Sandy Point Disappointment

[GTO]

Originally Posted by winnifan

Went to Sandy Point Rest a few days ago. Food, as usual, top notch, and the addition of the "small" size meal has really made it affordable. However, the service is horrible. Our waitress, "Gracie", comes to our table for 4 (which we made reservations for at 11am that day) and states "just wanted to let you know we have several large parties, so you may want to get your order in quick, I can't control what happens"... WHAT DOES THAT MEAN??? we just looked at each other, and after only about 2 minutes with the menu in hand were very perplexed about what we should do.

Yes, there was a larger party in the middle, but you can't eliminate the importance of ALL parties when taking a table that will be tipping you.

The decor in the rest. is old and never updated. I've been coming to the area for 22 years. Sandy Point has the best seafood around, we look forward to it every year, but also as we go we tell ourselves that we can't expect much from the service or decor. Just sad that no one in management has decided that updating would be such a value to the customers. And a computerized receipt would be appreciated also, seems hard to read the check and know if you are being charged correctly. I used my iphone to check the numbers and "gracie" was very annoyed that I took the time to double check her??? Why would she care?

I also listened to "Gracie" tell the people behind us the same exact story (another party of 4). They ordered a small lobster and that seemed to bother her too and she says to them "that's a soft shell lobster, you probably should get the better one cause I really think you will end up returning it".. WHAT??? The person ordered it anyway, considering the prices are almost un reachable for most people, I think the less expensive options is what brings people back. When they ordered a "cosmo" she asked "straight up?" and the woman had no idea how to answer that.

I would like to note that "Gracie" was an older woman, and looked as if she had worked here for years. This is NOT the first time I've had poor service in this place, nor is it the first time I left feeling "cheated" (but full since the food is, as I said, best around). Time for management to step up. We were in and out in about 45 minutes. Yes, a good meal, but really rushed and made to feel that no one really cared one way or the other about us, cause the "large party" was there for her "tip" (which I still gave her BTW, as the food allowed us to feel somewhat satisfied all in all, and she benefited from that, My daughter said "too bad we can't tip the chef", GREAT POINT)

I doubt we will return next year. We will find better options, maybe the Lobster Pound, which seems to be decent, just expensive. I am tired of this place making me feel that I need 15 people to have a good over all experience, and really, the lakes region has lots of options. Shame on Sandy Point....

Once again, first time poster, beating up on an eating establishment. But complaining and actually using the womans name....pretty low. Sounds personal. and then of course just happening to mention going to the Lobster Pound next time. Really? And then the decor.....I hope you never go to Harts Turkey Farm if you are concerned about changing decor.

[winnifan]

Originally Posted by GTO

Once again, first time poster, beating up on an eating establishment. But complaining and actually using the womans name....pretty low. Sounds personal. and then of course just happening to mention going to the Lobster Pound next time. Really? And then the decor.....I hope you never go to Harts Turkey Farm if you are concerned about changing decor.

Been coming to the lake for many years, just found the forum. Will post lots now, just so I'm "valid" and if you want to keep the forum fresh and growing you wouldnt make such selfish comments like you "own" this forum because you have more posts, grow up. It wasn't personal, I don't know her, but I wanted to be sure everyone knew it was one waitress in particular this time. I tried to find a manager, but the place was too crowded and no one was stopping to see I was at the front trying to find one, so she gets her name mentioned, she must own it, and so should Sandy Point. Clearly they wanted us in and out, after paying our $100 bill.

LOVE HARTS, went 3 times for lunch and dinner, ITS CLEAN, and they have made progress in trying to accommodate their clientele, such as adding a great bar space, which we ate in and LOVED. Their food is very different from Sandy Point, and you are not paying as much so you expect a little different type of experience, stop comparing apples to oranges. Lobster Pound mentioned because they have seafood comparable to Sandy Point, not sure I know of any others that may fit that criteria, although there was a place called "THE WILLOWS" there a few years ago that was great food and good atmosphere and may have been in the same category, sorry to see they left.

