Mark P.
Yelp
After visiting the Woods Hole Aquarium (the oldest marine aquarium in the country), we took our three-year old grandson for lunch to Quahog Republic's Leeside Pub (29 Railroad Rd.) in Woods Hole. What a delightful experience, due not only to the quality of the food and the charm of the venue, but to the warmth, humor, and personality of our server Jenn. My review for card-carrying members of team Cliff Notes: "A cozy pub atmosphere with lots of regulars, flavorful food, personable staff, with a view of the ferries, at competitive prices." Everyone else is invited to continue reading.
We've taken our older grandson (now 6) to lunch in Woods Hole a few times after visiting the aquarium and really enjoy the "on-the-water" vibe and décor of Captain Kidd. Unfortunately, Captain Kidd is still closed for the season and so is Land Fall. So, the options were limited. Having enjoyed a meal a few years ago at the Onset Quahog Republic, we decided on the Leeside Pub.
Parking in the immediate area is a challenge but we lucked out with parking on Main Street--just remember to bring quarters--which of course I did)--less than a block away.
We were seated at one of the long tables as soon as we entered. Jenn, who was server, bartender, and food runner (from upstairs down to the restaurant), quickly took our drink orders--a seltzer for my wife, an apple juice for our grandson, and a freshly brewed iced tea for me (the iced tea was wonderful). While I quickly looked at the menu before we left the house for the aquarium, we already knew what our grandson was getting--a lobster roll. It comes with a side and he chose French fries (no surprise there). I wanted a mug of their chowder. My wife ordered a pulled pork grilled quesadilla.
Even though there were plenty of people in the restaurant, Jenn had it totally under control and our food arrived quickly. I was impressed that they had individual pepper grinders at every table. I love a little chowder with my freshly ground peppers and don't really understand why most places do not have whole pepper grinders. The chowder was very tasty--slightly thicker than I might make myself (but definitely not goopy), plenty of clams (I believe they were chopped quahogs), only a few potatoes (which is always a good sign), and well flavored broth with a hint of applewood smoked bacon (the signature addition to Quahog Republic chowder).
They have 3 sizes of lobster rolls at Leeside Pub--a 4 oz, an 8 oz, and the "monsta." Our grandson got the 4 oz and it was perfect for him and he dug right in, picking up a claw and biting in, waiting for his extra crisp fries to cool. I tasted the lobster and the bun and was impressed with both. The lobster tasted clean and fresh--two whole claws and quite a bit of knuckle meat (our grandson is a fan of claw meat), very, very lightly dressed, on a piece of leaf lettuce inside a butter-grilled, split top brioche roll. The lobster roll also came with a container of melted butter for dipping (or pouring I suppose). Our young gourmand really enjoyed his lobster--no fork necessary--and more of his fries than his mother would probably be happy seeing him eat. But that's part of the fun of visiting Nana and Poppy's house. A full belly nap of nearly two and a half hours for our grandson resulted once we got home--giving us some time to rest as well.
My wife's pulled pork quesadilla was substantial and well-stuffed with a cheddar and mozzarella cheese blend and the pulled pork. It came with a side of salsa and a side of sour cream. I took a taste for reporting purposes (hehehe) and would certainly order this dish for myself. My wife certainly enjoyed it while she was helping to feed and otherwise entertain our grandson. I should note that they have, by way of description, an authentic looking Cubano on the menu which might be worth exploring on a subsequent visit--slow roasted pork, black forest ham, pickled red onion, chopped pickles, swiss cheese, and chipotle aioli on mustard buttered french roll.
Despite the steady flow of customers, many of whom were picking up take-out to bring aboard a departing ferry, Jenn visited our tables throughout the meal to check in on us (though, having an adorable three-year old as a guest is always something of a server magnet). It was a totally memorable meal and for all the right reasons. Certainly a place we will visit again and I would encourage you to do so as well.
