My first time back since the new owners took over. It was still very loud inside even though we…read morearrived on the earlier side for dinner the bar was pretty full already. Maybe with some rugs layed down it would help the noise? The name and the vision inside don't match, nothing really special to see inside. I ordered nachos as my meal last night, they looked yummy but once I started eating i realized that the chips were very toasted from the oven and crispy and any specks of cheese were dried and burned into the chips (see photo). Not until I dug to the bottom did I find any cheese. Really I could have just done that at home. I didn't send it back because my husband & daughters meals were there and they were enjoying and didn't want theirs to become cold. Being our second time trying the restaurant we decided we wouldn't make it a third. The waitstaff were very pleasant and attentive.

Hitchcock Tavern has had its ups and downs (over 265 years in business, it happens). The Tavern is…read morein a small town, with not a lot of big business's or industry nearby, so it's primarily a transient (on a major state route) and local population venue. The town does roll-up the sidewalks at 500pm...so I know it's a tough business wherein to make a few bucks. They upped their menu options a few months back (yeah!) and have altered hours a bit, now opening at 11:30am every day. (also yeah!) The menu is a bit limited (which is not bad; work the interesting offerings, update when needed), but very good. I live local to the HT, and stop in maybe once a month for a lunch or before dinner (I avoid Friday and Saturday, as it can get very noisy in there). Today, my wife and I stopped at 300pm for their smash burgers (2 patties, lettuce, onion, tomato) on a Caprese roll. Great roll for the type of burger. I think they can source better tomatoes, as we are in the middle of a farming area, so summer and fall they should consider local produce and make the slices bigger. French fries were good, but not unique. We ordered a bowl of sweet potato fries as a starter, and they were good. Enough to take home and try with some various cocktail sauces we have. I usually get their edamame dumplings, but they were out. If you order their nachos and cheese, it is a big plate, so be warned. They have a few local craft beers, but it would be nice to see a more expansive list. I understand most locals go for the generic beer basic brands, but still...Plenty of craft brewers in Central Mass. Same with the wine; there is a local winery the next town over (shameless plug: Hardwick Winery) that is quite good, and I'm sure a bit of support both ways would be eventful. We have a local cider grower too, that could pair nicely (shameless plug: Ragged Hill) The pricing on the lunch-time specials make HT an easy option to go to. I know that server staff is tough to get, let alone retain, and I often give a bit more slack in the expectations in that area these days. Our server, Holly, also does early opening bar duty, and she made a great dry martini. And those are tough to make, and so easy to screwup. Thanks, Holly. Parking in the lot can be tough on a busy night, but, plenty of free and safe street parking within a 1-3 minute walk. The Tavern is not a romantic venue, exquisite, nor super-fine dining. It is a reliable, local, historic, restaurant to get a solid meal, a good drink, meet with friends, and relax. They do a great function offering I will say (have used it several times), and I am glad to see changing weekly-monthly specials, holiday meals, and have flights when a new liquor hits the shelf. They now have an outdoor tent for the ending summer and fall nights. So to the owners and chef, keep thinking outside the box, and you'll make this a solid start for your next 265 years.

My favorite place for breakfast, lunch and dinner. They have delicious homemade soups which are…read moreserved in a coffee mug. They have outstanding steak tips and their grilled chicken dinner cannot be beat! Friendly staff and a fun atmosphere.

unpleasant experience with owner who was inappropriate and rude. The food was bland and the coffee…read morewas low quality . AVOID this place at all costs.

My wife and I have driven by 308 Lakeside several times when visiting East Brookfield and have…read moretalked about stopping but for whatever reason did not. Today was "date night" so when look for a new place to checkout 308 Lakeside made the list, after reading a recent article on social media about new owners, we decided to stop for a late Sunday lunch. Once we found a place to park (parking is a challenge as they are victim of their own success so be prepared) We were greeted pleasantly by the hostess and promptly seated. They had a duet performing live music of pop covers. We were seated along the window overlooking Lake Lashaway. Nice view! Our server, Payton was very helpful and patient as this was our first time. Jessica the manager stopped by the table to check on us and introduce herself, after a nice conversation about this being our first time and the article highlighting the new owner, Payton returned with our beverages (raspberry tea, root beer and water). We ordered as a starter potato skins. In due course they were brought. These potato skins had a lot of potato still in the skins- making them the perfect carrier for the generous amount of cheese and bacon. Served with sour cream. Delicious! By this time we were ready to order. I ordered the French dip with fries. This is one of my favorite sandwiches and is a rarity these days. My wife ordered the stuffed portobello mushroom and house side salad. I also the limited menu item pretzel sticks, and a bowl of their chili to share with my wife. Payton was good to check on us and keep us hydrated. After a bit of time since we ordered (nearly an hour) Jessica came over and apologized for the delay and said the food would be out shortly, and comped us a dessert. The reason was totally out of their control and has no bearing on this review. One of the kitchen staff had an immediate family member pass away, leaving the kitchen short handed. It was gracious of Jessica to comp a dessert, we weren't in any hurry it being date night. The food was delivered as promised and exceeded expectations. I have to say the French dip was a solid #3 on my top ten list of French dips I have enjoyed in my lifetime. (#1 Rio Rico Resort in 1978 AZ, #2 The Colonial Restaurant in 1974 CT) My wife's portobello mushroom was one of the best she has had (being allergic to seafood and knowing her tastes I trust her review). The chili was good and we ended up bringing home. We would make the drive just for the chili. Pretzel sticks were server hot and were very light. The mustard base dipping sauce was some of the best we have enjoyed and perfectly suited for the pretzel sticks. For dessert we shared a piece of blueberry carrot cake with whipped cream. It was a delicious ending to our meal and first visit. The only detractors was the parking which I am not sure they can do much about (only a single handicapped space), we ended having to park up the road; and a tidying up- the men's room while the fixtures were clean, the floor has layers of soil from being mopped with dirty water (easy to rectify with occasional professional cleaning) and a partial beer bottle was left on top of the towel dispenser. In the room we were seated in, the acoustic ceiling panels just need a good dusting. Like a said those are but minor observations. The food was some of the best around and the service equally a standout. Highly recommend 308 Lakeside. We will definitely be back.

