This was my husband and I's first fine dining experience... WOW!One thing we were worried about is that we would away still very hungry since fine dining has small portions (which is the only reason why we have never tried before) but rest assured you will be full.The food, atmosphere, and service was unbelievable. We did not do the wine pairings but I'm sure that was also very inspiring. We were blown away with presentation and flavor combinations of each dish.I have food restrictions (nightshades) and they were very accommodating. I ate without any fears that I might regret enjoying it so much later.We will be making a trip here from now during our yearly Maine trip.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mark Nahorney
A nice prefix meal in a lovely renovated mansion. Great staff. The cocktail specials were interesting and very good. The food offerings were good and the highlight was the add-on scallop and dessert. This was our second time and the food this time was not as good or interesting as last year. I still would recommend it.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
Justine R
My husband and I celebrated our first year anniversary in June 2023 here and had an exceptional and memorable dining experience. We added the wine pairing to our meal and highly recommend! We are pescatarian and the accommodations for our dietary preferences were greatly appreciated. This dinner was one for the books and a dining experience we will greatly treasure. Thank you!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Vanne Young
Incredible meal, service, ambiance… this place has it all!
gravel166
I noticed a big change from my experience dining here last year. The menu (exact same as "Hidden Gem" review) had two fewer courses, was primarily plant based, and the waits were longer in-between courses. I wish I had known ahead of time that the restaurant had changed to only 4 courses, that the only non-plant course would be a 1 oz portion of skate wing; and that diners not purchasing the "add on" courses would have to wait for other diners as they enjoyed their dish. For me, this changed the dining experience from one of being cared for to one of being manipulated. All that being said, I am extremely grateful that this business has restored an historic home in small town, midcoast Maine, bringing attention to the area's beauty and cultural heritage. I hope that the brains behind the Hichborn continue to refine and develop their operations in Stockton Springs and Searsport. Finally, the cream of celery soup knocked my socks off and the service was as attentive and efficient as ever.
Angelica I
Hands down my favorite restaurant ever (and that says a lot!). The meal from start to finish was different and creative. The food was outstanding and the chef even came to stop by the table at the end of the service. Still dreaming about the maine haddock with apple butter. Will definitely be back if we're in the area again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
826lianneh
Beautiful space to celebrate any special occasion. 4 course dinner with a small Amuse Bouche (Bean hummus with Beet Chips) the night we were there. Salad course (Heirloom Tomato with light Olive oil dressing) Soup course (Celery Onion) , Atlantuc Skate Wings with Potato Gnocchi ,and Lemon Olive oil Cake with Lemon Curd and Maine Blue Berries. A tangy lime sorbet in between fish course and dessert. All made for unique tastes of Maine We indulged in a state of Maine Raw Oyster course to start . Truly a treat as they were garnished with pickled minced Fiddleheads.( A Maine specialty wild grown vegetable) Everything was beautifully plated and each course delicious. The attentive friendly waitstaff person who was our personal server was the Best. We treat ourselves every August to celebrate our wedding anniversary and have done so in the past with friends. The Hichborn is a gem in a small rural coastal community. Dinner takes time..6:30 to 9:30 for us. Luckily we like each other but cutting the time to 2 hours would be ideal and still leisurely. Plan ahead Reserve a table Make a special Maine memory at this unique and charming restaurant.