Just my opinions here, and this is an experience we had. Its black and white, the service was horrible, and our waitress's name was Gracie. Sorry Gracie, you didn't make us feel very welcome with your "get in and out" greeting...

[Jonas Pilot]

This web site has changed dramatically in the last year or so. At one time these type of posts would have been few and far between. In my opinion this site has become much less nice. Before, when persons would become members they would tell the forum a little about themselves like where they were from and where they like to stay. Most stories were of their love of Lake Winnipesaukee and the many different things they enjoyed doing whilst up in the Lakes Region. Now more often than not new members hide behind a complete vail of anonymity and say anything they want. Once there was an unwritten code of conduct. We treated each other in writing as we would in person. I really miss that.

[BroadHopper]

I thought I might chime in. I've been wanting to say something about this web site for a looong time.

First of all, I can't imagine complaining about a restaurant on your first visit. To each his or her own. Everyone is different and so are the restuarants. The restaurants can't please everybody and I don't expect them to. If I find a restaurant I like, I will visit them again.

The key to my criticism is consistency. If the food and service is as good as the last visit or better, they get my vote! If the quality goes down hill, then I hit the highway.

If the restuarant made a big mistake such as hair in my soup etc. I expect the restuarant to own up to it and make amends. That is the only way they get my vote. Customers are always right.

So move on! I've seen many restuarants fold because of poor quality and or lack of service. The few that been around for years are here for a reason, they satisfy somebody! Even if it is not you!

[Altonbayicefishingfool]

In all honesty it is hard to find good dining these days..I was in the restaurant business from cook to manager for over 20 years.and yes I have bitched about a few establishments on here and some I have given good credit where credit is due. In this day and age it is very hard to find good restaurant help, both front of house and back. In a previous post someone hit the nail on the head that this waitress has probably been there since day 1. Could have been an "off" night, we all have them! Anyway, here is hope that new management may and probably will change things up a bit. Just my 2 cents

[bumble71]

If the rumor holds true that the owners of the Wolfeboro Diner are going to be
the new management team at the "point", then don't waste your time
even making a reservation.

Just sayin...

[secondcurve]

Originally Posted by Jonas Pilot

This web site has changed dramatically in the last year or so. At one time these type of posts would have been few and far between. In my opinion this site has become much less nice. Before, when persons would become members they would tell the forum a little about themselves like where they were from and where they like to stay. Most stories were of their love of Lake Winnipesaukee and the many different things they enjoyed doing whilst up in the Lakes Region. Now more often than not new members hide behind a complete vail of anonymity and say anything they want. Once there was an unwritten code of conduct. We treated each other in writing as we would in person. I really miss that.

JP:

I think you are viewing history with rose colored glasses. There have always been disagreements and spirited debate among members and this will likely always be the case. Recall the boating speed limit, Lobster Pound and boating death threads to name just a few that pop to mind. All of these were highly charged topics and all of them started well over a year ago.

I, like you, don't typically like first time posters who are overly critical of something such as a restaurant on their first post. That being said, I find Winnifan's comments and analysis to be well written and plausible. My guess is that this restaurant is probably not performing at its optimum level as the owners are just weeks away from a their long awaited retirement.

[Jonas Pilot]

It's funny (not) that you bring up the two instances that started the change of personality in this site. After then it became easier for anyone to through stones. My memory is fine.

[GTO]

Originally Posted by winnifan

Been coming to the lake for many years, just found the forum. Will post lots now, just so I'm "valid" and if you want to keep the forum fresh and growing you wouldnt make such selfish comments like you "own" this forum because you have more posts, grow up. It wasn't personal, I don't know her, but I wanted to be sure everyone knew it was one waitress in particular this time. I tried to find a manager, but the place was too crowded and no one was stopping to see I was at the front trying to find one, so she gets her name mentioned, she must own it, and so should Sandy Point. Clearly they wanted us in and out, after paying our $100 bill.

