Rooster Tail Inn
Is Permanently Closed

 


 

For a number of years this was the official website for the Rooster Tail Inn located in Warren, Connecticut.
Content is from the site's 2010 - 2014 archived pages as well as from other outside sources.
The Rooster Tail Inn is now permanently closed, but enjoy the nostalgic look back.

 

Warren’s Rooster Tail Inn Closes

By Susan Tuz | www.newstimes.com/ | Tuesday, September 15, 2015

The Rooster Tail Inn along Route 45 in Warren, Jan. 30, 2010. The restaurant and inn has closed and is for sale. Photo: Norm Cummings / ST / The News-Times

Photo: Norm Cummings / ST

 

The Rooster Tail Inn along Route 45 in Warren, Jan. 30, 2010. The restaurant and inn has closed and is for sale.

WARREN — A pair of businesses brought new life to the center of this small town over the past few years, but that fresh energy along Route 45 seems to have dissipated.

Two of the center’s few businesses — The Warren Market and The Rooster Tail Inn & Restaurant — have closed

Open for just 18 months, economic factors led The Warren Market to shut its doors in July 2011. Now, The Rooster Tail Inn has closed and is for sale.

Both were owned and run by Cliff and Maureen Jones.

“The only thing left of The Rooster Tail is our memories of the wonderful people who have been our guests over the years. Nothing can take that away from us. Nothing could be more important,” the Joneses wrote on the business website.

The couple held a tag sale last month. “The entire contents of the Rooster Tail is up for sale — indoor and outdoor furniture, kitchen and bar equipment, linens, towels, bedding, fitness equipment, office supplies, lighting fixtures, one-of-a-kind decorations, custom furnishings and much more,” the business’ website read.

The 1772 structure is listed through Klemm Real Estate for $1.67 million. The Joneses purchased the 2.5-acre property in 2007 for $835,000. The couple made major renovations to the property now valued at $750,400, according to town records.

The main building has 13 rooms, eight bedrooms, nine full bathrooms and three half-baths. The property has a stone party barn, gym and sauna, stone terrace and outdoor fireplace.

The house and general store — reopened as The Warren Market — had historic significance since it was built for the Rev. Silvanus Osborn, the first pastor of Warren Church. The property was then purchased by the Rev. Peter Starr, when Osborn died. It had been in the family of postmaster and general store owner Orlando Swift from 1840 to 1959.


 

Let us introduce ourselves. We are Maureen and Clifford Jones, the proprietors of The Rooster Tail Inn, Warren, Connecticut.

For us, the Rooster Tail Inn has been a life long dream. For over 30 years, we've built fine homes throughout Connecticut. In that time, we've developed a reputation for quality construction, ingenious use of space and comfortable, visually appealing design. But more importantly after years of client contact, we believe we have come to understand what constitutes the perfect home away from home for those seeking to visit, explore and rest for awhile in beautiful Litchfield County, CT.

Sitting Room

Our dream of an inn might have become a reality almost anywhere, but we were highly selective. Our ideal location was a rural setting, but not too far removed from nearby towns, outdoor activities, events, restaurants, museums, schools and shops that so define Litchfield County. We imaged an intimate atmosphere, warm and homey but juxtaposed with luxurious appointments. We wanted an interior with common spaces that would accommodate groups but would also allow for intimate spots for inpidual reflection. In our dream, out of every window of our ideal inn, we imagined picturesque views of the first light of dawn and the last glorious colors of the evening sunset.


In 2008, we were thrilled to find our perfect location when a colonial residence, circa 1772, with two magnificent barns, became available for sale. Located in the classic New England hamlet of Warren, CT, with its unique charm and rural solitude, just minutes from the perse offerings of greater Litchfield County, we purchased this property and began an extensive renovation/ remodeling project on the main house. Over the past 10 months, we've put every bit of our knowledge and expertise into creating a level of quality, comfort and service which competes with, not only the finest inns, but with the best accommodations anywhere.

Suite

The Rooster Tail Inn is comprised of six suites, five upstairs and one on the main floor, each with its own unique decor and ambience which includes quality upholstered furnishings, hand crafted cabinetry, and the most comfortable, luxuriously appointed king sized beds imaginable. Each suite also has its own spa quality bathroom including heated floors, chromo therapy tubs, body and rain showers, heated towel bars and Neorest toilets (with heated seats and bidets). Modern conveniences include docking stations for MP3 players , wireless earphones, wireless internet service and state of the art flat screen high definition televisions. An exercise room for daily workouts includes a sauna and steam room. A trainer is on staff and small group classes can be arranged upon request. Suite rates include a delicious morning breakfast and a delightful afternoon tasting.

