Everything is perfect except the parking. Lot gets full fast. Food, excellent Service excellent Ambiance is what you expect. Fine for country restaurant. read more

I can forgive slow service, bad food, or high prices, but all three delivered with a "screw you" attitude is beyond the pale. $33/plate for Mother's Day with a mandatory 20% gratuity, and you can certainly tell the staff know they're getting a tip regardless of service quality. We waited over 90 minutes for our food, with no apologies from the waitress. We were told for half an hour that our ticket was up next, the only thing that kept us from walking. We received our food twenty minutes from closing and were rushed out without time to eat or partake in the "unlimited" sides that are supposedly offered. Rather than bringing us dinner rolls or any of the other sides while we waited, we were left to stare at the kitchen with an empty table. Very soon after delivering our food, the waitress threw Styrofoam containers on the table and demanded our dessert order. The food is, quite literally, bagged lettuce (Kroger American blend? I buy this often and recognized the carrot and radish slice shapes. At least add some croutons!) The "unlimited sides" are rehydrated potatoes with green beans and corn, both seemingly straight from the can. We politely discussed these issues with the owner, asking him to remove the gratuity from our ticket. Rather than showing concern or asking what had gone wrong, he simply refused to do this without any question. At no point did the waitress or owner even feign an apology or concern that their restaurant had categorically failed to provide the Mother's Day experience that you expect at such a price point. I told the manager that I was not signing the receipt, and he forged my signature in front of me. He continued to argue aggressively with me and called the bus boy over to mock us, claiming that we just wanted a free meal. A family member in line to pay behind me told me that he threatened to fight me out in the parking lot. Another reviewer mentions a similar experience. Apparently this is part of the experience at Hilltop Family Restaurant. We came hoping to honor a recently deceased family member who used to love eating here but had not been able to since new management took over a few years ago. It is tragic to see what was once a local staple pass into ruin like this. I am not one to leave negative reviews, but this was the absolute worst dining experience I have ever had the misfortune of suffering through. Save your time, money, and sanity, and go to any of the other options in Spencer. read more

3 of us went in on Friday March 20 at 6:20 pm. Can't tell you how the food was because we were never approached by a server. After waiting 10 minutes to be seated we sat at our table for 15 minutes and watched 2 other tables who came in after us be served. We decided at that point to leave. read more

Food and service was great. We wilm definitely be back. I recommend the fried chicken . Definitely worth the drive

Homestyle atmosphere, family served sides, and staff at the ready to bring out more of the delicious mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, rolls with orange marmalade, and green beans. My family has been making the 1+ hour drive periodically for years. Southern Indiana hospitality for sure! read more

Hilltop Family Restaurant - 8oz. Grilled Salmon Steak - American Near Me - Spencer, Indiana

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We were seated at 5:05 PM. We waited over an hour and a half for our entrees. Server asked "is that it" or "anything else" when she'd drop something (and yes she literally dropped) drinks on our table. She'd turn and laugh or roll her eyes when we'd ask her anything. She repeatedly mixed up our drink orders. When we asked how much longer our entrees would take she replied "you're up next" and that was her response for the next half hour. That is the only reason we did not walk out the door. We finally received our food at 6:36 PM. When asked "anything else" again a member of our party suggested she bring out another round of sides since it took so long to get the food. Apparently she did not like that response as she rolled her eyes and shook her head and walked off. Not 10 minutes later the server was asking for our dessert orders. When asked if we could finish our entrees before we discussed dessert she got really belligerent stating she wanted our dessert order so she could put them in before they ran out of everything. What? Seriously? Then she brought styrofoam containers and dropped them on the table in an attempt to rush us even more. They were trying to get everyone out by 7 PM so they could close. When we went up to complain to her "Manager" we were told that we were the ONLY people that complained out of the supposed 400 they served that day. Not one person from the top down apologized for the bad service or attitude. Instead we were accused of trying to get a free meal and berated by this so called Owner/Manager. This was absolutely ridiculous. None of us have ever complained to receive a free meal! Ever! This restaurant had been a favorite of a member of my family for years. This was the first time we had been in about four years due to family health issues. We were there to celebrate the memory of that family member who just passed away three weeks ago. All we wanted was an apology for the horrible service and terrible attitude of our server. It is pretty obvious that they are not cooking from scratch anymore. Green beans and corn were from a can and very underwhelming. The potatoes were OK . The entrées were not worth the cost. However We were prepared to pay their over inflated prices plus the mandatory 20% built in gratuity if the service would have been decent. All we wanted at the end was an apology and we were treated terribly by staff and management. It's obvious ownership has changed. The old owners would never tolerate inappropriate staff actions nor speak to customers like this! I would not believe any of their positive Google or Yelp reviews. As soon as a member of our party put up a negative review on Google this evening the owner responded once again berating our party and defending his rude staff. He also said there were 40 people waiting to eat, which isn't true. They were closing! Not 15 minutes later there were four immediate "positive" reviews to follow. Obviously, they reach out to family and friends to post to offset any negative reviews they receive. Again, don't waste your time if you're looking for a quality meal with good service and friendly attitudes. read more

