Written on February 9th 2021
By Kyle Saltzman | Black Lantern Inn Bar Tender & Server
Did you know that the Black Lantern Inn is open for guest stays, take-out food, and in-house dining? Well, if you’re reading this, now you do. Locally sourced, locally owned, locally flavored. Of course, I already know this, I work there and get to eat the food often and do so with gusto. My name is Kyle and I tend bar and wait tables two nights a week and I love my job.
This Bar/Restaurant and Inn has a long and storied past and a bright future. The Lantern, an old Stagecoach stop, was built in 1803 and has been welcoming guests since that time. There are tales of hauntings, ups and downs of previous ownerships, and memories made throughout its long history. 200 years will net you some tall tales. But through it all, the Lantern has always been a welcome respite for skiers, bikers, hikers, and any road weary travelers looking for a nice bar, excellent food, and friendly service. Located on State Route 118 and right next to the Montgomery Village Green, its easy to get to and hard to leave. When it closed its doors last in 2015, a group of locals, spearheaded by Montgomery Village neighbors Morgan Daybell and Beth Crane, took the reins and have kept the fires burning, the lights on, and the food and guest services at the highest level.
Enjoy a solid selection of fine wines, liquors, a bevy of local beers and signature cocktails created by our own Suzanne D. But the dining is the real showcase here, and though it has a reputation for being fancy, it is actually unpretentious, delicious, and thoughtfully created cuisine that comes in many forms. Chef Paul designs and executes his culinary creativity each and every week. In the mood for a simple burger and fry combo? We got that. Or maybe a steaming bowl of chunky clam chowder? We got that too. Fresh salads? Check. How about a Caesar with grilled shrimp? Check again. Try the very popular Maple Chipotle Chicken sandwich, it’s killer. Or maybe you DO have a mind for something special. Well, come in and check out the Specials Board. Whether its seared Ahi tuna over crispy sweet potatoes slices with a siracha miso sauce, baked Halibut served on a bed of cannellini bean ragout drizzled with tomato caper relish and a grilled lemon slice, or a savory Lamb Shepard’s Pie, you really can’t go wrong with any of our dishes. Meats and cheeses are locally sourced. Breads, dressings, and desserts are all made in-house. You can see our list of local purveyors who help supply the Lantern with high quality and responsibly grown products at blacklanternvt.com. We are proud to be part of the Vermont Fresh Network.
The choice of atmosphere is in your hands. You can sit in the quiet, well-appointed Dining Room, the cozy Stove Room right next to the wood stove, the intimate Pub Room or at one of the 2-3 person hightops right in our beautiful Bar Room. And of course, during the summer months you can dine on the covered porch.
Stop by to stay hi and check the place out or plan a night with someone special. We’d love to have you. You might meet me or Suzanne D, your bartenders, or most certainly Cathy, our Inn Manager, and maybe even Morgan or Beth. You will certainly go away full and happy. COVID protocols are in place and reservations are recommended.
