Travel Restaurant Choice: Family & Value

thinkxingu · 10-04-2019, 03:12 PM

Ok, so you're heading on 3 north from Bedford to Moultonborough Neck--exit 23 to 104 to 25 being the usual route--and you're looking for dinner for a family of four at a place that is good but economical.

Where do you stop?

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joey2665 · 10-04-2019, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

Ok, so you're heading on 3 north from Bedford to Moultonborough Neck--exit 23 to 104 to 25 being the usual route--and you're looking for dinner for a family of four at a place that is good but economical.

Where do you stop?

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Rossi's Italian and 104 Diner. Both on 104 off exit 23 economical good family restaurants

Hillcountry · 10-04-2019, 04:13 PM

So many places on your route...should be a no brainer! Take a left on 104 (exit 23) and try The Homestead on 104 in New Hampton/Bristol. Nice pub and fireplace in the back room.

thinkxingu · 10-04-2019, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hillcountry

So many places on your route...should be a no brainer! Take a left on 104 (exit 23) and try The Homestead on 104 in New Hampton/Bristol. Nice pub and fireplace in the back room.

So many places ≠ no brainer!
Hadn't thought of Homestead--thanks!

My wife just found some updated reviews of Lee Wah--we've not been in a while because it was not awesome. Thoughts?

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FlyingScot · 10-04-2019, 04:29 PM

Hart's Turkey Farm. I'll meet you there!

tummyman · 10-04-2019, 04:52 PM

Only realistic choice is Village Kitchen, hands down. Less than a mile from the neck road and 25 intersection. Food great, lots of choices, excellent specials, wonderful waitresses, and great costs....just bring cash or a check, as no credit cards accepted.

thinkxingu · 10-04-2019, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlyingScot

Hart's Turkey Farm. I'll meet you there!

Haven't been in a long while after a rough outing--not sure I'll be back anytime soon.

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thinkxingu · 10-04-2019, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tummyman

Only realistic choice is Village Kitchen, hands down. Less than a mile from the neck road and 25 intersection. Food great, lots of choices, excellent specials, wonderful waitresses, and great costs....just bring cash or a check, as no credit cards accepted.

I know it's sacrilegious here, but I've not had awesome experiences at VK.

We just sat at Rossi's--haven't been here in a while, so we'll see! Report to come...

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joey2665 · 10-04-2019, 05:29 PM

Homestead was a good option also just 5 minutes off 93 on 104 west.

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thinkxingu · 10-04-2019, 06:15 PM

Alright, tried Rossi's tonight. Ordered fingers, fries, one regular pizza, and one Sicilian pizza.

Food was really good and prices were reasonable--we may come back sooner than later (though we like to get closer to camp before eating).

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8gv · 10-04-2019, 07:06 PM

The 104 Diner is a favorite for me.

Descant · 10-04-2019, 07:09 PM

This question/thread is confusing to me. On other threads you work on keeping things cheap and talk about your pay scale. Make sandwiches at home or stop asking for free giveaways on other threads.
Pizza is roughly the same price wherever and there is a McDonald's at Rt 3/104. You travel this tote every week or so and should be giving advice, not asking for it.

joey2665 · 10-04-2019, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Descant

This question/thread is confusing to me. On other threads you work on keeping things cheap and talk about your pay scale. Make sandwiches at home or stop asking for free giveaways on other threads.

Pizza is roughly the same price wherever and there is a McDonald's at Rt 3/104. You travel this tote every week or so and should be giving advice, not asking for it.

Don’t see the harm in anyone asking for advice. Isn’t that a main purpose of this site? Not sure why your being do critical.

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Descant · 10-04-2019, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joey2665

Don’t see the harm in anyone asking for advice. Isn’t that a main purpose of this site? Not sure why your being do critical.
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Agreed. As noted, the request is confusing from somebody who routinely posts contrary information and who should be able to enlighten us on the information requested. Joey, I don't want to go back and forth with you if "Think" has a valid question and there are potentially good responses from others. I just found the question incongruous (odd, to you?).

thinkxingu · 10-04-2019, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Descant

This question/thread is confusing to me. On other threads you work on keeping things cheap and talk about your pay scale. Make sandwiches at home or stop asking for free giveaways on other threads.
Pizza is roughly the same price wherever and there is a McDonald's at Rt 3/104. You travel this tote every week or so and should be giving advice, not asking for it.