Tavern Room

Guests have full access to the lovely appointed common room which includes a private library, gaming table and a welcoming fireplace. Alternatively, guests may choose to relax in our casual tavern room or in the sun drenched dining room, where our dream of sunsets or sunrises are clearly visible for all to admire. The landscaped grounds, nestled among the hills of Litchfield and bordered on the east by the scenic Shepaug River, include a picturesque pond, bluestone patios and an outdoor fireplace.

Besides the six suite accommodations, the Rooster Tail Inn, with its professionally equipped kitchen and service facilities comfortably accommodates seminars, conferences and other specialty events. The entire Inn with all six suites can be reserved for personal events such as anniversaries, bridal showers, seasonal parties or other family events.

Please enjoy our website. Read the captions under our photos. Discover what makes our inn your ideal destination away from home. Better yet, call to discuss YOUR dreams since ours are now a reality.

We look forward to welcoming you.

- Maureen & Cliff




 

 

"Does anyone remember what this place used to be like back in the mid to late '60s or so? I lived nearby and my classmates in high school used to relish the Batman craze - from the tv show. And I believe this was the place where they held the Batman Ball, where folks dressed up like Batman, Robin, and all the evil characters they overcame. I mention this because I recently found a website selling Batman apparel that had a hoodie and sweatshirt that I recognized as one I used to own - or very much like one I use to own. I recall that the Batman Ball was basically only for junior high and high school kids, but it made such an impression on me that I often wish someone could recreate a similar event for us old timers. I would definitely go and bring all those who were crazed Batman fans of yesteryear." Batman Boo

 

 

Weekly Specials

Monday — Pasta Night.  Dishes such as Spaghetti and Meatballs, Broccoli Rabe and Sausage over Penne,  Homemade Ravioli, Lobster Mac-n-Cheese, starting as low as $12.

Wednesday — Complete Prime Rib Dinner with absolutely everything – including popovers. Three different cuts of carefully aged, grass-fed beef. English Cut - $17 | Queen Cut - $20 | King Cut - $24

Mark your calendar: Wednesday night is Prime Rib Night at the Rooster Tail.

In addition to our regular menu, on Wednesdays we serve prime cuts of carefully aged, grass-fed beef, the chef’s specially prepared vegetable and potato, homemade popovers, au jus and horseradish cream plus a glass of beer or wine–all for a price that’s as wonderful as the meal:
English Cut–$16, Queen Cut–$20, King Cut–$24
Bring your friends and your appetite (especially if you order the King Cut). And we’ll look forward to seeing you on Wednesday.
—Your hosts, Mo and Cliff

Thursday — Dinner for Two. Our chef creates an exquisite menu of 3-course feasts including an appetizer, main course and dessert. $45 (for both meals.)

Friday — Fisherman's Night. Three great choices: Fisherman's Plate (salmon, scallops, and clams) – $20. Linguini and clams - $16.
And our delicious Lobster Fest - Steamed, Stuffed or Lazy.

Saturday — Brunch/Lunch/Dinner. Among many other choices we offer specialty pancakes, French Toast, Eggs Benedict prepared with salmon or Canadian bacon plus fresh fruit and homemade pastries. $10 - $16.

Sunday — Brunch/Lunch/Dinner. Among many other choices we offer specialty pancakes, French Toast, Eggs Benedict prepared with salmon or Canadian bacon plus fresh fruit and homemade pastries. $10 - $16.

Weekday Specials — include a glass of wine or beer.
Weekend Specials — include a Mimosa.

 



 

TRIP ADVISOR REVIEWS

vrinaldi52 wrote a review Jan 2015
Waterbury, Connecticut2 contributions2 helpful votes
2014 New Years Eve
My wife and I went to the Rooster Tail Inn for New Years Eve. This place is beautiful and the meal and service was excellent. We decided not to drive home and spent the night, I can say I don't remember ever sleeping on a more comfortable bed and when we went downstairs in the morning we enjoyed a wonderful breakfast. I liked this so much that I purchased a gift certificate to give to my daughter and her husband for their anniversary.

