A few of us checked out the Night Lights at the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill and we were glad there was a place to stop in and grab something to eat and drink. When we passed by Farmer and the Fork, we were immediately struck and embraced with an inviting and intense aroma of cider doughnuts wafting through the air. We made it a point to return afterwards and we did, there was no disappointment. About the circular size of a standard mug, the cider doughnuts were freshly made, warm and had great texture and slight chew. And so we had to order another half dozen. Just that good. Although we don't typically seek out grilled cheese, we noticed on their menu a selection with braised short ribs. Our decision was made and it was the right one. Sinking your teeth into the buttered crisp toast, into the cheese and finding the short ribs before biting through and pulling away with everything and chewing, delighted us very much. They also had apple cider and hot chocolate which could be have an addition of spirits for an extra cost. My friend got the apple cider with Captain Morgan's and I ordered the hot chocolate with Kalua. Come here definitely for the warm cider doughnuts and you won't regret it - you might just order another half dozen or two! read more

The set up is cafe, pay cashier and get a text when ready. The line was all over the place, not straight, some people waiting parallel to the food area. When I got the text -went inside at the counter for pick up, the woman was not helpful. ( Rudely told me to find my tray by using my paper receipt. ) The drink bar was disorganized, a long line. The teen-ages in front took the lemonade, stopped and drank half a cup then refilled, their cup right there, thus holding up the long line. There was separate ice but the kids tipped the lemonade so plastic ice holder was slanted inside the holder. I noticed the drip bowl was overflowing and lemonade was spilled all over the counter. I proceeded outside to eat at the tables and chairs, but all 10 tables were full (some with just 2 people and 6 chairs. ) So I crossed to the other side with open 10 tables - two young girls told me to leave. A private party inside had 1/2 hour left. Yet, I noticed that not anyone was outside at all. They said the 10 blue umbrella space was paid for , even if not being used - so leave. The cafe could have used that lovely new blue umbrellas 10 extra outside seating area, (as cafe was extremely busy and weather was splendid. ) I retreated back to the cafe outside area, and stood up to eat. I noticed the concrete was broken, sticks everywhere and the umbrellas on this side were not secured well , thus blowing in the breeze. The nice private other side of the deck remained unoccupied with the extra -10 blue umbrellas at the tables closed off for the rest of the afternoon. Still closed and totally unoccupied even after the time was up. (The private party apparently choice to remain inside. ) Meanwhile, cafe side remained crowded. Food was expensive $16 for a salad. $4.25 for lavender lemonade. Not the Best experience. The view was lovely. read more

Farmer and the Fork - There are umbrellas on the patio, but in need of repair - New American Near Me - Boylston, Massachusetts

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We stopped in here for lunch after wandering around the gardens. There's a list of local farms that they source their food from - which I super appreciate. There's a pretty good sized menu, and everything looked great! You order at the counter, and pick your own seating. Then they call your name once your food is ready, and you go back up to the counter to retrieve it. I had the walnut Crusted Spinach & Gruyere Chicken Roulade Bowl- which came with a generous serving of the chicken, Roasted Tomatoes, Toasted Herbed Pearl Couscous over Farm Greens with a Cider Vinaigrette. It was filling, but not too heavy (perfect)! Will definitely be back! read more

Farmer and the Fork - New American Near Me - Boylston, Massachusetts

Yes. YES, YEEESSSS! What happened? A simple country ham and smoked gouda grilled cheese sandwich. This sandwich has a personality of its own. It looks you in the eyes and says "YOU can't handle so much goodness in a simple sandwich. This is what makes it so lovely. A simple sandwich unpretentiously elevated. Perfect clam chowder. A view to kill. Who knew? Worth the bites, the nibble, the gobble. Served by the nicest ladies happy to feed you. Hell yea! read more

The Farmer & Fork Cafe left a lot to be desired. Tower Hill is a 5-star venue in every other way. The "Cafe" (more like a Deli) is a poor effort & the concept is completely wrong for the type of Visitors. Sandwiches Wraps Bowls Wrapped Desserts ~ appropriate for a take-out Picnic on the grounds, not the full-service full-menu choices in competing botanic gardens. read more

The people leaving 1 star reviews on this lovely little cafe because it's cafeteria style just sound whiny and entitled to me. If you don't require a full service waitstaff, pay them no mind :) All ingredients are fresh and delicious, I especially love the English Garden salad that comes with many kinds of green leaves, goat cheese, two kinds of meat, mini heirloom tomatoes, and peppers. Also the frittata is delicious. You can have coffee looking out at the Wachusett mountain, and the staff are friendly and gracious. Thank you for helping make my visit to the botanical garden memorable. read more

Farmer and the Fork - New American Near Me - Boylston, Massachusetts

I enjoy going to Tower Hill Botanical Garden and having lunch there with friends. This was my first experience with the Farmer and the Fork and was extremely disappointing. The menu was limited and was served cafeteria style. The sandwich which I ordered was premise but tastey. I, however do not like waiting in line to order and then proceeding cafeteria style to pay. I enjoy sitting at a table with a menu, ordering and being served. I have recently met other friends who feel the same as I. With my next visit to Tower Hill, I will have lunch elsewhere either befor or after my visit. read more

The views from the Farmer and the Fork at the Tower Hill Botanic Garden are fantastic. Although the space is large and open, the wood fire kept it from feeling too cold. We tried the toasted farro and all day breakfast greens and grains bowls. Both had fresh ingredients and were very good. They were served in cardboard bowls but along with plastic utensils, actual silverware was available. The menu also featured sandwiches and soups. Food is served cafeteria style by a friendly staff. Coffee, in paper cups, was decent. Desserts were all prepackaged. Also offered is a selection of wines and craft beers. Not upscale by any means, but pleasant. I would eat at Farmer and the Fork again when at Tower Hill. read more

Stopped in for lunch and was very pleased. After walking in nature I liked the homey feel of this restaurant. Everything is first class. The locally sourced food selection is diverse. I enjoyed the cafeteria style where you can put together your own salads and bowls. My partner had a short rib sandwich which she raved about. I had the chicken burrito bowl which was loaded with delicious fresh ingredients. The service was friendly and quick. This is the most eco-friendly restaurant I have ever been in. I was impressed with the boxed water and drinking cups made from plants. This is a great addition to Tower Hill. read more

What a delicious meal we had at "The Farmer and the Fork" which is located at Tower Hill in Boylston Massachusetts. All of the ingredients were so fresh and the meal was scrumptious!!! The "bowls" are to die for!! Kudo's to Farmer and the Fork!! We definitely will go back and tell all of our family and friends. Definitely a 5 star rating. read more

I really enjoyed the bowl I had at Farmer and the Fork. I don't get the flak this restaurant is getting for having a deli style serving line. All of the ingredients are fresh and prepared with culinary integrity. Getting to choose your own ingredients for a customized meal or picking a restaurant concept meal makes sure there will be something for everyone. I created my own bowl with mixed greens ,barley, roasted carrot veggie mix, balsamic roasted mini portobello mushrooms, chili roasted sweet potatoes, black bean salad, and for protein I had a delicious chicken asparagus salad in the mix. I also had a basaltic dressing drizzled on top. This is not second rate food and the portions are filling. Everything is prepared with an integrity you would expect from Tower Hill. My food was delicious and I am looking forward to going back to Tower Hill in part so I can cap the visit off by eating here. the Staff was also super friendly. read more