Jonathon’s Seafood Restaurant

We were here for the first time yesterday for an early lunch — our immediate thought was, «Jonathon’s, where have you been all our lives?»
Don’t be put off by their modest roadside appearance. There’s plentiful parking and the interior is quaintly nautical — delft blue walls with white trim, navy table linens and shells galore. Jonathon’s is located at a dangerous fork-​in-​the-​road intersection of two very heavily traveled thoroughfares, so be careful.
We were pleasantly greeted by Sarah, who provided me with an excellent Cosmo which she made herself. My husband had a very good clam chowder while I had an insanely delicious lobster bisque (I’m going to have dreams about that bisque). My husband’s crab roll was quite good but my lobster roll was beyond compare, overstuffed with huge, succulent chunks of claw meat. Equally delicious are their onion nuggets. Once you’ve sliced a large, sweet onion and separated the slices into rings for onion rings, what do you do with the centers? At Jonathon’s, they dip those babies in batter and deep dry those, too. They are to die for!
Bob, the owner and very accomplished chef, came out to visit with us and Sarah’s service continued to be fast and friendly. A couple seated nearby told us that although they live in Quebec, they make a pilgrimage to Jonathon’s every other month or so. Like them, we can’t wait to return.

THE LOBSTAH CHRONICLES
Day 3, Part 2
Now…back to NH from our visit to Kezar Lake in Maine.
This was a new place for us. We had a good meal and weren’t disappointed but the price was considerably more than the Lobster Trap in North Conway.
We shared a twin lobster dinner for about $ 32. There was a $ 3 charge for sharing the meal. That ticked me off right away but we asked beforehand so it wasn’t a surprise.
The meal came with a choice of garden salad or slaw. a starch and a dinner roll (packaged-​not home made). My husband chose the salad and I had a side of slaw ($ 1.25). He selected potato «skins» as his starch side. These are not «skins» as we know them. They were potato wedges… and there were just four of them. A skimpy portion, I thought. Tuckerman’s Pale Ale was $ 4.25. We started the meal with a portion of steamers. They were large and very tasty. Clam broth here was flavorful.
The atmosphere inside was «nautical». There’s a bar area with additional seating and it did get quite busy after we arrived around 6:30 p.m.
Would we return here??? Maybe… but considering the price we might try a new place or return to our old favorite, The Lobster Trap.

On our arrival the place was packed which we took as a good sign. The hostess (foreign)was SO confused. She didnt know who was coming our going. The dining room is VERY small, so if there is a waiting line, plan to do just that! WAIT! Some ppl walked out. The hostess needs to be more organized, she needs a chart! She wasnt even taking names until I said «will you take our name?» We actually didnt wait long, because we were only 2, they sat us at a 4 top and we invited a nice couple, who was also waiting, to join us. The dining room is TINY! they really ought to expand. The waitress (foreign) was confused, and very overwhelmed! I would of liked to have another drink but!!! I was shocked that our bill was correct! anyway, the lobster was chewy, but o.k.The scallops were big and delicious. The rolls were packaged rolls and tasted it. the potatoe skins are pot. wedges (FYI).The lobster bisque YUCKY! just aweful! The desserts seemed like they were home made and tasty. Would I go again? doubt it.

Had some decent fried seafood for lunch after a long drive up to the White Mtn area from Massachusetts on Labor Day weekend. Relatively late for lunch, but it appeared fairly busy — mostly senior citizens and it felt like the early bird (though it was only 2pm). The fried whole belly clam platter was good, but the clams were on the small side and priced at almost $ 14 (mkt price)… it was not a good value. I expected more clams, or meatier bellies. Fried haddock sandwich was surprisingly good, cooked perfectly, flaky and moist, and delivered without sauce or salt, for seasoning to your liking (which I appreciated). Kids plates were pretty standard. Good food, but expensive for what it was. Tourist pricing.

After stopping at the nearby covered bridge, I went over to Jonathon’s for a late Saturday lunch. The place has a back lounge area and a main dining room. The walls are painted light blue with nautical décor. I decided to eat in since the place did not look busy, just a few older couples and their grandkids.
Jonathon’s offers seafood, lobster, sandwiches, chowders, salads and dinner entrees. Fresh seafood is available too. Daily specials and lunch specials are offered.
I decided on a lunch special which included a decent garden salad, warm rolls & butter and choice of potato (I chose potato skins). The entrée Stuffed Shrimp ($ 8.95 plus tax) was very disappointing. It was only 3 shrimp (very dry) surrounded by lots and lots of cornbread stuffing. The potato skins were actually more like potato wedges with a cup of sour cream. The waitress was friendly, courteous, and attentive, refilling my ice water when I needed more and bringing out the food items in time. Sorta reminded me of Jessica Simpson, but I mean that as a compliment though.
Overall, the food I had was disappointing (average at best), but the service was great, so I’m splitting this rating up the middle.
NOTE: If you plan to visit Jonathon’s, please use caution when entering and exiting the parking lot since the adjacent intersection of Route 16 and East Side Drive is very dangerous where the restaurant is located. I almost got creamed coming in. The State is aware of this situation. I believe the skewed leg to/​from Route 16 really should be closed and reconstruct the existing intersection into a T or roundabout.