Restaurants that take Reservations

thinkxingu · 08-20-2026, 07:44 AM

A group of 8 of us would like to get dinner Saturday night and are thinking reservations might be helpful, but it's not super easy finding places that take them these days (unless I'm missing an app?).

So, from Moultonborough south to, say, Alton—what are some suggestions for two families with teen children that take reservations?

PS The Bob House, yes, but we continue to be...underwhelmed by the product and price.

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Winilyme · 08-20-2026, 08:23 AM

Giuseppe’s in Meredith is our go-to for just your type of scenario. Good food, wide variety, indoor or outdoor seating, entertainment, you can actually talk (not too noisy), easy parking, Ben & Jerry’s just outside their front door, reasonable prices and, yes, they take reservations.

MeredithMan · 08-20-2026, 09:21 AM

The Breeze in Meredith takes reservations for 6 or more. You simply go to their website, select "reserve", and fill in the details. They also have a semi-private space with two or three tables where I've seen groups of 10 or so for a family birthday party and such.

BroadHopper · 08-20-2026, 09:31 AM

You might want to try Hobbs Tavern in Ossipee. It's not toward Alton, but close to Moultonborough.

TomC · 08-20-2026, 09:35 AM

A place that is in the direction you requested, and encourages reservations, is the Woodshed. Not really a "family dining experience", however..

eyenotall777 · 08-20-2026, 09:50 AM

Canoe in Center Harbor takes reservations

Winni P · 08-20-2026, 11:21 AM

It might be out of your area, but Ellacoya Barn & Grill in Gilford is a good family spot and they take reservations.

TheTimeTraveler · 08-20-2026, 11:39 AM

Morrissey's on Route 28 in Wolfeboro will take evening reservations.

thinkxingu · 08-20-2026, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Winni P

It might be out of your area, but Ellacoya Barn & Grill in Gilford is a good family spot and they take reservations.

I did not know this—thanks for the tip, it could be a winner!

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Mr. V · 08-20-2026, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

I did not know this—thanks for the tip, it could be a winner!

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It was a few years ago but I had an unpleasant experience at Ellacoya, just want to pass it on.

We had a large group and were seated in the upper level.

The food and service were fine, the issue was...the noise!

The wood walls reflected and amplified what was said making it almost impossible to converse without raising my voice.

Hopefully Ellacoya has taken steps to ameliorate this problem?

FlyingScot · 08-20-2026, 03:47 PM

Back Bay Boathouse in Wolfeboro, tell them you want to be on the deck. Very good food with varied menu, great views, large sand play area for kids of all ages

ishoot308 · 08-20-2026, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlyingScot

Back Bay Boathouse in Wolfeboro, tell them you want to be on the deck. Very good food with varied menu, great views, large sand play area for kids of all ages

Back Bay is a great choice!

Dan

thinkxingu · 08-20-2026, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlyingScot

Back Bay Boathouse in Wolfeboro, tell them you want to be on the deck. Very good food with varied menu, great views, large sand play area for kids of all ages

Another great option, BUT my friends are starting at Clearwater, so Back Bay/that side of the lake is a far meet-up location.

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smith point boater · 08-21-2026, 07:46 AM

Ellacoya (ask for round table so you can talk) and something on menu for everyone. Breeze in Gilford - if you get the right table you can see water and watch boats etc

Biggd · 08-21-2026, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlyingScot

Back Bay Boathouse in Wolfeboro, tell them you want to be on the deck. Very good food with varied menu, great views, large sand play area for kids of all ages

My wife and I went there on a Sunday afternoon a couple weeks ago, place was great! It's a hidden gem, every place in town and at the docks had a long wait.

tis · 08-21-2026, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biggd

My wife and I went there on a Sunday afternoon a couple weeks ago, place was great! It's a hidden gem, every place in town and at the docks had a long wait.

It is and run by a local "boy" who has been successful.

BillTex · 08-21-2026, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ishoot308

Back Bay is a great choice!

Dan

Sounds like something we would try. Does anyone know how to view their menu if you dont have FB?
The website is not helpful…

Thx,
Bill

ishoot308 · 08-21-2026, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillTex

Sounds like something we would try. Does anyone know how to view their menu if you dont have FB?
The website is not helpful…

Thx,
Bill

Try this link…

https://backbayboathouse.com/menu

Dan

BillTex · 08-21-2026, 07:51 PM

Thank you, Dan.

