Briarhurst Manor Estate

Would like to have written a great review, we've enjoyed dining here many times in the past. This time, however, we arrived several minutes early, and noticed only one other car in the parking lot. When we went to the hostess station we could hear diners or other people in the restaurant, but there were no staff apparent. We rang their call bell, twice, over several minutes and still no staff showed up, so we left and had a lovely dinner elsewhere.

We have eaten at the Briarhurst Manor several times over the past 25 years. The food was ok but not great as I expected. The service was very good. Our server was very pleasant and attentive. The restaurant is in need of some remodeling. We have typically gone there for special occasions and felt that the experience and the food were worth the price. Based on our last visit we will not return.

My wife and I made reservations to celebrate our wedding anniversary and would like to share to all that are considering the Briarhurst Manor, this place should no longer be in the business of selling food or offering service. We made the mistake relying on the glory days when this restaurant was top notch. However this is absolutely not the case anymore. There was no music, no people eating (Friday night), absolutely poor service, and food from the wrinkled paper menu was an absolute disappointment (not to mention undercooked, served and presented in a manner of what I could only describe as depressing). After what seemed an excessive period of time for dinner to be served, our dinner arrived. Upon arrival, no one bothered to come back and check on us. The food was undercooked and in poor presentation to say the least. My wife and I went looking for the server to ask for the check and were greeted with snippy comments and got questioned on our decision to depart. We did not wish to make a scene and payed for the food that remained intact at the table. Note: when the staff learned that the food was in the condition stated above, they gave multiple excuses as to why the experience and food received was in such poor condition in an “it is what it is” manner. On our way out, it was difficult not to warn the poor couple dressed so beautifully waiting to be seated. It is our hope that this unlucky and poor investment of time and money at the present version of the Briarhurst Manor can persuade others to not risk your precious occasion and look elsewhere for the experience. We also hope that this precious mansion can fall into the hands of people than can be better custodians of such a magnificent historical property. It's a shame to see it rot.

The menu only ahead 4 or 5 options. Was not at all what was on the web sight. Also there was supposed to be an option for a 5 course meal which the said stopped that night. We were the only people in the restaurant and when we were ready to leave I had to go find someone so we could pay. We used to love this restaurant and we were celebrating our wedding anniversary. So disappointing. They did give us a discount for our anniversary. We won't return.

My wife and I had the absolute pleasure of dining here on a very quiet night. It was one of the best dining experiences of our lives, not just because of food but also because of the service and the atmosphere. Disclaimer, we are very into history and all things related to ghost stories/spooky fall vibes, so that is a large part of why we liked it so much.

Service - Joshua was amazing and attentive, and is the real reason I'm writing this review in the first place. All of his recommendations were 10/10. He stopped by exactly when we needed something and gave us space when we were good. Servers like him are the reason tipping should exist. He also gave us a lot of stories about the rich history of the building and the town, so it felt like we got dinner and an unofficial "tour" of Manitou and Briarhurst.

Food - The food was amazing. Best fried chicken I've ever had, and my wife's steak was on par with what we have had at places like Shanahan's, Elway's, and Ocean Prime in Denver.

Atmosphere - We were obsessed with the ambience. Someone who left a 1 start review complained that the building was too old...uh duh? That's the entire point. Each room had a different feeling and a rich history. It was like dining at the Overlook Hotel in the Shining (in the best way possible). We are still not sure if maybe our server and the chef were ghosts all along? Possibly not for everyone, but we love that type of stuff.

Anyone with an appreciation for anything I mentioned needs to go here. I've written maybe 2 or 3 google reviews in my life, but I needed the public and the Manor to know how special the experience was.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great place to get married.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 5

One of the most beautiful weddings we've ever shot!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 4

Two hours to get dinner and that was desert to go because we were tired of sitting. Service didnt exist. Will never go back.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Recommended dishes: Lobster Bisque

Poor service. Two hours to get dinner not including dessert. And there were only 5 diners in the restaurant. Food was mediocre at best except for the lobster bisque

My recent visit to Briarhurst Manor was nothing short of extraordinary. As one of the oldest fine dining establishments in the area, the restaurant delivered not just a meal but a memorable experience that blended history, elegance, and exceptional service.