NYorkAl
Hitchborn shows a total of 55 TA Reviews of which: 51 Excellent, 3 Very Good, and 1 Average. It’s zero Poor or Terrible ratings. Saw this, went to reserve which required $45 credit card guarantee for each $90 prix fix four course dinner. Amount of the deposit did seem bit on the high side, but, considering the glowing reviews together with the pics, figured what could possibly go wrong. How about just about everything right from the moment we pulled into the unpaved parking space and saw the building which certainly does not look anywhere out as pristine as on their web site or in the the FB photos. Should have looked those TA pics a bit more carefully as 90% are clearly staged and professionally photographed. The one’s that are not are partial views that look almost like out takes with little indication of anything. Anyway, back to the parking lot where we arrived at the 6:30 to be sure to be there on appointed time as we had been told to be on time for this one sitting event. As the entry doors were closed, we were kept waiting outside without any acknowledgment for about 10 minutes until let in. Pics on TA show glistening glasses, white table cloths, yada yada yada. It’s heavy bare wood tables, dark plates, just OK lighting with a few lit candles in cubbies of one wall. Our 19-year old waiter, when introducing himself, half apologized that he had just started working in a restaurant which, was confirmed as he had difficulty pronouncing what he was there to serve and, which side the plate the knives and forks went on. From the time we sat down, we did get the wine promptly, but the first course didn’t arrive until about 40 minutes later. This was described as Calyx Farm roasted beets, blueberries, Irish moss with Lacinato kale. Yes, it was cooked beets in a blue sauce with sprinkled tiny bits of green decoration. Neither was there any texture in this nor any sense of flavor other than just simply sweet. Next course, another 40 minutes later, was Heiwa Tofu, shishitos, garlic and scallion. Two small sticks of tofu slightly grilled or fried, some grilled green pepper slices, a thick sauce which presumably had the garlic and that decorated with scallion cuttings. Only flavor here was the thick sauce of little character. Another forty minutes for the main event which turned out to be one shish kebab skewer consisting of three smallish cubes of lamb separated by onions, and tomatoes. Lamb was fully cooked thru to full firm texture and, while still recognizable as lamb, nothing like you might look forward to as bite of a prime lamb chop cooked to a medium rare finish with a wine infused herb reduction to complement the texture and flavor. Best could tell, no marinade had been involved nor was there any sense of Any other flavoring of interest. By that time we had been there for more than two hours of mostly waiting. Asked that the desert be speeded up so we could take it with us so we get out of there. And asked for the bill as well which took 20 minutes. When the bill did arrive, it showed $194.70 owed with the usual a line for where the tip to be added. As the amount seemed strange, flipped through the paper work of which a photo is attached. To break it down, the bill had been credited for the $90 deposit that had been charged a week before before the dinner on July 28th when the reservation had been made and, an automatic 22% gratuity of $48.18 had been already added. So the gratuity line on the bill as presented had been a try for a tip on top of the 22% already included. Now that would have been OK, if when the bill was delivered, it had been made it clear that gratuity had already been included. Buty, nothing had been said. By the way, my credit card company shows that the $90.00 deposit was actually charged by Hitchborn as $92.35. Presumably, the 2.5% difference has been added to make up for the credit card fee. This had not been shown on the presented bill. Bottom line, total cost of this dinner for two was $286.95. In kindest sense, not worth even half that. Just one other observation. In looking how this could hav
Justine Ruhlin
My husband and I celebrated our first year anniversary in June 2023 here and had an exceptional and memorable dining experience. We added the wine pairing to our meal and highly recommend! We are pescatarian and the accommodations for our dietary preferences were greatly appreciated. This dinner was one for the books and a dining experience we will greatly treasure. Thank you!
Where do I begin? A charming house turned into a gastronomic experience. From the minute you walk in, a peace wafts over you. The waitress is so excited to share the chefs menu with you, it’s as if she’s sharing her most favorite gift with you. Then the courses came out, one by one, more impactful and delicious than the next. The presentation: humble yet creative. Filled with love and artistry. Who puts minced celery and salt on a lime sorbet as a palette cleanser? It was sublime! And then the shy, kind, hardworking chef comes by to greet each table. Wow, it all came together, the harmony of the place, food, atmosphere, it all came together after meeting and chatting with him. I have had some of the greatest meals in the world, both my husband and I add Hichborn to our list. Thank you for this experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dennis Hall
I don't agree with their methods of operation,or acquiring permits to operate said business.This is my opinion and believed that the State step in and revoke the liquor license that was issued, and that the Town manager be releaved of his job after renewal of said permit, and after being brought to his attention of a state law liquor served within 500' of a Church. Stockton Springs Town Code enforcement Officer should answer the question of how this state code could have possible been overlooked.
Marshall G
The service is very personal and friendly. The atmosphere is primitive yet cozy. The food has excellent ingredients and everything is very fresh, however, the food is sweet and bland and overall quite boring. It fits many Maine palettes who do not know any better. If you've eaten all over the world, you might want to save your money. Very expensive for the lack of risk.
Tim Vogelsang
My wife and I had a memorable meal at Hichborn in summer 2021, and we returned in August 2022. If anything, the experience this year was even better! Kirk and Charlie are doing great things. The $125 set menu is a relative bargain (my pictures show what each person eats). It has 7 official courses but is really 11 when you include the amuse bouche, the bread course, the sorbet course and cookies with the check. Charlie is a chef that has mastered the art of creative, technically skilled, cooking that allows the highest quality ingredients available to shine through. The wine list is well crafted. The service is attentive but not fussy. The staff is friendly and the place has a calm relaxing feel to it - a sign of a positive collaborative work environment. We will definitely return on our next trip to the Maine coast!
YiChia Kuo
What a gem! Fabulous food, beautiful atmosphere, spot on service. The house is lovingly maintained and wonderfully intimate. The food is perfect for the place and season. Thanks for hosting this solo diner and feeding her so well!