What is your problem? I simply asked for suggestions on where people would go with a family for an economical meal--totally in line with the other posts you have a problem with--and it worked out because we'd not been to Rossi's in a while.

As for asking for "free giveaways," our town (yeah, we live in the same town) has a "pay nothing" Facebook page for exactly what I was looking for: people who have things they would like to see used. And, given that I not only had someone contact me immediately to see their old boat in another kid's life, and another with a trolling motor just sitting around, there are others with the same mindset.

Stop being a jerk and just move along.

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joey2665 · 10-04-2019, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Descant

Agreed. As noted, the request is confusing from somebody who routinely posts contrary information and who should be able to enlighten us on the information requested. Joey, I don't want to go back and forth with you if "Think" has a valid question and there are potentially good responses from others. I just found the question incongruous (odd, to you?).

I don’t either and I do know what incongruous means, I don’t need a definition.

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Descant · 10-04-2019, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

I simply asked for suggestions on where people would go with a family for an economical meal--

You're right. As noted earlier, your post was confusing to me.

rick35 · 10-04-2019, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

Alright, tried Rossi's tonight. Ordered fingers, fries, one regular pizza, and one Sicilian pizza.

Food was really good and prices were reasonable--we may come back sooner than later (though we like to get closer to camp before eating).

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Was Mrs. Rossi bussing tables? The last time we were there (last year) she was hustling to ready tables. She was all apologies for a slight delay and said she was having trouble finding help. I suspect nothing has changed help wise. The food was excellent and I’m sorry we didn’t make it back this year.

thinkxingu · 10-04-2019, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rick35

Was Mrs. Rossi bussing tables? The last time we were there (last year) she was hustling to ready tables. She was all apologies for a slight delay and said she was having trouble finding help. I suspect nothing has changed help wise. The food was excellent and I’m sorry we didn’t make it back this year.

I think so--one of the women serving looked like the pictures on the wall, but I didn't notice until on the way out.

I've eaten at Rossi's on and off since ~1990, when a buddy of mine and I would stop after hiking and before getting on the highway. I don't think it's ever been fast, but the servers have always been nice and the food always good.

We also had a nice moment when an older couple, who had been watching the kids draw and talk about the weekend, came over to say how well-behaved they were. There's just something "homey" about the place that I'd forgotten about.

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rick35 · 10-04-2019, 09:22 PM

The reason we didnt stop at Rossi’s was because we have a dog with us. Given several arrests of people leaving dogs in hot cars we’re extra careful. So when we’ve stopped for dinner on the way north we get off at exit 20 and go to the Tilton Diner which has some picnic tables outside.

BroadHopper · 10-05-2019, 07:49 AM

I would say 104 Diner or if you want to wait that long if you are hungry when you leave 93, the Village Kitchen. Both good food, family atmosphere, and value. I would choose VK over 104 as we had some bad experience at 104 in the past. All others have great food at a little more expense.
Rossi's is good for Italian and Hart's for poultry. If you have company and want to show the area, Homestead hands down!

Don't forget the Travelin' Teaxas BBQ in season! Pet and kids friendly! Quick in and out! Also great take out!

thinkxingu · 10-05-2019, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

I would say 104 Diner or if you want to wait that long if you are hungry when you leave 93, the Village Kitchen. Both good food, family atmosphere, and value. I would choose VK over 104 as we had some bad experience at 104 in the past. All others have great food at a little more expense.
Rossi's is good for Italian and Hart's for poultry. If you have company and want to show the area, Homestead hands down!

Don't forget the Travelin' Teaxas BBQ in season! Pet and kids friendly! Quick in and out! Also great take out!

People have mentioned Hart's a few times, making me wonder if we should give them a third chance. Friends of ours went last year and echoed what we didn't like about our visit--bland sides and seemingly-not-fresh poultry--so we've continued to avoid it. There are so many good restaurants within 20 minutes that it's not worth wasting a trip/money/experience.

