50th birthday celebration here, and couldn't have been better. We rented out the barn and it was a perfect venue with room for kiddies to play. Service staff was accommodating and professional, on point, and skillful. They handled a crowd of 22 with ease and patience, despite 4 year olds running around and the host's neuroses :) . The menu was beautifully presented, the food was cooked to perfection (chef didn't mind special requests), personalized cake was included in the cost, and it was all delicious. We are picky and critical, and it was simply great. Thank you, Ezra, and Spring Mill for making our birthday celebration a truly happy one. We will see you again soon.
Wonderful meal at the Spring Mill Cafe. We sat inside. Although the seating outside looked appealing, the cafe sits on a very busy road, which takes away from the elegance of outdoor seating. Seating is very tight, but cozy. We sat in the back room, and it was very nice. We both had the filet mignon and hazelnut escargot for an appetizer. The filet was done to perfection, and they were huge. They are the entire tenderloin, not just the button. Served in a peppercorn sauce and sliced by the chef. Excellent. We brought a 2011 Bordeaux that went perfect with the meal. The Cafe is BYOB !!! The daffodil cake for desert was to die for. I'm not a sweet eater at all, and this was great. The only drawback was the fact that the tables were covered in paper table cloths. This took away from the ambience a bit. An not wait to try the cafe for breakfast. We will definitely be back soon!
1st timers to the cafe and came for Sunday Brunch. This quaint restaurant is the real thing; so quintessential of a French country experience in Conshohocken. Hazelnut Escargot, farm fresh eggs, and such wonderful service! We were even seated at a table for two nestled in a little nook. Everything was freshly prepared and cooked perfectly. Can't wait to return to try dinner!
We dine as often as we can at Spring Mill Cafe but last night they had a special event. Spring Mill Cafe joined with Penn's Woods Winery in Chaddsford, PA for a wine tasting dinner at the cafe. It was absolutely wonderful! We had five wines with four courses. Each course was excellently prepared and paired perfectly with the wines from Penn's Woods. I can't even give you a favorite of the evening because they were all very different but flowed with the evening so well. When we arrived we were greeted with a Riesling, then the courses began with a scallop course paired with Chardonnay followed by a Cornish hen paired with Merlot, then a cheese course with a White Merlot and finally their decadent Montmorency chocolate cake with port. While we have been to Spring Mill for special occasions or just make up a special occasion to go, we have never participated in their special events. Now that we have had this great experience, we will make sure they are all added to the calendar.
(5)
Mo F.
Excellent. I am so thrilled to have found this gem of a restaurant so close to my home! The service was fantastic - it is hard to get it 'just right' and this crew does. And the food was delicious. Love that it's a BYO, too!
If you're looking for authentic French food in the Philly suburbs, this is your place. My boyfriend and I come here frequently for date nights; it's a perfect atmosphere and the food is to die for. It's a bonus that SMC is a BYOB! I recommend: the salmon and trout salad (I get it every time. Never fails!!!), escargots, their swordfish entree (fall and winter months) and sea scallops (spring and summer). My boyfriend loves the grass fed filet mignon a la maison with seared foie gras. Just the best. Far exceeds any other restaurant in conshy.
(5)
Craig D.
(3.75) ~ Good Food & Service OUR NEW YEAR'S MENU: DRINKS: * Water(tap) = (4) very good...must be filtered;) * Coffee = (3.5) good APPETIZERS: * French Rolls w. Butter(FREE) = (4) very good...liked that the rolls were warm;) * Goat Cheese & Brioche = (3.5) good * Oysters = (3.5) good SOUPS: * Lobster Bisque = (4) very good * Parsnip Soup = (3.5) good ENTREES: * Filet Mignon = (4) very good * Quail & Polenta = (3.5) good * Rack of Lamb = (3.5) good DESSERTS: * Chocolate Mousse = (3.5) good
(4)
Penelope H.
After a break of a year or so, I was back at this wonderful French country restaurant and wondering why I had left it so long. It is a gem tucked on a country road just outside Conshohocken. On Saturday night they were busy with their barn annex open, and outdoor patio full, in tandem with the main restaurant, but that did not affect the perfectly timed, gracious service in any way. The food was as delicious and perfectly presented as ever: we had the gazpacho and wild mushroom salad to start, followed by the half rack of lamb and the special striped bass and risotto. It was hard to decide who had chosen the best dish as they were equally delicious. We splurged and had two desserts: the apple clafoutis and the decadent chocolate cake. It was a wonderful, perfect evening in this charming, romantic spot where the food never disappoints...it deserves every bit of the 5 stars.
(5)
Shari R.
There are few times when everything from ambience to food is just right. I took my Mother and a friend to the Spring Mill Cafe for a special excursion. The most beautiful gardens greeted us. As we entered we then felt like we had arrived in France in this lovely stucco setting. The food, too, seemed like it had been prepared by the loving and culinarily expert hands of family.... If one could be so lucky to have such talented family. The pate with cornihon was authentic and delicious. For entrees the Duck Confit Salad was outstanding, as was the rabbit and the grass-fed burger, for someone looking for more conventional. But even that was elevated by a knowing French sensibiliy, topped with a carmelized onion marmalade! Save room for he Daffodil Cake. It is divine! I made an exception to my no sugar rule for this and it was worth it! All together it was like a trip to France-- without the jet lag. A pure delight!
(5)
Maxim K.
I believe you can't call yourself a food connoisseur, foodie, food-lover, restaurateur, or just someone who enjoys a fine dinning experience in Philadelphia without experiencing Spring Mill Cafe. The walls are sipped in the aroma of delightful French cuisine. The food enhances the ambiance of the nature and history all around you. As soon as I walked into the house, I felt at easy. The room set up is cozy and intimate. A french speaking waitress delighted us with amazing service. I had their classic rabbit dish. The dish varies subtly to conform with seasons. It was an amazing!!! I need an extra fresh baked warm bread to clean the rich and flavorful sauce. The rabbit was the best I have ever ate. We finished a meal with a staple of French cuisine, chocolate mouse. As someone who enjoys a bit too much of sweats, the mouse was just right!!! One of the best dining experiences of my life.
(5)
Jay G.
Spring Mill Cafe is located right near the intersection of Barren Hill Road and River Road. The parking lot entrance is between the main building and the barn building, a bit up Barren Hill Road from the River Road intersection, while the exit is located right near the intersection. I actually accidentally passed the parking lot entrance here as I wasn't sure where to pull in and had to turn around up the road. After turning around, I proceeded to accidentally go into the exit of the parking lot but fortunately nobody else was attempting to drive through there. First, we went to the main building and there was a party finishing up in there so we were directed to the barn building where we were seated at the window table overlooking the parking lot and woods behind it. The restaurant had a french country feel to it but the barn was definitely heavily based on the french country design as the interior was decorated with french items and paintings. This provided an interesting experience for my girlfriend and I that night for dinner. We were the only people there at 4:00 P.M. for dinner but we were both pretty hungry and actually enjoyed not being in a crowded restaurant. The only downside was that you could hear the waitresses talking in the small kitchen which is in the same room. The waitress we had was very friendly and nice. As for our appetizers, my girlfriend tried the smoked salmon special while I ordered the grilled octopus and pate tasting. The smoked salmon special and grilled octopus were both very good. The pate tasting was different and interesting but I enjoyed each of the tastings of chicken liver, venison with foie gras, and boudin noire (blood sausage). The other appetizer I wanted to try was the escargots but at this point I was already getting full so I decided to skip it until next time. For entrees, we both had the grass fed filet mignon a la maison. I added the seared foie gras to my order which is one of my favorite foods. The steaks were both very good, although my girlfriend's steak arrived under cooked from the kitchen. She still enjoyed the steak a lot so it wasn't a big deal. The foie gras was very good with the filet mignon but wasn't perfectly cleared of veins and all of the other things within the duck liver. It didn't matter either way as it was delicious anyway. The mashed potatoes on the side of the steak were very good and flavorful. We decided to end our night with a pistachio creme brulee dessert which was very good. We finished the entire thing even though we were already full. The espressos here were also good but made with a modern machine versus older espresso methods. Overall, the food was very good here and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a delicious french style meal.
(4)
Jan M.
A gem for French food in this area! The food is well executed and the service is great! We had octopus salad, shrimp remounted, hazelnut escargot, and pate tasting. All four appetizers were great, just the right amount of seasoning and balance of flavors. My boyfriend had the filet mignon topped with seared foie gra, which were done to perfection. Desert was ok, but the best part was the actual food. Overall fantastic BYOB place for good French cuisine.
(4)
Sam H.
Went here for my second meal. The first time I was here for dinner and had one of the best cassoulets. Today we came for lunch and I had the smoked salmon cucumber sandwich with goat cheese. My wife had the steak sandwich. I really enjoyed my sandwich. I was the right balance of salmon with goat cheese - yummy. My wife didn't like her sandwich as much because there was too much horseradish on it. It was hard to taste the blue cheese because the horseradish overpowered that taste. We ordered the apple bread pudding with praline ice cream and the chocolate mousse. The apple bread pudding was very dense but very tasty with the ice cream. The chocolate mousse was also very creamy and tasty. Overall, we enjoyed our meal here. The vibe is quirky, but in a very postive way.
(4)
Mark M.
Went here on the night I got engaged with my wife. What a cool place!! It's kind of tucked away from the bustle of conshohocken which is nice. The house wife is great but what is killer is the food!! The filet mignon was the single handed best thing I have ever ate my entire life. No lie. Truffle butter and yum!!!
EDIT : Returned to Spring Mill Cafe last weekend and was very impressed with both the service and the food, to the point that I'm back on Yelp to give them that 5th star. The Cassoulet was to die for ! As far service, everyone was very attentive and the manager checked in with us often to make sure things were going as promised. Spring Mill Cafe is becoming a regular spot for us !
(5)
Rachel D.
I was brought here on a date last week and had a really excellent meal. I have just moved to Philly so this restaurant was a great find. The service was perfect, Nathan in particular really made us feel very welcome and well looked after. We had a very bad start to the evening when a very rude old couple began shouting and cursing at us for smoking outside, even though we had asked the restaurant was it ok to smoke first. She actually spat out " your drug addiction is forcing us to go inside". And then they walked in and came back outside 2 minutes later. Dramatic! Honestly, I felt like just leaving at that stage but the staff were so nice, we decided to stay and have our meal. And we were both glad that we did as it was excellent. Definitely recommend the food and service, just beware of scary old couples, ranting like possessed gremlins who own the world and you should be fine.
(4)
anne s.
Time after time, whether for lunch, brunch or dinner, the Spring Mill Cafe always gets it right. The food is fresh, with much locally sourced, and always interesting. The service is attentive but non-intrusive and the servers are knowledgable. I do not feel as if I am in Conshohocken but rather transported to the countryside. I highly recommend this gem!
(5)
Natalie S.
My Boyfriend and I came here last night for our anniversary and it was perfect! The restaurant was adorable and charming. We started out with the escargot, which neither of us had before. We were nervous about trying it but I'm glad we did. It was very garlicy and yummy. The appetizer was really only meant for one person, but that's okay because then we had plenty of room for the entree and dessert. For the entree I had the filet mignon (without the foie gras), and it was soo tender. It melted in my mouth. I loved it. My boyfriend had the Rabbit, which he liked, but he didn't finish all the pasta that accompanied because he was full. For dessert we had the mouse which was also very yummy. I definitely recommend for a romantic night!
(5)
B L.
One of my favorite places...try the rabbit stew...i know how can i eat a rabbit...easy just open your mouth insert, chew, etc....
(4)
John C.
Rustic and charming describe The Spring Mill cafe in a surprisingly remote corner of Conshohocken. While the look of the place and the menu certainly feel like an authentic French farm house, we found some delicious sounding plates to be overcooked on a busy Saturday night. Both the lapin and duck entrees were a bit dry, apparently microwaved too much when reheated for serving. Even the octopus salad special was dry and chewy, with just a few pieces of lettuce to add some moisture to the dish. The tastes were spot on, the service very (maybe a little too) attentive. But a little more care was needed in the preparation to earn a higher rating.
(3)
Michael B.
This place has an abundance of charm and the roasted quail, the half-rack of lamb, and the short ribs were really delicious. Couldn't finish the large serving of short ribs. All of the portions were ample.
(4)
Laura S.
The five course wine pairing meal was a delicious and memorable experience - unique atmosphere, top-notch service, and what an affordable price point, considering the generous pours/refills of wine and the five beautifully presented courses of food! The melon gazpacho was refreshing and balanced between sweet and tart/acidic flavors, and was lovely with the off-dry Riesling from Grandview Vineyards. The rack of lamb was the highlight of the meal for me: tender, juicy, and mouth-watering with the fried polenta and fig balsamic reduction - and fantastic with the Pino Noir. I also loved the full bodied Cabernet Franc with the potent, creamy Blue d'Auvergne cheese and sliced baguette - an intense explosion of flavors when paired. Spring Mill's chocolate mousse continues to stand as the best mousse I've ever had at a restaurant - dark, chocolately flavor with a light, airy texture. The Farm House ambiance is 100% unique and rustic. Looking forward to going back!
(5)
Brad B.
A wonderful meal in a beautiful setting with great service. My wife and I started with the Woodland Jewel Mushroom Salad - it was a good size serving with local mushrooms and some quality Manchego cheese. From there she had the Pork Chop au Poivre and I had the Grass Fed Filet Mignon à la Maison. Both were fantastic cuts and were prepared perfectly with great sides. We finished with the Daffodil cake which is definitely not to be missed. The berries, lime, and coconut are the perfect end to a meal. They also serve La Colombe coffee if you want something warm at the end of the meal. We've eaten at Amis and Fork the last two weekends and Spring Mill was by far the best meal of all three. Add the fact that it's a BYOB and you've got yourself a great spot for a romantic dinner. A+
(5)
Elayne W.
Just fabulous! This past Saturday, the Spring Mill Cafe hosted a bridal shower brunch I threw for my sister. The restaurant was a perfect size to accommodate our party of 36 and had a decor that was very warm and charming. Every staff member was super welcoming and accommodating from the moment we arrived(Joe was awesome and schlepped our things to and from our car, including a heavy case of booze). They even printed out a special menu with a picture of my sister and her fiance on it (a really nice touch that helped make the day unique and memorable). During the event, guests kept coming up to me to say that the restaurant was lovely and just perfect. Most importantly, my sister had a great time and loved everything about the restaurant. Now onto the food. Everything was delicious! We had several options for the first two courses and cake and sorbet for dessert. Everyone enjoyed their meals whether they chose the chicken salad, salmon, or quiche. Service went smoothly and moved at a very good pace. Not a complaint to be heard. I'm sure we've all been to a bridal shower where we all couldn't wait to leave. That was not the case here. People were enjoying themselves so much I had to urge them to leave since the restaurant needed to prepare for dinner service. The event was a success in no small part to the great staff and tasty food at Spring Mill Cafe. I can't recommend Spring Mill Cafe enough. They really knocked it out of the park.
(5)
Jacki G.
I came here for lunch yesterday. I regret not ordering a full bowl of their seafood bisque...or 2 bowls for that matter! The octopus salad was lovely and I even got a taste of my friends smoked salmon,cucumber, goat cheese sandwich -- a fantastic choice that I was originally planning on ordering. Final verdict: Delicious and will go there again...for lunch, which I think is reasonably priced at $$ I was surprised there were not more people there for lunch.
