We actually walked in because we heard the live music from outside and we are SO glad we did! There just isn't enough live music in town, and this was such a fun surprise. It was our first time hearing The River and The Willow, and they were phenomenal. We're officially fans and already excited to follow them around town! Sounds like they may be back at the Hilmont next Friday, and we will DEFINITELY be coming back. Amazing cocktails, incredible live music, and such a great atmosphere. More live music like this, please!! read more

Always great. Celebrated our 25th anniversary here tonight. Great music and ambience. read more

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This review is for the specific morning service, coffee mornings from 8am to 12pm Monday through Sundays. They offer a couple housemade pastries such as a beautiful chocolate croissant or dairy free banana bread loaf, in addition to rotating seasonal cinnamon rolls on Saturdays. I have the chance to try one of their seasonal drinks, which is a brown butter cardamom spice syrup that can be added to any drink, I tried it as a brown butter cardamom iced latte and it was delicious. The barista is very kind, engaging, interactive, friendly, welcoming, and patient as I was deciding what to try out. Their coffee beans are also roasted on site and have a cute merchandise gift area with drinkware, books, shirts, and more! I can't wait to come back for their full service as they have full menu, Live Jazz live music on Thursday nights, Sunday Brunch, and other themed nights! read more

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Small menu but absolutely worth trying everything on it. Standouts were the kimchi potstickers and the coconut prawns. But honestly everything was stellar! There was very few people in for dinner on a Tuesday, and you kinda seat yourself. Grab your own water, utensils, and plates and pop a squat! Order at the bar and you can open a tab if you want to keep ordering. Everything is kinda small, but shares very well. Drinks were delicious and you can order typical cocktails that aren't on the menu (see the old fashioned) but their signature cocktails looked great too. The nutmeg on top of my pinapple/coconut drink was unexpected but really great!! Service is attentive and lovely. Come with a group for drinks and a shared tapas style dinner. And budget for a large check. read more

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The restauant is drop dead beautiful and totally cool. The tapas menu is great and the food is inventive and is prepared really well. The owner was there and seems like a really good guy. My only issue is that when we checked in, the gal who served as a hostess and also initially took our order was so indifferent with us. She never smiled, there was no warm welcome and while not rude, she didn't make us feel welcome either. Upon checking in, she informed us that there was another reservation for our table and that we'd have 1.5 hours before they came. As it turns out, there were plenty of empty tables when we finished our meal. So not sure why she had to tell us we had a "limit" for our dining experience. The Hillmont is worth a visit for the ambience and the food. We'll give it another try for sure. But hope our reception won't be as frosty! read more

Attended their Sunday brunch and the food was incredible! I had their BBQ hash brown and it was divine! The service was great, but one thing to note is that food comes out as made, so we did have one person get their food pretty early in comparison to others, it worked but was definitely different! This restaurant is also a photo op in itself! The decor is gorgeous and great for getting together with friends! read more

The Hillmont - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Auburn, California

Owned by the owners of The Pour Choice, The Hillmont is a warm and trendy restaurant in downtown Auburn. The bar was poppin' off on a Friday early evening. We walked in around 5pm on a Friday evening, but suggest making a reservation on a weekend because walk-ins were getting turned away about 20 minutes after we got there. We began with two of their Apple Hill Sour mocktails. They were presented beautifully, and were delicious. I savored mine the whole visit. You really didn't miss the alcohol in it. For food, we started with their viral butter board. The GF bread option was great, and it came with enough bread to thoroughly taste the butters. The dollops of butter were large, and the seasonal flavors very interesting. Our favorite was the sage with cherries & maple pecan. Definitely worth a try. We then shared the Coastal Catch Sliders on gf bread, and the risotto. We ordered a fourth slider so we could share, but 3 would've been enough. By that point, we were breaded out and I ended up eating just the fish in my last slider. The risotto had yummy umami flavor, but my husband couldn't eat much because it was quite salty. Next time, we will limit the carbs and try some of their protein options. Overall, we enjoyed our time and we will be back again. read more

