Restaurant Reviews

[hockeypuck]

Thanks to everyone on the forum for their personal experiences and critiques of the many restaurants now available in the lakes region. The reviews not only help in choosing a particular restaurant, but also highlight the many new or lesser-known establishments. Eveyone has different standards in what they expect in their dinning experience, whether the occasion calls for fast food or a formal sit down. The reviews help, especially if there are multiple posts that agree with the review. The best thing for the patrons, is the plethora of restaurants to choose from. I am most familar with the Paugus Bay area, and can remember back in the 50's and 60's there were only few choices. The ones that come to mind are Hart's (when the live turkeys were kept in pens outside the resraurant), the Windmill (now closed for many years), and the Boulevard Drive Inn (now a real estate office). My family would say, " What this area needs are a few more good restaurants." Now there are so many restaurants and so little time. Hope some of you can add to the list of old restaurants and what they are today.

[Lucky2Bhere]

Twenty years ago we used to love the calzones at Melody's Kitchen in Meredith. We were devastated when it closed. There was also a great sandwich place where Karen and Barry's is now located.

[mg2107]

How about the lake shore diner where burger king is now ?

[hockeypuck]

mg2107, that's a good one! forgot about that one. It was located next to the Ice House. Did that same diner get moved down the street and be the current Paugus Diner? Nothing like a old diner for good food, good price and the built in character.

[GTO]

How about Captains Table? I think it was on Paugus Bay. There used to be a large container out front near the entrance loaded with live trout that you could feed. I think the Corvette bldg is there now?

[SAMIAM]

I had a graduation dinner date at the Wakatatina restaurant in Meredith.......bet you can't guess what year!

[Senter Cove Guy]

Does anyone remember this little place? It was the best hamburger/hot dog/vanilla frappe/Ice Cream place in the world. It was located on the right at the bottom of Wharf Rd. in Melvin Village. It was owned and run by Priscilla & Burgess Hodges with help from a cast of many locals in the late 1950's into the 1960's. Seating was all outside under the blue corrugated fiberglass roof looking out onto Melvin Bay.

It was there for several years and then the business was sold and moved onto the property of what is now known as the Pine View Motel where it also functioned as a restaurant/ice cream place for a few years. Then, the building was turned into an efficiency apartment and is still there today.

[RLW]

Originally Posted by SAMIAM

I had a graduation dinner date at the Wakatatina restaurant in Meredith.......bet you can't guess what year!

McDude I'm sure will come up with more than just the date

[upthesaukee]

Originally Posted by RLW

McDude I'm sure will come up with more than just the date

Probably have a picture of Samiam and Ben Franklin going over old time .

[islandAl]

I agree with it being one of the best. We tried to be there for opening and closing and lots in between. I had custom banana split formula that she kept listed for when I came in. Started with just the ice creams and added the hot dogs and hamburgers after a couple of years if I recall correctly.
Sure do miss that place.
SCG, thanks for the memory.

[Hermit Cover]

The year is 2015 and the conversation goes like this....."Do you remember when there was only that one McDonalds over in Meredith and now there's one in every village?" "Yup, and now there are 24 Starbucks......I can remember when there were none!!"

[Pineedles]

I'm figuring 1967 for McDude's graduation from highscrewl.

[hockeypuck]

Originally Posted by SAMIAM

I had a graduation dinner date at the Wakatatina restaurant in Meredith.......bet you can't guess what year!

Oh Yes, the Wakatatina on the hill between the Weirs and Hart's. It had a great buffett, then went down hill changed into an oriental restaurant,that went out of business and is now a place that sell docks etc. SAMIAM, I don't know you but I will guess a graduation from high school to be 1965.

