Black Cat (Union Ave, Laconia)

Argie's Wife · 07-15-2011, 04:10 PM

Has anyone been to the Black Cat in Laconia lately?

I used to go there after work a few years ago but had stopped going because life got too busy. About a week ago, a friend of mine asked me to meet her there for a drink.

I realize that the place changed hands since I was last there, but it was a disappointing time there, to say the least.

We arrived at about 7pm and were told the kitchen was closed. The only thing available for food was a salad. It was served in a cereal bowl and brought to the table without a tray - just fingers on the rim of the bowl. (I don't like seeing a server's hands in or next to my food, thankyouverymuch.)

My friend ordered a mixed drink and said it was very bland but not worth sending back. I went to order a beer and found that Sam Adams was the most exotic thing on the menu - I love imported dark beers - Guiness is the most 'common' thing I'll order - I'll take Boddington's, Sam Smith Oatmeal Stout, Triple Bock, or even a Black-n-Tan - bocks are my very fav. No such luck... Sam Adams it was... and it was like drinking soda pop to me...

There were two or three other folks at the bar and they appeared to be regulars. We watched two couples walk in and then leave when they were told the kitchen was closed already.

Two drinks and a salad were about $16. The prices weren't bad but the selection... well, there was NONE.

As we were leaving, the owner/manager seemed to be more into his television show than anything else - and it was very loud. There was no one in the place... it was dead.

I think the Black Cat is in a prime location and it used to turn over a nice business there, with good food and drinks, but... eh. I was sorry to see the downturn, myself.

brk-lnt · 07-15-2011, 04:17 PM

We went *once* after the new owners took over. Maybe we should have given it more than one try, but our experience, and the reports of others, lead me to believe we have made better decisions by going elsewhere.

Burrito Me is right next to Black Cat, and while a different atmosphere altogether is a much more welcoming place.

Tavern 27 is 8 minutes up 106, and again a world apart (though possibly a touch more expensive, but only because you'll be tempted to sample half their menu).

Although I will say one of my all time worst late (but not too late) dining experiences was at Hectors, which is basically right across the street from Black Cat. I know some people enjoy Hectors, but that ranked among one of our all time worst experiences...

trfour · 07-15-2011, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Argie's Wife

Has anyone been to the Black Cat in Laconia lately?

I used to go there after work a few years ago but had stopped going because life got too busy. About a week ago, a friend of mine asked me to meet her there for a drink.

I realize that the place changed hands since I was last there, but it was a disappointing time there, to say the least.

We arrived at about 7pm and were told the kitchen was closed. The only thing available for food was a salad. It was served in a cereal bowl and brought to the table without a tray - just fingers on the rim of the bowl. (I don't like seeing a server's hands in or next to my food, thankyouverymuch.)

My friend ordered a mixed drink and said it was very bland but not worth sending back. I went to order a beer and found that Sam Adams was the most exotic thing on the menu - I love imported dark beers - Guiness is the most 'common' thing I'll order - I'll take Boddington's, Sam Smith Oatmeal Stout, Triple Bock, or even a Black-n-Tan - bocks are my very fav. No such luck... Sam Adams it was... and it was like drinking soda pop to me...

There were two or three other folks at the bar and they appeared to be regulars. We watched two couples walk in and then leave when they were told the kitchen was closed already.

Two drinks and a salad were about $16. The prices weren't bad but the selection... well, there was NONE.

As we were leaving, the owner/manager seemed to be more into his television show than anything else - and it was very loud. There was no one in the place... it was dead.

I think the Black Cat is in a prime location and it used to turn over a nice business there, with good food and drinks, but... eh. I was sorry to see the downturn, myself.

But I did enjoy the Black Cat Cafe on occasion, under the old management... It's ashame how that some of my favorite haunts are going south, ( so to speak ) since I did too!

If I liked a place, I could keep them afloat all by my lonesome!.. tenfour??

Terry
______________________________________

diz · 07-16-2011, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Argie's Wife

Has anyone been to the Black Cat in Laconia lately?

I used to go there after work a few years ago but had stopped going because life got too busy. About a week ago, a friend of mine asked me to meet her there for a drink.

I realize that the place changed hands since I was last there, but it was a disappointing time there, to say the least.

We arrived at about 7pm and were told the kitchen was closed. The only thing available for food was a salad. It was served in a cereal bowl and brought to the table without a tray - just fingers on the rim of the bowl. (I don't like seeing a server's hands in or next to my food, thankyouverymuch.)

My friend ordered a mixed drink and said it was very bland but not worth sending back. I went to order a beer and found that Sam Adams was the most exotic thing on the menu - I love imported dark beers - Guiness is the most 'common' thing I'll order - I'll take Boddington's, Sam Smith Oatmeal Stout, Triple Bock, or even a Black-n-Tan - bocks are my very fav. No such luck... Sam Adams it was... and it was like drinking soda pop to me...

