rough waiter, Sam, who helps meet all your culinary and comfort needs. That alone would have made our evening, BUT!!! The filet was perfectly cooked, the pear and pecan salad was delightful, the bacon and horseradish wrapped shrimp was outstanding!!! What a find after a long day of travel. The lemon meringue ice cream pie was my husbands favorite, with quite a unique citrus tang. Thank you, Sam, for making our evening comfortable, even though we had had a long stressful day of travel.... Truly, SO SO appreciated...God Bless you for that...Jim & Denise read more

It's almost funny but not... the servers are the most obnoxious snobby you know what's I've ever seen! NY, Paris, London no stupid West Chester PA?? I heard the chef thinks he's a big deal as well. Anyway dinner was fine, just fine but the vibe was ugly for a quaint country pub. read more

We had the most magical night at the Marshaltown Inn after my college graduation. The food and atmosphere were great, my family always gets the fondue. But, what truly made our experience was our server, Ian. We felt like we were at a comedy show all night -- so personable, funny, and an overall good time. read more

We just had the perfect wedding's rehearsal dinner at the Inn this weekend: Our dining room upstairs was elegant, quaint and private. The service was discrete yet extremely attentive. The fall themed dinner menu was absolutely delectable as well as balanced and original; all our guests commented on it! All the event's arrangements were carefully and professionally coordinated by Heather. Heather also came-up with wonderful wine pairings for our meal, so the entire affair was quite a success! We will be back! read more

Great food every time. Terrific atmosphere and excellent service. The bar drinks are what they are supposed to be with enough kick. Great every time. read more

Came under new management in 2006 and has become a fast favorite with friends and family. Established in 1814, the bar is woody and reeks of history and comfort. The chef and proprietor David is friendly and can often be found (when it's not too busy) chatting with patrons at the bar. There's excellent wine selections and they make the best of their three beer taps, usually offering a classic like Leffe or Stella, something seasonal from a microbrew like Rogue, and something interesting from brewers like Allagash or Bell's. The restaurant is classic historic Pennsylvania - wood burning in the fireplace, impeccable linens and settings and antique paintings and furnishings. I brought family here twice in the last two weeks for dinner and on both occasions the whole group went away happy and satisfied. David's menu is cheese-centric to say the least and he makes no bones about his passion for the fromage. Fondue is featured as well as creative and innovative seafood, steak and vegetarian dishes. I never thought I'd pay $16 for macaroni and cheese. Now I do so happily - the Marshallton Inn has the best I've ever tasted - bar none. But, if you order it, share with a friend. There's enough for four to enjoy it and not feel too guilty. The Marshalton Inn has ample outdoor seating and recently built a porch on the front of the building to add more. On brisk fall and spring evenings they have a few chimeneas burning outside with rocking chairs, blankets, marshmallows and sticks so that patrons can relax and roast some marshamallows. How nice is that? The Marshallton Inn is next-door to the Four Dogs Saloon, also under the same ownership. For dining, the Marshallton Inn is definitely the upmarket choice. Four Dogs: http://www.yelp.com/biz/four-dogs-tavern-west-chester This Review in Philadelphia Inquirer has more info about the Inn: http://www.philly.com/philly/restaurants/6000801.html read more

Perfection. We held our wedding banquet here on Saturday (August 23) and it exceeded our high expectations in every way possible. Our meetings with the owner/chef David and manager Apple were attentive, thorough, creative, and effortless. They designed (and revised) the menu until we had what we believed was the right combination of hors d'oevres, wines, and main course. The decor is wonderful. The Inn dates back to less than 40 years after the founding of our country. The surveyors Mason and Dixon dined in the very room where our reception was held. The menu received raves from every guest: oysters, charcuterie, cheese puffs, crispy chicken, filet mignon, scallops, au gratin potatoes, quinoa and fresh peas, pear salad, white gazpacho. The service was impeccable: discreet, attentive, prompt, cordial, efficient, anticipating our every need before we even knew we needed it! One had to barely glance at a wine glass before the staff was there. We regularly enjoy both the Inn and the 4 Dogs. They went above and beyond and made an already perfect day even more so (if possible.) Thank you!! read more

I came here for a private event, and we were booked in a small room on the upstairs floor. There was hardly any lighting but it worked for the casual cocktail hour feel. For appetizers we had a thin crust sausage pizza and fresh oysters, which I enjoyed. The meal was a fabulous three-course entrée consisting of a crab and basil ravioli, (pretty rare) sirloin beef (lots of blood...) and a big chocolate brownie with ice cream. I thought the ravioli was delicious and though the steak was a bit rare for my liking, the presentation was nice and the taste was still exquisite. I wasn't a huge fan of the wines (we had a glass of white and red) but I'm not sure if they were picked out by the venue or by those coordinating the event. Our servers were also very professional (thanks, Kyle!). In conclusion, it was a nice experience and a great venue for the event. Very intimate and warm. Would love to come back and check out the normal restaurant and menu as well as Four Dogs Tavern. read more

