Fratello's

[Winnigirl83]

Went to Fratello's for dinner tonight. The food was excellent.

We got there around 5:30 and were seated immediately. By the time we left, the downstairs tables were all full (don't know about upstairs, but we saw people continually going up). Our waitress wasn't as helpful/friendly as I would like (for example we had to ask about the specials, she didn't clear the dirty salad plates before serving our meal), but still the food and atmosphere were great.

I haven't been here in a while and am really glad we went in. If you're in the mood for Italian food with decent prices, Fratello's should be your destination.

P.S.
I haven't been to the Homestead (same owners) in years, you can bet I'll be headed that way soon!

[ironhorsetim]

We have been there a few times this summer, and the food is very good, the prices are some of the lowest in the area (for Italian food) and being brought up in an Italian household my tastebuds are always searching(unless I'm cookin)for that just like mama use to make food :liplick: :liplick: :liplick:

[brk-lnt]

We love Fratellos, but tend to go there more in the off-season. Probably have only eaten in the dining room 3 or 4 times, but many many Friday nights have been made more pleasurable with some takeout from Fratellos.

[jrc]

I haven't been there in years, my wife always says we are under dressed. Will we feel comfortable in there in jeans or shorts?

[brk-lnt]

I haven't been there in years, my wife always says we are under dressed. Will we feel comfortable in there in jeans or shorts?

Yes, absolutely. I've worn jeans there without feeling underdressed at all.

[ironhorsetim]

I haven't been there in years, my wife always says we are under dressed. Will we feel comfortable in there in jeans or shorts?

The dress code there is normal lakes region attire....shirts and shoes ....oh ya and pants of some sort :laugh:



If common sense was common everyone would have it :eek: !

[jetskier]

Yes, absolutely. I've worn jeans there without feeling underdressed at all.


I go there in shorts and a baseball cap (plus Patriots jersey). No matter how dressed down you are...you won't feel out of place. :D

Jetskier:cool:

[Waterbaby]

Does anyone know when Fratello's became a part of the Homestead "chain"? I remember when Fratello's first opened in Paugus Bay, in an old bank building..... building renovation was lovely, food and service left a lot to be desired, but that's history now. Then there was a Fratello's in Manchester, and then one in Lincoln.......... is the one in Manchester still there? And has anyone eaten in the one in Lincoln?

But back to my original question..........Does anyone know when Fratello's became a part of the Homestead "chain"? I'd appreciate some really factual answers, rather than suppositions, as I'm very curious how/when that happened.

[NHKathy]

:liplick:
I agree - LOVE Fratello's !

[Argie's Wife]

Does anyone know when Fratello's became a part of the Homestead "chain"? I remember when Fratello's first opened in Paugus Bay, in an old bank building..... building renovation was lovely, food and service left a lot to be desired, but that's history now. Then there was a Fratello's in Manchester, and then one in Lincoln.......... is the one in Manchester still there? And has anyone eaten in the one in Lincoln?

But back to my original question..........Does anyone know when Fratello's became a part of the Homestead "chain"? I'd appreciate some really factual answers, rather than suppositions, as I'm very curious how/when that happened.



From this site (see last paragraph): http://www.homesteadnh.com/About%20Main.HTM

[snip!]


The Homestead concept was created in 1978 by William and Carolyn McDonough when they transformed a 1788 farm house in Bristol, New Hampshire into the Homestead Restaurant and Lounge. The original restaurant had three dining rooms which made up the ground level rooms of the old colonial each with its own fireplace. The kitchen and lounge where additions to the building and serve the same purpose today. Over the first decade, two additional dining rooms were added to accommodate the high demand in the summer tourist season.
In 1988, William and Carolyn withdrew from the family business leaving it in the hands of their four sons. The McDonough brothers, in 1990 acquired a similar 1810 colonial in the town of Londonderry, New Hampshire. The Homestead concept was a perfect fit. After exhaustive renovations, the Homestead Restaurant of Londonderry was opened with its seven dining rooms and a cocktail lounge. It quickly became a local favorite and continues to service the southern New Hampshire region today.

