We pulled into Seminary Hill at 3:45, walked in the main entrance and walked to the deck to find seats for the six of us. The place was empty with the exception of about 25 people scattered around both inside and outside on deck. Shortly after choosing our seats, (because nobody greeted us at the door, nor stopped us as we searched for seats), we were approached by who we assumed was the manager. She asked if we had a reservation and when we said we did not, she said that by 4:15, the place would be filled with people and they couldn't accommodate us. She also told us we couldn't just get one drink at the table. Our only option, which we had to negotiate for, was to get a drink at bar and take outside by fire pit. We did that and met two other groups outside who were turned away because they didn't have a reservation. We stayed until 5:15 and when we left, the 25 people who were in the restaurant dwindled by about 10. There weren't more people there...way less. I went on the website and all the reservations for 5pm came up saying they weren't available, yet the restaurant was empty. It said the next reservation available for two, for, or six wouldn't be available until tomorrow. Something is seriously suspicious here. Why not tell us when we walked to a table that you were full? If by 4:15 all your tables would be full, where were they? Where we're they at 5? Why treat us as if we were not welcome? Despite enjoying a beautiful view, the treatment left us with a very bad taste in our mouths as far as service and management. We won't return and will tell everyone we know not to go. I'm sure the others who were turned away will do the same. read more

lousy customer service experience with taneesha the manager. not kid friendly place, food over priced and poor service

A beautiful building, ideal setting, very good cider and a good selection of beer too. We didn't eat but would come back any time to try the interesting and elevated menu. Hung out at the bar and had a nice time on a slow Sunday afternoon chatting with the bartender about all the random JRZ towns and places we knew. And haunted places too. My wife's the cider aficionado and it's one of her top choices. I liked the drier ciders myself. I also found the detailed tasting notes on the cider list helpful. Definitely worth a visit. read more

What a wonderful place! I visited here with some friends on a Friendsgiving trip and we had a great time. They were able to accommodate 8 of us and our service dog in training. There were other dogs there so seems to be a pet friendly venue! We sat inside and it was clean and beautifully decorated for the holidays. We were enamored by the Christmas tree. There was also live music which was a lot of fun. Outdoor seating was also available with heaters. We were able to go outside to get some photos of the beautiful view. I'm not a big drinker so I didn't try any ciders (there are non-alcoholic options but I'm not a big cider lover either) but the food was delicious. We happened to be there during happy hour and they had these incredible BLT sliders as a special. We couldn't get enough of them! We also liked the sourdough app. The staff was helpful and welcoming. Overall a great place and would definitely go back! read more

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The venue is worth the drive it's absolutely beautiful. Check the website before you go so you know what the menu is that day! The staff was so kind and patient and very knowledgeable of their product. read more

The view is priceless. Great selection of ciders and other beverages. The food was disappointing. Good dishes in theory but poorly executed and quite expensive as a result. read more

Starting with the good stuff -- It's a stunning setting overlooking the orchards, Callicoon and the North Delaware River valley from a high vantage point. The modern-rustic space itself it beautifully laid out with high ceilings, panoramic windows, reclaimed wood and a spacious outdoor deck area. The cider menu is extensive, covering a superb spectrum of tasting experiences, and we haven't been disappointed by one yet. The service has always been friendly and inviting. Now for the food -- This is where this review unfortunately falls one start short of "great". While we haven't yet tried everything on the menu, what we have tried has consistently reinforced the notion that maybe SH focuses a little more on its bucolic setting and boujee image and less on the execution of its cuisine. Examples would be the $32 duck breast served with no vegetable accompaniment or the essentially flavorless venison tartare which is akin to eating a small bowl of unseasoned, raw deer meat. Things that could seemingly easily be corrected to deliver a little more satisfaction for the cost. My fellow diners have ordered other mains like the Snowdance Farms Half Chicken (also $32), which, while adequately prepared, was somewhat unremarkable. On the brighter side, some of the snacks and appetizers, like the sourdough bread and whipped chicken fat, were enjoyable while sipping cider and enjoying the view -- which will likely define our reason for going to SH for the time being, but while seeking a noteworthy dinner elsewhere. read more