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Had lunch with friends at Four Dogs and sat outside on a nice afternoon. Honestly, had not been here for many years, but really enjoyed our lunch. Service was great...thanks Nate...and portions were very big, so might be best to pay the Sharing Fee and split things...there is ample for two. Would have given it five stars, but was a bit disappointed with the homemade ice cream...one was particularly "old" tasting...may have been in the freezer too long. Headed back for a patio dinner sometime soon. read more

Very nice experience from the ambiance to the food. The bar was pretty cool with its old towering wooden backing. Very warm place to hang out for a while. Dinner itself was really, really good. I had the prime rib. It was perfect if a bit huge (no complaint though). I tried the house cab with it and it was a perfect match. The sides were equally well done. I couldn't finish dinner but felt obligated to try the lemon marange. It was good if a bit different (and much colder) than I a accustomed. I couldn't finish it and to my chagrin, it had melted the next morning. Regardless, this was a very nice dinner and a place I intend to revisit. read more

Never had a bad meal here. One of the coolest bars in Pennsylvania with one of the best bartender named Cathy. She is attentive, fun, and makes a great drink. Menu so much better than all of those pubs in town with nothing but deep fried food. A read more

I think it's hilarious that anybody would give this place less than 4 stars. We have gone here many many times over the past year-and-a-half and it is always been absolutely delicious with pleasant service and a wonderful atmosphere. I would recommend this place to anybody who enjoys candlelit dinner and absolutely deliciously made crab cakes. In fact these are literally the best crabcakes I've ever eaten in my entire life and it's what we get virtually every time we go. read more

This review is for The Four Dogs Tavern, across the parking lot from The Marshalton Inn. There is a glitch with leaving a review for Four Dogs. I do not recommend Four Dogs. The owner, David Cox, is arrogant, rude and angry. He threateningly told me to remove my dog from the premises because she had barked several times. She is young, still learning, and well, she is a dog. I recommend that the restaurant not allow dogs if they don't care for some barking. read more

a concise menu and chef as owner or principal sometimes = really really good. that was the case at Marshalton Inn on our first visit February 9, 2008. very creative nuances blended with comfort items done to perfection. our group ordered a nice variety of dishes and we were all very pleased. i actually ordered two "petite plates" in lieu of an entree - mmmmmmmwaaaah! the mac & cheese is "2 die 4". our first choice on the wine list was not available, but an appealing second option was enjoyed by all. we were seated in a corner table in the front room which had a nice candlelit colonial ambience, but the natural lighting made it challenging for some to read the menu - the room behind had wall sconces and was better lit. we will definitely return as long as this chef is here. Marshalton Inns offers Sunday Brunch 11 AM-3 PM. you can view the menu online at their website. http://www.marshaltoninn.com/marshinn_menu.php if you are so inclined, you can preview the wine list online as well and plan your meal & wine pairings. we were all interested in the Prix Fixe menu, but i believe that is only offered on Wednesday nights. it looks to be good bang for your buck. if i heard correctly, they offer one or two BYOB nights. i would call & ask before booking if either appeals to you more than the straight menu. the night we were there i used facilities upstairs and saw rooms that would accompany groups and/or parties of varying sizes. i would give Marshalton Inn five stars for the food and four stars for service, which was above average but not stellar. read more

Always a fine, classy place outside of the West Chester, Downingtown cluster. Relaxing atmosphere, excellent menu, and one of the best chef's in the area. We sit many times at the bar, which has the same menu, and not as dressy. If the Inn is not open, (sometimes during weekdays) we go across the parking lot to the Four Dogs Tavern (formerly Oyster Bar) which has the same quality food prepared by the same owners. Either choice, you can not go wrong. Daily specials change with the seasons, and don't miss the Spaghetti and Meatballs on Mondays. Yes, the five stars truly means it is as good as it gets! read more

We are big fans of the Marshalton Inn. For dinner, their Prix Fix is hard to beat and I tell all my friends back in Manhattan about this incredible find. I know this may sound odd, but there is nothing better in the world than coming back from a corn maize, passing the rocking chairs and the smell of burning wood, and walking into the front room of the Inn. As much as we love the dinner, it is the breakfast that won us over. As hard as this may be to believe, their scrambled eggs are amazing. The service is also incredibly friendly and welcoming. A great experience. read more

Wow, this is a very good restaurant. Starting with Al the bartender mixing up very good Cosmos, to Alberto, our waiter, David, the chef and his lovely wife, the pastry gal--it was a delicious experience that I highly recommend. Especially good for meetings and social gatherings. The upstairs banquet rooms are classy and cozy! read more

Never made it as far as actually arriving at the restaurant. Called to make a reservation and a very clipped abrupt lady informed me that they don't take reservations for 2 people. Not a thanks for calling or a hello or goodbye just a "yup" and that was it. Forget it honey there are other choices and if you are representative of the service level, I think we'll give it a miss all together .... Booked the Mendenhall instead, got through to someone polite who took and thanked us for the reservation !!! read more