[Old Hubbard Rd]

-The Coliseum Restaurant shaped like a big cheese located where JB Scoops Rt 3 Meredith
-The Studio Cafe Meredith
-Gandy Dancer Salon Weirs
-Nashville North Weirs
-Smitty's out on Rt 104 New Hampton
-Thea's out on Rt 104 New Hampton
-For Every Seasons Meredith
-The Meredith Station Meredith
-Jade Island Meredith/Weirs
-Chases Meredith
-Franken Sundae Meredith
-Romano's Rt 104 New Hampton
-RJ's Rt 104 New Hampton
-Summerfields-Laconia
-B. Mae Denny's Gilford
-Club 106 now a church Laconia/Loudon
-Wagon Wheel-Bristol
-Mill Stream-Bristol
-Pasquany Inn-Bristol
-Dick Burhoe's Coverd Bridge-Campton
-The White Hat-Holderness
-Sweet Water Inn-Moultonboro
-The Smoke House Meredith (Formerly Meredith Station)
-The Mills Falls Restaurant Meredith
-C Brothers 3 Meredith
-The Windmill Winnisquam

[Old Hubbard Rd]

Harts Meredith
Mames Meredith
The Wood Shed Moultonboro
Georges Meredith
The Mug Meredith
The Manor Holderness
Rossi's Italian Ristorante Rt 104 New Hampton
The Homestead Bristol
Christmas Island Weirs
Oriental Gardens Weirs
Bonanza Laconia
CJ Avery's Laconia (may be closed, not sure)
Rigioni's Galley Laconia (May be closed, not sure)
Top of the Town Winnisquam
The Margate Weirs/Gilford

[Old Hubbard Rd]

Longwood Farms Center Harbor
Chequers Villa Tamworth
Chequers Harbor Center Harbor
Melanie's Kitchen Meredith
Elvio's Pizza Center Harbor & Weirs
Roman's Pizza Weirs Beach
Crossroads Weirs Beach
Nothing Fancy Weirs Beach
Great Escape Restaurant & Lounge Weirs Beach
Chef Jeff at Gunstock Inn
King's Chinese Restaurant Weirs Beach and Downtown Laconia

[hockeypuck]

OLD HUBBARD ROAD... All I can say is WOW! That's quite a list. Many are no longer in business. A few have survived. I would like to know what some are today. Is CJ Avery's on the way out? They are tucked in a side street across the RR tracks in Lakeport. Pretty good pot roast and usually not much of a wait.

[mcdude]

here's another one for you.....how about the Hickory Stick Farm in Belmont?

I'm figuring 1967 for McDude's graduation from highscrewl.

Close!.....1970!

PS ....and don't forget Dot's Diner in New Durham.

[hockeypuck]

mcdude, great pictures. Yes I can see it now 1970, mcdude and date in the tepee lounge.

[Janet]

How about Week's Dairy Bar in Laconia - home of the banana splits "Mount Washington" and the "Sissy Splits"

[Old Hubbard Rd]

I do remember Hickory Stick Farms. They were a very popular place. I never made it there. Their specialty was Duck.

Wakitatina was before my time. I think they disappeared in the late 70's???

There are so many restaurants that have come and gone. What ever happened to Quan King of Jade Island and King Chinese restaurants. She use to greet people in these really fancy Oriental dresses. She was very nice.

[Old Hubbard Rd]

Let's see:
The Longwood Farms in Centre Harbor was Chequers Harbor and is now Canoe.
Smitty's in New Hampton is now a furniture place
RJ's in New Hampton is now a Auto/Recreation place
Chases is now the Chase House Hotel and shops
Meredith Station a Volvo dealership
For Every Seasons is Karen & Barry's
Rigiones Galley is now The Galley
The Windmill is now a car dealership
The Crossroads has been leveled
The White Hat looks like little shops now.
The Original C Brothers is now a sub shop.
The Mills Fall Restaurant is now Guiseppes


Nashville North,Summerfields,Loves Sweetwater Inn,Gandy Dancer Salon & Meredith Station all burnt to the ground.

[hockeypuck]

Thanks OLD HUBBARD, from your list, it sure looks like the lakes region, at least in the past, is tough on restaurants. Now with the community becoming more of a year round population it may be a bit easier, but there is more compertion for the same dollars.
JANET, yes, the banana splits at WEEKS. I tried to finish a "Mount Washington" when I was about 12, needless to say I failed.

[ghfromaltonbay]

Good Grief, McDude! I'm Class of '70 also, and we're still alive and kicking.

I was going to mention Dot's and another New Durham eatery: Foxy Johnny's. Alton Bay had the Myrtle Ann (now Dockside) and Karen's Kitchen (now a real estate office).

