Wow, really? Everyone else here must have gone to a different Ship Lantern Inn than I did because they just blew it on every level. I give it 2 stars because the decor was really nice. A beautiful place really, but everything else was just sub par. First off, we ordered what was described to us as an heirloom tomato caprese salad... what arrived was a regular tomato caprese salad. Despite my appearance, I can assure you I know the difference between the two. What came next was the saddest old lettuce salad I've ever eaten, followed by the Cioppino which we ordered as the main. It was very over cooked, to the point where the lobster meat was just tough. The servers also didnt seem to care much for us either. This great service that everyone is talking about was missing. This was a very expensive waste of a meal. Oh the bread was good... I'll give them that. read more

I arrived here for a Business Marketing Association meeting and boy did I eat! Appetizer: Antipasto Entre: Filet Mignon Dessert: Appleturnover with vanilla Ice cream It has a very nice vintage feel to it, in a ship cabin. They have a really old fireplace which gives off that crackling wood sound and it's actually very soothing when consuming my meal. I had to eat all my food, not because it was rude not to but because it was just so damn delicious it seems like a waste not to expand my stomach a little bit more to finish everything. Must go! Perfect for dates *winkwink* The waitresses were very nice, but they kept asking me if I wanted soda instead of any alcohol (they must think I'm a child). read more

We stayed at buttermilk falls, which was cool. Went here because we were in the mood for filet mignon. Wish we could go back in time and go to Henry's. The service was just off. We wanted a salad. The waiter advised that a small side salad came with the entree. We were glad to know. Wish he, or the menu, would have mentioned that the food also came with spinach and mashed potato when we ordered a side of spinach (which went to waste) I told the waiters thinking we might not need to pay for it, but no such luck. Also confusing about whether to check coats. Seems like a place strictly for regulars. The food was ok. Filet was average. Veggie strudel app was kind of greasy. Apple fritter dessert was very good. If you go, which I wouldn't recommend, expect your clothes to reek of smoke from the fireplace, forevermore. read more

I am so having one of those Yelp dilemma moments about Ship Lantern. 3 stars? 4 stars? I can't possibly say 5, can I? This place is a total time warp. It is as old school a restaurant as you will find - right down to the octogenarian waitstaff in their penguin suits. The newest material the guitar player performed was Elvis (and not Costello.) Still, these dudes are totally pro (which stands to reason, given all the experience they have!) The food is actually quite good. The experience is, um, well...unique. You should go though. Have an extra drink and just marvel at your surroundings a bit. Have fun with it. A completely different kind of "fine dining" experience from what most of us have become accustomed to -- but still, worth the trip. read more

I thought i was being kidnapped. "WHERE are you TAKING ME!?" that's pretty much what i started asking in growing fear as we drove through quiet & deserted roads in the middle of the night towards (apparently) Ship Lantern Inn. The neon-electric sign in red did little to ease my discomfort as I saw it from the road, and neither did the white house sitting far away atop the hill. But as we drove up top, the parking lot was full and apppaaaarently, this restaurant frontin' as an Inn, is well known to the dining elite of the Greater NY region, and beyond. For good reason. The service was impeccable - with waiters dressed to the nines and swirling about the room. Appetizers: the graham cracker calamari & tempura lobster were dangerously addictive. I got a salad special based on the key words: fresh mozarella, hand-picked basil from our garden, and some enigmatic word that i never figured out, but something which made my salad delicious. I had a fish dish, which was amazing, but tried some of the lobster & filet mignon, also amazing. Topped it off with a special order Baked Alaska cut into the largest pieces known to man. Annnd i finished that too. Just. so. damn. good. Ship Lantern Inn: Unbelievable dining experience in the most unlikely of places. read more