We went on a Thursday for the smoked pork BBQ and everything was just so nice, just spot on. The pork was done just right, smoked to perfection and the sides were equally good. They were created with care -- definitely not an afterthought. A small example: the cole slaw is extraordinary. The ciders are elegant and tasty, and complement the food. They rival or surpass any cider you'd find in Normandy. We took my 87-year old parents -- who live about 40 minutes away -- and the servers were patient and helpful with their orders. Great service. Last but not least: The view from the dining room room and terrace is truly spectacular with a huge, lush green backdrop with the Delaware River in the distance. We had our choice of sunny or shaded tables. It capped a great meal. read more

The MOST beautiful view, and the cider tastings are delicious and interesting. We've also gotten cider by the glass, and several snacks/small plates (the cheese plate and charcuterie plates were very generous portion sizes, and delicious). We will definitely return - the view and deck seating really can't be beat. read more

I visited with a large group, having an end of summer reunion. The food was excellent (get the chicken and bread). We all enjoyed the cocktails (coffee martini was a favorite) and different ciders. The staff took great care of us. It was a special day. The view!!! read more

Beautiful space, incredible view, top-notch, interesting cider, delicious snacks. A perfect way to spend an afternoon.

fabulous ambiance , good beer selection, pricey small portions and no bread or freebies. It sometimes feels they want you to drink as you wait for your order. The staff is exceptional with an ear for complaints and hearts that make you feel you are listened to. They run out of food too quickly and do not add anything to compensate. Best dishes: market salad, venison pate, chicken skins. Salads in general are tasty. However, they seem to take off and change menu so if you go for a repeat don't be surprised to find out they no longer offer ex. their pea salad. No vegan or vegetarian foods offered on their Wed/Thurs bbq nite. Desserts are okay. Their small sourdough bread is flavorful pricey at 10 bucks a loaf but also one of those off and on. Yes I'll return to try other dishes and hope for my present investment of 400.00 (with two guests) they will excite rather than disappoint. JW read more

I was here 2 weekends ago. We loved our experience. I would say this place is definitely worth the visit. read more

I cannot recommend Seminary Hill highly enough. Both the restaurant and the setting are absolutely beautiful. The views are gorgeous. The restaurant looks out over the Delaware River. The cider is delicious. I loved the cider flight. The accompanying descriptions taught me a lot about the different features of cider. The food was amazing. I had the chicken skins and the duck breast. Both were superb. Everyone who worked there was so helpful, friendly and attentive. They wanted to make sure I had a wonderful experience. They absolutely succeeded! I hope to be back again soon, and to bring along other people so they can share it. read more

Seminary Hill - View from a window inside the restaurant. - Cideries Near Me - Callicoon, New York

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We dined here in the Fall of 2022. It's a beautiful space and location spoiled by a weird unappealing menu, pricey, tiny portions and problematic service. When we asked if the salad was big enough to share, the waitress said yes, but in fact we had perhaps two fork-fulls apiece - too small for even one person. The portions were so small that we had to ask for bread (it wasn't automatically served). Our request was granted with a grudging attitude. One of our party ordered an entree that contained some kind of rock hard grain on which she almost cracked a tooth. She ultimately couldn't finish it. This all felt so out of place given the beautiful country setting. We love the restaurant interior, the view and location, but the culinary experience will keep us away unfortunately. read more

I have been coming to Seminary Hill since they opened a few years ago. This was likely my 7th time visiting. It was a beautiful night with a beautiful sunset and we were seated promptly outdoors at a hi-top table. All's well so far! Then we waited and waited and waited as we watched people who came in after us get served. Finally, after at least 15 minutes, we asked the first server whose attention we could muster that we wanted to order, at least some cider. Thankfully, Maria came to the rescue...and she was absolutely awesome! We placed our order and we thoroughly enjoyed the starters...a Cucumber, Fennel Salad, Marinated Feta, Peach along with a salad of Spring Peas and Chanterelle mushrooms. So far so good! For our mains we ordered the Steelhead Trout and the Pork Chop. While the pork chop was really tasty, it was a huge disappointment as half the chop was fat, grizzle and bones. Having paid $32 for this dish (which I might add was sitting on a plate with not a side item in sight), I felt like what a rip off. $32 for a tiny portion of tasty meat (after all the fat/bones)! When the server asked if we were done and saw the pile of fat on my plate, she asked if everything was OK. I had to comment about the ratio of fat/bone to meat. She couldn't help but feel my pain. While they offered us a comp dessert, I would like to send a notice to the management. If you're going to charge NYC prices for smallish a la carte plates, at least use some better quality cuts of meat. Will I be back? Likely! But the management and kitchen staff should definitely be beware. read more

