Hosstraders - New Location for AM Dinner? - Need UR 2 Cents

[W1UJR]

After the spring fester we discussed a new location for the group.
I think Cheers is out, so I'm happy to do the legwork and make reservations for the group at a new place.

Does anyone have any suggestions of where to go with this, ideally in Concord.
Checking Google, here is what I came up with.
Of the two, the Barley House sounds most promising.

-Bruce


Barley House - american - $ - 603-228-6363
132 N Main St, Concord, NH
"located directly across from the state building on n. main st. in downtown concord, the barley house restaurant and tavern is a clean, friendly, casual place to dine or socialize with friends. whether youire a..."
Rating:   
.....................................................................................................................................
Coat Of Arms Pub - eclectic, american - $ - 603-431-0407
174 Fleet St, Portsmouth, NH
"the coat of arms pub provides a glimpse into the culture of england in the heart of new england. the menu features great english cuisine along with a few classic american favorites in a casual..."
Rating:   

[steve_qix]

There's another place up there - pretty big, as I recall and VERY GOOD.

"The Common Man"

I don't know where it is exactly, but I've been there and it was easy to get to.  I suppose we could look it up!

Regards,

Steve

[W1JS]

You may have issues with parking at the Barley House. 

My 2 cents worth and "food" for thought  :

The W1JS quick guide to restaurants in Concord:

Local fare

The Common Man, intersection of RTE 93 and 3, expensive and good
The Red Blazer, Manchester St (RTE 3), very good, good parking
Venos, Loudon Rd, Italian and pizza
Markris Lobster & Steak house, Route 106 towards NHIS racetrack
Gas Lighter, N. Main St, downtown, great sandwiches and cold beer – parking an issue
Margaritas Mexican Steakhouse, Warren St. downtown – parking an issue
Wethervane, Route 4, seafood
Vinnie’s Pizza, S. Main St. near MacDonalds, owner is/was a ham – parking an issue
Foodee’s Pizza, downtown, great pizza – parking an issue

Chains, mostly on Loudon Rd.:

Unos
Outback
Olive Garden
The 99
Applebees
Smokey Bones
Ruby Tuesday’s
Longhorn's

West of Hopkinton:

Henniker:  Daniel’s Pub, downtown
               The Country Spirit, intersection of RTEs 114 and 202 & 9

Hillsboro:  Sampan, great Chinese Food, west of downtown

[W1UJR]

Here is what I found on The Common Man:


Concord, The Common Man - 603.228.DINE

This NH Colonial Restaurant and Barn has been an instant success with the people and politicians of Concord. Located just off I-93, we provide Great American Dining to travelers as well as local folk looking for a good meal in a comfortable setting.

Where Are We?
25 Water Street, Concord, NH 03301
From the South, take exit 13 off I-93 ... go left ... we're just a little ways ahead on the right ... Now if you're coming from the North, take the same exit and make a right ... we are just on your right at the lights.
What Do We Serve?
Well, ever since we opened The Common Man in Ashland in 1971, we've been serving Great American Fare - that's lots of fresh seafood, our famous "Roast Prime Rib", Country Meat Loaf, hearty soups and sandwiches, ... you get the picture. Or head upstairs, sink into one of our comfortable couches and order some of our lighter fare. So that's what we have planned for our newest restaurant in Concord ... good honest food that is served fresh daily. Complete Menus - Click Here
When Are We Open?
We serve our tasty lunches starting at 11:30 am ... and you can order up our truly fine dinners any day of the week starting at 5:00 pm. On Sundays we have a Brunch from 10:00am to 2:00pm. Our grill is open from 2 pm to 4 pm and then we serve Dinner from 4:00 to 9:00pm. Gathering Rooms
We have 4 great function rooms with seating for 12 in one, 50 in the next and two rooms with space for 70 people each. The rooms are available all day or just for Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner groups with meal specials like "The Congressman's Breakfast", Lunch -"The Happy Constituent" and Dinner-"The Roll Call". Our team and our 30 years experience will make your function a success!