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My first time in Auburn was just a few weeks ago, and our very first stop was The Hillmont. We were driving up from Big Sur- through horrendous Car Week/Concours traffic- and finally arrived in town a little after 9pm on a Friday. We stumbled upon The Hillmont, and I'm so glad we did because it turned out to be one of the best meals we've had in a long time. In fact, when we came back to Auburn for Labor Day weekend, and returning here was at the top of our list. On our first visit, they seated the two of us right away, even though it was less than an hour before closing and it was still bustling. On our second visit (7pm on Saturday of LDW), every table was full, but we easily found seats at the bar. The interior / ambiance was lovely with exposed beams, a beautiful circular bar, high ceilings, warm lighting, etc. The extensive cocktail menu was fantastic (& super unique) with a list that rivaled some of my favorite la spots (but with far more reasonable prices). There was also a nice selection of wine, beer, & cider. The menu is tapas style and pretty much everything we ordered hit the mark: - Cultured butter board: Do NOT miss this. The housemade cibatta was fluffy and warm (so good) & the trio of butters was out of this world. - Cesar salad (added shrimp): One of the best I've had with little gem lettuce, a hefty amount of shaved pecorino pepato cheese, and other thoughtful / unique twists. Wings: You can pick between 6 or 12 and we opted for the dozen wings. You can mix and match rubs and sauces, which is such a nice touch. We went with the parmesan-garlic dry rub and bourbon pineapple sauce, plus you get to select dipping sauces (green goddess was the standout). The wings were perfectly tender and flavorful. - Lamb sliders: The only dish we didn't love as much as the rest. The lamb itself was a bit dry, but the condiments (especially the pepper jelly) and housemade pickles still made it an enjoyable addition. Another fun touch: they have a little shop in the back featuring local goods like pottery, glassware, wine, coffee, books, and other novelties. The attention to detail is also worth a mention and found all throughout the restaurant- including giving you the check in an old book (such a fun touch). Finally, the staff deserves a huge shoutout. Jackie was our server on our first visit and could not have been more friendly, attentive, and gave great recommendations (which was so appreciated given our post-travel mashed potato brains). On our second visit, Beverly and Hailey took wonderful care of us at the bar and both were so warm and accommodating. I didn't catch her name, but a sweet blonde gal (who helped us out at the shop our first visit and was hosting the second) was also incredibly personable and welcoming. She mentioned the restaurant only opened in July, which is extremely impressive because it already runs like a well-oiled machine, with zero hiccups on either of our busy weekend visits. Overall The Hillmont has quickly become not only a staple in our trips up north, but one of our favorite spots in CA. We can't wait to return. read more

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Food was delicious portions were great! The cocktails were so good we loved all our drinks! Definitely will be back to try more of their speciality cocktails!! Service was excellent our waitress was very helpful and answered all our questions and tended us very well for being a busy night. Ambiance was great loved the decor of the restaurant. read more

The Hillmont - Espresso martini, revolver whisky drink - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Auburn, California

Stopped in randomly for a cocktail while in town on a Friday night. The house was packed! The bar had perhaps one or two seats, but was very busy so I sat at one of three tiny cocktail tables. This is a smart use of space inside as it allows folks who aren't eating to still sit down. They do offer table service at the cocktail tables too, which was neat. My bartender was fantastic and once we were able to connect (again, very busy), she promptly made my drink and knocked it out of the park. The price was fair and the drink was made perfectly. The restaurant itself is arranged in an interesting way, with only a few booths available and tucked into intimate arches that help make the place feel more cozy. Above the bar and the tables, one can see gorgeous well-lit timber and beam ceilings that soar above. I can't wait to come back and try their food, knowing the drinks, ambiance, and service are already top-notch. read more

The Hillmont - Paper Plane - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Auburn, California

We cannot emphasize enough how amazing this place was and what a pivotal moment in our relationship this was. I was already so happy to see him smiling ear to ear and like a hop skip to give him a kiss and a hug and I had seen him the day before. The ambiance, service, and the drinks made the night perfect. If anything were different the night may have not been as magical. I can't say I have ever been so cozy and in the moment. If you are having a date night, first date, or even just need a night out give this place a try. read more

The Hillmont - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Auburn, California

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First dinner at The Hillmont. Great food and service. The whole vibe in there is really great. We enjoyed all of the dishes we tried.

