Peter Havens works hard to make their customers happy while serving up principled and smart dishes. However, an unattractive interior paired with heavily underseasoned and pretty dated food makes this a solid three-star for me. I want to first say the service here is superb. The man who waited on us was incredibly nice and over the course of the night he treated every single person in the restaurant with respect and kindness. How do I know this? Because like all ten tables are crushed into the back of this single room and a pretty huge empty (and I imagine at times loud) bar area takes up the other 2/3 of the space. The food here is definitely trying but falling short in some fundamental ways. One is underseasoning. Each dish we had needed a huge pinch of salt within virtually every element. A gnocchi dish had a nice sauce which, like every sauce here, was a bit over reliant on butter. The gnocchi themselves were a bit gummy but the hunters-style sauce of crispy pancetta bits and diced aromatics served on top was definitely good. Next was a Braised Rainbow Trout that was supposed to come with some kind of truffled filling but it seriously had no truffle taste whatsoever. The risotto it was served with was straight up cold, but it tasted good which actually bummed me out the most since I bet it would have been awesome if they just served it like warm at least. The trout itself was fine, a bit overcooked but very fresh. It just needed, you guessed it, salt. A Grilled Game Hen was excellent but served with the predictable and somewhat dated side of straight up white mashed potatoes. These again were supposed to be truffled but definitely had no truffle taste whatsoever. The Hen, as mentioned, was yummy but it had a strange bacony tasting filling stuffed beneath the skin that looked a little unappetizing when you actually started cutting into the bird. The apple tart dessert was probably the worst part. The tart was really doughy and tough and the caramel on top had not been cooked long enough, so rather than it being an amber caramel color/taste it was more like yellowish sugar syrup. The ice cream on top was great, though not made at the restaurant. This is by no means a bad restaurant and the service here alone makes it worth visiting, if they just fix a few issues in the kitchen and maybe improve the layout a bit they could be one of the better restaurants in the area. read more

I rarely give 5* to any establishment. In the case of Zach at Peter havens, he deserves it for incredible excellence of ingredients, creativity of recipes, execution in the kitchen and service in the dining room. Oysters were fresh, impeccably cleaned and served with an amazing soy based sauce that made my oyster challenged wife a lover. The tuna poke/tartar had herbal potato chips. The Cesar salad had duck confit in it'. The escargot served in a puff pastry was spiced with fresh basil and thyme. The ribeye had A sauce which included cheese curds. The seafood special of scallops and mussels and chorizo were served over risotto with a sauce perfectly balanced of wine, butter and lemon. The lobster........ kill me now. Then Creme brûlée with perfect crust, chocolate mousse not too heavy and a panna cota with coconut and secret ingredients. Special white wine from Greece! Two different highlighted French roses and a special drink called French 77 has sent me to gastro heaven. Praise the lord and all the heavens and special spirits and muses. read more

Perhaps the best eats in downtown Brattleboro. Pricey, but if your looking for gourmet, this fits the bill. The short menu is ever-changing, but emphasizes fresh seafood, perhaps scallops sauted with crabmeat and roasted red peppers in a light cream sauce, curried jumbo shrimp with mango chutney, and poached grouper with lemon-cilantro bchamel sauce. Filet mignon usually is fired with a green peppercorn-bourbon sauce, and roasted duck might be sauced with sour cherries, black currants and port wine. Gravlax, escargots, clams casino, chicken-liver pt and smoked trout with horseradish sauce are good starters. read more

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Loved it! No tables were available but the owner (Tom) sat us at the bar which was better. He introduced my wife and I to the other couple seated there and we have a wonderful conversation. Tom explains the menu and days specials and I wished I could have had them all. We had smoked trout for an appetizer and golden sea bass and duck for entrees. All were excellent. Even the bread was awesome. The place is beautifully decorated, warm and welcoming. The staff were perfect. We drove from Boston for the meal and were glad we did. read more

Absolutely wonderful experience. We had a nine o'clock reservation on Thursday, which was unnecessary because there were only a few tables seated, but we were still greeted and served with utmost care and attention. Our server was excellent, even though she was still training she was extremely informative about the menu, and knew when to ask for help from the bartender for a wine recommendation (which was fabulous). My partner and I weren't celebrating anything in particular, but it was one of the most memorable and romantic dinners we have had together. Everything we had was beautifully prepared and exquisitely executed. I highly recommend the Duck Pate for an appetizer, and we had the soup of the day (New England Clam Chowder). I have had my share of chowders in my life and this one surpassed every single one! I had the Rainbow Trout with mushroom risotto, my partner had the lamb T bone. Both cooked to perfection and beautifully paired with the sauces and sides. I can't wait to go back! read more

