Hartstone Inn

I stayed here on business, and wasn’t disappointed with either the room or the food.
The waitstaff were fluttering around, handling about 10 tables during the dinner rush, and did so with aplomb. Even though I was a solo business traveler in a dining room full of vacationers 2 – 3 times my age, I was served quickly with a smile.
I opted to start with the clam chowder, which was fantastic. The clams were a tiny bit chewy, but tasted very fresh. The bacon and oil drizzle on top helped distinguish an otherwise standard (but delicious) New England staple. It arrived quickly and was hot but didn’t melt my mouth. I definitely suggest using the crust of the fresh bread they provide… definitely a good oyster cracker replacement.
My main course was a hanger steak, cooked med rare, accompanied by shallots, red potatoes, grilled peppers, and asparagus. And although I’m not usually a fan of mushroom flavors, the melted mushroom butter mixed with the au jus to create a fantastic sauce for the whole plate. The steak was spot on medium rare, and as tender as possible with no sinew/​strings at all whatsoever. Best steak I’ve had in 2016, easily.
The cocktail list looked pretty great, although they notified several tables nearby that they had run out of a couple key ingredients, so couldn’t make a few popular drinks. Their beer list was also lacking, but they do seem to have a robust wine cellar.
Great steak and good chowder, very good service, small naturally-​lit dining room. Hotel room I’ll leave for a separate review, but it was a very nice space. Only gripe is that they turned down my bed when I had left out a «privacy please» door hanger. Overall 4.6 out of 5.

Our first night in Camden we ate at the Hartstone Inn. Menu sounded enticing when we walked by the place, the dining room looked romantic, so we made a reservation for two. Upon entering, we were seated promptly at a window table. Then we waited while our waitress was chatting with the customers at an adjacent table. Well, I didn’t know she was our waitress except that my wife started calling another restaurant in town. Then she finally took our order. Of course, after that long wait, and given our experience here, maybe we should have left. We started out with an amuse bouche, which was a mix of feta cheese and fruit. That was nice. A few slices of bread then came out and those were good. We split an arugula salad nicely dressed, with some fruit. Then we split an appetizer of lollipop lamb chops– crusted and spicy, and perfectly done. Then came the entrees. My wife’s was an ahi tuna which she liked but mentioned that a local seafood restaurant back home did this better. I ordered a hanger steak medium rare. When I tasted this it was grossly undercooked. News flash– I ordered a cooked steak, not carpaccio! So back to the kitchen it went, ten minutes later it came out. Now it was decently cooked, but the cooks forgot to spice the steak. A drizzle of sauce had little flavor, and the side vegetables were out of a diner. Well, except for the grilled peppers. They were the best part of the entrée. We also ordered a dark chocolate soufflé. This was decent with a Kahlua sauce. Meanwhile, the circus they called the service was setting up tables and dropping utensils all night. Once we got the bill, we were glad to have gotten out of this inn after paying off this bill. So what my impression of this restaurant is that the kitchen has some potential, but the service needs improvement. And, lastly, they need to learn how to cook steak and serve it properly.

My husband and I were in Camden for our 20^th wedding anniversary and had dinner here. The food was delicious, the service attentive, and the décor was pleasant. Our appetizer were mushroom ravioli and a grilled romaine salad with blue cheese – both excellent. For dinner we had the lobster dish with angel hair pasta with a creamy sauce and zucchini noodles; and the steak (tenderloin) with peppers. We thoroughly enjoyed both those meals. Finally, for dessert, we shared the blueberry almond soufflé, which is the chef’s specialty. It was sinfully delicious with the anglaise sauce cut in at the table. We would definitely visit again the next time we are in Maine

A wonderful positive surprise for my wife and I. My daughter gifted us this gate-​away for Christmas and we had little expectation. Here is our experience.
We were located in the Auburn room. Large, inviting, beautiful with its own parking spot, sky light windows, jacuzzi tub… Wine and chocolate waited for us when we first arrived. Huge bed, chairs and couches all over. It was a large and inviting family room, laid out to make things easy to enjoy.
Breakfast and dinners were exceptional, both in taste and in presentation. The preparations were so, so beautiful and inventive, only pictures would do the meals justice. (I sent dozens to my curious daughter!!)
And…the town of Camden is cute with beautiful brick buildings, re-​done from factories building to quaint little locally owned shops.
The entire experience was an A+ for us. Would absolutely go back for a second helping.