Servers are especially nice and helpful and do their best to make the best experience for the guest. The portions are small but the tastes are fulfilling! Love the inside of this place and the cocktails were fantastic. My favorite was the zeppole for dessert. Mini fried donuts. The coffee was not as good as the cocktails. And the bread. Omg was yummy along with the India spiced chicken wings. Yes. I'll be back. FYI you can charge your car near here with charge point. read more

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The aura of this place is giving off good vibes! Walked in and greeted by staff it was a busy night and all the tables were filled but we were able to snag some seats at the bar which I might add is pretty neat located in the center of the restaurant in a circle. The bartender was quick to greet us and inform us she would be with us shortly. I went with the mickeys boot which they light on fire! We didn't order any food this time but the menu looks yummy. At the end of the night of my husband order a mocha as the owners also own a local coffee joint in town. Which if you haven't been definitely check it out! read more

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SUCH A VIBEY SPOT!! The decor mixes boho, country, and modern chic. The bartenders- all ladies when I went might I add- were very welcoming and knowledgeable about the cocktails they were serving. For my whiskey lovers I suggest the Claude Chana - comes with a gold leaf on your ice cube, which gives a nod to being located in Gold Country. The Mickeys Boot seemed to be a popular drink- they light it on fire- we love a drink that comes with a few seconds of entertainment! Though I was just there for the drinks, the menu items definitely spoke to me! They also have small stage set up for live music, what a great addition! read more

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Where do I start!? I had a fantastic time! Not only was it a fun themed night (Sponge Bob and friends) it was also Tiki Night! Bonus! I ordered two themed drinks both well balanced and yummy! And then one of the seasoned mixologists made me a 1944 Mai Tai - so good! If you are lucky enough to have Valen on board that night - she is amazeballs! Then I ordered the calamari - which had a pleasant surprise of sliced grilled jalapeños lightly tossed with them! Absolutely perfect with taste and texture and just enough heat for this gal who loves spice in meals! But by no means is it 'too hot' for those who need it a little toned down. Trust me super yum! And the cherry on top! Hillmont's customer service was / is the best I've experienced in a very long time! From the front door to speaking to staff about their coffee roasting capabilities and walking out with a bag under our arm! Truly a A+ time and experience for myself and party! Thank you again! read more

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Amazing food, drinks, and ambience. Highly recommend. I love how different days they do different menus.

The Hillmont is the coolest restaurant. The environment is just so cool and there's an amazing pianist playing. The bar is huge and the staff are kind and friendly. Our food was delicious! Definitely will be going back again and again. Highly recommended!! read more

The Hillmont - Lovely place!!! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Auburn, California

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I've been waiting months to experience The Hillmont. The impressive exterior renovation was exciting, not to mention the online hype. We made our way in on a Friday night, no reservation, but no big deal. We expected a bit of a wait. Upon entering, I was dryly greeted by the hostess. She was dry and didn't even smile. That first impression took me by surprise. She took my name and told me 40-45 minute wait for two; although there were several empty tables and no other parties waiting inside or outside that I could see. We were called to a table 10 minutes later, which was a great surprise. The ambiance was nice, a bit chilly near the front, but pleasant. Our sever greeted us, no run down on specials, just a simple "can I get you a drink". When we were slightly indecisive, she seemed get impatient and said "I'll come back". We received that statement several times from her. It honestly felt as if serving us was a bit annoying to her. At the end of our meal, we were informed by a male server that her shift was over and he was stepping in. She never once came back to let us know. D- on the service. To the food. The Brussel sprout dish was great, packed a punch with flavor. The crab Rangoon was good - liked the jalapeños. The chicken sliders lacked flavor- it was missing something. Overall the vibe was weird - that's the best word I can find to describe. Food was alright, service was unfriendly, doubt we will be back. read more

