How are The Common Man restaurants in NH

[javaandjazz]

Just looking at an ad and they are all off 93 in New Hampshire? How are they? Thanks!

[gryphonskeeper]

OK, had the Airport diner today with my son, we both loved it. For the price, and for the expectation of "diner-style" food, it was much better than I thought it would be.

PS, the server was very sweet, and when there was a slight glitch, it was immediately addressed, that is what made it above and beyond what most diners are like. If I had to put this place up against the Red Arrow (Which boasts it is one of the top 10 in the nation) I would say Airport Diner rates sky high over the Arrow. (Pun intended)

[observor]

I had a terrible grilled cheese there and companion had not-notable omelette, to which they forgot to add the requisite cheese. However, manager did not charge for the omelette, due to the forgotten cheese, which was extremely generous. I find the atmosphere contrived and highly doubt money is getting donated to a South American school per cup of coffee, as menu says. Perhaps I need to give it another shot with different menu item...

[greenstate]

Restaurant monopolies are the worst because there is little incentive fro improvement. I find the Common man Group to be mediocre, over priced and consistently disappointing. I would always rather travel to a better place but the Lakes Region is at the mercy of tourists, who rarely are aware of options.

[lexpatti]

Your right, there are so many really great options in the Lakes Region. My favs are LemonGrass, Corner House Inn, The Woodshed

[greenstate]

LemonGrass continues to be awesome. I have not been to the woodshed under the new ownership. The Corner House is good but not the great place it used to be. Canoe is still a good place to eat, even better now that the crowds have ebbed.

[lexpatti]

I love lemongrass - they have some very nice light but awesome flavors (i'm trying to eat lighter and this is a great place to meet for lunch when I'm up there). I hate hate hate the service at the canoe, there is this one jackass of a waiter - really don't know how he survives in that industry. I'm not sure who there is good at customer service - it really drives me nuts because I do love their menu.

[observor]

There was a time when The Common Man was a real fine place...certainly for the original in Ashland. However, as they have (substantially) grown, as is typically what happens, it has become much different from the original. I have not been to the first one in some time, so it may still be good...but I had an overpriced, abominable hamburger at the one in Merrimack, and the Diner in Manchester is not good quality. A companion says that is also true at the one in Tilton. Can't speak for others, but just beware that it is now a "company", whereas it used to be an "entity".

[Delhiwala]

The Common Man's diner in Tilton serves pretty good diner food in a fun "1950s" atmosphere. The prices are not bad. I would not go out of my way to stop here, but if you want to eat in Tilton, this is a good option.

[lexpatti]

My opinion is that the Common Mans are not all created equally (which is a bummer when you do enjoy one and assume the next might be enjoyable as well). I love Largo, Meredith - they have this mussel dish that's fantastic. I truely hate the Docks, Meredith - it has to be there forgotten child (service and food is really lacking/lousy). I enjoy a great lunch at Church Landing, Meredith - too pricey for what you get for dinner, but great food, value and view for lunch. I also enjoyed Ashland back when it was only one Common Man - something happens when restaurants continue to grow. I do enjoy the diversity of their menu and the food is good to great, never fantastic (except those mussels, but not the same mussels at Church Landing).

[gryphonskeeper]

You know what lex, I agree with you while heartedly. The Docks are terrible and a true tourist trap,

[whs]

I forgot that CM runs the restos at the Inns at Mill Falls--yes, lunch at Church Landing is good value for the ambience and view. My lobster roll was a steal at $20.

[lexpatti]

They own most of Meredith it seems. All across from each other: Largo, Docks, Church landing, the Camp and something in the Mills Falls Inn?

[whs]

Apparently the owner Alex Ray is quite a political activist and philanthropist. He and Gary Hirshberg of Stonyfield Farms have been hosting a series of pig roasts around the state in support of a certain presidential candidate: http://www.citizen.com/apps/pbcs.dll/...

[rosieg]

Any relation to The Common Man in Waitsville/Warren Vermont area in the mid-70s? Because it was a hugh friend of the Common Girl at that time. Affordable and good-I would love to know.

[greygarious]

Search this board for numerous mentions. My own was: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/498909

[bewley]

Slightly better than average. (Which goes a long way in a town like Ashland.) This is to say it's the best restaurant in Ashland, but still not stellar.

[gryphonskeeper]

They are just that... "common" I know everyone loves chains... but there are so many mom and pop places that offer 2x the experience, and much better food for the same cost, or less.

[whs]

For an opposing point of view, I have to say I find the food serviceable but not memorable.

[pinehurst]

I agree. This comes from dining at the Windham location once on my own and once as part of a business lunch as the guest of others. Given the "myeh" quality of the food, it's pricey.

[Sired]

I grew up going to the Comman Man in Ashland. I say don't miss it. It is a great comfortable atmosphere and great comfort food. I never miss a chance to go when I am visiting NH. My mom still goes about once a week and she says she has never been disappointed!