All these reviews are a fraud!
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
This was my husband and I's first fine dining experience... WOW!One thing we were worried about is that we would away still very hungry since fine dining has small portions (which is the only reason why we have never tried before) but rest assured you will be full.The food, atmosphere, and service was unbelievable. We did not do the wine pairings but I'm sure that was also very inspiring. We were blown away with presentation and flavor combinations of each dish.I have food restrictions (nightshades) and they were very accommodating. I ate without any fears that I might regret enjoying it so much later.We will be making a trip here from now during our yearly Maine trip.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A nice prefix meal in a lovely renovated mansion. Great staff. The cocktail specials were interesting and very good. The food offerings were good and the highlight was the add-on scallop and dessert. This was our second time and the food this time was not as good or interesting as last year. I still would recommend it.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
My husband and I celebrated our first year anniversary in June 2023 here and had an exceptional and memorable dining experience. We added the wine pairing to our meal and highly recommend! We are pescatarian and the accommodations for our dietary preferences were greatly appreciated. This dinner was one for the books and a dining experience we will greatly treasure. Thank you!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Incredible meal, service, ambiance… this place has it all!
I noticed a big change from my experience dining here last year. The menu (exact same as "Hidden Gem" review) had two fewer courses, was primarily plant based, and the waits were longer in-between courses. I wish I had known ahead of time that the restaurant had changed to only 4 courses, that the only non-plant course would be a 1 oz portion of skate wing; and that diners not purchasing the "add on" courses would have to wait for other diners as they enjoyed their dish. For me, this changed the dining experience from one of being cared for to one of being manipulated. All that being said, I am extremely grateful that this business has restored an historic home in small town, midcoast Maine, bringing attention to the area's beauty and cultural heritage. I hope that the brains behind the Hichborn continue to refine and develop their operations in Stockton Springs and Searsport. Finally, the cream of celery soup knocked my socks off and the service was as attentive and efficient as ever.
Hands down my favorite restaurant ever (and that says a lot!). The meal from start to finish was different and creative. The food was outstanding and the chef even came to stop by the table at the end of the service. Still dreaming about the maine haddock with apple butter. Will definitely be back if we're in the area again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Beautiful space to celebrate any special occasion. 4 course dinner with a small Amuse Bouche (Bean hummus with Beet Chips) the night we were there. Salad course (Heirloom Tomato with light Olive oil dressing) Soup course (Celery Onion) , Atlantuc Skate Wings with Potato Gnocchi ,and Lemon Olive oil Cake with Lemon Curd and Maine Blue Berries. A tangy lime sorbet in between fish course and dessert. All made for unique tastes of Maine We indulged in a state of Maine Raw Oyster course to start . Truly a treat as they were garnished with pickled minced Fiddleheads.( A Maine specialty wild grown vegetable) Everything was beautifully plated and each course delicious. The attentive friendly waitstaff person who was our personal server was the Best. We treat ourselves every August to celebrate our wedding anniversary and have done so in the past with friends. The Hichborn is a gem in a small rural coastal community. Dinner takes time..6:30 to 9:30 for us. Luckily we like each other but cutting the time to 2 hours would be ideal and still leisurely. Plan ahead Reserve a table Make a special Maine memory at this unique and charming restaurant.
