Lyons Den

Woody38 · 08-12-2017, 08:33 PM

We were out this afternoon and decided to eat out. Wanting a place that we had not been to last week we thought Lyons Den. No reservation mind you.
We had a nice table and were told we had an hour and 45 minutes. Obviously plenty of time for dinner. We have been there for lunch previously and yes the baked stuffed haddock is super. Last night I had the roasted duck which turned out to be an excellent choice as well as the baked stuffed shrimp my wife had. I had a good banter with our server as she has a great sense of humor. All the staff are courteous and knowledgeable. Lyons Den is now on our go to list. It is nice to visit a restaurant which takes pride in their service and in serving super food at a reasonable price. The duck is the best I have had in years.

I am a retired workaholic and continuing aquaholic.

Outdoorsman · 08-13-2017, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Woody38

We were out this afternoon and decided to eat out. Wanting a place that we had not been to last week we thought Lyons Den. No reservation mind you.
We had a nice table and were told we had an hour and 45 minutes.

Since when does a restaurant dictate the amount if time you have at a table? (RE: the Canoe thread too)?

Reilly · 08-13-2017, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Outdoorsman

Since when does a restaurant dictate the amount if time you have at a table? (RE: the Canoe thread too)?

Obviously they had a reservation in that amount of time, would u want someone else at your table when you arrived for dinner with a reservation ????

tis · 08-13-2017, 06:52 PM

We were talking to some friends today and they were dining at Lyon's Den and were also told they had to leave because they had another reservation for the table. This was after a wait for drinks and then a wait for dessert.

BrownstoneNorth · 08-13-2017, 08:12 PM

Originally Posted by Woody38

"We were out this afternoon and decided to eat out. Wanting a place that we had not been to last week we thought Lyons Den. No reservation mind you.
We had a nice table and were told we had an hour and 45 minutes."

Quote:

Originally Posted by Outdoorsman

Since when does a restaurant dictate the amount if time you have at a table? (RE: the Canoe thread too)?

If you're a walk-in and the only tables available have parties with reservations arriving later it's perfectly reasonable for the restaurant to warn you that you'll only have however much time; it would be unfair either to you or the party with the reservation to do otherwise. We go to Lyon's Den only with reservations and appreciate that our table has always been ready.

Once when we called to make a reservation Lauren (owner) suggested that we come a half hour earlier because a large party would be arriving at the same same time we had requested, which would slow down our service -- we were glad she told us, took her advice, and got in our orders in advance of the large party.

Woody38 · 08-13-2017, 09:01 PM

We were not told we had a certain amount of time in which we had to eat. It was that there was a reservation for the table and we would not have to eat quickly. Extremely nice as they could easily have said there was nothing available. We knew going in there could be a problem but were treated as a treasured guest. Always enjoy the Lyons Den.
The chef is fantastic as the duck was the best I've ever had. Kudos. Baked stuffed shrimp terrific.

I am a retired workaholic and continuing aquaholic.

JanN · 08-13-2017, 11:44 PM

First time I ever heard restaurants telling customers they had to finish in a certain time. Not sure I would frequent restaurants with this policy. A disturbing policy if this is a new trend.

Barney Bear · 08-14-2017, 12:15 AM

Made reservations today for dinner later this week. No restrictions. Very pleasant lady took the reservation request. Even said that we will have a table with a nice view of the lake. 🐻

baygo · 08-14-2017, 12:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JanN

First time I ever heard restaurants telling customers they had to finish in a certain time. Not sure I would frequent restaurants with this policy. A disturbing policy if this is a new trend.

How about this scenario; A restaurant gets a call on Wednesday for a table at 7 o'clock Saturday night. The restaurant pencils in the reservation. A customer without a reservation shows up as a walk-in at 6:15 on Saturday night. The only empty table in the house is the one being held for the people who reserved it at 7 PM. What would you suggest a restaurant and do?

tis · 08-14-2017, 07:20 AM

Baygo, that is a little different. If I couldn't be there on time, I would expect to be pushed a little. But if I had reservations and was on time, I would not want to be rushed through my meal. It seems to me that the amount of time most people spend in a restaurant depends on how quickly they are served. If they are done eating and just sitting there for a long time while people are waiting, that is a different story.

