It's amazing that this place is still open when there's so many better options available. I suppose it's... affordable? The service was nice, which is why it's getting anything above one star. The staff was very friendly. But the food is not good. We were served what must have been packaged frozen vegetables that seemed fresh out of the microwave, overcooked meat with thick, off putting sauce. It felt like the food you'd get at a hospital cafeteria or something. The restaurant itself feels like nothing has been updated in the last 70-80 years. I understand some people might find the "neighborhood restaurant vibe" to be nostalgic and comfortable, but to us, it felt like a place waiting to die. When there are literally insanely better options next door, across the road and down the street, please don't waste your money here. read more

The Fernwood has been in business in the same location for 80....yes 80 years! Not many restaurants can make that claim! A dependable American comfort food menu. Daily specials, fair prices, excellent service and comfy, quiet surroundings. Not trendy, no cutting edge culinary exploits. A great place to have a satisfying meal with good conversation with friends. Easy parking and accessibility is a plus as well! read more

We hadn't been to the Fernwood in years, but it was convenient for lunch recently. From the hostess who sat us to our waitress, once we said we had to be out of there in 45 minutes, we were accommodated skillfully! The ambiance is straight out of the mid 20th century, but that is part of the charm. They specialize in comfort food--I ordered the same delicious dish I loved ten years ago, a spinach salad with chicken, bacon and warm balsamic dressing; my boyfriend got the Reuben dog and raved about it. We won't wait so long to go back! read more

Great spot, the food served here is consistently awesome, with the best service I've ever had.

Love looking at the bar trivia blackboard while waiting for our meals. Their hot potato salad is yummy - always friendly staff read more

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I was going to start this update by saying "still really good" but that just sounds stupid considering this place has been open over 50 years. Who am I to pipe up with a squeaky "still good"? Well, it really is still good. I recently posted a pic of the menu, take a gander. They have entrees like pork loin, baked scrod, fried oysters. Last week I had the "fishermanburger" (interesting compound word) and it was delicious. It was a fresh grinder roll with breaded and fried fish, tartar sauce, fresh lettuce and tomato. It was great and I will most certainly order it again. Also the fries (standard is crinkle cut, steak fries and tots) are nummers. I'm not a dessert person but their homemade desserts are ordered a lot. From pies to cake to cheese cake and bread pudding with whiskey sauce, there's something for everyone (well, except for a fruit cup but that's not dessert, nor should it be). Go, get to the Fernwood (or as my neighbors love to call it, the Regal Beagle). read more

Fernwood Restaurant - Tuna melt and a patty melt. Not soggy, just right. - American Near Me - West Hartford, Connecticut

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The oldest restaurant in WeHa that has been in the same location since 1945 You enter the place from the back, and you have the option to sit in either the dining room or the bar When I came here the clientele seemed to be just old as the place, but even though this was the case the server was very friendly and welcoming The menu is simply printed on a piece of paper (and is riddled with spelling errors), and is comprised of basic American food I came here for dinner with my GF, and I got their roast beef. I was not very impressed with my food as it seemed like everything I got was merely reheated read more

Comfort food that's always on point. Relaxed atmosphere, no frills, but decent meals each time.

First time today for lunch with my friend... great personality in the staff, very welcoming. Even some of their patrons were welcoming. Homemade food, absolutely delicious. We will certainly be back! read more

Ahh the Fernwood Tavern (aka Restaurant). The Rock Of Ages in WeHa Taverns. Opened 70+ years ago and out lived many of its peers and those much younger. I was first introduced way back in the second half of the good old '70's. Recently, my wife & I stopped in for a nostalgia. Now, you ALWAYS enter through the back door. People have said after bye they never see anyone coming or going from the front door on New Britain Avenue. Aside of a few upgrades like a bit of paint, it hasn't changed much at all. The same tutor style tavern stained glass windows, dark paneling, patten leather booths, large round tables, and worn arm chairs. For me, it was heart warming to see. Not everything has to change because everyone else is. The bar is stocked with the basic liquors and beer. However, the have bowed slightly to the local craft ale market. Still, in terms of Ale Snobbery "Basic". After a brief sit at the bar for a beverage, we found The First Booth I first sat in way back and stayed for dinner. Again, Basic, but we weren't looking for Fillet Mignon, just some comforting food. I had stuffed shrimp (frozen), peas (frozen), & mashed potatoes (boxed). Okay, bad picture painted. Dessert was a different story, homemade bread pudding with a creamy brandy sauce, whipped cream, and a strawberry. The bread is supplied by another Elmwood institution The Elmwood Bakery. read more