3 stars.. but we gave 4 for potential. Our first time visiting Saturday after hearing great things. Cider was spectacular.. we brought home a few bottles. Food has potential.. but we had some concerning issues. The manager is.. a business card? The void was filled by the waitresses.. all very professional and relatable. They were very helpful and understanding in resolving our issues. Live music was a nice surprise. Some fine tuning and it could be 5 stars.. can't beat the view. read more

Great service, wonderful views, and delicious food. Not to mention the cider was amazing! Would highly recommend if you're looking to get away for the weekend. read more

I cannot say enough good things about this place. The view, the facilities and the food are amazing. Sitting high on a ridge you have a beautiful view of rolling hills and the valley along the river. Love the outdoor seating but the inside has such a warm , relaxing feeling it is worth spending time indoors. We stopped by on for a quick bite and a tasting. The cider is of course delicious and our host very gracious and knowledgeable. Thursday is their Family night so the menu was limited. My husband, a dyed in the wool carnivore, ordered the fried oyster mushroom and raved about them. They came with 3 sides and he said the baked beans were the best he has ever eaten. I ordered the fried chicken with collard greens. Being from southern roots we know our chicken and greens. I would never tell my mother but they were better than her's. The chicken was perfectly crisp but juicy and the greens were seasoned and cooked perfectly. If we lived in the area we would be there weekly. read more

We were excited to go and experience this restaurant. We drove around on circles for 30 minutes trying to find it and finally did. Magnificent view, walked in at 6:10 and was promptly told the kitchen was closed but online they were open until 7. Where did you post that your kitchen closed prior to 7? From your staff's reaction to our disappointment in traveling so far for nothing, we are fairy certain we were not given a second thought. I was in the restaurant business for over 35 years and in my restaurants if we closed at a specific time the kitchen closed after every diner had been served. read more

had a 40+ party and had such a difficult time communicating with Kayce. food is mediocre With such small choices. The spotlight should be on Tara! she stepped in and professionally gave us a great experience. she was on top of all details and over extended herself to make sure all were happy. Tara is a keeper and if you are looking to plan an event try to involve her! read more

Had a wonderful weekend at the always beautiful seminary hill. We had a phenomenal experience at the cider tasting, and the food was exceptional. The fried chicken skins were a favorite! I highly recommend stopping by for a visit if you're in the area! read more

After celebrating my daughter's weekend wedding at Seminary Hill this passed weekend 8/5/22-8/7/22, I can honestly say that the venue, the people, the accommodations and the service exceeded our expectations in every way. The jaw dropping views are not to be believed until seen. You're standing on top of the world! Not to mention, during our months of planning we ate at the Tasting Room restaurant which is NYC quality, delicious food and impeccable service. Kayce Drascher is SEMINARY HILL'S exclusive event planner EXTRAORDINAIRE! Without her we would have been lost!!! Every employee we worked with could not have been nicer, more attentive to our every need and on top of everything! Shout out to Bill, the property manager and to all of the staff who helped make this a weekend filled with love that we will never forget! If you are considering an event in the mountains, reach out. You will not be sorry!!!! 5- stars ALL THE WAY!!!! read more

I can only give three stars for the views, which were nice. We never got to try the cider! We'd been hearing about this place and looking forward to visiting for a while, finally arriving on a Saturday afternoon. We were happy to wait in line at the bar for a cider tasting. And we waited. And waited. More and more people were gathering and still the stressed out guy behind at the bar literally wouldn't look at us. He was too busy pouring ciders for the (scarce) waitresses to take to guests outside. I was finally able to stop a passing waitress, who pointed out someone who could put our name down for a table. We did that and kept waiting in line. We were never called for a table or acknowledged. Finally I stopped another waitress who apologized profusely, told us to sit down inside, and took our order. Then vanished. After another 20 minutes waiting for one glass of cider, we left. Look, I get that everyone is short staffed, but just acknowledge your customers, explain that you're busy, and serve someone in line once in a while. The whole experience was bizarre. read more