Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Reluctant Panther Restaurant

    4.4 (100 reviews)
    PriceyAmerican
    Closed 5:30 pm - 8:30 PM

    Reluctant Panther Restaurant Photos

    RELUCTANT PANTHER RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Romantic
    Classy
    Quiet
    Good for kids

    More like Reluctant Panther Restaurant

    Recommended Reviews - Reluctant Panther Restaurant

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Complimentary salted butter and bread
    Ashlee D.

    Top tier. I stayed at the inn with my husband for my birthday and my birthday dinner did not disappoint. All staff we encountered were professional and friendly. We tried a lot of the food; duck pate, Brie lobster fondue, seared cod and romanesco, seared scallop dinner, cookie and creme brûlée. Every bite was delectable! I would go back. Also, I was surprised I had trouble deciding on my entree being that they have a small menu. Very impressive.

    Grilled shrimp
    Wendy D.

    The restaurant at the Reluctant Panther is well run. Although some staff was new, the service was timely and not intrusive. The food itself was very tasty, and beautifully presented. It was our anniversary and everything was delicious-including the wine.

    Lobster Brie fondue
    Annette S.

    Just had dinner here and was absolutely delicious! Started with lobster Brie then Seared cod with capers served with spinach and vegetables. Husband had a ribeye steak with broccolini. Plentiful portion size. Quiet and comfortable and immaculate restaurant with lovely Paul Revere cutlery. Spreadable butter served in a rectangular dish with pumpkin bread as well as cruet of olive oil. Waitress brought complimentary tasting bite of Vermont cheese, nut and grilled grape. Yummy! For dessert coffee and selection of tea and trio of house made sorbet served with 2 house made shortbread cookies. Waitress was pleasant and attentive. Loved it!

    Cold Cucumber soup with herbs
    Roman K.

    Recommended by Capital District 'media celebrity'. Stopped in for dinner on my way back from Quebec City about 7:30 PM. Very nice location and across the street from another stellar restaurant - The Silver Fork. The parking lot was full - I guess it's a good sign. I walked in through the back door and after a turn or two was in front of the front desk. The gentleman pointed me towards the restaurant. I walked in and was acknowledged, waited a minute or two, the gentleman proceeded to seat me at a table. I noticed that there was a small bar and requested to be seated at the bar. I explained that would prefer to be standing since I had driven for six hours - not a problem was the response. I had the whole bar to myself. I immediately ordered a red wine, looked over the menu and was presented with the days specials - soups cold cucumber or wild mushroom, don't recall the entree. I ordered the cucumber soup and the Braised Short ribs with mashed potatoes, shishito peppers and haricot vert. In a minute or two came an amuse-bouche. I didn't catch what it was but it was delicious. Within a few minutes the soup plate came out with some herbs scattered on the bottom, then came the soup in a gravy boat and poured over the herbs. The soup was divine, it had a slight tartness from yogurt or sour cream or butter milk. I could not identify the herbs. Out came the Short Ribs (boneless) OH my! Very generous portion.There were two full ribs. The ribs absolutely melt in your mouth delicious. In any case I was able to finish only one rib. Sitting at the bar I also had the ability to engage with the staff - who were super. If you're in the area don't hesitate to go, if you can get a reservation - enjoy

    Shrimp stuffed crabmeat
    Amanda W.

    Thrilled that we were able to try this restaurant! Beautiful venue and excellent food! Located across the street from another famous Manchester restaurant Silver Fork! Reluctant Panther is located inside a beautiful inn (also just as beautiful albeit we stayed at the Equinox). Restaurant overlooks the inn's small pond. Food is all local, which I love! First to start off, the bread here is excellent! Little warm rolls were my favorite! Started the apps with the Farm mixed greens. That had a delicious Mint vinaigrette. Can taste the freshness of the spinach and lettuce! For the entrees, had to order the special veggie risotto (which also comes with the option of adding branzino for extra protein) wow! Amazing flavors in this risotto. I was a sucker for Morel mushrooms and this dish had tons of them! Also ordered the shrimp stuffed crab meat, three huge pieces with white asparagus (which was not local) and snap peas. Overall one of our best meals, great flavors and locally sourced ingredients!

