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Mockingbird Kitchen and Bar (fka Tollgate Tavern) Reviews List
Mockingbird Kitchen and Bar (fka Tollgate Tavern)
At the Mockingbird Kitchen and Bar (fka Tollgate Tavern), our goal is to bring you approachable New American cuisine using fresh, vibrant seasonal and local ingredients. Locally sourced and globally flavored we strive to present well-balanced dishes with flavors ranging from subtle to bold.
The tavern is a casually elegant restaurant located in a beautiful, 270-year old historic home; the Captain Bull Tavern listed on the National Historic Register, on the 10-acre Toll Gate Hill Inn in the northwest corner of Connecticut, just 45 minutes from Hartford and 2.5 hour’s drive from Boston and New York.
See more Mockingbird Kitchen and Bar (fka Tollgate Tavern) details
The tavern is a casually elegant restaurant located in a beautiful, 270-year old historic home; the Captain Bull Tavern listed on the National Historic Register, on the 10-acre Toll Gate Hill Inn in the northwest corner of Connecticut, just 45 minutes from Hartford and 2.5 hour’s drive from Boston and New York.
37 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Rating Breakdown 37 reviews
5 stars
(20)
4 stars
(12)
3 stars
(5)
2 stars
(0)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- fit for foodies(22)
- neighborhood gem(20)
- romantic(18)
- special occasion(13)
- notable wine list(8)
- good for groups(6)
Mockingbird Kitchen and Bar (fka Tollgate Tavern) Reviews List
Review 1 for Mockingbird Kitchen and Bar (fka Tollgate Tavern)
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
sweet spot
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/18/2013
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"thanks for a memorable evening, quiet romance, superior food. interesting drinks, and a feeling of endless time. i would visit again and again."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, scenic view, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 2 for Mockingbird Kitchen and Bar (fka Tollgate Tavern)
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Delicious, creative food
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The restaurant is cozy, probably not suitable for parties of more than 6 people. We entered to the intimate bar with the extremely friendly bar tender and enjoyed seasonal ramp matin is. So good! There were many other creative cocktail options, utilizing fresh produce, as well. The dinner choices continued the trend of fresh, in-season options like soft shell crabs, fresh brussel sprouts and rhubarb. Portions were very generous and we were too full after salads and entrees to finish a shared dessert, as nice as it was. Service was very attentive and engaging. Prices were very reasonable for the quality of the food. This place is a gem to be re-visited!"
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, scenic view, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 3 for Mockingbird Kitchen and Bar (fka Tollgate Tavern)
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Wonderful find in Litchfield
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"a great little treasure in the country setting. Love the attention to every aspect of the food, the local sourcing, the blending of unexpected ingredients and the charming staff that relish describing every detail of how a dish is prepared"
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups
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Review 4 for Mockingbird Kitchen and Bar (fka Tollgate Tavern)
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
great again
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My husband had the pork chop and I had the lamb special... the best dinner yet....Just wonderful... and wonderful mother's day event!"
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, notable wine list, romantic, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 5 for Mockingbird Kitchen and Bar (fka Tollgate Tavern)
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
would not knowl about some
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"would not knowl about some of your catagories as it was the first time there. everything was very good all the food was tasty and some different recipes . we would go again in the future."
Dined on 04/17/2013
2013
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Review 6 for Mockingbird Kitchen and Bar (fka Tollgate Tavern)
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food and service was excellent!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Food and service was excellent! We will definitely dine there again!"
Dined on 04/06/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 7 for Mockingbird Kitchen and Bar (fka Tollgate Tavern)
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The food, service and atmosphere
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food, service and atmosphere were great! The fire was nice and warm! Awesome place!!"
Dined on 04/05/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, late-night find, romantic
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Review 8 for Mockingbird Kitchen and Bar (fka Tollgate Tavern)
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Love the rustic atmosphere
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Love the rustic atmosphere with the blazing fireplaces...yes, more than one! Warm and cozy with a nice steady flow of people. The kale and beet salad was to die for and I had a wonderful pasta and scallop dish. My husband was also quite pleased with his dinner. The wine list had just the right amount of choices to make a quick decision. I initially thought we were in for an expensive evening but there are some very reasonably priced meals on the menu, as well. Definitely an eclectic and eccentric menu with a French twist to it. Going back for more! Sam, the Chef, is really make a name for herself here that will follow her anywhere. Great night!"
Dined on 03/22/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 9 for Mockingbird Kitchen and Bar (fka Tollgate Tavern)
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Unfortunate experience as
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Unfortunate experience as the food is quite good. Took one hour from sitting down to get appetizers. They had a private party and are obviously not set up well to handle the demands of that and stay in tuned to the regular diners. I will compliment our waitress for somewhat softening the blow hence a 2 not one for service. Food extremely flavorful. The steak tartar is outstanding. I ordered duck for entree. The dish was fantastic the portion insulting. One extremely small breast surrounded by a lot of tortellini. Fortunatley the tortellini was great. Trust me I am not looking to walk out with leftovers but that was ridiculous for $32. Good for them they have very good deserts."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 10 for Mockingbird Kitchen and Bar (fka Tollgate Tavern)
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great place for a cozy late
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Great place for a cozy late afternoon lunch or early dinner by the fire. We have been pleased consistently over the last 8 weeks with three visits. The staff couldn't be nicer and the food is a winner with something for everyone. Reasonably priced too!"
