Great unpretentious vibe, solid takes on American cuisine, and reasonable drink prices to boot.read more

My friend and I stopped by for dinner after she traveled hours to get here to visit. It wasn't…read moreworth the stop. We shared some street corn and the chips were over cooked and greasy. I had a Cesar salad that had chunks of the ends of the lettuce - annoying. And whatever seasoning that was on the chicken didn't go with the vibe of the salad and was dry as a bone. My friend ordered seared scallops which came thrown on top of a cartoon like pile of fries. She didn't have time to complain because the waitress was out to ask us how it was before we had a bite (the runner brought the food). When she finally came back to ask if we needed boxes - my friend explained the issues with the inedible scallops. The waitress said the owner was there and would come talk to us. The owner didn't come out, a manager never came, and the waitress dropped the bill off and walked away. She came back with the machine to run cards - no apology, no please come back another time ... nothing. I am from Maynard and was embarrassed that this is what happened.

Thanks to the staff for taking care of us. I have tinnitus, and struggle with conversation in…read morerestaurants. The staff sat us in the private dinning room. The Steak burger and fries were excellent as was the Thai Lettuce raps. The Lobster Bisque was good, but I have a high bar (Grandmas was the best) The Clam chowder was also very good.

What another amazing experience!! We day at the Oyster Bar and was greeted by Executive Chef Ben…read moreWoffe. it took is all a minute to recognize eachother, but this moment made for a fantastic dinner. The place was quiet, which allowed Ben to sirens time talking to us and giving is the ones and outs of his creations. Our server was Sienna, who was bright and personable, and worked side by side with Chef Ben to make our meal memorable. We started our meal with oysters. Chef gave us his recommendations and they were has delicious as he hyped them up to be. Then we tried the lobster guacamole, which the star of the shows was actually the bacon lardon that's layered in. A must try for anyone who loves this dip. I had the pineapple braised pulled pork tacos. I could barely finish two, yet alone the 3 healthy sized tacos. And my girlfriend was treated to both the crab cake and the specialty salmon cakes. She proclaimed the salmon the winner of that cake battle. For desert, which we didn't finish either, was the berry cobbler. I compared it to an oversized toaster strudel, but homemade and much more flavorful. Overall, we love it here. This is our 2nd trip and we'll be sure to come again soon! Pro Tip: sit at the Oyster Bar, watching the kitchen working is a phenomenal experience. Thank you again to Chef Ben and Sienna! And look, they also have events coming up!!

Delicious, super fresh seafood, excellent service, tastefully decorated, beautiful ambiance!read more

Great seafood place!…read more Dined here with a big party and we were comfortably accomidated on a Friday night. This restaurant is very nice and spacious and offers a variety of seafood entree's for everyone. This time I ordered the lobster sandwich and it came with a choice of any side soup. I got the yummy clam chowder and it was very creamy and hot. There was a generous amount of lobster in my sandwich and I was happy about that. It tasted fresh and I really liked the seasoning. For appetizers we ordered their calamari and crab cakes which were also very good. The calamari was nice and crunchy and the The crab cakes were very flavorful. The fish entree's looked great and I was lucky enough to get a bite of each. Next time I want to get the flat fried fish! Yum! The service was great and everyone enjoyed their meal. Our waitress was very nice and knew how to take care of a large group.

I was there at friends and insisted to have outdoor seating as the weather was perfect. Place is…read morequiet that you can enjoy the food. Size of the foods were over my expectations. And the price was fair. Saw lots of local people having brunch / lunch here. They also provided buffet brunch but we chose not to have it as we came here late. Overall was excellent.