    Eric S.

    Lots of hype. Put myself on a waiting list. I received a call stating that they had a table for 2. Very surprised when I walked into the restaurant because it was pretty empty. It's a very quaint restaurant. Not much ambience. When we sat down. The server said she had bad news / that the fish was sold out. Not a way to start a dining experience.. the food / presentation / quality/ 5 star. Portions are on the small side. Over all ok.

    Seared tuna entree. Delicious!
    Suarah K.

    Our favorite restaurant in Manchester! The food is always delicious and the chef has a nice attention to flavors and detail. The staff is always friendly and attentive.

    Lobster fondue

    See all

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    new menu fabulous. service above reprise . chef very attentive to what's important . best restaurant in manchester by far..

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jan E.
    0
    28
    13

    9 months ago

    We come to Manchester every year and this restaurant is an. Annual treat. Superb dinner and drinks. Great service. Lovely atmosphere.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Jim S.
    0
    18
    15

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of ted z.
    0
    119
    14

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Food: Fabulous! Service: Excellent! Ambience: Sublime! Don't miss the Reluctant Panther if you're in the area.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Eric S.
    145
    749
    1162

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Lisa O.
    1
    16
    15

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of James M.
    3
    137
    148

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kate G.
    13
    80
    6

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Excellent service, food and ambiance. Was able to seat us, even though we had no reservation at a busy time.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of M S.
    0
    2
    0

    2 years ago

    Food is divine. Highly recommend the trout with crabmeat. Service was excellent - we had a large group and it went seamlessly.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Food was excellent. Everything from bread to dessert. Nice room. Excellent tuna and carpaccio. Very good chocolate cake.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Tom S.
    0
    24
    7

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of mrs e.
    8
    38
    0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Tom K.
    0
    59
    3

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 2

    7 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - Reluctant Panther Restaurant

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for American 136 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Silver Fork

    Silver Fork

    4.6
    (387 reviews)
    0.0 mi
    $$$

    Having visited Silver Fork in Manchester on a number of occasions over the years, I finally…read morerealized I've never written a review. Well, now is the time. We re-visited the restaurant recently for our 40th wedding anniversary, and I think it's only fitting to offer a view on what is best described as a bastion of excellence and gracious dining in Manchester village, Vermont. Situated in a refurbished former library building, the Silver Fork's setting, decor, and dining experience is indeed textbook flawless. Inside the upscale eatery evokes mid-century Moderne, a setting for the once popular Madmen TV period drama series; tony, chic, but hardly ostentatious and overbearing. On the contrary the high ceilings, lighting and space combine to offer that frozen glimpse of earlier elegance but alongside very contemporary culinary offerings. Table spacing accentuates a good use of space. We started with a "Rubies are Forever" Pomegranate cocktail with Pomegranate boba. The menu is large but not overbearing; a good mix of meats, legumes and fish. Equally the starters are enticing. French Onion soup is amazing but on this occasion we both chose the Duck egg roll with a special peanut sauce. Simply extraordinary and with generous duck portions. For an entree, my wife chose Mahi Mahi Fish, beautifully prepared over plantain. Despite being tempted by a brisket with horseradish sauce, the evening special, I chose the Ratatouille. Why? Prepared properly, this is often hard to find. The Chef's presentation of the southern French staple, was beautifully interpreted, accompanied with some goat cheese. We accompanied our meal with a glasses of red wine. For desert we shared the incomparable Caribbean Bread Pudding which is always a hit here. Allow to me to say our server Lynn showed a genuine experience both in the menu and wine list along with a pleasant disposition. We equally had the opportunity to chat with Melody the co-owner who, along with her husband Chef Mark, described their culinary Odyssey before coming to Vermont years ago to establish Silver Fork. Silver Fork presents a genuine chef-prepared culinary experience both in terms of cuisine as well as ambiance and flawless service. We'll be back!