SAMIAM · 08-14-2017, 08:27 AM

Wow....that is a tough call. Either way, someone is going to be unhappy.
To make matters worse....if you turn down the walk-in customer, the reservation will probably show up half an hour late.
Not easy being a restaurant owner.

TiltonBB · 08-16-2017, 05:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SAMIAM

Wow....that is a tough call. Either way, someone is going to be unhappy.
To make matters worse....if you turn down the walk-in customer, the reservation will probably show up half an hour late.
Not easy being a restaurant owner.

In any business serving the public you will never keep 100% of your customers happy. But social media has made it easy to "out" any place that a customer has a problem with. Even if the customer is wrong, it is difficult for the owner or manager to engage in a public fight with a disgruntled patron.

According to CNBC: 60% of new restaurants fail within their first year. 80% fail within the first five years.

Yes, it is a difficult business, but some local places still manage to do it very well. You know who you are!

Phantom · 08-16-2017, 07:24 AM

I am happy to see that Lauren has stayed out of this debate (and I know that she watches this forum) unlike other Establishment owners who only dug themselves deeper by making comments. A great tactic in "Letting your reputation speak for you"

As TiltonBB says, " you will never keep 100% of your customers happy" but for the other 99% of us ...... Lauren & Roland had their early years rough patch (primarily just getting the word out that they existed) but have now firmly established one of the Lakes Regions finer and consistent dining establishments for which, at least I, will continue to support strongly & introduce new people to this great dining experience.

.

ishoot308 · 08-16-2017, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phantom

I am happy to see that Lauren has stayed out of this debate (and I know that she watches this forum) unlike other Establishment owners who only dug themselves deeper by making comments. A great tactic in "Letting your reputation speak for you"

As TiltonBB says, " you will never keep 100% of your customers happy" but for the other 99% of us ...... Lauren & Roland had their early years rough patch (primarily just getting the word out that they existed) but have now firmly established one of the Lakes Regions finer and consistent dining establishments for which, at least I, will continue to support strongly & introduce new people to this great dining experience.

.

Well said!

Dan

GBGX2 · 08-16-2017, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ishoot308

Well said!

Dan

We really enjoy both the bar staff and the food here...always very consistent and a very warm environment anytime of the year !

Airedale1 · 08-16-2017, 11:47 AM

We have never had a bad meal there. We love the Lyons Den! Great food, views and service. They have the best onion soup I have ever had!

Resident 2B · 08-16-2017, 12:13 PM

My wife and I have dined numerous times at Lyon's Den over the years. We have always enjoyed the complete dining experience. We like other restaurants in the area, but Lyon's Den is our favorite, by far.

Thank you Lyons' family and everyone that has worked there for making this such a special place.

R2B

Barney Bear · 08-16-2017, 05:31 PM

We had our usual wonderful dining experience yesterday while celebrating my brother's wedding anniversary at the Lyons Den. Both my brother and his wife chose the duck recommended by Slickcraft in post #53 above. They heartily concurred! A fantastic time was had by all. 🐻

Slickcraft · 08-16-2017, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barney Bear

We had our usual wonderful dining experience yesterday while celebrating my brother's wedding anniversary at the Lyons Den. Both my brother and his wife chose the duck recommended by Slickcraft in post #53 above. They heartily concurred! A fantastic time was had by all. 🐻

We have our reservation for Saturday dinner, 40th anniversary. Duck it will be.

Woody38 · 08-22-2017, 08:35 PM

My wife and I had a fantastic late lunch, early bird or early dinner today. Fabulous as usual with fresh tasty food done right and very pleasant staff.
Lauren is a nice person. Homemade sour cream and coleslaw.