Extensive menu, we will, def give it a go.

Thx again,

Bill

BillTex · 08-22-2026, 08:13 PM

Are they open all year?

FlyingScot · 08-22-2026, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillTex

Are they open all year?

IDK, but their deck is far superior to inside. Go now!

tis · 08-23-2026, 05:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillTex

Are they open all year?

Yes, it's open all year.

thinkxingu · 08-23-2026, 06:16 AM

Thanks for the suggestions, all.

In the end, we decided to geriatric dine to limit the wait and not worry about reservations, so we hit Mountain View Station in Ossipee at 5 o'clock. I've come to love this place very much, especially when followed up with Bobby Sue's, which is my current favorite ice cream stand (we are totally done with Center Harbor Scoops, but that's another thread).

Meals ordered were chickie tends and mac and cheese bites for appetizers and burgers with pulled pork, chicken bacon ranch wraps, haddock sandwiches, and fettuccine Alfredo. Bar/American food, but not greasy or skimpy, and prices are excellent: $240 for eight of us with 25% tip (only one beer, other drinks were soda/choco milk).

The other finalist was going to be The Common Man in Ashland, the original one with very good ratings—and one we've never been to—but there's no great ice cream over there that we know of (!).

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ishoot308 · 08-23-2026, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

Thanks for the suggestions, all.

In the end, we decided to geriatric dine to limit the wait and not worry about reservations, so we hit Mountain View Station in Ossipee at 5 o'clock. I've come to love this place very much, especially when followed up with Bobby Sue's, which is my current favorite ice cream stand (we are totally done with Center Harbor Scoops, but that's another thread).

Meals ordered were chickie tends and mac and cheese bites for appetizers and burgers with pulled pork, chicken bacon ranch wraps, haddock sandwiches, and fettuccine Alfredo. Bar/American food, but not greasy or skimpy, and prices are excellent: $240 for eight of us with 25% tip (only one beer, other drinks were soda/choco milk).

The other finalist was going to be The Common Man in Ashland, the original one with very good ratings—and one we've never been to—but there's no great ice cream over there that we know of (!).

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Mountain View Station is great! My mother used to live very close to Mountain View so I would take her there quite often for lunch. Always had a great meal!

Good choice Think!

Dan

Outdoorsman · 08-23-2026, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

Thanks for the suggestions, all.

In the end, we decided to geriatric dine to limit the wait and not worry about reservations, ...

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What is "geriatric dine"?

thinkxingu · 08-23-2026, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Outdoorsman

What is "geriatric dine"?

Eating during the "geriatric" dinner hour, which is approximately 4-5 PM.

Last week at George's, at 4:30, I was at least 15 years under the average diner age...and I'm 50.

A note that that's not a criticism. I like eating at that time for many reasons: no wait, quieter, more time to walk/catch sunset/get ice cream after, better sleep, and aligns perfectly with 18:6 fasting.

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Outdoorsman · 08-24-2026, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

Eating during the "geriatric" dinner hour, which is approximately 4-5 PM.

Last week at George's, at 4:30, I was at least 15 years under the average diner age...and I'm 50.

A note that that's not a criticism. I like eating at that time for many reasons: no wait, quieter, more time to walk/catch sunset/get ice cream after, better sleep, and aligns perfectly with 18:6 fasting.

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HaHa thanks for the clarification. I've never heard that term.

I guess sometimes I am a fellow "geriatric" diner

A note that that's not a criticism. I like eating at that time for many reasons:

I wake at 4 AM start my job at 5 AM. Get home by 1 PM +
/- <<< that is priceless and is many reasons

TiltonBB · 08-25-2026, 06:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

Eating during the "geriatric" dinner hour, which is approximately 4-5 PM.

Last week at George's, at 4:30, I was at least 15 years under the average diner age...and I'm 50.

A note that that's not a criticism. I like eating at that time for many reasons: no wait, quieter, more time to walk/catch sunset/get ice cream after, better sleep, and aligns perfectly with 18:6 fasting.

