Disappointment with Garwood’s

[dmjr]

Yesterday I took some clients out to lunch at Garwood’s. I was less than impressed with the service and the quality of the food that was served. I was there about 2 months ago and the service and the food was great.

[SAB1]

Agreed. Common problem up that way. The number of decent places to eat can be counted on one hand. I just go to Mill Street Meat Market in Back Bay and I can grill anything out of there the betters going out.

[jrc]

Consistent food and service is tough to find around the lake. I went to an expensive Gilford resturant last week and the food was great, same restaurant this week. Food was disappointing.

Imagine a business built on around 15 busy Saturday nights and 350 slow days. Tough to get good help.

[Pinklake]

I agree with you about Garwoods. I use to love it there, Spiniaka Pasta was the best!! until they replaced the sun dried tomatoes with chopped. So many people complained about this dish, the just stopped making it instead of buying the sun-dried tomatoes!!!

Even my favorite restaurant "Canoe" was very disappointing on my last visit.

The server was new, but the worst ever!!!! Also it took 4 times to get my drink order "almost" right. Southern Comfort Manhattan straight up!!!! Nothing fancy or new about that!!!!

My husband and I love to go out to eat with our 4 kids, or our neighbors. We don't mind the high prices for good food, but the food lately does not reflect the high price!!!!!!

[BernerGuy]

Originally Posted by Pinklake

I agree with you about Garwoods. I use to love it there, Spiniaka Pasta was the best!! until they replaced the sun dried tomatoes with chopped. So many people complained about this dish, the just stopped making it instead of buying the sun-dried tomatoes!!!

Even my favorite restaurant "Canoe" was very disappointing on my last visit.

The server was new, but the worst ever!!!! Also it took 4 times to get my drink order "almost" right. Southern Comfort Manhattan straight up!!!! Nothing fancy or new about that!!!!

My husband and I love to go out to eat with our 4 kids, or our neighbors. We don't mind the high prices for good food, but the food lately does not reflect the high price!!!!!!

Just a question about how you ordered your Manhattan. I am in no way affiliated with any restaurant or business up this way, but it is always a question that comes up when I go out with friends. A Manhattan can be served Sweet, Dry, or perfect. If you generally order yours "Southern Comfort Manhattan" how does it generally come to you? Just curious.

[Pinklake]

A southern comfort manhattan should not taste like water.

I always order A southern comfort manhattan, chilled straight up. It's Southern Comfort, its always sweet!!!! Most manhattans are made with rye, so you must specify dry or sweet!!!!

[tis]

That is a common complaint about Garwood's-the menu. It is such an amazing spot, it's too bad the menu couldn't be changed a little or a lot.

[Pinklake]

I agree!!! Beautiful little place!!! Nice destination by boat!!! Great and friendly bartenders!!!

And the food was awesome!!!!! All they need is to do is go back to what they were doing before.

I find that once great little restaurants become popular because of the great food, they renovate. Then in order to pay for the renovations, they skimp on the food!!!

I have not given up on them yet, they just need to listen to their customers and get back to their starting point!!!

[JTA]

In my book a SC manhattan was made with 2 parts SC and 1 part dry vermouth. Thanks for reminding me, I'm on my way to the lake tomorrow. Think I'll stop at the liquor store.

[Lucy Goose]

I agree wonderful spot and nice renovations even though I miss the old nostalgic boats on the ceiling. I also think the menu changes are not good either. I miss the old Mac n Cheese. I also think you get a lot less for your dollar now and the prices have gone up. Their drinks are very expensive. Maybe some happy hours or drink specials should be in order since happy hours are once again legal.

[tis]

Originally Posted by Lucy Goose

I agree wonderful spot and nice renovations even though I miss the old nostalgic boats on the ceiling. I also think the menu changes are not good either. I miss the old Mac n Cheese. I also think you get a lot less for your dollar now and the prices have gone up. Their drinks are very expensive. Maybe some happy hours or drink specials should be in order since happy hours are once again legal.

Yes, the drinks are very expensive. I don't usually have a drink when we go out, but decided to. Then, everyone was just sitting around and having another one so after a while, I decided to, also. The drinks were 9$ each. The ONE time I have 2 drinks in YEARS, and I paid 18$!!!

[MeredithFamily]

Wow is all I can say! Way too much $$$ for what you get. $21.95 Lobster Roll Special. It was the smallest lobster roll I have ever seen. It maybe had one leg/claw worth of meat ontop of a flattened four inch (mini) hotdog roll. It came with 10 cold french fries and a tablespoon of slaw...(i'm not exaggerating) I got ripped off!! My wife had the haddock and it was awful. oh-well lesson learned!