Awesome food and great service. We started with the mushroom ravioli which was fantastic. I had the Maine lobster with angel hair pasta and my wife had the beef tenderloin both of which were amazing. The service was also exceptional. Definitely fine dining and worth it!!!

Stayed over Valentine’s Day weekend. Suite was freezing cold with no directions on how to stay warm. Then it got too hot at night because the heat from the one stove kept rising into the bedroom. We hauled out a fan in the middle of the night to circulate the air. I got no sleep on my birthday night!
Note: There is no baseboard heating in the suites and they aren’t really suitable for a frigid cold winter night. Stay elsewhere– great new place at 16 Bayview Street.

We had a great little get away to Camden this week. We stayed in the Champagne Suite and the pictures do not do it justice. The place was as big as our apartment! Great 2 person deep soaker tub and cute little Juliette balcony off the hallway. We had abnormally warm weather for February (almost 50 degrees) and were able to sit out on balcony and enjoy coffee. Food was great, the chef tasting menu was great, left stuffed but happy! Happy hour was fun and nice in little parlor with games to play. Staff was very friendly and helpful. They managed to sneak in and out to clean room when we were out for breakfast. Bedding was great, slept like a baby. We’d definitely return in the future!

This is a food review only (we didn’t stay at the inn). Very nice place. We were excited to finally go here after several years of hearing about it. The food was very good — way above average — it met our expectations. The prices were decent for a high end restaurant with a good reputation and an accomplished chef. Good wine list with very reasonably priced bottles. All the servers were nice, pleasant and accommodating.
The reason for only 2 stars — our entire meal was rushed, and for no apparent good reason. Had a 7pm reservation. We were seated right away. The place was only ½ full. Appetizers were brought within 5 minutes after placing our order. Entrees arrived 4 minutes after appetizers were taken away. No time was given to breath, talk, drink wine, etc. As our entrees were cleared, we were asked if we wanted coffee with the special soufflé dessert we had to pre-​order at beginning of meal. We ordered coffee, but asked for it to come out with the desert, not before. Server told us the soufflé would be coming out in a minute. I almost said to her that «you just took our entrée plates away, and we would like 10 minutes to savor the meal and drink the rest of our wine», but decided to just go with the flow. True to her word, the dessert arrived at our table two minutes after our dinner plates were cleared! Absolutely ridiculous for a restaurant with such a good reputation. They gave us no time relax, talk, digest and finish our bottle of wine. We were in and out of there in 70 minutes — and there was no line of people waiting to be seated. The entire time there were a handful of empty tables. b/​t/​w, the soufflé was very good, but would have been excellent if they allowed time for us to savor the entrée’s…
The issue is not with the servers, but with whoever was running the kitchen/​chef/​management. Definitely a major disconnect going on with the kitchen and how to properly time meal service.
Oh, one last thing — they add on 18% gratuity to the bill without telling you in advance. Used to this type of stipulation for parties of 5 or more in dinning establishments — but have never seen this for a table of 2. Very odd — and unacceptable that they don’t share it with you until the end of the meal. I’ve never been to a place that did this for a table of two. BIG TURNOFF! We would have left our normal 20% tip even with the meal being rushed, since we didn’t feel it was the servers fault. It’s up to the owner/​chef/​management to train them properly and be aware of meal timing.

