Lobster Pound Disaster

Resident 2B · 08-05-2010, 09:52 PM

Although I have only been to the Lobster Pound a few times, I enjoyed each visit. The food was good and the service has been resonably prompt and friendly.

No idea why someone would expect to have a sit down dinner on a busy night in 45 minutes or less. That makes no sense to me.

R2B

no-engine · 08-06-2010, 07:10 AM

I drive by often between 8:30 - 9:30 am, northbound, 4-6 days a week yearround.
During and the week before bike week, I could not even see that there was ever a restaurant building behind all the temporary tents and vinyl signs. I could not even see a pedestrian opening. Where would clients park a vehicle?

I hope they had a decent week!
Of course I admit that I have two opposing opinions of the entire event:
1. good for the region. Bikers will return with family for other events.
2. It's positive for only those businesses that are in direct proximity to events.

I personally know several restaurants (8-15 miles from the hub) who's regular clients stay away, therefore it's a down week for many. It's a "live with it" down week for many unrelated businesses.

It's all about "customer service"!

VtSteve · 08-06-2010, 07:54 AM

I've been to the LP and thoroughly enjoy the place. I know what it is, and I like it. Nice bar, good menu, I love the ribs, and the staff has served me well.

What I don;t get is why every thread about the LP is so contentious

There's nothing even remotely close to a hot button topic here. It's a big restaurant in a tourist area. It is what it is. I think Mike and company have done a good job, but opinions differ.

I'm really curious why their are actual attacks all the time on the LP, I guess I really don't get it

dpg · 08-06-2010, 10:58 AM

HUH????? What the heck did I miss. Did this thread totally do a 360 or am I just totally asleep at the wheel?

Lucky1 · 08-06-2010, 04:42 PM

Here's the thing. We went to a local restaurant recently and both of us had a poor tasting swordfish dinner. The fish just did not taste good at all. Neither of us wanted to disturb the other four in our group all of whom seemed pleased with their dinners so we let it go and kept our mouths shut.

I have already voted with my feet on that restaurand and rarely go there any more. If you do not like the Lobster Pound, then don't go there anymore. If you like the Lobster Pound, go. It is very simple really. I had the double lobster there earlier in the summer and it was a good dinner. I wrote an honest review and let it go at that. I have not gone back because it ended up costing much more than simply cooking the lobsters at home and one can have a potato and corn and dessert etc. The lobster came only with one side and the dessert was five dollars and it just was too expensive for something that is easily cooked at home. It was a nice enough meal and a nice atmosphere though.

I see a difference between mentioning a bad meal and going over it and over it. I would not write a bad review on this Forum about a restaurant even though it might save a restaurant in the long run. If no one complains, and people vote with their feet, the customer base falls off. This is not good for the restaurant. When I hear groupies all rush in to protect their favorite restaurant, I wonder how the restaurant will know that the food was not good and look into it. The restaurant may just think that the economy is off.

I think we all know that whoever it was did not like their dinner at the Lobster Pound. Were I that owner, I would offer another meal in good faith. Say I am sorry that you did not like the meal and want to have you come back and write after you eat when you are not so rushed and we are not so rushed. These things happen. It isn't brain cancer. Obviously if it goes on then no good will come of this experience. Show this lad that you can cook a good meal and try to improve if you can, but in the end the buck stops with you, the restaurant owners. If most people are satisfied you will not have a problem. Any person who complains in the fashion of this poster, needs to immediately be invited back with a olive branch not a list of excuses. That is just good business.

VitaBene · 08-07-2010, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VtSteve

I've been to the LP and thoroughly enjoy the place. I know what it is, and I like it. Nice bar, good menu, I love the ribs, and the staff has served me well.

What I don;t get is why every thread about the LP is so contentious

There's nothing even remotely close to a hot button topic here. It's a big restaurant in a tourist area. It is what it is. I think Mike and company have done a good job, but opinions differ.

I'm really curious why their are actual attacks all the time on the LP, I guess I really don't get it

Steve,

You are correct- the LP does seem to be polarizing. Perhaps because diners seem to have (based on the posts above and in other threads) widely varying experiences.

