Inn At Starlight Lake

I debated whether to simply leave this pretty restaurant alone with all its problems but alas, I cannot hold back. To have the readers of this missive experience what the four of us just experienced would be cruel and unusual punishment.
We made reservations for the four of us and arrived at 6pm for dinner. The Inn at Starlight Lake is full of history of a northern Wayne County long gone. Back during a time of busy boarding houses and inns. It’s ambience is second to no restaurant in a 50 mile radius. You surely feel like you are entering a wonderful place replete with its wood burning stoves, pictures of old still hanging majestically and tables with crisp white real table cloths and cute place settings. And sadly, that’s where the class act ended.
Upon arrival we were the second table there. It took 5 minutes to be greeted by our server. We ordered our drinks which took another 10 minutes. Since we were two couples we asked for separate bills. everything was messed up. But before we get to that, first about the food. Two of ordered steak and for $ 23 it was a big mistake. Maybe 4 ounces each they were tasty enough but so very puny. The accompanying rice was dry, the broccoli cold and undercooked! One of us had the jaeger schnitzel which was dry and boring. My wife had the spinach dip and potato chowder both of which were very good. Our waitress disappeared for 30 minutes so there was no wine refill or soft drink replenishment. Ever the adventurous couples we all ordered dessert. Our original server, we were told, was busy serving others. We were never asked about our dinner by either server or owner. Our desserts arrived and then we had to ask for coffee and tea. We were given a pot of hot water with no tea bags (I found a tray of tea bags under the serving station). We had to ask for cream for our coffee. Others around us seemed to be steaming with the failure to receive even a modicum of service.
My reviews are usually brief but the length of this one cries out with its warning: don’t try out this place lest you desire to raise your blood pressure.

What a great spot! Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or in the area and hungry, this is the spot! It is family run and has a certain upstate quaintness about it that can’t be beat. Once a week on Wednesdays they have pasta night. All you can eat homemade pasta with garlic bread and a salad for $ 9.99. That’s about the cost of fast food yet it’s so delicious. I usually get the combination meal and ask for extra manicotti because it’s that good. When I order off the regular menu I get eggplant parmigiana or the pounded pork (eek I forget what it’s called). All meals come with a salad. Their ranch dressing is my favorite salad dressing. Their martinis are large and made well. They sometimes have theme nights which I hear are fun. The owner takes pride in her business and always welcomes us as if we are part of her family. Her staff is very friendly and they work hard to make sure you leave full and satisfied. Definitely worth visiting!

I came here looking for a getaway from the craziness of work and I must say, I couldn’t have chosen a better place. The staff was super friendly, the food was delicious, and the view of the lake was exactly what I needed. I absolutely adored the classic rural ambience of the rooms and atmosphere. The only downside was having to leave after just two days. If your looking for a getaway from the city life, this is the place. Definitely expect to see me back there in the future.

Came here with my in-​laws on my first visit to this area. Terrible. Absolutely. The service was terrible not to mention it was probably 90 degrees in the dining room. I think once the owner realized it was hot, she opened a window. One. That’s it. Then there’s the food — the clam chowder tasted like Campbell’s straight out of the can. Maybe it had some extra canned clams added, I wouldn’t doubt it. The shrimp, frozen out of a bag. I totally could have gotten them at the grocery store. Let’s talk about the scallop scampi… my FIL ordered it, sides were baked potato and clam strips. Dime sized scallops came in a small bowl, with sauce. ok, right? Husband got side of rice. Same dime sized scallops came over the rice… no sauce. Potatoes were naked, no sides offered. Thanks but no thanks. I don’t know how these folks are still in business. Beautiful building, drinks are wet… but I won’t eat here again.

I have stayed here about 3 times over the years. The area is rural and that changes expectations. The reason for only two stars is the need for updates to the guest rooms. My rooms were out dated, not comfortable and more. The last time i stayed the toilet ran the whole time and the faucet dripped loudly. That being said the staff was very friendly and the food was ok. Major room renovations needed or at least quality beds and bedding would be a welcome plus!

Were staying at the lodge at starlight lake (a great b & b) and the owners recommended the Inn for dinner. Not only is it one of the few restaurants in the area, it was really good. We both had the mushroom soup and it was great. The spinach and artichoke dip was ok. Our entrees were the mahi and the pork chop Both were excellent, but we did not think the fish was fresh fish. Probably frozen. Homemade lemon cake was terrific. The local beer from Wilkes Barre was excellent and the bottle of fair trade shiraz/​merlot from Argentina was also excellent.
We went for breakfast the next day and that was also quite good. The brioche french toast was very good, but the portion was way too big. Smoked salmon and bagel was excellent. The salmon was smoked locally.
The service at each meal was friendly and very helpful. All menu items are a terrific value. Dinner was without tip was $ 91. Breakfast $ 18.
All in all, in an area were gourmet dining is not really anywhere to be found, the Inn is a very good choice.