We were staying at the Hartstone and were told that this was one of the best restaurants in town and too look forward to it, so we were very excited to finally eat here. But I would say the food was quite mediocre. Nothing stood out, it was all fine and the service was great, but it was not the meal we were expecting and was truthfully the most disappointing meal of our trip. That being said, I am not from Camden so it could be great in that region, but to us was not great.
Then, the hotel was also just ³⁄₅. Least favorite place I stayed as my head hit the ceiling of my room every time I stood up and I am only 5’4″. I also fell down our very steep stairs twice.

A nice hotel in Camden. Located on the main noisy street but close to restaurants. Small room but clean. The staff was very friendly and all was clean. heard the restaurant was good but we couldn’t get reservations. would stay in again

Combined Dining and Room Review
(Dining Review) We arranged for a chef’s tasting menu as part of a room package. The meal was good on balance but somewhat disappointing. Yummy little tenderloin thingie served as an «amuse bouche», then a very good salad ruined by terrible overly vinegary dressing. Very fine gnocchi first dish. Main dish was potato crusted cod, which didn’t sound very appealing to me but was actually good overall (wonderful crispy texture of the potatoes saved it), but served with a sauce that was much too salty, and in a miniscule portion (all courses were miniscule, truth be told.) Dessert would have been great if not for the fact that the dessert was a soufflé with hot sauce, and on this hotter than normal summer day I was just not in the mood for it — explanation was that it’s the chef’s signature dish. (Can you say «one trick pony»?)
So, this meal was $ 55 on the menu, and a little less in our package, which would be a good value if the food were as good as we were led to believe it would be, OR if the portions were sufficient (wife and I both left still hungry). If you have the appetite of a baby bird, or are not accustomed to eating very good food, you will love this restaurant as much as the other reviewers seem to. Footnote: after delivering my (unfortunately deserved) litany of criticisms, I was told by the server/​business manager that our chef has been at it for 18 years and knows his stuff. Megan, I’ve been eating good food for FAR longer than 18 years, and am not impressed at all. PS — You did a fine job as our server, thank you!
(Room Review) We rented the Provence room for a couple of nights. I have to say that my dissatisfaction with the room is mostly due to my love for modern room conveniences and configuration. I am quite sure that, as Bed and Breakfast type places go, the Hartstone is very nice. The room was indeed clean, the bed dressed in quality materials, and we were supplied with good quality toiletries. On the down side, the hallways and stairs were consistent with this being, when all is said and done, A Very Old Building. Our room was so small that my wife and I had to coordinate our movements from closet to bath to sink — the size made me feel like I rented a handicapped stall in a public restroom, no kidding. The small window air conditioner was LOUD, and not sophisticated with respect to temperature control (choose to freeze or to be uncomfortably warm.) At the price paid, this room was actually a decent value compared to the other thieves in this way-​overrated little town, but I was unhappy with the room nonetheless. By the way, I understand that Hartstone has larger rooms, but you WILL pay significantly more for the privilege of not bumping your elbows on the walls. Parking is tight, but not horrible.

The food here is amazing-​delicious. I had the lobster and as a Mainer who eats a lot of lobster I have to say it was the BEST lobster I’ve had in a long while-​just PERFECTLY cooked. The salad was good but small-​too small. My husband had the chicken roulade, and it was also very good, however the greens served with it were rather bitter. It was an all over good experience and I would return again for sure.
Dessert was just so-​so-​we had the crème brûlée which was not warn (cold in center), and there wasn’t vanilla in the crème, so the flavor was a bit bland.
Service was outstanding-​we had no glitches in the service. The young ladies that waited on us were very attentive and flawless.
The only reason I am only four stars is for the small tables and small room we sat in-​AND the CHANGING menu. While the table we had overlooked a beautiful garden the room seemed cramped and the table a bit too close together. We were lucky enough to get one of the two half booths, but I can imagine I’d be pretty cranky if I had to sit at one of the very small tables up against the wall. If you make reservations, best ask for a half booth by the window-​best seat in the house. AND the menu changes weekly-​this can be an asset to some, but not us as we do not eat red meat and my husband won’t eat fish, so if there isn’t a chicken or vegetarian dish on the menu we can’t even go.