LOVE HARTS, went 3 times for lunch and dinner, ITS CLEAN, and they have made progress in trying to accommodate their clientele, such as adding a great bar space, which we ate in and LOVED. Their food is very different from Sandy Point, and you are not paying as much so you expect a little different type of experience, stop comparing apples to oranges. Lobster Pound mentioned because they have seafood comparable to Sandy Point, not sure I know of any others that may fit that criteria, although there was a place called "THE WILLOWS" there a few years ago that was great food and good atmosphere and may have been in the same category, sorry to see they left.

Just my opinions here, and this is an experience we had. Its black and white, the service was horrible, and our waitress's name was Gracie. Sorry Gracie, you didn't make us feel very welcome with your "get in and out" greeting...

Still waiting for "more posts to make you valid".

[no-engine]

Originally Posted by GTO

Still waiting for "more posts to make you valid".

Folks, it's unfortunate that a poster is critiqued by the number of previous posts.
I was not happy with things on this forum; I changed my account/user name, making me start at zero quite a while back.

Did the ZERO make all of you not trust comments I may have made???
All I say is very unfair to make judgements. I don't remember my previous user name, and that's very intentional.

If I am not educated about a topic, I make no comments. Bye, bye.

[Argie's Wife]

Not to get off-topic, no-engine, but I think that maybe posters here are a little leery of seeing someone with a few posts coming online, straight into the restaurant review forum, and writing a bad review.

We've had more than one poster who has come here for that reason alone - to trash an establishment, and leave. We had one that was a down-right troll and only here to cause problems.

Drive-by postings.

I don't think that's the case here...


We've had similar reviews of Sandy Point here before - outdated decor, pricy menu, etc. Use the search function of the site - you'll find them.

For the record, I finally set foot in Sandy Point just this year! I found it to be dated, but like upthesaukee, I like that look. It's like going to an old camp. I'd rather the owners spend their money on quality food and service, than decor. Alton Bay isn't exactly the Ritz and besides, you can't eat the decor. My first reason for going out to eat is that I want good food that I didn't have to cook myself!

All in all, I'd go back.

My point is that this all opinion - every bit of it. I find it interesting that posters review the poster who started the thread - perhaps looking for 'ulterior motives' for a poor review? Who knows....? Can't control what happens here, can we?

[jrc]

Ain't this all kind moot, since next season the restaurant will have entirely new management? We can bash the overly good or bad reviews then. I'm eager to see if they change the place.

We need another good place in Alton Bay. Pop's is good but not a sit down place, and Shibley's is hit or miss.

[Argie's Wife]

Originally Posted by jrc

Ain't this all kind moot, since next season the restaurant will have entirely new management? We can bash the overly good or bad reviews then. I'm eager to see if they change the place.

We need another good place in Alton Bay. Pop's is good but not a sit down place, and Shibley's is hit or miss.

Pop's isn't a sit-down-and-get-waited-on type of place but the dining room area and the deck above it is nice. At least, it was for us until one of the Arglets let rip from the upper deck with the Pop's Clam Shell frisbee that came with his meal, and hit a car going up Rt 11 with it.

[RLW]

Thanks for the chuckle. I love the part of one Frisbee headed across RT 11. What did mom & dad have to say about that one???

[Diver Vince]

Great meal last evening at The Point. Sorry to see an era ending and we wanted to go back once more before they closed in a couple of weeks. Service was impeccable from our waitress "Amy" as was the food. We'll see what happens in the spring.

[Argie's Wife]

Originally Posted by RLW

Thanks for the chuckle. I love the part of one Frisbee headed across RT 11. What did mom & dad have to say about that one???

Between exclamations of disbelief, comments about insurance coverage, and just thanking our lucky stars that the driver didn't stop to chew us out, or worse... I think we pretty much vowed we'd eat in the enclosure (downstairs) next time!

Back on topic....

Originally Posted by Diver Vince

Great meal last evening at The Point. Sorry to see an era ending and we wanted to go back once more before they closed in a couple of weeks. Service was impeccable from our waitress "Amy" as was the food. We'll see what happens in the spring.

When do they close for good, Diver?