There were two or three other folks at the bar and they appeared to be regulars. We watched two couples walk in and then leave when they were told the kitchen was closed already.

Two drinks and a salad were about $16. The prices weren't bad but the selection... well, there was NONE.

As we were leaving, the owner/manager seemed to be more into his television show than anything else - and it was very loud. There was no one in the place... it was dead.

I think the Black Cat is in a prime location and it used to turn over a nice business there, with good food and drinks, but... eh. I was sorry to see the downturn, myself.

I agree, it's a sketchy place. We went once for lunch and got questionable sandwiches served by the owner's kid, who, I'm pretty sure hadn't washed her hands. It's disappointing. That could be such a neat place.

Argie's Wife · 07-17-2011, 07:11 PM

diz - when you say 'owner's kid' are you talking about little kids? Like under 10 years old?

I saw something like that while I was there, including one of them spinning barstools...

diz · 07-18-2011, 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Argie's Wife

diz - when you say 'owner's kid' are you talking about little kids? Like under 10 years old?

I saw something like that while I was there, including one of them spinning barstools...

Yes, it was a young girl. I'd say around 9 or 10 would be right.

angela4design · 07-19-2011, 09:02 AM

I used to love the Black Cat. The last time I was there, I only had iced tea, as the last four times I had experienced their coffee (iced or hot), a lot was left to be desired. (I've posted about it before and even returned with the same friend for a hopeful second shot, to no avail.) Iced Tea on the terrace was nice... but that's not how a place stays in business.

07-15-2011, 04:10 PM	#1
Argie's Wife Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Alton Posts: 1,908 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 533 Thanked 579 Times in 260 Posts	Black Cat (Union Ave, Laconia) Has anyone been to the Black Cat in Laconia lately? I used to go there after work a few years ago but had stopped going because life got too busy. About a week ago, a friend of mine asked me to meet her there for a drink. I realize that the place changed hands since I was last there, but it was a disappointing time there, to say the least. We arrived at about 7pm and were told the kitchen was closed. The only thing available for food was a salad. It was served in a cereal bowl and brought to the table without a tray - just fingers on the rim of the bowl. (I don't like seeing a server's hands in or next to my food, thankyouverymuch.) My friend ordered a mixed drink and said it was very bland but not worth sending back. I went to order a beer and found that Sam Adams was the most exotic thing on the menu - I love imported dark beers - Guiness is the most 'common' thing I'll order - I'll take Boddington's, Sam Smith Oatmeal Stout, Triple Bock, or even a Black-n-Tan - bocks are my very fav. No such luck... Sam Adams it was... and it was like drinking soda pop to me... There were two or three other folks at the bar and they appeared to be regulars. We watched two couples walk in and then leave when they were told the kitchen was closed already. Two drinks and a salad were about $16. The prices weren't bad but the selection... well, there was NONE. As we were leaving, the owner/manager seemed to be more into his television show than anything else - and it was very loud. There was no one in the place... it was dead. I think the Black Cat is in a prime location and it used to turn over a nice business there, with good food and drinks, but... eh. I was sorry to see the downturn, myself.

07-15-2011, 04:17 PM	#2
brk-lnt Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: South Down Shores Posts: 1,944 Thanks: 544 Thanked 570 Times in 335 Posts	We went once after the new owners took over. Maybe we should have given it more than one try, but our experience, and the reports of others, lead me to believe we have made better decisions by going elsewhere. Burrito Me is right next to Black Cat, and while a different atmosphere altogether is a much more welcoming place. Tavern 27 is 8 minutes up 106, and again a world apart (though possibly a touch more expensive, but only because you'll be tempted to sample half their menu). Although I will say one of my all time worst late (but not too late) dining experiences was at Hectors, which is basically right across the street from Black Cat. I know some people enjoy Hectors, but that ranked among one of our all time worst experiences... __________________ [insert witty phrase here]

07-19-2011, 09:02 AM	#7
angela4design Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Meredith Posts: 353 Thanks: 45 Thanked 54 Times in 38 Posts	*Sigh.... I keep trying. I used to love the Black Cat. The last time I was there, I only had iced tea, as the last four times I had experienced their coffee (iced or hot), a lot was left to be desired. (I've posted about it before and even returned with the same friend for a hopeful second shot, to no avail.) Iced Tea on the terrace was nice... but that's not how a place stays in business.

The Following User Says Thank You to brk-lnt For This Useful Post:
baygo (07-19-2011)

07-17-2011, 07:11 PM	#5
Argie's Wife Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Alton Posts: 1,908 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 533 Thanked 579 Times in 260 Posts	diz - when you say 'owner's kid' are you talking about little kids? Like under 10 years old? I saw something like that while I was there, including one of them spinning barstools...