What a great place - even though it's right off of a fairly major road (in the small town of Milton, NY), you probably would just stop here, but you'd be missing out. The Shiplantern is a 3rd or 4th generation owned and run Continenantal Cuisine restaurant, and everything about it is top shelf. To start, the decor is quite charming, especially if you like ship type things. The hardwood throughout the establishment is nice, and the bar area very nicely appointed. The service - from the host to the waiters, all are dressed in tuxes, and look very formal. Don't be alarmed though - you can wear more casual attire and still fit in. They waiters and the host are very friendly, and some have been working there for 40 years. You will be treated to a display, too, watching the staff prepare parts of your meal on small tables situated through the restaurant. The menu was extensive, with several great specials. I had a Chilean Sea Bass that was fabulous, and the sides of vegetables and potatoes were quite good, too. Jenn had the chicken special and I'll be trying the leftovers for dinner when I get home tonight - but she was happy with it. The place is full of regulars, as was made evident by the wait staff and host speaking with nearly every table, and some at length. All in all, a very traditional dining experience that is not to be missed, or forgotten. One note - Mr. Foglia (whose name is prominently displayed on the large neon sign in front of the restaurant that should in no way dissuade you from going in!) is one of the four original founders of the renowned Chef-Boy-Ar-Dee Company. Enjoy it. read more

We sat out in the patio on on a nice night, a small waterfall in the background ....we were served by three gentleman with top quality service and an extraordinary wine list. I had the fillet my wife had the chicken, from start to finish we were taken away into another world, filled with fine food, great service and great atmosphere. We cant wait to go back! read more

I'll preface my review by saying that I was here for a drug rep dinner with a group of fellow physicians, therefore this was a different dining experience than you may be having. Prior to coming to Ship Lantern's, is heard quite a bit about this restaurant and was eager to learn for myself if it lived up to the hype. I can say that it absolutely did. From the starter (oysters) to my main course (porkchops) everything was prepared well and did not leave me questioning my choices. The staff was extremely helpful and were quick to bring drinks and other items when asked. Having eaten at many restaurants in this large group setting, many are slow with response times and can be frustrating at times. I was thankful that this was not the case here There is sufficient parking in the back, conveniently located directly off of 9w and only minutes away from. The Mid Hudson Bridge. Absolutely will be back for a regular dinner here with my wife in the near future read more

My boyfriend took us here for my birthday dinner, and it was the perfect experience from top to bottom. The service was impeccable. The waiters were hilariously charming, and our glasses and bread baskets were always full. We did the restaurant week menu, and every single meal was exquisite. A hidden gem! read more

I have been coming to this restaurant for last 40 years, but have not been back for last ten; guess what? Still outstanding! First class in every category, same family runs it, and unlike a lot of places over the years that try to change to adjust to whatever; this restaurant is like time stood still in every good way (except cost for a meal; of course). read more

I had the duck with raspberry sauce! Fabulous! I will go again soon! I love this place!

This place has absolutely amazing fare and service. It is a truly fine dining experience from another era. Don't be put off by the "nautical theme"; it is done in the 1960s style and is very pleasing to the eye. The staff were extremely courteous, well dressed and well humored, attentive without being oppressive (quite particularly Carlo, who has been there for 52 years, we learned). It is well worth the trip and the views over the valley. Highly recommended and will be returning soon. read more

Loved the meal! The atmosphere was so awesome and different, although the music was a little bit too loud. For an appetizer I got an oyster sampler, the special for the night, and it was delicious. I got the duck with raspberry sauce. So much flavor, and so many different flavors. Got a dessert sampler, which was very classic American dessert. And it was delicious. I'd recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a great place to eat! read more

The food was amazing. The duck was tender and savory. I would come back anytime. I would recommend this place 100xs read more

The Ship Lantern Inn - Duck with a raspberry compote - New American Near Me - Milton, New York