Other Questions You Might Have...
All of our Common Man restaurants operate on a "first come, first serve" basis. Can we handle special events? Absolutely... our NH colonial restaurant and barn has two private rooms especially for your meeting, or wedding reception, or any other fun party you might want to host ... again, just give us a call at 603-228-DINE or Toll Free: 1-866-768-MEET. Finally, you might want to pick up a Common Man T-shirt... we promise a cool selection of fun stuff direct from our Company store in Ashland, NH.

Take a Virtual Tour - click here

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[Carl WA1KPD]

I will be making the trip to Portsmouth but I have eaten at the Barley House several times and really enjoyed it.  Good food and excellent selection of brews

[W1JS]

Concord, The Common Man - 603.228.DINE

Alex Ray runs a fine small chain of restaurants right off the NH highways, from Merrimack in the south to Lincoln in the north.  The original Comman Man started in Ashland many years ago.  In addition to the Comman Man's, he runs a couple of "diners":  The Tilt'n Diner in Tilton and my wife's and my favorite,  The Airport Diner at the Holiday Inn on Brown Ave, near the airport in Manchester.  The real retro diner look, good food cheap, fun staff, and great music. 

For more info:  http://www.thecman.com/

[W1EUJ]

When is this dinner happening? Friday night?

Dave
W1EUJ

[W1UJR]

When is this dinner happening? Friday night?

Dave
W1EUJ

Hi Dave,

Yes, Friday evening.
For the last several fests we have gathered fellow AM miscreants at the Swine Barn and headed out as a group.
There are perhaps a a dozen or so brave souls who depart for the event.
Typically we do it around 7:30PM or so, so there is still time to get and enjoy the evenings activities.

You're invited, please do join in.

-Bruce

[KB2WIG]

"All of our Common Man restaurants operate on a "first come, first serve" basis. Can we handle special events? Absolutely... our NH colonial restaurant and barn has two private rooms especially for your meeting,...."  swine barn to slop barn??

[WA1GFZ]

A hot grill and some fresh steaks from town with a jar of pickled egg plant. salad and bread. plenty of beer with a chair. no DUI

[Todd, KA1KAQ]

Okay, well...

I confess to having dropped the ball on this one. I was supposed to check up on other possible locations after the spring 'fester, but have only been back through Concord once since - and that was during a downpour.

Gary and I discussed this last night on 75, and I caught up with Bruce this morning before work. What Gary and I thought about was the fact that at Cheers, they have the space and ability to put us all at one long table (they just slide the smaller tables together) which really lets the conversations and overall socializing flow. It's easier to share comments, appetizers, and Helga the waitress.

Also, Bruce reminded me this morning that there is ample parking right across the street from Cheers, in the mall parking lot. So......

This is not a statement in favor of staying at the same place we've gone to for a number of years now, change can be good. More a desire make sure that whatever place we choose, they can accomodate us in such a way that we aren't splintered off into tiny groups of 2-4 ppl, and that we don't have to park and walk several blocks. The main reason for the Hosstraders dinner gathering has always been to socialize and enjoy good food and brew along with the good company. Okay - sometimes it's a good escape from the rain, too. 

One other consideration: price. While it might not be a concern for some of us, others might not want to go to a fancy schmancy place and get turned away for looking like they just came from a flea market, or spend $60 for dinner. Compared to other diners, we can be a somewhat scruffy-looking, boisterous bunch. It's part of our AM charm. Cheers is a good balance of this, I'm sure other places are as well (the Weathervane comes to mind).

'JS Jack lives in the area and has a pretty good grasp of the places that are reasonably close, reasonably priced, and would be able to fit us all into the same area. This has always been an 'on the fly' kinda thing, but the potential numbers attending make this year the year we should make reservations. Just talking with Gary last night, we came up with a dozen certain attendees. Adding another 5-6 gets us up near 20 pretty fast. We had 9 or so last year, and not making a reservation earlier nearly proved our undoing.

