Farm House - Chapel Hill

We stumbled upon the Farmhouse Restaurant after attending an event in Hillsborough. I had passed the sign numerous times going to a meeting in Hillsborough--but that meeting is always on Mondays, when the restaurant is closed. The parking lot was nearly full, but there were plenty of tables available in the restaurant tonight. We were seated right away and given our choice of tables. The service was friendly and efficient. Our server brought our drink orders and the complimentary relish plate, consisting of pickles, carrots, celery, a radish, and small servings of a liver pâté and cheddar cheese spread. I liked the cheese better than the pâté. Our server answered our questions about the menu. I had the beef tips and my husband had the strip steak. The main courses come with a baked potato and a salad. The salad had iceberg lettuce, cucumber, croutons, and onion. I asked for mine without the onion. I'm glad I'm not allergic to onion, because it tasted like they simply removed the onion from a premade salad. The dressings were served on the side. Our server also brought us a small dish of bacon bits for our salads. Real bacon crumbles would be better. The beef tips were good but not exactly what I was expecting. They were several thin slices of steak, each one three or four bites. They came on a sizzling platter with sauteed green bell pepper strips and a baked potato. The strip steak was more substantial. Both came with a triangle of Texas toast that did not have much flavor. The server brought dishes of butter and sour cream for the baked potatoes We were too full to enjoy dessert. I found out the only one made in-house is the Farmhouse pie--a pecan shortbread crust with layer made with cream cheese topped with vanilla pudding, chocolate pudding, and whipped cream. They purchase their other desserts from vendors. The ambience is a throw-back to the early 1970s. (The server told us the restaurant has been there since 1969. It's dark and rustic, with each table having an oil lamp for illumination. I definitely needed my reading glasses for the menu. The walls are decorated with old farm equipment. We sat near a fireplace with gas logs. The tables have mismatched chairs around them, some more comfortable than others. Now that we have experienced eating here, we will be back when we are in the area on a night they're are open.

We went last night and really enjoyed it. You obviously have to like steak to go there, we do, It 's great going to a restaurant and having a unique experience. They are a great example of what I have always felt a restaurant should do. They stay in their lane by only doing a couple of things, but knocking them out of the park. No pasta, no extensive appetizer selection, just one chicken dish, one tuna selection and a pork chop. Even the wines are afterthoughts at $25-$35/bottle. You get the best steak and potato dinner for the price, extremely friendly service up front and at the table, all in a space that feels like it 's been there forever and operated like a well oiled machine. Amy, the current owner, told us that it has been family run since 1969. And it is remarkable given how busy they get, that the kitchen is staffed by a single cook currently in his 13th year. The staying in their lane aspect lets them run a very efficient operation.

Wonderful food .::was good. The service was pleasant and prompt . We couldn't have asked for more. Kind of an old fashion steakhouse...get cheese and relish when you first sit down. Nice to know there's still someone holding up the banner of the old fashion steakhouse. Dark with candlelight

My wife and I happened to find this place as we passed by Hillsborough on I40. Agreed, we passed by the entrance, but found the woods and old wood building all part of the 70 's charm. wonderful. The food was great and the service very personable and efficient. Loved the interior and the lamp lit atmosphere. I would say don 't change a thing. This place is unique and wonderfully charming with incredible steaks. Highly recommend for those that want quality and charm.

I wanted to give this feedback directly to the restaurant but they don't have an email or form on their website so this will be more public. Was very disappointed in my meal. I love a filet and have never eaten one at a restaurant that had so much fat and gristle--was it even a filet? And, the flavor was average. The salad seemed to be scooped out of a bag. The potato was dry. The bacon bits were out of a glass jar--not even real bacon. The apple pie dessert seemed to be purchased from a grocery store. Overall, this meal was very very disappointing. First time, last time.