Restaurant Review:
My boyfriend and I spent July 4^th weekend in Camden Maine and had a wonderful dinner! We made reservations (which I would highly recommend as the restaurant is very small). We ordered a bottle of wine, I had the filet and he had a seafood dinner and it was one of the best meals our entire time in Camden. Gratuity (18%) was included, so everything came to $ 100. Within walking distance to downtown.

Nice inn, good food and reasonable prices — yet the hype praise for the fine dining is a little bit exaggerated. And the accidental explanation: Boss and Lady Boss where not in town during our stay.

Dinner was delicious. Butter poached lobster was amazing. My husband had beef tenderloin. Excellent. Service was good but not spectacular. Great meal

Here’s what is fantastic about this B&B, if you come to Maine in the winter and don’t feel like venturing outside there is an amazing restaurant on premises. The inn is quaint, little rooms with king sized beds with original furniture. It is historical and lovely, and despite that if it very quiet.
There are two main buildings. Actually there is a main building with some rooms and the lobby and restaurant. There is a small spot behind the main building that encompasses a room or two, or a suite. Around the corner, just down the street, is another building with several more rooms. It also has a small breakfast dining area that may or may not be in use. I think it may be more enjoyable to stay in the separate building (s) but I don;t know how quiet a room would be in the main house.
The staff is helpful and friendly. They will absolutely let you know what there is to do in the area, and the inn is very close to downtown Camden.
The restaurant is delicious, and breakfast is really a treat. I am not sure what I would do in Camden if I went back, but I am going to do it just to stay here again.

This review is only for the restaurant portion as we didn’t stay at the Inn.
It’s daunting to try to put into words how amazing the food is here. Everything was perfect. Chef Michael is a genius with his sauces. We actually had to come back and have a second meal later in our trip because it was that good. We just couldn’t leave without experiencing it again. There were 4 people in our party and rarely can you get all of us to agree on how good a meal was. We all agree that it was amazing. Make sure you bring your appetite because if you order the tasting menu, it’s a lot of food. The portions are very generous. At $ 55 for the tasting menu, and the quality of the meal, that’s a steal. Anytime we’re in Camden we’ll definitely be back.

We just returned from a two night stay at the Hartstone Inn. What a wonderful vacation! The Inn is beautiful, comfortable and inviting. We felt like we were visiting friends. Mary Jo and Michael are the perfect hosts! Our Cottage Suite was so private and comfortable, not to mention beautiful. Our group took full advantage of the martini happy hour and Briana proved to be a very attentive hostess. I cannot think of anything that our hosts did not already provide. Mary Jo spent time with us at breakfast to help plan our day in Camden. The breakfasts were absolutely delicious. the five course dinner was excellently prepared, the flavors of each dish was outstanding.
We will definitely be back.

Perfection.
Across the board.
Everything about this place is perfect.
The rooms are adorable, stylish, upscale, and designed to suit every taste.
Breakfast is amazing.
Dinners are phenomenal.
Michael and MaryJo truly have outdone themselves.
We’ve been every year for six years and will continue every year!
A must visit.
Beyond.

This Inn has an amazing menu, which changes monthly. There is a list of four or so entrees, and a chef’s sampler. While very pricey, the food is well-​prepared and sumptuous. Portion sizes are just right. One leaves feeling sated but not over-​stuffed. This food is a taster’s delight, subtle flavors and textures and a flair for presentation. I recommend the lemon-​poppyseed soufflé pierced with crème anglais. MMMM.
Of note is the fact that there is a quiet about the place that allows for dinner conversation. Our room was next to the kitchen and yet we heard no clatter or chatter. Small dining rooms with great lighting and décor.
We will now go there once a year to enjoy the ambiance and the great food. Once a year, yes. Did I mention pricey? $ 134 for two of us.
Who needs wi-​fi by the way (a question here). Out to dinner? Put away your phones and luxuriate here.