This fine dining resturant is just a short drive from the artsy college town of New Paltz. Easy parking, beautiful woodwork, elegant setting for a celebration, date night or just a special treat for yourself. Four of us arrived early enough to take advantage of the prix fixe menu,under $33, and the regular menu. We agreed all our selections were delicious. We enjoyed the french onion soup, tender, moist pork chop with apple chutney, diver scallops and beautifully grilled strip steak. And who wouldnt love the chocolate almond torte. Treat yourself to a relaxing evening and enjoy this 93 year old historic resturant, you will be glad you did. read more

I've been driving past this restaurant for years and it's never drawn me in, but decided to take a chance on restaurant week and am so happy I did. We were seated immediately and found service excellent without being overbearing. We were not rushed and had a leisurely dinner. I had the pork osso buck with risotto. The pork was tender fall off the bone. My cavatelli with crab etc was creamy from the goat cheese and had crunch from the asparagus. My husband had airplane chicken with boar sausage and a nice combo of vegetables and potatoes. The chicken was tender and everything including the sauce was nicely seasoned. The end was a delicious tira misu and apple crisp with ice cream. All in all a nice introduction and we will be back for the regular menu. read more

Such a nice experience! Wonderful appetizers and incredible entrees. What made me write this review was the extremely friendly staff! The owner went out of his way to get to know me and make conversation. Great food, great ambiance, and overall wonderful time. read more

Was an amazing experience. Ambiance was perfect and the food was amazing. The best sirloin I have ever had. Service was excellent and what seemed to be either the owner or manager sal was nothing but nice and personable. Check this oldie but goodie out!! read more

Concur with most other reviews Old school feel - tuxes, dessert carts, bananas foster and Caesar salad prepared tableside Ambiance was unique ; had my grandmothers livingroom feel ( but oddly in a good way Waitstaff was attentive, knowledgable and interacted like seasoned bartenders with clientel Food didnt diappoint; a rare find , and worth the look read more

I was in the Poughkeespie area visting this week and had the fortune of dining at the Ship Lantern Inn. What a nice place to enjoy a meal! We went for the early bird special....felt like i was with the Seinfelds. Its a fixed menu 4:00- 6:00 Tuesday--Friday with plenty to choose from.Plus they have the non twilight menu. l had the fillet medium. What a great tasting cut of meat. I also had the french onion soup and a nice salad, plus a nice chocolate tart to finish the meal off! I really enjoyed the old school atmosphere...guys working front of the house all in black suits, very attentive with water, drinks. Plus they crumb the table when is the last time you saw that? Plus the building dates back to Revolutionary War days! read more

The Ship Lantern Inn - New American Near Me - Milton, New York

Excellent food and excellent service. Highly recommended for others. They have a $19 "twilight menu" from 4-6PM Tuesday-Friday which includes a couple appetizers, an entree, and dessert and coffee. A great experience... read more

This place is great. We were here during a vacation in the area. The staff is attentive and friendly. The service is impeccable. The setting is peaceful. ALL our food choices were delicious. I love that they have veg/vegan options on the menu-good to see that they can adjust to changing times. We would go out of my way to return here. read more

Just outstanding. All around perfect experience. Great food. Great service and servers. Great place. Im sitting near the open fireplace right now. the very best read more

Loved the food and attentive service as much as the atmosphere. A lovely trip back in time place with well paced service, You go to dine, not just eat. They also will accommodate any feasible request, As an example, I had the mixed grill of lamb chops, fillet mignon and pork chop. I don't like pork. At my request, it was replaced with more lamb chops. Definitely a place to go for both the history and the food. read more

The octogenarians who frequent this place have it figured out. We were visiting FDR/ValKill/Vanderbilt and decided to eat at this classic on the way home (beautiful neon sign proclaiming "Continental Cuisine" and "Established 1925" made it a must for me). So I called ahead at around 11am and asked if we needed a reservation. I was told "definitely". When I asked for 5pm, I heard hemming and hawing, was told "that's kinda tight" and then "okay, we can fit you in". I'm thinking "man, this must be some place to be full up at 5pm!". Well, the punchline is that this is strictly for the blue haired crowd who is wise to the fact that if you don't get there for the prix-fixe special it's a rip off. We missed that getting there when it just ended at 5pm. By 6pm the place was empty. We overpaid at $35/entree for some very mediocre food. Sides are Mashed& Spinach and a carrot and 1 piece of asparagus. You're not given a choice. Side salad is iceberg lettuce. Everything is "throwback" about this place -- which is cool, except the prices -- which are 'big city' prices though this place is in the middle of nowhere. Decor was what I expected and loved. Waitstaff fine. read more

Had an amazing meal, experience. Food and staff were excellent. So happy this place is still going strong. Can't lose this gem!