I stop in from time to time when out on the bike and have lunch. It can take a few minutes longer than I would like but if you are sitting on the roof deck, the views outweigh the wait!

robmac · 08-07-2010, 10:22 AM

I agree,the veiw from the deck is great which is where I go. And when it comes to food as long as it's good (which I have always found it to be there ) I don't mind it abit. I think tomorrow will be a great day for some time with my daughter on the deck.

twoplustwo · 08-09-2010, 03:58 AM

We were seated at a table on the deck at the Lobster Pound at Weirs Beach at 6:55PM. We told our waitress that we had concert tickets and would like to be given attentive service.

Showing up without reservations at 7pm on a weekend night at the height of the season and expecting anything other than waiting your turn makes you one of the many amateurs who show up at area restaurants around here. Were it my restaurant and I expected a 400+ head count that night, you would have been shown the door as your expectations are clearly warped. Next time pack a sandwich. They are workers, not wizards.

ApS · 08-09-2010, 05:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twoplustwo

"...They are workers, not wizards..."

A bit brusque, but nicely worded. It reminds me of an annoying sign put up by a secretary in my office:

Quote:

"Your lack of planning is not my emergency."

This'nThat · 08-09-2010, 06:35 AM

The Lobster Pound is the one and only restaraunt I avoid in the Lakes Region. I've been coming to the Lake for more than 20 years. In the beginning, we always managed to bring the whole family to the LP for a very enjoyable dinner. Beginning a few years back, the food quality took a dive for the worst. Initially, we thought it might be a bad day -- but the same poor quality was present the following two times we went there -- and now I avoid it altogether. Too much money for poor food.

So, I thank people like Skisox for their reports. Because I believe him. When the reports start to turn positive, I might take my $100 and give it another spin. But not till then.

VtSteve · 08-09-2010, 07:23 AM

My last meal there was at the bar for lunch, during a driving rainstorm. I had some of the best ribs I've had in a long time. I really love ribs, and I was surprised to see how good they were at a lobster restaurant. I ate the entire rack, then proceeded to head home.

Skip · 08-09-2010, 07:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Acres per Second

A bit brusque, but nicely worded. It reminds me of an annoying sign put up by a secretary in my office:

Small world!

I have a sign in my office that reads:

"Poor planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on mine!".

Rose · 08-09-2010, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skip

Small world!

I have a sign in my office that reads:

"Poor planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on mine!".

That's exactly the one I use....except there's another word that begins with P in front of "poor."

This'nThat · 08-09-2010, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VtSteve

What I don;t get is why every thread about the LP is so contentious

I'm really curious why their are actual attacks all the time on the LP, I guess I really don't get it

I haven't read anything from anyone yet that leads me to believe there is a conspiracy against the LP. Just the opposite. People want to go to the LP -- but when they do, and drop big money there -- they expect something in return.

Like good, reasonable service.
...And quality food.

It's when these expectations aren't met, that very frank and detailed comments are presented. And I think this forum is a good place to point this out.

So I ask these simple questions:

Why can't the food be good?
Why must the service be poor? After all, if a restaraunt can't handle 400 people, why do they insist on seating 400 people? In the old days, the LP actually closed off part of their restaraunt if they didn't have the staff on hand. Yeah, you might have had to wait to get seated; or maybe go to another place. But once seated -- you got great service, and really good food.

Why can't it be like that again? I'd be willing to bet the complaints disappear entirely under those conditions.

sa meredith · 08-09-2010, 02:01 PM

I never really gave this any thought, but an earlier post sparked my curiousity...
But first, let me state that they obviously must be doing things somewhat correctly over there, as the place is always packed and I, too, enjoy it there.
However... Why is that LP seems to get 1 or 2 really, really bad reviews each year..really bad. Stuff that makes people stir a bit...and then Mike Ray signs in, and posts that what actually took place IS THE EXACT OPPOSITE of what was written in the negative post...and then the original poster never returns to defend himself/herself...and the thread goes on and on and on for weeks, sometimes. Very strange. And let me be clear...I'm not insinuating the negative posters just let it fade away...I wonder if something else is at work here...
File under: "No such thing as bad publicity"????????

brk-lnt · 08-09-2010, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sa meredith

I never really gave this any thought, but an earlier post sparked my curiousity...

It sounds like you're implying he has sock puppet accounts. Go back and look at the posting history of the OP in this thread. I think it would take far more effort than it is worth for Mike (or anyone associated with the Lobster Pound) to create a sock puppet account to that extent, just to then use it to start a bashing thread.