I made a reservation here for a small dinner to celebrate our wedding. I needed an early time because we had family coming in from far away. Apple worked with me and they were able to open up early to accommodate us. The service and the food was great! I definitely recommend this place for any type of special event! read more

Picture what it must have been like to eat at a tavern over 219 years ago in an early American village...dim candles lighting a dining room, tables laughing softly with warm conversation. That's what Marshallton Inn is like still to this day. And it is 219 years old. We shared a bottle of wine and ate delicious dishes such as the cream of mushroom soup and the bacon-wrapped saddle of rabbit over a bed of Gorgonzola polenta. Great food, great atmosphere. You could almost picture people in colonial garb enjoying exactly the same meal... read more

Of course the Marshallton Inn is a charming space in a building on the National Historic Register - great old bar and all lit by candlelight. Hard to mess up the ambiance - although the flat screen blaring the football game was a distraction. We had to go searching for the bartender, maitre de, or waitstaff - only to realize they were all the same person. Odd - a good 5-10 minutes to find anyone in the restaurant to wait on us for drinks. Service definitely needs an improvement - it continued to be sub par - dirty dishes not cleared, courses served to different people at different times, etc. The food was delicious - from the cod, to the slow roasted pork to the crispy chicken. All flavorful, hot and well presented. Caesar salad was also notably tasty. For desert carmel ice cream with sea salt - a good finish. If they could anty up better service - my rating would increase as well. read more

The look of the restaurant had a very nice appeal; that is what brought us in to begin with. However, we were unimpressed with the food--to the point where we could not finish it. My wife had to send back her short ribs (we both agreed that the pile of pulled beef was hardly edible), and I gagged on my crispy chicken, and had to spit it out. The sauces were all very rich, but far from being decadent or indulgent, we found them cloying and sickening. As another reviewer had mentioned, when we arrived we found it odd that we were the only patrons in the restaurant at 6:45 PM. After the meal, we were less perplexed. read more

New American food is excellently prepared in this classic SE Pa historical inn and tavern. Same menu at both the 4Dog tavern and the more elegant Marshalton dining room across the lot (we ate in the latter). Sides of potato, chard, asparagus were perfectly seasoned and accompanied the delectable crab cakes and lamb chop. Service is friendly and efficient. House-made desserts, especially the berry crumble and toasted nut ice cream are worth it. Not the old fussy place anymore, although clientele in the formal restaurant was middle-aged plus. Younger folks, some with kids, were seen at the tavern, eating the same food and hearing live music. read more

Great food, great service for our dinner. Portions small for the prices though. Would be nice to add draft beers. Also need more indirect lighting for the patio dining. Everyone needs cell phone lights for the menus and cannot even see other folks at the table. read more

My wife and I visited on Saturday night. It was the best Saturday weather wise of the young spring so it was very crowded. We had a beer while we waited and visited with others while we watched the dogs play. We ordered the cheese plate as an appetizer and loved it. We both ordered the scallop salad which was a special. It was excellent. There were 5-6 scallops that were prepared just the way we liked them. The food is pricey but good. My two issues are: 1). It took a long time for the food to come out which was OK as the setting outside by a fireplace was great. I chalked this up to them being so busy. 2). The staff could be a little friendlier. Again, was this a result of their business. We will definitely go back. read more

Sister restaurant to Four Dogs across the parking lot. They share the same menu and while you're there you'll see runners take soups and Nachos across the parking lot. The interior is very rustic and very cool. Pricey but tasty food. No draft beers. Spotty service. In the same night had terrible service in the bar area at a table but excellent service in the restaurant portion. Friday and Saturday nights at 4 Dog is so busy Marshalton becomes the overflow location for those who don't want to wait at 4 Dogs. read more

I'm rating this in three areas. First the food. The selection is adequate. The quality of the food is very good. We had 6 people in our group and one ordered the mac & cheese. She was not impressed. And certainly not for $16.50. The fondue is very good. The meat for dipping was excellent. The scallops were excellent. My salmon with horseradish was a bit dry, but tasty. Others loved their food as well. Second - the facilities. The proprietor should be ashamed of the upkeep. I have been to other historic inns such as the Dilworthtown, and General Warren. Both are impeccable. The same can not be said for the Marshalton. The top floor has no electric lighting. A single candle in an extremely dirty hurricane lamp is not enough for guests to view their menu. Especially those over 50. The room had very, very visible build-up of soot from the fireplace all over the walls and ceiling. I couldn't imagine what it would look like in the day if it looked that bad by candlelight. The place is in dire need of new paint and a clean-up. Third- the service. I expect that when I'm paying $28 for my meal, that the server will not need to ask who got the salmon when she delivers it to the table. She got our orders mixed up several times. The servers at Outback don't have this problem. And the service was a bit slow. But that's okay if you want to spend time with friends and have no engagement afterward. There was no salt or pepper on the table. Nor was any fresh pepper offered when the meals arrived. Again, I expect that to happen in a restaurant of this caliber. So, overall, I liked the food very much. Did not like the cleanliness and thought the service could have been better. Would I go back? Maybe. But there are many choices in that price range that have more to offer. read more