[SAMIAM]

Hockeypuck...close guess...it was (gulp) 1959. Old Hubbard.....I bow to your incredible memory.What a trip back in time as I remember patronizing nearly all of them over the years.I humbly add these 3 in Moultonborough....
The Stonhearth Tavern
The Chowder Barn
Beggars Banquet
McDude,as usual you are the senior historian,thanks for the pics.

[Weirs guy]

ah, an old personal favorite a little away from the lake:

Salvatore's Italian Restaurant, Tilton, now Eurasion Auto.

[Seaplane Pilot]

Does anyone remember the Edgewater Restaurant in either Gilford or West Alton? If so, where was it located? (not to be confused with Edgewood on Rt. 28 near the Alton traffic circle).

[mets3007]

I cant go too far back since I am 26 but I have 3 places

1. B Mae's- I used to stay there when I was young and the breakfast buffet was awesome and the food was great then it went to Wade and Malloy's and then Gilford Steakhouse which both arent close to what Bmae's was.

2. Frankenberry in Meredith or Laconia < I cant remember> - I am not sure was is there now but this place was great for making your own Sundae.

3. C.H.O.P < Colonial House Of Pancakes>- Great for the M&M pancakes and the food was alway good there. This is where Nadia's is today.

[Waterbaby]

Originally Posted by ghfromaltonbay

I was going to mention Dot's and another New Durham eatery: Foxy Johnny's. Alton Bay had the Myrtle Ann (now Dockside) and Karen's Kitchen (now a real estate office).

Isn't Foxy's still there? I seem to remember seeing the sign as recently as a year ago, or it could be old age setting in, lol. I also remember Dot's, and after Dot's it became an Italian place if I remember correctly.

Does anyone remember when Dowling's Dockside was actually on the dock, years and years ago?

And I still mourn the loss of the Station (Meredith Station, that is) -- fabulous food, wonderful service, and downstairs was a real fun place! My second favorite was B Mae's, sitting by the fireplace and abolutely loved the salad bar and the warm, homemade bread.

[Merrymeeting]

Originally Posted by Waterbaby

Isn't Foxy's still there?

It's still there, and for sale if you want it!

But it's been closed for several years.

[gtxrider]

Originally Posted by Old Hubbard Rd

Harts Meredith
Mames Meredith
The Wood Shed Moultonboro
Georges Meredith
The Mug Meredith
The Manor Holderness
Rossi's Italian Ristorante Rt 104 New Hampton
The Homestead Bristol
Christmas Island Weirs
Oriental Gardens Weirs
Bonanza Laconia
CJ Avery's Laconia (may be closed, not sure)
Rigioni's Galley Laconia (May be closed, not sure)
Top of the Town Winnisquam
The Margate Weirs/Gilford

Please add Sandy Point to the 20+ years and still open. Oh how I would love a Baked Stuffed Lobsta...

[LadyKey]

Does anyone remember the restaurant on rte.11? The building is still there. I think it was a fish restaurant.

[ghfromaltonbay]

Originally Posted by LadyKey

Does anyone remember the restaurant on rte.11? The building is still there. I think it was a fish restaurant.

There are a lot of restaurants on Rte. 11 coming from Rochester all the way to Laconia. Which place are you referring to?

[Paugus Bay Resident]

There was also another restaurant in Wolfeboro, was in a big old barn, maybe on 109 heading away from Wolfeboro, on the left?

Wasn't that the Bittersweet?

Great thread, brings back a lot of memories. I can still taste the indian pudding at B Maes

[mg2107]

GH I think you are referring to Dot"s Lunch in New Durham. They used to have the best Fried Clams ever.

[LadyKey]

Originally Posted by LadyKey

Does anyone remember the restaurant on rte.11? The building is still there. I think it was a fish restaurant.

Sorry, I forgot to say the restaurant was in Gilford. Maybe that is Rte. 11A or B. It is across the street from Gilford Marina. Also what happen to Gretchens in Gilford?

[GWC...]

Originally Posted by LadyKey

Sorry, I forgot to say the restaurant was in Gilford. Maybe that is Rte. 11A or B. It is across the street from Gilford Marina. Also what happen to Gretchens in Gilford?

Time flys...

The Gilford Marina has been the Mountain View Yacht Club for some time and the eatery of which you reference was the Cherrystone, if memory serves me correctly.