(5)
Nicole G.
Meh. That pretty much sums our whole experience...we were seated in the barn, which on a non cold night might have been romantic, but if it's cold that's pretty much what you take away. Other than the cold, the atmosphere was charming. The food however left much to be desired...the mushroom soup was over processed and under seasoned. The filet had a odd flavor and the potatoes left much to be desired. The steak knife had seen better days, as the one I was given might have been as old as the barn itself. And as I should be able to cut filet with a butter knife, well that says something. Dessert was the one last chance at redemption, apple bread pudding, and they fell short. Meh. Just meh.
I had the Lapin aux Prubne aux (rabbit), my husband the Seared Sea Scallop. Both were prepared beautifully, but, for the price, the scallop dish was quite small. It's a great place for couples, but don't expect to feel stuffed. The dishes are meant for palet pleasure not full tummies. We're looking forward to the next romantic occasion to revisit. Don't forget to bring your favorite wine and leave room for the desserts. They will only add to the already romantice ambience.
(4)
Paul F.
Simply outstanding! The food has a French flair, but is absolutely approachable to anyone who may not feel they have a palette for French food. The ingredients are fresh, the cooking is simple and the environment is fun and casual. Go for brunch and go for dinner...make sure you bring your favorite bottle of champagne and/or wine. You can't go wrong!
Love this BYO French bistro! Classic French fare, great service and atmosphere. Brunch is terrific too.
(4)
Maria S.
My daughter's bridal shower was held at the Spring Mill Cafe. It was an absolutely lovely, flawless affair. We started with a cocktail hour on the patio outside which was framed by beautiful flowers. The weather was perfect and after the dreary winter, everyone was as to be outdoors. The staff was extremely attentive poring mimosas as guests arrived. We also noshed on cheese trays with not only cheese but honeycomb, nuts and fruit. The indoor space is very quaint and charming. Our group was large enough, 30, to warrant use of the entire restaurant which made it our own private party. There is another building on site where they served lunch to the general public. The guests had choices of 3 starters, 3 main dishes and 2 desserts. Everyone raved about the food especially the potato leek soup, chicken salad, specialty quiche, and cake. The excellent service continued throughout the day. I highly recommend the Spring Mill Cafe as a small party venue.
(5)
John F.
Wonderful French bistro. Lots of choices. Great service. Well executed food. The venison country pate was exceptional.
(4)
Sheila S.
We went to the Spring Mill Cafe for our 25th wedding anniversary. I always wanted to go here but never did, so I was very excited. The waitstaff was very helpful and courteous, and placed our 2nd bottle of wine in their refrigerator, and placed the first on ice, since it was warm. There was no parking left in the lot, so we parked on a side street on the side of the road. We were seated immediately, but my seat was an old wood slat bench that killed my back. We both got the seafood bisque and it was excellent. My husband had the swordfish and he said it was very good. I had the filet mignon. I ordered it medium, but when I cut into it, it was very rare. I ate the pieces I could from around the edges, and it was so tender and tasty. However, I couldn't pin down anyone walking around to tell them about it, so I ate the side dishes, which were very good as well. I took the rest of the meat home to have for lunch the next day. What a waste! The waitress apologized, but I heard from no one else. The desserts were Daffodil Cake, which was excellent, and my bread pudding, which was surprisingly light. Our waitress was the best. I only wish the filet had been cooked properly, especially because it was the main part of the meal, one of their specialties and it was highly priced. I am confused that the chef could not know that the meat was improperly cooked. This a definitely a quality control issue. If not for that, I would have given this restaurant four stars.
(3)
Zack L.
This is a nice brunch. There was a dinner party in the main hall so we were sent to the nearby farmhouse despite having a reservation. The decor in the farm house is nice although sitting in one area will create the illusion that you're simply in someone's kitchen. Maybe its not an illusion. The gluten free baguettes are basically cheese. Marvelous.
Spring Mill Cafe is one of my girlfriend's and my spot to dinner and catch up!! We had one of our catch-up dinners just before she had her baby and we had as great a time as we always do! The staff is always pleasant and friendly. We always start with the cheese plate, as we love the accompaniments of quince paste, honey, Marconi almonds, etc and then usually share an app, each get an entree, and then dessert!! Needless to say, we are always extremely full when we leave, but it's a date I look forward to every time we get together. The food is great and the ambiance is perfect for catching up with friends and family. Love this tucked away french cafe :)
(5)
Brian H.
I just have to report in and upgrade this wonderful French Country BYOB. Service was impeccable from the courteous greeting when you walk in, the server promptly coming to your table to uncork your wine, the knowledge of the server (Tanya, this time) of the preparation of every dish, the confidant response to our questions, the presentation of the specials in a warm, interesting, comfortable, pleasant manner, not a rushed, snotty, repetitious kind of way. Apps: 5 star Wild mushroom salad - an interesting array of wild mushrooms, greens, little sweet walnuts, not heavily candied, and wonderful pieces of a delicious mild country cheese, dressed perfectly, combinations of flavors very pleasing Quail over micro greens - yes, as an appetizer, a beautiful presentation of a whole tiny quail, moist and texture perfect. Entrees: 5 star Deconstructed Duck cassoulet - fabulous. with tender pieces of pork belly and sausage, slow roasted duck, beans and tomato, with each flavor remaining distinct and savory, but still giving you the seasonal warm, comfort-food combination. Skate with brown butter and garden vegetables - as simple as this dish sounds, it is remarkable how a texture-perfect piece of fish bathed in brown butter, and the importance of the kitchen staff's attention to detail such as proficiency in cooking simple veggies can be so delightful. Dessert: 4 star Clafoutis with strawberries - a right-out-of-the-oven crock of the french custard-like mixture served with fresh strawberries and a scoop of vanilla ice cream progressively melting from the heat beneath was a commendatory close to our dining event. Applause!! Applause!!
(5)
Nicholas W.
I have lived in the area my whole life. I have driven by this restaurant probably 4 days a week, and always disregarded it because I looked at the menu one day many years ago and always remembered seeing pate and having that one item burned into my brain. I WAS WRONG!! This place is awesome. The old general store feel is awesome. The server was very knowledgeable with the menu, ingredients, and the overall history of the building. All of these great things were backed up by the excellent food that came out of the kitchen. One of the people in our group has a very difficult time passing up Foie Gras, and was very excited to see it all over the menu and available as an add on the Filet. This place is a truly fantastic BYO. Do your self a favor and go have dinner there.
(5)
Sean B.
Only here twice, once for a wedding reception, second for dinner with the gf. The food and atmosphere are both exceptional. I had the lamb chops last night, woke up thinking about them, hence the review. It's BYOB, apps dinner and dessert for two totaled $100. It was worth it, all around quality experience.
Whenever I visit the Philly area, I make sure to eat at Spring Mill Cafe. I'll usually get whatever is on special and have never been disappointed.
(5)
Sri C.
Finally decided to check out all of the hype surrounding this local gem. It truly is a special occasion restaurant wrapped up in a quaint, cottage setting. The food that we had was quite good and fresh. We liked that it was a BYOB. The parking is a bit cramped in the parking lot, so make sure to allow for some time to get settled. Our server didn't go into the history of the building or specifics of the menu so much as others have Yelped--it would have been definitely appreciated (maybe next time). The portions are all about the right size--nothing way too large. One note, if you are vegetarian, they offer a vegetarian option, but basically, it is the side dishes of all of the other main dishes put together at the chef's discretion. In other words, there is no main entree on the vegetarian plate. It took a few times asking our server to finally understand that (I wasn't trying to be rude just really wanted clarification, but she may have been offended). I went with the grass-fed ribeye steak it was great :-)
(4)
Kristin N.
Have lived in the area for 20 years and can't believe I haven't been here 'til now. The entire property oozes charm! We enjoyed a wonderful anniversary dinner here. We started with the quail appetizer and the cheese plate. Then we had the skate (first time, won't be the last time) and the Lancaster grass-fed filet. Both of us cleaned our plates! Dessert was the clafoutis and daffodil cake. Service was attentive and well-paced; it is clear they know of what they speak. When we left at 8pm, the restaurant was buzzing with happy diners.
(5)
Brad P.
This is the best escargot I've had in Philadelphia. Yeah, they have other menu items, I guess.
We had a wonderful anniversary dinner here last week. The service was great, attentive but not too over the top. The food was great, as usual. And the mid-week prix fixe is one of the best deals around! Can't wait to go back again.
(5)
Simran C.
Food was great. As I am familiar with French style dining, I was not surprised that substitutes were not allowed. Everyone in my party enjoyed their meals. The young waitress with long brown hair wasn't the friendliest but our main waitetress who took our order was very nice. I was just put off by the young lady who was helping out our waiter as she bumped into me several times while serving the table behind us. She also just put the food down in front of me, there was no "enjoy" or "bon appetit" or not even a smile on her face. But still, this did not deter my liking for the food. Will definitely visit again.
food is very good byo is nice if you are a wine person the glassware is not very good service for the main course seems very slow when they open the farmhouse area i wonder if the kitchen is not big enough to support both areas overall a nice experience
(3)
Dave H.
Spring Mill Cafe is a romantic BYOB tucked away in a Conshohocken nook. Their charming decor is peppered with vintage artifacts of a bygone era. Walking in is almost like visiting France. (In fact, the owner grew up there.) A friend and I dined here one Friday. We managed to find the place without getting too lost, and their large parking lot was a welcome treat. Besides folks dining on their patio, it wasn't terribly crowded. Dinner was a pleasure. Our server (Nicolleta) was attentive, anticipating our needs, keeping us happy. Our appetizers (ah, escargot!) and entrees were savory, countrified French fare, on par with other Gallic places I've been, and worth the price. My rabbit was a little dry, but tasty, and seasoned just right. My friend enjoyed her dish too. Good company, good cooking, and good service, what's better than that? Can't wait to try their brunch service! Recommended, and worth a trip to the suburbs - they're a short walk from the Spring Mill train stop. P.S. I'm happy to see this review get Review of the Day (ROTD)! UPDATE 2/17/2009: Changing my star rating to 5 - I realllllly had a good time. Also, check out their web site for the latest menu and other updates!
(5)
Helena B.
As a lover of French food, speaker of the language, and foodie traveler, i am usually hesitant to give a place 5 stars. Spring Mill Cafe deserves it. We came here for our anniversary and were treated well. Wonderful intimate atmosphere and great service. So charming at night! Airy and a little rustic. Good warm lighting. There are no bad tables. Settle in and enjoy the home French cooking. This is definitely a place where people like to sit, talk, and take their time eating. Love, love, LOVED the escargot (attention garlic lovers) with light dill cream sauce and the pate tasting! Get the winter menu items before they are all gone! Eg. The Deconstructed Cassoulet and the Lapin aux Pruneaux! Don't be afraid to pick up the bone and get the little bits a fork is too inferior to grab. Portions are not small and aren't huge. They are just right. Oh and yes there is a dessert menu I've been musing over for a while now. Very memorable choices. Definitely recommend the Daffodil cake and chocolate mousse. My only gripe is the awkward parking lot. It was a little weird turning in and fellow drivers of the dark, windy road didn't appreciate me slowing to safe speed to do so. Not that big of a deal. Just get here and get your grub on.
(5)
Elizabeth D.
This is a great alternative for lunch in Conshohocken. It's a little off the beaten path - on Barren Hill Rd. You can eat on the front porch, which is great in good weather. Our server was friendly and attentive. I had a glass of iced tea to start. The cuisine is French inspired - omelets, croque madame, steak frites, salads. I had the smoked salmon, cucumber, and goat cheese sandwich with a side salad. It would have been a nice and light lunch, but I split the tarte tatin with my dining companion. The desserts are all made in house. This tarte used pears instead of apples, but it was served warm with vanilla ice cream - so good! I would definitely come back here for lunch. It's a little more expensive than your typical lunch spot but it's well worth it.
(5)
Brian W.
My new wife and I held our wedding in the barn at the Spring Mill Cafe. The service was first rate and the food wonderful. The combination made for a wonderfully memorable afternoon. We highly recommend this restaurant!
Mixed results. The appetizers were fine, but by and large everything was a little overcooked and under-spiced. Overall, the meal left a great deal to be desired. It wasn't terrible, but it certainly wasn't good enough to visit again or recommend to friends who I like.
(2)
Patricia L.
My husband and I dined twice at Spring Mill Cafe and enjoyed it both times. The atmosphere is very cozy especially on a cold winters night and the wait staff exceptionally pleasant. I had the swordfish both times accompanied by root vegetables that made it a tasty and satisfying dish. My husband had the game hen and commented about the tenderness and flavoring. We shared a dessert -- the daffodil cake. I am not normally a dessert person but this cake is fabulous. My only complaint concerns the slice size. The second time ordered it was a sliver of a slice as compared to the first time.
(4)
Laurence R.
Everything was great. Our first but certainly not last visit!
(4)
Sarah L.
I commuted to work for two years, passing the Spring Mill Cafe (nestled into Barren Hill Road right before the intersection of Hector St.) and almost daily I kicked myself for not having tried it yet. On my last day of my old job, my boss took me here for a bon voyage lunch. Rejoice! The inside was just as I'd hoped: like someone's cozy house with charmingly creaky wood floors and understated French rustic decor. They had an abbreviated menu for lunch and we both enjoyed the chicken salad, so bottom line, I don't have much variety to report by way of food. But, the ambiance and service was enough that I can't wait to return for a relaxing date night with my love, sharing a bottle of red, enjoying the duck and for once, cozied up inside instead of driving by only wishing that I were. :)
(4)
Christie V.
Very unprofessional owner, not at all helpful or willing to make your experience a pleasant one. Be sure to have everything you need for events in writing or expect some unpleasant surprises at the end. I will say the wait staff is very friendly and they food is good, even if it may not be what you asked for.
(2)
Danan R.
Excellent garlic butter-sauteed escargot, as others have mentioned but the pate trio plate is my favorite dish here. You get a sampling of the chicken, country, and rillette. The truffled chicken is especially savory. The cassoulet with pork belly, duck, sausage, and beans is great, but the rabbit is also a good, healthier option. Service is always fantastic. If you are here for brunch, I highly recommend the caviar omelette with a side of roasted potatoes. It sounds like a strange combination but it is delicious. And the potatoes are perfectly roasted and seasoned. It will be hard to return to the traditional, bland hash browns, though, so be forewarned! Cafe au lait adds the finishing touch. This is definitely one of the best restaurants in Conshy.
(5)
Regina F.
The escargot is amazing. Phenomenal. Exemplary. Splendid. Fantastic. Sensational. Marvelous. Stupendous. Piquant. Extraordinary. You know all those adjectives you learned in 7th grade English class but readily forgot? Yeah, well dig those up. Nix out all of the ones synonymous with "drab," "mediocre," or even "good." Keep all of the ones meaning "the best ever," put them in one line, and this is how to describe the escargot at Spring Mill. The escargot is served atop a slightly sweet brioche that willingly absorbs the creamy garlic butter-cream-stuff that the chef has generously doused your plate in. Your snails died by drowning...it's true. The garlic-butter-cream sauce has a hint of basil in it and is as creamy-garlicky-buttery as possible. (I'm not really sure where the line between cream and butter is...but this sauce is on the frontier for sure.) Everything else is good. The Coquilles Saint Jacques features scallops elegantly served in seashells supported by smooth mashed potatoes surrounded by a sea of moderately flavored white cream sauce. The vegetables are few, just barely polka-doting the surface. The special dessert featured a blueberry cake - French style - not too sweet and with a bread pudding texture erring on the side of Creme Brulee feel. There were plenty of fresh blueberries, which was nice. The accompanying vanilla bean ice cream provided a final smooth douse of cream for your arteries. .... (As an aside: After leaving Springmill cafe, even with all of that beurre et creme, I didn't feel overloaded...just sort of zen and happy. No wonder the French always seem so chipper: eat tons of butter and cream without feeling gross. Sounds like a plan to me.)