You don't have a rating for zero stars and yelp is forcing me to pick a star, otherwise I would leave it blank. I love it when I'm hungry and paying an exhorbitant amount to wait an hour and a half to eat my meal while the entire dining room is almost on the dessert course. The "food" if that's what you call it looks like it is probably better served at a correctional institution. The wait staff is incredible, especially when they get pissy and drop the pitchers on the table and then ask you what they brought. It's even more entertaining having the side dishes thrown at you. For lousy, overpriced food and terrible staff and "managers" that curse at your family members, this is a great place to spend a fortune. I will never eat in this place ever again as long as I live. read more

The people are very nice. Not a long wait to get you food. The fried chicken is hands down the beat I've eaten. If there is more than one two or four people they serve the sides gamily style and you can get refilled we never had to. Just an awesome setting. Always good whenever we go. Keep up the great service . read more

The food here is simple, clean, and delicious. Our waitress was very friendly and made for a pleasant experience. The restaurant has been around since the 40's. A really classic interior with limestone fireplace and high ceilings made for nice lodge like meal. You can't go wrong here. Try the pie! read more

My wife and I had Thanksgiving dinner here and it was awful. I had recently viewed a documentary on the inevitable demise of Cracker Barrel and felt the same thing was going on at Hilltop The turkey dinner tasted the Swanson TV Dinners of 60 years ago. As Cracker Barrel is going more to pre- prepared meals and less in house cooking it seems Hilltop is doing the same. We will never eat there again. We drove three hours round trip to get there, and i was embarrassed I took my wife there. read more

Food was exceptional. Service was great! It's still a gem in Owen County. I apologize for no pics. I had a ribeye with three others. My guy got a half rack of ribs. He could not eat all of it. Tender and real meaty' yay. Leftovers. Also, they now sell pizza too!! Don't let the bad reviews keep you away!! Chicken is still a fav too!!! read more

We have passed by this place for years and never stopped but always wanted to. We drove down on 7-3-24 and had a lovely meal. It is a hometown staple in Spencer Indiana. Lots of pizza orders getting picked up and a few families dining in the dining room. We ordered the classic fried chicken. It was delicious and reminded me of my mother's Sunday fried chicken straight from an iron skillet. The food was served family style, and the green beans were cooked in classic Hoosier style with bacon. Mashed potatoes and gravy were homemade and savory. The rolls were good with the addition of orange marmalade, which was very tasty. The salad was also served with the side of carrots and celery sticks, which was fun and optional tomato juice upon request which we requested. A throwback from years gone by when a refreshing class of tomato juice hit the spot on a hot day for weary travelers. The restaurant was cozy, the staff were local, sweet people and very accommodating. The building is old and the restrooms like a lot of older places is off the dining room. The carpet and decor were dated but clean. The carrot cake was delicious and went well with the fresh pot of coffee the staff made just for us. I have no idea how they survive with the same prices as they have had for years.Total bill was $44 and we were stuffed and had leftovers. We will be back and plan on bringing family and friends. Five stars for good food, people and view. Couldn't get a better meal for the price. Well done Hilltop! read more

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Don't trust the menu....don't carry persimmon pudding anymore (which is why I came) and out of turtle cheesecake. Chicken breasts were thin and tasteless, side dishes ho-hum except the orange marmalade rolls which were delicious and served as my dessert. Husband liked the pork chops so at least one of us was happy. read more

Very good fried chicken! We asked to eat outside and they accommodated us. It was a lovely evening for outdoor dining. Service was friendly.

We love coming here with our family. It's just like going to Grandma's house, but your grandma is a waitress named Sue. Everyone gets tomato juice, carrot sticks, celery and ranch dressing, plus a tossed salad. Then you choose you entree, and you get a whole bunch of sides served family style: mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans, corn, and yeast rolls. Yum! Take a moment to walk outside and enjoy the hilltop view. This is lovely also. Too stuffed for dessert? Take some home! We couldn't pass up the peanut butter pie and the blackberry cobbler. Both were delicious! read more

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Best ribeye steak I've had besides St Elmo's! The celery and beets were old and gross. Same with the lettuce and the dressing was a vinaigrette, but it was super sugary. Great service. read more

