In the heart of a New England winter, tucked within the bucolic folds of West Brookfield, Massachusetts, the Salem Cross Inn offers not merely a meal, but an evocative journey back through time. My wife and I had the distinct pleasure of attending their renowned Fireplace Feast this past February--a sold-out celebration of historical cookery, equestrian charm, and immersive colonial hospitality that nearly delivered perfection, save for a faltering encore. Upon arrival--second or third to check in--we were greeted by a hushed hum of anticipation and the welcoming aroma of woodsmoke and spiced cider. The antique barn setting, with its hand-hewn beams and rustic chandeliers, radiated warmth, both literal and atmospheric. The Inn's attention to period-authentic décor elevates the experience from mere dining to theatrical reverence; it is as though the very walls lean in to listen to the crackle of the hearth and the murmur of guests wrapped in winter scarves and wonder. The Fireplace Feast began with a delightfully arranged cheese board, complemented by steaming mugs of mulled cider, rich with cloves and citrus. Guests mingled beneath strings of warm light while, just steps away, slabs of prime rib rotated slowly on an ingenious 18th-century rotisserie--a pulley-driven marvel powered by clockwork precision and time-honored technique. It was an awe-inspiring prelude, a visual overture to the rich symphony of flavors that would follow. Then came the seafood chowder, served piping hot in generous portions. Creamy and luxurious, each spoonful delivered briny depth and silken consistency--neither overly thick nor meekly diluted. It stood proudly in its simplicity, the kind of chowder that whispers of fishermen's fires and sea spray, rather than shouting through modern embellishment. But the crown jewel of the evening was indisputably the prime rib. Thanks to our early arrival, we were granted our preference: the end cut--rich with caramelized crust, deep beefy character, and tender marbling. Each bite struck a perfect chord of succulence and seasoning. It was a triumph of traditional open-hearth cookery, elevated by its elemental, smoky embrace. Between courses, guests enjoyed a horse-drawn wagon ride across the snow-blanketed property--a whimsical interlude that added a storybook dimension to the evening. Our guides, Kash and Kaptain, were towering draft horses of impeccable grooming and gentle disposition. Their strength was matched only by their serenity as they led our cart through the frozen landscape. Another team of drafts pulled a second cart to accommodate the sold-out crowd, a gesture that spoke volumes of the Inn's planning and hospitality. These animals, clearly well-cared-for--with clean coats, polished hooves, and bright, healthy teeth--brought grace and life to the event in a way no décor ever could. Then, just before dessert, an enormous bowl of freshly whipped cream was paraded triumphantly through the dining room like a decadent finale approaching its crescendo. The crowd delighted at its volume, a gleeful, fluffy spectacle that summoned nostalgic joy. And then... the apple pie. Oh, the apple pie. Alas, the evening's one misstep. Despite the beauty of its presentation and the ambition behind a classic close, the apples within were sorely undercooked. The result was a jarring contrast to the soft warmth that had carried us thus far. While many guests, full and content, smiled past the issue, I could not help but feel a pang of disappointment. A pie--especially at the Salem Cross Inn--deserves to be the ovation, not an afterthought. Redemption is needed here. The apples should yield tenderly to the fork, whispering sweetness and spice, not resisting like an unfinished thought. In all, the Fireplace Feast remains a culinary and cultural treasure--a rare combination of authenticity, heart, and craft. It is a memory worth savoring, a taste of history served with passion and precision. But as any chef will tell you, a meal is remembered as much by its ending as its beginning. Let the pie rise to meet the standard of its noble companions. Rating: 4.5 out of 5 The Salem Cross Inn is a living tribute to New England's colonial heritage and culinary soul. With one small refinement, it could be truly timeless.

This quintessential primitive New England inn and tavern is nestled among the rolling hills, fields, and stone walls of Massachusetts. Historic thick massive beams from the 1700s, wide board floors, colors are historic blues and golds, old prints of famous founding, fathers, shipping industry, and life in primitive New England, all help to create a charming warm inviting environment. Interior has multiple levels and many dining rooms. There's also a main dining hall for big events, weddings, and parties. Of course there are multiple stone Fireplaces in both the dining rooms and the original downstairs bar lounge. Menu offers classic New England standards, as well as a modern twist to some of those classics. The prime rib dinner is a stand out and sells out fast make reservations in advance. The classic French onion soup was delicious as were the lamb lollipops, the Salem Cross Burger, and the Fish & Chips. Decent wine, craft beer, and cocktails menu. Service is friendly, easy pace, and the servers are very familiar with both the preparation and ingredients of the dishes. Winter months offers horse drawn carriage rides through the snowy hills. The spot is perfect for cold, snowy winter weekends.

The Fireplace Feast is worth every cent. The entire experience from riding in a horse-drawn carriage to having a massive dollop of homemade whipped cream tossed expertly onto your piece of apple pie is amazing. The prime rib is perfect, and I've never had a seafood chowder quite so good. My only suggestion would be to show up before the 5:30 start time, as when we got there they had already finished the prime rib, and we only had a short 30-45 minute window to do the horse ride, enjoy a cider, and participate in the chowder preparation. When we go again we'll definitely get there earlier.