I am a retired workaholic and continuing aquaholic.

thinkxingu · 08-14-2017, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tis

Baygo, that is a little different. If I couldn't be there on time, I would expect to be pushed a little. But if I had reservations and was on time, I would not want to be rushed through my meal. It seems to me that the amount of time most people spend in a restaurant depends on how quickly they are served. If they are done eating and just sitting there for a long time while people are waiting, that is a different story.

tis, nobody with reservations has been told they have to move quickly--here nor (as best I saw) on the Canoe thread. The only people being asked to eat in a time span are those without reservations coming in to a restaurant where the only open tables are those that have upcoming reservations.

I don't get the big fuss here--as we all know, most (if not all) restaurants in the Lakes Region need to make as much money as possible during the season in order to make it through the winter. I, as mentioned in the Canoe thread, am glad restaurants decide to give patrons the option to eat in that time frame rather than turn them away completely.

PS As above, the Canoe, and Bob Shed threads show, even though it should be a win-win, it's really a lose-lose.

Sent from my XT1528 using Tapatalk

tis · 08-14-2017, 12:43 PM

tis, nobody with reservations has been told they have to move quickly--here nor (as best I saw) on the Canoe thread. The only people being asked to eat in a time span are those without reservations coming in to a restaurant where the only open tables are those that have upcoming reservations.

I don't get the big fuss here--as we all know, most (if not all) restaurants in the Lakes Region need to make as much money as possible during the season in or

Think,

My friends DID have reservations at Lyon's Den and were told they had to move quickly because somebody else was coming in after them, also with reservations.

thinkxingu · 08-14-2017, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tis

Think,

My friends DID have reservations at Lyon's Den and were told they had to move quickly because somebody else was coming in after them, also with reservations.

Ah, I didn't see that (I reread all the comments in this thread, but maybe I missed it)--I agree that wouldn't be right.

Sent from my XT1528 using Tapatalk

hd333 · 08-14-2017, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baygo

How about this scenario; A restaurant gets a call on Wednesday for a table at 7 o'clock Saturday night. The restaurant pencils in the reservation. A customer without a reservation shows up as a walk-in at 6:15 on Saturday night. The only empty table in the house is the one being held for the people who reserved it at 7 PM. What would you suggest a restaurant and do?

Very easy.

Host/Hostess is honest with the customer.

Tell them the open table has a party coming in at 7:00 and if they would like the table they need to be out by 7 and that you will do everything in your power to expedite their food coming out. Let the customer decide if they simply want to eat or if they wanted to be there for a while.

Don't say you can have the table but you have to eat fast, give them some background.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

FlyingScot · 08-14-2017, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hd333

Very easy.

Host/Hostess is honest with the customer.

Tell them the open table has a party coming in at 7:00 and if they would like the table they need to be out by 7 and that you will do everything in your power to expedite their food coming out. Let the customer decide if they simply want to eat or if they wanted to be there for a while.

Don't say you can have the table but you have to eat fast, give them some background.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I agree it's easy if the host is honest and smiles. But I think 45 mins is too tight, so I'd tell the 6pm arrivals that I'm sorry but that table is reserved, and I'd give them a business card with a phone number so that next time they can call.

This situation is very different than the complaints above

Biggd · 08-14-2017, 10:05 AM

I'm sure we all have restaurant horror stories. My wife and I always loved Frattello's but we walked in there one night and was told there was and 1 1/2 hour wait. No problem, we put our name in and went for a nice walk down by the lake as it was a nice night. 1 1/2 hours later they sat us, the waiter came over and told us that the kitchen was extremely backed up and we probably wouldn't see our meal for over an hour. If we had been told that in the first place we never would have waited. Now it's 830 pm and we are not going to see our meal until 930 pm at the earliest? Not acceptable behavior!
We left and went to Patrick's and have never been back. That was 2 years ago. They may not need my business but I also don't need their food.

Doobs41378 · 08-14-2017, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeterG

I agree it's easy if the host is honest and smiles. But I think 45 mins is too tight, so I'd tell the 6pm arrivals that I'm sorry but that table is reserved, and I'd give them a business card with a phone number so that next time they can call.