(4)
Charles R.
Haven't been there for many years, but need to go back more often. Food is very good, service was great and the setting is very nice. Really like the fact that this is BYO and unlike a lot of places you don't need to yell to be heard. One little complaint, I would prefer the escargot in the traditional garlic butter, but outside of that the rest of the meal was excellent. Not a huge fan of rabbitt, but this was super tender and sweet. Lavendar cake was super light and moist.
(4)
Shannon G.
Exceed ALL the expectations! That is the crux of our experience here. From the moment we first pulled into the awkward parking lot I had a feeling we were in for a good meal. Warm and inviting, the atmosphere is begging you to contribute a great conversation to the lively buzz filling every corner. The menu sounds fairly simple, but it really just shows how quality ingredients and prep go a long way. Escargot is a must try. Wonderful flavor, and the actual snail...how is it so soft? The last time I had it there was a bit too much garlic though. Wife had an appetizer portion of the scallops and loved it. Good presentation with the shell too. Pate Tasting is an adventure, they don't tone it down. Beef Rillette had a very distinct liver undertone. Country Pate is extremely good. I had the braised rabbit with prunes, a leg and portion of its torso arrive in a bowl of red wine and Armagnac broth. Potatoes, prunes, and I believe a few other things were in there as well. Very good flavor, a homey kind of dish. The grass fed filet is just decadent. Worth the extra money in the hands of this restaurant, it was succulent, flavorful, and perfect. Madeira sauce complemented it wonderfully. Wife has had the fish of the day a few times, and it has yet to be anything but excellent.
(4)
James J.
I went here with my wife for Valentine's Day based on the good reviews. We were very disappointed. First of all they charged $70 each so it wasn't cheap. The parking lot wasn't plowed and there was a ton of slippery ice outside. Inside we were seated by the door which let in freezing cold air every time it opened. The soup was lobster bisque which was bland and didn't taste like lobster at all. The appetizer was duck confit which was prepared medium rare. My wife has a medical condition and can't eat raw or undercooked foods. We asked if they could substitute another food or cook the duck more thoroughly both of which they refused to do. We even asked if they would give us a salad instead which they said they couldn't do due to the "high volume on valentine's day." They gave us an extra cheese plate instead so my wife got the same plate of cheese both at the beginning and near the end of the meal. The cheese was ok but when we asked if it was pasteurized they had no idea. She didn't miss out on much in terms of the duck because it wasn't room temperature, it was ice cold and had unpleasantly mushy fat and skin. It tasted like it had been pulled out of an overly cold refrigerator and thrown on the plate. My entree of lamb chops was undercooked and came with a really terrible quinoa which tasted like gritty mud. My wife's fish was bland and had pin bones in it. At this point the meal was so bad it was almost funny, except for the bill. After the repeat cheese course the dessert was a sponge cake which was ok but not great. After all the shennanigans with the duck plate they had the nerve to charge us the full price. We've eaten out at a variety of restaurants in both New York City and Philadelphia and we have never had such an overpriced trainwreck of a meal. We were terribly disappointed and you couldn't pay us to ever eat here again. I wish I could give them negative stars.
(1)
Lily T.
Hosted an anniversary brunch for 20 in the barn - it was totally charming! Food, service, atmosphere are all very pleasing, This is a very special place with a unique character.
(4)
Jeannie Z.
Delicious and authentic food. Amazing atmosphere inside and gorgeous gardens outside. Had my rehersal dinner at the Spring Mill Cafe in 2004 and it couldn't have been more perfect! Still dine there and the food and service are consistantly great. Highly recommend it for a nice night out, a gathering of friends, a rehersal dinner. I believe they hold weddings there too. A true gem that must be experienced!
(5)
Ting Ting G.
The resturant was composed of 2 areas, the main dining was in the actual house while the alternative dining was in the barn .... note to all those girls who want to looks sexy for your date, heels + gravel= walking like you are in Michael Jackson's Thriller video Got the Escargots de Bourgogn: These were snails served on top of a broiche with garlic pesto butter. Petite, a perfect sized appetizer for 2. There were 7 snails and so far the best I have had yet. They were plump, tender, and perfectly cooked. Oh and the garlic pesto butter.... it took all my might not to lick the plate clean. This butter was not for garlic lovers, but garlic obsessed freaks ( like me). The broiche was forgettable, almost a giant slale crouton, or better yet, a platform for the snails to show off on. Lapin à la Moutarde: My general rule of thumb is that I don't eat any animal what is "cute". So therefore I have never had rabbit. I took a bite... " Your just ate a little bunny!!" my boyfriend taunted. What an asshole. Images of little bunnies hopping around, their cute little nose sniffing at stuff instantly flashed in my mind. I swallowed. Well... I know this sounds clique, but it did taste like chicken. It had stringier meat fibers, a more sour flavor (possibly from the mustard seeds) but overall like chicken. It was moist, and the mustard cream went beautifully with it. La Bouillabaisse de Marseille: This was a pretty big disappointment. The broth was very watered down, and none of the flavors seemed to penetrate any of the seafood. I had to actually use (gasp!) salt. The mussels and clams were also very small, the fish and scallops, overly cooked and almost rubbery. Worth the price? No. + its BYOB!!... check out pictures and more on my blog!
(4)
Kristine G.
Bumping up to 5 stars. We have been back a few times since we originally reviewed the place and it's just a terrific dining experience. The food is great. The service is friendly. Both dining rooms have such a warm vibe that you feel like you're eating a wonderful meal at a friend's house. I recommend you grab a bottle of wine and get over there immediately.
(5)
Robert B.
This a quaint little spot. It is perfect for a quiet romantic meal with a loved one. I suggest that you make reservations, as the seating is limited. They do not rush you eating, so you will spend a couple hours for the meal. Food is excellent and an ecclectic mix of flavors based in french cooking. They blend in flavors from other cultures and styles of cooking. I would go here again for a great French meal in a romantic spot.
(4)
Patricia Q.
A perfect Brunch. I had been to the Spring Mill Cafe for dinner before and loved it so I couldn't wait to try their brunch. It exceeded my expectations. I brought along a friend who lives in Center City, I live way out in the Burbs so it was the perfect meeting place for us. I began with the brioche and lemon curd(both made there!) and my friend had the endive salad with fennel and poached pears- both equally fabulous. For my entree, I tried the Mushroom,Herb and Goat cheese Omelette with roasted potatoes - so fluffy and perfect- my accomplice ordered the brioche french toast which came with strawberries and cream that day. I have to say, between the knowledgeable staff to the good coffee and the food made clearly with time and care, this place is 5 stars for me and I would recommend it to anyone.
(5)
Beth R.
This is food worth leaving the city for. I usually prefer to ditch my car on the weekends, but this was well worth the drive. For appetizers, my table split a large cheese and fruit platter and the pate sampler. Both were delicious (and picked clean). My entree of shrimp and sea scallops came in a light creamy sauce that was rich but not overwhelming. (If you are at all squeamish, take note that "traditional" means that the shrimp have the head left on.) I also tried a friend's rack of lamb, which nearly melted in my mouth. And who doesn't love a BYOB? The service was very good. Attentive, but not intrusive. The one thing that I couldn't decide if I liked was the decor. It looks like someone's house...not my house...maybe my parents' house if they lived in the countryside? Interesting and different.
(4)
Megan D.
My boyfriend and I decided to venture outside our normal Sunday brunch routine to check out this small french cafe after reading about it in Philadelphia Magazine. The menu changes weekly so I won't tell you about the amazing french toast with cooked apples and caramel sauce we shared...oh wait. I have no words for the explosion of happiness that went on in my mouth. I actually can't remember the other thing I ate, it clearly wasn't that special. The small dining area used to be a general store and much of the character has been retained. This does not allow for much privacy between tables but is sweet and not found very often. My boyfriend went the next week to a cooking demonstration held by the chef here and really enjoyed it, he said he felt like a scene from Julie and Julia. I think we will revisit in spring when they open up the upper deck for outdoor seating.
(3)
Diane G.
EXCELLENT food. The best and freshest entrees I ever had! Service started out great because we got there early but once it became crowded they forgot about us. Had a little sticker shock when the bill came. Since its a BYO I guess we were expecting a smaller bill but we did have apps and dessert. Overall, a great dining experience. Give it a try. Will be going back to check out the brunch.
(4)
Jess K.
My fiancee and I were looking for a place for our rehearsal dinner and we found it at Spring Mill Cafe. We went early on a Friday evening to test out the food before we committed to the idea. For private parties, you can either use the front of the restaurant or you can use a little private house they have. They have you pick out the menu and everyone gets soup, salad, entree and dessert. I loved the atmosphere of this adorable BYOB. It was set up like someone's home with books, paintings and knickknacks everywhere. I started this yelp review much before my wedding - and now I'm married - whoops! But I did have my rehearsal dinner there and it was everything I could have asked for. We had the main house to ourselves and our 35 or so guests. We had a delicious meal and the servers were all very sweet and accommodating. My in-laws, who planned the party, picked out menu and the guests had a choice of 4 entrees as well as appetizers and desserts. I was very happy with Spring Mill and I would suggest having a private party here!
(5)
Andrew B.
This is a cozy little place perfect for a date or a nice meal among adults. I brought my wife here for a nice meal and it exceeded all my expectations. The restaurant has a homelike feel to it, nothing like what you would see in a chain restaurant. The food was absolutely excellent. I had the cassoulet and my wife had the quail. Leave the kids at home, bring a bottle of wine, and enjoy some fine dining without having to drive all the way into Philly.
(5)
Chad T.
The Spring Mill Cafe is an out of the way, romantic dinner spot. If you were dropped on their front-porch, you'd sooner believe you were at the General Store on Walton Mountain than just around the corner from Conshohocken. The setting was picture perfect, the staff was knowledgeable, friendly and helpful, and the food was outstanding. We especially liked the pate platter. The homemade country pate and the truffled chicken liver pate were the stars of the meal. My rack of lamb was perfectly prepared, and my wife's duck was amazing, right down to the crisped skin. Unfortunately we didn't have time for dessert, but after an outstanding first experience, I expect we'll be back very soon...
(5)
Sharon M.
I loved this place.. sooo romantic, how did i not find this place? only minutes away. I'm finding out that the burbs offers some hidden treasures. It reminded me of a place you would go to in New Hope without the hour drive! I had the Moroccan Game Hen -nice- spicey. My partner had country pate app and the vivet de lapin tourangeau (rabbit) and for dessert we had vanilla bean ice-cream and montmorency which is this decadent chocolate cake with rasberries and sauce. I tried the rabbit it was too gamey for me. My game hen was delicious and just the right size. I get so excited when i eat now, I am going to have to wear a bib soon just like my mom. As she calls it, "Her going out bib" she has them in gold and silver lamet for fancy schmancy dinners. lol Oh and the BEST part: BYOB we brought my fav: Great Western dry sparkling wine.
(5)
Denise R.
My husband and I dined at Spring Mill Cafe for Sunday Brunch yesterday. We found the restaurant to be very charming. Parking is difficult, service excellent, and most of the fare delicious. Disappointed with the Country Pate-very bland. We will go back.
(4)
Jeff L.
Very nice, will definitely be back. My wife and I got a gift cert for this BYOB on the outskirts of Conshohocken and were pleasantly surprised how good the food was there. She had the rabbit and I had the braised short ribs and they were both wonderful. We appreciate the casual charm of the cottage like dining room and the quiet coziness.
(5)
Ali S.
Spring Mill was the perfect venue to host a bridal shower for my friend and bride-to-be that is vegetarian and prefers to eat organic. They are extremely accommodating and the food is delicious. I was particularly impressed with their wonderful staff. I highly recommend Spring Mill for regular dining or events!
(5)
Nina B.
Best steak and great service
(5)
A S.
This was our first time here. Great food and service! The atmosphere was also really nice and comfortable. For our entrees, we got rabbit and pork. They were both really good. We don't normally go to French restaurants but we really liked it here. Overall, a really nice BYOB restaurant! Recommended!
(4)
S L.
First the good. The food was excellent, though the chicken liver pate had way too much truffle in it. The lamb chops were meaty and cooked perfectly. My wife enjoyed the asparagus soup and a filet mignon, which was tender and succulent. Our waiter was friendly and attentive (hard not to be in a place this small). The only bad as far as the restaurant goes was I called and left a message on their answering machine around 2:00pm as to whether we could get a table for two that evening. They never called back. I had to call them again around 4:30 to inquire about the table. Now the other part of the review isn't really bad, and it has nothing to do with the restaurant. Sitting amongst the other diners was like jumping into the stagnant deep end of a pool of pompous douchebaggery. Sitting better the two tables we were seated between was at the same time both interesting and appalling. The people watching and conversation eavesdropping were A++ though! From one table (ages probably early 20s through early 60s) we learned about buying a Lamborghini and how they fly you to Italy to have it custom fitted, fishing at Peace Lake park, buying ocean front property so you'd have your own private beach and lots of talk about smoking weed. On the other side we learned about solid gold pinky rings (on the men), to being a manager at Hermes and how the employees know who's the boss. Again, these observations have nothing to do with a find dining experience here, but the pretentiousness of the diners made the late Saturday seating at Le be Fin seem like hanging out at McDonalds.
(4)
Deena O.
We tried Spring Mill on a Sunday night, not very many people but it was nice. I had the arugala salad and it's fabulous. I would get that everytime! I had the special which was tile fish. WOW so good! My husband had the quail which was also very good! Our waitress was so friendly and the food came out fast! The chocolate cake with raspberries was fantastic! This has become one of our favorite places to go!
(5)
Meghan N.
I want to come back soon and give them a better review. I do, I swear. This was my first time at the Spring Mill, and considering I've been living in West Conshy for three years, about damn time. I've heard so many awesome things so I was really, really excited for my dinner tonight. I ordered the La Bouillabaisse de Marseille and was really looking forward to it. I felt the monkfish was overcooked, but it was still good so I didn't care. My main problem was the fact that the mussels tasted like poop. I was so hungry that I ate them anyway, but still. Ick. I love me some mussels, but not sea poop. And now that I'm home and looking over their menu... where the hell were the scallops?!? Damn it to hell! I spent $31 to eat poop and no scallops. but the saffron tomato broth was great for dipping the rolls, so now I just have to make bouillabaisse myself! My aunt had the game hen, and while I didn't try that, I did eat the harissa off her plate it was quite good. But the chocolate mousse... you got me there, Spring Mill! Awesome. My aunt had the creme caramel and I could have eaten all that myself as well. The place itself is really cute. I wish I lived there.
(3)
Phyllis B.