Enjoyed my dinner here at the historic Colonial Inn. Though it was busy inside and on the patio, we…read morewere seated momentarily which I was excited about. Started off with an order of the crab cakes which were delicious. I also enjoyed the coleslaw it came with. Honestly next time I might order these as my entree with a salad or something because I liked them that much. For my entree I ordered the Lobster Roll. I ordered them with sweet potato fries which were good. The lobster roll was alright but I've had better elsewhere. I did really like the fries though. Ended with an Indian pudding which was good but not my favorite dessert ever. Heard a bunch of surrounding tables ordering it so I wanted to try it. They bring you cornbread and rolls in the beginning which I thought was nice as well. Our waitress did a good job despite how many tables she had to juggle, so props to her. Pricey dinner but overall I think it was worth it. I would try another entree next time however it was good. I like the charm this place has inside and I hope they keep it this original for years to come.

We went on Wednesday, when they often have a local fife & drum corps parade briefly through the old…read moredining room. Awesome! I had the coow-woow cocktail (America's first mixed drink), which was full of patriotic spirits. The w's are silent. The Brussels sprouts appetizer was absolutely delicious with bacon & blue cheese. And my lobster casserole was loaded with sherry and thus also delicious. We hope to return to try some of the other items on the extensive menu. Normally, historic and gourmet are mutually exclusive, but this place does both exceptionally well. Learn in the museum room upstairs and wander around. It's fascinating, and every dish we had was both traditional and scrumptious. Also, our server had a nice sense of humor. The inn is out in the woods quite a ways, but worth the trip.

My husband and I have been patrons of the Inn for many years. We enjoyed going there for the…read moreambiance as well as for a hearty, reasonably priced meal. In August of 2022, we even stayed at the Inn for a few nights and had a nice time. However... We just got back from staying a few nights at the Inn and I wish I could rate our experience better. I know change is inevitable. I realize that restaurant staffing is also an issue for many restaurants. Costs have increased. That being said, here is our experience in the following categories: Room: Be forewarned those who have not stayed in one of the older rooms which would be #9 and #10. As #10 was available, we decided to give it a try. (Previously, we stayed in the other section of the Inn and really had no complaints other than we asked that the AC be turned up a bit.) First, there are very, very steep steps to get to the room. If you have any issues climbing, I would advise not to book these rooms. The nice front desk person asked if we need help with our bags which we did not. But you may. If your knees are not good, book another room. The room itself dates from the late 18th century and you get late 18th century. There are only three outlets in the room and they are only on one side of the room. If you wish to recharge your phones and/or have a medical device like a CPAP, bring power strips or book another room. There is no usable drawer space to place clothing and the closet only had a few hangers. The bathroom has no shelves to put any of your toiletries and only one hook to hang wet towels. Speaking of towels, they are the small version of a bath towel. No body wrapping is going to happen. The tile in the bathroom was missing a tile (note to Inn, I found it in one of the small drawers in the little jewelry chest on top of the bureau). And one of the lightbulbs was out in one of the wall sconces (or perhaps it just does not work?) The fire escape, for those who worry about those things, is trying to figure out how to open the window and fit your body through a very small space onto the roof below. Is it worth $250 per night? If you only care about the ambience, than I guess that it would be a "yes". (We paid only $230 because the Inn does not serve any food, including b-fast, on Mondays and Tuesdays). For that amount of money, having missing tiles as well as lights that do not work is really not acceptable. Management: Put some more hangers in the closet and get some hooks and shelves in the bathroom! And a few larger towels would be nice. And I know you are selling the 18th century vibe, but it is 2026 - put in some more outlets!! Was it totally a bust? No. The grounds are lovely. It was quiet. Well, relatively. Also note that these rooms are above main dining areas, so until the Inn closes you will have noise. Unfortunately, we had to listen to a party of what I would assume were folks staying a night, talk very loud until 9:00p.m. Luckily, they stopped at nine. The bed was comfortable and the two sitting chairs were also very comfortable. Food: Alas, the food at the Inn was never four star but our meal was a disappointment. It seems that the menu has gotten smaller and the prices larger! And the quality of the food does not match the prices. My husband and I spent $63 and got a Coow Woow, Diet Coke, 2 cups of clam chowder (very small and salty), and the vegetarian egg roll and chicken satay appetizers. With a tip, we were pushing close to $100 for what was basically food that seem to have come out of a package and was reheated. The clam chowder, which was always rich and creamy is now a light salty mess and, as I said, for $8.95 a cup (I was expecting a bowl), it was more like a small tea cup from the 18th century. The bread basket, which was always promptly served before the meal, came with the meal, so we ended taking it back to our room. The server was very nice and attentive but, in general, it took a while for her to come take our order. Whereas before, the service was impeccable. The cheese and crackers that were always free now cost $4.95. If you are going to charge these prices, please do better. It seems that the Inn has made a business decision to focus more on events (which probably bring in the bulk of the income?) as well as having new endeavors like the seasonal beer garden. (We arrived on Sunday and got the tail end of a good amateur high school group. In case you are wondering, the beers were $9). Thus, the rooms and the food are taking a back burner to the events. I get it - it is business not personal. But for a few days away which cost us around $600-700, chump change for some but not for us, the value we received was not worth it. And we will probably not be back anytime soon.