    I had been visiting Manchester Vermont on March 24, 2026. I was extremely fortunate to have made a…read morereservation for dinner at the Silver Fork. First I must comment on the beautiful job that the owners had performed in transforming this Library into to a paradise for eating. Tables are spaced far enough apart that you feel that you are having a private dining experience. The art work is beautiful and arranged tastefully. The wait staff are courteous and respectful. You can tell that this is an upscale restaurant as soon as as you are seated. The food is the best I have ever had. I have dined in many Michelin starred restaurants but the food at The Silver Fork is beyond reproach. I must say that the cocktails are on the same level as the food served. I can't wait to return to Manchester so that I may once again experience this perfect meal. Diane & Larry Katz (NJ)

    Photos
    Silver Fork
    Silver Fork
    Silver Fork

    See all

    Restaurant at Hill Farm

    Restaurant at Hill Farm

    4.4
    (13 reviews)
    4.5 mi

    I can't say enough good things about how fantastic this place is…read more The ambiance is quaint, beautiful, and elevated, yet unpretentious and very welcoming. The food is amazing - the flavor pairings and seasonal menu are beyond thoughtful and creative, and the ingredients themselves are so delicious, fresh, and expertly made. The cocktails are amazing too. When you think of all the best things that hospitality and dining has to offer, they have it in spades.

    Ugh- We were sooooo looking forward to coming here. Unfortunately it fell well short of our…read moreexpectations. Firstly the restaurant was 90 degrees-it was unbearable and we should've left after being served warm oysters but we were hoping it would get better. Joanne was great, but as soon as she went up to her office, service was horrible. We had to ask for everything. We ordered 3 apps and 1 came out in 20 min and the other 2 25 minutes after that! We eat at a lot of fine dining restaurants so we are user to spending money. We spent over $300 as a 2 top and didn't even get any sort of acknowledgement for our anniversary. The food was over priced, portions were small and the service was bad. We originally booked the chefs counter but asked to ait in the dining room because I couldnt fathom sitting in front of a kitchen-the girl said we would have to go back to our bar seats-however, tables sat empty the entire time we were there. Besides the warm oysters, the halibut cheeks were super stringy and my husband's pork dish was luke warm with cold puree underneath. Like I said, we shouldve left after the warm oysters but being our anniversary we wanted to try to make the best of it. Such a shame because the location is perfection. I still cant believe we spent $393 on sub par food in a 90 degree dining room. Sorry Hill Farm, we left underwhelmed, sad and with heat stroke.....

    Photos
    Restaurant at Hill Farm
    Roasted asparagus
    Roasted asparagus
    Restaurant at Hill Farm

    See all

    Seasons Restaurant

    Seasons Restaurant

    3.8
    (231 reviews)
    0.9 mi
    $$

    We were staying at the Hampton Inn in Manchester for a weekend of shopping. Seasons Restaurant is…read moredirectly across the street from the hotel and was recommended by the hotel staff. The restaurant has a dining area and a nice sized bar was playing the Celtics game on this Friday night. My daughter tried one of their signature fall drinks. It was a lemonade cider with the whiskey. She could taste the whiskey, but said it was very good. I have a gluten allergy and was excited to see gluten-free onion soup as an appetizer. I got that and my daughter got the baguette bread with butters. Both were excellent. She said the garlic butter was just delightful. I got the petite fillet with crab meat and shrimp cooked, medium rare. It came out perfect. The mashed potatoes were delicious and grilled asparagus was cooked perfectly with a nice seasoning. My daughter got the chicken Parm over fresh ravioli with a vodka sauce. She said it was excellent. There was gluten-free cheesecake on the dessert menu but when I ordered it, the the waitress said they had a different cheesecake that evening that was not gluten-free. Nonetheless, my daughter got the Brulé flavored cheesecake and said it was delicious. We highly recommend seasons restaurant if you're in the Manchester area.

    We thought it would be a great option as it was conveniently at walking distance. Excitedly we went…read moreto this place, went to the side door per their instruction but a note on the door told us they are closed--as in shut down!!! Why are still advertised if they are closed?!?!?