We were searching for somewhere to eat before we got on the interstate and I seen the reviews of this restaurant and we decided to try it out. It was a pleasant surprise! We walked in and it just seemed cozy and inviting! Like a ski chalet with a large fireplace on one end and views of the woods out of the windows. You are met with a family style salad with a sweet Italian vinaigrette. You order an entree and all the sides are served family style. I ordered a smoked pork chop and my husband ordered fried chicken. My pork chop was so good! It was like a thick ham but really tasty! My husband's chicken was good but it could have been seasoned a little better. The sides were so good! The yeast rolls were delicious! So much that we asked for 2 more! They make them there in house homemade and serve them with their orange marmalade. The green beans were seasoned perfectly and they were delicious! We also received corn, mashed potatoes and gravy. They were all so good! The gravy was like a chicken gravy that was so good!! It was such a unique experience that I highly recommend it! We were there today on a Sunday and it seemed there were a lot of specials to choose from. We tried the pumpkin cheesecake and the coconut cream pie. They both were extremely good! My husband thought that it was the best coconut cream pie he had ever tasted! They have a huge selection of desserts. You can tell most of their food, if not all, is from scratch and it is delicious! This was such a cool detour from our trip and we highly enjoyed it! read more

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Looks like they just got new owners. The scenery is beautiful. Just not a fan of the food. I guess it's not bad just not me.

What a jewel of a restaurant -- in the middle of nowhere! We love to look for local spots when we travel and found this place on Google. It had good reviews so we thought, "Why not?" So glad that we stopped. Ty was already in love before the entrees as they have home made pickled beets -- they even gave him some to take home! I ordered the ham and he got fried chicken. Neither disappointed -- DELICIOUS!! Sides are served family style and were fabulous. Ty stole the green beans and about licked the bowl clean. The yeast rolls were also really good. Ty summed it best, "This is probably the best home cooked style meal that I've had in years!" I have to give it my best compliment, "Reminded me of Granny Charlotte's cooking!" So, for my friends with kids at DePauw who haven't stopped at the Hilltop Restaurant in Spencer, Indiana, do yourself a favor and come early (open at 11 on Sunday) or make a reservation. For my friends that have stopped, shame on you for not sharing with the rest of us! read more

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We visited my mother, who wanted to take us out for "Good Indiana food." The restaurant is a haul from Bloomington, but the drive was pleasant overall, so I didn't mind! We had a huge table, and our server managed all of us (the two grand-niece and nephew). Their food was served family style, with your main meal and dessert served individually. They had pickled beets (I missed those): a nice salad, green beans, corn, and mashed potatoes, all family style. All of the food was exceptional! Parking was terrible, but, the food was worth six stars! read more

Went there for Easter. They had a limited menu but with nothing special or particularly Easter-like. For $28 a person we had basically a canned meal. Last time I was there, which has been a few years ago, I remember everything being home cooked. Today with exception of possibly the fried chicken, everything had to be canned. Even the ice tea wasn't fresh brewed. A true disappointment. Corn had no flavoring, no choice for salad dressing, just a sweet vinegar dressing, potatoes came from a box, rolls were good but they weren't homemade, green beans were canned. The coffee was great and service was good. read more

Great Food, awesome atmosphere, as the name implies a beautiful hilltop view. Highly recommended.

Great service great food highly recommend for anyone looking for a great restaurant experience

Best Restaurant in Spencer Indiana, and they're next door to Spencer Pay Lake giving a legendary view! Long ago, I worked for the best restaurant corporations in Bloomington Indiana: this stop is well worth your time if you like discovery of the best "off the beaten path places." Cheers & enjoy! read more

Great Food! Employees are nice service is great. Calming trip there, great family friendly atmosphere.

This is a very home, family style restaurant. The decor is very old-fashioned, like you'd expect to see at grandmas house. Every time I come, I'm the only middle aged person here. Everyone else is an older adult/elderly. The staff immediately brings out tomato juice, beets, celery, carrots and salad when you arrive. (Again, elderly people). The food itself is actually very good. They bring the sides out family style. So you get a big bowl of mashed potatoes, corn, green beans and some dinner rolls. I come here every week or two because the food is great. The only downfall that I've found is that it takes a long time to get your food and an even longer time to get your check. read more

Hilltop Family Restaurant - My son and the environment - American Near Me - Spencer, Indiana

Turkey and dressing. Turkey thin sliced processed like from deli. Dressing was like stovetop mix. Vegetables cold. Server asked if we needed anything and I told her above. They offered free dessert; we are diabetics so said no. Could not offer anything else. Terrible meal. read more

We had a birthday gathering tonight at Hilltop. The food was great and our servers were wonderful. We'll be back!

