Now that Spring is upon us, do visit Northford, Village of North Branford, CT. MILLPOND GATHERINGS (under newer management), is ready to welcome you in its rustic building with ambience, ducks, nature, cigars, fine food, banquet facilities! Lunch Friday/Saturday, Burgers Wednesday, Thursday Prime Rib Night, Live Music Thurs-Sunday, Sunday Brunch, Catering, Special Events! 203-714-4700. TootsieT. read more

We are regulars here. Came this evening on a Tuesday. We were seated near a family with a screaming toddler and boisterous family. The Waiter's comments were indecipherable with all the noise. I ordered a Margarita rocks/no salt & a Black & Blue Burger requested pink. What I received was the Margarita pictured with a slice of very old dried brownish lime and my very well done burger. Not their best night! read more

Millpond Gatherings - Margarita served with an old, dried, brownish slice of lime floating in the middle. - Steakhouses Near Me - Northford, Connecticut

My wife and I go almost every Thursday night for either the tomahawk or two special or the prime rib special in the tavern the food is incredible. The tuna tartare is really good. The clam chowder is outstanding. read more

Millpond Gatherings - Tomahawk steak with sides - Steakhouses Near Me - Northford, Connecticut

See all

Maybe the worst restaurant experience I've had in years. We've been to the tavern in the lower level before. Amateurish service with basic pub food - it was fine. This time I showed up on a Thursday night to meet my son. I arrived first and was placed in the worst table in the place (the restaurant was less than half full) It was a little two-top right next to the kitchen and right next to, oddly, a buffet table. As the line for the buffet (again, what was the buffet all about?) was wrapping around us at our table, I asked to be moved. We were accommodated. So at least there was that. I had remembered during my last visit the nachos were pretty good, so we ordered those as a starter. They were inedible. A pile of tortilla chips with some runny cheese whiz-like topping and a few chopped onions and tomatoes. We ate none of it. I ordered a burger, and my son ordered a salmon dish. Forty five minutes later our food finally arrived. My burger was cold. My son's dish was simply a slab of salmon that actually wasn't too bad, but it was presented with a few pieces of steamed broccoli and cauliflower and a scoop of mashed potatoes. No sauces, no spices, no flavoring whatsoever on this dish. It looked like a low-budget banquet meal, or maybe something that would have been served from the weird buffet in the corner. Service was inattentive, and when I finally was able to chase down my check (after another screw-up by the staff) I found that I paid almost $80 (we had only a single drink between the two of us) for a downright awful meal experience. Is this place under new management, or is there a new chef? Man, it has gone from OK to awful. We won't be back. read more

First class all the way! We just had a 100 person event in their banquet room and all I can say is or guests raved all afternoon about it. We have had dinner here several times and were super impressed by the facility and food that we decided to book it for our annual client event. The place is a 10 the staff was a 10 and the food and drinks were a 10! We wil be back for dinner soon. Nothing on the area even comes close read more

Very nice evening on Saturday. Our waitress Susan was so helpful and accommodating to whatever we needed. Sat in the steakhouse and it's really beautiful in there. Popovers to start which were nice and warm. We split a Caesar salad. Note if you get this you have to cut it up. Comes with big pieces of romaine. Man got the filet and they put the Diane sauce on the side per his request. He wanted just broccoli instead of cauliflower and broccoli which normally it comes with and they accommodated that. Also comes with mashed potatoes. You are able to add additional sides if you'd like. I got the shrimp and scallops over short rib risotto. So different. Three different proteins in one meal. Very cool combination. Our waitress even turned on the lights in the Forge room so we could see the private event space which was nice. We walked down to The tavern after but they were pretty much closing up so we decided not to stay. The thing that just topped it all off was the most beautiful duck outside with her babies! They have a crate for her too which is so sweet. Mable!! What a great night we had. Will be back. read more

See all

Millpond is my new favorite!!! My wife and I visited 2/28/26. We shared the jumbo shrimp cocktail, porterhouse for two cooked to perfection, with creamed spinach and artichokes and whipped potatoes. Shared the sticky toffee pudding dessert. Our server Darden was very attentive and friendly. The building is beautiful, warm and inviting. We will DEFINITELY be back!!! read more

Millpond Gatherings - 40oz porterhouse for two, creamed spinach and artichokes, whipped potatoes. Horseradish cream sauce and bernaise sauce. - Steakhouses Near Me - Northford, Connecticut

Great place for a relaxed meal in the tavern or an refined experience in the steakhouse.