I was at this restaurant for a private party of 19 people. We had a set menu that consisted of soup, a salad, a choice of 3 entrees, and dessert and coffee. One of the entrees was filet mignon. We were told by our waitress that the chef was only serving it rare or medium rare. There were "no exceptions!" I am on a special diet and cannot eat carbs. I asked if I could get a vegetable instead of a potato or risotto that came with my meal. The answer was "the chef will not make any substitutions." Several of us were extremely put off by the chef's inflexibility at acommodating our requests. A chef normally cooks for more than 19 people at a time, so I don't think the minor requests that a couple of us asked for was being unreasonable. If you serve steak, you have to know that peoples' tastes vary tremendously in how it is prepared. I can't imagine there was not one vegetable in the house he could have put on my plate instead of the offered carb. With that said, the staff was very nice, service was very good, and the food was excellent. However I would hesitate to go back there again and be told how I have to eat food we are paying for.
(3)
rey b.
this authentic french restaurant delivers all the finest points of french culture...amazing food, attentive & knowledgeable service, & a beautifully designed interior. i was lucky enough to eat in the farmhouse across from the main building recently & was extremely impressed with the server's attention to detail as well as the perfectly portioned dishes for such affordable prices. the salmon was cooked perfectly & they offered the best brioche i've ever had. everything was exceptional & am looking forward to escaping the city again for a delicious meal at spring mill. i know they have an amazing lunch menu & serve the best french bread, hands down! soon....i will be back!
(5)
Sahra M.
Perfect!!! Sweet, unpretentious ambiance......super-romantic & delicious!!! Great little date spot.
Took my wife here for a laid back but romantic dinner. It was great. Wait staff was friendly and the food was very good. They used many local and seasonal foods. Ambiance is part of the experience - it feels like you are entering an old quirky French country home. Wife got the short ribs which were delicious. I got the rabbit which was good. (who would have thought rabbit tastes like chicken). As for constructive feedback, I'd suggest plating the dishes more attractively, bringing out a homemade cheese with the bread, playing some old roaring 20s tunes in the background, maybe a live harp musician, and definitely a tastier bread pudding. That said, place was great and would recommend it to all.
(5)
Jessica Z.
This is the only reason my husband and I leave Philadelphia to dine. The french cuisine is delicious. We always start with the Country Pate and its out of this world. We fight over the last bite. We mix it up with the entrees, Tagine, Flank Steak and Scallops come to mind all exceptional. The menu changes so we have many yummy choices. Make sure to leave room for dessert because the Daffodil Cake is simply divine. The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting. The staff are all friendly and knowledgeable. Oh and I cant wait for Spring so we can set outside on the deck and take in the lovely flower gardens.
(5)
Sam W.
This romantically rustic, French country-style BYOB wins my "Best Restaurant for the Rain" award. If you like the weathered antique look then this place is for you. Throw in a soothing drizzle on top of the sounds of close conversations, a good bottle of wine and you have the makings of a great restaurant experience. The food selection is very good. I recommend the B'stilla Marocaine, which has been deliciously consistent since I first tried it a few years ago. Just thinking about it makes me want to go back.
(4)
Nina H.
I was amazed to see that there were no reviews for this authentic, atmospheric restaurant. I think it's been there since 1979 which is a testament to the quality of the food. It is pricey but well worth it. Feels like you've been transported to a cafe in Provence. A bountiful, summery garden by the terrase is the perfect setting for a summer lunch or supper. Inside, the decor is charming and French country style. The menu is short but everything on it is delicious. I've had trout almandine, a wonderful Morroccan dish with chicken in pastry, amazing mussels, and a light, feathery angel food cake with Creme Anglaise and lemon curd that was unforgettable. It's a byob with panache.
(5)
Gulshan I.
Had our anniversary dinner here one year. Limited selection but good food. Enjoyed Petit Escargots de Bourgogne. Oh yes and there was celebrity sighting, Wanda Sykes stopped by that day.
(4)
Bob R.
I had not been to this place in a long time and we decided we would go back for our little end of year lunch. Took a bottle of Barolo that we were saving and we were very excited. Sat down and were talking about who we should bring here for dinner. Very exciting and happy to be there, server was great, she knew the menu and made great recommendation. She recommended this really interesting boar sandwich which we both ordered along with mushroom soup. Mushroom soup was processed in a food processor. Don't get that because it creates and odd texture and you lose some of the richness you can get out of this soup (try Friday, Saturday, Sunday's mushroom soup and you will know what I am talking about). The boar was tenderloin. However, the tender part must have been served to other customers because both of our sandwiches were filled with gristle. Pretty bad. There were hints that this could have been great but the moving the gristle from your mouth to plate was so distracting I stopped looking for hints of anything. The waitress noticed the pile of meat remnants on our plate and asked about it and we told her about the meat. She was embarrassed as we made our selection based on her recommendation. She said that she would tell the chef. Over dessert we talked about the experience and we were no longer talking about who to bring to dinner but weather we would ever come back. We decided that depending on the cost of the food (the sandwich was a special so we did not know the cost up front) and what the chef's response to our fatty meat would determine our future with the restaurant. Bill arrives, sandwiches were $15 each and no mention of the bad meat. Wishing I had gone to Dellesandro's for a really good sandwich. We were very disappointed because this place used to be perfect, and I mean perfect. I am sure that their business is doing very well but the chef should be embarrassed with what she served us. I would have been very forgiving if there had been a gesture of acknowledgement of the subpar meal, but there was nothing. Such poor attention to detail will not bring me back to the Spring Mill. As I said to my wife, they are very lucky I was not Craig LaBan.
(1)
Amanda L.
We went here for lunch based on a recommendation from a couple we met last weekend. I think we were both expecting a take out/deli sort of place, but when we realized it was a full service sit down restaurant we decided to stay anyway. Great decision! This place is so cozy with lots of character. The waitress/hostess was very pleasant. I had the chicken salad sandwich, which looked like it had more chicken than lettuce, but it turned out to be the perfect ratio. The chicken was fresh (large chunks that almost needed to be cut with a knife!) and mixed in were golden raisins, walnuts, and grapes. My fiance had the steak sandwich, which was basically a fancy cheesesteak, but probably the best cheesesteak I had ever tasted. The meat melted in your mouth and the blue cheese was absolutely delicious. The roll was a true french bread, which is generally too crunchy for my liking, but it looked fresh and quite tasty. For dessert, we split a chocolate raspberry "almost flourless" cake. Again, my taste buds were in heaven. This place is a little off the beaten path, and not what I would have expected to find for a French restaurant in the burbs. Between the cozy setting and authentic music playing the background I could have sat here and ate all day!
(5)
Andrew W.
i have eaten there recently, the food was excellent.
(5)
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Address :164 Barren Hill Rd
Conshohocken, PA, 19428
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Brunch, Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Romantic Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Lynne M.
50th birthday celebration here, and couldn't have been better. We rented out the barn and it was a perfect venue with room for kiddies to play. Service staff was accommodating and professional, on point, and skillful. They handled a crowd of 22 with ease and patience, despite 4 year olds running around and the host's neuroses :) . The menu was beautifully presented, the food was cooked to perfection (chef didn't mind special requests), personalized cake was included in the cost, and it was all delicious. We are picky and critical, and it was simply great. Thank you, Ezra, and Spring Mill for making our birthday celebration a truly happy one. We will see you again soon.
(5)Laura B.
I was really excited to try Spring Mill Cafe and I have to start by saying the ambiance is absolutely fantastic. We were seated in the rustic smaller barn at a quaint corner wooden table lit by candles. The service was good, not great, but my expectations are always lower on a Friday night anyway since restaurants are busy so that wasn't an issue at all. The food was also good, not great. The house made pâté sampler was very delicious so kudos for that. The cheese sampler was way too commercialized - St Andre, Chimay cheese and Beemster? I would have sprung for the Delice de Borgougne, a nice farm aged cheddar and one of beemster's more aged selections. My filet fell short of expectations - the portion was very fair for the price but I've definitely had better and wished I had went for the chicken in duck confit instead like I had originally wanted. My boyfriend's rabbit had an absurd amount of bones in the dish, including the spine! We are adventurous eaters but it was like a science project to get the meat from the bones. It seemed as though the scallops were well liked by my family as well as the tile fish, however the presentation of the scallops was quite bare. Perhaps we caught the restaurant on an off night but I won't be super rushed to return.
(3)Mike D.
Wonderful meal at the Spring Mill Cafe. We sat inside. Although the seating outside looked appealing, the cafe sits on a very busy road, which takes away from the elegance of outdoor seating. Seating is very tight, but cozy. We sat in the back room, and it was very nice. We both had the filet mignon and hazelnut escargot for an appetizer. The filet was done to perfection, and they were huge. They are the entire tenderloin, not just the button. Served in a peppercorn sauce and sliced by the chef. Excellent. We brought a 2011 Bordeaux that went perfect with the meal. The Cafe is BYOB !!! The daffodil cake for desert was to die for. I'm not a sweet eater at all, and this was great. The only drawback was the fact that the tables were covered in paper table cloths. This took away from the ambience a bit. An not wait to try the cafe for breakfast. We will definitely be back soon!
(4)Steven C.
Visting my very special Philly friend always means finding the best place to enjoy her company and have a spectacular meal. Conshy BYOB, French menu with a legit Paris raised exec chef/owner.... HELL YA! As we pulled in the environment reminded me of being somewhere in the Normandy country side with a 70's era Citroen wagon by the entrance. Interior is a converted home and tastefully eclectic. We were warmly greeted by Nathan who took care of us for the evening. I love BYOB as it really allows me to pick out a special wine without being hostage to the place's list. Tonight, I brought a Cakebread Zin with me from home (love the train). It was nutty with deep flavors and perfectly complemented our "Chef Journey" experience. With the exception of our entrees (ya, we like to share), we let the chef call our plays for the evening. Grilled octopus on a bed of greens with a vinaigrette that would make my sneaker taste good. Reminded me of some great times having this dish in Madrid. Next, diver scallops perfectly prepared over a interesting hash. The main act.... drumroll, Short RIbs and Rack of Lamb. Both were crazy luscious and full of flavor. We had a nice cheese plate followed by desert. Creme Brûlée and Banana Fosters Bread Pudding. Food is about creating memories and this meal provided a great backdrop to a phenomenal night.
(5)Charles G.
1st timers to the cafe and came for Sunday Brunch. This quaint restaurant is the real thing; so quintessential of a French country experience in Conshohocken. Hazelnut Escargot, farm fresh eggs, and such wonderful service! We were even seated at a table for two nestled in a little nook. Everything was freshly prepared and cooked perfectly. Can't wait to return to try dinner!
(5)Gerald F.
Great food. Tomato bisque. Huge filets. Sea bass. Great scallops with puréed squash. Famous daffodil cake is the the worlds best gateau. Came back two weeks later. Had filet. Best. Great stuff.
(5)Jennifer S.
We dine as often as we can at Spring Mill Cafe but last night they had a special event. Spring Mill Cafe joined with Penn's Woods Winery in Chaddsford, PA for a wine tasting dinner at the cafe. It was absolutely wonderful! We had five wines with four courses. Each course was excellently prepared and paired perfectly with the wines from Penn's Woods. I can't even give you a favorite of the evening because they were all very different but flowed with the evening so well. When we arrived we were greeted with a Riesling, then the courses began with a scallop course paired with Chardonnay followed by a Cornish hen paired with Merlot, then a cheese course with a White Merlot and finally their decadent Montmorency chocolate cake with port. While we have been to Spring Mill for special occasions or just make up a special occasion to go, we have never participated in their special events. Now that we have had this great experience, we will make sure they are all added to the calendar.
(5)Mo F.
Excellent. I am so thrilled to have found this gem of a restaurant so close to my home! The service was fantastic - it is hard to get it 'just right' and this crew does. And the food was delicious. Love that it's a BYO, too!
(5)Anna H.
Two stars because the wait staff were very friendly, the interior was cozy and because I love byobs. I'm a picky eater and for 30 entrees in the suburbs, I expect my food to taste better than Applebee's. I don't understand how this place got so many good reviews? Did someone pay these reviewers to make these reviews up or do people just have bad taste? Is it because I've been spoiled by NY restaurants? Seriously? Who paid these people to put up these good reviews!! First: the cheese platter. The assortment of cheeses was decent but when I asked the waitress if my grapes were washed and she said yes.... My grapes should have been washed. Unless someone in the kitchen doesn't know how to wash things, these grapes had a powdery film on them. I imagine the powdery film to be pesticides or dirt. Grapes aside- why was there honey in the middle of the plate? Just a big globe of honey? I've never seen this before? Serious? Why honey? If you could put any kind of sweetness in a plate that is suppose to be salty... What about agave? Not as sweet and over powering? Orrrr you can skip the honey altogether and just give us another sliver of cheese? My rabbit. Was mush. It was like someone made a French onion soup and put a rabbit in it. This rabbit must have been cooked in pieces because some of it was tough. Some of it was mushy. Not enough noodles in my 30 dollar rabbit French onion soup... I wish it was 15 dollars so I would kinda be getting what I paid for... The bass. Was. On. Top. Of. Mashed potatoes? Not on the side? But the kicker is that the mash was on top of tomato paste? thus the layers are: bottom to top- tomato paste, mash, bass, and then cook greens? I don't know who thought this dish was a good idea because it was not. I don't know who wrote any good reviews on this dish because this plate just had me confused? Who wants to eat tomato paste with their fish? Why not un-layer this plate, nix the tomato paste and just hAve a dish that is simple and not confusing because the bass was nicely cooked? Te bass however tasted weird and mushy when eaten together with the mash. Pork chops: dry. Really freaken dry. Really really really dry. Tough is another word. Favors were ok. I wish this plate was $11 dollars instead of 30 because that would be the most I would have paid for this dish. Creme brûlée was good. No complaints about it. The custard was not thick and creamy. It was on the lighter side. Overall, I had a good time here. Not because of the food but because of my company and the bottle of wine I bought. This is a good place to have appetizers and desserts and just hang out. It's not loud or crowded and no one is rushing you out of the door. This restaurant pretends to be French but is more like an American who saw one French cooking show and decided to open up a restaurant.
(2)kate j.
If you're looking for authentic French food in the Philly suburbs, this is your place. My boyfriend and I come here frequently for date nights; it's a perfect atmosphere and the food is to die for. It's a bonus that SMC is a BYOB! I recommend: the salmon and trout salad (I get it every time. Never fails!!!), escargots, their swordfish entree (fall and winter months) and sea scallops (spring and summer). My boyfriend loves the grass fed filet mignon a la maison with seared foie gras. Just the best. Far exceeds any other restaurant in conshy.
(5)Craig D.
(3.75) ~ Good Food & Service OUR NEW YEAR'S MENU: DRINKS: * Water(tap) = (4) very good...must be filtered;) * Coffee = (3.5) good APPETIZERS: * French Rolls w. Butter(FREE) = (4) very good...liked that the rolls were warm;) * Goat Cheese & Brioche = (3.5) good * Oysters = (3.5) good SOUPS: * Lobster Bisque = (4) very good * Parsnip Soup = (3.5) good ENTREES: * Filet Mignon = (4) very good * Quail & Polenta = (3.5) good * Rack of Lamb = (3.5) good DESSERTS: * Chocolate Mousse = (3.5) good
(4)Penelope H.
