Tuesday, November 8, 2016

Our take on Guy Fieri's visit to Tuckaway Tavern

The Tuckaway Tavern in Raymond was recently featured on an episode of Diners Drive-ins and Dives. We occasionally watch this show featuring Guy Fieri visiting restaurants that are many times in unusual locations all over the US. Since they are just down the road, we decided to head for Raymond to discover for ourselves if Guy was right about the grub.



Publicity is helping to keep customers walking through the front door. In addition to an appearance on Diners Drive-ins and Dives there was a rumor that the owners were going to purchase the now defunct Hilltop Steakhouse in Saugus, MA. I'm not sure how this was started but it got some buzz out there for the business, however, it is not something I would recommend they do. Trying to revitalize Hilltop Steakhouse would be a mistake, its best days are long behind it.

I had a feeling they were going to be busy and we found an hour wait for a table but that gave me time to look around and stop in their butchery which was brimming with meats to go. Although we didn't buy anything the prices appeared to be reasonable.


The seating in the main dining area is centered around a large bar and makes for a noisy dining experience.

Instead of bread they start you off with a bowl of chips.


The chips are dusted with what I believe is cinnamon and this did not go well with the chipotle dipping sauce. A good idea but I prefer salty.

On the menu, we checked in with our waitress, she recommended the burgers and especially the steak and cheese and the steak tips that they claim are the best in New Hampshire so that was my choice.


These were tender with a smoky flavor and are recommended. Unfortunately the onion rings ordered on the side were lukewarm.

My wife picked the meatloaf and chose mac and cheese as her side.


This was a large piece of meatloaf and it’s made with steak from the butcher shop. There was so much piled on top including coleslaw, cheese, and onion straws. She did have them put the BBQ sauce on the side. The meal was good but maybe too many competing flavors.

We decided to split a s’mores sundae for dessert. A graham brownie with chocolate ice cream, melted chocolate, and toasted marshmallow arrived. It sounded and looked delicious but the flavor missed the mark. The issue was with the brownie as it had no taste.


If you are in the area the Tuckaway Tavern has some decent food to soothe your hunger pains as Guy suggested on the TV Show. Perhaps with a few improvements they can become a destination restaurant.

Address:

58 NH-27
Raymond, NH. 03077

Phone: 603-244-2431

www.thetuckaway.com

Diners Drive-ins and Dives