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rick35 · 10-05-2019, 08:17 AM

We like Hart’s because it’s predictable. It’s not great but we like turkey and we like their desserts. And when we are pulling the boat it’s easy to park. We’ve done take out too and just waited until we got to the island to eat.

phoenix · 10-05-2019, 10:14 AM

A couple of thoughts. If your willing to go as far as the Homestead just another couple of miles in the center of Bristol is a great Mexican restaurant ( to me the best in the lakes region) . Just past the neck road in Moultoboro is the bob house. They have great haddock. I do love VK especially the friday night broiled haddock

Woody38 · 10-05-2019, 01:28 PM

I don't particullary like to trash any business. On that note we visited Harts once with the entire family. The experience was the most terrible we ever had.
Rude, incompetent staff. Took a long time to get things and then some were wrong. Response was it was our fault. Consequence is that we have never gone back and never will. The food was so-so.

___________________________________

I am a retired workaholic and continuing aquaholic

JanN · 10-05-2019, 01:45 PM

Sorry your experience wasn't good. Went to Hart's in July when we were vacationing in Meredith and had a good experience.

We hadn't been in years and I love turkey so decided to go one of our last nights. Very busy night, lots of big groups, but since there were only two of us we were seated immediately. I had the small turkey dinner, all white meat. It was delicious and enough for another meal. Our server was excellent and meals arrived in good time.

Just wanted to share another opinion. Over the years I have seen a lot of negative comments about Hart's, but judging from the parking lot every time we drive by and the crowd there the night we went a lot of people feel differently! It's been around for a long time!

rick35 · 10-05-2019, 05:30 PM

After looking back to our many visits to Hart’s I can remember one time when the food wasn’t good and one time that the service was terrible. That’s pretty good by my scorecard. I have to laugh at a post from last year when someone posted that they had run out of turkey and were told that the chicken was good (or something to that effect).

FlyingScot · 10-06-2019, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

People have mentioned Hart's a few times, making me wonder if we should give them a third chance. Friends of ours went last year and echoed what we didn't like about our visit--bland sides and seemingly-not-fresh poultry--so we've continued to avoid it. There are so many good restaurants within 20 minutes that it's not worth wasting a trip/money/experience.

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Our national holiday was built on bland sides!

Seriously, we've been many times, including twice this year, and it's always been fresh, homey, and good. The food is basic Thanksgiving, which is probably why I like it as a change of pace from typical restaurants, whether high end or low. Keep in mind that your criteria were family, not expensive.

Try once more, but this time let it take you back to Thanksgiving at home

10-04-2019, 03:12 PM	#1
thinkxingu Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Posts: 6,168 Thanks: 1,164 Thanked 2,038 Times in 1,261 Posts	Travel Restaurant Choice: Family & Value Ok, so you're heading on 3 north from Bedford to Moultonborough Neck--exit 23 to 104 to 25 being the usual route--and you're looking for dinner for a family of four at a place that is good but economical. Where do you stop? Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

10-04-2019, 07:09 PM	#12
Descant Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Merrimack and Welch Island Posts: 4,262 Thanks: 1,313 Thanked 1,599 Times in 1,035 Posts	Confusing This question/thread is confusing to me. On other threads you work on keeping things cheap and talk about your pay scale. Make sandwiches at home or stop asking for free giveaways on other threads. Pizza is roughly the same price wherever and there is a McDonald's at Rt 3/104. You travel this tote every week or so and should be giving advice, not asking for it.

10-05-2019, 07:49 AM	#21
BroadHopper Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 5,562 Thanks: 3,180 Thanked 1,098 Times in 791 Posts	Family & Value I would say 104 Diner or if you want to wait that long if you are hungry when you leave 93, the Village Kitchen. Both good food, family atmosphere, and value. I would choose VK over 104 as we had some bad experience at 104 in the past. All others have great food at a little more expense. Rossi's is good for Italian and Hart's for poultry. If you have company and want to show the area, Homestead hands down! Don't forget the Travelin' Teaxas BBQ in season! Pet and kids friendly! Quick in and out! Also great take out! __________________ Someday may never be an actual day.

