[GypsySoul22]

Originally Posted by Sherylcatmom

Agreed on all counts! I LOVE this place. Not only is the food delicious, homemade, and sourced locally as much as possible, but the staff have been super nice every time I've been there.

I have been here a few times and yes, it's very good. A rustic place but good food, nice portions and friendly folks. They also have a gift shop which has some interesting items...some are not pricey. We always let our son spend a little there and he winds up with a ceramic animals or something.

[Asta]

Originally Posted by arel

............And there's a small grill place near the Marina. It's on Putney Road, on the same side as the entrance to the Marina. I forget its name. I'm told it is very good.

Top of the Hill Grill! Open only during the summer months. Award-winning barbeque. During the summer months he's got those smokers going full tilt and it smells great!

Speaking of barbecue, can't forget Curtis Barbeque out in Putney. He's a local icon who has become rather famous after being written up in several magazines. It's really "rustic," just a big barbecue pit and a bus, and there is a picnic area for seating. But the food is really great! http://www.curtisbbqvt.com/

A real favorite with a lot of folks is the New England House out on Route 9 in West B. The food is excellent and the atmosphere is really inviting. http://www.thenewenglandhouse.com/index.html

The Marina is good, but it's gotten kind of touristy since Rachael Ray did a segment there a couple of summers ago, IMO. We used to be able to dock the boat nearby and have supper on a summer night. I don't know if you can do that anymore.

[sugarmaple]

Can anyone tell me if the Springfield Diner ever re-opened? We were up the Summer of '07 and had planned to stop in but they had just closed. We missed them by like two days! We were back in '08 but didn't ever make it to Springfield, we headed North to Waterbury. I would love to head back in '09! Actually, if I close my eyes... I am already there!

Springfield Royal Diner has re-opened...new "owners/leasees"..food has been consistently really good too...they also have a Mexican night which is good and they still have the all day breakfast if you prefer that with lots of additional meals which are new...good...

In the Ludlow-Mt. Holly area (Okemo):
Harry's (very good) however during ski season, I certainly recommend that you get there pretty close to on the nose of 5 or after 8 otherwise you will wait; Little Harry's is the one in Rutland;

Also in Ludlow is Sam's Restaurant, that's great with a varied price range; I am not sure if they do this during ski season, I think they do, Tues-Thur, early dinner 4:30 or 5 to 6, much lower prices and the same amount/quality of food...super salad bar...

DJ's is another consistent and good restaurant in Ludlow.

In Springfield, there is Penelope's and McKinley's (downstairs from Penelopes); this is the building that has the movie theater and had the premier of the Simpson Movie - there was a serious fire to the building and my understanding is that the restaurants are supposed to reopen in two months....

There is a really good restaurant in Woodstock called Spooners...it is in the Sunset Farm Building..and worth a try...

Jeez, I feel like a food critic or at least a restaurant critic.

Bon apetit!

[pabear]

Thanks for the info SugarMaple. The diner will definately be on our list of stops next time we are in town. Did the movie theater substain major loss in the fire? I just set here looking at our photos from '07 with the Homer hand and donut.

What about Jonathan's Family Restuarant? Are they still open? Food quality?

[sugarmaple]

Hi Pabear...Jonathan's has been bought/taken over, not sure which, and it is now called Coopers...pretty much the same as before...glad you still have the Homer hand and donut...I have a good shot of it too...Springfield was insane that weekend....cracked me up actually since the press and TV reporters were everywhere, dressed to the 9's wearing Marge wigs...pretty funny actually.

Yup, the building suffered damage, some areas more than others; the owners who are friends of mine actually, were pretty upset especially since it was caused by one of the tenants...not a good thing at all...there has been tremendous support by the community/town and State to get the building repaired. Have you been to either Penelope's or McKinley's in that building...I understand they are supposed to be opening within a couple of months...both are good. McKinley's is more like a pub, so-called,great burgers too...Penelope's is a bit more upscale than McKinley's...the other good restaurant is a little way down the street from that building, going south, across the street from the Springfield Libary (which would be on your R) and the restaurant on L...something or other Main street...can't remember the #'s but you can't miss it...it is also a few doors down from the new location of the Springfield Chamber of Commerce which now holds the Simpson hand and donut.