Hitchborn shows a total of 55 TA Reviews of which: 51 Excellent, 3 Very Good, and 1 Average. It’s zero Poor or Terrible ratings. Saw this, went to reserve which required $45 credit card guarantee for each $90 prix fix four course dinner. Amount of the deposit did seem bit on the high side, but, considering the glowing reviews together with the pics, figured what could possibly go wrong. How about just about everything right from the moment we pulled into the unpaved parking space and saw the building which certainly does not look anywhere out as pristine as on their web site or in the the FB photos. Should have looked those TA pics a bit more carefully as 90% are clearly staged and professionally photographed. The one’s that are not are partial views that look almost like out takes with little indication of anything. Anyway, back to the parking lot where we arrived at the 6:30 to be sure to be there on appointed time as we had been told to be on time for this one sitting event. As the entry doors were closed, we were kept waiting outside without any acknowledgment for about 10 minutes until let in. Pics on TA show glistening glasses, white table cloths, yada yada yada. It’s heavy bare wood tables, dark plates, just OK lighting with a few lit candles in cubbies of one wall. Our 19-year old waiter, when introducing himself, half apologized that he had just started working in a restaurant which, was confirmed as he had difficulty pronouncing what he was there to serve and, which side the plate the knives and forks went on. From the time we sat down, we did get the wine promptly, but the first course didn’t arrive until about 40 minutes later. This was described as Calyx Farm roasted beets, blueberries, Irish moss with Lacinato kale. Yes, it was cooked beets in a blue sauce with sprinkled tiny bits of green decoration. Neither was there any texture in this nor any sense of flavor other than just simply sweet. Next course, another 40 minutes later, was Heiwa Tofu, shishitos, garlic and scallion. Two small sticks of tofu slightly grilled or fried, some grilled green pepper slices, a thick sauce which presumably had the garlic and that decorated with scallion cuttings. Only flavor here was the thick sauce of little character. Another forty minutes for the main event which turned out to be one shish kebab skewer consisting of three smallish cubes of lamb separated by onions, and tomatoes. Lamb was fully cooked thru to full firm texture and, while still recognizable as lamb, nothing like you might look forward to as bite of a prime lamb chop cooked to a medium rare finish with a wine infused herb reduction to complement the texture and flavor. Best could tell, no marinade had been involved nor was there any sense of Any other flavoring of interest. By that time we had been there for more than two hours of mostly waiting. Asked that the desert be speeded up so we could take it with us so we get out of there. And asked for the bill as well which took 20 minutes. When the bill did arrive, it showed $194.70 owed with the usual a line for where the tip to be added. As the amount seemed strange, flipped through the paper work of which a photo is attached. To break it down, the bill had been credited for the $90 deposit that had been charged a week before before the dinner on July 28th when the reservation had been made and, an automatic 22% gratuity of $48.18 had been already added. So the gratuity line on the bill as presented had been a try for a tip on top of the 22% already included. Now that would have been OK, if when the bill was delivered, it had been made it clear that gratuity had already been included. Buty, nothing had been said. By the way, my credit card company shows that the $90.00 deposit was actually charged by Hitchborn as $92.35. Presumably, the 2.5% difference has been added to make up for the credit card fee. This had not been shown on the presented bill. Bottom line, total cost of this dinner for two was $286.95. In kindest sense, not worth even half that. Just one other observation. In looking how this could hav
My husband and I celebrated our first year anniversary in June 2023 here and had an exceptional and memorable dining experience. We added the wine pairing to our meal and highly recommend! We are pescatarian and the accommodations for our dietary preferences were greatly appreciated. This dinner was one for the books and a dining experience we will greatly treasure. Thank you!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Where do I begin? A charming house turned into a gastronomic experience. From the minute you walk in, a peace wafts over you. The waitress is so excited to share the chefs menu with you, it’s as if she’s sharing her most favorite gift with you. Then the courses came out, one by one, more impactful and delicious than the next. The presentation: humble yet creative. Filled with love and artistry. Who puts minced celery and salt on a lime sorbet as a palette cleanser? It was sublime! And then the shy, kind, hardworking chef comes by to greet each table. Wow, it all came together, the harmony of the place, food, atmosphere, it all came together after meeting and chatting with him. I have had some of the greatest meals in the world, both my husband and I add Hichborn to our list. Thank you for this experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I don't agree with their methods of operation,or acquiring permits to operate said business.This is my opinion and believed that the State step in and revoke the liquor license that was issued, and that the Town manager be releaved of his job after renewal of said permit, and after being brought to his attention of a state law liquor served within 500' of a Church. Stockton Springs Town Code enforcement Officer should answer the question of how this state code could have possible been overlooked.
The service is very personal and friendly. The atmosphere is primitive yet cozy. The food has excellent ingredients and everything is very fresh, however, the food is sweet and bland and overall quite boring. It fits many Maine palettes who do not know any better. If you've eaten all over the world, you might want to save your money. Very expensive for the lack of risk.
My wife and I had a memorable meal at Hichborn in summer 2021, and we returned in August 2022. If anything, the experience this year was even better! Kirk and Charlie are doing great things. The $125 set menu is a relative bargain (my pictures show what each person eats). It has 7 official courses but is really 11 when you include the amuse bouche, the bread course, the sorbet course and cookies with the check. Charlie is a chef that has mastered the art of creative, technically skilled, cooking that allows the highest quality ingredients available to shine through. The wine list is well crafted. The service is attentive but not fussy. The staff is friendly and the place has a calm relaxing feel to it - a sign of a positive collaborative work environment. We will definitely return on our next trip to the Maine coast!
What a gem! Fabulous food, beautiful atmosphere, spot on service. The house is lovingly maintained and wonderfully intimate. The food is perfect for the place and season. Thanks for hosting this solo diner and feeding her so well!
Loading...