[riverat]

anyone remember the Double Decker in laconia

[upthesaukee]

Originally Posted by LadyKey

Sorry, I forgot to say the restaurant was in Gilford. Maybe that is Rte. 11A or B. It is across the street from Gilford Marina. Also what happen to Gretchens in Gilford?

I believe that restaurant was Cherrystones, and went out of business a few years ago.

Gretchens went out of business, and Townsend Tavern opened in the same location. They have since closed, and it is now the Lyon's Den. They are still open (Wed - Sun, lunch and dinner.).

[kolleen]

What a wonderful way to spend some time on a frigid Central afternoon. This thread has been one big enjoyable "feast".

But, I was puzzled.....I thought Summerfield's was right next to Dairy Queen on Union Ave. and that building's still there?

Ah............I rember the Depot VERY well..... (that's me, incognito...)

[Old Hubbard Rd]

Summerfields was right next to Dairy Queen although the barn that Summerfields was located in burned to the ground. Funny how so many once very successful restaurants end up catching fire once someone comes in and paid too much money to buy the business then it accidentaly burns to the ground.....

[Dickie B from HB]

How can we have all these posts without a mention of Jerry's Shore Diner? It was located at the south end of Paugus Bay on the water on Rt 11. It was just south of the old ice house. It was famous for it's foot long hot dogs, and it's short order cook nicknamed Spider. He was truly amazing as he prepared multiple orders at light speed. We used to go there just to see him. It was quite a show. Through the 50's and early 60's it was THE place to go for a late night snack, or after Irwin's Wiinipesaukee Gardens on Tuesday nights.

Dick B.

[hockeypuck]

Originally Posted by Dickie B from HB

How can we have all these posts without a mention of Jerry's Shore Diner? It was located at the south end of Paugus Bay on the water on Rt 11. It was just south of the old ice house. It was famous for it's foot long hot dogs, and it's short order cook nicknamed Spider. He was truly amazing as he prepared multiple orders at light speed. We used to go there just to see him. It was quite a show. Through the 50's and early 60's it was THE place to go for a late night snack, or after Irwin's Wiinipesaukee Gardens on Tuesday nights.

Dick B.

I think mg2107 mentioned the Shore Diner in post dated 12/04/06, but thanks for adding Jerry's name to the diner. Keep em coming.

[tis]

We still had a $50 gift certificate to Summerfields when it burned. Guess that shows us if you get a gc, use it as soon as possible, don't procrastinate.

[Senter Cove Guy]

A place called The Pirates Den used to be located at the end of Lake Street where they used to play Dixieland music. That building is now condos.

Also, Garwoods, which is in business today, was previously known as The (new) Pirates Den and Aw Shucks. And...I think it had one or two prior names that I can't think of.

Then, of course, there's The Dockside Grill & Dairy Bar, previously known as PJ's and most prominently Bailey's Dockside.

[upthesaukee]

Originally Posted by Senter Cove Guy

A place called The Pirates Den used to be located at the end of Lake Street where they used to play Dixieland music. That building is now condos.

Also, Garwoods, which is in business today, was previously known as The (new) Pirates Den and Aw Shucks. And...I think it had one or two prior names that I can't think of.

Then, of course, there's The Dockside Grill & Dairy Bar, previously known as PJ's and most prominently Bailey's Dockside.

It was also known as Rumors.

Mast landing across the street was White's restaurant. Great place for breakfast and lunch. Went to Brewster for one year (no college wanted me ) and it was a Saturday Morning ritual to walk downtown for a cup of coffee and an English Muffin. Mrs. Edwards worked there and her son went to Brewster then (still public high school for Wolfeboro at that time) and she always had a cheerful good morning to the "boys".

[SAMIAM]

I remember Spider well,Dickie B . We used to order a western sandwich just to see him work.He'd chop the ham,onion and peppers in a flash,open the bread drawer with his foot and KICK the bottom of the drawer causing the loaf of bread to fly up and he caught it in mid air.While all this was happening,he'd spin around and light a butt for anyone at the counter.
Just for your info....Spider is an expert clock repairman.He has that shop on Union Ave in Lakeport with all the giant clock gears on the lawn.I brought him an antique clock and he did a great job for light money.

