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Nancy's Air Field Cafe
Categories: Restaurants Breakfast & Brunch Restaurants American (Traditional) Breakfast & Brunch, American (Traditional) [Edit]
302 Boxboro RdStow, MA 01775
(978) 897-3934
- Hours:
Wed-Thu, Sun 8 am - 3 pm
Fri-Sat 8 am - 9 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Lunch, Breakfast
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
39 reviews for Nancy's Air Field Cafe
Review Highlights
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39 reviews in English
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Review from Paul R.
Sudbury, MA
This is our "go to" restaurant for special occasions. Very cool view and the food is fantastic. During daylight, I love watching the planes. I fantasize about flying my own plane (remember Bruce Willis' plane at the end of "The Kid"?) and coming in for a great meal with the family and friends. Owner and chef Nancy McPherson is terrific and will come by to make sure everything is perfect. Nance (my wife) and I have brought several relatives and friends here and they are always impressed. Make sure to make reservations - they usually fill up during holidays and brunch.
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Review from Jayde B.
Marlborough, MA
Good brunch - it is really neat to watch the prop planes take off, refuel, land, etc. There were at least 4-5 on the Sunday morning we went. I think the baked goods are the real homerun here. We split a chocolate scone which was delicious. The omelet was pretty decent, but they obviously used canned peppers to prepare it (which in the summer is very odd - especially for a place claiming they are farm fresh). Just tell people you don't have peppers if you can't get them - especially for the price.
The pancakes looks so yummy. We went for the planes more than the food. :-) -
Review from Matt P.
Chicago, IL
Very over price and the guy with hair loss that works there is very rude. Burgers would be my recommendation from the menu.
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Review from Ran D.
Bolton, MA
Using Yelp sometime you wish they had a sixth star for a really great place, you know, or negative starts at times, but the two start "Meh" couldn't have fit our dinning experience more to a tee. I live some what close to Stow. So I made the trek. If you do too head out there give it a try, from the other reviews I read before hand, maybe it was a off day maybe they're all ordering off the luch menu, I don't know.
I personally don't yelp trash a place for bad service. It was busy and our meals coming out at vastly differents times and still being the wrong, them dropping the check and not coming back, aren't things that I give two starts for.
As far as their breakfast is concerned the value is not there.
Basically go get a cup of coffee and watch the planes come in, it's a very nice experience.Listed in: My Sh*t list
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Review from Matt S.
Concord, MA
We've been on a bit of a brunch-bender lately, trying to find the best local spots for brunch. We've had some misses but this was a definite hit.
The restaurant is easy to find despite being in the middle of nowhere and parking is very ample. We got there early to meet some friends (ETA 8:30am on a Sunday) which was definitely a good time before the rush.
We were greeted right as we walked in the door and everyone was very friendly. We were immediately seated in the front section of the restaurant. We asked to sit in the back section overlooking the runway but apparently only kids 6+ are allowed in the back since they have a door that accesses the tarmac (we had our toddler with us). This worked out fine as the front room essentially turned into a kids room. They also have kids toys in the corner and a fish tank - both of which our toddler liked.
The place was very clean, the service was extremely friendly, the food was terrific, the pricing was good ($60 for 4ppl).
Additional perk: free wifi.
Overall, huge win. Our new-restaurant-every-weekend kick might be put on hold for a while so we can try more items from Nancy's menu. -
Review from Jeremy K.
3 stars, right down the middle on this one.
pro: very friendly host/owner (i am assuming) did mock my hat, but quick to recover.
decent eats, my eggs and bacon were better than usual diner fare, toast was good too.
right next to an airstrip. be warned though, with kids in tow they will put you in the main room, but it really doesnt matter too much. when we finished we saw a helicopter take right off, neato!
cons:
service was AWFUL, ie, the only time we saw her was when she dropped off the check. 'is everything ok' is what you ask 2 bites in, not when dropping check.
although the cappachino was good, it came out in half a coffee mug, thats what? 3 ounces of coffee? kinda small for a cappachino
lastly mers pancakes, while light and fluffy, came with a small cup(1.5 ounces maybe) of syrup, totally not enough to apply liberally, and of course as said waitress was mia, no jelly for me toast, no syrup for me to steal her pancakes.
ok, split those stars, i think ill come back again, wasnt too expensive, but i will not be quiet if they lose track of our table next time. -
Review from Trent S.