Good food, good atmosphere The escargot was the best thing on the menu. This is one of the best restaurants around. read more

Absolute perfection. We ate here on New Year's Eve and everything was perfect. The food is outstanding. As good as anything in Boston. I look forward to eating here whenever we are in Brattleboro. read more

We had a nice little dinner at the bar here the other night. it was Saturday so we should have made reservations, but we showed up right when they opened so they made room for us at the bar. They opened with some bread, oil and olives. The fresh-baked bread and oil was delish. The dude got some scotch, which the bartender cooled in a shaker. That never happens! We started with the mussels (amazing) and cauliflower & carmelized onion soup (also good!). I got a new york strip, but was bummed they didn't have the bleu cheese ribeye they featured online. The dude got a veal shank which he enjoyed too. My only nitpicky complaint was that the potatoes tasted like they came from a box with some truffle oil drizzled on them. But... I'm SURE by the looks of everything else that they did not come from a box. Great atmosphere, elegant dinner. We had a great time. read more

I can still taste my dinner from last night! Staff was great oysters are always good, one of my favorite mignonettes. Do yourself a favor, get the escargot. To die for. If you have never had them this is the time. Seriously ESCARGOT. read more

Outstanding service from point of entry. This restaurant is so unique. A local, upscale but comfortable environment to get a nice relaxing evening dining out. We ordered the mussels, beverages to begin. Then the Potato Gnocchi and the Duck entree. Kudos to the chef & staff. Executed with such consistency as we have eaten at least the duck & mussels before. I recommend that if you want a meal that leaves you so excited for a dessert. Tiramisu with a chocolate mint flavoring with the espresso taste and light cream filling sealed the deal. Many compliments to the front and back end. Keep doing the job well!!! I can't wait to come back. read more

One of the best restaurants in Brattleboro! The main restaurant is classy, yet still feels casual and cozy at the same time. The food is insanely good. The cocktails are delicious. In the summer, the deck is affordable and serves super yummy food. The sangria always hits the spot. read more

Very friendly folks and good food, but not quite the best. If you're looking for a place to have a glass of wine during a snowstorm, this is it. The large window in the front is perfect for sitting and watching the snow and the atmosphere is friendly and cozy. I ordered a pasta/seafood dish last time I was there, and it was overladen with the cream sauce. Overall, the food was fine, but forgettable. However, this place remains a very popular spot with a long local history. read more

Excellent meal, I ordered the scallops and they tasted amazing. They were cooked perfectly. The presentation was nice also. read more

Peter Havens Restaurant - Apple Tart (dessert) - Seafood Near Me - Brattleboro, Vermont

We choose this restaurant for a birthday dinner. It's an amazing place with fabulous service! Everything was done in the way it should be! read more

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Our experience was fantastic. Showed up with no reservation on a weeknight. The place was full. A very pleasant woman greeted us almost immediately. There were two couples ahead of us and we only waited 10-15 minutes for a table. Server came to the table within 3 minutes and brought our drinks pronto. She gave us time to relax and peruse the menu without rushing or ignoring us. Food was excellent: escargot, gnocchi and risotto. All fresh and perfectly seasoned. Atmosphere is warm and cozy. Lots of friendly locals. read more

If you want overcooked veggies and overpriced food this is the place to go! Each main course had the same sides/vegetables and with all the local, fresh produce it was disappointing to find they were limp. The meats were ok at best and the oysters not well shucked. Not worth going back to. read more

Awesome food, Pleasant atmosphere. The staff was extremely attentive, making excellent recommendations. The owner chef uses seasonal local, fresh ingredients. We are very picky when it comes to eating out. My husband is a self proclaimed gourmet chef ( anyone that eats at our house will attest to his great skill). He loves this restaurant. I find that the highest praise. You must go there if passing through... The pate' ..... delicious! Top shelf restaurant for a fair price. read more

A lovely restaurant with creative offerings. We recently enjoyed a birthday celebration here, our first visit since the restaurant changed hands several years ago. Service and food were outstanding. We especially loved the escargot with puff pastry. Our mains: lamb shank on a bed of truffle mashed potatoes and a steak special were outstanding. We paced ourselves to allow room for shared dessert of panna cotta that was the perfect conclusion to a perfect dinner. read more