Went last Saturday eve. Oysters were some of the worst meatless I've ever had. Prime steak was very chewy. 2nd time we are disappointed. Good location and nice servers though. Will try again this summer maybe will be better read more

Absolutely delicious food. Obviously the steaks but even the fish is prepared better than some fish restaurants. The desserts are to die for and the staff couldn't be more helpful. An absolute treat! read more

Well..I finally visited with much hesitation. The best part of my visit was the building itself, the wine room, my company, and a drink I ordered. Only giving two stars because of the drink. Honestly if you want a good meal please do your research and go elsewhere until they give a hoot about their food. Bland, spotty service, and just blah. 32 linguine and clams and you get six lol. Lemon brick chick was more like a cornish hen and no way it was chicken, very unimpressed. No check back to see if food was ok. Three steaks tipped the bill to 200.00 for those alone, they were ok and cooked properly . The pappardelle was ok...not impressed. Mashed potatoes were good and sautéed mushrooms were bland. Bison meatballs were spicy and ok. No free nothing for a birthday either... full charge for dessert on a 500.00 table. Ridiculous and will not revisit. Very good cocktail and thats all I got. read more

See all

Great service. I had the burger and it was delicious . The new staff is great. I love it here. Their cocktails are great also. read more

I went to the tavern to hear live music at holiday time. It was an absolutely perfect night. The combination of beautiful decorations, exceptional service, delicious food, and sumptuous wine totally got me feeling holly and jolly! I highly recommend the brick chicken. It was one of the best meals I have ever had out at a restaurant. Also, I feel the need to mention that their wine glasses are gorgeous! read more

See all

Lovely day Lovely restaurant Lovely service great date for me and my hubby with wonder weather and good vibes with great food . read more

Millpond Gatherings - New York strip cauliflower mashed potatoes and broccoli - Steakhouses Near Me - Northford, Connecticut

We had a business dinner here with three in attendance. Overall I have to say the service was a little slow as we waited on our drinks and water to be served to the table. The place was busy for a Tuesday night so maybe they got caught off guard. Overall the food was decent, nothing special at all. One of the plates delivered to the table was salmon with Brussels sprouts, the salmon was well overcooked and somewhat dry and the Brussels sprouts were a little overdone. Nothing to the point of complaining to management but just a little disappointment. The other two plates were just fine as were the appetizers. Drinks were reasonably priced but watch what wine you order, that can get pricey. The atmosphere is great, lodge theme, fireplace running and full of windows to look at the frozen lake. This is the second time we have been here. The first time was upstairs in the dining room, this time downstairs in the Tavern. We will be back but more than likely back upstairs. read more

Food was marginal. Lobster appetizer had no flavor Rolls were stale Aged steak?? Maybe, but I can do better prime un-aged at home Dessert was what led this to one star...should have been negative. Lemoncello dessert was moldy. Moldy layers...never seen that before. Didn't finish it. Spouse was burping up moldy cake taste after we left. Had to have highballs when we got home to 'medicate'. What a disappointment! read more

Bad food, bad service. We held a corporate event there and had to wait past starting time to get the food. Meatballs were the size of marble. Chicken skewers were about the size of toothpicks. Sauce was inedible. Endive cups were 1/2 the size of a full piece of endive with nothing but cream cheese in it. Waitstaff was rude and not helpful at all. We asked the bartender if he was having any luck with our order. His answer was "pleny of luck" rolled his eyes and walked away. STAY CLEAR OF THIS PLACE. read more

We first went to the 'Venue ' for their Mother's Day special. It was not cheap but was very disappointing. In addition to the Venue they also have a steakhouse and a tavern. Last night for our anniversary we decided to try the steakhouse. We'd heard good things. The fact that between 5 and 6 pm on a beautiful Friday night only sat a total of six people should say something. The grounds and building are gorgeous. I ordered short rib cavatelli. They could have left out the short rib. It did nothing to the taste except maybe to detract and add to the price. My wife had shrimp and scallops. The scallops were beautiful and cooked perfectly. It was over risotto not much flavor. Both meals were high priced. Oh they did serve popovers which were very good. With so few people and the food being just ok I wonder about their future. read more

See all

Service was quick, friendly and responsive. The food was fantastic. The steak gorgonzola was perfectly cooked as ordered, tender, flavorful, hot and delicious. Husband had tacos, which were also excellent. read more

Millpond Gatherings - Steak Gorgonzola - Steakhouses Near Me - Northford, Connecticut

I don't even know where to begin... My family and I were in Northford, CT for my sons soccer game and we saw the Millpond Steakhouse. It's a rustic looking castle. I looked them up online while I was at the game and low and behold I found them on "Open Table". So, I made reservations for after the game. Holy smokes, this place is awesome! The food was on point, the wine selection, on point, the ambiance was awesome also. Our server Ryan was awesome, very attentive and accomodating. My family and I were very pleased with our selections!! I highly recommend this establishment, as a matter of fact, it gets the highly covetted, "MMMMSK™"! That just happened!! read more

See all

Staff was rude and condescending. Food was oily and drinks were overpriced for what we received.