This situation is very different than the complaints above

But if others did not think 45 minutes was too tight ( if the kitchen worked with them ) then why not let the customer decide? I am sure the owner and wait staff would appreciate the business if the customer was ok with it.

Mr. V · 08-13-2017, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Woody38

. The duck is the best I have had in years.

I wonder how their duck compares to that once served proudly at the now defunct Hickory Stick?

Slickcraft · 08-14-2017, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. V

I wonder how their duck compares to that once served proudly at the now defunct Hickory Stick?

I used to enjoy Hickory Stick duck once a summer. Now I enjoy duck once a summer at the Lyon's Den. A long time gap in between but I find duck at the Den equally good.

phoenix · 09-16-2017, 09:33 PM

went with a group in August in lieu of our normal trip to Sandy and we all enjoyed our meals. Will go again next year

nerual721 · 09-20-2017, 03:20 PM

Phantom, I appreciate your kind words and we do try to let our reputation speak for itself. However, there are a couple of issues to weigh in on here.

First, reservations or no reservations..... what a slippery slope that is. We recently received an email from someone who had a dinner reservation and though it was their first time the couple they were with have been here on numerous occasions.

I will not copy the customer's email here, but only my response.

Thank you for your email and thank you for coming to the Lyons' Den. I am glad to hear that you enjoyed your food and your server. We have been operating for 11 1/2 years now and as I'm sure you noticed we are quite small. We seat only about 44 patrons at a time. Part of our success and reasonable pricing is attributable to our ability to utilize a table more than once in an evening. We have been taking reservations for 10 years and most tables of 2 to 4 people average 1 hour and 25 minutes from beginning to end. I checked your ticket and found that you were here a bit over 2 hours. I am sorry that you felt rushed. Should you decided to give us another try then I would ask that when you make the reservation you request a 2 1/2 to 3 hour table. We will do our best to accommodate you but may not be able to take a 2 1/2 hour reservation on a busy night. We do have other regular customers who make this request as they are aware of our size limitations.

I did also want you to know that when your server made me aware of the timing issue with your table I did make every effort to relocate the party of 6 that was waiting for your table but was not able to reconfigure any group of tables successfully to avoid rushing you. Again, my apologies.

I am not sure if there is a better way to have handled that situation but we seriously make every effort not to "rush" people with reservations. Accordingly, due to our size when people make reservations and we have another reservation before or after theirs we try to let them know that going in, so there is an expectation of any time limit or possible wait that there might be.

As for miscellaneous food complaints, especially portion size and pricing. I keep myself very well informed about pricing in the surrounding area restaurants and we are definitely on the low end of the scale price wise for the quality and portion sizes of our food. And, given the opportunity to "fix" a problem with price/portion we are very receptive to making adjustments. That being said I cannot fix a problem that I do not know exists. If someone leaves The Den unhappy and they have not brought it to the attention of their server or me directly then I am at a loss as to how to fix it. To hear about a complaint by reading it in The Forum or on one of the other social media review venues for the first time is irksome. We do our very best to make sure everyone has the best dining experience possible and on that point I will happily stand on our reputation and end my diatribe.

Lauren

Phantom · 09-27-2017, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nerual721

Phantom, I appreciate your kind words and we do try to let our reputation speak for itself.

Sorry have been traveling internationally ..........

Kind words perhaps, but also just stating the obvious as can be seen & verified in the posts that followed !

My view -- you can't please 100% of the people, 100% of the time (don't exhaust yourself trying), those very few who do not like the Den for whatever reason simply make it easier for me to get a Reservation!

.

Tmm1974 · 09-28-2017, 12:19 PM

Went to Lyons den recently for dinner. I found the food to be good quality but the portions were pathetic. The "jumbo" shrimp cocktail should be taken off the menu. Very disappointing and we won't be back.

Barney Bear · 09-28-2017, 01:29 PM

Went to the the Lyons Den recently for dinner. We found the food to be delicious and the portions were sufficient. Very satisfying and we will be back. 🐻

joey2665 · 09-28-2017, 04:45 PM

Like every restaurant some people like it some don't. Seems Lyons Den and Canoe are the two people like to go back and forth on.

