Daniel "Caffeine is my Vitamin C" M.'s Profile

Just kind of weird. And while I expect a certain amount of quirkiness in some parts of NH, this one was kind of unusual. To start: there was a country store attached to the restaurant...but I saw no one staffing the place. A bit creepy I thought. At the counter there was a sign explaining that the help included Chinese exchange students because they couldn't get any American help - a fact the owners attributed to locals in the area who 'would rather collect welfare than make sandwiches.' Huh?

There were a few other political statements on the walls but nothing really worth mentioning. Now, as to the food...which was our reason for being there...service was very very slow. It took us 35+ minutes to get five rather uncomplicated sandwiches. The sandwiches were good; however I'm not sure $12 for the 12 inch variety is a good value anywhere except in Manhattan, and even that would be a stretch. Coffee, however was reasonably priced and strong enough to keep me going the rest of the afternoon.

Will I be back? I have this strange notion that I'd like to give it another shot, just to see if another stop might turn out better. But not anytime soon. I haven't recovered from my first visit.

I don't want to say too much about my stay here, because I was only here one night and we had another person in our party making the arrangements. Nevertheless...it was OK, for a one night's stay. Room was pretty clean, it had coffee and a coffee maker (one star for that alone), beds were OK, and there were just about enough towels to supply our party of four.

I was suitably impressed with the fact that the staff managed to keep the foodstuffs at the continental breakfast well stocked. We were there at a time when the hotel was filled with some very crowded people and, under most circumstances, there should have been long lines and items in short supply. That was certainly not the case, and the staff deserves a lot of credit for keeping up with our rather demanding presence. Nice work, on their part.

Hmmm. My experience was different from that of the previous reviewer...mine was pretty good. I made my reservations online about 3 weeks before, for a high occupancy vehicle required, unfortunately, during a period of time when vans were in great demand - and in most cases, in very short supply. I really didn't think I'd find one anywhere near NH, but, to my surprise, this particular Budget location came up with just what I needed. Vehicle was pretty clean and roomy, while the service was friendly and quick. Even when we needed some special last-minute consideration about dropping off the van, they were quite accommodating and understanding of our circumstances.

I could see awarding a fifth star soon, based on my first experience rental with them. I guarantee it won't be my last.

It was the third long-distance relay I've done this year and it was just an an awesome experience. Take 10 (or 11, or 5) fellow runners, put them in two vans, have them run from Cannon Mountain to Hampton Beach -it all adds up to an experience none of its participants will ever forget. It was a blast - and I can't wait to do it again. RTB staff, volunteers - you made this something special. Nice work!

I come here most Wednesday nights after doing the weekly 5K around the lake with the Mystic Runners. Yeah, the interior decor makes the place look like it's right out of the 1980s and no, it doesn't have a dozen 72 inch screens showing the latest ball game or other sporting event. But the Lord Wakefield is a hotel bar and a local bar - not a nightclub like one finds in NYC or Boston. Beers are cheap, there is a dance floor and on Wednesday nights they do karaoke. The patrons are friendly, the staff is always prompt, there's always plenty of parking...and the lake is a great place around which to run or walk before downing a couple. Proves that a place doesn't need to be slick to be friendly and welcoming.

I'm not sure if we liked the sandwiches or the ice cream more...but Coney Island is a big hit with me and with my friends visiting or shopping in West Newton. On a recent Saturday we decided to stop in at lunchtime. Sandwiches are, quite literally, Italian flavored, witth ingredients that remind diners of the North End. My sandwich, a "Sette," contained generous helpings of mortadella, prosciutto, salami, provalone...all some of the freshest I've had anywhere in years, while my dining companion enjoyed a walnut chicken selection that I tried and found almost as heavenly. Enjoying it with lemonade made for an enjoyable light summer meal.

Dessert was, of course, ice cream, and the medium we split was quite enough for both of us. We had a chocolate variety containing Oreo pieces and both of us thought we'd get it again. Prices were reasonable for West Newton and the service was very friendly. My compliments to the chef, whose sandwich was one of the best I have enjoyed out in a long while. Definitely planning to return!

Store is kind of small, has a decent domestic beer selection and stocks a standard selection of wines. I think every variety of Sam Adams that has ever been produced is represented here. Parking is on street and isn't the greatest arrangement considering the other high trafficked businesses around. But it is in the center of town and is very convenient. Beer is not cheap, but, again, it is convenient. Good in a pinch.

Relatively quick service, friendly staff (1 star for them, alone), food items are overpriced relative to bakeries or supermarkets, parking is kind of tough...it's pretty much a standard Starbucks.

Could rate three stars, but loses one because of the noise. This has to be the loudest outlet in the entire company. Between the grinding/mixing appliances, the music (turned up to around 160 decibels), and the ongoing conversations of customers which tend to rise in volume with increases in the surrounding noise level, it's tough to hear one's self. A few strategically placed fabric hangings or decorative tapestries might quiet the place a bit. I understand the place is busy...and busy is good for business...but it doesn't have to be so LOUD.

Very underrated, probably because of the vast size of the menu and because of its slight identity crisis. Schoolhouse is two things...a family-friendly ice cream place with a wide selection and large portions and a very inexpensive lunch location. If you're traveling up Route 3A, visiting the Mall, or working in town it's a really good place for lunch or dessert. Here's why:

First, the food. Lunch is really good, with sandwiches of a number of varieties, soups, and a great combination of soup, sandwich and small ice cream combos starting at $4.75. I'd recommend the hot turkey sandwich at $5.75, which is as good a value as I've had in a long time, although a recent dining companion preferred the turkey club. Lunch was better than average, and since it's just down the street from work I can find lots of convenient excuses to go there in the afternoon.

In fairness, lunch was really good...but not in the same category as the ice cream, which contains enough to satisfy the finickiest consumer. At last count, the menu featured 40 flavors, ranging from standard chocolates and vanillas to some more exotic varieties, such as the Hawaiian Supreme and Lemon Cheesecake. Portions were much larger than what one would find in a chain or franchise operation - consider a medium the size of most places large offerings and the extra large enough for two pretty hungry people. I've also got to recommend the ice cream pies, homemade and very very rich.

Decor inside holds to a "schoolhouse," theme, with menus and trivia written on blackboards and, it seems, kids there all the time. It's a fun place for families, kids, and adults alike and always a real treat.

I'll give four stars right now...it will give me an excuse to go back, try it again and probably give it a fifth. Located adjacent to the Fore-U driving range/miniature golf operation it's an excellent value featuring excellent ice cream. Compared to just about any place in the area it's quite inexpensive and features generous servings. Three of us got small cones for under $9 and what went into the smalls would have constituted medium or large sizes elsewhere.

I went with a Cherry Vanilla that had to have been the best of that flavor that I have had anywhere in years. My guests had the standard chocolates and Moose Tracks...I sampled each and found them to be quite flavorful and satisfying all around. There is also a flavor of the week that represents a special deal...ask about it. (This week it's Snickers).Lines, although long, moved pretty quickly and the staff was very friendly and knew their products well. Those include frappes, soft serve, sundaes, etc., - just about whatever one would want at an ice cream stand.

For the price, it can't be beat. I'm planning another visit soon.