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You will learn to enjoy the Early Bird specials when you get older. Dining with the "blue hair" crowd is a little quieter than dining with families with young children. Sometimes there are great bargains!

Biggd · 08-25-2026, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TiltonBB

You will learn to enjoy the Early Bird specials when you get older. Dining with the "blue hair" crowd is a little quieter than dining with families with young children. Sometimes there are great bargains!

I'm going to have to change my eating habits at 72. I don't usually eat breakfast so I'm hungry at lunch. If I eat a big breakfast, I can make it to 4pm for dinner.
The bonus is that's "happy hour" in many NH restaurants!

thinkxingu · 08-25-2026, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TiltonBB

You will learn to enjoy the Early Bird specials when you get older. Dining with the "blue hair" crowd is a little quieter than dining with families with young children. Sometimes there are great bargains!

Oh, I'm terribly sorry if I wasn't clear in my previous post: I love it NOW!

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TheTimeTraveler · 08-25-2026, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TiltonBB

You will learn to enjoy the Early Bird specials when you get older. Dining with the "blue hair" crowd is a little quieter than dining with families with young children. Sometimes there are great bargains!

So true!

Hilton Head Island in Hilton Head, South Carolina is one such area in which many, many restaurants participate in offering "Early Bird" specials and we frequently attend a different restaurant offering early bird specials every night of the week when we visit there.

ghfromaltonbay · 08-25-2026, 12:17 PM

The William Tell Restaurant in West Alton had the early bird dinners served until 5:30 pm. Boy do I miss that place! Even my Swiss grandmother raved about it.

fatlazyless · 08-26-2026, 09:17 AM

Has this restaurant been mentioned yet ..... www.littleredschoolhousenh.com ..... Rt 3, Campton NH, about five minutes drive north from Plymouth on scenic olde Route 3, the D. W. Hgwy!

Never actually been in there, but their parking lot is always loaded with expensive cars so they must be doing something good in there.

Swimmer215 · 08-30-2026, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Winilyme

Giuseppe’s in Meredith is our go-to for just your type of scenario. Good food, wide variety, indoor or outdoor seating, entertainment, you can actually talk (not too noisy), easy parking, Ben & Jerry’s just outside their front door, reasonable prices and, yes, they take reservations.

Yes, seconding this suggestion! It's one of our go-to's, though I'd say their pizza is better than some of the other offerings.

Biggd · 08-30-2026, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swimmer215

Yes, seconding this suggestion! It's one of our go-to's, though I'd say their pizza is better than some of the other offerings.

It's a great place but their food offerings are hit or miss. I go there at least one a week and I know what not to order there now.

08-20-2026, 07:44 AM	#1
thinkxingu Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Posts: 6,694 Thanks: 1,187 Thanked 2,222 Times in 1,381 Posts	Restaurants that take Reservations A group of 8 of us would like to get dinner Saturday night and are thinking reservations might be helpful, but it's not super easy finding places that take them these days (unless I'm missing an app?). So, from Moultonborough south to, say, Alton—what are some suggestions for two families with teen children that take reservations? PS The Bob House, yes, but we continue to be...underwhelmed by the product and price. Sent from my SM-S931U using Tapatalk

08-20-2026, 09:31 AM	#4
BroadHopper Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 5,716 Thanks: 3,337 Thanked 1,145 Times in 823 Posts	You might want to try Hobbs Tavern in Ossipee. It's not toward Alton, but close to Moultonborough. __________________ Someday may never be an actual day.

08-20-2026, 09:50 AM	#6
eyenotall777 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 157 Thanks: 40 Thanked 28 Times in 19 Posts	Canoe in Center Harbor Canoe in Center Harbor takes reservations

08-21-2026, 07:46 AM	#14
smith point boater Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: West Alton,NH Posts: 229 Thanks: 345 Thanked 101 Times in 60 Posts	Rez Ellacoya (ask for round table so you can talk) and something on menu for everyone. Breeze in Gilford - if you get the right table you can see water and watch boats etc

08-25-2026, 12:17 PM	#32
ghfromaltonbay Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Clifton, NJ, Alton Bay Posts: 864 Thanks: 275 Thanked 243 Times in 142 Posts	Early Bird at the William Tell The William Tell Restaurant in West Alton had the early bird dinners served until 5:30 pm. Boy do I miss that place! Even my Swiss grandmother raved about it.