[Waterbaby]

Originally Posted by Senter Cove Guy

A place called The Pirates Den used to be located at the end of Lake Street where they used to play Dixieland music. That building is now condos.

Wow, that goes back a way! I couldn't remember the name of it but had many good lunches there! We kept our cabin cruiser at the yacht club there, spent many a night falling asleep to the sound of the Dixieland bands....... some of the condos there are now part of the Windrifter time share units. Ahhhhh, the memories!

[carguy]

Originally Posted by Dickie B from HB

How can we have all these posts without a mention of Jerry's Shore Diner? It was located at the south end of Paugus Bay on the water on Rt 11. It was just south of the old ice house. It was famous for it's foot long hot dogs, and it's short order cook nicknamed Spider. He was truly amazing as he prepared multiple orders at light speed. We used to go there just to see him. It was quite a show. Through the 50's and early 60's it was THE place to go for a late night snack, or after Irwin's Wiinipesaukee Gardens on Tuesday nights.

Dick B.

Hi Dick,

Yes, who could forget Jerry's Shore Diner and Spider. He was amazing with the speed that he demonstrated cooking all the food orders on the grille. That was THE place to go for a late night Hot Dog or Burger. My dad liked the Tripe that they served at the diner. Not too many places have that on the menu. The Diner sat exactly where Burger King sits now on Paugus Bay.

[mets3007]

karl's was nothing to write home about the food was meh at best and I went there once back in the late 1990s and I never cared for it and never went back. I did go to Road Kill Cafe a few times in Laconia the food was good but the sound effects and the gimmickery got annoying after a few times

[carguy]

Originally Posted by mets3007

karl's was nothing to right home about the food was meh at best and I went there once back in the late 1990s and I never cared for it and never went back. I did go to Road Kill Cafe a few times in Laconia the food was good but the sound effects and the gimmickery got annoying after a few times

Back in the late 1950's and 1960's, Karl's was known to the local's as a place where the Touists stopped and ate, primarily due to it's great loaction at the junction of Rtes. 11-B and 3. It was not known for it's cuisine. It was a popular place for the college coeds to work at in the Summer for they got a lot tips there from the touristas.

[mets3007]

Thats something new I learned because I was not around back then in the 1960's I was born in 1980 so I did not know about that. Thanks for the info Carguy!

[Weirs guy]

After Karls became Crossroads they did feature a nice prime rib buffet.

[gtxrider]

Originally Posted by mets3007

Thats something new I learned because I was not around back then in the 1960's I was born in 1980 so I did not know about that. Thanks for the info Carguy!

Sure rub it in, born in 1980. As a coworker used to tell the youngsters "I have socks older than that" ...and further more a METS fan. DO YOU REMEMBER 86?

[Waterbaby]

Originally Posted by mets3007

karl's was nothing to right home about the food was meh at best and I went there once back in the late 1990s and I never cared for it and never went back. I did go to Road Kill Cafe a few times in Laconia the food was good but the sound effects and the gimmickery got annoying after a few times

Well, my German FIL loved the food there, said it was as close as he could get to the food he ate in Germany........ he was by no means a slouch, either gastronomically or in any other matter, but it's all irrelevant anyway, Karl's is long gone and my FIL will be gone three years come this Saturday. RIP, Dad!

[mets3007]

Yes I do remember 1986 and yes the Mets have not won since , I thought last year was the year but oh well lol. I did realize I wrote write wrong it was supposed to be write not right. Also I am not a big fan of German food maybe thats why I did not like it much. We had spaghetti and the sauce was not good it was watery.

[Mee-n-Mac]

Aaargh .... 1986 .... World Series .... Red Sox vs Mets .... Bill Buckner ... must drink heavily now ! Aaargh

[Weirs guy]

Originally Posted by Mee-n-Mac

Aaargh .... 1986 .... World Series .... Red Sox vs Mets .... Bill Buckner ... must drink heavily now ! Aaargh

Dang it, all those years of my counseling out the window........

