Most people canceled their vacations because of Covid-19. Of course, it would have been awesome to make my annual trek to Europe, but it was not to be. This year had me vacationing closer to home. I drove to the northern part of my state to investigate the hiking trails that are north of the Presidential Range and I was not disappointed. The only meal I enjoyed that was not cooked on my Coleman stove was the pizza I got at The Buck Rub in Pittsburg. And it was amazing!
I had driven north through Pittsburg nearly every day of the week as I hiked the many trails in the area. Magalloway, Garfield Falls, 4th Connecticut Lake Trail, Falls in the River Trail and more. Every day, as I drove up and back down Route 3, I noticed what looked to be a restaurant. Unfortunately, the most obvious sign on the front of the building, visible to a passing driver on Route 3, says "CLOSED." I am adding a photo so you can see what I, as a passing driver, saw.
Well, would you believe, after several days of hiking, I decided to take a closer look. If you drive up the driveway of The Buck Rub and read the fine print at the very bottom of the sign, the sign claims that they are closed... on Monday and Tuesday. They are open on the rest of the days! The sign with the gigantic word "CLOSED" on the front of the building can't be helping business at all!.... shakes my head...
Fortunately for me, I read the fine print and went inside. It was difficult to find the entrance to the building, which is at the front, when parking is on the side. Once inside, I was greeted by the aroma of freshly baking pizza and all manner of tasty foods! Hannah greeted me and helped me with my order. After a week in the woods, a pizza surely would hit the spot. I ordered a sausage and mushroom pizza, the larger size, since I planned to have leftovers.
Hannah directed me to wait in the bar, or in the lobby area. In no time at all, my pizza was ready. Hot, steaming, and delicious, loaded with toppings. I brought it to the cabin I had rented at Lopstick- another fine establishment in the north country, and I ate my fill. It was perhaps the best pizza I have ever had. Loaded with cheese, yummy sausage, and mushrooms. I saved three slices of leftovers, which I heated up in my backcountry campsite in the wilderness, the following evening. It was every bit as tasty as when it was freshly made.
I cannot recommend The Buck Rub enough! From the friendly service (Hannah) to the delicious food, it was exactly what I wanted when I spent a week hiking in the north country. I shudder to think of how many people, (I could have been one of them!) drive by, thinking the place is closed because of the giant misleading CLOSED sign on the front of the building. They are open for business, most days!