Second time I've been here. Traveling from Boston. This food is outstanding. Had the oysters mushroom appetizer (outstanding) then had the rack of lamb special. Totally worth every penny. read more

We ate on the Patio (a different menu). I had the catfish which seemed ok, and my partner had a burger, which was actually cooked medium-rare (yay!). HOWEVER, our server was awful. She ignored us most of the time, and when she brought our food she plopped it on the table and turned away without a word or a glance at us. Her friends were dining at the table across from us, so I guess she had to get back to them...Then I started to get aggravated and noticed small things like we were the only ones without straws for our drinks and there wasn't any check in by said waitress (this was 7/19/18 around 8:00 pm for any managers looking at this). When she noticed our plates were empty, she came over and loudly announced our total for the meal and waited, staring at us, while we signed the tablet --Maybe she was worried she wouldn't get a good tip if she gave us any time alone? It felt rude and rushed and ruined what might have been a nice experience. I go to Brattleboro often, but will never go back there. read more

We came around 8:40 PM on a Friday - hoping to find outdoor seating on the patio. When we walked up we saw only two tables sat on the patio so we asked a woman who appeared to be hosting if there were seats available - "UH HUH" Can we sit anywhere? - "UH HUH". Immediately the tone was set as stand-offish by this interaction - and it did not change for the remainder of our meal. We sat and opened the menus and were immediately asked if we were going to order drinks. I said we would need a chance to look over the menu and my dining partner asked for waters. When the waters were brought to the table we were asked, "What are you having to drink?". I said I wasn't having anything to drink (because I was not afforded enough time to mull over the run of the mill wine selection) and my dining partner asked about having a Bee's Knees with the lavender (printed on the cocktail menu) omitted. It was explained that the lavender was in the simple syrup, so we decided no drinks for us. We were then asked, "What are you having to eat?" - Because we were not ready - we asked for a few minutes. We were both a little surprised at how blunt, pushy, and unfriendly our waitress was (the same person who we asked about sitting on the patio). A couple of minutes later she was back and simply said, "OK what are you having". Because we had not decided on both things we wanted but we'rent asked if we were ready, we shot from the hip and ordered: Fried Chicken Sandwich-$12-Toasted Portuguese Muffin, Lettuce, Tomato & Frites. Overall - it was perfectly fine. It was seasoned, hot - the Portuguese roll was a nice touch (and seems to be a thing in Southern Vermont). The chicken seemed much more like a chicken patty rather than a piece of fried chicken - and nothing really differentiated it from any old convenience product. There was nothing wrong with it - but nothing that made it stand out. Not what I would expect from one of the "Best Restaurants in Brattleboro". And yes, I get that its the patio menu and a fried chicken sandwich. The french fries were also unremarkable - which is worth noting because it is actually pretty easy to find remarkable french fries in Vermont. They were seasoned. Big points for seasoning correctly. and Caesar Salad-$9-Romaine Lettuce, House-Made Caesar Dressing, Warm Duck Confit & Croutons. This salad was a disaster. We counted literally two pieces of duck confit on the salad. We were a little surprised by this but...whatever. The croutons were shatteringly crisp - unpleasantly so. The greens were relatively flaccid and the dressing barely present and almost completely devoid of flavor. This was the type of salad I would expect at McDonald's. While we were eating our food our waitress came to our table to ask if we were going to order any dessert because, "The kitchen closes at 9:00 PM". We declined. In all of my years working in the hospitality industry, I have never seen this done - especially at 9:00 PM ON A FRIDAY. The kitchen stays open until the last order comes in. This is the HOSPITALITY industry. We now knew why our server was so cranky - us having sat twenty minutes before the kitchen closes - but there was no mention of this when we arrived - and before we arrived we checked Google to see what time the restaurant closed (9:30 PM) and decided we could get in and out quickly enough to not be a bother. In fact, let's take a look at the Friday hours from a few different sources. Yelp - 5:30-9:00, Google Search 5:30-9:30, Facebook 5:30-10:00, Peterhavens.com "Starting at 5:30". TO BE CLEAR - ALL OF THESE THINGS ARE MAINTAINED BY THE BUSINESS. The last interaction was our server telling us our total and holding an iPad out to us to swipe our card and input our tip while she stood imposingly close. I've complained about this in the past and thought that most restaurants had realized by now that this amounts to an intimidation tactic - but apparently Peter Haven's has not. While we were finalizing the transaction, our server asked, "So all the food was good?" - to which we said, "EHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH UHHHHHHHH" and shrugged - which she had no response to. I realize that eating in the dining room would likely have been a dramatically different experience but because of the completely unremarkable food and the way we were treated and subsequently felt the entire time we were there - we have no plans on ever returning. read more