I just really desperately want the 308 to find their groove with the food, and then stay…read moreconsistent! It's such a staple to our neighborhood, but remains disappointing at times. My girlfriend and I went out for music bingo last night. We had a great time, the atmosphere was fantastic and the energy is amazing. However, the apps we odd we're just not good! Well over cooked chicken tenders for starters. They appeared to be double fried, like they got tossed back in for a warm up or something. They were so dry and so extra crispy. The chicken quesadilla was a little better but still only finished two of the four slices. Oh well, we don't go for the food though. We go for the atmosphere, for the great bartenders, and the beautiful lake views!

I wish I had found this cafe earlier! I think about the Goods all of the time. Every drink, food,…read moreand baked good has been absolutely incredible. Everyone who works there is kind and attentive, the space is gorgeous and they have a nice intimate seating section with lots of natural lighting. Every time I'm there there's locals who are all smiles while waiting in line and ordering. Great vibes and I highly recommend. If you follow their social media you'll see they come out with monthly and seasonal drink and food specials and they're all so creative and equally as delicious. But if you're looking for a staple, their cold brew with maple cold foam is a MUST.

This place is the perfect local cafe! When you think small town coffee shops, this is the place…read more The inside is quite small with very little seating but don't let that deter you - come and get it to go. The food and service are always great. The prices are about average for a locally owned shop. The pastries and treats are always cooked perfectly and just the right amount of sweet. They also typically have at least one gluten free option. Their rotating coffee flavor menu is always fun and pairs well with different seasons/holidays. I have tried their sandwiches, quiche and salads too which were all made really well. My favorite over the summer was the mushroom quiche and the mom's pasta salad.

A lot of the family (20)+ members enjoyed a brunch like meal to celebrate the passing of the last…read moreof the beautiful Aubin girls. The food was great, service was excellent and coffee was flowing. Great big thanks to the staff for an enjoyable meal.

Place was clean! which I see as good; a reflection of the kitchen, like when, with an auto, one…read morelooks under the hood. The food was yummy; breakfast AND lunch! Like an eleventh-hour tactic, which the elders like to call brunch. Service was friendly! We felt like family reunited. Sarah greeted us like long-lost cousins she hadn't seen in a week.

Just completed a weekend wedding celebration at the Inn. 10/10! From Friday nights rehearsal and…read moreimpromptu dinner for the family all the way through brunch Sunday Morning for the overnight guests. The food, the staff, the property so welcoming felt like spending time at a family countryside home. Pics from brunch !!

I attended a brunch last Sunday Nov 19 for the Hanover Theatre Volunteers. I know she doesn't…read moremanage the Inn anymore but it was great to see Dawn Eckelberry. She and my Family all graduated from David Prouty. In fact She graduated with my youngest brother Ken. I have been to other functions there like Class Reunions and other occasions. The Brunch was great. It is nice that you are keeping that Spencer Landmark operating. Jim Messier DPHS Class of 1970

This is the complaint email that went unanswered, I am…read morewriting this as a long-time, loyal customer who has supported this establishment since the new ownership took over. However, after our experience this past Sunday, I am incredibly frustrated to say that we will not be returning. The issues began before we sat down. We attempted to order the Valentine's Special as advertised, only to be told it wasn't available. When another member of our party tried to order a luncheon item, we were told it wasn't served on Sundays--despite the menu giving no indication of such a restriction. The service and food quality only declined from there. We ordered a large clam strip dinner, a lobster scampi, and a sea scallop dinner. After an excessively long wait, the food finally arrived, but it was a mess. My "large" clam strip dinner was relatively small, and instead of the lobster scampi, we were brought a lobster mac and cheese. When I informed the waitress of the mistake, she took the mac and cheese back, but it took another five minutes just for her to return and officially put the "rush" order in for the scampi. By the time my wife's meal finally arrived, the rest of us were completely finished eating. To make matters worse, the scampi was a total letdown--I've never seen a scampi served with a cheese sauce and no tomatoes. It was so unappealing she couldn't even finish it. To top off a day of errors, the waitress approached us after we placed the corrected scampi order to tell us we owed more money because she had initially charged us for the wrong item. Being asked to pay an upcharge for a mistake made by staff, especially after the kitchen failed to have the meal ready with the rest of the table, is completely unacceptable. We have enjoyed coming here in the past, but after the lack of professionalism and poor food quality we've seen over our last few visits, we have lost our confidence in this restaurant.

The Clam Box delivers exactly what you hope for in a New England seafood stop--crispy fried clams,…read moreperfectly cooked shrimp, and a lobster roll that's fresh, buttery, and generous. The french fries hold their own too. The remodel is beautiful--bright, clean, and the boat-inspired bar adds a fun touch. It's an order-at-the-counter setup with friendly, upbeat staff that make the place feel welcoming and relaxed. Yes, it's a bit on the pricey side, but it's seafood done right, and everything I've tried has been well worth it. Bonus: their ice cream menu is massive and consistently delicious. A real gem for casual coastal fare inland.