Besides some threads that Kettlehead was mentioned, there was no real consolidation of information, so I figure I'd start one. I'm going to be be up in the Lakes Region on Saturday to help my uncle close down the lake house for the season. I thought I'd pop into Kettlehead on the way home down 93. That said, what's the situation like? I will have two kids in tow (kids in taprooms, noooooo!), but there looks to be a kids menu, so eat it, haters. How's the place typically look on a Saturday night? More importantly, how's the beer been? I see there's a Harvest beer in cans. I like that.
Also, seeing how I'll be in Bristol, there's a Shackett's Brewing (grew up going to their store) and a Woodman's, but both of their "websites" are Facebook pages and homie don't play that.
Kettlehead gets pretty crowded on Saturdays, but it is a friendly atmosphere. I typically go in the lunch time frame and have always been able to get a table or bar spot. They have a bunch of dining room style tables and are a popular meal location, kids should be fine. All the styles I have tried have been good to great. I think their most popular brews are their New England style IPA/DIPA. I have not tried or heard of Shacketts or Woodmans. If you travel to Plymouth, 1766 brewing is decent and has decent food. Canterbury Aleworks is pretty close to Kettlehead. It is an interesting place.
I never found a table easily so I just get the beer and go. If you like Mexican and a family atmosphere, Casamigos is better than average and right downtown.
Yeah, and it looks like there's an event on Saturday night. Not knowing my own timetable for passing through the area, it seems more and more likely I'll go somewhere else. I'll investigate Casamigos. We're a Mexican food family.
I went into Shacketts Brewing in Bristol after a day of closing up my uncles cottage for the season. Literally walked into what seemed like a dive bar (ain’t nothing wrong with that!). Literally no one said anything to me. Stood by the bar. Nothing. Not a “one second we are busy.” Nothing. Just workers walking around. Looked like only growlers for sale. Like it was 2009. Walked out without saying a word to anyone, with no beer. I’m 37. I spent my summers in Bristol most of my life. I grew up going to the family-owner Shacketts grocery store in Bristol. I have a love for that region that runs very, very deep. I am so tremendously disappointed at the customer service. I know they won’t care (bc why would they? Couldn’t even train workers to say hello, never mind read message boards). Bummed about it. I was stoked to support a business of a family I respect and have for my entire life.
I plan a large brewfest in NH, was actually last weekend in Claremont NH. Have contacted 100's of brewers in the last 6 years planning it. They are the only one I have ever called that was flat out RUDE to me. Never call them again or go there. On the other hand Kettlehead comes to our event and they are very pleasant to deal with.
Been to kettlehead several times, all midweek, all early to mid afternoon. Decent spot. $10 burger fries and beer deal is impressive. Pool table, couple of arcade machines.