Acton, MA
We went here for breakfast Saturday morning. The staff was friendly, but not very attentive. I liked sitting along the windows looking out to the airstrip.
I'm surprised they charge $2.25 for such bad coffee.. yikes.. The breakfast was ok, nothing special. I think overall I expected more from this place -
2 coffees, an omelette, 1 pancake & sausage for $22.. For a diner/cafe the prices are high & it doesn't match the quality of the food..
I don't think we'll go back , there's plenty of other places for a better breakfast & a better price. -
Review from Jenn S.
After googling for restaurants in Stow, MA (we were going apple picking at Honey Pot Hill Orchards), my friend came across Nancy's Air Field Cafe. It had great reviews on here and the menu looked awesome, so we gave it a shot.
Parking was super easy, as they have their own lot. We weren't able to sit outside, as we had a baby with us, and kids under 6 can't sit on their patio.
Immediately after we sat, the waitress brought over a sample of the soup-of-the-day: seafood chowder. Since I don't eat seafood, I didn't try it, but everyone else assured me it was tasty. My friend wanted to get a cup of soup and the Caprese salad special that was listed on the blackboard, but was told they didn't have the Caprese...
She went with the soup and Nancy's Classic Commonwealth Salad (mixed baby greens, grated aged Hillman Farm Goat Cheese & Café caramelized chipotle walnuts with the maple-balsamic vinaigrette - she added the grilled salmon on top). This looked DELICIOUS and was huge. Her husband got the BLT and my husband got the Café Roast Turkey Breast Sandwich (with Café apple-onion chutney, mayonnaise, lettuce & tomato on white bread). I did the Mix and Match: 1/2 Sandwich (the same turkey breast sandwich as my husband except on toasted whole grain) and Garden Salad. The sandwich was DELICIOUS - although a bit messy (but hey, messy sandwiches = GOOD sandwiches, right?) and the 2 dressings I got to sample were awesome (Maple Balsamic and Berry-Thyme).
We had to try one of their desserts and went with the Apple and Raspberry Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream. YUM!!! My friend also had a Lime Rickey with dinner that she said was delicious.
Nancy's husband (Don, I think?) filled us in on the fish in the gorgeous pond out front - he maintains it and feeds them. He even brought out food for the kids to watch and help feed the fish.
They even had a farmer's market going on - manned by Nancy herself! I got a nice haul - a huge cucumber, a red pepper (which, sadly, was moldy inside) and some potatoes for $4. I feel like I got something else too, but can't remember what!
Price-wise, yes - it's a bit on the higher side. But you're paying for great food made with local ingredients. I'd rather pay a bit more for quality food that supports the local farms, then less for mediocre food.
If I lived closer, I'd definitely be back. There's a good chance I'll be back anyway! But you should check it out!! -
Review from Brooklyn H.
Brooklyn, NY
This place is great. Locally sourced foods, very well put together, decent portions and super tasty food. The view faces the airstrip, there are small aircraft and some woods to see.
If you are looking for a greasy and cheap, rush-you-out-the-door diner as some seem to be, this is NOT the place.
Simple, tasty, unobtrusive service and fresh ingredients. Worth it. -
Review from Rob D.
Needham, MA
Very good pancakes and omlettes. This place is way too expensive for what you get. Yes the food was decent, but no it doesn't stand out to merit a 5 star rating. The kids pankcake was $9!!! This place is just to expensive for what you get. $60 for breakfast for 5 (of which 3 are children) is ridiculous. It loses a star of value alone.
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Review from Carleton W.
Acton, MA
Service was excellent. Our breakfast was tops! Ya know, when you're craving a good breakfast that isnt that greasy stuff along with an exceptional cup of coffee? Nancy's got it!
