First things first - you will not find a another place like this anywhere. I have been coming here for over 15 years and it never fails to provide a magical evening (and, despite the comment from another reviewer, it's nonsense that people only like...this place because of the Bob Dylan visit in the 70s - although that is cool).
What is better since the re-opening:
- The consistently friendly and warm greeting when you arrive - the sometimes charming, sometimes insanely rude former owner is no longer involved (although kudos to him for his genius at creating and maintaining an amazing atmosphere and smoothly run operation for so many years). Chris the new manager is super friendly, and treats people with respect and kindness.
- The music - since the re-opening they have had some of the usual folks who used to play here, but also many new musicians and performers from a wider range of genres. I saw the legendary Bridget St John perform here in a room of perhaps 15 people. Great stuff. The music is now is piped into the dinning room which is also cool.
- They have wi-fi now - so if you need to text the babysitter to make sure the kids are still alive you can (cell phone coverage is iffy).
What is unchanged:
- They have always had great staff here - they still do (Delia, for example, is awesome)
- The magic of the fire pit and the grounds around the restaurant
- They have kept a lot of fan favorites from the past - like the hill town hooker cocktail and the great decor in the bar and dinning room
- The wonderfully intimate music room for live performances
- Great cocktails and top rate beer choices
Another reviewer spoke of a "corporate buy out" - the new owners are small business owners from NYC - they are not a faceless corporation.
What still needs work:
- The menu is very small, but they are just getting started and intend to expand it as the kitchen gets more efficient.
- Some of the dishes are just okay - the meatballs, for example, are fine, but not amazing. The burger - which has both pork and beef - is delicious and has a great soft texture. The wedge salad no longer comes with the amazing Blue Cheese dressing, but it's more complex and still very good. Loved the focaccia/schiacciata bread with garlic butter, and the poutine.
So basically, if you come expecting the magic from before you will not be disappointed. I suggest getting any of the dishes I mentioned and IMO you will be happy. Given time I'm sure they will sort out the kitchen and have more amazing dishes to offer. Long live the Dream Away!More