Last week, my husband took my daughter and I to this new restaurant in Auburn. He had made reservations a few days after they opened and luckily we got in quick, we are absolutely obsessed! I know they did just open a week ago so service was a little bit slow but we weren't in a rush so it was chill. They're also still trying to figure out a few things which is completely normal. I think some people in the reviews need to give them grace. Overall we had an amazing experience! I loved the vibe, this spot is it and we will be there at least once a week. The staff are so friendly and attentive as well which was awesome. A little breakdown of what we ordered ... Ceas salad, cultured butter board, ahi and avocado, steak and rosemary fries, popcorn chicken, foggy dew slider, a non alcoholic mojito and lastly crème brûlée. And a lattè 10/10 on everything. read more

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Amazing ambiance and great food !!!! Very pleased with everything! Definitely will come back ! read more

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Stopped in for the first time. Loved!! A Reservation is one way or try to get lucky and walk-in. We did and got really lucky! Found Two low boy seats at the end of bar. Ambience is cozy as they did a good job remodeling the inside. Plenty of space for more tables to spread out --the bar is the focal point. Not sure you need a table to sell stuff but gives you something to look at while waiting (maybe?). Small shareable plates, which is nice! I just wish restaurants would provide serving spoons though! Why is this a thing? Sharing food with own fork and knife while eating many shareable plates is not ideal (for me!) We made it work. We got to try 3 dishes-see photos. We Really enjoyed all the flavors and all were healthy and fresh recipes. We needed a spot like this and so glad it has opened! We will definitely be back to try more! We did wait for a minute for our drinks but survived. I liked how our food arrived spaced out. Not all at once. There is a lot of staff working hard. Not that they were smiling or being interactive but they didn't their job. read more

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The Hamilton checked all the boxes!! I can truly appreciate a space that is full of beautiful aesthetics from the velvet upholstery, dim sensual lighting, muted wall mural, and vintage inspired glassware! Let's just say, this is a exceptional spot in beautiful Auburn. Now... the food! We started with "The Mixed Bread Basket" warm and the tapenade was was cozy and tasty. Ordered the Sherry paprika fries and they were yummy served with an elevated ketchup. Butterleaf Salad, Harvest Salad, Braised short rib sliders, Fried Lions mane sliders and of course for dessert warm brown butter cake. (Celebratory Birthday Cake) The staff was amazing, extremely attentive and food was brought out in a great line up as it was prepared. Definitely a local favorite!! Well Done to this new establishment !! read more

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EASILY one of the best restaurants in Auburn. It is fun, creative, and delicious. It's great for a date night in downtown or dinner with friends. It has the same owners as The Pour Choice and they do things with the highest level of excellence. Been a fan of The Pour Choice for a long time, and now me and my wife are already regulars here. WELL DONE Hillmont. read more

Fallon was the star. Been here a few times. Decent food. Nice decor. But normally not a friendly or warm vibe. She stayed busy while also being warm and welcoming and it made the whole place seem better. read more

Great service began with our greeting. Noticed the new layout at the entrance works better Server was in it! Polite, knowledgeable, and personable. Food was delivered quickly. Very tasty. And drinks were top-notch. Huge improvement since my first experience. We will go back! read more

The Margaritas are pretty good for only $12! The service staff are all friendly as well. The ambiance is very chill and inviting. I'll be back for sure. read more

The Hillmont - Pineapple Margarita at the bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Auburn, California

Got seated pretty quickly with no reservations on a Friday night at 630 Drinks were good albeit it took forever and not a packed house. We got our first round of food items before our first order of drinks. Rest of the service was good. Food was yummy Butter board is a must This was my second visit and I like that the menu changes so you don't get bored A must visit if in the area read more