That coffee was awesome! Finally a place that has a full bodied, rich cup of joe rather than luke-warm, wishy-washy middle of the road stuff.
Being new to the area, I would say Nancy's is one of the best restaurants within 20 miles. It's better than the trendy places of Lexington and Concord and clearly better than most of what we have in Acton. The prices are quite reasonable for the quality and quantity.
I could see if they were slammed, the help might be stretched thin. But, everyone was cheerful and helpful. We're glad we found Nancy's. I hope they have good bloodies. We will surely become regs then. -
Review from Sean M.
3.02 Stars
We went for a late brunch on in between thunderstorms.
The service was slow with just 5 parties in the entire place.
Servers were courteous and seemed to be on the ball; the problem?
Food was dreadfully slow coming out of the kitchen.
* Hummus was tremendous, and the grilled pita was a nice touch.
* BBQ Burger was not an $11 burger, only 6 oz..
* Lamb Burger was better, far more taste.
Three stars from me means I will go back, but I won't be in a rush.
note to YELP staff: I could not checkin while sitting in the restaurant, it said I was too far away!?Listed in: Diners
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Review from Jay B.
Maynard, MA
Went for breakfast on a Sunday. No wait, great food, great scenery and fast service. Only small complaint is if you're considering it for a breakfast, you'll pay a bit higher than standard breakfast faire, but the quality matches the price.
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Review from Gabriele M.
Boxborough, MA
really good. Especially if you have kids. Watch the planes taking off and landing while you have a great breakfast or brunch.
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Review from Kathleen M.
Lexington, MA
Had lunch here, what a change from the old place. Clean, good food. They wipe the tables between customers. The Omlette is better priced than most restaurants, The Oatmeal is high, but it is real oatmeal with real maple syrup. I personally would drive a LONG, LONG way for real oatmeal. You can buy just one pancake.
Free WiFI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The breakfast menu is online so you can decide what to eat before you go.
They have gone to a lot of work to make the outside look nice. Check out the herb garden. Nancy gets my top award for most attractive menu I have ever seen.
Another plus is that Nancy's is close to a lot of apple picking places. And, of course, the airport. -
Review from Stacey C.
Marlborough, MA
Now known as Nancy's Air Field Cafe, this place is a little hidden jewel. It's well off the beaten path at the Minute Man Air Field in Stow, Ma, so unless you live in the area like I do - or fly small planes, I guess - you would never know it's there. A coworker and I went there for lunch today and were surprised to find a nice little sit-down place - we were expecting your average cafe with basic sandwiches.
The menu is surprisingly upscale for a cafe at a municipal airport, although it's not so upscale as to be snooty. My turkey sandwich had big thick slices of turkey on a nice soft white bread, although I was confused to find bacon in it since the description did not include this ingredient. My colleague's special requests on her sandwich were fulfilled with no troubles, and her turkey vegetable and wild rice soup looked very hot and fresh, served in a perfectly sized white stoneware cup.
I would suggest getting here early or at off-peak times if you want a view of the airfield. My colleague and I were there at about 1 PM and all the window-facing tables were taken. I've heard that it's fun to watch little biplanes take off and land while you're eating.
Pick up a business card from the counter while you're there for a little map you can show others later (yes, that's how far off the beaten path it is - they have to draw it out for you). The card also has the following information:
Breakfast ~ Lunch ~ Sunday Brunch 8-3
Dinner Friday & Saturday 5-9
Al Fresco Dining in season
Carry Out all items
Closed Tuesdays
978-897-3934 - 302 Boxboro Road
For more info on Nancy's peaceful oasis visit http://NancysAirFieldC.... -
Review from Kerri O.
The location is great. It gets reeeeaaally crowded during peak brunch hours.
I've got a beef, though. I don't order breakfast combos, I usually order homefries and bacon (don't like eggs). $4 for two strips of bacon? Really? It's good bacon, but I can buy a pound of Boarshead for that.
The homefries are only adequate, too.