After a break of a year or so, I was back at this wonderful French country restaurant and wondering why I had left it so long. It is a gem tucked on a country road just outside Conshohocken. On Saturday night they were busy with their barn annex open, and outdoor patio full, in tandem with the main restaurant, but that did not affect the perfectly timed, gracious service in any way. The food was as delicious and perfectly presented as ever: we had the gazpacho and wild mushroom salad to start, followed by the half rack of lamb and the special striped bass and risotto. It was hard to decide who had chosen the best dish as they were equally delicious. We splurged and had two desserts: the apple clafoutis and the decadent chocolate cake. It was a wonderful, perfect evening in this charming, romantic spot where the food never disappoints...it deserves every bit of the 5 stars.
(5)Shari R.
There are few times when everything from ambience to food is just right. I took my Mother and a friend to the Spring Mill Cafe for a special excursion. The most beautiful gardens greeted us. As we entered we then felt like we had arrived in France in this lovely stucco setting. The food, too, seemed like it had been prepared by the loving and culinarily expert hands of family.... If one could be so lucky to have such talented family. The pate with cornihon was authentic and delicious. For entrees the Duck Confit Salad was outstanding, as was the rabbit and the grass-fed burger, for someone looking for more conventional. But even that was elevated by a knowing French sensibiliy, topped with a carmelized onion marmalade! Save room for he Daffodil Cake. It is divine! I made an exception to my no sugar rule for this and it was worth it! All together it was like a trip to France-- without the jet lag. A pure delight!
(5)Maxim K.
I believe you can't call yourself a food connoisseur, foodie, food-lover, restaurateur, or just someone who enjoys a fine dinning experience in Philadelphia without experiencing Spring Mill Cafe. The walls are sipped in the aroma of delightful French cuisine. The food enhances the ambiance of the nature and history all around you. As soon as I walked into the house, I felt at easy. The room set up is cozy and intimate. A french speaking waitress delighted us with amazing service. I had their classic rabbit dish. The dish varies subtly to conform with seasons. It was an amazing!!! I need an extra fresh baked warm bread to clean the rich and flavorful sauce. The rabbit was the best I have ever ate. We finished a meal with a staple of French cuisine, chocolate mouse. As someone who enjoys a bit too much of sweats, the mouse was just right!!! One of the best dining experiences of my life.
(5)Jay G.
Spring Mill Cafe is located right near the intersection of Barren Hill Road and River Road. The parking lot entrance is between the main building and the barn building, a bit up Barren Hill Road from the River Road intersection, while the exit is located right near the intersection. I actually accidentally passed the parking lot entrance here as I wasn't sure where to pull in and had to turn around up the road. After turning around, I proceeded to accidentally go into the exit of the parking lot but fortunately nobody else was attempting to drive through there. First, we went to the main building and there was a party finishing up in there so we were directed to the barn building where we were seated at the window table overlooking the parking lot and woods behind it. The restaurant had a french country feel to it but the barn was definitely heavily based on the french country design as the interior was decorated with french items and paintings. This provided an interesting experience for my girlfriend and I that night for dinner. We were the only people there at 4:00 P.M. for dinner but we were both pretty hungry and actually enjoyed not being in a crowded restaurant. The only downside was that you could hear the waitresses talking in the small kitchen which is in the same room. The waitress we had was very friendly and nice. As for our appetizers, my girlfriend tried the smoked salmon special while I ordered the grilled octopus and pate tasting. The smoked salmon special and grilled octopus were both very good. The pate tasting was different and interesting but I enjoyed each of the tastings of chicken liver, venison with foie gras, and boudin noire (blood sausage). The other appetizer I wanted to try was the escargots but at this point I was already getting full so I decided to skip it until next time. For entrees, we both had the grass fed filet mignon a la maison. I added the seared foie gras to my order which is one of my favorite foods. The steaks were both very good, although my girlfriend's steak arrived under cooked from the kitchen. She still enjoyed the steak a lot so it wasn't a big deal. The foie gras was very good with the filet mignon but wasn't perfectly cleared of veins and all of the other things within the duck liver. It didn't matter either way as it was delicious anyway. The mashed potatoes on the side of the steak were very good and flavorful. We decided to end our night with a pistachio creme brulee dessert which was very good. We finished the entire thing even though we were already full. The espressos here were also good but made with a modern machine versus older espresso methods. Overall, the food was very good here and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a delicious french style meal.
(4)Jan M.
A gem for French food in this area! The food is well executed and the service is great! We had octopus salad, shrimp remounted, hazelnut escargot, and pate tasting. All four appetizers were great, just the right amount of seasoning and balance of flavors. My boyfriend had the filet mignon topped with seared foie gra, which were done to perfection. Desert was ok, but the best part was the actual food. Overall fantastic BYOB place for good French cuisine.
(4)Sam H.
Went here for my second meal. The first time I was here for dinner and had one of the best cassoulets. Today we came for lunch and I had the smoked salmon cucumber sandwich with goat cheese. My wife had the steak sandwich. I really enjoyed my sandwich. I was the right balance of salmon with goat cheese - yummy. My wife didn't like her sandwich as much because there was too much horseradish on it. It was hard to taste the blue cheese because the horseradish overpowered that taste. We ordered the apple bread pudding with praline ice cream and the chocolate mousse. The apple bread pudding was very dense but very tasty with the ice cream. The chocolate mousse was also very creamy and tasty. Overall, we enjoyed our meal here. The vibe is quirky, but in a very postive way.
(4)Mark M.
Went here on the night I got engaged with my wife. What a cool place!! It's kind of tucked away from the bustle of conshohocken which is nice. The house wife is great but what is killer is the food!! The filet mignon was the single handed best thing I have ever ate my entire life. No lie. Truffle butter and yum!!!
(5)Cynthia N.
We had the rehearsal dinner for our son and his wife just last weekend, and it was amazing. We are not from the area, but our daughter-in-law is, and she recommended the Spring Mill Café as one of the places for the dinner. We are so glad we chose it because it gave the affair the intimate atmosphere we were looking for. We were in the farmhouse, and the food was wonderful, and the servers were kind, attentive, and worked hard to accommodate our every wish! I would recommend the farmhouse for it's quaint atmosphere. Our guests raved about it. Thank you very much to Ezra for his attention to detail, and Nathan for the gorgeous floral arrangements. Cynthia and Bruce
(5)Eric P.
EDIT : Returned to Spring Mill Cafe last weekend and was very impressed with both the service and the food, to the point that I'm back on Yelp to give them that 5th star. The Cassoulet was to die for ! As far service, everyone was very attentive and the manager checked in with us often to make sure things were going as promised. Spring Mill Cafe is becoming a regular spot for us !
(5)Rachel D.
I was brought here on a date last week and had a really excellent meal. I have just moved to Philly so this restaurant was a great find. The service was perfect, Nathan in particular really made us feel very welcome and well looked after. We had a very bad start to the evening when a very rude old couple began shouting and cursing at us for smoking outside, even though we had asked the restaurant was it ok to smoke first. She actually spat out " your drug addiction is forcing us to go inside". And then they walked in and came back outside 2 minutes later. Dramatic! Honestly, I felt like just leaving at that stage but the staff were so nice, we decided to stay and have our meal. And we were both glad that we did as it was excellent. Definitely recommend the food and service, just beware of scary old couples, ranting like possessed gremlins who own the world and you should be fine.
(4)anne s.
Time after time, whether for lunch, brunch or dinner, the Spring Mill Cafe always gets it right. The food is fresh, with much locally sourced, and always interesting. The service is attentive but non-intrusive and the servers are knowledgable. I do not feel as if I am in Conshohocken but rather transported to the countryside. I highly recommend this gem!
(5)Natalie S.
My Boyfriend and I came here last night for our anniversary and it was perfect! The restaurant was adorable and charming. We started out with the escargot, which neither of us had before. We were nervous about trying it but I'm glad we did. It was very garlicy and yummy. The appetizer was really only meant for one person, but that's okay because then we had plenty of room for the entree and dessert. For the entree I had the filet mignon (without the foie gras), and it was soo tender. It melted in my mouth. I loved it. My boyfriend had the Rabbit, which he liked, but he didn't finish all the pasta that accompanied because he was full. For dessert we had the mouse which was also very yummy. I definitely recommend for a romantic night!
(5)B L.
One of my favorite places...try the rabbit stew...i know how can i eat a rabbit...easy just open your mouth insert, chew, etc....
(4)John C.
Rustic and charming describe The Spring Mill cafe in a surprisingly remote corner of Conshohocken. While the look of the place and the menu certainly feel like an authentic French farm house, we found some delicious sounding plates to be overcooked on a busy Saturday night. Both the lapin and duck entrees were a bit dry, apparently microwaved too much when reheated for serving. Even the octopus salad special was dry and chewy, with just a few pieces of lettuce to add some moisture to the dish. The tastes were spot on, the service very (maybe a little too) attentive. But a little more care was needed in the preparation to earn a higher rating.
(3)Michael B.
This place has an abundance of charm and the roasted quail, the half-rack of lamb, and the short ribs were really delicious. Couldn't finish the large serving of short ribs. All of the portions were ample.
(4)Laura S.
The five course wine pairing meal was a delicious and memorable experience - unique atmosphere, top-notch service, and what an affordable price point, considering the generous pours/refills of wine and the five beautifully presented courses of food! The melon gazpacho was refreshing and balanced between sweet and tart/acidic flavors, and was lovely with the off-dry Riesling from Grandview Vineyards. The rack of lamb was the highlight of the meal for me: tender, juicy, and mouth-watering with the fried polenta and fig balsamic reduction - and fantastic with the Pino Noir. I also loved the full bodied Cabernet Franc with the potent, creamy Blue d'Auvergne cheese and sliced baguette - an intense explosion of flavors when paired. Spring Mill's chocolate mousse continues to stand as the best mousse I've ever had at a restaurant - dark, chocolately flavor with a light, airy texture. The Farm House ambiance is 100% unique and rustic. Looking forward to going back!
(5)Brad B.
A wonderful meal in a beautiful setting with great service. My wife and I started with the Woodland Jewel Mushroom Salad - it was a good size serving with local mushrooms and some quality Manchego cheese. From there she had the Pork Chop au Poivre and I had the Grass Fed Filet Mignon à la Maison. Both were fantastic cuts and were prepared perfectly with great sides. We finished with the Daffodil cake which is definitely not to be missed. The berries, lime, and coconut are the perfect end to a meal. They also serve La Colombe coffee if you want something warm at the end of the meal. We've eaten at Amis and Fork the last two weekends and Spring Mill was by far the best meal of all three. Add the fact that it's a BYOB and you've got yourself a great spot for a romantic dinner. A+
(5)Elayne W.
Just fabulous! This past Saturday, the Spring Mill Cafe hosted a bridal shower brunch I threw for my sister. The restaurant was a perfect size to accommodate our party of 36 and had a decor that was very warm and charming. Every staff member was super welcoming and accommodating from the moment we arrived(Joe was awesome and schlepped our things to and from our car, including a heavy case of booze). They even printed out a special menu with a picture of my sister and her fiance on it (a really nice touch that helped make the day unique and memorable). During the event, guests kept coming up to me to say that the restaurant was lovely and just perfect. Most importantly, my sister had a great time and loved everything about the restaurant. Now onto the food. Everything was delicious! We had several options for the first two courses and cake and sorbet for dessert. Everyone enjoyed their meals whether they chose the chicken salad, salmon, or quiche. Service went smoothly and moved at a very good pace. Not a complaint to be heard. I'm sure we've all been to a bridal shower where we all couldn't wait to leave. That was not the case here. People were enjoying themselves so much I had to urge them to leave since the restaurant needed to prepare for dinner service. The event was a success in no small part to the great staff and tasty food at Spring Mill Cafe. I can't recommend Spring Mill Cafe enough. They really knocked it out of the park.
(5)Jacki G.
I came here for lunch yesterday. I regret not ordering a full bowl of their seafood bisque...or 2 bowls for that matter! The octopus salad was lovely and I even got a taste of my friends smoked salmon,cucumber, goat cheese sandwich -- a fantastic choice that I was originally planning on ordering. Final verdict: Delicious and will go there again...for lunch, which I think is reasonably priced at $$ I was surprised there were not more people there for lunch.
(5)Nicole G.
Meh. That pretty much sums our whole experience...we were seated in the barn, which on a non cold night might have been romantic, but if it's cold that's pretty much what you take away. Other than the cold, the atmosphere was charming. The food however left much to be desired...the mushroom soup was over processed and under seasoned. The filet had a odd flavor and the potatoes left much to be desired. The steak knife had seen better days, as the one I was given might have been as old as the barn itself. And as I should be able to cut filet with a butter knife, well that says something. Dessert was the one last chance at redemption, apple bread pudding, and they fell short. Meh. Just meh.
(2)R P.
My girlfriend and I ate here on a Saturday night. In summary, we were both in agreement that the high ratings that this place has received are not warranted and are certainly not reflective of our experience, which was disappointing. The restaurant itself is a very cool setting. The building is an old general store/farmhouse that you might expect to see in the rural French country side. It's filled with a lot of knick knacks and memorabilia type items. It's a nice setting to eat in. The tables, depending on where you're seated, can be a bit awkwardly positioned and close together, but nothing too extreme. When we arrived at the restaurant we were greeted at the door and quickly shown to our table. Our server brought out a bread basket containing two small round rolls which looked like they could've been lifted from an all you can eat buffet. They were cheap, supermarket quality and tasted much how they looked. We started off ordering two appetizers: the grilled octopus salad and the chicken pate. The grilled Octopus "salad" was not really a salad at all. It consisted of a few cold, flavorless pieces of octopus, of very odd texture, laid on a couple sprigs of greens. We both love octopus and were in agreement that this app was downright terrible. Spring Mill, If you want to know how to do an octopus salad, go eat one at Arugula in Plymouth meeting. The chicken pate app was ok. It was a bit more mealy than some of the better pates that I've had, and it there was an off, unpleasant, smell to it. It wasn't horrible, but, I didn't enjoy it either. I've had much better. So, we were not off to a good start at the SMC. For entrees my gf had the scallops and I had the rabbit with pappardelle w mustard sauce. The scallop dish was ridiculous, and not in a good way. This entrée was so small it would have a hard time passing for an appetizer. It consisted of 3 very small scallops on a spoonful of unimpressive carrot/ginger puree. That's it, literally, nothing more. My gf is 5ft tall and 100lbs and she was shocked at how little this "entrée" was. The taste was meh...we've cooked more flavorful scallop dishes at home with very little effort. My rabbit dish was ok, at best. The meat itself was very dry. The sauce was decent, a grainy mustard sauce, but nothing to write home about. Fortunately, portion size was generous. The presentation of the dish was poor, lacking any imagination or creativity, it was just slopped together in a white bowl, much like you would serve a bowl of cereal. We did have desert: a crème brulee and chocolate mousse that were fantastic, and the only reason I didn't give this place one star. I would go back for dessert/coffee Service was acceptable throughout the entire meal. No issues there. In summary, this restaurant has a great setting, but doesn't deliver where it counts - the food. Two stars at best. All the 4-5 star hype that you read in these reviews are definitely not accurate. We won't return to this spot. Update 23Mar2015 - This is an update to Ezera's comments below. The dishes I described above are accurate and were most definitely on his menu last summer. He responded to my comment in a private email at the time I made the original posting and had nothing to say about the "supposedly" inaccurate dishes. Now, how many month's later, he's claiming he never served these dishes in his restaurant??? Either he genuinely doesn't know what dishes are being served in his own place, or he's trying to discredit my review by falsely claiming these dishes were never served at his restaurant in Spring Mill.