08-20-2026, 08:23 AM	#2
Winilyme Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2019 Location: Ice in = CT / Ice out = Winnipesaukee Posts: 620 Thanks: 177 Thanked 338 Times in 184 Posts	Giuseppe’s in Meredith is our go-to for just your type of scenario. Good food, wide variety, indoor or outdoor seating, entertainment, you can actually talk (not too noisy), easy parking, Ben & Jerry’s just outside their front door, reasonable prices and, yes, they take reservations.

08-20-2026, 09:21 AM	#3
MeredithMan Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Bedford, NH; Meredith, NH Posts: 1,040 Thanks: 271 Thanked 860 Times in 355 Posts	The Breeze in Meredith takes reservations for 6 or more. You simply go to their website, select "reserve", and fill in the details. They also have a semi-private space with two or three tables where I've seen groups of 10 or so for a family birthday party and such.

08-20-2026, 09:35 AM	#5
TomC Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Lakes Region Posts: 859 Thanks: 48 Thanked 197 Times in 124 Posts	A place that is in the direction you requested, and encourages reservations, is the Woodshed. Not really a "family dining experience", however..

08-20-2026, 11:21 AM	#7
Winni P Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Saunders Bay Posts: 100 Thanks: 132 Thanked 20 Times in 15 Posts	It might be out of your area, but Ellacoya Barn & Grill in Gilford is a good family spot and they take reservations.

08-20-2026, 11:39 AM	#8
TheTimeTraveler Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Posts: 1,000 Thanks: 310 Thanked 307 Times in 191 Posts	Morrissey's on Route 28 in Wolfeboro will take evening reservations.

08-20-2026, 03:47 PM	#11
FlyingScot Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Tuftonboro and Sudbury, MA Posts: 2,620 Thanks: 1,458 Thanked 1,088 Times in 679 Posts	Back Bay Boathouse in Wolfeboro, tell them you want to be on the deck. Very good food with varied menu, great views, large sand play area for kids of all ages

08-21-2026, 07:51 PM	#19
BillTex Senior Member Join Date: May 2024 Location: Freedom (state of mind) Posts: 194 Thanks: 35 Thanked 71 Times in 46 Posts	Thank you, Dan. Extensive menu, we will, def give it a go. Thx again, Bill

08-22-2026, 08:13 PM	#20
BillTex Senior Member Join Date: May 2024 Location: Freedom (state of mind) Posts: 194 Thanks: 35 Thanked 71 Times in 46 Posts	Are they open all year?

08-23-2026, 06:16 AM	#23
thinkxingu Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Posts: 6,694 Thanks: 1,187 Thanked 2,222 Times in 1,381 Posts	Thanks for the suggestions, all. In the end, we decided to geriatric dine to limit the wait and not worry about reservations, so we hit Mountain View Station in Ossipee at 5 o'clock. I've come to love this place very much, especially when followed up with Bobby Sue's, which is my current favorite ice cream stand (we are totally done with Center Harbor Scoops, but that's another thread). Meals ordered were chickie tends and mac and cheese bites for appetizers and burgers with pulled pork, chicken bacon ranch wraps, haddock sandwiches, and fettuccine Alfredo. Bar/American food, but not greasy or skimpy, and prices are excellent: $240 for eight of us with 25% tip (only one beer, other drinks were soda/choco milk). The other finalist was going to be The Common Man in Ashland, the original one with very good ratings—and one we've never been to—but there's no great ice cream over there that we know of (!). Sent from my SM-S931U using Tapatalk

The Following User Says Thank You to Biggd For This Useful Post:
TiltonBB (08-26-2026)

08-26-2026, 09:17 AM	#33
fatlazyless Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 9,251 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 314 Thanked 1,120 Times in 827 Posts	Has this restaurant been mentioned yet ..... www.littleredschoolhousenh.com ..... Rt 3, Campton NH, about five minutes drive north from Plymouth on scenic olde Route 3, the D. W. Hgwy! Never actually been in there, but their parking lot is always loaded with expensive cars so they must be doing something good in there. __________________ .... Banned for life from local thrift store!