[Diver Vince]

Originally Posted by Argie's Wife

When do they close for good, Diver?

I believe Oct 7th is the last day.

[no-engine]

Originally Posted by Argie's Wife

Not to get off-topic, no-engine, but I think that maybe posters here are a little leery of seeing someone with a few posts coming online, straight into the restaurant review forum, and writing a bad review.

We've had more than one poster who has come here for that reason alone - to trash an establishment, and leave. We had one that was a down-right troll and only here to cause problems.

Drive-by postings.

I don't think that's the case here...


We've had similar reviews of Sandy Point here before - outdated decor, pricy menu, etc. Use the search function of the site - you'll find them.

For the record, I finally set foot in Sandy Point just this year! I found it to be dated, but like upthesaukee, I like that look. It's like going to an old camp. I'd rather the owners spend their money on quality food and service, than decor. Alton Bay isn't exactly the Ritz and besides, you can't eat the decor. My first reason for going out to eat is that I want good food that I didn't have to cook myself!

All in all, I'd go back.

My point is that this all opinion - every bit of it. I find it interesting that posters review the poster who started the thread - perhaps looking for 'ulterior motives' for a poor review? Who knows....? Can't control what happens here, can we?

Very logical!!!

[GTO]

Originally Posted by no-engine

Folks, it's unfortunate that a poster is critiqued by the number of previous posts.
I was not happy with things on this forum; I changed my account/user name, making me start at zero quite a while back.

Did the ZERO make all of you not trust comments I may have made???
All I say is very unfair to make judgements. I don't remember my previous user name, and that's very intentional.

If I am not educated about a topic, I make no comments. Bye, bye.

The original poster (first time poster) bashed the place and even named names (weak). And then in the post to defend himself, said he would now "post lots". to make himself "valid". And since then,,,,,not one post, about anything. If it quacks like a duck.......

[winnifan]

Originally Posted by GTO

The original poster (first time poster) bashed the place and even named names (weak). And then in the post to defend himself, said he would now "post lots". to make himself "valid". And since then,,,,,not one post, about anything. If it quacks like a duck.......

WAH WAH WAH WAH WAH... this is a meanie posting only once so he/she isn't valid and I don't like people playing in my sandbox.... REALLY?????

I've been posting under different names, just for the fun of it.. I am on this site many times a week and read all the rediculous posts about Sandy Point. I don't need to justify myself to you or any other of the "bullies" on this site. I posted right after that original post explaining that I've been going to the Lakes Region for 30 years. I again don't have to validate it here.People like you are fools who want to bully people into thinking only your thoughts and opinions matter cause you have no life other than to be posting here. I am writing today, cause I'm just sick of the entire site, and will start reporting you all just to make your lives miserable. You don't own this site. Sandy Point was a horrible experience for us. If you like it great, I've gone to that restaurant about 20 times in the past several years, and each time it was a horrible experience. In most cases I was with large family parties and other people so it wasn't my plan, but this time will be my last. That is why I wrote it. I was fed up with paying $40 plus for a dinner and being treated bad by the service. And btw, even though there are no visible cockroaches, there were large and small flies and dead bugs in the windowsills. Funny cause those are pretty much the same dead bugs I've seen over the years. So my post was "justified" imho and again, who do you all think you are that complain when someone posts something just because its only once "quacks like a duck"... REALLLY??????? What does that mean, its a review website, with no "minimum post requirements" unless I missed something when I signed up???? wah wah wah, its my ball and I'm going home..........

[RailroadJoe]

Boy are you off the beaten path. Nice thoughts will outweigh bad thoughts many times over. Be nice it really wont hurt.

[Belmont Resident]

Originally Posted by RailroadJoe

Boy are you off the beaten path. Nice thoughts will outweigh bad thoughts many times over. Be nice it really wont hurt.

They just made themselves look twice as bad as the one they were criticizing.
Although I do agree this forum is and has been going down hill for several years now.
I'm doing work for another who monitors and posts and we were just commenting on how bad it is getting.