Just some...food for thought? I wonder if the Barley House is the pub we spotted on Main Street, right side heading south just past the capitol? I'll inquire tonight with my Concord connection (sister).

Can't remember what name we used for the reservation last year, but the Armstrong Society works for me(macaroni is already taken). I figure 15-20 is a reasonable estimate for an early reservation, so long as the place we end up going to can be a bit flexible.

[W1UJR]

Okay, well...

I confess to having dropped the ball on this one. I was supposed to check up on other possible locations after the spring 'fester, but have only been back through Concord once since - and that was during a downpour.

Gary and I discussed this last night on 75, and I caught up with Bruce this morning before work. What Gary and I thought about was the fact that at Cheers, they have the space and ability to put us all at one long table (they just slide the smaller tables together) which really lets the conversations and overall socializing flow. It's easier to share comments, appetizers, and Helga the waitress.

Also, Bruce reminded me this morning that there is ample parking right across the street from Cheers, in the mall parking lot. So......

This is not a statement in favor of staying at the same place we've gone to for a number of years now, change can be good. More a desire make sure that whatever place we choose, they can accomodate us in such a way that we aren't splintered off into tiny groups of 2-4 ppl, and that we don't have to park and walk several blocks. The main reason for the Hosstraders dinner gathering has always been to socialize and enjoy good food and brew along with the good company. Okay - sometimes it's a good escape from the rain, too. 

One other consideration: price. While it might not be a concern for some of us, others might not want to go to a fancy schmancy place and get turned away for looking like they just came from a flea market, or spend $60 for dinner. Compared to other diners, we can be a somewhat scruffy-looking, boisterous bunch. It's part of our AM charm. Cheers is a good balance of this, I'm sure other places are as well (the Weathervane comes to mind).

'JS Jack lives in the area and has a pretty good grasp of the places that are reasonably close, reasonably priced, and would be able to fit us all into the same area. This has always been an 'on the fly' kinda thing, but the potential numbers attending make this year the year we should make reservations. Just talking with Gary last night, we came up with a dozen certain attendees. Adding another 5-6 gets us up near 20 pretty fast. We had 9 or so last year, and not making a reservation earlier nearly proved our undoing.

Just some...food for thought? I wonder if the Barley House is the pub we spotted on Main Street, right side heading south just past the capitol? I'll inquire tonight with my Concord connection (sister).

Can't remember what name we used for the reservation last year, but the Armstrong Society works for me(macaroni is already taken). I figure 15-20 is a reasonable estimate for an early reservation, so long as the place we end up going to can be a bit flexible.

Todd,
You're such the dipolmat dude, are you sure that was your name was not Tom Sawyer in a previous life? (vauge reference to painting a fence white.)

I don't mind Cheers, the food is, well ok, kinda, sorta good.
But its the location that can't be beat.
Lots of room, easy to find, good point about the tables, and parking - which can be a challange in downtown Concord, is simple.
Prices are reasonable, and a good selection of cold 807s if I recall.

So, I'll throw in my 2 cents and say Cheers again.
Anyone want to second that?

And yes. I used the Armstrong Society for last year's event, we can use it again.
Say the word, and I'll make the res for 15+ folks.

-Bruce

[Todd, KA1KAQ]

Hey, I'm all for a new place as long as we don't get strewn about like slop from a bucket. 

The good thing about downtown Concord is, you can walk it from end to end in about 10 minutes or so. Even parking in different spots wouldn't be bad, only a bit confusing for those not familiar with the place. But it's still small, and getting lost is difficult.

Maybe Carl can comment on his visits to the Barley Pub, or Jack will thrown in more info on seating? I just wanna hang out wid da guys, eat, drink, and be boisterous.

[W1JS]

And for another 2 cents.  Guess that makes it 4 cents!