Cool vibe, and I can see the draw, but maybe I'm just too simple for a place like this. Don't get me wrong, I've enjoyed plenty of fancy places, but I found the menu to have some interesting combinations of things. Like the drinks for example....strange combinations of flavors (thought the "Mickeys boot" was a nice homage though, even though the drink itself was not to my liking). They are quite proud of their drinks, but that is not out of line with most places these days ($16 for a drink that was mostly ice....ouch) We only had time for an appetizer and although the bread was delicious in the bread basket the "dip" it came with was hardly enough for a couple pieces of bread. I was excited about the dip and when it came out with literally a teaspoon of the main dip flavor (I think it was a tapenade on this occasion) sitting on a small plate of olive oil I was disappointed. I have to perhaps go back and try a main dish, might give it another try, but I'm certainly not rushing back. But I know plenty of folks have really enjoyed this new place and I admit I did have fun sitting at the bar and enjoyed the ambiance! read more

The Hillmont - Cool bar! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Auburn, California

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Came in with my wife for the tiki themed brunch. It was my first time coming in and we were both very pleased. The place is beautiful service was great and the food and cocktails were fantastic! read more

I visited for the first time yesterday with 2 friends. The decor and setting inside reminded me of San Francisco or Montreal, somewhere but with the vibe and atmosphere of Auburn that we love. There was a pianist playing which was perfect and then when he was done the music they had was also very good. Our waiter was very friendly and so were the ones serving the food. Now for the most important Part. The food is sharing style like tapas. We picked the flank steak for dinner , the Brussels / broccoli/cauliflower appetizer and a fresh salad with beats cheese and fruit and nuts. They have many options. All the food we had was delicious and saw that people were happy with other dishes they were getting at their table. We saw a few couples on dates and also friends like is. So it's a great place all around. I'll be back for sure read more

Auburn just got lucky. The Hillmont is exactly the kind of restaurant this town has been waiting for -- unique, elevated, vibey, and full of creativity in both food and cocktails. From start to finish, our experience was incredible. We started with the Cultured Butcher Board and the Not So Classic Caesar -- which was honestly amazing, probably one of the best Caesars I've had. The Crisped Carnaroli was perfectly done, crispy and comforting, while the Glazed Flat Iron was rich and flavorful. The Jumbo Wings (kimchi buffalo + dukkah) were a standout twist on a classic, the Hush Puppies were golden and addictive, and the Salted Rosemary Fries had the perfect balance of herb and salt. Every dish felt thoughtful, with bold flavor combinations that actually worked. A lovely detail that made the experience feel even more personal -- the tomatoes and peaches we enjoyed came straight from Lacey's garden, which added such a special, homegrown touch to the menu. We couldn't resist trying all three: The Remedy, Zeppole, and the Crème Brûlée. Each one had its own personality -- but The Remedy stole the show for me. Cocktails here are next level. Between the table we had: * Mickey's Boot * Remedy Boulevardier * Lavender Haze * Espresso Martinis (perfect pick-me-up, smooth and not too sweet) * A peach-mezcal-reposado special with a tajín rim (so good I forgot the name!) Balanced, fun, and memorable. Easily some of the best cocktails in Auburn. Shoutout to Lacey, Trevor, and Matthew -- all three were incredibly attentive and knowledgeable. You could tell they genuinely cared about the experience and knew the menu inside and out. The Hillmont nails the atmosphere -- chic, modern, and vibey without trying too hard. The kind of place you want to bring friends, celebrate something special, or just treat yourself to a night out. The Hillmont feels like it belongs in a big city, but I'm thrilled it's right here in Auburn. The food and drinks are creative, flavors bold, and the team clearly cares about what they're building. Hard to pick a favorite dish -- but that just means I'll be coming back often. read more

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Friendly service, the food was really good, the ambiance and the drinks were really creative! We will be going back again

Went to the first 'Sunday Brunch' and it was fantastic. Not too busy but had a good crowd, and we did not have to wait to go sit at the bar. I got an Irish coffee while my girlfriend got an English breakfast tea with cream. We got the Rangoon bake and chorizo chilaquiles with a waffle as a sweet treat. We both loved all of the food but I think my favorite was the waffles as it had flavors that are not normally used with a waffle so it was a nice spin from the chef! All of the service was great with attentive servers. The food all came out fairly quick especially considering the first time serving this new brunch menu! The ambiance was of course splendid with a piano and bass duo playing. read more