A well established varied bar & restaurant located in Elmwood center. Friendly local crowd with nice higher walled booths or tables. The food is average, beer selection small but good variety. Guinness was very good. The clam chowder was very thick and tasty with hearty chunks of potato and pretty good amount of clams. The fried oyster weren't the best, but eatable, too much breading and over fried. I went in with moderate expectations from my past visits and was not disappointed. A nice family gathering place with ample parking and classic decor. I will go again. read more

Fernwood Restaurant - Fried oysters. - American Near Me - West Hartford, Connecticut

Very old-school restaurant. Classic dishes you don't see on Modern menus. Great value! read more

Fernwood Restaurant - Bread pudding - American Near Me - West Hartford, Connecticut

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Excellent clam strips. Not to salty. Not greasy. Not chewy like some bad clam strips are that resemble battered rubber bands. 10/10. I didn't try anything else there so can't review. The servers were very nice. Thank you. Sorry, no photo today. read more

The Fernwood is a step back in time if you judge it by the décor, but I can tell you it is a very consistent meal every time we go. When we first started to go I would get a roast beef club with crinkle cut fries and it was a classic club. As time passed, I saw folks ordering seafood and decided to give it a go and I can tell you I have not been disappointed. Most recently, I had the baked stuffed scrod, stuffed with a crab stuffing on top. It was a very fresh piece of fish, baked perfectly. It come with two sides and choice of salad or soup. I usually choose the salad, they have a great house made blue cheese dressing. My wife always gets the turkey club with crinkle cut fries and she loves both. Bonus, they are not shy with their pours on drinks. Overall a solid meal each time. read more

Fernwood restaurant is a typical New England restaurant in a lot respects kinda like the Howard Johnson restaurants. Upon walking in, it feels like I walked into the 80's again, the place is very dark, old, and desperately needs a good airing out! We came here for a wedding rehearsal dinner so we were forced to choose from a fixed menu--- Yankee pot roast 3 stars. It's hard to mess up pot roast with gravy!!! The meat was cooked well done of course , with some gravy over it and some mashed potatoes. Depending on the price point this meal wasn't that bad if you lived nearby and wanted something basic. Chicken Marsala -1 star. I think I needed some sunglasses considered how dry this chicken was, it was almost nuclear dry!!! They clearly made a mass of chicken with some weird sauce on top and just overlooked it to make sure it's done. Yuck The service was very nice to us, with the waitress even offering to walk out kids around the restaurant. I also noticed there is a bar/pub side to this place, so if you want a pub with an Irish/British flair to it..... Would I return here when back in town? No, but I think for some people this may be your spot!!! 79 read more

Fernwood Restaurant - Hi my name is salad, sad salad. I look and feel so sad - American Near Me - West Hartford, Connecticut

Fernwood is an old school throwback restaurant. Reasonable prices and old school food offerings. I was meeting a client for a lunch as it's an excellent location with high booths for privacy and enough people to create enough sound so you cannot be overheard by others but not so loud you cannot hear each other. They also don't rush you along! I had the classic corn beef Reuben with German potato salad. My only wish is that they offered spicy brown mustard. They only offer Dijon mustard. Overall solid meal. read more

My son lives in the neighborhood so my husband and I tried it recently. The service was excellent. My cocktail was priced really well and came in a real cocktail glass size - a rarity these days. The food was good. My husband had a special which he really enjoyed. Mine was off the regular menu and so-so but we will definitely go back and try something else. read more