We came up to the Hudson Valley from D.C. to celebrate my boyfriend's birthday. Our lovely B&B overlooking the Hudson River recommended The Ship Lantern Inn for the birthday dinner. It proved the perfect recommendation. The staff at SLI paid attention to every detail. The special Sea Bass dinner was coked to perfection and delicious. We enjoyed the Wild Mushroom appetizer as well. The Ship Lantern Inn was a very special evening that we will remember far into the future! We highly recommend the food and the service. read more

I seriously do NOT know why this place is getting more than 2 stars. Bland entrees, seemingly store bought sauce, and WAY overpriced. Never going back. read more

My husband and I just visited this restaurant for the first time on a trip to the Poughkeepsie, NY, area. Our waiter, Tito, and the entire staff were "Old School" superior. The knowledge, courtesy, the finest attention to our every need was carried out through the entire meal. And the meal itself was memorable--every bite was delicious. I had the Caprese salad--so yummy--but I knew if I ate every morsel, I would not have room for the main course which was the the Osso Buco. The meat "melted" in your mouth--it was so tender and the flavors were delectable. One of the most outstanding meals I have ever eaten. DON'T let the appearance and location of the restaurant persuade you! It is charming inside--intimate, warm and comfortable. Don't miss it. read more

My husband and I went for our anniversary. We've been going to Ship lantern for 20+ years the food was amazing! The service not so much we were never read the specials the waiter took our drink order but never got them. He started to take our order but then went to get our drinks. The guy in charge over seeing everything then proceeded to take our order I told him we would wait for our waiter but he persisted. I felt he made the waiter which I thought was ours look incompetent!! People filled our water cleaned our crumbs but never saw our waiter or anyone asking how everything was. That guy in charge had no problem pour wine asked others how everything was and so on. Finally we were finished just sitting there and he passed I said nice to see you. He then said is everything alright I said I haven't seen any waiter since my order. He replied a free desert drink or desert I replied no thanks. He ended taking two drinks and my husbands desert off the bill. My bill was 99.00 I left 40.00 for my drinks and desert not for the service!!! I didn't need free anything I came for the well know Ships lanterns food and SERVICE VERY DISAPPOINTED I WILL TRY IT AGAIN read more

This is our "go to" fine dining experience in the Hudson Valley. It's impossible to get a bad meal here or bad service. The Ship is an icon of the area and you cannot go wrong. I especially like their filet mignon with an au poive sauce which is prepared at table side. We are going there tonight for their weekday special menu. I can't wait! It's expensive but there are pricier places to eat in the area. read more

My wife and I ate here Friday night. Although we live in the area it has probably been 30 years since we have dined here. No reason why except that we never really think of it. However it was a special occasion and we decided to make a night of it. While it was restaurant week I was amazed how crowded it was. Since we had a reservation we were seated immediately. Looking around I don't think the place has changed at all since we were last here. The waitstaff were in tuxedos and that set the tone for the evening. We started with appetizers. My wife had a vegetable stuffed puff pastry...she said it was delicious. I had clams on the half shell. Loved that I could make my own sauce. We had the cesar salad for two. Loved watching them make it. My wife had Chilean sea bass for dinner and I had the chef's duck of the evening. The flambe presentation was good, the duck delicious. I had apple fritters and cinnamon ice cream for dessert. It was awesome.My wife's dessert was a cinnamon ice cream Carmel pastry. It was good. A few missteps: 1. The cold bread basket was disappointing. 2. The side dishes for each meal were uninspired. But the service was professional and very attentive. It was a pricey evening but we'll worth it for our special occasion. I wouldn't make this a regular dinning out experience but will be back before another 30 years. read more