Nashoba Valley -- An Enchanting Afternoon Among the Vines, Followed by an Unforgettable Evening!…read more Some places offer a wonderful meal. Others offer beautiful surroundings. And then there are those rare destinations that bring together exceptional food, gracious hospitality, breathtaking scenery and unexpected little moments of delight. Nashoba Valley is one of those places! We visited last week, a party of four, and what began as a leisurely lunch turned into an absolutely magical afternoon and evening. From dining beside the grapevines and wandering through the apple orchards to wine tasting and an exquisite dinner, every part of our visit was a pleasure. Our first stop was The Knoll, where we settled in for lunch surrounded by the beauty of the vineyards. The sandwiches were excellent, and our server was an absolute delight--warm, cheerful, attentive and always smiling. But the highlight of our afternoon was something entirely unexpected. As we sat enjoying our lunch, we noticed the grapevines nearby. When we learned that we were welcome to pick and taste the grapes directly from the vines, we were thrilled! These were the tiniest, sweetest little grapes, bursting with natural sweetness. There we were, four adults, having the most marvelous time plucking grapes straight from the vines and savoring every bite. It was such a simple pleasure, yet it became one of the most memorable moments of our visit. There is something wonderfully indulgent about enjoying nature's bounty right where it grows! After lunch, we took a leisurely stroll through the beautiful orchard, admiring the apple trees and picking a few apples along the way. The grounds were lovely, and the entire experience had that unhurried, quintessentially New England charm that makes an afternoon in the countryside so special. Our next stop was wine tasting, another thoroughly enjoyable experience and a lovely way to spend the afternoon before heading to J's Restaurant for dinner. And what an extraordinary way to end the day! J's is an absolute gem. From the outside, the rustic farmhouse has an understated, old-world charm. Step inside, however, and you discover an interior that is cozy, elegant and stunningly beautiful. It strikes that wonderful balance between refined dining and the warmth of a country home. The atmosphere is inviting and intimate, without a hint of pretension. The dinner itself was phenomenal. Every dish we ordered was beautifully prepared and absolutely delicious. The quality of the food, the presentation and the attentive hospitality made for a truly memorable dining experience. By the time we finished our meal, we were so delightfully satisfied that we simply couldn't contemplate dessert. But J's had one final surprise in store for us! We were told that the owner has a charming tradition for guests who don't order dessert. Moments later, out came the most whimsical little treat: complimentary cotton candy, beautifully presented in elegant glasses! It was completely unexpected, wonderfully playful and such a delightful gesture. After an exquisite dinner, this little flourish brought smiles to all our faces. It was the perfect finishing touch to an already exceptional evening. What impressed me most about Nashoba Valley was the genuine warmth and hospitality we encountered throughout our visit. From our lovely server at The Knoll to the gracious service at J's, everyone made us feel welcome. There is an unmistakable sense of pride and care here, not only in the food and wine but also in the experience they create for their guests. Nashoba Valley is so much more than a winery or a restaurant. It is a destination to be savored. Come for a leisurely lunch, linger among the vineyards, wander through the orchards, enjoy a wine tasting and finish with a beautiful dinner at J's. Better still, bring your friends and family and make an entire day of it, as we did. We arrived expecting a pleasant afternoon in the countryside and left with wonderful memories, full hearts and very full stomachs! An absolutely enchanting experience from beginning to end. We cannot wait to return!