Just returned for a Fireplace Feast. This is not to be missed. You begin with a leisurely hors d'oeuvres hour in their downstairs lounge with a lovely spread of cheese and crackers, mulled wine and cider, and a bar if you'd like another drink. A roaring fire displaying the various components of the meal to come was awesome. Then upstairs to the elegant barn where the meal was unendingly good. Worth a trip if you can snag a slot -- they are hard to come by and understandably so!

At Salem Cross Inn during Select Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays from November through April, a special dining event called the Fireplace Feast is held. Friday Feasts are held at 6:00pm, Saturday Feasts are held at 5:30pm, and Sunday Feasts are held at 12:30pm. The Fireplace Feast is an advanced ticket only dining event and tickets can be purchased on their website: https://www.salemcrossinn.com/events/dining-events/fireplace-feast/. When I first heard about the Fireplace Feasts in 2023, I tried to make a reservation but it was all sold out. I knew better for 2024 so on October 21, 2024, I purchased tickets for the Fireplace Feast on Sunday, 02/02/2025 at 12:30pm. Surprisingly, but not so surprising, many of the dates were already sold out. Each Adult Ticket is $89.00 and Child Ticket is $30.00. All tickets are non-refundable and non-transferrable. The long-awaited day arrived! My husband and I arrived at Salem Cross Inn in West Brookfield, MA a few minutes before 12:30pm. There is a huge parking lot and a lot of people were arriving at the same time. We walked in and a hostess was telling us to go downstairs for the Fireplace Feast. We checked in with the hostess and were informed to enjoy some crackers, fruit, and spread, to see the prime rib roasting on an authentic Roasting Jack as it rotates slowly over a crackling fire of wild cherry logs, to go for a horse drawn wagon through the valley on the Inn's pristine 600 acres, gave us a ticket for a glass of warm mulled wine or cider, to later watch chowder being made in a cast iron cauldron over a crackling fire, and then gave us a piece of paper with our table number for when we go upstairs. We first enjoyed watching the prime rib roast while having some crackers, fruit, and Salem Cross Inn's famous cheese spread. This was a delicious spread and very addictive. The fireplace was very warm and perfect for the cold weather. We saw the horse drawn wagon was waiting outside so we went and got on. The ride was about 10-20 minutes and we saw some cows on the acre. Just coming from the outside, a glass of warm mulled wine was perfect. Soon after, the staff grabbed our attention to watch them make chowder and add in all the ingredients. Guests were invited to stir the chowder as it bubbles in the cast iron cauldron over a crackling fire. Next, we were all invited to go upstairs to the barn & loft. The barn and loft is very spacious and had many long tables. Each table had a table number so it was easy to find which table we were seated at (felt like we were at a wedding.) We first had a cup of the Chowder of the Sea straight from the cauldron that we saw downstairs. The chowder was filled with seafood and creamy. Next, homemade rolls and muffins were brought to the table. Then, the prime rib that we saw roasting downstairs was served. The portion was huge and it came with herbed roasted potatoes and fresh butternut squash. Next, a staff member came around to show us this huge bowl of freshly whipped cream. Then, we all sang Happy Birthday and a few guests received a plate of dessert for their birthday or anniversary. The staff called us up by table to get a piece of apple pie with freshly whipped cream. The staff member serving the whip cream asked if you like it or love it. Depending on your answer, that would be how big your dollop of fresh whipped cream was. The whip cream was so light and fluffy and smooth. WOW. This whole experience was really fun and totally worth it. Some guests came with their family and some with their partner; it's great for small groups or big groups. After each item was served once, the staff asked if anyone wanted seconds, which was very generous. I promise that you will not be leaving hungry. Though all the food was cooked at a large quantity, I mean the event is sold out, it was really good and good quality. The Fireplace Feast at Salem Cross Inn is definitely worth checking out!

Historic setting makes meals more enjoyable. Food and service are very good. In good weather, the grounds provide lovely views and trails.

Took a group of 11 there for early dinner tonight and everything was outstanding! Food, service, ambiance and hospitality were all top notch! Not my first time there and certainly won't be my last.

We were there after going to the Brimfield Antique Show. The place is very nice and has a lot of charm. Our waitress was fabulous not rushing us and telling us to enjoy our dinner. We started with the spinach artichoke dip and the chips were awesome (multi grain). And we're surprised with blueberry muffins before dinner. Our group had the prime rib, maple jack chicken and the surf and turf. All these entrees were delicious and cooked perfectly. We ended with the chocolate chip cookie sundae YUM! We also enjoyed cocktails from huckleberry lemonade, huckleberry pomegranate martini, and orange manhattan. This was one of our best meals of the weekend

Our first time dining here.. Our friends asked us to join them for the Fire Place Feast. The Ambience is a classic New England feel. Antiques throughout, gorgeous hardwood floors, live edge tables downstairs. The service was terrific. The waitstaff is super friendly, engaging with patrons asking for participants to help stir the seafood chowder in the big cauldron. We enjoyed a very short horse & carriage ride, which overlooked their beautiful property. Perhaps on a warmer day the ride is longer. The horses were beautiful & exceptionally groomed. The food was good, Prime Rib was rare to medium with an option for those who wanted well done. Roasted potatoes & butternut squash, rolls & finish it off with coffee & apple pie with homemade whipped cream. The appetizer portion of the fireplace feast was crackers & cheese, with mulled cider or wine. Which was located downstairs, the only downside was their wasn't enough seating for all the patrons, we ended up standing for the hour before going upstairs to our table to eat the meal.