By the way, did you ever see the TV commercial with our governor and the donut...it was great! Hey, my office is across the street from the restaurant too...let me know when you are coming to Springfield, perhaps we can meet for lunch!

[pabear]

Sugarmaple - We sent you a DM.

[laboynton1]

Dont worry for too long about the four aces diner!! Hopefully within the next 6 months my cousin and I will re-open it in all its glory. Keep a weather eye

[GypsySoul22]

Originally Posted by laboynton1

Dont worry for too long about the four aces diner!! Hopefully within the next 6 months my cousin and I will re-open it in all its glory. Keep a weather eye

Okay!! Fantastic...we loved that place..sending good vibes your way from a neighbor near by!!

[atypicalLIer]

Originally Posted by sugarmaple

Can anyone tell me if the Springfield Diner ever re-opened? We were up the Summer of '07 and had planned to stop in but they had just closed. We missed them by like two days! We were back in '08 but didn't ever make it to Springfield, we headed North to Waterbury. I would love to head back in '09! Actually, if I close my eyes... I am already there!

Springfield Royal Diner has re-opened...new "owners/leasees"..food has been consistently really good too...they also have a Mexican night which is good and they still have the all day breakfast if you prefer that with lots of additional meals which are new...good...

In the Ludlow-Mt. Holly area (Okemo):
Harry's (very good) however during ski season, I certainly recommend that you get there pretty close to on the nose of 5 or after 8 otherwise you will wait; Little Harry's is the one in Rutland;

Also in Ludlow is Sam's Restaurant, that's great with a varied price range; I am not sure if they do this during ski season, I think they do, Tues-Thur, early dinner 4:30 or 5 to 6, much lower prices and the same amount/quality of food...super salad bar...

DJ's is another consistent and good restaurant in Ludlow.

In Springfield, there is Penelope's and McKinley's (downstairs from Penelopes); this is the building that has the movie theater and had the premier of the Simpson Movie - there was a serious fire to the building and my understanding is that the restaurants are supposed to reopen in two months....

There is a really good restaurant in Woodstock called Spooners...it is in the Sunset Farm Building..and worth a try...

Jeez, I feel like a food critic or at least a restaurant critic.

Bon apetit!

I'm going to add just a wee bit....

Mexican night at the diner was OK; I wouldn't order their interpretation of Mexican food again but other dinners were delicious.

Harry's -- phone ahead for reservations during ski season. Also, if your a chocolate mousse fan, ask if they have mousse that day. If they do, reserve your mousse with your table. A few times we saw the last mousse pass our table while we were waiting to order. If they won't let you reserve your mousse with the table, order your mousse before you even get a menu. It's that good! The restaurant is very small and the seating gets tight. If a diner is not into a crowded, noisy small restaurant, be warned. I found Little Harry's to be far more comfortable in that respect.

Sam's has an awesome salad bar and does have some early bird specials, too. It's been hit or miss on some of the steak specials; we've had some good cuts and there have been a couple of gristly ones, too. Overall, the meals have been good.

DJ's is also a great choice with a good salad bar. They have plenty of choices and do offer specials, so it is best to arrive early. I have noticed the specials are better in the off ski months. We always leave with doggie bags.

Pot Belly Pub in Ludlow is a great place to grab a burger or meatloaf and mashed potatoes, fried chicken, sandwiches -- you name it. It's very kid friendly, despite the word 'pub' in the name.

Actually all of the restaurants are kid friendly.

[sugarmaple]

Harry's Cafe is a terrific place for dinner...it is a small place, easy to pass by. From Ludlow it is on 103North, heading to Rutland/Mt. Holly...probably about 4-5 miles outside of Ludlow, on your right. really good food.