Merrill's Tavern - Atkinson

My wife and I used to consider this restaurant our go-to spot, but after the menu change in May, we're reevaluating. They've removed our favorite item—the steak and cheese sandwich—and replaced it with inferior French fries, which used to be the best in the area. It seems they're now opting for cheaper options. I've also noticed that the sandwich section has been rebranded as "Hands," which feels a bit too trendy for my taste. None of the new offerings have piqued my interest. Unfortunately, there's nothing left on the menu that I would describe as a must-try dish. In terms of pricing, while they position themselves as a resort, it's a bit much. I'd prefer dining at 99 instead, where the food is both good and reasonably priced.

The staff was unhelpful, and we waited nearly an hour for our food before deciding to leave. While the food is acceptable, it's definitely not worth the hassle.

The food and drinks are fantastic! I highly recommend the short rib tacos. The atmosphere is enjoyable as well. If possible, visit on a weeknight, since weekends can be quite busy!

Last night, we had dinner, and I’m pleased to report that the service was good and the food was excellent. Everyone in our party opted for something new, and all were very satisfied with their choices. The Tuscan Chicken sandwich was outstanding, and my wife particularly enjoyed the Par Five salad, claiming it was exceptional. My friend ordered the short ribs, which he found to be extremely tender and flavorful, while his wife had the stuffed haddock, which was also delicious. We shared the Jamaican Jerk Wings, packed with flavor and very enjoyable. As many know, coleslaw can be hit or miss, so I asked to sample it before ordering. Linda kindly brought me a taste, and I found it to be quite good—moist and flavorful, without being dry. We will definitely return, as both the food and service exceeded expectations. I've also heard they offer a fantastic Sunday brunch, served from mid-autumn to late spring between 10 AM and 2 PM. For specific dates, you can call (603) 329-3779.

I do need to point out that my filet was seriously overcooked. When I'm paying $35 for a steak, albeit a small one, I expect it to be cooked to perfection. On a brighter note, the shrimp tacos were fantastic. The tempura batter was light and crispy, and the shrimp was cooked just right, which can be tough to achieve. The pineapple pico had a nice flavor, but it desperately needed a bit more acidity, and the avocado crema was almost nonexistent, which was disappointing since it could have added a nice creaminess. As for the lobster roll, it featured a generous portion of New England lobster meat but clearly had been thawed from frozen. That's perfectly acceptable, as long as the excess water is removed, which unfortunately didn't happen here. Consequently, each bite was accompanied by an unwelcome flood of lobster water, detracting from the overall experience. However, the battered French fries were a delightful addition—when aren’t they? In summary, the meal was good but had some areas for improvement. These were minor issues that can easily be fixed, and we will definitely be returning to Merrill's Tavern.