10-05-2019, 10:14 AM	#24
phoenix Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: phoenix and moultonboro Posts: 1,542 Thanks: 60 Thanked 273 Times in 192 Posts	A couple of thoughts. If your willing to go as far as the Homestead just another couple of miles in the center of Bristol is a great Mexican restaurant ( to me the best in the lakes region) . Just past the neck road in Moultoboro is the bob house. They have great haddock. I do love VK especially the friday night broiled haddock __________________ it's tough to make predictions specially about the future

10-05-2019, 01:45 PM	#26
JanN Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 43 Thanks: 174 Thanked 20 Times in 11 Posts	Good experience at Hart's Sorry your experience wasn't good. Went to Hart's in July when we were vacationing in Meredith and had a good experience. We hadn't been in years and I love turkey so decided to go one of our last nights. Very busy night, lots of big groups, but since there were only two of us we were seated immediately. I had the small turkey dinner, all white meat. It was delicious and enough for another meal. Our server was excellent and meals arrived in good time. Just wanted to share another opinion. Over the years I have seen a lot of negative comments about Hart's, but judging from the parking lot every time we drive by and the crowd there the night we went a lot of people feel differently! It's been around for a long time!

10-04-2019, 04:13 PM	#3
Hillcountry Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: In the hills Posts: 2,420 Thanks: 1,677 Thanked 786 Times in 466 Posts	So many places on your route...should be a no brainer! Take a left on 104 (exit 23) and try The Homestead on 104 in New Hampton/Bristol. Nice pub and fireplace in the back room.

10-04-2019, 04:29 PM	#5
FlyingScot Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Tuftonboro and Sudbury, MA Posts: 2,338 Thanks: 1,246 Thanked 1,000 Times in 613 Posts	Hart's Turkey Farm. I'll meet you there!

10-04-2019, 04:52 PM	#6
tummyman Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 825 Thanks: 256 Thanked 669 Times in 240 Posts	Only realistic choice is Village Kitchen, hands down. Less than a mile from the neck road and 25 intersection. Food great, lots of choices, excellent specials, wonderful waitresses, and great costs....just bring cash or a check, as no credit cards accepted.

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10-04-2019, 05:29 PM	#9
joey2665 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Meredith Bay & LI, NY Posts: 3,222 Thanks: 1,219 Thanked 1,008 Times in 649 Posts	Homestead was a good option also just 5 minutes off 93 on 104 west. Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

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10-04-2019, 06:15 PM	#10
thinkxingu Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Posts: 6,168 Thanks: 1,164 Thanked 2,038 Times in 1,261 Posts	Alright, tried Rossi's tonight. Ordered fingers, fries, one regular pizza, and one Sicilian pizza. Food was really good and prices were reasonable--we may come back sooner than later (though we like to get closer to camp before eating). Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

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joey2665 (10-04-2019)

10-04-2019, 07:06 PM	#11
8gv Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 2,073 Thanks: 63 Thanked 721 Times in 470 Posts	The 104 Diner is a favorite for me.

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10-04-2019, 09:22 PM	#20
rick35 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Bear Island/Merrimack Posts: 807 Thanks: 58 Thanked 203 Times in 130 Posts	The reason we didnt stop at Rossi’s was because we have a dog with us. Given several arrests of people leaving dogs in hot cars we’re extra careful. So when we’ve stopped for dinner on the way north we get off at exit 20 and go to the Tilton Diner which has some picnic tables outside.

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10-05-2019, 08:17 AM	#23
rick35 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Bear Island/Merrimack Posts: 807 Thanks: 58 Thanked 203 Times in 130 Posts	We like Hart’s because it’s predictable. It’s not great but we like turkey and we like their desserts. And when we are pulling the boat it’s easy to park. We’ve done take out too and just waited until we got to the island to eat.

10-05-2019, 01:28 PM	#25
Woody38 Senior Member Join Date: May 2016 Posts: 576 Thanks: 46 Thanked 110 Times in 81 Posts	I don't particullary like to trash any business. On that note we visited Harts once with the entire family. The experience was the most terrible we ever had. Rude, incompetent staff. Took a long time to get things and then some were wrong. Response was it was our fault. Consequence is that we have never gone back and never will. The food was so-so. ___________________________________ I am a retired workaholic and continuing aquaholic

10-05-2019, 05:30 PM	#27
rick35 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Bear Island/Merrimack Posts: 807 Thanks: 58 Thanked 203 Times in 130 Posts	After looking back to our many visits to Hart’s I can remember one time when the food wasn’t good and one time that the service was terrible. That’s pretty good by my scorecard. I have to laugh at a post from last year when someone posted that they had run out of turkey and were told that the chicken was good (or something to that effect).

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