Nice place for a date. I loved the Massachusetts farm ambiance. The wine I had, a Sauvignon was the…read moreperfect dark depth I had wanted with a black currant flavor on the tongue. My meal, while good, the jägerschnitzel, was a bit thick and over cooked. After living in Germany for years, I know what I am talking about. My server was appropriately New England cold. The desert, a Haselnuss chocolate cake was spot on.

Uncommonly kind and friendly service! Great burgers, drinks, and atmosphere on the outdoor patio.read more

The Tack Room's menu is pretty interesting with a lot of things I don't usually see combined…read moretogether. Today I gave it a try and felt that it was good in some areas and just ok in others. Overall the food tasted pretty healthy despite having pork belly and chorizo. The seasoning was definitely on the lighter side, where the french onion soup was tasting pretty close to an extremely light broth. Tried the cassoulet which I've heard of before but never seen on a menu. It was very hearty but also a but bland. Pulled pork and pork belly seemed to have zero salt. Duck leg confit also very bland. It was cooked well but just bland. The dishes with citrus were quite tasty. Beets and arugala salad very good, good quality goat cheese. Alligator chorizo grilled oysters surprisingly good. Never had alligator chorizo before but it was crispy and not fatty even though it resembled bacon visually. The oysters were small, even more small in comparison to the chorizo but it was a good bite. I would recommend skipping the clam chowder, french onion soup (not really caramelized onions to be honest), and the cassoulet unless you feel empowered to salt your own food. The clientele was definitely in the 60+ range. Nothing wrong with that obviously but tastes change with age and maybe thats why the seasoning was so light. Today there were just two wait staff for the whole place. Seemed understaffed and it took almost thirty minutes for food to come out. Waiting for the check took about fifteen minutes. Staff was nice but definitely overloaded. Today was a holiday though.

I've been here countless times, it's always a great experience in terms of food, drink, atmosphere…read moreand good service. My favorite is the bacon wrapped dates, but everything is good, the lamb chops, the duck, octopus, chorizo. I wouldn't drink it anymore, but it's the first time I've seen Kalimoxo on any menu in the US... brings me back to when I was in high school in the Basque Country of Spain. I had a birthday party in the back room and that was a highlight, everyone who attended said we should all take turns hosting events there. The restaurant staff was very laid back about it in a good way, a few weeks in advance we just sort of asked if we could reserve it and then came up with a menu of things to bring out and drinks to have available and it worked out and was one of my best birthdays I can remember. We played our own music on a speaker we bright in, very chill and fun. Some nights they have live music and that has been fun as well. I'd recommend for a date night, girl's night, or a party like a birthday (adults only), office going away, small baby or bridal shower. Probably not the place for a business meeting. Great spot in Maynard, indoor or outdoor dining.

While seeming very promising, our experience here overall fell a bit flat in my opinion. We came…read morewith a reservation for 3 and got seated quite quickly, but we came pretty early for dinner so there were plenty of seats open around us. Despite this, we got sat at a pretty awkward table - very long and it made things difficult for sharing unfortunately. The menu had a good mix of dishes, all of which came out as soon as they were made. The paella came out last and took quite a long time - we were already pretty much full from our other dishes so just keep that in mind if you order it. Most of the dishes were lackluster - my favorite though was the eggplant, I enjoyed that the most. Everything else was small and not super flavorful. Paella was yummy, but pretty expensive for the portion. Overall, I probably wouldn't come back out of my own volition, but I didn't mind the food - I just don't think the price and quantity/quality of food matched.