As I stated before I felt Lyons Den was ok my first few times and I agree the portions, especially seafood can be a little on the light side, but after hearing all the raves about the duck I am certainly willing to give it another try.

Slickcraft · 09-28-2017, 08:06 PM

Portion size?

I suppose that because that I am from an older generation that quality rates much higher than a huge serving size. Often we are presented with way too much on our plate and a mound of food does not make up for it being average at best. Apparently a common criteria for rating served meals now is pounds per plate as evidenced by the sizing of clothing. Currently medium is the former XL. Oh well, each to their own.

Descant · 09-28-2017, 10:34 PM

Yeah. I used to be a medium, now XL. Took several decades to make the transition. And I still have take home from Lyons Den.
Let';s face it, Lyons Den has some very dedicated patrons, some who are never pleased anywhere, and some who will, over time, move into the dedicated category.
Aside from quality, price, service, etc I appreciate the reservation process that gets me in and lets me know that my neighbors will be arriving later and we can all be seated sometime, instead of being turned away.

Resident 2B · 09-28-2017, 10:40 PM

Lyon's Den is our favorite restaurant in the lakes region. Food, service overall dining experience are second to none. No other restaurant comes close.

R2B

rsmlp · 09-29-2017, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Resident 2B

Lyon's Den is our favorite restaurant in the lakes region. Food, service overall dining experience are second to none. No other restaurant comes close.

R2B

One thing I can tell you for sure is that everyone's opinion varies depending on their own taste. I find Lyon's Den good but nothing special. Squam Lake Inn good. Lavinia's, Canoe, Lago, Lemon Grass, Corner house all good. For OUR money, Woodshed and Lakehouse Grille slightly better than aforementioned. i guarantee other opinions will vary.

joey2665 · 09-29-2017, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rsmlp

One thing I can tell you for sure is that everyone's opinion varies depending on their own taste. I find Lyon's Den good but nothing special. Squam Lake Inn good. Lavinia's, Canoe, Lago, Lemon Grass, Corner house all good. For OUR money, Woodshed and Lakehouse Grille slightly better than aforementioned. i guarantee other opinions will vary.

You've got that right especially on this site!!!

Biggd · 09-29-2017, 11:24 AM

I've run my own business for over 40 years and I can tell you that it's impossible to please everyone. I always think of the line in the movie "Road House", "be nice until I tell not to be nice". There are just some people that are impossible to please and will push you to the limit no matter how nice you are.
As a customer I'm not a complainer in public unless provoked. If I don't like an establishment I just don't go back. There are plenty of others businesses that will gladly take my hard earned money.

joey2665 · 09-29-2017, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biggd

I've run my own business for over 40 years and I can tell you that it's impossible to please everyone. I always think of the line in the movie "Road House", "be nice until I tell not to be nice". There are just some people that are impossible to please and will push you to the limit no matter how nice you are.
As a customer I'm not a complainer in public unless provoked. If I don't like an establishment I just don't go back. There are plenty of others businesses that will gladly take my hard earned money.

Absolutely agree, like you we were in business for over 55 years and you can't please everyone, it is virtually impossible. I have found always be pleasant for as long as possible, let them try somebody else and many times they eventually return

08-14-2017, 12:15 AM	#8
Barney Bear Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 962 Thanks: 498 Thanked 274 Times in 175 Posts	Lovin' Lyons 🍽 Made reservations today for dinner later this week. No restrictions. Very pleasant lady took the reservation request. Even said that we will have a table with a nice view of the lake. 🐻