(2)Julie J.
I began working with the Spring Mill in July for a shower being held in November. My 150.00 deposit was received by the Spring Mill Aug 1. At that time, I shared our budget of 25.00 per guest. They seemed very accommodating with the set budget and were willing to work with me. Correspondence was through email and there was a written record of all that transpired. Be sure to obtain an invoice or contract ahead of time. Otherwise you are at their mercy, even when there are emails as record and there are no extra fees mentioned. We arrived to set up and were told to wait 5 minutes because they were not ready for us. After about 15 min, we were allowed to set up. While setting up, I was approached by Aubree who must have noticed we brought cookies, brownies and cupcakes. She mentioned that Ezra told me there would be a plating fee for bringing in our own dessert of 3.50 per guest. I was not aware of any such fee and 30 min prior to the shower start, I was informed of it. While setting up for the shower, I had to go through each email we traded and confirm there was no mention of a fee. There is also no mention of a plate fee on their web site. Our package included an app, entrée and dessert. Dessert was included in the package and there was no supplemental dessert packaged mentioned during the months preceding the shower. Aubree insisted that she did not want to make this a stressful situation for us. Yet, they cause this stressful situation by not being up front with their fees. Speaking with the curt owner Erzra only added to the stress and truly put a bad taste in my mouth. I speaking with Ezra about 20 min prior to the Bride's arrival and he is extremely unprofessional. When I asked why I was not made aware of the 3.50 plate fee prior to the shower day, he rudely repeated "You come to my restaurant to eat my food." He did not share that information prior and had no other response except "You come to my restaurant to eat my food." When asked why that was shared with me prior, he could not answer the real question and hid behind his restaurant and food. "You come to my restaurant to eat my food." Good one Ezra. Oh yeah, and he hung up on me. Real professional. At least admit you were not up front and work on a compromise. Stop hiding behind, 'you come to eat my food'. A few other things to note, I was not made aware of the 10% set up fee until 12 days before the event. If you are going to charge 10%, at least be ready for us when we arrive. The menu had one entrée switched than what was previously agreed upon via email. And of course the $3.50 plate fee was presented to me the day of the event. I have never been charged a plate fee for bringing a birthday cake to a restaurant. Its commonplace. Actually, for my bridal shower in September, the Corinthian Yacht Club (beautiful) deducted 2.00 per person since we brought our own desserts. Considering we did use the Spring Mill Package desert, what is the harm in supplementing with cookies and brownies? My advice, get a contract in place and demand an invoice prior to the event. Ezra is not a man of integrity or professional.
(2)Gloria B.
I had the Lapin aux Prubne aux (rabbit), my husband the Seared Sea Scallop. Both were prepared beautifully, but, for the price, the scallop dish was quite small. It's a great place for couples, but don't expect to feel stuffed. The dishes are meant for palet pleasure not full tummies. We're looking forward to the next romantic occasion to revisit. Don't forget to bring your favorite wine and leave room for the desserts. They will only add to the already romantice ambience.
(4)Paul F.
Simply outstanding! The food has a French flair, but is absolutely approachable to anyone who may not feel they have a palette for French food. The ingredients are fresh, the cooking is simple and the environment is fun and casual. Go for brunch and go for dinner...make sure you bring your favorite bottle of champagne and/or wine. You can't go wrong!
(5)Larissa C.
Spring Mill Café is a Hidden Gem I almost hate to write a review because I would prefer that this place remain a hidden gem! I had worked/lived in the area for 10+ years before finally deciding to try out Spring Mill Café and immediately kicked myself for waiting so long. The café is BYOB & does not charge a corking fee :) It's a nice relaxing atmosphere and I never feel rushed. The menu has a nice variety and my personal fav is the scallops. I am not a dessert person but usually make an excepting for the chocolate mousse. Delicious! One of the dishes I like to try out at different French restaurants for comparison is Trout Almondine ... I ordered this at a well known French restaurant in Rittenhouse sq and also tried it at Spring Mill and I have to say Spring Mill won hands down If you are like me and have been a little hesitant to check this place out - try going on Tue, Wed, or Thu - they offer a plate de jour that's a great deal - it comes with salad, coffee/tea and a dessert for $25.
(5)Angela H.
How else can I say YUM about the coulibiac ($26, salmon filet in pastry with a dill sauce, served with seasonal vegetables) that I ordered?!? The salmon was moist and the dill sauce that accompanied was not overbearing at all...perfect. Even my left-overs heated up well later. There wasn't a single thing about the Spring Mill Cafe that I didn't like. Three of my favorite girlfriends and I met up at the BYO with plenty of wine and a bottle of champagne to celebrate a birthday. We weren't sure what to expect but pleasantly surprised to find it was a delicious night! The room caters to a smaller crowd of patrons and is perfect for a weeknight visit. Bookshelves and plain decor create a homelike appeal. It felt like dinner in a living room atmosphere but all the cooking and clean up is done behind scenes. If you want to get cozy with a loved one, make your reservation because this is an ideal place for you both. For appetizers we all picked at a cheese plate with fruit. Also, one friend chose the paté tasting with shredded pork and duck, chicken liver paté, and country paté. My one girlfriend had never had a cheese plate before, which is absolutely crazy to me since I LOVE cheese plates so dang much. There were plenty of grapes, apples and the right amount of cheese for 3 of us sharing it. The waitress gladly brought us extra bread for our cheeses. As for my friend, well she's sold on ordering cheese plates from now on. My "french" friend insisted we all eat from her paté plate, not bad at all. Service was by one waitress who worked the entire room. She was always on top of her game, allowed us to hang out and didn't rush us out the room after we paid our bill. Overall, even if the bill was pricey it was well worth it and I'm looking forward to another dinner a Spring Mill Cafe.
(5)Chris C.
Love this BYO French bistro! Classic French fare, great service and atmosphere. Brunch is terrific too.
(4)Maria S.
My daughter's bridal shower was held at the Spring Mill Cafe. It was an absolutely lovely, flawless affair. We started with a cocktail hour on the patio outside which was framed by beautiful flowers. The weather was perfect and after the dreary winter, everyone was as to be outdoors. The staff was extremely attentive poring mimosas as guests arrived. We also noshed on cheese trays with not only cheese but honeycomb, nuts and fruit. The indoor space is very quaint and charming. Our group was large enough, 30, to warrant use of the entire restaurant which made it our own private party. There is another building on site where they served lunch to the general public. The guests had choices of 3 starters, 3 main dishes and 2 desserts. Everyone raved about the food especially the potato leek soup, chicken salad, specialty quiche, and cake. The excellent service continued throughout the day. I highly recommend the Spring Mill Cafe as a small party venue.
(5)John F.
Wonderful French bistro. Lots of choices. Great service. Well executed food. The venison country pate was exceptional.
(4)Sheila S.
We went to the Spring Mill Cafe for our 25th wedding anniversary. I always wanted to go here but never did, so I was very excited. The waitstaff was very helpful and courteous, and placed our 2nd bottle of wine in their refrigerator, and placed the first on ice, since it was warm. There was no parking left in the lot, so we parked on a side street on the side of the road. We were seated immediately, but my seat was an old wood slat bench that killed my back. We both got the seafood bisque and it was excellent. My husband had the swordfish and he said it was very good. I had the filet mignon. I ordered it medium, but when I cut into it, it was very rare. I ate the pieces I could from around the edges, and it was so tender and tasty. However, I couldn't pin down anyone walking around to tell them about it, so I ate the side dishes, which were very good as well. I took the rest of the meat home to have for lunch the next day. What a waste! The waitress apologized, but I heard from no one else. The desserts were Daffodil Cake, which was excellent, and my bread pudding, which was surprisingly light. Our waitress was the best. I only wish the filet had been cooked properly, especially because it was the main part of the meal, one of their specialties and it was highly priced. I am confused that the chef could not know that the meat was improperly cooked. This a definitely a quality control issue. If not for that, I would have given this restaurant four stars.
(3)Zack L.
This is a nice brunch. There was a dinner party in the main hall so we were sent to the nearby farmhouse despite having a reservation. The decor in the farm house is nice although sitting in one area will create the illusion that you're simply in someone's kitchen. Maybe its not an illusion. The gluten free baguettes are basically cheese. Marvelous.
(4)Sarah M.
This French Bistro is tucked safely away from the hustle and bustle of the main roads of Conshy. It's a real gem of place; both quirky and quaint. Perfect for a date. Very romantic. The converted farmhouse serves your classic bistro fare with a special touch. Chefs use local, seasonal produce in handful of dishes. Service was welcoming , charming and courteous. It's a BYOB, but the two of us were offered a glass of wine on the house by the waiter upon seating. They have a small, limited menu, which you can tell translates into all the details being carefully tended to. To start our meals, we each ordered the Petite Salade Verte (Farmers greens with house mustard vinaigrette). For entrees, my boyfriend ordered the Certified Angus Filet Mignon Maison. I ordered the Seared Scallops; served in a coconut miso broth with wilted baby bok choy and black jasmine rice. And for dessert we shared an order of vanilla ice cream (served in a wine glass with berries) and cups of delicious brewed coffee. Décor and setting are wonderful. I felt like I had been flown to the French countryside and gone on a bicycling holiday in Provence where I stumbled upon a beautiful French country inn.
(4)Adriana B.
Spring Mill Cafe is one of my girlfriend's and my spot to dinner and catch up!! We had one of our catch-up dinners just before she had her baby and we had as great a time as we always do! The staff is always pleasant and friendly. We always start with the cheese plate, as we love the accompaniments of quince paste, honey, Marconi almonds, etc and then usually share an app, each get an entree, and then dessert!! Needless to say, we are always extremely full when we leave, but it's a date I look forward to every time we get together. The food is great and the ambiance is perfect for catching up with friends and family. Love this tucked away french cafe :)
(5)Brian H.
I just have to report in and upgrade this wonderful French Country BYOB. Service was impeccable from the courteous greeting when you walk in, the server promptly coming to your table to uncork your wine, the knowledge of the server (Tanya, this time) of the preparation of every dish, the confidant response to our questions, the presentation of the specials in a warm, interesting, comfortable, pleasant manner, not a rushed, snotty, repetitious kind of way. Apps: 5 star Wild mushroom salad - an interesting array of wild mushrooms, greens, little sweet walnuts, not heavily candied, and wonderful pieces of a delicious mild country cheese, dressed perfectly, combinations of flavors very pleasing Quail over micro greens - yes, as an appetizer, a beautiful presentation of a whole tiny quail, moist and texture perfect. Entrees: 5 star Deconstructed Duck cassoulet - fabulous. with tender pieces of pork belly and sausage, slow roasted duck, beans and tomato, with each flavor remaining distinct and savory, but still giving you the seasonal warm, comfort-food combination. Skate with brown butter and garden vegetables - as simple as this dish sounds, it is remarkable how a texture-perfect piece of fish bathed in brown butter, and the importance of the kitchen staff's attention to detail such as proficiency in cooking simple veggies can be so delightful. Dessert: 4 star Clafoutis with strawberries - a right-out-of-the-oven crock of the french custard-like mixture served with fresh strawberries and a scoop of vanilla ice cream progressively melting from the heat beneath was a commendatory close to our dining event. Applause!! Applause!!
(5)Nicholas W.
I have lived in the area my whole life. I have driven by this restaurant probably 4 days a week, and always disregarded it because I looked at the menu one day many years ago and always remembered seeing pate and having that one item burned into my brain. I WAS WRONG!! This place is awesome. The old general store feel is awesome. The server was very knowledgeable with the menu, ingredients, and the overall history of the building. All of these great things were backed up by the excellent food that came out of the kitchen. One of the people in our group has a very difficult time passing up Foie Gras, and was very excited to see it all over the menu and available as an add on the Filet. This place is a truly fantastic BYO. Do your self a favor and go have dinner there.
(5)Sean B.
Only here twice, once for a wedding reception, second for dinner with the gf. The food and atmosphere are both exceptional. I had the lamb chops last night, woke up thinking about them, hence the review. It's BYOB, apps dinner and dessert for two totaled $100. It was worth it, all around quality experience.
(4)Ben S.
Had been here for dinner several times before -- always great -- so when it came time to plan a major birthday party for my wife, this place popped into my mind easily. The barn building is available for rent and is incredibly quaint, with exposed wood, spiral staircase, country knick-knacks. Ezra, the owner, worked with me to tailor the menu, and was very flexible. The staff were friendly and fantastic, and the food was fabulous. I would highly recommend Spring Mill Café for both a nice dinner and a small-medium-sized gathering (parties of 18-25 are optimal) in a warm comfortable setting.
(5)Adrian C.
Whenever I visit the Philly area, I make sure to eat at Spring Mill Cafe. I'll usually get whatever is on special and have never been disappointed.
(5)Sri C.
Finally decided to check out all of the hype surrounding this local gem. It truly is a special occasion restaurant wrapped up in a quaint, cottage setting. The food that we had was quite good and fresh. We liked that it was a BYOB. The parking is a bit cramped in the parking lot, so make sure to allow for some time to get settled. Our server didn't go into the history of the building or specifics of the menu so much as others have Yelped--it would have been definitely appreciated (maybe next time). The portions are all about the right size--nothing way too large. One note, if you are vegetarian, they offer a vegetarian option, but basically, it is the side dishes of all of the other main dishes put together at the chef's discretion. In other words, there is no main entree on the vegetarian plate. It took a few times asking our server to finally understand that (I wasn't trying to be rude just really wanted clarification, but she may have been offended). I went with the grass-fed ribeye steak it was great :-)
(4)Kristin N.
Have lived in the area for 20 years and can't believe I haven't been here 'til now. The entire property oozes charm! We enjoyed a wonderful anniversary dinner here. We started with the quail appetizer and the cheese plate. Then we had the skate (first time, won't be the last time) and the Lancaster grass-fed filet. Both of us cleaned our plates! Dessert was the clafoutis and daffodil cake. Service was attentive and well-paced; it is clear they know of what they speak. When we left at 8pm, the restaurant was buzzing with happy diners.
(5)Brad P.
This is the best escargot I've had in Philadelphia. Yeah, they have other menu items, I guess.
(5)Harry T.
Loved the place. Very intimate with a nice rustic feel despite its proximity to downtown Conshohocken. Pate sampler was delicious. Fluke and scallops were also just right with unusual carrot purée side and nicely seasoned green beans. Service was very good. Plan to go again in the future. Put ourselves on their email list for special dinners they host during the year.
(5)Alan T.
We had a wonderful anniversary dinner here last week. The service was great, attentive but not too over the top. The food was great, as usual. And the mid-week prix fixe is one of the best deals around! Can't wait to go back again.
(5)Simran C.
Food was great. As I am familiar with French style dining, I was not surprised that substitutes were not allowed. Everyone in my party enjoyed their meals. The young waitress with long brown hair wasn't the friendliest but our main waitetress who took our order was very nice. I was just put off by the young lady who was helping out our waiter as she bumped into me several times while serving the table behind us. She also just put the food down in front of me, there was no "enjoy" or "bon appetit" or not even a smile on her face. But still, this did not deter my liking for the food. Will definitely visit again.
(4)Clare D.