The Hillmont - Belgian Waffle with Local kumquat syrup, pineapple sage butter, cherries, maple, pecan - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Auburn, California

Perfect place for lighter fare food and drinks with atmosphere. You will be made to feel special here. Definitely one of my favorites

Visited on a Friday around 3:00Pm and the place was beginning to get busy. Although we did not have a reservation, we got seated quickly at a table within one of the side coves in the main dining room. The interior of this very old building has been completely renovated to a cool/chic, with the focus point being a beautiful bar in the middle of the room. Service was friendly, quick and offered suggestions on menu items. Ordered a couple of signature cocktails, one was really good and unusual, the other was basically a watered down old fashion. Food consists of very pricey small plates, but is unique, flavorful and creative, especially for Auburn, CA. Overall it was an excellent experience, including meeting the owner who stopped by our table to introduce himself and check on our satisfaction. I hope this type of restaurant experience is a trend that further develops in Auburn. read more

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My wife took me and some friends here for my birthday. Wasn't sure what to expect as they just had opened, usually I'd not expect everything to be figured out or settled - pleasantly surprised by how good everything was! Between four people we got roughly 6 plates. The avocado/poke was amazing, probably the best I've had. The foam (I don't like foam, it tends to never taste like anything) was really well seasoned and acidic. Calamari was really perfectly cooked, not a chewy piece at all. Don't sleep on the chocolate cake with the remedy butter cream. Was one of the better desserts I've had in a long time. read more

Oh....the Hillmont....we waited so patiently for you to open! And it was worth the wait! Just what we needed, a beautiful bar, a happy space, good food, and warm people. Hillmont is downtown Auburn, right by the clock tower. Lots of street parking, easy to find location. The space is HUGE and gorgeous! The bar in the center is the star.... Lots of space to sit around with your friends and enjoy the vibes. Cozy booths line the perimeter of the room. Cafe tables in front of a stage too. We were greeted graciously and sat at one of the intimate velvet booth tables. Perfect for a cozy moment, but not removed from the action. The kitchen is bustling and you can see them cooking and hustling. The bathroom is beautiful! (Ha trust me). They have a full alcohol selection and an espresso bar too. Whatever libation you're craving. We tried the Lemon Drop cocktail (YUM), some Prosecco, small bites, desert and lattes made to order. We left stuffed and happy, full of food and hospitality. Our favorite thing was the chicken skewers, followed by the bread selection with three different types of butter. The Caesar salad has a crunchy twist. The chocolate cake is to die for! I suggest you try a bunch of nibbles and share with your friends. They do take reservations, but I feel like the bar is always open. The employees were incredibly helpful and patient but also efficient. What else can I say? I'm already a fan. read more

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My brother and I went here and loved it. We are from out of town and live in the Bay Area. We wanted something special. And we got it. The small plates were all innovatively prepared and flavorful. We loved everything we had and the cocktails were really good. We happen to have the bourbon and pear cocktail. It was outstanding. The servers were all so attentive and on top of everything. The space is beautiful. I really was impressed. read more

They just opened up this week...and the service definitely reflected that. I walked in this afternoon after work, sat at the bar, and waited...and waited...for over 10 min before someone said something. Then I waited another 10 before someone brought me water. The girl who did so acknowledged my wait, which I appreciated, and eventually I was able to place a drink order. I did end up moving to a different part of the bar, since one corner is pretty much covered by the coffee machine & makes it hard to see people seated there. Ordered the flank slider & a half order of fries. The people next to me had ordered before me & were still waiting on their own sliders. Mine ended up coming, and they eventually just gave up & left without ever receiving theirs. When I got the check, I was charged for a full order of fries instead of the half. Waited another 10 for the bill to be corrected. Food was fine, drinks were pretty good, service def needed some fine-tuning. But like the nice lady seated next to me said, "they're a work in progress." read more

The Hillmont - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Auburn, California