I'm actually surprised by all the great reviews here - I haven't yet talked to a single local who's had a good experience at the new Red Rooster. I, for one, am not too phased by the decor. Yeah, it doesn't match the character of the Inn, but it's swanky and kind of fun. However, food was another matter. My husband had some rather unexceptional and overpriced salmon, and my "medium-well" burger came out mooing and cold. (They did take the burger off our tab, which we appreciated.) The bread was a bit stale. We were really disappointed, as we were fans of the old Richardson's Pub fare, and years ago we'd had some excellent upscale dinners at the old Inn dining room. The one big plus for the food was the "family style" veggie sides. We really liked the choices and they were quite good (and plentiful). As for service, our waiter was amiable and efficient but we were a little put off by the strangely large number of managers scurrying about the room - I think we counted six, which was twice as many as the servers, and they seemed to be there mainly to hover over the tables of notables dining that night. Perhaps some of the problems had to do with it being a new establishment, so we may give it another try. We'd be much more likely to go back again if they re-instituted the bistro-style menu options they had at Richardsons. Given the price of meals, we would far rather dine at Simon Pearce, which is well worth the extra drive for us. Unless the chefs really increase the panache of their meals, I can't imagine their upscale menu can compete with the quality and novelty of the food at SP.

The decor of the "new" (as of Summer 2008) Red Rooster dining room at the Woodstock Inn has been widely criticized by the locals as being "too New York". A large marble fountain dominates the center as it spews six gushers of water while you try to converse with friends. Aside from that and its otherwise austere interior, the new restaurant offers exquisite food. The bread was so fresh and tasty; the appetizers memorable. The waiter claimed the swordfish had never been frozen, and since it melted in my mouth, I believe him. Each diner was presented with a beautifully prepared choice of veggie side dish large enough to be shared with others. The dishes and coffee cups are stored in a warming drawer, so the contents remained hot throughout. When idle, the attentive wait staff actually remain in the room, waiting to be helpful rather than hanging out in the kitchen. The whole experience was every bit as fine as Simon Pearce's, maybe better! Looks like the Inn's new ownership finally got something right by contracting out the restaurant to the Blue Ribbon Group.

This is a classic, in every respect. The atmosphere of the Inn itself is enough to win one over, the service is a reminder of what good service can be and the food is "over the top" first class.

"Lobster night" is a must.

An old favorite, the Woodstock Inn is a reliable place for fine dining. Quiet and elegant and consistently excellent food.