It does seem like the LP has a fair bit of controversy surrounding them, but I think the threads are all legitimate.

sa meredith · 08-09-2010, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brk-lnt

It sounds like you're implying he has sock puppet accounts. Go back and look at the posting history of the OP in this thread. I think it would take far more effort than it is worth for Mike (or anyone associated with the Lobster Pound) to create a sock puppet account to that extent, just to then use it to start a bashing thread.

It does seem like the LP has a fair bit of controversy surrounding them, but I think the threads are all legitimate.

Yeah...I agree. It's just that how can the OP say one thing, and Mike say the exact opposite, and the OP not make one peep. I mean, they either ate the shrimp, or they didn't...no grey area.
He either ate his grouper, or he didn't. The plate was half full in one post, and licked clean in the next. Just seems strange...that's all.
Put me in the corner of saying I enjoy LP, and like their food. However, I find it a bit pricey, and think that they become overwhelmed at peak times, and service drops off a bit more than it should. But, who am I to say??? That parking lot always seems packed to me.

jetskier · 08-09-2010, 07:02 PM

I have been watching this thread and it is no wonder that this person has not spoken up again. Any one who brings up a critique is promptly shouted down. Whether his experience was indicative or reasonable does not matter, it was his experience. If I were the owner of the LP, I would send him a private email and offer him a dinner on the house. That would be a gesture of good faith. Shouting down people who have put down their money in good faith and have a reasonable complaint is not particularly productive for the patron or the establishment.

It is nice that the LP is busy, good for them. Personally, I was unhappy with my last meal and as they say, " you are only as good as your last meal." My decision is to take my business elsewhere. You may love the LP, good for you. Luckily there are still lots of choices here in the lake region and my favorite might not be yours, but you are entitled to your opinion.

Jetskier

gtagrip · 08-10-2010, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sa meredith

I never really gave this any thought, but an earlier post sparked my curiousity...
But first, let me state that they obviously must be doing things somewhat correctly over there, as the place is always packed and I, too, enjoy it there.
However... Why is that LP seems to get 1 or 2 really, really bad reviews each year..really bad. Stuff that makes people stir a bit...and then Mike Ray signs in, and posts that what actually took place IS THE EXACT OPPOSITE of what was written in the negative post...and then the original poster never returns to defend himself/herself...and the thread goes on and on and on for weeks, sometimes. Very strange. And let me be clear...I'm not insinuating the negative posters just let it fade away...I wonder if something else is at work here...
File under: "No such thing as bad publicity"????????

NoBozo, I guess this is the post I should have responded to with my comments. I hope this clarifys my position.

NoBozo · 08-10-2010, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gtagrip

NoBozo, I guess this is the post I should have responded to with my comments. I hope this clarifys my position.

NOPE: You said what you said.........OR.... maybe you didn't say it.

NB

anne154 · 08-10-2010, 07:42 PM

Like SA Meredith I dropped by the Lobster Pound this summer around 4pm, went to the bar to eat. There were 4 people present, and very few in the dining room.

I waited about an hour before inquiring if my dinner was going to be served. The waitress/bartender checked, then said it would be 15 more minutes! 15 minutes later, I had to ask again. My food was brought out, tepid.

My experience is in line with others who had to wait far too long to be served, and who had little attention from the wait-staff.

Irrigation Guy · 08-10-2010, 09:03 PM

I don't get it. The original poster does this twice about the same place and just disappears when others ask follow up questions.

Check his history and then decide.

Here is an interesting post from 9-21-08 for those who don't want to look back.

Quote:

Originally Posted by skisox24

We went into the Lobster Pound last weekend with the goal of a quick meal prior to our Meadowbrook show. This was our third time at the new Lobster Pound. We applaud the new owneres for the terrific renovation of the old facility, and have appreciated the superb view from the upstairs outdoor lounge.

The food has been uneven. My wife really enjoyed the scallops, but the other seafood and shellfish choices have been just OK. Having dined there twice before, we knew that the menu prices were excessive, but also understood that we are OK with marginally higher prices in exchange for the new atmosphere and the superlative view.

But not this time. They have one pound of steamers on the menu for $15. That is way overpriced to begin with, and on my two prior experiences, I question whether the quantity served truly equals one pound. Town Docks in Meredith and Kevin's Cafe in Moultonborough provide generous portions of steamers at a much lower cost. For example, Kevin's Cafe provides a pound and a-half at $10. Town Docks, two pounds for $14. Well, on this particular night, Lobster Pound had a little notice stapled to their menu that declared that due to the recent increase in steamer prices, that the cost listed in their menu for one pound ($15) would have to be surcharged $3!!! $18 for less than one pound of steamers? A total ripoff. The manager informed us that their supplyer had significantly increased their per-bushel steamer cost. Town Docks and Kevin's later informed me that their sourcing costs have not materially changed. So....BEWARE!!!!