Ok, I live in Brooklyn, NY and I went to culinary school in Manhattan, so for other people out here in the middle of nowhere, this place may actually impress them. I was not impressed. This place has been open since 1925 and some of the cooking styles haven't changed since then. We are talking beurre blanc, jus lie, veal demi glace and curly parsley garnishes. We came here for the prix fixe menu on a Saturday evening, and that may have been part of the problem. You have to order between 4-6pm, which is no big deal. You do get a lot of food for the $33 price tag; champagne, app + salad, entree and dessert + coffee, however that does not mean the quality is very good. The people in my party ordered the shrimp, gnocchi and the vegetable strudel for apps. The shrimp was overcooked, the gnocchi were well-formed, but dry, the strudel was pretty tasty though, despite the curly parsley and diced bell pepper confetti garnishes. For entrees, we had the strip steak, chicken, pork osso bucco and the sword fish. Someone needs to teach them how to give equal portions to everyone. The swordfish and steak were puny, the chicken (with rubbery skin) could feed a small family and the pork could feed a dinosaur (the risotto served with it was very gummy). So half the people in my party finished their dishes before the other half even put a dent in theirs. For dessert we had profiteroles, sorbet and pecan chocolate torts, again the portions were off. The torts were double portions while the sorbet consisted of sad half scoops. They forgot the coffee and to write happy birthday on my mom's dessert plate. I'm sure this spot had its heydey, but it has long since passed. Perhaps the normal dinner menu is the way to go here but if you're coming up here and want an amazing dining experience, skip this joint and go to one of the CIA's restaurants. read more

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We had another wonderful meal with impeccable service. We love the old wood and fireplace, perhaps a previous visitor to our Hudson Valley didn't know this is a Revolutionary War era house. One thing did surprise us.......the young couple seated near us were in a T-shirt and the girl in shorts. The times they are a changing! read more

This is by far my favorite restaurant of all time, the service is amazing, and the food is on another level.

Great food, great atmosphere, the most curtious staff, extensive wine list, you just don't find a restaurant around here like this anymore. The level of service makes you feel like you are the only patrons in the restaurant. I could go on and on but I will just say experience this restaurant for yourself and you will find yourself going back time and time again. Five stars is just not enough!!! read more

The entire staff was polite and attentive; there is always someone checking in to see if you need anything. The menu offered a lot of options and there was also a long list of specials. My husband and I ordered appetizers and entrees from the specials menu; everything was delicious. The price was reasonable compared to the quality and amount of food you receive. There was a guitarist playing and singing which positively contributed to the elegant atmosphere. I would definitely return! read more

Had an excellent birthday dinner there. Quality food to go along with great ambiance. Excellent gluten free options for people with celiac disease. Will definitely be going back. read more

This is really 4 1/2 stars. As other Yelpers have noted, the waitstaff are old school professionals. The food was top notch. I had Oysters Rockefeller and although pricey as an app at $18 they were excellent. Had the filet and it was perfectly cooked and high quality. Mushroom sauce was delicious as well. People noted the faded interiors but this was a plus to me. The room we sat in had a huge stone fireplace with a wood fire roaring. It had stone floors and a dark wood truss vaulted ceiling, dark wood paneling, and walls of glass. Very charming space. The bar area reeked of an old informal somewhat lowbrow country club. Bathrooms have not been touched in 60 years but they were very clean. This is a special place and you really should check it out. read more

If you want a truly old school dinner experience, make a special trip here. The tuxedo clad waiters and comfortable warm atmosphere reminds you of going out 30 years ago. The food and service are top level, with plenty of variety for everyone. read more