    Photos
    Ambience and bar area
    Ambience and bar area
    Seasons Restaurant
    Seven seed salmon, Ribs, and kids chicken fingers and fries.

    See all

    Seven seed salmon, Ribs, and kids chicken fingers and fries.
    Mulligan's Restaurant & Pub

    Mulligan's Restaurant & Pub

    3.2
    (240 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$

    0/5 SERVICE. Genuinely came with high hopes, the menu looked so good that I was planning on dining…read morehere lunch and dinner as I was visiting nearby farms/shops which recommended this... but lunch was horrible. Mainly attributable to SERVICE which was HORRIFYING!! Ambiance was charming home setting outdoors and rustic wood vibe indoors. The food was average/iffy. Garlic peppercorn steak was encrusted with a layer of seasoning and yet it wasn't that seasoned in terms of flavor, was just ok. Ordered medium and yet it looked black on the outside and medium rare inside and beyond tough - I could not even cut the steak, I ended up just ended eating the whole thing straight up. So strange and not worth $30 at all. The Idaho skins were good just wish the potatoes were crispier. The signature applewood smoked wings were so overpriced and terrible. I could not taste any flavor, it tasted like boiled wings expensive 6 for $18. The worst part: service, or rather lack thereof.!! Upon entering, we waited awhile for someone to come greet and seat us and seemed to judge us when we clarifying what tavern was when we were asked if we wanted tavern or dining room. We were seated and took a LONG time until finally our server came to take our order. Then took an even longer time to get our food almost 20minutes. The other table that got seated after us the order the same wings at the same time, got their food 10 minutes earlier than us and their server was present throughout the meal . Ours just was nowhere to be seen throughout the entire time. Finally the food came, we ate quick, and asked for the check. We couldn't even find our server to get the check! The other table has already gotten the check and signing the bill. We then got up and tried to flag down our waiter to for the check and takeout box and after a long time she gave them but disappeared again for a long time so we tried to flag her down, again, so we could actually pay. When we did, she rudely said "do you see the things im carrying? can you wait?" Mind you, we have been waiting for nearly another 20 minutes after we finished eating for any appearance from the waiter. We tried asking the other waiter who was actually present if we could but said we needed to get our actual server. We finally finished the whole transaction (20min waiting for food, 20min spent flagging down the waiter for the check/giving the money), and frustrated we wasted so much time here while on a trip for just OK food, we just left because the server then disappeared AGAIN after settling our bill. Hilariously enough, the only time she seemed to care about us was when we left and she went RUNNING after us to ask us "you did not tip enough, did I do something wrong?" in a rude and fake overly concerned way. After we briefly explained, she proceeds to loudly shame us saying "you supposed to tip me xyz because I provide you a service and if not you're really disrespectful". The audacity. Service was beyond horrible!!! and still demanding higher tips calling customers disrespectful when we did nothing but wait and get yelled at by her for not waiting even longer and still needing to directly pay her extra tips. During that scolding we got, we saw her name tag: Avery. Overall: Foods ok. LONG WAIT for food and check. Horrifying service by one server: Avery. Perhaps other servers were better like the one who took care of the table who sat down at the same time and left 20 minutes earlier meanwhile our service was way slower, not as friendly, demanding tips, and public scolds/shames customers for it. This experience totally soured my impression of this place and now I'm questioning why people even recommended this place to me and why I went along with it!

    Not a welcoming experience at all today. We were escorted to our table by a rather prickly hostess,…read morewhich set the tone right away. After being seated, we waited about 10 minutes before our server arrived--she was actually very pleasant--but unfortunately things didn't improve from there. After placing our drink order, we waited 25 minutes and never received it. During that time, multiple staff members walked by, glanced at our table, and kept going without checking in. We ultimately decided to leave. To make matters worse, the server attending the table next to us had about as much warmth as a block of ice, which didn't help the overall atmosphere. Really unpleasant

    Photos
    Mulligan's bar entry
    Mulligan's bar entry
    Cottage pie
    Cottage pie
    Outside

    See all

    Outside

    Reluctant Panther Restaurant - tradamerican - Updated July 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...