08-16-2017, 07:24 AM	#13
Phantom Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Berlin, Ma / Gilford Posts: 1,934 Thanks: 450 Thanked 605 Times in 341 Posts	I am happy to see that Lauren has stayed out of this debate (and I know that she watches this forum) unlike other Establishment owners who only dug themselves deeper by making comments. A great tactic in "Letting your reputation speak for you" As TiltonBB says, " you will never keep 100% of your customers happy" but for the other 99% of us ...... Lauren & Roland had their early years rough patch (primarily just getting the word out that they existed) but have now firmly established one of the Lakes Regions finer and consistent dining establishments for which, at least I, will continue to support strongly & introduce new people to this great dining experience. . __________________ *A bad day on the Big Lake (although I've never had one) - Still beats a day at the office!!*

08-16-2017, 11:47 AM	#16
Airedale1 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Laconia Posts: 595 Thanks: 557 Thanked 1,569 Times in 274 Posts	We have never had a bad meal there. We love the Lyons Den! Great food, views and service. They have the best onion soup I have ever had! __________________ "The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit." Nelson Henderson (1865-1943)

08-16-2017, 05:31 PM	#18
Barney Bear Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 962 Thanks: 498 Thanked 274 Times in 175 Posts	The Lyons Roar. 🦁 We had our usual wonderful dining experience yesterday while celebrating my brother's wedding anniversary at the Lyons Den. Both my brother and his wife chose the duck recommended by Slickcraft in post #53 above. They heartily concurred! A fantastic time was had by all. 🐻

09-16-2017, 09:33 PM	#30
phoenix Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: phoenix and moultonboro Posts: 1,562 Thanks: 63 Thanked 276 Times in 194 Posts	went with a group in August in lieu of our normal trip to Sandy and we all enjoyed our meals. Will go again next year __________________ it's tough to make predictions specially about the future

08-12-2017, 08:33 PM	#1
Woody38 Senior Member Join Date: May 2016 Posts: 583 Thanks: 46 Thanked 110 Times in 81 Posts	We were out this afternoon and decided to eat out. Wanting a place that we had not been to last week we thought Lyons Den. No reservation mind you. We had a nice table and were told we had an hour and 45 minutes. Obviously plenty of time for dinner. We have been there for lunch previously and yes the baked stuffed haddock is super. Last night I had the roasted duck which turned out to be an excellent choice as well as the baked stuffed shrimp my wife had. I had a good banter with our server as she has a great sense of humor. All the staff are courteous and knowledgeable. Lyons Den is now on our go to list. It is nice to visit a restaurant which takes pride in their service and in serving super food at a reasonable price. The duck is the best I have had in years. I am a retired workaholic and continuing aquaholic.

08-13-2017, 06:52 PM	#4
tis Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 6,830 Thanks: 764 Thanked 1,474 Times in 1,029 Posts	We were talking to some friends today and they were dining at Lyon's Den and were also told they had to leave because they had another reservation for the table. This was after a wait for drinks and then a wait for dessert.

08-13-2017, 09:01 PM	#6
Woody38 Senior Member Join Date: May 2016 Posts: 583 Thanks: 46 Thanked 110 Times in 81 Posts	We were not told we had a certain amount of time in which we had to eat. It was that there was a reservation for the table and we would not have to eat quickly. Extremely nice as they could easily have said there was nothing available. We knew going in there could be a problem but were treated as a treasured guest. Always enjoy the Lyons Den. The chef is fantastic as the duck was the best I've ever had. Kudos. Baked stuffed shrimp terrific. I am a retired workaholic and continuing aquaholic.

08-13-2017, 11:44 PM	#7
JanN Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 43 Thanks: 174 Thanked 20 Times in 11 Posts	First time I ever heard restaurants telling customers they had to finish in a certain time. Not sure I would frequent restaurants with this policy. A disturbing policy if this is a new trend.

08-14-2017, 07:20 AM	#10
tis Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 6,830 Thanks: 764 Thanked 1,474 Times in 1,029 Posts	Baygo, that is a little different. If I couldn't be there on time, I would expect to be pushed a little. But if I had reservations and was on time, I would not want to be rushed through my meal. It seems to me that the amount of time most people spend in a restaurant depends on how quickly they are served. If they are done eating and just sitting there for a long time while people are waiting, that is a different story.