We were very disappointed by our first visit today. We were hungry after football game and were so ready for some home cooking. It was the worst meal I have ever had out. My husband got the prime rib that came Out dark gray. It quite literally looked like it had been microwaved. It was inedible. I ordered the fried chicken. The chicken was burned and so extremely dry, plus it tasted of old oil. The prime rib was taken off the bill and were charged a veggie plate. I didn't complain about the chicken because I did try to eat it. The bowl of corn was not heated through and had zero seasoning. The green beans tasted fresh from tbt can, but they were hot at least. My son got the chicken fingers and we all chucked at the site of them. They are not hand breaded. They were flat sorry tenders that were reminiscent of something a Mexican restaurant would serve my kids years ago. Walmart sells a better looking tender. The mashed potatoes and gravy were edible and warm. The rolls are great. The salad and vinaigrette was fresh and cold. The vinaigrette is sweet. The small cup and carrots and celery had a nice ranch dip. My husband liked the pickled beets. We did have nice service. Sadly, the positives can not overcome the absolute failure of the main dishes. We cannot recommend and we won't go back. read more

4 stars food today and 2 stars service. Sunday night around 5:45pm. Yes they were busy. Before our entrees were delivered with our sides most of those tables had been served and were either leaving or on the verge of leaving. One excuse for bad service was they had been really busy today. You should strive to give your best service to your first and to your last guest each night. Second excuse was our server was new / still learning. If she was in over her head she should have asked for help or the server trainer or manager should have noticed her sinking. We were apologised to several times toward the end because we were clearly getting irritated. Other servers and manager did finally try to help if only to salvage some of our servers tip. Ok...to food...Chicken great as usual. All the sides, once we got a refill of mashed potatoes and gravy were great. Turkey was good. Stuffing was awful. Pork Chop looked good but don't know how they tasted. Roast beef, my mother in law said you could tell it was frozen at some point. Rolls with orange spread were great. Not the best night at Hilltop. read more

Hilltop Family Restaurant - American Near Me - Spencer, Indiana

It is not my type of food it's like a cafeteria that uses mostly items from a can rather than cooking more from scratch. Somethings were good but it still had the cafeteria taste. read more

My friend and I went and it was packed because everyone loved it! The service is great. The food is homey and delicious!!

The new owners have made changes that are not for the better. No tomato juice or carrots and celery served, no pickled beets, no homemade yeast rolls. The corn was from a can with nothing added and no bacon in the green beans. Both of those sides were so savory before, now they are flat. Fried chicken was still really good but having visited the restaurant for years prior to new ownership we are noticing the cuts and changes being made. Very disappointed from what the restaurant used to be. Not feeling like it is worth the drive anymore. New owners should stick with what made the restaurant such a success. read more

Amazing food! Never leave hungry. Reminds me of my grandma's home cooked dinners. Fried chicken is the best ever!

They're amazing home cooked meals are worth the price and are awesome. The view around the restaurant are even better.

Excellent service, best steaks around. It's family style, sides included mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans, corn, and rolls. You choose your entree. read more

Tried this spot over the summer. Not a fan. Service was good but the food was mediocre at best. I like the concept but felt the atmosphere was really tired. Didn't feel super clean either. Won't return. read more

Located in Spencer, IN near McCormicks Creek State Park hides this gem of a family style restaurant on the top of a hill-cleverly named Hilltop. Funnily enough, the restaurant was once owned by my husbands grandmothers brother once upon a time. We booked a reservation in advance for a family gathering of 18 for a birthday party. We had to wait about 10 minutes to be seated. We were served drinks, salads, crackers, and veggie tray almost right away. The menu is all home style country cooking including: fried chicken, meatloaf, steak and more. I ordered the 1/2 plate of dark meat fried chicken with sweet tea to drink. They also serve the whole table unlimited refills of mashed potatoes, green beans, corn, and bread to share family style. The food was absolutely delicious especially the chicken and green beans. They have a great selection of desserts including blackberry cobbler, peanut butter pie and ice cream. The staff were super friendly and attentive. The decor is a little outdated and old fashioned however it is cozy and family oriented. They even sell old fashioned candy near the checkout counter as you leave. We left having a great time with the family and plenty of leftovers to eat at home! read more

My elderly parents eat here frequently and they love it! This was our first time visiting. The food was good- best mashed potatoes! But the water was salty! Actually everything was salty, so you need to know that in advance! But how is the water salty?! It was gross. They need to invest in a better water filtration system. Fortunately, I had a water bottle in the car, so we did bring that in. read more

This is a hidden gem we found by accident on the way to Holiday World with the kids. I would compare it to Hollyhock Hill in Indy. Good home cooking done right, served family style with all of the fixings. read more