the Lyons' Den, Gilford

pmj · 10-21-2006, 09:15 PM

I had the pleasure of dining on my birthday at the Lyons Den recently. What a fabulous meal! I had Steak au poivre..not for the faint of heart, as the menu states..and it was so tender I literally could cut it with my fork. It was accompanied by roasted red bliss potatoes (other choices were rice pilaf or baked potato) and butternut squash which had just the right amount of sweetness. My companions all had beef...steak tips, prime rib and rib eye steak. The portions were generous and all meat melted in our mouths.My only wish was that salad should be included in the price of the meal.

Dessert was to die for. Our party had cheesecake, tiramisu and the very decadent volcano cake..with one scoop of french vanilla and one scoop of coffee ice cream drizzled with dark chocolate syrup. The "lava" was actually chocolate sauce, just enough, not too much.

The ambiance and decor is very nice. We sat next to the gas fireplace which sent a comfy warmth to our table.
The owner ,Lauren was very friendly.
I do hope you will take the time to visit Lyon's Den. Off the beaten path, well worth the trip. The Phantom Gourmet must hear about this place!

SteveA · 10-22-2006, 07:20 AM

Glad you found this "hidden gem".

The boss and I have been to Lyon's Den many times, and found the food. the service and staff to be great.

Try them sometime at lunch... great prices!

We're not alone liking this place... check them out in the restaurant review posts.

KBoater · 10-22-2006, 11:27 AM

My best dining out experience this last summer was at the Lyon’s Den. Berry duck was the best duck I have ever had. It was cooked just right. Crisp on the outside, no fat, and lots of meat.

carguy · 10-22-2006, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveA

Glad you found this "hidden gem".

The boss and I have been to Lyon's Den many times, and found the food. the service and staff to be great.

Try them sometime at lunch... great prices!

We're not alone liking this place... check them out in the restaurant review posts.

Hi SteveA:

Where is the Lyon's Den located in Gilford? I missed it when I was up a few weeks ago.

Bill

GWC... · 10-22-2006, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carguy

Hi SteveA:

Where is the Lyon's Den located in Gilford? I missed it when I was up a few weeks ago.

Bill

Mar-06 - A Locke's Island resident has informed Bizer that The Lyons Den restaurant has opened at the former location of Townsend's Tavern (which was formerly Gilford Tavern which was formerly Gretchen's Restaurant).

Located at the Glendale Docks…

From a prior forum thread:
http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/...hp/t-2982.html

Website from prior named establishment:
http://mysite.verizon.net/vze3nm2c/townsendstavern/

Picture of Townsend's Tavern to give idea of appearance:

SIKSUKR · 10-23-2006, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carguy

Hi SteveA:

Where is the Lyon's Den located in Gilford? I missed it when I was up a few weeks ago.

Bill

Right next door to the Marine Patrol at the Glendale town docks.

jlrm73 · 10-23-2006, 05:41 PM

Always yum at the Lyon's Den! Great service, staff, atmosphere!
Chicken Nicole is great!! The crabcakes are awesome, too!

donnamatrix · 11-13-2006, 10:52 AM

Went for lunch Saturday and it was GREAT. They have a really good Cuban sandwich, which is unusual for the northeast, if not unheard of. The Ceasar salad was excellent as was the onion soup. Folks behind us had the crabcakes and raved, so that will be my next choice! Excellent and the owners are very nice.

Waterbaby · 11-14-2006, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by donnamatrix

Went for lunch Saturday and it was GREAT. They have a really good Cuban sandwich, which is unusual for the northeast, if not unheard of. The Ceasar salad was excellent as was the onion soup. Folks behind us had the crabcakes and raved, so that will be my next choice! Excellent and the owners are very nice.

That's really funny that you mention the Cuban, Donna -- we do a Cuban at the deli I work in in Hampton Falls (Seacoast area) and it's a best seller! How do they do the Cuban at the Lyon's Den?

donnamatrix · 11-16-2006, 03:03 PM

It's not as good as some I've had (like at El Siboney in Key West), but it's roast pork, ham, melted cheese, pickle on soft, grilled roll that is as close to Cuban bread as you can get up here in the boonies!!! It was quite good. Could have used some Chipotle mayo on it!!

Waterbaby · 11-16-2006, 07:36 PM

Thanks, donna....... funny you mention the chipotle mayo as there's also a restaurant in my area that does Cubans and they use both the yellow mustard AND the mayo on them, lol.

jetskier · 11-18-2006, 08:32 PM

We decided to try the Lyon's Den for lunch today. The restaurant is right next to the Marine Patrol in Gilford. They have a nicely appointed dining room and wonderful views. My wife tried the fish & chips and I went exotic (a burger). Everything was well prepared and the service was friendly. Nice Place!

Jetskier

nerual721 · 11-24-2006, 02:33 PM

I just wanted to say "thank you" for all of the kind words. We appreciate your input and we truly take all of your comments to heart. Thanks again for the warm welcome to Gilford - We hope to become your favorite restaurant for many years to come.