This is a site with a good listing of restaurants in Concord along with addresses and phone numbers:

http://www.ci.concord.nh.us/Businessdev/economy/resternt/concordv2.asp?siteindx=C50,20,10,03

I'd say if you have been treated well at Cheers before, that's probably the best bet.  As has been said, even though they are downtown, the parking is not a problem, because of the shopping center parking lot right across the street.  The Common Man is very good, but I think it is expensive.  It would a nice place to take the XYL on a foliage or skiing trip. 

[Steve - WB3HUZ]

I'd like to go to the place with the good food and cold beer.

[W1UJR]

I'd like to go to the place with the good food and cold beer.

You're so darn picky, is there any pleasing you?

[Steve - WB3HUZ]

Yes, the beer must be at precisely 41.2 degrees F. Thanks.

[W1UJR]

Yes, the beer must be at precisely 41.2 degrees F. Thanks.

Out of luck there, we have British refrig here. :-)

[W1UJR]

Ok Folks, lets try to wrap this up and get a table reserved.
Unless you wish to dine on that wonderful hamfest food. 


Location - Let's say Cheer's in Concord (seems to be the lesser of the evils).

Dinner Time - 7:30 - 8PM, I'll make the reservations for 7:30. Rally Point - AM Swine Barn

Group Number - Seems to be 15-20, glad to hear BrentTina is going and I assume HUZ and JN are joing us.

Group Name - Armstrong Society

RSVP not required, Black Tie optional.
For Steve's sake I'll request that the beer be served at exactly 41.2 degrees F.

-Bruce

Mapquest directions -> http://www.mapquest.com/directions/main.adp?go=1&do=nw&rmm=1&un=m&qc=%28All%29+Restaurants&cl=EN&qq=1ADqpk24ofAWypu083saa4%252fxgZVlpqsUPTzrzX%252fbILsyOMZBO0F86p30mCBEU%252btY8zkLmybklc5LD%252f10s6vd6rK5zAHJPpI%252f5Q%252bUt%252b4wgXt8DfBET8hLjc8hoV0yEBW07UptbPIZkRrwyvdz0C78lcuo8W%252f8iEZnni6V%252bqYbTyIJCOhF0B4jz1N%252fVk9xRF%252f8Tcmqm3QaRLnDeDEcBzXvMjTS3uLUz5e3tVTdb6rJ8G70qfGlv4V5Kh%252fWljcVmGM86NEGcoAe4el4RPPIWiHA5BKcV1sOosvN3aQwwCosSFNaCOU8LxlF%252fFjK8hzeCczjp4aISBDA4zYj6EZqpPd8XaPSfFUBj9p%252bAkq%252bWErXR05taz8C3u8zquAnmKiHO1NF&ct=NA&q=cheers&rsres=1&1y=US&1ffi=&1l=&1g=&1pl=&1v=&1n=&1pn=&1a=&1c=Contoocook&1s=NH&1z=&panelbtn=1&2y=US&2ffi=1&2l=dlN5o4ucnaeLlb%252b1N5NM1A%253d%253d&2g=dtPD0E%252fTAZkS1KAp%252biHtpw%253d%253d&2pl=603-228-0180&2v=ADDRESS&2n=&2pn=Cheers+Inc&2a=17+Depot+St&2c=Concord&2s=NH&2z=03301

[Steve - WB3HUZ]

Great. Looking forward to seeing the gang.

[KF1Z]

I don't care, as long as they serve real beef, and thick beer!

None of that Spudwaster, or Old Millwater.....
If you need a toothpick afterwards, it's reall beer!


See you there!

Bruce G

KF1Z

[Todd, KA1KAQ]

It'll be good to meet you, Bruce. You're more or less a neighbor, just over the ridgeline out back. Cheers has a decent selection of microbrews along with more typical stuff.

Starting to wonder of the 15-20 reservation will be enough, but I'm sure they'll make it work for us. We usually get together in the AM Corral area and form up a line of ve-hicles for the trip, so no one gets lost. It's about ten miles there, give or take. Looks like we got us a CON-VOY, cawmawn?

[W1JS]

Sam Adams night at Cheers tonight.  $1 off each Sam Adams...