08-14-2017, 08:27 AM	#11
SAMIAM Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 2,924 Thanks: 350 Thanked 1,693 Times in 595 Posts	Wow....that is a tough call. Either way, someone is going to be unhappy. To make matters worse....if you turn down the walk-in customer, the reservation will probably show up half an hour late. Not easy being a restaurant owner.

08-16-2017, 12:13 PM	#17
Resident 2B Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: North Shore, MA Posts: 1,358 Thanks: 996 Thanked 314 Times in 164 Posts	My wife and I have dined numerous times at Lyon's Den over the years. We have always enjoyed the complete dining experience. We like other restaurants in the area, but Lyon's Den is our favorite, by far. Thank you Lyons' family and everyone that has worked there for making this such a special place. R2B

08-22-2017, 08:35 PM	#20
Woody38 Senior Member Join Date: May 2016 Posts: 583 Thanks: 46 Thanked 110 Times in 81 Posts	My wife and I had a fantastic late lunch, early bird or early dinner today. Fabulous as usual with fresh tasty food done right and very pleasant staff. Lauren is a nice person. Homemade sour cream and coleslaw. I am a retired workaholic and continuing aquaholic.

08-14-2017, 12:43 PM	#22
tis Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 6,830 Thanks: 764 Thanked 1,474 Times in 1,029 Posts	tis, nobody with reservations has been told they have to move quickly--here nor (as best I saw) on the Canoe thread. The only people being asked to eat in a time span are those without reservations coming in to a restaurant where the only open tables are those that have upcoming reservations. I don't get the big fuss here--as we all know, most (if not all) restaurants in the Lakes Region need to make as much money as possible during the season in or Think, My friends DID have reservations at Lyon's Den and were told they had to move quickly because somebody else was coming in after them, also with reservations.

08-14-2017, 10:05 AM	#26
Biggd Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Waltham Ma./Meredith NH Posts: 4,259 Thanks: 2,309 Thanked 1,229 Times in 787 Posts	I'm sure we all have restaurant horror stories. My wife and I always loved Frattello's but we walked in there one night and was told there was and 1 1/2 hour wait. No problem, we put our name in and went for a nice walk down by the lake as it was a nice night. 1 1/2 hours later they sat us, the waiter came over and told us that the kitchen was extremely backed up and we probably wouldn't see our meal for over an hour. If we had been told that in the first place we never would have waited. Now it's 830 pm and we are not going to see our meal until 930 pm at the earliest? Not acceptable behavior! We left and went to Patrick's and have never been back. That was 2 years ago. They may not need my business but I also don't need their food.

09-20-2017, 03:20 PM	#31
nerual721 Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Under the restaurant Posts: 23 Thanks: 1 Thanked 34 Times in 5 Posts	Reservations or no reservations; miscellaneous food/pricing complaints Phantom, I appreciate your kind words and we do try to let our reputation speak for itself. However, there are a couple of issues to weigh in on here. First, reservations or no reservations..... what a slippery slope that is. We recently received an email from someone who had a dinner reservation and though it was their first time the couple they were with have been here on numerous occasions. I will not copy the customer's email here, but only my response. Thank you for your email and thank you for coming to the Lyons' Den. I am glad to hear that you enjoyed your food and your server. We have been operating for 11 1/2 years now and as I'm sure you noticed we are quite small. We seat only about 44 patrons at a time. Part of our success and reasonable pricing is attributable to our ability to utilize a table more than once in an evening. We have been taking reservations for 10 years and most tables of 2 to 4 people average 1 hour and 25 minutes from beginning to end. I checked your ticket and found that you were here a bit over 2 hours. I am sorry that you felt rushed. Should you decided to give us another try then I would ask that when you make the reservation you request a 2 1/2 to 3 hour table. We will do our best to accommodate you but may not be able to take a 2 1/2 hour reservation on a busy night. We do have other regular customers who make this request as they are aware of our size limitations. I did also want you to know that when your server made me aware of the timing issue with your table I did make every effort to relocate the party of 6 that was waiting for your table but was not able to reconfigure any group of tables successfully to avoid rushing you. Again, my apologies. I am not sure if there is a better way to have handled that situation but we seriously make every effort not to "rush" people with reservations. Accordingly, due to our size when people make reservations and we have another reservation before or after theirs we try to let them know that going in, so there is an expectation of any time limit or possible wait that there might be. As for miscellaneous food complaints, especially portion size and pricing. I keep myself very well informed about pricing in the surrounding area restaurants and we are definitely on the low end of the scale price wise for the quality and portion sizes of our food. And, given the opportunity to "fix" a problem with price/portion we are very receptive to making adjustments. That being said I cannot fix a problem that I do not know exists. If someone leaves The Den unhappy and they have not brought it to the attention of their server or me directly then I am at a loss as to how to fix it. To hear about a complaint by reading it in The Forum or on one of the other social media review venues for the first time is irksome. We do our very best to make sure everyone has the best dining experience possible and on that point I will happily stand on our reputation and end my diatribe. Lauren