Lauren Lyons
The Lyons' Den Restaurant & Tavern

SteveA · 11-24-2006, 06:22 PM

We had the family at Lyon's Den today for lunch. Great service and great food.

If you haven't tried it.. try it!

Lauren... you and your husband have done a wonderful job at creating a great place and a great menu! (Glad you added the Duck to the dinner menu.. it's fantastic)

Great touch putting the binoculars next to the windows so customers can look out across the lake!

Hang in through the "slow times" .. I'm sure you two will make it!

And NO... Before anyone asks, I'm just a customer that thinks this is a great place for you to try.

KBoater · 12-08-2006, 11:54 AM

Anyone know the hours of the Lyon's Den around the Christmas holidays.
I want to take someone there.

upthesaukee · 12-08-2006, 10:36 PM

Funny you should mention it...I had some communication with Lauren, and she tells me they are still open Wed through Sun for Lunch and Dinner. Would be a great place for a Christmas party, or just a get together.

KBoater · 12-09-2006, 09:32 AM

Thanks for the info. I will try to schedule something ove the weekend before Christmas.

Hermit Cover · 01-26-2007, 10:40 PM

It was 2 below outside but warm and yummy inside. After reading all the really great opinions of this restaurant, Mrs. Hermit Cover and I stopped in tonite and found out for ourselves why people like this place. This is surely a dining experience you want to take your friends, relatives, and for sure, out of town guests to relax without worrying about the food, ambience, and the (outstanding) service.

Oh....the duck was perfect...the prime rib was as good as it gets. A freeeeezing Friday nite in January, a full dining room and lounge. Can't wait to show off this Lyon's Den.....what a WONDERFUL find. (Don'tcha just love it when a bunch of non-professional reviewers get it right???)

C Tucker · 01-01-2008, 04:02 PM

With all the favorable comments here, we tried Lyon's Den on Sunday night for a birthday celebration. The food was exceptional, atmosphere cozy and staff very friendly. I had the veal marsala and my boyfriend the duck. The glazed carrots were an especial treat. My boyfriend said he never had carrots so good and he does not particularly care for carrots.

Since we enjoyed it so much, we returned New Year's Eve with my father who is visiting. Even though we did not have reservations, they had one more table and we had another fabulous meal before going on to Wolfeboro for First Night.

We will be back. Normally, we do not get to the Gilford area since there are so many good restaurants on the north side of the lake but Lyon's Den is worth a trip.

10-21-2006, 09:15 PM	#1
pmj Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 240 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	the Lyons' Den, Gilford I had the pleasure of dining on my birthday at the Lyons Den recently. What a fabulous meal! I had Steak au poivre..not for the faint of heart, as the menu states..and it was so tender I literally could cut it with my fork. It was accompanied by roasted red bliss potatoes (other choices were rice pilaf or baked potato) and butternut squash which had just the right amount of sweetness. My companions all had beef...steak tips, prime rib and rib eye steak. The portions were generous and all meat melted in our mouths.My only wish was that salad should be included in the price of the meal. Dessert was to die for. Our party had cheesecake, tiramisu and the very decadent volcano cake..with one scoop of french vanilla and one scoop of coffee ice cream drizzled with dark chocolate syrup. The "lava" was actually chocolate sauce, just enough, not too much. The ambiance and decor is very nice. We sat next to the gas fireplace which sent a comfy warmth to our table. The owner ,Lauren was very friendly. I do hope you will take the time to visit Lyon's Den. Off the beaten path, well worth the trip. The Phantom Gourmet must hear about this place!

10-22-2006, 07:20 AM	#2
SteveA Deceased Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Gilford, NH Posts: 2,311 Thanks: 1,070 Thanked 2,054 Times in 497 Posts	Lyons' Den is wonderful Glad you found this "hidden gem". The boss and I have been to Lyon's Den many times, and found the food. the service and staff to be great. Try them sometime at lunch... great prices! We're not alone liking this place... check them out in the restaurant review posts. __________________ "Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in his shoes. That way, if he gets angry he'll be a mile away and barefoot!" unknown

10-22-2006, 11:27 AM	#3
KBoater Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Wolfeboro Posts: 521 Thanks: 10 Thanked 29 Times in 15 Posts	Best My best dining out experience this last summer was at the Lyon’s Den. Berry duck was the best duck I have ever had. It was cooked just right. Crisp on the outside, no fat, and lots of meat. __________________ Home Permanently in NH

10-23-2006, 05:41 PM	#7
jlrm73 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 62 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Yum! Always yum at the Lyon's Den! Great service, staff, atmosphere! Chicken Nicole is great!! The crabcakes are awesome, too!

11-13-2006, 10:52 AM	#8
donnamatrix Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Moultonboro Posts: 833 Thanks: 24 Thanked 258 Times in 120 Posts	More on Lyon's Den Went for lunch Saturday and it was GREAT. They have a really good Cuban sandwich, which is unusual for the northeast, if not unheard of. The Ceasar salad was excellent as was the onion soup. Folks behind us had the crabcakes and raved, so that will be my next choice! Excellent and the owners are very nice.