[Boardwalk Bluesboy]

I came across this thread and was surprised to see in the list of extinct restaurants no mention of the Half Moon Restaurant. Doesn't anyone remember the Half Moon Restaurant, at the center of Weirs Beach? It existed for almost 50 years, from the mid-30's through the early 80's. Here's a link to the history of the Half Moon, including the restaurant:

http://www.weirsbeach.com/halfmoon/motel/history.html

Also, does anyone remember Jeans Cafe? It was around for probably 30 years, from the 50's to the early 80's. Later it was Elvios's Pizza, then Mike's NY Pizza. Here is a link to more info about Jean's Cafe:

http://www.weirsbeach.com/topten/rea...tml#station40s

[dykg]

Originally Posted by Boardwalk Bluesboy

I came across this thread and was surprised to see in the list of extinct restaurants no mention of the Half Moon Restaurant. Doesn't anyone remember the Half Moon Restaurant, at the center of Weirs Beach? It existed for almost 50 years, from the mid-30's through the early 80's. Here's a link to the history of the Half Moon, including the restaurant:

http://www.weirsbeach.com/halfmoon/motel/history.html

Also, does anyone remember Jeans Cafe? It was around for probably 30 years, from the 50's to the early 80's. Later it was Elvios's Pizza, then Mike's NY Pizza. Here is a link to more info about Jean's Cafe:

http://www.weirsbeach.com/topten/rea...tml#station40s

Of course. I remember the Half Moon Restaurant and Jeans Cafe. Also, not mentioned, is the Dragon Villa that was next to the Drive In and JJ Beef Sea where the Weirs Beach Water Slide is now.

[SteveA]

Originally Posted by Weirs guy

Dang it, all those years of my counseling out the window........

I heard he tried to commit suicide by jumping in front of a train... but it went through his legs..

[NBR]

The folks at Pasquany Inn will be surprised that they are no longer there. We had a very nice dinner at Christmas time and the last time I drove past it was open.

Another that is gone is the Arlberg. As I recall it was on the road up to Gunstock

[mcdude]

Got a cool $589,900?

A well known local landmark since 1925. The Alberg Inn & Ski Shop is located directly across from the entrance to Gunstock Ski Area, Gilford, NH. The property consist of 10 prime, mostly level areas, with mountain views of Gunstock Ski Area.

[Boardwalk Bluesboy]

Here's a matchbook cover from Meredith Station. When the place existed it was my favorite hangout cause they had really good live bands.

[Weirs guy]

Originally Posted by SteveA

I heard he tried to commit suicide by jumping in front of a train... but it went through his legs..

Word has it the train moved into the mountains of Colorado and refuses to be interviewed.....

I remember Elvios's Pizza, but do not remember the cafe` before it. I see some work is/was going on inside the building, hopefully someone re-opens it.

[ChocolateGypsy]

Sorry to dig up this old thread, but I was just crusin' the boards and couldn't help myself... these places seemed to have been left off the list... (this is my first post btw!)

The Hi There! (Moultonboro) (Became the Chowder Barn.)
The Country Fare (Moultonboro) (Where Maurice's was/is?)

The Dragon Villa (Weirs Beach -- where the Smokehouse was.)

The Depot (Meredith) (I believe that's what it was called... it was on the hill near Harts... they used an old rail car as a display... someone was shot there... someone fell down the stairs... they were sued... end of story.)

And... does anyone remember there being an A&W drive-in on route 106 in Belmont???

(Ouch! My head hurts!)

[AussieDog]

I guess I should jump in and mention Paras Pizza on Union Ave across from Busy Corner in Laconia. I think they were one of the first pizza only shops in the area. They served only one size pie. 8 inch if remember correctly. The shop was owned by two brothers and they also owned several other shops in NH. One of the brothers would visit each shop on Mondays and make the "secret" sauce for the week. This was in the early 60's. Out of business for years now.

I do miss those pies.

Does anyone remember the fish and chipps shop at the same location prior to the pizza shop? I believe it was owned by St. Pierres

[looniac]

Samiam, I'm shocked. I'm guessing maybe 1965? If you remember that, chances are you remember Parisi's are well. Not far from the Wak in Meredith as well...

[NHBUOY]

Do any of you guys remember "The Pirate's Den" in Wolfboro? That was our friday night go by boat place. My parents loved that place and Dot's in the winter.

[Greene's Basin Girl]

I remember Parisi's. It was an Italian restaurant. My family use to eat there when I was quite young.