The glory days have passed for Peter Havens. The menu hasn't changed in over a decade, and the food preparation reflects that. It is dull, uninspired, and overpriced. The same tired patter from the owner/maitre'd at every table simply reflects how routine the experience has become for him, but that is to be expected when the menu hasn't changed. The food is acceptable. It is likely better than what the average diner can prepare at home. Foodies will leave satisfied, but not awed. read more

A regular from the restaurant has reached out to me and informed me that I wasn't taken seriously because of the drinks I ordered - I guess this place, as I suspected is meant only for older snobs. read more

I've been eating at Peter Havens for years, and am in agreement with the vast majority of comments on here, that it is simply one of the best restaurants anywhere. Still, I think a lot of people are aware that the restaurant recently changed hands, and for many I'm sure they're wondering if this means a change in what one might expect. The answer to that question is, "yes." The previous owners were two of the finest operators I've ever had the chance to experience, and I wondered if Zach, the new owner, could fill those gigantic shoes. My wife and I had the pleasure of dinner at Peter Havens this past Saturday, and I simply had my socks knocked off. Chef Zach has taken the incredible foundation built over nearly two decades and raise the bar considerably. It's not just that Peter Havens remains the best restaurant in town, or in the region, it has simply become a world class operation. The service was spectacular; the environment remains so welcoming; and the food was of a level I don't think Southern Vermont has experienced before. Peter Havens has risen to a level that begs questions of when the New York Times will be visiting. I'm not kidding. We enjoyed: Bread and wonderful infused olive oil. Mussels: They changed my wife's life. She's never been a big one for seafood, and she ate every last bit on the plate. Seared Pork Belly: Cooked perfectly, crispy on the outside and melting on the inside, served with an Asian barbecue and white bean cassolette. Freaking perfect. Breast of Chicken with Herb Veloute: Honestly, it's hard to impress me with chicken, while at the same time I consider it to be the halmark of a great chef. Zach did not miss a beat with this one. The chicken was prepared perfectly and the vegetables we beautiful and still retaining fresh snap, while being cooked exactly as I like them. Still, what makes the dish is the sauce. You just don't see chefs work with veloute anymore, and I think that's because it's a complicated sauce. While seeming so simple it is a high wire act that can easily pass over into the world of being pasty where it should be... well velvety. This one was perfection. Braised Veal Shank: Well... this is where I move into a a whole different world of respect for Zach. Look, braised dishes are usually an easy layup for a chef... And as such, many just mail it in, but Zack's attention to detail is obvious in this preparation. Again though, it's the sauce... Honestly, I don't know when, or where Zach sold his soul, but it's not possible to make a sauce this good without having done a deal with the devil. The mouth feel was something that just rocked my world. I should be clear, I'm a professional chef, with AAA Four Diamond and NYT Four Star restaurants under my belt, and this sauce nearly made me hang up my apron and throw away my clogs. Simply put... this is one of the top five dishes I've had in my entire life. read more

This is a nice cozy gem in Brattleboro that's a must stop! The atmosphere is perfect for a mini gather to a nice intimate date. The menu isn't overwhelming and the interaction with the staff was superb. The cocktails were tasty with just the right amount of spirits. They weren't too weak or too strong. For the entree, I had the ribeye special and not only was it a generous size, it was cooked to perfection. It was worth every cent. The desserts didn't disappoint and the chocolate mousse had me wanting for more if I had more room. Overall, this place is an A+ in my book. I will definitely be coming back! read more

We went here for high school graduation over Memorial Day Weekend in 2009 so I am a bit late in posting but want to give credit when credit is due. The food, service and ambience was superb. We had the soft shell crab special appetizer which was excellent. So were the mussels. At our table we had the duck, salmon, steak, and fish special. All were terrific. The lemon tart for dessert was a favorite. The owner told us the history of the art in the restaurant. There are maybe 12-15 tables in the place so make reservations. read more

A beautiful setting to match a perfect meal with superb service and a menu selection that equally challenged foodies and appeases picky eaters. Particularly good: lamb shank with truffle mash; duck pate; and the escargot because of its impeccable cream sauce even though escargot were slightly harder than they should be. Highly recommended. read more

Fantastic experience. I believe this is the best food in brattleboro. Got the ribeye special and it was perfectly cooked and delicious! Amazing side dishes! The ceasar salad was incredible and the creme brulee had a beautiful crust and super creamy flavor! A definite win! read more

Excellent dinner and service. Fresh, seasonal and inspired. Recently changed hands - was great then and is just as great now.

