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Swordfish with Summer Ratatouille at Deadhorse Hill

Swordfish with Summer Ratatouille at deadhorse hill on Main Street in Worcester, MA

Deadhorse hill is a small place on Main Street in Worcester with a sign so small you might miss it if you’re not looking for it. Once inside, the bare walls, exposed ceiling and center bar give the place more of a local hangout feel than a fine dining feel. The bartenders know their craft, the waitstaff is friendly and knowledgeable and the menu changes frequently, but make no mistake, this is fine dining indeed.

Southern Fried Chix Thighs from deadhorse hill on Main Street in Worcester, MA
Southern Fried Chix Thighs from deadhorse hill on Main Street in Worcester, MA

I started with an order of the Fried Chicken Thighs. This came as two large thighs, battered and fried, server over a honey and hot sauce mixture. The breading was light but very flavorful and the sweetness of the honey mixed with the heat of the hot sauce was fabulous. The thighs were meaty and cooked perfectly and the mix of flavors elevated the dish to something unique and wonderful. I’d honestly say some of the very best fried chicken I have ever had.

For dinner, I had the Swordfish with Summer Ratatouille—two small/medium sized swordfish steaks, seasoned and grilled, server of a ratatouille of summer vegetables. The seasoning on the fish was delicious and it was grilled to perfection, staying moist and flavorful. The vegetables retained enough texture, while still being cooked well, to play nicely against the tenderness of the fish creating a great mix of textures. The flavors paired wonderfully as well, creating an overall excellent dish. My only complaint is that with the menu changing frequently, this might not always be on the menu.

Starting with the friendly hostess, to the knowledgeable bar staff to our waiter Carlos the service was fantastic from start to finish. Everyone knew what they should know, was able to offer intelligent recommendations and handled the evening with class.

Deadhorse hill combines truly great food, an inviting eclectic location and excellent service to create an atmosphere that supports a lovely meal out. The ever changing menu means every trip will be a unique dining experience while the ever the same staff and locations keeps the experience grounded. Overall, an excellent meal and experience.

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Grilled Skirt Steak from Main Streets’ deadhorse hill

Grilled Skirt Steak from deadhorse hill on Main Street in Worcester, MA

I didn’t think I would be hitting up Main Street Worcester anytime soon, until deadhorse hill came around. Deadhorse hill is one of Worcester’s exciting new additions to the restaurant scene, and with all of the recent press surrounding it, I knew it would soon become a destination in the city.

The exposed brick and sophisticated decor made me feel like I had just walked into a restaurant in downtown Boston and the cocktail list made me feel no different! I started at the bar with the “Tuesday Night Sparkler” because well, it was Tuesday and this was a reason to celebrate. It was made with prosecco, bourbon, pomegranate and lemon and was excellent. The prosecco and bourbon complimented each other very well and I wouldn’t hesitate to order it again. Once our table was ready we took a seat and it was game on.

A small menu means quality food. It was split into three sections – small, large and centerpieces, which I appreciated because it told me exactly what I was getting myself into. I skipped the small section (appetizers) and went straight to the large (main courses). There were 6 entrees to choose from and they all looked to die for. Not going to lie it was one of the more difficult decisions I had to make that day.

I went back and forth between the Rigatoni, Grilled Skirt Steak and Swordfish but ultimately went with the Grilled Skirt Steak which was accompanied with heirloom tomatoes and spicy avocado vinaigrette. It was plated so beautifully, it was clear that the chef is passionate about his career and really took his time to master each dish. The steak was cooked perfectly (medium-rare), but lacked some sort of flavor that I couldn’t put my finger on. I did enjoy the heirloom tomatoes and avocado vinaigrette but wish it was a bit spicier. Other than that the portion was large and I finished with a full (and happy) stomach!

Although it was a bummer that our large group couldn’t all be seated together, our small, corner table was cozy and I felt content. Our server was a sweetheart and recommended me a great beer, the Cold Harbor Brewing’s (Westborough) Sister Summer, and was very attentive throughout the night.

The atmosphere, menu and service were all on point at deadhorse hill. Although I wasn’t a huge fan of the grilled skirt steak I will absolutely come back with friends for another Tuesday Night Sparkler, some appetizers and maybe even the “Huge dry-aged Prime Ribeye” if I’m feeling extra, extra fancy!