09-28-2017, 12:19 PM	#33
Tmm1974 Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Laconia Posts: 5 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Portion control Went to Lyons den recently for dinner. I found the food to be good quality but the portions were pathetic. The "jumbo" shrimp cocktail should be taken off the menu. Very disappointing and we won't be back.

09-28-2017, 01:29 PM	#34
Barney Bear Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 962 Thanks: 498 Thanked 274 Times in 175 Posts	Portion Control/2 Went to the the Lyons Den recently for dinner. We found the food to be delicious and the portions were sufficient. Very satisfying and we will be back. 🐻

09-28-2017, 04:45 PM	#35
joey2665 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Meredith Bay & LI, NY Posts: 3,222 Thanks: 1,219 Thanked 1,009 Times in 649 Posts	Here we go again Like every restaurant some people like it some don't. Seems Lyons Den and Canoe are the two people like to go back and forth on. As I stated before I felt Lyons Den was ok my first few times and I agree the portions, especially seafood can be a little on the light side, but after hearing all the raves about the duck I am certainly willing to give it another try.

09-28-2017, 08:06 PM	#36
Slickcraft Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Welch Island and The Taylor Community Posts: 3,343 Thanks: 1,249 Thanked 2,121 Times in 970 Posts	Portion size? I suppose that because that I am from an older generation that quality rates much higher than a huge serving size. Often we are presented with way too much on our plate and a mound of food does not make up for it being average at best. Apparently a common criteria for rating served meals now is pounds per plate as evidenced by the sizing of clothing. Currently medium is the former XL. Oh well, each to their own.

09-28-2017, 10:34 PM	#37
Descant Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Merrimack and Welch Island Posts: 4,472 Thanks: 1,385 Thanked 1,667 Times in 1,086 Posts	Yeah. I used to be a medium, now XL. Took several decades to make the transition. And I still have take home from Lyons Den. Let';s face it, Lyons Den has some very dedicated patrons, some who are never pleased anywhere, and some who will, over time, move into the dedicated category. Aside from quality, price, service, etc I appreciate the reservation process that gets me in and lets me know that my neighbors will be arriving later and we can all be seated sometime, instead of being turned away.

09-28-2017, 10:40 PM	#38
Resident 2B Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: North Shore, MA Posts: 1,358 Thanks: 996 Thanked 314 Times in 164 Posts	Lyon's Den is our favorite restaurant in the lakes region. Food, service overall dining experience are second to none. No other restaurant comes close. R2B

09-29-2017, 11:24 AM	#41
Biggd Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Waltham Ma./Meredith NH Posts: 4,259 Thanks: 2,309 Thanked 1,229 Times in 787 Posts	I've run my own business for over 40 years and I can tell you that it's impossible to please everyone. I always think of the line in the movie "Road House", "be nice until I tell not to be nice". There are just some people that are impossible to please and will push you to the limit no matter how nice you are. As a customer I'm not a complainer in public unless provoked. If I don't like an establishment I just don't go back. There are plenty of others businesses that will gladly take my hard earned money.