08-06-2010, 07:10 AM	#2
no-engine Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: West side Winnipesaukee, Lakes Region Posts: 516 Thanks: 20 Thanked 52 Times in 40 Posts	Fyi I drive by often between 8:30 - 9:30 am, northbound, 4-6 days a week yearround. During and the week before bike week, I could not even see that there was ever a restaurant building behind all the temporary tents and vinyl signs. I could not even see a pedestrian opening. Where would clients park a vehicle? I hope they had a decent week! Of course I admit that I have two opposing opinions of the entire event: 1. good for the region. Bikers will return with family for other events. 2. It's positive for only those businesses that are in direct proximity to events. I personally know several restaurants (8-15 miles from the hub) who's regular clients stay away, therefore it's a down week for many. It's a "live with it" down week for many unrelated businesses. It's all about "customer service"!

08-09-2010, 03:58 AM	#8
twoplustwo Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 456 Thanks: 51 Thanked 39 Times in 21 Posts	amateur hour We were seated at a table on the deck at the Lobster Pound at Weirs Beach at 6:55PM. We told our waitress that we had concert tickets and would like to be given attentive service. Showing up without reservations at 7pm on a weekend night at the height of the season and expecting anything other than waiting your turn makes you one of the many amateurs who show up at area restaurants around here. Were it my restaurant and I expected a 400+ head count that night, you would have been shown the door as your expectations are clearly warped. Next time pack a sandwich. They are workers, not wizards.

08-09-2010, 02:01 PM	#15
sa meredith Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 986 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 32 Thanked 352 Times in 137 Posts	curious I never really gave this any thought, but an earlier post sparked my curiousity... But first, let me state that they obviously must be doing things somewhat correctly over there, as the place is always packed and I, too, enjoy it there. However... Why is that LP seems to get 1 or 2 really, really bad reviews each year..really bad. Stuff that makes people stir a bit...and then Mike Ray signs in, and posts that what actually took place IS THE EXACT OPPOSITE of what was written in the negative post...and then the original poster never returns to defend himself/herself...and the thread goes on and on and on for weeks, sometimes. Very strange. And let me be clear...I'm not insinuating the negative posters just let it fade away...I wonder if something else is at work here... File under: "No such thing as bad publicity"????????

08-09-2010, 07:02 PM	#18
jetskier Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: North Reading, MA and South Down Shores Posts: 851 Thanks: 57 Thanked 183 Times in 114 Posts	You know... I have been watching this thread and it is no wonder that this person has not spoken up again. Any one who brings up a critique is promptly shouted down. Whether his experience was indicative or reasonable does not matter, it was his experience. If I were the owner of the LP, I would send him a private email and offer him a dinner on the house. That would be a gesture of good faith. Shouting down people who have put down their money in good faith and have a reasonable complaint is not particularly productive for the patron or the establishment. It is nice that the LP is busy, good for them. Personally, I was unhappy with my last meal and as they say, " you are only as good as your last meal." My decision is to take my business elsewhere. You may love the LP, good for you. Luckily there are still lots of choices here in the lake region and my favorite might not be yours, but you are entitled to your opinion. Jetskier

08-05-2010, 09:52 PM	#1
Resident 2B Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: North Shore, MA Posts: 1,357 Thanks: 994 Thanked 313 Times in 163 Posts	Although I have only been to the Lobster Pound a few times, I enjoyed each visit. The food was good and the service has been resonably prompt and friendly. No idea why someone would expect to have a sit down dinner on a busy night in 45 minutes or less. That makes no sense to me. R2B

08-06-2010, 07:54 AM	#3
VtSteve Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 1,320 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 230 Thanked 361 Times in 169 Posts	I've been to the LP and thoroughly enjoy the place. I know what it is, and I like it. Nice bar, good menu, I love the ribs, and the staff has served me well. What I don;t get is why every thread about the LP is so contentious There's nothing even remotely close to a hot button topic here. It's a big restaurant in a tourist area. It is what it is. I think Mike and company have done a good job, but opinions differ. I'm really curious why their are actual attacks all the time on the LP, I guess I really don't get it

08-06-2010, 10:58 AM	#4
dpg Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 2,597 Thanks: 153 Thanked 229 Times in 166 Posts	HUH????? What the heck did I miss. Did this thread totally do a 360 or am I just totally asleep at the wheel?