Spring Mill Café is truly a hidden gem in boring little Conshohocken. The restaurant occupies the ground floor of a charming little house that welcomes you into what appears to be a rustic dining room with a library full of antique books. My friend Chris and I ordered the Pâté Tasting for our appetizer. This is a plate of three homemade pâtés: shredded pork and duck, chicken liver, and country pâté. I love paté and this plate easily exceeded my expectations. I was in the mood for steak and our server pointed out the difference between the two offerings of filet mignon. "The regular filet is good, but the grass-fed filet is out of this world," she said. I took a chance on it and I'm glad I did. It was ungodly good! You bite into each piece and the most aromatic steak juice in the world fills your mouth. Oh, my God, soooo delicious! This, my friends, was better than Morton's, Smith & Wollensky, Ruth's Chris, and The Palm. It was sex in my mouth. In Conshohocken, no less! Chris had the Rack of Lamb. Normally, I go crazy for lamb, but today the steak was the winner. We were offered a free glass of wine with our meal, which was a nice touch. The only miss was dessert, a huge slice of Daffodil Cake, a light angel food cake with citrus cream, toasted coconut, and freshly grated lime. It had way too much cream in it.
(5)Jack S.
food is very good byo is nice if you are a wine person the glassware is not very good service for the main course seems very slow when they open the farmhouse area i wonder if the kitchen is not big enough to support both areas overall a nice experience
(3)Dave H.
Spring Mill Cafe is a romantic BYOB tucked away in a Conshohocken nook. Their charming decor is peppered with vintage artifacts of a bygone era. Walking in is almost like visiting France. (In fact, the owner grew up there.) A friend and I dined here one Friday. We managed to find the place without getting too lost, and their large parking lot was a welcome treat. Besides folks dining on their patio, it wasn't terribly crowded. Dinner was a pleasure. Our server (Nicolleta) was attentive, anticipating our needs, keeping us happy. Our appetizers (ah, escargot!) and entrees were savory, countrified French fare, on par with other Gallic places I've been, and worth the price. My rabbit was a little dry, but tasty, and seasoned just right. My friend enjoyed her dish too. Good company, good cooking, and good service, what's better than that? Can't wait to try their brunch service! Recommended, and worth a trip to the suburbs - they're a short walk from the Spring Mill train stop. P.S. I'm happy to see this review get Review of the Day (ROTD)! UPDATE 2/17/2009: Changing my star rating to 5 - I realllllly had a good time. Also, check out their web site for the latest menu and other updates!
(5)Helena B.
As a lover of French food, speaker of the language, and foodie traveler, i am usually hesitant to give a place 5 stars. Spring Mill Cafe deserves it. We came here for our anniversary and were treated well. Wonderful intimate atmosphere and great service. So charming at night! Airy and a little rustic. Good warm lighting. There are no bad tables. Settle in and enjoy the home French cooking. This is definitely a place where people like to sit, talk, and take their time eating. Love, love, LOVED the escargot (attention garlic lovers) with light dill cream sauce and the pate tasting! Get the winter menu items before they are all gone! Eg. The Deconstructed Cassoulet and the Lapin aux Pruneaux! Don't be afraid to pick up the bone and get the little bits a fork is too inferior to grab. Portions are not small and aren't huge. They are just right. Oh and yes there is a dessert menu I've been musing over for a while now. Very memorable choices. Definitely recommend the Daffodil cake and chocolate mousse. My only gripe is the awkward parking lot. It was a little weird turning in and fellow drivers of the dark, windy road didn't appreciate me slowing to safe speed to do so. Not that big of a deal. Just get here and get your grub on.
(5)Elizabeth D.
This is a great alternative for lunch in Conshohocken. It's a little off the beaten path - on Barren Hill Rd. You can eat on the front porch, which is great in good weather. Our server was friendly and attentive. I had a glass of iced tea to start. The cuisine is French inspired - omelets, croque madame, steak frites, salads. I had the smoked salmon, cucumber, and goat cheese sandwich with a side salad. It would have been a nice and light lunch, but I split the tarte tatin with my dining companion. The desserts are all made in house. This tarte used pears instead of apples, but it was served warm with vanilla ice cream - so good! I would definitely come back here for lunch. It's a little more expensive than your typical lunch spot but it's well worth it.
(5)Brian W.
My new wife and I held our wedding in the barn at the Spring Mill Cafe. The service was first rate and the food wonderful. The combination made for a wonderfully memorable afternoon. We highly recommend this restaurant!
(5)Christy C.
Not the best meal ever, but not the worst, either. My husband and I had great memories of this place when we went years ago, so we were excited to go back. It seemed to me that they may have been a overwhelmed- maybe that's why the food seemed a bit off. My first course (petite salad) was basically a plate of mixed greens with a tablespoon of dressing thrown on. I assumed it was supposed to be simple, but it just looked (and tasted) careless. Then, I ordered the game hen for the main course. I would have appreciated being told by the waiter that it wouldn't come with anything on the side unless I specifically ordered something (my oversight when reading the menu, I guess). It was just strange seeing a deep-fried bird sitting on the middle of the plate with nothing else to go with it. I then requested one of the side dishes, which we then sat waiting for while the food got cold. The hen was stuffed with something that tasted very dry, not like the description in the menu at all. My husband enjoyed his dinner very much, so I guess I'll just say this place is cute, charming and inconsistent. I probably won't rush back. If you want the same kind of eclectic farmhouse atmosphere and delicious, creative food, try the Birchunville Store Café in Kimberton.
(3)Tolsun W.
Mixed results. The appetizers were fine, but by and large everything was a little overcooked and under-spiced. Overall, the meal left a great deal to be desired. It wasn't terrible, but it certainly wasn't good enough to visit again or recommend to friends who I like.
(2)Patricia L.
My husband and I dined twice at Spring Mill Cafe and enjoyed it both times. The atmosphere is very cozy especially on a cold winters night and the wait staff exceptionally pleasant. I had the swordfish both times accompanied by root vegetables that made it a tasty and satisfying dish. My husband had the game hen and commented about the tenderness and flavoring. We shared a dessert -- the daffodil cake. I am not normally a dessert person but this cake is fabulous. My only complaint concerns the slice size. The second time ordered it was a sliver of a slice as compared to the first time.
(4)Laurence R.
Everything was great. Our first but certainly not last visit!
(4)Sarah L.
I commuted to work for two years, passing the Spring Mill Cafe (nestled into Barren Hill Road right before the intersection of Hector St.) and almost daily I kicked myself for not having tried it yet. On my last day of my old job, my boss took me here for a bon voyage lunch. Rejoice! The inside was just as I'd hoped: like someone's cozy house with charmingly creaky wood floors and understated French rustic decor. They had an abbreviated menu for lunch and we both enjoyed the chicken salad, so bottom line, I don't have much variety to report by way of food. But, the ambiance and service was enough that I can't wait to return for a relaxing date night with my love, sharing a bottle of red, enjoying the duck and for once, cozied up inside instead of driving by only wishing that I were. :)
(4)Christie V.
Very unprofessional owner, not at all helpful or willing to make your experience a pleasant one. Be sure to have everything you need for events in writing or expect some unpleasant surprises at the end. I will say the wait staff is very friendly and they food is good, even if it may not be what you asked for.
(2)Danan R.
Excellent garlic butter-sauteed escargot, as others have mentioned but the pate trio plate is my favorite dish here. You get a sampling of the chicken, country, and rillette. The truffled chicken is especially savory. The cassoulet with pork belly, duck, sausage, and beans is great, but the rabbit is also a good, healthier option. Service is always fantastic. If you are here for brunch, I highly recommend the caviar omelette with a side of roasted potatoes. It sounds like a strange combination but it is delicious. And the potatoes are perfectly roasted and seasoned. It will be hard to return to the traditional, bland hash browns, though, so be forewarned! Cafe au lait adds the finishing touch. This is definitely one of the best restaurants in Conshy.
(5)Regina F.
The escargot is amazing. Phenomenal. Exemplary. Splendid. Fantastic. Sensational. Marvelous. Stupendous. Piquant. Extraordinary. You know all those adjectives you learned in 7th grade English class but readily forgot? Yeah, well dig those up. Nix out all of the ones synonymous with "drab," "mediocre," or even "good." Keep all of the ones meaning "the best ever," put them in one line, and this is how to describe the escargot at Spring Mill. The escargot is served atop a slightly sweet brioche that willingly absorbs the creamy garlic butter-cream-stuff that the chef has generously doused your plate in. Your snails died by drowning...it's true. The garlic-butter-cream sauce has a hint of basil in it and is as creamy-garlicky-buttery as possible. (I'm not really sure where the line between cream and butter is...but this sauce is on the frontier for sure.) Everything else is good. The Coquilles Saint Jacques features scallops elegantly served in seashells supported by smooth mashed potatoes surrounded by a sea of moderately flavored white cream sauce. The vegetables are few, just barely polka-doting the surface. The special dessert featured a blueberry cake - French style - not too sweet and with a bread pudding texture erring on the side of Creme Brulee feel. There were plenty of fresh blueberries, which was nice. The accompanying vanilla bean ice cream provided a final smooth douse of cream for your arteries. .... (As an aside: After leaving Springmill cafe, even with all of that beurre et creme, I didn't feel overloaded...just sort of zen and happy. No wonder the French always seem so chipper: eat tons of butter and cream without feeling gross. Sounds like a plan to me.)
(4)Charles R.
Haven't been there for many years, but need to go back more often. Food is very good, service was great and the setting is very nice. Really like the fact that this is BYO and unlike a lot of places you don't need to yell to be heard. One little complaint, I would prefer the escargot in the traditional garlic butter, but outside of that the rest of the meal was excellent. Not a huge fan of rabbitt, but this was super tender and sweet. Lavendar cake was super light and moist.
(4)Shannon G.
Exceed ALL the expectations! That is the crux of our experience here. From the moment we first pulled into the awkward parking lot I had a feeling we were in for a good meal. Warm and inviting, the atmosphere is begging you to contribute a great conversation to the lively buzz filling every corner. The menu sounds fairly simple, but it really just shows how quality ingredients and prep go a long way. Escargot is a must try. Wonderful flavor, and the actual snail...how is it so soft? The last time I had it there was a bit too much garlic though. Wife had an appetizer portion of the scallops and loved it. Good presentation with the shell too. Pate Tasting is an adventure, they don't tone it down. Beef Rillette had a very distinct liver undertone. Country Pate is extremely good. I had the braised rabbit with prunes, a leg and portion of its torso arrive in a bowl of red wine and Armagnac broth. Potatoes, prunes, and I believe a few other things were in there as well. Very good flavor, a homey kind of dish. The grass fed filet is just decadent. Worth the extra money in the hands of this restaurant, it was succulent, flavorful, and perfect. Madeira sauce complemented it wonderfully. Wife has had the fish of the day a few times, and it has yet to be anything but excellent.
(4)James J.
I went here with my wife for Valentine's Day based on the good reviews. We were very disappointed. First of all they charged $70 each so it wasn't cheap. The parking lot wasn't plowed and there was a ton of slippery ice outside. Inside we were seated by the door which let in freezing cold air every time it opened. The soup was lobster bisque which was bland and didn't taste like lobster at all. The appetizer was duck confit which was prepared medium rare. My wife has a medical condition and can't eat raw or undercooked foods. We asked if they could substitute another food or cook the duck more thoroughly both of which they refused to do. We even asked if they would give us a salad instead which they said they couldn't do due to the "high volume on valentine's day." They gave us an extra cheese plate instead so my wife got the same plate of cheese both at the beginning and near the end of the meal. The cheese was ok but when we asked if it was pasteurized they had no idea. She didn't miss out on much in terms of the duck because it wasn't room temperature, it was ice cold and had unpleasantly mushy fat and skin. It tasted like it had been pulled out of an overly cold refrigerator and thrown on the plate. My entree of lamb chops was undercooked and came with a really terrible quinoa which tasted like gritty mud. My wife's fish was bland and had pin bones in it. At this point the meal was so bad it was almost funny, except for the bill. After the repeat cheese course the dessert was a sponge cake which was ok but not great. After all the shennanigans with the duck plate they had the nerve to charge us the full price. We've eaten out at a variety of restaurants in both New York City and Philadelphia and we have never had such an overpriced trainwreck of a meal. We were terribly disappointed and you couldn't pay us to ever eat here again. I wish I could give them negative stars.
(1)Lily T.
Hosted an anniversary brunch for 20 in the barn - it was totally charming! Food, service, atmosphere are all very pleasing, This is a very special place with a unique character.
(4)Jeannie Z.
Delicious and authentic food. Amazing atmosphere inside and gorgeous gardens outside. Had my rehersal dinner at the Spring Mill Cafe in 2004 and it couldn't have been more perfect! Still dine there and the food and service are consistantly great. Highly recommend it for a nice night out, a gathering of friends, a rehersal dinner. I believe they hold weddings there too. A true gem that must be experienced!
(5)Ting Ting G.
The resturant was composed of 2 areas, the main dining was in the actual house while the alternative dining was in the barn .... note to all those girls who want to looks sexy for your date, heels + gravel= walking like you are in Michael Jackson's Thriller video Got the Escargots de Bourgogn: These were snails served on top of a broiche with garlic pesto butter. Petite, a perfect sized appetizer for 2. There were 7 snails and so far the best I have had yet. They were plump, tender, and perfectly cooked. Oh and the garlic pesto butter.... it took all my might not to lick the plate clean. This butter was not for garlic lovers, but garlic obsessed freaks ( like me). The broiche was forgettable, almost a giant slale crouton, or better yet, a platform for the snails to show off on. Lapin à la Moutarde: My general rule of thumb is that I don't eat any animal what is "cute". So therefore I have never had rabbit. I took a bite... " Your just ate a little bunny!!" my boyfriend taunted. What an asshole. Images of little bunnies hopping around, their cute little nose sniffing at stuff instantly flashed in my mind. I swallowed. Well... I know this sounds clique, but it did taste like chicken. It had stringier meat fibers, a more sour flavor (possibly from the mustard seeds) but overall like chicken. It was moist, and the mustard cream went beautifully with it. La Bouillabaisse de Marseille: This was a pretty big disappointment. The broth was very watered down, and none of the flavors seemed to penetrate any of the seafood. I had to actually use (gasp!) salt. The mussels and clams were also very small, the fish and scallops, overly cooked and almost rubbery. Worth the price? No. + its BYOB!!... check out pictures and more on my blog!
(4)Kristine G.
Bumping up to 5 stars. We have been back a few times since we originally reviewed the place and it's just a terrific dining experience. The food is great. The service is friendly. Both dining rooms have such a warm vibe that you feel like you're eating a wonderful meal at a friend's house. I recommend you grab a bottle of wine and get over there immediately.
(5)Robert B.
This a quaint little spot. It is perfect for a quiet romantic meal with a loved one. I suggest that you make reservations, as the seating is limited. They do not rush you eating, so you will spend a couple hours for the meal. Food is excellent and an ecclectic mix of flavors based in french cooking. They blend in flavors from other cultures and styles of cooking. I would go here again for a great French meal in a romantic spot.
(4)Patricia Q.