This place has quickly become one of the best steakhouses in Connecticut. We've been here a couple of times already and each time it has exceeded our expectations. The location is legendary and rustic. Cocktails are very satisfying and new selections are rotated in regularly. The raw bar offers great local oysters at a moderate price. Steaks are cooked to perfection with a tasty exterior char. I value when a restaurant really understands what medium rare is without having to be told. Its fantastic that most of the steak dishes include a potato starch and veggies unlike many others where all sides are a la carte. However, their sauced mushrooms with onions and creamy spinach are awesome compliments to any steak dish. If you have room for dessert, the churros and carrot cake are yummy. Service is excellent with a very friendly and professional staff. They really make you feel welcomed and appreciated. Will definitely be coming back often! read more

Yup! No good not worth the money. Pretty place but crappy everything else. Been several times and not consistent food. Don't waste your time or money here. read more

Service was awful for upstairs in the steak house. We had dirty dishes shitting infront of us the whole time while service was happening. There was no pre-clear for entrees to come out. They wrapped our food but left all the dirty dishes on the table. Cappuccinos came out cold and the molten chocolate cake was so burnt it was stuck to the plate. read more

Millpond Gatherings - Molten lava cake - Steakhouses Near Me - Northford, Connecticut

Ambience is amazing. So very pretty, even in the winter, and we got to sit by the inside fireplace! My fav! They are a little pricy, but the food and drinks are worth it! They give you popovers and gourmet butter beforehand which are so tasty. They were prompt with taking orders and delivering food. We opted for the prefix menu, which was well worth it since the short ribs cavatelli that I wanted was on there, I additionally got butternut squash bisque and a dessert. The bisque had a pomegranate drizzle which was amazing with the soup. I wouldn't have thought of that combo as being good together. Got a piece of cheesecake for dessert to go because we were so full, but did eat it shortly after I got home and it was good as well. The short rib cavatelli was amazing, would def get again and go back to millpond gathering! read more

See all

***although GF available, they were not labeled. Server was somewhat knowledgeable but extremely helpful! Met two friends on a Tuesday night for taco Tuesday. A bit confusing pulling in - the tavern entrance is located down below. It was fairly crowded. Super cute inside where we sat - very rustic. Some folks were outside which looked even nicer, but it was a bit chilly and we weren't prepared for that. Would probably sit out there next time. A bit disappointed that the tacos didn't have a GF option - it was flour tortillas. But they looked good! We ordered the peach, burrata, asparagus salad which was delicious. Some folks got tacos I got the chopped salad with shrimp which I recommend! It was a good size portion which I took home. I would be back! read more

Beautiful restaurant on the water of an old mill in Northford Nice atmosphere and good service read more

My family and I decided to attend the Easter Brunch at the Millpond Gatherings. We were seated in the Steakhouse which was such a beautiful atmosphere and the food was amazing. But I do have to say we had the most amazing waitress, Nicole. She was attentive, professional and very friendly. She took the time to answer all my questions and requests completely. She is definitely an asset to the Millpond . read more

Tuesday is Taco Tuesday at Millpond Gatherings. There's a choice of 6 tacos (beef, pork, chicken, shrimp, vegetarian and shrimp.) They're available at $5 each or 3 for $14. One in my party has Celiac disease and avoids wheat. He asked for his tacos with corn shells. The waitress informed us they have only flour shells. Furthermore, the Guac and Chips appetizer has flour chips. We learned that after ordering the Guac. For $11 you get about a dozen chips and 1/2 cup of guac - not much for your $11. The guac tasted pre-made. I don't recommend it. I ordered the grilled fish, beef and pork tacos (see image.) When ordering I was wondering if 3 would be too much food. It was not. First of all, they're pretty small - smaller than the typical taco from the trucks at Long Wharf. Secondly, the fish taco had very strong fishy flavor; I could manage just a single bite. Also not recommended. For dessert, we ordered Churros for the table. They were served hot with plenty of cinnamon sweetness and a side of whipped cream. There was hot melted chocolate inside the churros. If you like chocolate with your cinnamon, they were pretty good. Good points include: Our waitress Olivia was a delight. Seeing the mostly uneaten fish taco, she removed it from the bill without my asking. The atmosphere was nice, we sat outside overlooking the pond. On Taco Tuesday, your first drink is just $4 with a taco order. read more

Millpond Gatherings - Grilled Fish, Pork and Beef Tacos - Steakhouses Near Me - Northford, Connecticut