The McDonough brothers didn't stop there. In 1992 they created a new concept called Fratellos Ristorante Italiano with locations in Laconia, Lincoln and Manchester, NH. Please visit www.fratellos.com to learn more.

[Waterbaby]

The McDonough brothers didn't stop there. In 1992 they created a new concept called Fratellos Ristorante Italiano with locations in Laconia, Lincoln and Manchester, NH. Please visit www.fratellos.com to learn more.[/QUOTE]


Wow, I never knew that! Thanks, AW! :)

[Cristen]

The food is Fratello's is very good, and you can absolutely wear jeans. It does get very crowded during the busy season, but is worth the wait (especially if you grab some drinks at the bar).

[Webbsatwinni]

Last night we took everyone's advice and tried Fratello's and is it was great. We called for reservations, they said we didn't need one and we also asked if there was any place to dock as it was a nice night for a boat ride. They said they had an agreement with Lakeport Landing to use their docks for a few hours during dinner.

So off we went and we did find a spot a Lakeport (I wouldn't count on this on a busy night) and after a short walk past all of the big boats at Lakeport (that was fun), we were there.

The wait staff was attentive and friendly, the food was good and the prices were more than fair, we would recommend it!

As for attire, we went in shorts, shirts and flip flops (we did call and ask if this was ok) and were not out of place. It appeared that how ever you dress will be accepted.

[Argie's Wife]

I recommend their 'Parties To Go' menu, too. The food is excellent and affordable - and you don't have to spend all day cooking it. We use their catering service at work frequently and it's consistently good and ready on time.

(I'm a total snob when it comes to Italian food (my dad was a chef), so it has to be GOOD. Fratello's is one of the few Italian restaurants I like!)

[SAMIAM]

Also.....there are no nicer people on the planet than the McDonough brothers.Hardworking,care about their employees and always willing to help someone out,even a total stranger.

[NHKathy]

Anybody know if Fratello's has the butternut squash raviolli on the menu for this fall?
I had it 2 years ago - and all I can say is YUMMM :liplick:
I'll be up this weekend, and I'd love to have it again!
Thanks!

[Dave M]

If you like the butternut squash raviolli, try Lago's. We always get that has an appertizer when we stop in for a drink. Trouble is there's not enough of them. I think you can get a dinner of them though.

Dave M

[trfour]

Contemplating the menu on many an enjoyable occasion! :liplick: :)

[mcdude]

I have driven by this place many, many times and just never stopped in. My folks used to go on a yearly basis back when they were still up for the long trek to N.H. and always raved about it. Anyway, finally checked Fratello's out this past week-end and I was very impressed. Selection, food quality, extensive menu (http://www.fratellos.com/dinner-menu/), atmosphere (I loved the fountain!) and attentive service. There was even live music (http://www.fratellos.com/entertainment/)up in the lounge with a guitarist who was a mix of James Taylor, Neil Young and Van Morrison!
It gets the (drumroll) "mcdude seal of approval"!!!!
http://www.fratellos.com/upload/laconia.jpg

[mets3007]

Fratello's is a nice place but the time we went there the waiters kept staring at us like we were going to steal something, it just turned us off and we never went back the food was good though.

[Boston Fireguy]

The chicken parm is some of the best in the area. And it's interesting to see the old vault being used as the 'wine cellar'.

[john60ri]

Glad to see all the positive comments about Fratellos. Great place! We go there every year. I would suggest you try to get a table upstairs or in the sun room. Table for two by the bar is nice. The first floor dining area is kind of boring.

[Just Sold]

Went to Fratello's a few weeks ago and it was great. The "Sun Room" was perfect. Fratello's Manchester location is great as well.

[trfour]

I know how y'all love pictures. :)
In post # 18 in this thread. Friends, Family and I have been enjoying Fratello's since the early 90s. :liplick: :liplick: :liplick: :look:
Y'All can find a message in another ealier thread posted here back in 2006, post # 4. http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/showthread.php?p=42254#post42254

[spider22]

My family and I have been going to Fratello's for one night on vacation in August for 3 or 4 years now. We have always have had a great meal and the atmosphere is great. The kids love the create your own pizza.