Date of stay: December 2014.



Response from Maureen J, Owner at Rooster Tail Inn
Responded Mar 8, 2015
We must say, this review absolutely made our day (even if we are a little late in replying to it)! It sounds like you two shared a lovely New Years Eve celebration, and we're happy we could be a part of it. Hope to welcome you, your husband, and your daughter's family soon! All the best, Mo and Cliff

~~~

 

psd123 wrote a review Jan 2015
New Preston, CT9 contributions15 helpful votes
Very pleasantly surprised
After seeing some of the reviews on other sites I was sceptical about eating at the Rooster Inn for New Years Dinner. We were very warmly greeted and seated immediately. The only surprise I noticed was that I was the only one with a tie on. The rest of the clientele were dressed casually and some looked as though they had just come in from the fields; baseball caps and all....It's a real mixed bag at the Inn. As a starter the bread was excellent; the Arnold Palmer was different but good. I had the shrimp cocktail and my date had a salad. Both were excellent. Following the appetizers were the filet of beef and the baked chicken. The filet was perfect, the chicken was just a touch dry, but stll very good. The vegetables were superb. The fried goat cheese was different and a little heavy, but still nicely done. Although we did not have dessert I would have assumed it was very good as well. For about $110.00 on New Years Eve we had an excellent experience and I look forward to returning again soon. I even asked the waitress if they had brought in a different chef for the evening and she said no. It was the same chef they had for years...BRAVO!... Don't pass this little gem up.... Give it a try. I think you will be very pleasantly surprised.

Date of stay: December 2014


Response from Maureen J, Owner at Rooster Tail Inn
Responded Mar 9, 2015
We can't tell you how delighted we were to receive your review -- we only wish we had seen it sooner! It's wonderful to hear that everything from the bread, to our Arnold Palmer, appetizers, and main courses made this past New Year's Eve a memorable one. Thank you so much for the kind words, and we hope very much to see you in again soon. All the best, Mo and Cliff

 

~~~

 

CavalierJCS wrote a review Dec 2014
Princeton, New Jersey
Spectacular Lodgings
The Rooster Tail Inn offers only a half-dozen beautifully designed suites, but the quality of furnishings and the taste level throughout are superb. The bathrooms are the height of indulgence, with MP3 players built into the soaking tubs, gorgeous tile work, Molton Brown amenities, etc. Mo (Maureen), one of the owners, is a dynamo. Highly recommended.

Date of stay: December 2014



Response from Maureen J, Owner at Rooster Tail Inn
Responded Mar 11, 2015
We're blushing! This review is simply glorious. We're delighted to hear you were so taken by our rooms and amenities -- thank you for the sweet recommendation! I do hope we get the chance to welcome you back soon. Until then, Mo and Cliff

 

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CorvetteGuy1 wrote a review Dec 2014
Woodbury, Connecticut63 contributions50 helpful votes
Country Classic in Warren
My review is strictly that of the restaurant. The Rooster Tail is quaint and charming as you would expect to find in the Litchfield hills. Friendly, classy environment with an attentive wait staff. My favorite is the Wednesday evening Prime Rib special which offers you the English Cut which would soothe the average hunger pangs, The Queen Cut which is for The hungry man, and the King Cut which is for folks wanting to take home left overs for the following day. Which ever you choose its worth the trip and the price!