The venue was beautiful and as expected, very modern and Rustic. The service was excellent, I was there on a Saturday evening at 5:30pm and I had a main server and a different server for accompaniments- teamwork at it's finest. Drinks: Sangrias were tasty Appetizers: The tower, Oysters and short rib dumplings Dinner: The food we ordered did not disappoint. We ordered dry aged steak and truffle fries, lamb chops and potatoes, salmon and potatoes and double cut pork chops with veggies. The cons- the Asparagus was just cut ( including the end of stalk) and sautéed with shallots. Dessert: Limoncello Cake and Blood orange Gelato (both excellent) Overall very good, I would definitely recommend and with good food and ambiance comes a hefty price. But well worth it for me. They also had music playing- Saxophonist. Very nice touch. read more

See all

Great food service and vibe. Finally a great steak house that I can bring my vegan wife. I love their aged ribeyes, London broil, and burgers. My wife loves their cauliflower steak option and their specialty drinks. We go to the tavern for a night out and it never disappoints. read more

I was visiting my hometown of Northford and was so amazed how beautiful the Millpond has become. It presents itself as a welcoming venue with a nod to its history and a smattering of modern elements.I went for lunch on a Saturday. It was misty outside so the large fireplaces felt so good. The hostess let us pick our table and we chose one near the window. I ordered the mushroom ravioli and my partner ordered the salmon. We shared and not only did we love our own but each others. The desserts sounded delicious but we were full and satisfied. Every aspect of our visit was top notch from service to food to atmosphere. We will definitely be back! read more

See all

Went to a Thursday night all you could eat prime rib buffet which wasn't bad but after having to pay for horseradish sauce then having waitress tell me after my 3rd trip to buffet I couldn't go anymore because they set a limit I was done. Total False Advertisement Was Not All You Could Eat Do Not Get They Are Not Doing What They Advertised read more

This was my first time at Millpond Tavern, despite living 10 minutes away for the last 5.5 years. Truth be told, I didn't even know there was a town called Northford in CT. My friend was having a small gathering so she asked me to come. I got there around 6pm and there are several parking levels, depending on if you're going to the Steakhouse or Tavern. I had already parked by the Steakhouse so I just walked down the ramp to the tavern. I didn't see our party and the host told me she didn't know where they were. How she had no line of sight for a party of 7 baffled me. She told me to check upstairs and they weren't there. I then called my friend who told me they were in the dining area. I sat with them for about 20 minutes and had to flag down a waiter to please provide me with a cup of water and utensils. The service was disappointing, especially after interacting with the host, that I only had the guacamole and chips. I left about 40 minutes later. read more

Hosted a Bridal Shower at Millpond for my daughter! Amazing job! Everything was gorgeous, food was delicious and the staff was fantastic. Elodie and Gail were terrific to work with and I will definitely come back and recommend the venue for anything! so happy! read more

We dined at the Millpond Steakhouse, which has a very different menu from the tavern, and had a fabulous experience from the waitstaff that was amazing and welcoming, to the food that was delicious and cooked to perfection. The waiters/waitresses were all attentive and polite. Alicia C. was our server and was awesome! Thank you. It was truly a great experience! read more

See all

Absolutely beautiful restaurant! Feels like you are in an ancient old barn but in fact it's less than a year old. The eye for detail reminds me of a local NC staple the Angus Barn. Service is impeccable and the menu focuses on fresh beef from the local beef farm. But seafood abounds in offering. We came on a slow rainy night so sat near one of the many fire places and enjoyed the company of the head chef Pedro. He has worked hard to bring us an experience not just a good meal! Worth the drive. read more

went there tonight for my birthday for their Thursday night prime rib specials. They changed the menu to hot dogs hamburgers, more or less like a cookout function. Totally disappointed since the website states specifically on Thursday nights they have all-you-can-eat prime rib! we did stay if it were my choice I would've just left, but I wasn't the driver. Our waiter was very nice. I had the steak and cheese rolls, which were really good. The couple that was with me had the chicken Parm, which they said was good. But to lure people in with the intention of getting prime rib and then for us, we traveled so personally for me I will not be back. I feel it was very dishonest.! read more

My fiancé and I visited Millpond for our anniversary because we had heard such great things! We were seated in a cozy spot in the steakhouse next to the fireplace, and it was probably one of the most romantic settings we've had out of our anniversary dinners. I'm usually pretty picky about popovers, but these were by far the best I've had! Our steaks were cooked perfectly, and the creamed spinach was a delicious side. The appetizer of the hanging bacon was fantastic, but we unfortunately didn't really enjoy the short rib dumplings - I think the bbq sauce made it an odd combo for us. Dessert of the Belgian waffle sliders was a great end to the meal! Service was very attentive, and the meal moved fairly quickly. I would love to come back in the summer and sit outside! read more

See all

Tuesday night I went to taco night at Mill Pond Tavern. It was delicious and very affordable. I would definitely recommend for any future visit. The appetizer was chips with guacamole we also had the refried beans. For my entrée I actually only had one taco but would've preferred to order three. The price is very affordable. I will definitely be back. read more

See all