John Egan's Lodge, Pub & Grill, Waitsfield

I hadn't been to Egan's for at least a couple of years when I took a shot at dinner there this weekend. I have to say their service and food has gone downhill since they opened several years ago. Our waitress had to go check with other staff THREE times while we placed our order (for just two of us) because she wasn't familiar with the menu. I personally had to go inside to get my boyfriend a drink when his ran out. His steak was terrible and (as I expected), we paid quite a bit just for a simple meal with soft drinks (he had a small steak and I had an appetizer). I think it came to $60. The Valley is sadly lacking a good restaurant with just the basics.

The restaurant is warm and inviting, and the deck area very pleasant. The menu is eclectic and loaded with fresh local ingredients. Our servers were pleasant, attentive and not at all pretentious! No more expensive than any other area restaurant, but the food is much better. Their roasted chicken is the best I've ever had, and their onion relish unique and tasty. I can highly recommend this establishment. With the lack of other good dining in the Mad River Valley, this is a tried and true place to meet and eat.