Date of stay: October 2014



Response from Maureen J, Owner at Rooster Tail Inn
Responded Mar 12, 2015
It's wonderful to hear you find our environment classy, our service attentive, and our food satisfying -- we only wish we had seen your review sooner! Regardless, it was a pleasure to receive. Hope to get the chance to welcome you back again soon! Until then, Mo and Cliff P.S. Love the breakdown of our three cuts of steak! It's marvelous.

~~~

StephenJ781 wrote a review Oct 2014
Tampa, Florida21 contributions4 helpful votes
Best in Connecticut
Had a fantastic weekend stay at the Rooster Tail. Rooms were perfect, beds super comfy, and fantastic breakfasts (skip any diet plans!).

The owners (Mo and Cliff) were extremely accommodating, and the staff super friendly They planned the perfect family reunion party.
Awesome food both at the event and on a separate night for dinner. (The Calamari appetizer was the freshest, best take on calamari i have ever had.)
Thanks for a great party Mo!
Stephen
Date of stay: September 2014


Response from Maureen J, Owner at Rooster Tail Inn
Responded Mar 16, 2015
Oh, we do wish we'd've seen this message sooner, Stephen! It's so kind. We're happy to provide the party any time! I'm so glad you found your weekend with us to be comfortable, accommodating, and delicious. We're looking forward to next time! Until then, Mo and Cliff P.S. Great tip about room 6!
Read more




YELP REVIEWS

 

Irene L .Bethlehem, PA
5.0 star rating 8/29/2013
My husband and I went for the wednesday night special of prime ribs.  The meal was stellar. I had the mozzarella with heirloom tomatoes for appetizer and it was very fresh.  My husband had the crispy shrimp appetizer and the shrimp were large and cooked perfectly.   The main course was cooked to perfection as well...served with a large (queen size) portion of beef and sides of deliciously seasoned mashed potatoes and summer squash.  The popover wasn't as good as the ones we used to get at Patricia Murphy's in NY years ago...but it was still a nice addition to the beef. 

The atmosphere is perfect...very homey with beautiful surroundings.  By the way...they make an excellent dirty vodka martini too. 

We will definitely be returning.

Comment from Maureen J. of Rooster Tail Inn
Business Owner 3/12/2015  Mary! We wish we had seen this review sooner (we're just getting onto Yelp as business owners), but we wanted to thank you for sharing your experience with us. It's delightful to hear that you and your husband shared what sounds like a delicious meal in our homey atmosphere. Not to mention that dirty vodka martini! Hope this message finds you well.

All the best,
Mo and Cliff

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Janet C.    Cornwall, CT
3.0 star rating 7/5/2013
Had a lunch date with my husband.  Got seated outside on the glorious patio.  Love the decor...it is how your patio would be if you had the money and great taste ;^).
We were greeted, brought menus and drinks.  We had a new server, who was very sweet, but could not answer a single question.  She should have been shadowing someone, but I digress...

I ordered the chicken Caesar, my husband ordered the lobster roll and truffle fries.  It took a while for our food to come.  My Caesar salad came and it um...it sucked.  There were 5 small pieces of dry, charred chicken, 4 croutons and no discernible flavor.  I ate the damn thing because I was bloody hungry.  I believe it was $14 for the salad, too.  My husband's lobster roll was ok, truffle fries got just an ok rating (how is that possible?).

So...nice service, on one of the best patios, with so-so, not exactly cheap food.   I have had MUCH better meals here, so I will chalk this up to a bad day

Comment from Maureen J. of Rooster Tail Inn
Business Owner 3/13/2015  We'd first like to apologize for our delayed response, Janet -- we're still pretty new to Yelp! Although it's wonderful to hear you enjoyed our patio so much, it's less exciting to hear the Caesar salad, lobster roll, and truffle fries didn't match up. Still, we're happy other meals with us have been better, and we hope you've shared similarly good ones in the time since!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jennine L. Litchfield, CT
3.0 star rating 8/25/2010
I love Rooster Tail for drinks, the setting and the atmosphere.  The owners really are wonderful and personable and the location and decor is fabulous. 
Their menu concept is intended to be simple and low key as compared to other area restaurants which I'm less a fan of.  The food is well done but I'd like to see them upgrade and expand further as they enter their third year.
Not sure if they do brunch yet or not but would be a beautiful place to bring someone you want to impress and still save some coin.

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Former Rooster Tail Inn B&B, Litchfield County, CT-SOLD!
BANK OWNED

Former Rooster Tail Inn
Bed & Breakfast/Restaurant on 2.4+/- Acres
Family Compound

 

  • This 12,000+/- sf Inn with 6 unique luxury suites with spa quality baths is located in the enchanting New England hamlet of Warren CT offering unique charm and rural solitude
  • Numerous amenities include tavern room, spa, exercise room and wiring for state-of-the-art systems
  • The compound features an additional 6,400+/- sf totally restored & renovated, in 2008, owners residence and stone “Party Barn” with hand hewn beams, wide wood plank & slate flooring
  • Minutes to Lake Waramaug, local antiquing, skiing, hiking the Litchfield Hills, and birding at the 4,000 acre White Memorial Conservation Center
  • Set on 2.4+/- landscaped acres with view of the pond is located at the foothills of the Berkshires, convenient to New York

 


RoosterTailInn.com