Had a very nice lunch this afternoon at the Fernwood Restaurant in West Hartford, CT. I thought the menu was quite eclectic, featuring a popular range of items such as homemade meatloaf, baked stuffed shrimp, chopped Sirloin, rib-eye steak, pasta, calves liver, homemade pies, etc. I'll definitely have to go back when they have the homemade pot roast special and try the homemade pies. I hadn't been there in a span of about 15 years, but good is good so I'm happy I dropped in. I would also like to thank Cindy and Louise who were just terrific servers who checked on me frequently to see that everything was ok. Thank you for such a pleasant experience! read more

Fernwood Restaurant - Turkey Club with Sweet Potato Fries - American Near Me - West Hartford, Connecticut

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Food is really good, like at Moms house kind of food. The decor is a little dated but it's a calm space.

This is a dark, English style pub; I'm thinking it was never updated from its original design. Arrived 12:30 on a Tuesday and got the last available parking spot. The back entrance, from the lot, is dismal. Waitress abrupt, not rude, just not friendly. Ordered from the daily specials menu. Chicken salad club sandwich served with fries. This was some of the best chicken salad I've ever had; served with the greenest of lettuce and crisp bacon (loaded). The fries were of the frozen crinkle cut variety but served hot. Pet peeve, lemon slices for my tea served in the drink and so small you couldn't even squeeze them. Food alone 4.5 stars. read more

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After the closure of the longstanding Cypress Restaurant in Middletown, I wanted to see what in a similar vein might be around the Hartford area. Enter Fernwood: a charming, comfy, cozy time-warp that's sat in West Hartford since 1945. My first thought on walking in was, "Ahh, perhaps I'll stay a while..." The decor reflected deliberate effort that had gone into making the place feel a certain way, but that didn't make the vibe any less authentic. And so I did, in fact, stay a while. A good long while, much longer than I'd anticipated. But we'll get to that. With Fernwood being an old-school tavern, its menu was accordingly limited, but there was a sturdy array of classic American dishes and comfort foods. French onion soup, which I'd not had in quite some time, seemed like a good thing to open with. It was excellent, and and I immediately wished I'd ordered a bigger bowl. A true onion soup - not just beef stock with onion added - and the cheesy crust wasn't too rich. Just the thing on a bitterly cold and windy day. I had, unintentionally, caught them in their run-up to St. Patrick's Day (you can see some extra kitsch dotting the walls), and so they were offering their limited-time corned beef and cabbage. That made the meal decision easy. A good old-fashioned boiled dinner that tasted exactly how it looked, and I mean that in the very best way. I will say that there was more corned beef than my photo suggests, but as was so often the case with this dish, I found myself focusing on the cabbage. I could have easily eaten an entire additional plate of just that. They had some seasonal brew of Sam Adams on tap that went well with the food. I followed it up with a City Steam Naughty Nurse... and then another Sam Adams. By this point, it was five o'clock, and I'd heard the staff talking about some local Irish step-dancers who were due to arrive in half an hour, so I figured, what the hell? Long story short, I wound up staying over four hours, having random friendly conversations at the bar with other customers (who, as one would expect, skewed older; one of them did recognize Cypress when I mentioned it) - that's not something I generally do. I'd like to blame the four beers, plus the glass of white wine, plus the shot of Jameson, but the truth is that Fernwood almost seemed like Cheers made real: everyone knew everyone by name, and the atmosphere of camaraderie was one-hundred percent genuine. There were maybe two or three other people my age, and yet I didn't feel out of place at all. I freely admit that my perception may have been colored by a more-celebratory-than-usual atmosphere, given the timing, and Fernwood isn't as modern or gastronomic as, say, The Corner Pug down the street, but I think there are good reasons to come here that have nothing to do with modernity, gastronomy, or marking an occasion. read more

