Welcome to The Waxwing Cafe
Nestled in West Hatfield, The Waxwing Cafe is a charming, family-run establishment renowned for its seasonal and artistic dishes. With a menu that highlights locally sourced ingredients, guests can indulge in unique offerings such as Pork Confit with Maple Mustard and Vegetarian Asparagus Carbonara. Patrons praise the exceptional service and inviting ambiance, making each visit feel special. Notable reviews note the consistently high quality of food and quirky specials, like the celebrated halibut. Reservations are recommended due to its popularity. The Waxwing Cafe is a must-visit for those seeking a memorable dining experience in a cozy setting.
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34 West St, West Hatfield, MA 01088, United States34 West St, West Hatfield, MA 01088, United States Hotline: +1 413-247-6113
Welcome to The Waxwing Cafe, a hidden gem nestled at 34 West Street in West Hatfield, Massachusetts. This charming establishment has made a name for itself in the world of culinary delights, offering an exquisite dining experience that stays true to its roots of quality and innovation. With a menu that blends seasonal ingredients, the cafe showcases a remarkable array of dishes ranging from delightful appetizers to sumptuous main courses that take you on a gastronomic journey.
As you step inside, you’re enveloped by a comfortable ambiance that makes you feel right at home. Despite its modest exterior, The Waxwing Cafe surprises diners with its cozy nooks and exceptional teamwork among the staff, ensuring every visit feels personal and intimate. Each plate tells a story—whether it’s the perfectly cooked Duck Breast With Carrot Puree and Port Wine Gastrique, or the indulgent Slow Braised Beef Short Ribs served with velvety potato puree. These selections are not just meals; they are experiences designed to engage the palate and awaken the senses.
Reviewers echo a common sentiment: every dish is consistently delicious. The feedback is a tapestry of praises highlighting standout items like the crispy Eggplant Katsu paired with silken tofu, and the mouthwatering Chicken Schnitzel drizzled with roasted garlic veloute. Many diners have noted the ever-changing menu, which keeps returning patrons excited with fresh flavors each time they visit. Locals recommend making reservations, as this beloved spot tends to fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
Diners have raved about the appetizers, such as the Polenta with Calabrian Chili Oil and delectable Mushroom Boulettes, which serve as the perfect tease for the main events. Notably, the dessert offerings have received mixed reviews, with some claiming a few choices do not match the culinary magic found in the savory dishes. Still, one can always hope to discover that one exceptional sweet treat that makes it all worthwhile, as highlighted by the rapturous remarks about the apple crisp dessert.
The Waxwing Cafe exemplifies what it means to foster community through food. It's not just a meal; it’s a symphony of flavors, all crafted with love by a family-run business that takes pride in their offerings. It stands as a testament to the idea that sometimes, the best experiences come from a simple, yet elegant setup where the food takes center stage. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, make it a point to indulge in a meal at The Waxwing Cafe. You won’t simply dine; you’ll create memories with every bite.
Expensive but worth it. Over several visits the food has been consistently very good. Service is above average for the area. Parking is easy. We will be back. Only open a few days a week, call and get a reservation. It's always busy.
Food is nothing short but incredible. Highly recommend the special which was a halibut with mashed potatoes and capers. The apple crisp type dessert was literally the best dessert I've ever had. Great vibe.
We'd never been here until we stumbled across it the other day. We did everything wrong for this small place--called in at the last minute to make a reservation, showed up way early to our reservation thinking (wrongly) they had a big bar attached--and they were tremendously nice about it anyway. And then the food and service were terrific! We particularly liked the home-made pate and venison special, but everything was (to our taste, at least) perfectly cooked. We'd go back again in a heartbeat, except next time give the staff a break by not making our reservation at the last second and coming to the restaurant at the appointed time.
Dang it, I usually have pictures but the food and drinks are so good that taking a picture was the last thing on my mind. The menu always changes, I've been to this restaurant 4 times now and never had anything that wasn't delicious. It's a family run business, I don't know how they're doing it but everything is really special. They do get very busy so I suggest a reservation, later in the evening the bar and tables do open up. We usually eat dinner at the bar.
Surprisingly comfortable ambiance on the inside of a not so plain ranch. Pros: Comfortable nook's, exceptional teamwork in the service area, as well as presentation and great food, with seasoning choices that enhance the main courses & just may make you swoon with each bite. Cons: French Pressed Coffee was lacking the aroma and taste it's known for. Slightly Overpriced, but appetizers and main course are fresh ingredients enhanced with flavorful and unique combinations. Desserts were mediocre at best definitely not the same magic found in appetizers or the main entree. A total skip with the coffee next time; but I would go again.
How did I not know about this place? It was so good and we will be coming back. Everything from the service to the food was amazing! There are so many good options and we can’t wait to come back when the menu changes. The mung bean crepe with pork confit was spectacular. The flavors were great. The mock tails were just OK, didn’t have a ton of flavor for the price. Vegetarian asparagus pasta was so good (size pictured is a half-plate and that was enough for me to split with my wife). For the main dish, we got the braise short beef rib, and the halibut. I never order fish, because I’m so nervous it will taste fishy but it didn’t at all. The flavor combos with the fish were spot on. The space was a little bit smaller than expected which is fine, just informing. By the time the 7 o’clock reservations all showed up, the place didn’t get quite noisy.
Get on the phone and make your reservation now!!!!! This place is such a treat! From the welcoming staff, to the cozy environment, to the amazing food! I have nothing by great things to say about this place. Best dining experience ever! They have a special place in my heart after being there a few times! The staff and the food are absolutely wonderful!
Waxwing is a hidden gem! Can’t believe I hadn’t been here before. We were immediately greeted when we came in and loved the laid back atmosphere. The room is quaint and cozy and the tables were situated well. The music selection was also great! We tried a little bit of everything, shared each course and were absolutely blown away. The fried oysters were delicious, the asparagus with sticky rice was creative and unique, we followed that up with the pork confit that was incredible! We then tried the vegetarian carbonara but the star of the show were the short ribs and potato puree. That puree should be sold on its own. We loved it. The short ribs were SO tender! We finished our meal by enjoying the key lime panna cotta and chocolate cake! This place was so great! We’ll definitely be back!