11-16-2006, 03:03 PM	#10
donnamatrix Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Moultonboro Posts: 833 Thanks: 24 Thanked 258 Times in 120 Posts	Cuban sandwich It's not as good as some I've had (like at El Siboney in Key West), but it's roast pork, ham, melted cheese, pickle on soft, grilled roll that is as close to Cuban bread as you can get up here in the boonies!!! It was quite good. Could have used some Chipotle mayo on it!!

11-16-2006, 07:36 PM	#11
Waterbaby Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Kensington, NH and Paugus Bay Marina Posts: 656 Thanks: 323 Thanked 17 Times in 13 Posts	Cubans Thanks, donna....... funny you mention the chipotle mayo as there's also a restaurant in my area that does Cubans and they use both the yellow mustard AND the mayo on them, lol. __________________ On the boat is always waterfront!

11-18-2006, 08:32 PM	#12
jetskier Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: North Reading, MA and South Down Shores Posts: 850 Thanks: 57 Thanked 183 Times in 114 Posts	Lunch We decided to try the Lyon's Den for lunch today. The restaurant is right next to the Marine Patrol in Gilford. They have a nicely appointed dining room and wonderful views. My wife tried the fish & chips and I went exotic (a burger). Everything was well prepared and the service was friendly. Nice Place! Jetskier

11-24-2006, 02:33 PM	#13
nerual721 Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Under the restaurant Posts: 23 Thanks: 1 Thanked 34 Times in 5 Posts	Thank You I just wanted to say "thank you" for all of the kind words. We appreciate your input and we truly take all of your comments to heart. Thanks again for the warm welcome to Gilford - We hope to become your favorite restaurant for many years to come. Lauren Lyons The Lyons' Den Restaurant & Tavern

11-24-2006, 06:22 PM	#14
SteveA Deceased Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Gilford, NH Posts: 2,311 Thanks: 1,070 Thanked 2,054 Times in 497 Posts	Lyon's Den today We had the family at Lyon's Den today for lunch. Great service and great food. If you haven't tried it.. try it! Lauren... you and your husband have done a wonderful job at creating a great place and a great menu! (Glad you added the Duck to the dinner menu.. it's fantastic) Great touch putting the binoculars next to the windows so customers can look out across the lake! Hang in through the "slow times" .. I'm sure you two will make it! And NO... Before anyone asks, I'm just a customer that thinks this is a great place for you to try. __________________ "Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in his shoes. That way, if he gets angry he'll be a mile away and barefoot!" unknown

12-08-2006, 11:54 AM	#15
KBoater Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Wolfeboro Posts: 521 Thanks: 10 Thanked 29 Times in 15 Posts	Lyon's Den Anyone know the hours of the Lyon's Den around the Christmas holidays. I want to take someone there. __________________ Home Permanently in NH

12-08-2006, 10:36 PM	#16
upthesaukee Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Alton Bay Posts: 5,589 Blog Entries: 2 Thanks: 2,440 Thanked 1,975 Times in 1,076 Posts	Funny you should mention it...I had some communication with Lauren, and she tells me they are still open Wed through Sun for Lunch and Dinner. Would be a great place for a Christmas party, or just a get together. __________________ I Live Here... I am always UPTHESAUKEE !!!!

12-09-2006, 09:32 AM	#17
KBoater Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Wolfeboro Posts: 521 Thanks: 10 Thanked 29 Times in 15 Posts	Thanks for the info. I will try to schedule something ove the weekend before Christmas. __________________ Home Permanently in NH

01-26-2007, 10:40 PM	#18
Hermit Cover Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Hermit Cove Posts: 354 Thanks: 20 Thanked 68 Times in 40 Posts	Lyon's Den 2007 It was 2 below outside but warm and yummy inside. After reading all the really great opinions of this restaurant, Mrs. Hermit Cover and I stopped in tonite and found out for ourselves why people like this place. This is surely a dining experience you want to take your friends, relatives, and for sure, out of town guests to relax without worrying about the food, ambience, and the (outstanding) service. Oh....the duck was perfect...the prime rib was as good as it gets. A freeeeezing Friday nite in January, a full dining room and lounge. Can't wait to show off this Lyon's Den.....what a WONDERFUL find. (Don'tcha just love it when a bunch of non-professional reviewers get it right???)

01-01-2008, 04:02 PM	#19
C Tucker Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Black Cat Island and Epsom, NH Posts: 64 Thanks: 14 Thanked 17 Times in 15 Posts	Twice in two days! With all the favorable comments here, we tried Lyon's Den on Sunday night for a birthday celebration. The food was exceptional, atmosphere cozy and staff very friendly. I had the veal marsala and my boyfriend the duck. The glazed carrots were an especial treat. My boyfriend said he never had carrots so good and he does not particularly care for carrots. Since we enjoyed it so much, we returned New Year's Eve with my father who is visiting. Even though we did not have reservations, they had one more table and we had another fabulous meal before going on to Wolfeboro for First Night. We will be back. Normally, we do not get to the Gilford area since there are so many good restaurants on the north side of the lake but Lyon's Den is worth a trip.