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I wandered in after I went to another place for lunch and was told it would be a 1 hour wait. The place was dark and empty but it had to work as it was late and I hadn't had lunch. Don't expect shiny tables or an upscale decor. Fernwood had a dark pub like atmosphere. Service was fast and friendly. Food: Based on the recommendation of the only Yelp review we ordered a Philly steak sandwich with side of fries and a Rueben Sandwich with German Potato Salad. I bread on the Rueben came out nice and crunchy. The food here is def heavy and amazingly greasy. After eating here I wanted to take a nap. I never had German Potato Salad and usually don't eat potato salad as I am not a fan of mayo. A German potato salad has no mayo and the version here had bacon and was tangy. Price: Food was cheap and portions very appropriate for the price. Parking: Tons of parking in the back. Getting out was kind of complicated as I didn't see arrows. Will have to inspect that next time. read more

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Can't say enough about the staff. All veryfriendly and treat you like a local. Both split pea and claim chowder soups where amazing. The meatloaf and mash potato's tasted like mom would make and it was swimming in gravy. The fisherman's burger was tasty but it was more breading than fish, thus the 4 stars. Will definitely be back!! read more

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Awesome patty melt! Great bartender and amazing crowd! Will definitely be going back again! read more

Fernwood Restaurant - Patty melt and AMAZING ONION RINGS - American Near Me - West Hartford, Connecticut

Its a matter of taste, I guess; But I came back to CT, and wanted to hook up with one of my friends for a beer. Friday night and we are in our early fifties and tried to figure out a place that was mutually convenient. The Fernwood came to mind although we both grew up here we've never been to the Fernwood so I figured what the heck. We met there and had a beer. The people were nice but the establishment was dated and tired. I'm sure it's fine for some neighborhood folk to hang out and maybe grab a quick meal or bring your Red Hat crowd, but I'm not there yet.......so we went to the Corner Pug. read more

Love this place! Warm cozy comfort food. Love the soups and daily specials. Muligatawny soup ( misspelled sorry) it's my fave. The staff is great too! read more

When I first arrived in this area, there were a few places that reminded me of my old New York City haunts. The Fernwood is the sole survivor - and they're actually hanging in there. This is a serviceable, dark, boozy, business-men's luncheon kinda place. The kind of place I love to love. The offerings are the standard fare, deep-fried appetizers, a pretty good clam plate, fish on Fridays, very nice burgers (could be juicier - don't smash 'em down on the grill!!!) - corned beef was a stand-out. The much-touted Reuben should be left alone. If in West Hartford go to Sally & Bob's deli-ette for that. Soups are very good. I had a split pea here that was very, very nice. Clam chowder's nice and thick, not everyone's cup of tea but very good in my opinion. Kudos to this place for keeping the menu alive even after the demise of its original owner (DISCLAIMER: I loved the guy and we talked many times). The really old-fashioned stuff is what makes it special here: Other notables are my hang-over favorite: a tuna (or chicken) salad platter with delightful cole slaw, potato salad and lots of iceberg lettuce. Ask for a side of their russian dressing with it - or their tartar sauce, which is commendable. Which brings me to the fried clam platters... we're not big on whole-bellies, opting instead for strips, but these items are served in generous measure (with disappointing french fries - ask for 'em well-done). The clam strips are plump and right on the money. One day's pot roast special was just scrumptious. Served right in tasty gravy with clouds of fluffy mashed potatoes, it warmed my heart. The server even gave me the requested butter and lemon for my broccoli (side). A "salisbury steak" was huge and delicious (don't think Swanson dinners, think old-school steakhouses). Avoid anything with red sauce. The sauce is made from inferior tomatoes and contains too much tomato paste. Beverages are an uber-bargain. Don't go here for the wine list; go for the booze (and beer, if that's your thing). Finally, avoid the bar. In the old days, a white-shirted, bow-tied gentleman held court there during the days. He made a superb martini. Sadly, he's been replaced by a bunch of run-of-the-mill staffers who just don't "get" a great martini (I think one of them would've rather made me a Cosmopolitan - Heaven forbid!) In the evenings, the bar is over-taken by a bunch of folks living out their own soap opera. The high-drama, driven by a dose of estrogen (yes, I'm being sexist) is apparent to all but the cast of characters. Rounding out the crowd are a group of people who're apparently still allowed to drive by the State of Connecticut even though they've escaped from a local nursing home. Yes, oldsters need a place to eat, too. But here, it's just getting too troublesome - and noisy. One woman threw a piece of tomato at her waitress. Another threw a fit. A third elderly gentleman threw up on his table (it was quickly addressed by the fleet-footed server, to her credit). Eat here for lunch and enjoy the ride. Dinner's a dicey bet (get a table in the back away from the door). read more

