“Welcome to the Carversville Inn, a Romantic Escape in Bucks County just 75 miles from New York City, 40 miles from Philadelphia, 150 miles from Washington, D.C. and 2,150 miles from Paris…”
So begins the welcoming message on the website of the Carversville Inn from new owners Milan Lint and Mitchell Berlin. It’s a message that has been a long time coming, and judging by a recent visit, it’s been well worth the wait.
Just inland from Route 32, the road along the Delaware River traveled by many visitors to picturesque Bucks County, it’s likely you’ve never passed through Carversville. Currently home to about 100 residents, the center of community life revolves around a town square that was home to the Carversville General Store (now closed), a dental office, and the circa 1813 Carversville Inn.
According to the local historical society, throughout its existence the inn has served as a hotel, general store, ice cream parlor, and gas station. In its penultimate incarnation, it was run as a restaurant and bar owned by Will and Denie Mathias, a venue that I had often frequented with friends. Upon the Mathias’ retirement, it was purchased in 2020 by Lint and Berlin.
Lint and Berlin had grand plans for the restoration / renovation of the site, plans that led to years-long negotiations with various governing bodies over zoning and historic district issues that I followed with interest in the Bucks County press. Long story short; the issues were finally resolved, construction commenced, and early in May the inn opened its doors to the general public.
Three dining companions and I recently dined at the inn. Expecting a light turnout on a Sunday evening, we were surprised to find that the joint was jumpin’ and that finding a parking spot proved to be a bit of a challenge. Clearing that hurdle, we paused outside to appreciate the restoration of the stone work and the wraparound porches at ground level and on the upper floors that will soon house six guest suites, described on the inn’s website as “intimate accommodations” that “…combine old-world charm with modern sophistication, featuring plush furnishings, fine linens, and spa-like amenities to ensure the utmost comfort. Each room offers a tranquil escape, ideal for unwinding and reconnecting.”
Despite the over-the-top descriptives, if the photos online sync with reality, guests should be more than pleased, although no launch date or pricing information for the suites was posted the last time I visited the inn’s website.
We then entered the restaurant, which is described as “our French-inspired brasserie, where culinary artistry meets the finest local ingredients. Indulge in exquisite dishes crafted with passion, complemented by a carefully curated wine list that celebrates both French tradition and regional vintages. Every meal becomes a memorable occasion.”
That description raised our expectations to stratospheric heights, but in all honesty, the four of us were blown away by the transformation that has taken place. If we had been teleported to Carversville and led inside blindfolded, we would not have recognized that we were inside the “old” Carversville Inn.
Black walls and ceilings, crystal chandeliers, colorful artworks, and Regency inspired gilt monkey sconces — the monkeys resplendent in tricorn hats — did indeed evoke a French-inspired brasserie. The intimate bar (seating eight or so) was abuzz, as was the rest of the inn, seating about 65 diners clearly intent on both enjoying their dinner selections and engaging in animated conversation.
Arriving early for our dinner reservation, we were warmly greeted at reception and continued to take in the décor as well as seek out a space to enjoy – in keeping with the tone of the inn’s marketing copy — a “pre-priandial libation.” Or perhaps just a drink before dinner…
Easier said than done. Finding no room at the bar, we headed outside to the wraparound porch and found a cozy corner, where we enjoyed nicely crafted Bulleit rye Manhattans ($18), a glass of Savignon Blanc ($18) and a glass of Elouan Pinot Noir ($20).
At the appointed time a staff member informed us that our table was ready, and we repaired to a cozy spot in the dining room adjoining the bar. Warmly greeted by Hailey, our server, we were invited to peruse the menu and the wine list while water and a selection of fresh, crusty breads were brought to us.
Choosing a wine to accompany our meal surfaced the only quibble about our dining experience. I was informed that my first selection, and then my alternate selection, both priced at $45, were not available that evening. The Chateau Bechereau Lalande de Pomerol, blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon ($65) was available and quite pleasant, but in a world awash in highly enjoyable, reasonably priced wines, it was disappointing to find so few choices in the $40 – $80 range. Prices for most bottles rapidly escalate from there, topping out at $480 for the 2020 Caymus Vineyards Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon.
On to our meal. I chose to start with a half dozen grilled oysters (Malpeques? My bad for not verifying with Hailey) enrobed in a Pernod beurre blanc ($22). Delicious. Equally enjoyable were the roasted beets dressed with whipped horseradish crème fraîche and walnuts shared by my dining companions ($18).
I chose the pan fried pork chop served with braised artichokes, flageolets, and Swiss chard for my entree ($38). There’s an art to preparing pork chops that are tender, moist and flavorful, and this one ticked all the boxes. Moving right along, the trout almondine with brown butter, haricots verts, and French lentils ($38) was deemed fresh, flaky, and perfectly seasoned.
The short rib bourguignon with carrots, pearl onions, mushrooms, and potato puree ($42) was fork tender and very, well, beefy. Last but not least, the wild mushroom and kale pithivier (A round, enclosed pie fashioned of two disks of puff pastry) with a filling of mushrooms and sauteed kale and served on a bed of mushroom bisque ($34) was declared a winning preparation as well.
A shared vanilla ice cream sundae with caramel, chocolate drizzled peanut brittle, and whipped cream ($10), and a shared strawberry rhubarb crisp with fennel sugar and crème fraîche ($13) along with regular and decaf coffees ($4) fortified us for the drive home.
I must mention that there are many more intriguing choices on the inn’s thoughtfully crafted menu, including bistro favorites like rotisserie half chicken, steak frites, and moules frites. Visit the Carversville Inn website for details. Personally, I’m returning for the double cheeseburger with gruyère, aioli, caramelized onions, and duck fat pommes frites. On second thought, make that a double order of duck fat pommes frites. Oh, yes!
Carversville Inn, 6205 Fleecydale Road, Carversville, Pennsylvania. Open Wednesday and Thursday, 5 to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 5 to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, 5 to 8 p.m. Closed Monday and Tuesday. 267-406-9162. info@carversvilleinn.com. carversvilleinn.com.