We have been coming to the Hancock area for many years. It’s been so long that we have fond memories of the Antrim Lodge in Roscoe We have finally found a worthy replacement. The Starlight Lake Inn just outside Hancock will bring back the old time memories. Wonderful menu, fantastic service with a family atmosphere. The Starlight is a wonderful addition to our choice for a night out.

My family and I have been coming up to the area for over 40 years and Starlight was one of those places we frequented. Not as much in the restaurant since Jack & Judy have we been eating there, but stopping in for a drink at the bar was something we still did.’
Well we had a birthday in the family and thought we would give it a try. NEVER NEVER AGAIN! Being in the restaurant business myself for over 30 years in higher end restaurant worldwide, I have to say I was truly floored with their translation of dishes. After their spin on what they had called a California roll, which to give you a true sense of what it looked like and tasted like, lets say it was imitation seafood on a toast-​it cracker with bits of nori in it. I honestly had to laugh. The crab cakes looked good from the outside, but once eaten, it was the same seafood as the California roll, far from lump crab or crab meat at that
I could go on forever but it’s too painful. Lets just say the drinks couldn’t come fast enough to kill the pain, Thank god for some good fun kids that were our waitstaff too. I will say this, we as a family haven’t laughed so much at one dinner in our lives, but unfortunately we aren’t laughing when I say, WE WILL NEVER EAT THERE AGAIN!!!

The Inn at Starlight Lake is a cozy, relaxing inn and restaurant that I’ve been visiting yearly for nearly twenty years. The food is pretty good, the staff are hospitable and friendly, the lake can be used for multiple recreational purposes including boating and swimming, and the view is scenic. The inn hosts a small game room including ping-​pong, pool ball and board games, right next to another room for television viewing.
The inn and rooms are not air conditioned, but with the drop in temperature most summer nights coupled with the breeze from the lake this hardly is an issue. The inn is a great place to relax, read a book, catch some fresh air or simply enjoy doing nothing at all.

I have not ever booked a room at the Inn, but I have visited the restaurant 5 times this year. It is definitely the best food you can get in this extremely rural area. Between $ 15−25/plate with cheaper specials on Monday and Tuesday (or is it monday and wednesday?). Make sure to call and reserve a table if you plan on dining there during the summer months as they get very busy.
It’s a fun visit because of it’s historic presence in the area, and it’s a beautiful setting on a very still lake. this place is very quiet and peaceful if you come in the off season (NOT summer). The food is quite good. They have a couple of dishes that feature meat from local farmers like pastured chicken and grass fed beef. They have several good beers including seasonal Sam Adams and a couple NY and PA micro brews. Also they have a WONDERFUL weekend brunch.
The service is ALWAYS great. The atmosphere of the dining area feels kind of strange. It feels to me like I just stepped into the 1980s club house of the movie Dirty Dancing where all the Newyorkers go on summer vacation. And what’s funny is that this IS a place where many Newyorkers come on summer vacation :) All in all, I give the food 4 stars, the value/​cost 5 stars, the lovely mountain lake setting 5 stars, the interior atmosphere 3 stars. Enjoy!

Six of us went for dinner on a Sunday evening. It was about a 40 minute drive for us and the drive was worth it. We went on May 31 and it was a decent day. The food was very good and reasonably priced. The menu had a good variety of choices — steaks, seafood, a German dish, etc. The desserts are excellent and all are made on the premises. Our bill came to $ 65 per couple including alcoholic drinks, desserts, and a 22% tip. Although the appetizers looked good, none of us had one. The place had a full bar and a decent wine list including champaigne. The dining room was very nice — white tablecloths. I liked the wooden straightback chairs. There is an enclosed porch which has an excellent view of the lake. The place is celebrating 100 years in business, so the place is old with antiques. The bathrooms are among the cleanest I’ve seen. The place is probably wheelchair accessible on the first floor but I did not see the accessibility. You have to climb several stone steps to get to the entrance. The first step is quite high and was difficult for my arthritic wife. The staff was very accomodating and the service was excellent. Our waiter had a good sense of humor. We all said we will go back.