08-06-2010, 04:42 PM	#5
Lucky1 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Moultonborough and FL Posts: 459 Thanks: 318 Thanked 123 Times in 53 Posts	Here's the thing. We went to a local restaurant recently and both of us had a poor tasting swordfish dinner. The fish just did not taste good at all. Neither of us wanted to disturb the other four in our group all of whom seemed pleased with their dinners so we let it go and kept our mouths shut. I have already voted with my feet on that restaurand and rarely go there any more. If you do not like the Lobster Pound, then don't go there anymore. If you like the Lobster Pound, go. It is very simple really. I had the double lobster there earlier in the summer and it was a good dinner. I wrote an honest review and let it go at that. I have not gone back because it ended up costing much more than simply cooking the lobsters at home and one can have a potato and corn and dessert etc. The lobster came only with one side and the dessert was five dollars and it just was too expensive for something that is easily cooked at home. It was a nice enough meal and a nice atmosphere though. I see a difference between mentioning a bad meal and going over it and over it. I would not write a bad review on this Forum about a restaurant even though it might save a restaurant in the long run. If no one complains, and people vote with their feet, the customer base falls off. This is not good for the restaurant. When I hear groupies all rush in to protect their favorite restaurant, I wonder how the restaurant will know that the food was not good and look into it. The restaurant may just think that the economy is off. I think we all know that whoever it was did not like their dinner at the Lobster Pound. Were I that owner, I would offer another meal in good faith. Say I am sorry that you did not like the meal and want to have you come back and write after you eat when you are not so rushed and we are not so rushed. These things happen. It isn't brain cancer. Obviously if it goes on then no good will come of this experience. Show this lad that you can cook a good meal and try to improve if you can, but in the end the buck stops with you, the restaurant owners. If most people are satisfied you will not have a problem. Any person who complains in the fashion of this poster, needs to immediately be invited back with a olive branch not a list of excuses. That is just good business.

The Following 3 Users Say Thank You to Lucky1 For This Useful Post:
jetskier (08-06-2010), Meredith lady (08-07-2010), VitaBene (08-07-2010)

08-07-2010, 10:22 AM	#7
robmac Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Nashua,Meredith Posts: 951 Thanks: 213 Thanked 106 Times in 81 Posts	I agree,the veiw from the deck is great which is where I go. And when it comes to food as long as it's good (which I have always found it to be there ) I don't mind it abit. I think tomorrow will be a great day for some time with my daughter on the deck.

08-09-2010, 06:35 AM	#10
This'nThat Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 534 Thanks: 19 Thanked 134 Times in 61 Posts	The Lobster Pound is the one and only restaraunt I avoid in the Lakes Region. I've been coming to the Lake for more than 20 years. In the beginning, we always managed to bring the whole family to the LP for a very enjoyable dinner. Beginning a few years back, the food quality took a dive for the worst. Initially, we thought it might be a bad day -- but the same poor quality was present the following two times we went there -- and now I avoid it altogether. Too much money for poor food. So, I thank people like Skisox for their reports. Because I believe him. When the reports start to turn positive, I might take my $100 and give it another spin. But not till then.

The Following User Says Thank You to This'nThat For This Useful Post:
Bigstan (08-09-2010)

08-09-2010, 07:23 AM	#11
VtSteve Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 1,320 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 230 Thanked 361 Times in 169 Posts	My last meal there was at the bar for lunch, during a driving rainstorm. I had some of the best ribs I've had in a long time. I really love ribs, and I was surprised to see how good they were at a lobster restaurant. I ate the entire rack, then proceeded to head home.

The Following User Says Thank You to sa meredith For This Useful Post:
Winnipesaukee Divers (08-09-2010)

08-10-2010, 07:42 PM	#21
anne154 Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 7 Thanks: 0 Thanked 12 Times in 2 Posts	Like SA Meredith I dropped by the Lobster Pound this summer around 4pm, went to the bar to eat. There were 4 people present, and very few in the dining room. I waited about an hour before inquiring if my dinner was going to be served. The waitress/bartender checked, then said it would be 15 more minutes! 15 minutes later, I had to ask again. My food was brought out, tepid. My experience is in line with others who had to wait far too long to be served, and who had little attention from the wait-staff.