The Landmark Grille

Wonderful BF, my 8 year old son and I were going to an auction at Robert's Auctions in Boiceville, NY on Saturday night and not sure where to eat. I have passed the Landmark Grille on Route 28 in Boiceville over 100 times by now and never thought of stopping. Not because it doesn't look hopping - in fact, it sometimes looks TOO crowded for my taste - but because...well, it is a tavern? Or a restaurant? The big placard for hamburgers and fries outside didn't really narrow things down for me. So I just drove on by.

Until Saturday. "What the heck!" we figured -  it was right THERE! So after scoring some auction booty we crossed Route 28 and ventured inside. What a wonderful surprise.  The owner greeted us as soon as the door opened - and so warmly, you would have thought we were regulars. She led us to a lovely dining room and immediately had breadsticks and butter brought to the table. The breadsticks are those squat, sesame covered ones you can buy at the grocery store. Tasty enough - but just a vehicle for the delicious garlic butter that comes with them. Delish!!!! Light (believe it or not), garlicky, almost like a spreadable cheese. I am not ashamed to say...I might have been a little unseemly trying to cover the tiniest crumb of remaining breadstick with butter.

We found out there was live music at 8 and didn't want to sit in the middle of a show, so we were graciously moved into the bar area for dinner. All the dining spaces are high ceilinged, wood floored, soothingly painted and give an impression of being fresh and clean. We discovered when our drink orders were taken that they do not have a liquor license, just a license for wine and beer. I was CRAVING a bloody mary, but I rallied and had a nice, crisp IPA on tap. The guys had cream soda and root beer in bottles which they enjoyed - the cream soda was Boylans - always a good sign when restaurants stock quality brands.

The menu was well thought out and concise. They have grilled chicken, a tasty sounding garlic steak sandwich, salads, an array of mains like friend chicken and a fish fry, vegetarian options (butternut squash ravioli among other choices) and bar foods like wings and onion rings. Their specialty, though, is the hamburger - and that is what we ordered.  We chose to have them all with with cheese and onions. You have your choice of cheese and onion options - grilled or raw - which is a nice touch.

And how were they? Absolutely DELICIOUS!! Juicy but not too fatty, perfectly cooked (we ordered 2 rare and 1 medium and they came exactly as ordered) and extremely flavorful from the charcoal grilling. BF loved the coleslaw, which was not too tart and seemed to have dried cranberries in it. The fries were thin, slightly curly and extra crispy as ordered. I could say, "they didn't seem hand cut, blah, blah, blah" but let me tell you - there wasn't one left on my plate - and that hasn't happened in a while. We also got a small Mason jar full of homemade half-sour pickles to start! A great way to kick off a meal in my book.

We were way too stuffed for dessert but next time we are soooo trying something. The Greek yogurt cheesecake sounded good and so did the carrot cake.

Our entire experience was enhanced by our fun, funny waitress who hustled like crazy and still managed to seem like she had all the time in the world to spend with us.

If you, like me, have passed the Landmark Grille 100 times on your way up Route 28 do yourself a favor and stop. I have a feeling this is going to be a go-to spot for us when we are in the area, and once you check it out, it's going to be one for you too!

Sad to say but I had one of the worst meals ever at this restaurant. It seemed to come right out of the microwave, flavorless and unappealing. Used a lot of ketchup, and my dinner partner and I were so surprised to find the food such poor quality. Maybe it was a bad night but I'd not go back to check again.