In general, the food is pricier than is warranted, I think.Listed in: Gimme Breakfast
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Review from Greg S.
Jamaica Plain, MA
This is probably my very favorite fall (or anytime) brunch place. Last year, on a co-worker's recommendation, we went here on our way to go apple-picking. It turned out to be The Most Perfect New England Fall Day Ever. Brunch was amazing. The whole mood of our little group of four was so laid back, relaxed and happy for the whole day and I think it's mostly because we kicked it off right at Nancy's. Great food. Fresh ingredients. She even has her own herb garden out front next to the koi pond. Really sweet, charming, hidden jewel.
I would recommend this for any apple-pumpkin-pickers who want a real New England fall experience. Awesome! -
Review from joe z.
Natick, MA
Great place.
Nice atmosphere for a quality brunch/breakfast. Watch the helicopter take of just outside the window while you dig in to delicious grub, chatting it up with the terrific staff. The staff was incredibly friendly, "Oh you rode in on a motorcycle, let me introduce you to the other rider I just met."
A great launching point for a back roads ride. -
Review from Gary B.
North Grafton, MA
What a great place. Make sure you get a seat in the room with the windows so you can watch the planes take off.
The food is very tasty. The make a killer burger and their soups and fantastic. When you sit down they bring you a little shot of the soup of the day. Many times I was won over after tasting it and just had to order it.
You will never find this place unless someone brings you there or you have a GPS. It really is in the middle of nowhere.
The staff is very friendly. It is the type of place you want to see succeed because they make you and your belly so happy. -
Review from Donna H.
Harvard, MA
Have been going here for several years. The service and food are excellent. Nancy grows her own herbs and makes her own infused oils. Local ingredients are sourced so the freshness is unparalleled.
They can now serve alcohol and their champagne cocktails are a treat!
Watching small planes land and take off during your meal is icing on the cake.
The decor is nothing fancy, but it is always clean and comfortable. I never feel rushed at either breakfast or lunch.
You may have to hunt to find this restaurant but your quest will be well worth it. -
Review from Christine C.
Norwell, MA
I went here for lunch and it was a really fun time. They were celebrating the 40 year anniversary of the airport, and they had free airplane rides for kids (7-18), hot air balloons, and other festivities.
We had lunch there, and it was pretty good. Be aware that the menu is very limited. The service was friendly, but slow. The food came out in a reasonable amount of time, but drinks took a while, and settling the bill took longer than it should have.
Overall I would recommend. -
Review from allgimbel c.
Belmont, MA
I lived less than four miles from Nancy's for for four years. I finally made a trip there in the month before I moved away. On a Friday morning, I practically had the place to myself. Service was friendly and unobtrusive. There were a few regulars in there and it was fun to eavesdrop on the local gossip.
My eggs bennie were a treat. And the coffee was serviceable. Not fantastic, but I had a couple of refills.
Kids (big and little) will love to watch the planes come in and take off. I visited in late summer when a garden was in bloom. Parking is easy and the ride there scenic. Pair it up with a trip to Honey Pot Farms just down the road for a great outing. -
Review from larry g.
Salem, NH
I have seen this place a few times as I have been traveling the winding roads between Boxborough and Stow, but never thought about stopping in. However, after reading the reviews here, I decided to give the place a try.
In short, the place is very nice. The place is clean and well-lit, the service is impeccable, and the menu is eclectic.
I had a lamb burger--seasoned with Moroccan spices throughout the patty, served medium-well (the way I requested it), and accompanied with lettuce, tomato, a cucumber-yogurt sauce, and kettle-style chips. It was, in fact, the best lamb burger I ever had (and it's NOT the only one!).
I was never rushed, but I still managed to get from my office to Nancy's and back well within 45 minutes.
I heartily recommend this place. -
Review from Carol T.
Westbrook, ME
Don't be fooled by the humble appearance. Nancy's serves up a delicious breakfast with fresh, local ingredients. Get the banana bread and don't expect quick service.
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Review from Freelunch L.
Hudson, MA
Yes... I agree with everyone... it is a hidden gem.. so hidden that if you're not from the area or with a GPS... you'll never find it...
It is a fun place to bring kids to also... see airplane go up and down...
Food is good... The only question I have is... is it worth drive to? Yes. If you have a few hours for lunch... -
Review from Paul R.
Acton, MA
This place has spectacular food and a very friendly atmosphere.
There's two seating rooms, one with a view of the airfield runway and the other which doesn't have an airfield, but has a small box of kids toys and a fish tanks.
If you bring kids they seat you in the fishtank / toy room and it's extremely kid friendly.
But if you show up without kids you get to sit in the room with the view of the runway and planes taking off and landing.
It's rare that a restaurant can be both kid friendly and friendly to adults that don't want kids around at meal time, but Nancy's pulls it off with flair. -
Review from r m.
Acton, MA
Wow, what a fab restaurant. The best restaurant in the area.
Nancy uses produce from local farms so the food is outstanding and yummy.
Our waitress was attentive and charming and even Nancy came out of the kitchen to check we were enjoying the food.
Definitely going back despite the pitch-black snowy drive along the curved roads. -
Review from Christine C.
Acton, MA
I agree - Nancy's is a gem. Not at all what I had expected. Tasty coffee and really consistent and delicious meals. They even have a kids menu with grilled cheese 'butterflies'. Also good for those without kids (there's a separate seating area so that the kids aren't close to the planes). The staff also seems consistently pleasant and helpful. I love that they use local ingredients when they can. It may be pricy, but it is well worth it in my opinion.
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Review from Nan A.
Acton, MA
Difficult to find, but well worth getting lost in the woods the first time. The Air Field is uniquely elegant and casual. The food is Martha Stewart meets independent health food store. Nancy only uses fresh ingredients from local independent farms. Their brunch equals that of the finest hotels in downtown Boston. Aviation fans can be seated inside facing the airstrip, and watch small aircraft takeoff and land (It's named the Air Field Cafe for a reason isn't it?)
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Review from patrick h.
Stow, MA
As a local resident I really appreciate Nancy's. Great variety of dinner specials, excellent brunch, fresh ingredients, and fantastic staff.
When it is nice out we often sit outdoors for brunch. The crew at Nancy's can mix up a solid bloody and the wine/ beer selection for dinner is pretty good.
Fresh ingredients are a given, they have a nice spice garden out front.
The staff is always extremely pleasant and you will leave Nancy's with a happy stomach & smile on your face. -
Review from warren w.
Concord, MA
Read the reviews and I guess maybe it's a touch expensive for breakfast but then again you are not trying to find a parking spot on main street in any town USA. You are out in the boonies, at an airport of all places, and with a beautiful view of the Stow countryside. I have been meaning to come here for a couple of years and with my oldest daughter by for the weekend we headed out to Stow. 9:00 AM on a Saturday and plenty of seats but I have a feeling we were lucky as Kate has been to Nancy's before and had to wait. Two diners had flown in from Taunton in their Commache (single engine Piper) and while we were dining 3 more planes rolled up with diners aboard. You can sit in three areas ...the bar, just inside the door looking toward some hangers and where we sat looking out with a good view of the runway. I'm not sure Stow airport is eluminated for evening landings and departures so if you want to see planes do the morning or lunch thing at least in the winter. We enjoyed two different plates mine being the very simple eggs easy, wheat toast, a sausage patty and home fries. Kate enjoyed a spicey chicken sausage eggs benedict with the same home fries. I thought my portion was good but maybe a little more fries and sausage as there was just one small patty. The eggs were perfect, the fries cooked well with a nice onion taste. The coffee endless and strong and the service spot on. Ambience is unique with a gentlemen/employee/manager or Mr. Nancy paying close attention to the fly ins and all the patrons. Fun watching a pilot check out her helicopter and taking off in a gorgeous whirlybird. Very jealous and always wished I made this a hobby. Sure would help with the Cape traffic......maybe.
So overall fun, ambience, good food and I want to try it for lunch and dinner. Those menus looked very good. -
Review from Kat R.
Hudson, MA
Great food! Fresh local ingredients, and always interesting (and yummy) specials. Nancy is a very nice interesting woman. They have specialty dinners which I have not been able to make it to yet, but hope to in the future. The location is a bit tricky, but consider it an adventure!
Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from JP G.
Stow, MA
Great food, great service. Kari and I had breakfast here an a Saturday morning. Fast seating and fresh food. The staff is very friendly, and you the owner always around. If you want to eat at a place where where it feels like everyone in town goes to meet, this is it.
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Review from Geoff M.
Mid-Cambridge, MA
We have been going to Nancy's Air Field Cafe for many years, and have always had very good experiences there. For breakfast, I particularly like their "specials" -- usually 4 or so very good choices for a range of tastes -- or their omelets. My wife and oldest daughter go for their eggs benedict. My younger daughter prefers their "Air Bear" pancake, with chocolate chips. Lunchtime, I go for their Lamb Burger, or their specials. The salads are also very good.
We've only gone for dinner a few times, but it's always been nice. We usually get their specials.
Any review of Nancy's which doesn't talk about her desserts is, to borrow Churchill's phrase, "like talking about the Battle of Trafalgar without mentioning Nelson". The chocolate bread pudding is to die for. I didn't even *know* I liked bread pudding until I tried it. When you enter the restaurant, you come face to face with a board listing their current dessert specials - what a great "appetizer"!
The staff is always friendly, although sometimes a little too busy to give the best service. Nancy has added gardens out front, along with patio seating, so it can be an inviting spot in summer. Families with small children aren't able to sit in the dining room with the big picture window overlooking the air field, but since our kids became old enough, we have found it a real treat to watch the small aircraft take off and land. Not to mention the helicopters!
Nancy makes a point of using local produce and chicken and lamb. And she names her suppliers on her website (http://www.nancysairfi...), so you can see them too. She is demonstrating her commitment to use the freshest, best ingredients, in a way that few restaurants do.
Note that although the restaurant doesn't take reservations, for those who live close enough by, they will take a phone call, as you leave home, to add your name to their list of people waiting for a table. It's a nice touch, to compensate for not taking reservations.
Altogether, it's a family-friendly place that serves very good food, in a nice-looking restaurant. -
Review from Dee F.
Peabody, MA
Went here for dinner to see if it would be a good place to take another couple out to eat. My husband (who hates vegetables) LOVED his dinner which was full of said hated items. He had a dish called Mongolian Chicken. I loved my salmon dish.
They always have 3 specials at night, fish, red meat and vegetarian.
We have been back there numerous times in the past 2 months.
You get a little sample taste of the soup of the day which inevitably makes you want more. The rolls are heavenly. The salads are simply the best especially with the maple vinaigrette dressing.
Check their hours first as they are not open for all meals everyday. -
Review from Danielle S.
Middlesex, MA
Good homecooked food, friendly service, and great views of the airfield from the dining room. Definitely a great little find in the area!
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Review from Mon T.
Boston, MA
Interesting location! Great Sunday Brunch.
Delicisous. -
Review from Diane H.
Harvard, MA
Went back a couple days ago on Valentine's Day for lunch with husband and teenage daughter. We had a delightful time, enjoying watching the planes get fueled and take off, chatting with Nancy and Don, and of course the food! As before, we were able to call ahead, and was told there were a few open tables at the deck. I had the lamb burger. It was mildly seasoned with some curry and came with a cucumber yogurt on the side which I spread onto the burger. Delicious! Tried my daughter's pot roast, which came on a bed of wild rice pilaf beside nice mix of greens and arugula. Tried a bite and thought it was tender and tasty. Oh, and had the corn chowder. The waitress brought over little samples for all of us, and two of us ordered a bowl each. Nice, creamy, yummy. The cafe is not too difficult to get to now that we had GPS to show us a simpler way to get there. Heading east on 111 in Boxborough, we took a right onto Stow Rd, then pretty much follow the same road (albeit windy). Then take a right to the air field when you see Nancy's sign on the right.