I absolutely love Peter Havens! From the food to the drinks to the people it's just really fun and classy! I recommend this to people looking for a really nice meal and wonderful atmosphere! read more

Some of the finest dining in the area! You will not be disappointed. Fresh, local flavor at it's best. I had the salmon roasted with a mustard crust served with wilted spinach and wild mushroom risotto. Fantastic. My husband had 14oz. Rib eye with homemade fries. Grilled to perfection. We ended with an almond creme brûlée that was light and creamy. We left feeling very fat and sassy! read more

I had the pleasure of dining at Peter Haven's on 11/13/15 on a very special trip to Brattleboro. I had gotten engaged on the top of Mount Wantistiquet in the morning and made a reservation for 6:30 in the evening. Before I go on, a friend of mine who owns Kipling's a few doors down and the owner of Peter Haven's are good friends, so there is a little something special about when we arrived. We'd gone in to Kipling's to kill time before going to dinner. When we left Kip's and entered the cozy bistro we were greeted by our smiling server who sat us at our table. Two chilled glasses of champagne were waiting for my now bride-to-be and myself. Our server said "I heard it was a special occasion". It only got better from there. I started with the escargots and my fiance' got the ahi tuna. The escargots were in a delicious cream sauce and topped with puff pastry. I'd never had snails before and I have to say I'm a believer now. The Ahi Tuna was cold and rare in the middle and freckled with sesame seeds. Entrees couldn't get any more fancy or delicious. I had the pheasant roullade, a rich and succulent dish while she had the filet mignon. It was cooked perfectly. Dinner was rounded out with an apple tart and creme brule' both outstanding. Between the service, which was exemplary, friendly, and attentive, to meeting the chef to tell him what a wonderful job he had done with our meal, I recommend this place to everyone. I shall return! read more

THE best place in town for a special occasion. Prepare to be enchanted by host and chef. Delectable, local, and fresh. Lovingly and exquisitely prepared and served in a beautiful space by owners who truly care. read more

I came here on Saturday night. They were able to accommodate our party of seven with a one-hour advance reservation. What amazing food! I had salmon with homemade bearnaise & escargots appetizer. Both were great. My friend's duck was dry. They apologized & expressed him a salmon instead. I hear the ribeye and swordfish were quite good. The salads were perfect in their simplicity & balance. The seafood pasta was a hit. My friend felt it a bit pretentious, and perhaps it is for Vermont, but I'm a NY'er and I found the meal to be great tasting and the service to be good. I also found it to be reasonable considering the quality of food. read more

The food was delicious and our bartender was nice and friendly. I had the beef and my friend had the chicken and we both found it delightful. The bread and dipping oil was also very good and the duck pate. The only issue I would have is the bar chairs I found slightly uncomfortable, and we would have had a long wait for a table. Also they were out of the specials by 8pm. Although we probably should have called for a reservation. They did bring out a birthday surprise which was nice as well. The new owner seems to have done a lot for the place. I will go back again sometime. read more

This place is adorable, and one of the classier spots in Brattleboro. Their server Maggie is an angel!!!

Enjoyable dinner last night at this hidden gem. Brian was awesome....super great service....he took excellent care of us. We will go back on our next trip to VT! read more

Every part of this meal, from the tuna tartare and crab cakes, through the pan roasted duck and trout almondine, to the flourless chocolate torte and pumpkin cheesecake was outstanding. The prices were not unusually high for a restaurant of this quality--we would pay as much and likely more in Portland Maine (a great restaurant town). We will definitely return. read more

First of all, let me just say. Location, location, location. What a beautiful ambiance had to offer. For an appetizer we had the duck liver pate. It was downright quacktackular!! Entree was the scallops. U 12 divers minimum. Seared outside and tender innards. Beer for dessert and you got yourself an evening! Service was well above average. Will return soon! Be sure to save your doggy bag for the panhandlers! read more

Consistently delicious. Zach and his chefs are fantastic. It's a favorite for my boyfriend and I, and it's usually our choice on a special occasion. It's great now that they have an outdoor, less expensive menu, so it's nice to eat outside on a warm summer night. Great cocktails too! It's a Brattleboro gem for sure. read more