Dined on 03/23/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 11 for Mockingbird Kitchen and Bar (fka Tollgate Tavern)
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Keeps getting better
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I wont give this an outstanding for food because I dont want it to catch on more than it has - I will never be able to get in! I wish there were enough space here to write a real review. When they have duck, it is always wonderful. The chicken leg confit is a good substitute when they are not serving it. The short rib - on a long bone - is excellent as are their fish dishes. For those wanting something less, the do serve burgers from meat from the wonderful local blue moon farm. Dont fill up on starters, save room for dessert. The servers are all terrific, cheerful and friendly but not in a bad, annoying way. They seem to really love the restaurant and care about the clients."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 12 for Mockingbird Kitchen and Bar (fka Tollgate Tavern)
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Cozy tavern dining
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"An 18th century tavern feel. Fireplaces to warm each dining area. Very accommodating staff. Noisy when dining room is full. Food is tasty and prepared with imagination. A meal from small plates is easily done. Creative cocktails. Good beer choices."
Dined on 03/15/2013
2002
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic
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Review 13 for Mockingbird Kitchen and Bar (fka Tollgate Tavern)
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great ( save for the oversalting)
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This was the second time for me and the first for the other two with whom I dined. All was as wonderful as the first time I was there - which is why i recommended it - BUT...everything was noticably saltier. The pasta dish was incredibly salty. I'm not the only one who thought so. Having had the same dish only teo weeks prior...i had a basis of comparison. So, somebody made a mistake. Had it mot been a special birthday celebration I would have sent the pasta back. and i very rarely do that sort of thing. Otherwise, wonderful."
Dined on 03/07/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 14 for Mockingbird Kitchen and Bar (fka Tollgate Tavern)
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great daily specials! Had
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Great daily specials! Had a wonderful crispy kale salad that was so wonderful I could have eaten a whole plateful more. The miso salmon was done just right. The short ribs were tender and flavorful although they did not come out on a short rib but a Flintstone sized rib. The service was outstanding,attentive but not hovering and really had a great knowledge of the menu. Nice wine list and the atmosphere is beautiful. Dark wood in one dining rooml that brings you back to a bygone era. Great welcome cocktails priced right to boot. Definately a place to go again and again."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 15 for Mockingbird Kitchen and Bar (fka Tollgate Tavern)
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great ambiance in this old
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great ambiance in this old tavern--well over 100 years old. Beautiful real fireplace adds to the restaurants ambiance. Nice wine list, reasonably priced. All dished were tasty, fresh and well presented.
But, our reservation was for 7:30, and we didn't sit down til after 8. But, in a smaller restaurant it's almost out of their control. People linger after dinner-and who can blame them in this charming space. They did comp us an appetizer which was nice.
Very nice addition to the Litchfield restaurant scene. We'll be back."
But, our reservation was for 7:30, and we didn't sit down til after 8. But, in a smaller restaurant it's almost out of their control. People linger after dinner-and who can blame them in this charming space. They did comp us an appetizer which was nice.
Very nice addition to the Litchfield restaurant scene. We'll be back."
Dined on 02/22/2013
2005
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 16 for Mockingbird Kitchen and Bar (fka Tollgate Tavern)
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
One of the best in the area
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"One of the best in the area and you can hear your dining partners. Small but varied menu, from duck breast to burgers. Really good duck breast when they have it, and excellent short ribs. Miso salmon was very much liked as well. Hard to resist dessert selection."
Dined on 02/17/2013
2004
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Review 17 for Mockingbird Kitchen and Bar (fka Tollgate Tavern)
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Valentine dinner
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"What a great Valentine Dinner. Samantha had it set up perfectly for a romantic evening.
Small Tables for two.. Candles and hearts for the women.. perfect food and perfect evening."
Small Tables for two.. Candles and hearts for the women.. perfect food and perfect evening."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 18 for Mockingbird Kitchen and Bar (fka Tollgate Tavern)
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great food served by a knowledgable
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Great food served by a knowledgable and perfectly attentive waitress in intimate rooms of an old country inn. What more could anyone ask for. The service was a bit slow; we didn't get our entree until an hour after we sat down, but it was a full house for Valentine's Day, so maybe that was the reason. The food was surely all cooked to order by the owner/chef, and that takes time. The waitress knew everything about the food, how it was prepared, and its ingredients. Unique salads started us off (along with homemade bread). Our entrees - venison for me, salmon for my wife - were as good as we've ever had, and were paired with perfect sides. We made the mistake of ordering dessert...mistake only in that they were so good, we both ate every bit"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 19 for Mockingbird Kitchen and Bar (fka Tollgate Tavern)
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
best birthday dinner ever!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Best Birthday ever!. Wonderful dinner, by the fire, best friends with us. One to remember for the rest of my life....love this place"
Dined on 02/02/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, hot spot
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Review 20 for Mockingbird Kitchen and Bar (fka Tollgate Tavern)
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
service, ambience and food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"service, ambience and food all excellent. a party of 4 can hear themselves talk."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 21 for Mockingbird Kitchen and Bar (fka Tollgate Tavern)
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
A cozy place. Fabulous food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"A cozy place. Fabulous food and great and feiendly service."
Dined on 01/25/2013
2009
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Mockingbird Kitchen and Bar (fka Tollgate Tavern)
Based on the average of (16) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
3 out of 3 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate