Sandy Point remodel?

[Greene's Basin Girl]

We went to Sandy Point on Mother's Day. There was good and bad. The chicken fingers and scallops were quite good. We also ordered a large portion of whole belly clams. It turned out to be a very small portion and the clams looked like the clam strips my husband was eating. We spoke to the server. She assured us that they were whole belly clams and that the owners were getting use to serving the food at Sandy Point as opposed to the the diner they owned before. I don't know what that had to do with anything. I have been to plenty of diners that served great clams. She did not offer us anything else. We also mentioned it to the hostess on the way out and all she said was " Did you mention this to your server?" I assured her that we had

We drove all the way from Moultonborough. We will not go back. As most of you know there are many other great places for clams in Alton Bay. We will go to Pop's or Shibley's. We go there by boat often and have clams. Today was too chilly for a boat ride to Alton Bay from Greens Basin.

[Mirror Lake's BB]

Here is the link to their website with hours and menu. The menu looks the same except they have added breakfast.

http://www.sandypointrestaurant.com/

Can't wait to hear reviews from regulars before we go (portion size, pricing, service etc.)

[DRH]

Originally Posted by Mirror Lake's BB

Here is the link to their website with hours and menu. The menu looks the same except they have added breakfast.

Sandy Point has been offering breakfasts for a number of years.

[RLW]

Originally Posted by Mirror Lake's BB

Here is the link to their website with hours and menu. The menu looks the same except they have added breakfast.

http://www.sandypointrestaurant.com/

Can't wait to hear reviews from regulars before we go (portion size, pricing, service etc.)

Menu looks good, but are they ashame of the prices as they do not list any on the standard priced items. I can understand the fish/lobster, but all the rest????????

[LakeSnake]

Went for Mothers day. The ladies both had the 1 1/4 baked stuffed lobster which was reported to be good. Although it was noted that the stuffing was not quite as pleantyfull or good as before. I had the Pecan Crusted Chicken and my son the Chicken Parm both of which were over cooked and dry. Not very impressed with that. As for the service it a little disorganized which can be expected with a new opening.

We went back to the bar Saturday night and ate at the bar. I had the Prime Rib MW for which I was served the end cut and promptly sent it back - no paying $28.00 for end cut - sorry - the new rib was brought out in good fashion and was a little rare but was good. The other half got the backed haddock and scallopls combo which used to be her favorite - there was quite a bit of confusion from the staff as to what she was ordering how it would be prepared. I was surprised by this as it was an old menu item. She was not impressed with end result and said she would not order it again. My son had a burger ordered med well - came out med rare - he did not even eat it. Bar staff not very well organized and still getting used to the new set up - not that it is that much different. They spent most of thier time with their backs to the customers discussing the new computer system for managing the service bar and checks.
The bill was $112.00 for the Prime Rib, Backed Haddock, Burger and two drinks a piece. Wifes wine was $10 a very small glass.
As we were leaving noted that the bar tender - who is familiar with us -was more concerned with looking to see if I had signed the merchant copy of the bill instead of thanking us and wishing us well.

This was an old favorite that we frequented quite a few times over the summer in previous years. Unfortunately we all concluded that we won't be in much of hurry to return.

[Mirror Lake's BB]

Originally Posted by LakeSnake

Went for Mothers day. The ladies both had the 1 1/4 baked stuffed lobster which was reported to be good. Although it was noted that the stuffing was not quite as pleantyfull or good as before. I had the Pecan Crusted Chicken and my son the Chicken Parm both of which were over cooked and dry. Not very impressed with that. As for the service it a little disorganized which can be expected with a new opening.

We went back to the bar Saturday night and ate at the bar. I had the Prime Rib MW for which I was served the end cut and promptly sent it back - no paying $28.00 for end cut - sorry - the new rib was brought out in good fashion and was a little rare but was good. The other half got the backed haddock and scallopls combo which used to be her favorite - there was quite a bit of confusion from the staff as to what she was ordering how it would be prepared. I was surprised by this as it was an old menu item. She was not impressed with end result and said she would not order it again. My son had a burger ordered med well - came out med rare - he did not even eat it. Bar staff not very well organized and still getting used to the new set up - not that it is that much different. They spent most of thier time with their backs to the customers discussing the new computer system for managing the service bar and checks.
The bill was $112.00 for the Prime Rib, Backed Haddock, Burger and two drinks a piece. Wifes wine was $10 a very small glass.
As we were leaving noted that the bar tender - who is familiar with us -was more concerned with looking to see if I had signed the merchant copy of the bill instead of thanking us and wishing us well.

This was an old favorite that we frequented quite a few times over the summer in previous years. Unfortunately we all concluded that we won't be in much of hurry to return.

We called Sandy Point and were told that a glass of house wine is $5.50 which we consider reasonable (maybe not reasonable in our book but on par) but would have to see what a "very small glass" is.

To hear that you have been a frequent customer in the past and was not impressed may hold us back for now; kind of like The Wolfeboro Inn which has changed a bit since the new ownership a few years back. We have never ordered the prime rib but have noticed that it is massive. Wondering if the cut got smaller. Voiced concerns about the fried clams and the stuffed lobster in this thread raises a flag with us.

Thanks for all your posts and will continue watching closely.

[Diver Vince]

When a restaurant prices their product for excellence, they have to consistently deliver. Unfortunately some establishments don't understand this simple principle. If a restaurant can't do this, than lower your prices. They must supply value for the dollar.
From what I'm reading I don't see this. We've visited SP several times in the last year before the change in ownership and between the two of us have spent approximately $100 on each occasion for our meal . Not anxious to return until I see much better reviews.

[fpartri497]

Originally Posted by Diver Vince

When a restaurant prices their product for excellence, they have to consistently deliver. Unfortunately some establishments don't understand this simple principle. If a restaurant can't do this, than lower your prices. They must supply value for the dollar.
From what I'm reading I don't see this. We've visited SP several times in the last year before the change in ownership and between the two of us have spent approximately $100 on each occasion for our meal . Not anxious to return until I see much better reviews.

Im reluctant to try sandy point again until at least july-august hopefully they will have the kinks worked out by then. used to be my favorite dining place In alton bay

[fpartri497]

Originally Posted by fpartri497

Im reluctant to try sandy point again until at least july-august hopefully they will have the kinks worked out by then. used to be my favorite dining place In alton bay

well. just tried sandy point for the first and LAST time only have a one word report (pitifull )

[Diver Vince]

Originally Posted by fpartri497

well. just tried sandy point for the first and LAST time only have a one word report (pitifull )

Oh my..What a shame! It was one of our favorites

[phoenix]

Our group goes every year in august by boat hopefully reviews improve by then

[Shreddy]

Originally Posted by phoenix

Our group goes every year in august by boat hopefully reviews improve by then

I'll voice a positive opinion for Sandy Point...

I went in there on Saturday with five buddies in the mid afternoon as we were on our bikes all day. One burger, one boiled lobster, two lobster rolls, two 1.25 kind stuffed lobsters, and bacon wrapped scallops... No complaints at all. The bill with tax and tip was a little over $200 and feel it was worth what we paid. Would (and plan to) definitely go back.

[Legionnaire70]

I just read 10+ reviews on trip advisor, only one out of those reviews were positive. Doesn't look like customer service and food quality is ranking very good... I was going to give it a try but having second thoughts now..

[Shreddy]

Originally Posted by Legionnaire70

I just read 10+ reviews on trip advisor, only one out of those reviews were positive. Doesn't look like customer service and food quality is ranking very good... I was going to give it a try but having second thoughts now..

People only go out of their way to voice NEGATIVE opinions most of the time. I'm not too savvy with trip adviser because I could careless about reviews sometimes, but if you can look at the posters' history see if they've ever voiced positive reviews for establishments.

Just because a place gets bad reviews doesn't mean it's bad. Every restaurant is bound to make a mistake or two serving several hundred tables a day (that's a guess, not sure how much). My point is directed at all of the negative reviews, not just Sandy Point. However, as I stated above, I had a good late lunch there last week...and that's coming from someone who doesn't even care for seafood much. Just my $.02

[secondcurve]

Originally Posted by Shreddy

People only go out of their way to voice NEGATIVE opinions most of the time. I'm not too savvy with trip adviser because I could careless about reviews sometimes, but if you can look at the posters' history see if they've ever voiced positive reviews for establishments.

Just because a place gets bad reviews doesn't mean it's bad. Every restaurant is bound to make a mistake or two serving several hundred tables a day (that's a guess, not sure how much). My point is directed at all of the negative reviews, not just Sandy Point. However, as I stated above, I had a good late lunch there last week...and that's coming from someone who doesn't even care for seafood much. Just my $.02

The reviews on this site tend to be a good indicator of quality and service. Yes, there are outliers but by following overall trends a reader can form a good opinion of what to expect. Village Kitchen for example almost always has positive reviews indicating excellent value. Sandy point at the moment seems to be having its problems indicating poor value. Performance can also change; The Wolfeboro Inn had terrible reviews for quite some time and then changes were made by management and the reviews are almost always excellent.

[phoenix]

I concur I use trip advisor ( and post frequently) and yes there are outliers when someone bashes a place but if you look at all reviews you get a good picture. As a traveler( and many travelers) I give an honest assessment and hope others do also. Also owners do review their establishments and often post replies both to negative and positive

[fpartri497]

I do not read any other reviews of restaurants, but I can tell you 1st hand that sandy point has serious staff problems and the food is awful. I do not make a habit of bashing businesses but this place Is terrible and we will not go back.

[Shreddy]

I can relate...there was certainly no chance I was going to The Woodshed under former management knowing the problems they were having. My trip to Sandy Point recently was unplanned. The party I was with made a last minute decision. I couldn't tell you the last time I even went to that restaurant. I had no idea regarding reviews or ownership change (likely because I didn't care much because I'm hardly ever at that side of the lake). Maybe I got lucky, but we did have good service and quality food. There wasn't a complaint in my party.

With that said, if it's as bad as people are making it out to be I hope it changes and people get to experience what we got for service and food.

[VitaBene]

Originally Posted by fpartri497

I do not read any other reviews of restaurants, but I can tell you 1st hand that sandy point has serious staff problems and the food is awful. I do not make a habit of bashing businesses but this place Is terrible and we will not go back.

That is too bad- we have only been once (last summer) and I recall it being pretty good.

[Kimber]

Just a bit of advice from a friend who is a Chef... never go to a new restaurant or under new owner ship for at least a month. Let the non regulars help them get the kinks out.