As the reviews read, dark, pub like atmosphere in the dining area (did not go in bar section). For 12:30 on a Friday afternoon, you would have thought you were at the early bird special seeing 95% of the people eating were over 70 years old. This was the start of my concerns... Ice tea and a cold snap was ordered when we sat down. Beer was forgotten so we flagged someone else to get it. Side note : they give you a menu along with a single sheet marked "lunch specials" but there is nothing special other them they take the regular priced item and put it on another piece of paper. BBQ burger, $9.95, BBQ burger $9.95 ;( Ordered the buffalo wings, waitress says "their the best, your going to love them!" I always like to hear that. A grilled chicken with honey mustard, side of mashed was ordered. I ordered the BBQ cheddar bacon burger with not bun. Asked to substitute my fries for a side salad and was told "NO"! .......ok then. Wings arrive. - chicken wings, not buffalo wings. We are asked if we want blue cheese and hot sauce. (Why are you asking this question, both items are listed on the menus as part of the meal!!!) yes we request and then nothing happens. Our waitress comes over and asks if we need anything, "yes, blue cheese and hot sauce". Then we only get blue cheese....after one more hot sauce request is made, the ketchup mixed with something sweet sauce comes out that they consider hot sauce. Now I am totally frustrated....why was this so hard. I had never seen so much work required to get us to what they call buffalo wings, - garbage... The waitress may be able to tell someone elderly that "your going to love it" and they believe them. Sorry not my generation. Live up to what you say and have in print. Wings were crispy and good size but never again. Burger was cooked perfect. Bacon as well. Onion rings were a nice touch. Not huge but I think it was a good portion (see photo). could have been a little bigger for the price.I think we get spoiled sometimes on huge burgers. I came here to try something new. I can see from reviews that it's known for the Ruben and potato salad. Both items that do not interest me. No plans on a recommendation or retuning. The Irish mafia will probably shoot me for this review! read more

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Really more of a time machine than a restaurant proper, but not without a touch of charm. I've lived in the area for about 30 years now, and this place has always been there, and I don't think it's changed in the slightest since I first set eyes on it. The dim lighting and ancient decor will be seen as either 'archaic' or 'retro,' depending on the viewer. I half-suspect that the place doubles as a nursing home, or that there are rows of sarcophagi lining the basement. The service suggests that unless you're a regular, the best you can hope for is to be tolerated by your waiter and receive occasional visits. The food is... fine, I guess? It's old-fashioned pub cuisine; acres of simple sandwiches, steaks, and seafood. There are some salads for more delicate tastes, and the soups I've tried were quite good. As the decor suggests, the food preparation is old school and powered by oil and/or grease; you're going to be very full and a bit drowsy from the heavy food on offer. I don't actually mind this - it's an old-fashioned alternative to the more modern and health-conscious food at similar places - but fair warning. Really, that's how I feel about the Fernwood in general: not my cup of tea, but it's not supposed to be, really. It's good that older folks have a place to go eat that's in their wheelhouse, with reasonably-priced beer on tap. There's plenty of parking around back, so you don't have to worry about maneuvering on New Britain Ave. too much. Younger residents will likely prefer the Corner Pug up the street, with more modern fare on tap. read more

Great Reuben and German potato salad. Fernwood hits an interesting balance somewhere among German restaurant, diner-like service, and downstairs pub feel (despite being above ground). The fast service makes this a frequent lunch choice at my office. read more