Upon arrival, our host, Joshua, welcomed us warmly and provided an incredible tour of the manor. His depth of knowledge about the building’s rich history added a special layer to the evening, making us appreciate the ambiance and charm even more. His passion for the place was evident, and it really set the tone for the rest of the night.

What truly set this place apart is its dedication to culinary excellence. We learned that the manor isn’t just a restaurant; it’s also a center for culinary education. You can tell this from the very first bite—the food is crafted with precision, care, and artistry. Incredibly fresh ingredients, including herbs from their own garden, and the result was nothing short of spectacular. Each dish was beautifully presented and packed with flavor, making it some of the best food I’ve had in a long time. The pesto for the house made focaccia bread was to die for! Every course we had showcased the high level of skill and creativity that went into the menu. From our appetizers to the dessert, every bite felt like a new discovery. I could taste the passion behind each dish, and it’s clear the chefs are masters of their craft.

For anyone seeking an unforgettable dining experience, Briarhurst Manor is a must-visit. Whether you’re a food lover or someone who appreciates history, this establishment is a perfect blend of both. I can't say enough about how wonderful the entire evening was, and I highly recommend it for anyone looking for an exceptional culinary experience in a truly unique atmosphere.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Lobster Bisque, Crème Brûlée, Lowcountry Pecan Fried Chicken

Maybe the most bizarre dining experience we've ever had. Went there for our anniversary, and luckily there was enough unintended entertainment to make up for the problems. We get there, the hostess is kind of scattered, offers a tour kinda half heartedly, which we express interest in, but doesnt come together. She takes us to a room to seat us, gets pretty confused as to where we are actually supposed to be, then sits us alone in a dimly lit room, which the server exclaims "She doesn't know why we were seated there". We get offered to go join a speed dating night that only like four people showed up for. As we sit it takes 20 minutes or so to recieve a bottle of wine we ordered, and we have to ask to move. Not only were we stuck in a dark room by ourselves, but we got to hear a group in the next room over agueing loudly for the entire time. Normally when people scream and shout in a restaurant they get kicked out, but they were a source a constant noise for us. We asked to move, got to sit outside, where they turned on two lamps just above us that were perfect for drawing in bugs. Got a moth in my wine and one in our appetizer. Luckily when the shouting from the other customers was done, the chef and staff started shouting as well, so we always had something to listen to! Most annoyingly, we requested a second bottle of wine (best to get liquored up with how odd everything had been) and I requested their cheapest risling wine. Our server brought out a second bottle of our 13$ more expensive first, which you'd think was sort of an apology for the absolute chaos, but no, she just charged us for two bottles of the 32$ wine we originally ordered. The only saving grace were the entrées, which were pretty good. Otherwise the bisque was lukewarm, and every other bit of food was mid. I'd actually be interested to return for the tour we never got, maybe a murder mystery dinner night or something, but as is, I don't think this place would be open if it wasn't being paid for by external sources. We were one of like 3 groups there. Super sad, bad night for them all there I suppose, but I'd be hesitant to recommend anyone do anything but look up some photos and eat dinner at home.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 2

Service: 1

The filet mignon was amazing. However, the sides were very bland. The elk and shrimp were not impressive by any means. The soda was flat. Our waitress was nice, but there was only one other couple at the restaurant and it took 20 minutes just to get our drinks. I got a glass of moscato for $10, and I think you could’ve purchased the entire bottle for that much. Overall, the food was worth a 1/4 of what we paid. Two plates, a glass of moscato, and a soda amounted to over $120.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 4

Service: 2

It needs a little TLC. But it was still very very nice.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Awful experience!!! I booked for our one year anniversary and our "special" dinner was ruined. We paid $126.00 for food you would buy at a fast food restaurant. Save your $$$.

We are frequent guests at Briarhurst Manor. The meal was one of the best we have had there. The Denver Steak and Scallop & Asparagus Risotto were excellent! The server was attentive and gracious. Highly recommend for a special nice dinner.