A perfect Brunch. I had been to the Spring Mill Cafe for dinner before and loved it so I couldn't wait to try their brunch. It exceeded my expectations. I brought along a friend who lives in Center City, I live way out in the Burbs so it was the perfect meeting place for us. I began with the brioche and lemon curd(both made there!) and my friend had the endive salad with fennel and poached pears- both equally fabulous. For my entree, I tried the Mushroom,Herb and Goat cheese Omelette with roasted potatoes - so fluffy and perfect- my accomplice ordered the brioche french toast which came with strawberries and cream that day. I have to say, between the knowledgeable staff to the good coffee and the food made clearly with time and care, this place is 5 stars for me and I would recommend it to anyone.
(5)Beth R.
This is food worth leaving the city for. I usually prefer to ditch my car on the weekends, but this was well worth the drive. For appetizers, my table split a large cheese and fruit platter and the pate sampler. Both were delicious (and picked clean). My entree of shrimp and sea scallops came in a light creamy sauce that was rich but not overwhelming. (If you are at all squeamish, take note that "traditional" means that the shrimp have the head left on.) I also tried a friend's rack of lamb, which nearly melted in my mouth. And who doesn't love a BYOB? The service was very good. Attentive, but not intrusive. The one thing that I couldn't decide if I liked was the decor. It looks like someone's house...not my house...maybe my parents' house if they lived in the countryside? Interesting and different.
(4)Megan D.
My boyfriend and I decided to venture outside our normal Sunday brunch routine to check out this small french cafe after reading about it in Philadelphia Magazine. The menu changes weekly so I won't tell you about the amazing french toast with cooked apples and caramel sauce we shared...oh wait. I have no words for the explosion of happiness that went on in my mouth. I actually can't remember the other thing I ate, it clearly wasn't that special. The small dining area used to be a general store and much of the character has been retained. This does not allow for much privacy between tables but is sweet and not found very often. My boyfriend went the next week to a cooking demonstration held by the chef here and really enjoyed it, he said he felt like a scene from Julie and Julia. I think we will revisit in spring when they open up the upper deck for outdoor seating.
(3)Diane G.
EXCELLENT food. The best and freshest entrees I ever had! Service started out great because we got there early but once it became crowded they forgot about us. Had a little sticker shock when the bill came. Since its a BYO I guess we were expecting a smaller bill but we did have apps and dessert. Overall, a great dining experience. Give it a try. Will be going back to check out the brunch.
(4)Jess K.
My fiancee and I were looking for a place for our rehearsal dinner and we found it at Spring Mill Cafe. We went early on a Friday evening to test out the food before we committed to the idea. For private parties, you can either use the front of the restaurant or you can use a little private house they have. They have you pick out the menu and everyone gets soup, salad, entree and dessert. I loved the atmosphere of this adorable BYOB. It was set up like someone's home with books, paintings and knickknacks everywhere. I started this yelp review much before my wedding - and now I'm married - whoops! But I did have my rehearsal dinner there and it was everything I could have asked for. We had the main house to ourselves and our 35 or so guests. We had a delicious meal and the servers were all very sweet and accommodating. My in-laws, who planned the party, picked out menu and the guests had a choice of 4 entrees as well as appetizers and desserts. I was very happy with Spring Mill and I would suggest having a private party here!
(5)Andrew B.
This is a cozy little place perfect for a date or a nice meal among adults. I brought my wife here for a nice meal and it exceeded all my expectations. The restaurant has a homelike feel to it, nothing like what you would see in a chain restaurant. The food was absolutely excellent. I had the cassoulet and my wife had the quail. Leave the kids at home, bring a bottle of wine, and enjoy some fine dining without having to drive all the way into Philly.
(5)Chad T.
The Spring Mill Cafe is an out of the way, romantic dinner spot. If you were dropped on their front-porch, you'd sooner believe you were at the General Store on Walton Mountain than just around the corner from Conshohocken. The setting was picture perfect, the staff was knowledgeable, friendly and helpful, and the food was outstanding. We especially liked the pate platter. The homemade country pate and the truffled chicken liver pate were the stars of the meal. My rack of lamb was perfectly prepared, and my wife's duck was amazing, right down to the crisped skin. Unfortunately we didn't have time for dessert, but after an outstanding first experience, I expect we'll be back very soon...
(5)Sharon M.
I loved this place.. sooo romantic, how did i not find this place? only minutes away. I'm finding out that the burbs offers some hidden treasures. It reminded me of a place you would go to in New Hope without the hour drive! I had the Moroccan Game Hen -nice- spicey. My partner had country pate app and the vivet de lapin tourangeau (rabbit) and for dessert we had vanilla bean ice-cream and montmorency which is this decadent chocolate cake with rasberries and sauce. I tried the rabbit it was too gamey for me. My game hen was delicious and just the right size. I get so excited when i eat now, I am going to have to wear a bib soon just like my mom. As she calls it, "Her going out bib" she has them in gold and silver lamet for fancy schmancy dinners. lol Oh and the BEST part: BYOB we brought my fav: Great Western dry sparkling wine.
(5)Denise R.
My husband and I dined at Spring Mill Cafe for Sunday Brunch yesterday. We found the restaurant to be very charming. Parking is difficult, service excellent, and most of the fare delicious. Disappointed with the Country Pate-very bland. We will go back.
(4)Jeff L.
Very nice, will definitely be back. My wife and I got a gift cert for this BYOB on the outskirts of Conshohocken and were pleasantly surprised how good the food was there. She had the rabbit and I had the braised short ribs and they were both wonderful. We appreciate the casual charm of the cottage like dining room and the quiet coziness.
(5)Ali S.
Spring Mill was the perfect venue to host a bridal shower for my friend and bride-to-be that is vegetarian and prefers to eat organic. They are extremely accommodating and the food is delicious. I was particularly impressed with their wonderful staff. I highly recommend Spring Mill for regular dining or events!
(5)Nina B.
Best steak and great service
(5)A S.
This was our first time here. Great food and service! The atmosphere was also really nice and comfortable. For our entrees, we got rabbit and pork. They were both really good. We don't normally go to French restaurants but we really liked it here. Overall, a really nice BYOB restaurant! Recommended!
(4)S L.
First the good. The food was excellent, though the chicken liver pate had way too much truffle in it. The lamb chops were meaty and cooked perfectly. My wife enjoyed the asparagus soup and a filet mignon, which was tender and succulent. Our waiter was friendly and attentive (hard not to be in a place this small). The only bad as far as the restaurant goes was I called and left a message on their answering machine around 2:00pm as to whether we could get a table for two that evening. They never called back. I had to call them again around 4:30 to inquire about the table. Now the other part of the review isn't really bad, and it has nothing to do with the restaurant. Sitting amongst the other diners was like jumping into the stagnant deep end of a pool of pompous douchebaggery. Sitting better the two tables we were seated between was at the same time both interesting and appalling. The people watching and conversation eavesdropping were A++ though! From one table (ages probably early 20s through early 60s) we learned about buying a Lamborghini and how they fly you to Italy to have it custom fitted, fishing at Peace Lake park, buying ocean front property so you'd have your own private beach and lots of talk about smoking weed. On the other side we learned about solid gold pinky rings (on the men), to being a manager at Hermes and how the employees know who's the boss. Again, these observations have nothing to do with a find dining experience here, but the pretentiousness of the diners made the late Saturday seating at Le be Fin seem like hanging out at McDonalds.
(4)Deena O.
We tried Spring Mill on a Sunday night, not very many people but it was nice. I had the arugala salad and it's fabulous. I would get that everytime! I had the special which was tile fish. WOW so good! My husband had the quail which was also very good! Our waitress was so friendly and the food came out fast! The chocolate cake with raspberries was fantastic! This has become one of our favorite places to go!
(5)Meghan N.
I want to come back soon and give them a better review. I do, I swear. This was my first time at the Spring Mill, and considering I've been living in West Conshy for three years, about damn time. I've heard so many awesome things so I was really, really excited for my dinner tonight. I ordered the La Bouillabaisse de Marseille and was really looking forward to it. I felt the monkfish was overcooked, but it was still good so I didn't care. My main problem was the fact that the mussels tasted like poop. I was so hungry that I ate them anyway, but still. Ick. I love me some mussels, but not sea poop. And now that I'm home and looking over their menu... where the hell were the scallops?!? Damn it to hell! I spent $31 to eat poop and no scallops. but the saffron tomato broth was great for dipping the rolls, so now I just have to make bouillabaisse myself! My aunt had the game hen, and while I didn't try that, I did eat the harissa off her plate it was quite good. But the chocolate mousse... you got me there, Spring Mill! Awesome. My aunt had the creme caramel and I could have eaten all that myself as well. The place itself is really cute. I wish I lived there.
(3)Phyllis B.
I was at this restaurant for a private party of 19 people. We had a set menu that consisted of soup, a salad, a choice of 3 entrees, and dessert and coffee. One of the entrees was filet mignon. We were told by our waitress that the chef was only serving it rare or medium rare. There were "no exceptions!" I am on a special diet and cannot eat carbs. I asked if I could get a vegetable instead of a potato or risotto that came with my meal. The answer was "the chef will not make any substitutions." Several of us were extremely put off by the chef's inflexibility at acommodating our requests. A chef normally cooks for more than 19 people at a time, so I don't think the minor requests that a couple of us asked for was being unreasonable. If you serve steak, you have to know that peoples' tastes vary tremendously in how it is prepared. I can't imagine there was not one vegetable in the house he could have put on my plate instead of the offered carb. With that said, the staff was very nice, service was very good, and the food was excellent. However I would hesitate to go back there again and be told how I have to eat food we are paying for.
(3)rey b.
this authentic french restaurant delivers all the finest points of french culture...amazing food, attentive & knowledgeable service, & a beautifully designed interior. i was lucky enough to eat in the farmhouse across from the main building recently & was extremely impressed with the server's attention to detail as well as the perfectly portioned dishes for such affordable prices. the salmon was cooked perfectly & they offered the best brioche i've ever had. everything was exceptional & am looking forward to escaping the city again for a delicious meal at spring mill. i know they have an amazing lunch menu & serve the best french bread, hands down! soon....i will be back!
(5)Sahra M.
Perfect!!! Sweet, unpretentious ambiance......super-romantic & delicious!!! Great little date spot.
(5)Jesse Z.
The setting is home-style, but the prices are upscale for this area. We were not impressed with the food. It was not bad, but it was certainly not worth the $25-35 price per entrée. The family who runs the restaurant is very nice, however, and service is good. This is the kind of place you'd go to if you'd like a break from cooking at home, and are willing to pay extra for the feeling of home, but don't mind an average-tasting meal. We probably will not be coming back.
(2)Alex A.
Took my wife here for a laid back but romantic dinner. It was great. Wait staff was friendly and the food was very good. They used many local and seasonal foods. Ambiance is part of the experience - it feels like you are entering an old quirky French country home. Wife got the short ribs which were delicious. I got the rabbit which was good. (who would have thought rabbit tastes like chicken). As for constructive feedback, I'd suggest plating the dishes more attractively, bringing out a homemade cheese with the bread, playing some old roaring 20s tunes in the background, maybe a live harp musician, and definitely a tastier bread pudding. That said, place was great and would recommend it to all.
(5)Jessica Z.
This is the only reason my husband and I leave Philadelphia to dine. The french cuisine is delicious. We always start with the Country Pate and its out of this world. We fight over the last bite. We mix it up with the entrees, Tagine, Flank Steak and Scallops come to mind all exceptional. The menu changes so we have many yummy choices. Make sure to leave room for dessert because the Daffodil Cake is simply divine. The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting. The staff are all friendly and knowledgeable. Oh and I cant wait for Spring so we can set outside on the deck and take in the lovely flower gardens.
(5)Sam W.
This romantically rustic, French country-style BYOB wins my "Best Restaurant for the Rain" award. If you like the weathered antique look then this place is for you. Throw in a soothing drizzle on top of the sounds of close conversations, a good bottle of wine and you have the makings of a great restaurant experience. The food selection is very good. I recommend the B'stilla Marocaine, which has been deliciously consistent since I first tried it a few years ago. Just thinking about it makes me want to go back.
(4)Nina H.
I was amazed to see that there were no reviews for this authentic, atmospheric restaurant. I think it's been there since 1979 which is a testament to the quality of the food. It is pricey but well worth it. Feels like you've been transported to a cafe in Provence. A bountiful, summery garden by the terrase is the perfect setting for a summer lunch or supper. Inside, the decor is charming and French country style. The menu is short but everything on it is delicious. I've had trout almandine, a wonderful Morroccan dish with chicken in pastry, amazing mussels, and a light, feathery angel food cake with Creme Anglaise and lemon curd that was unforgettable. It's a byob with panache.
(5)Gulshan I.
Had our anniversary dinner here one year. Limited selection but good food. Enjoyed Petit Escargots de Bourgogne. Oh yes and there was celebrity sighting, Wanda Sykes stopped by that day.
(4)Bob R.
I had not been to this place in a long time and we decided we would go back for our little end of year lunch. Took a bottle of Barolo that we were saving and we were very excited. Sat down and were talking about who we should bring here for dinner. Very exciting and happy to be there, server was great, she knew the menu and made great recommendation. She recommended this really interesting boar sandwich which we both ordered along with mushroom soup. Mushroom soup was processed in a food processor. Don't get that because it creates and odd texture and you lose some of the richness you can get out of this soup (try Friday, Saturday, Sunday's mushroom soup and you will know what I am talking about). The boar was tenderloin. However, the tender part must have been served to other customers because both of our sandwiches were filled with gristle. Pretty bad. There were hints that this could have been great but the moving the gristle from your mouth to plate was so distracting I stopped looking for hints of anything. The waitress noticed the pile of meat remnants on our plate and asked about it and we told her about the meat. She was embarrassed as we made our selection based on her recommendation. She said that she would tell the chef. Over dessert we talked about the experience and we were no longer talking about who to bring to dinner but weather we would ever come back. We decided that depending on the cost of the food (the sandwich was a special so we did not know the cost up front) and what the chef's response to our fatty meat would determine our future with the restaurant. Bill arrives, sandwiches were $15 each and no mention of the bad meat. Wishing I had gone to Dellesandro's for a really good sandwich. We were very disappointed because this place used to be perfect, and I mean perfect. I am sure that their business is doing very well but the chef should be embarrassed with what she served us. I would have been very forgiving if there had been a gesture of acknowledgement of the subpar meal, but there was nothing. Such poor attention to detail will not bring me back to the Spring Mill. As I said to my wife, they are very lucky I was not Craig LaBan.
(1)Amanda L.
We went here for lunch based on a recommendation from a couple we met last weekend. I think we were both expecting a take out/deli sort of place, but when we realized it was a full service sit down restaurant we decided to stay anyway. Great decision! This place is so cozy with lots of character. The waitress/hostess was very pleasant. I had the chicken salad sandwich, which looked like it had more chicken than lettuce, but it turned out to be the perfect ratio. The chicken was fresh (large chunks that almost needed to be cut with a knife!) and mixed in were golden raisins, walnuts, and grapes. My fiance had the steak sandwich, which was basically a fancy cheesesteak, but probably the best cheesesteak I had ever tasted. The meat melted in your mouth and the blue cheese was absolutely delicious. The roll was a true french bread, which is generally too crunchy for my liking, but it looked fresh and quite tasty. For dessert, we split a chocolate raspberry "almost flourless" cake. Again, my taste buds were in heaven. This place is a little off the beaten path, and not what I would have expected to find for a French restaurant in the burbs. Between the cozy setting and authentic music playing the background I could have sat here and ate all day!
(5)Andrew W.
i have eaten there recently, the food was excellent.
(5)