I asked the staff how late the bar is open. Here are the hours as of June 2018 Dining Hours: Monday - Saturday, 11:30 am to 9:00 pm Bar Hours: Monday - Thursday until around 9:30 Friday until around 11:00 pm Saturday until around 10:00 pm. Happy Hour is from 3 to 6 pm. read more

Great Corn Beef and cabbage dinner being serviced at Fernwood home made Irish Soda bread .. really wonderful ! read more

Fernwood Restaurant - Corn beef cabbage dinner - American Near Me - West Hartford, Connecticut

Outstanding been going there for 30 years this is not a chain restaurant these are home cooked meals and since Covid there to go service is also outstanding read more

I think I'll begin this review by just getting this out there...I love this place! It's Magic! I'm not sure what it is about this place. Could it be the fact that they always seem to be playing Frank Sinatra? Could it be the dark interior or the near antique dishware they insist on serving everything on? Could it be the fact that no matter what time of year or day you enter, you always half expect it to be a snowy winter evening when you leave? I don't know. Oh sure, I could talk about the food like the very good German Potato Salad which is warm and bacon-y, or the usually fantastic Reuben, or the bay scallops (which, here at least, is better than the sea scallops). Or I could even talk about the hilariously big meatloaf portion which, while good, makes me wonder who's actually ordering it. And the fact that their broiled fish is always perfect in its execution and simplicity. Or the near cute way that their menu seems to be having a 5 year long identity crisis by having old classics like liver & onions (which is pretty good actually) juxtaposed with Asian Duck Dumplings with Pepper jelly! I know I could go on and on about their great drink prices and the fact that having a full bar doesn't obligate them to have a martini menu featuring fruit and/or chocolate nor a series of frozen drinks that would make a 7-11 owner blush. But instead of boring you or waxing quixotic I'll just say this... If you can, go during the week at around 2 in the afternoon. Weird I know but trust me. Sit at the bar with half the staff on their break or just getting off their shift. Just sit with them, hang with them, enjoy the Sinatra and a few cheap pours. I can't guarantee that when you leave it will be a snowy winter night but you'll think it should be. read more

I had always seen this place, but never went in. I purchased a Restaurant.com certificate and gave it a whirl. I went in around 1:15 on a Friday and it wasn't too busy. It was only me so I went straight to the bar. I ended up talking to a gentleman that says he is a regular, and he loves to go there since it hasn't changed in 30 yrs. This place is very dark and feels old. The cash register at the bar looks like it was something from the 50's. The bartender came over and I places my order. He wasn't the most friendly guy. The food came out very quickly and it was a large portion with lean meat. When I finished, I gave my certificate to the bartender and was told I couldn't use it since it was over a year old. I referred him to the part on the certificate that says "never expires" and he still gave me a hard time. He finally took it, but made it known that he wasn't happy about it. So, food and company was great, but the service and atmosphere was lacking. read more

Fernwood Restaurant - Corned beef and cabbage dinner. $12.95. - American Near Me - West Hartford, Connecticut

Tried this place a couple times with friends. The bread pudding was good but everything else was unremarkable. Service and decor are tired and dated. read more

Went there with my boyfriend on Saturday. This had been my second time there. I love the old school pub vibe, lunch was delicious and the price was right!! We will definitely be back!! Definitely order the Clam Chowder when you go. On a side note, this was my dad's favorite hangout in the 70's. He still has fond memories of the Fernwood!! read more

We are talking major time warp here. I recall places that looked just like this 20 YEARS AGO. Some times a trip down memory lane are a good thing. I had a great Ruben with more German potato salad than I could eat. The menu was hearty comfort food, mainstream. The server was awesome, and the bartender was hilarious. Overall great experience. I did feel like I was somewhere in the very late 80s.. it was cool. read more

This place is a classic, and it feels nostalgic for me. I've been going here since I was a kid, and my dad has been going here since he was a kid. The food is thebomb.com, it's like mom made dinner (assuming mom's cooking is the best and homemade). I love the service too. Make sure to get dessert here! One of my favorite places, I hope it sticks around forever. read more

Great homemade soups and comfort food.