Walter's Basin — Restaurant in Holderness

I would like to preface this by saying that up until tonight, every meal I have had here has been outstanding. Tonight felt very off to me in a couple of ways, but nothing that ruined it. I took my parents out to dinner tonight, decided we would go to one of our favorite restaurants in the area. We sat in the Basshole (I adore that name) and were greeted cheerfully and warmly (I have trouble recalling names, so I apologize for not listing any). The woman who took our orders was friendly, gracious and all around pleasant to talk to. Our appetizers were delicious and our drinks were tended well. The part that felt off was the main course.

I will grant that we were distracted, so I am unaware of how long the young woman was waiting when she finally got our attention (the lake view is amazing), but the immediate thing that caught me was the short amount of time it took from order to delivery. The reason I bring up the timing is because the food (while still good) had an unfinished quality to it. I and my father got Prime Rib, and we both noted that the mashed potatoes and the carrots were not fully cooked. This didn't bother me, I will eat almost anything, but it was noticeable. My mom got scallops and only had an issue with the green beans being overcooked.

Nothing was undercooked or overcooked to the point of inedibility, so my problem isn't that. My problem also isn't how fast it was, though I feel that may have played a role in why some things seemed undercooked. My main problem is that all of these things put together gave the impression of premade food heated up at the last minute. Not microwaved, but just put back on to cook for a few minutes.

This was one off moment for me, and I am more inclined to believe it was just the holiday crowd or a rush in the early part of the day that threw everyone off course slightly. I have absolutely no doubts that this was a fluke, but in the off chance that something was off, I would like to show that it didn't sour my experience in any...

For the past several years we’ve been enjoying the quaint coziness of Walter’s Basin, an establishment that’s been serving the quiet community of Holderness for decades. Walter’s was comfort food defined, served in an atmosphere that felt like home each time we visited. Walter’s was the gem of the Lakes Region, a great Friday night date, even in the dead of winter, Walter’s was always warm and inviting. Nods to the On Golden Pond days spotted the establishment. Specials of the week were posted on the blackboard along with the beers on tap, it was the definitive local dive. The staff was always cheerful and friendly, they went above and beyond to make you feel welcomed.

Recently Walter’s closed for renovations, we visited for the first-time last night. Sterile, industrial, institutionalized, the renovations and improvements are cold and harsh. Black and gray paint everywhere. Why would you need a 10-foot-wide hallway? The bar area is unwelcoming as it is uninviting, granted they saved some of the live edge table tops. Looks like someone threw paint on the bar and walls in an effort to get home on a Friday evening. Nothing about the renovation is warm and welcoming. The new Walter’s is a bar in Anytown USA. Out with the old, in with the new, modern in this case isn’t a good thing.

The menu is basically the same but portions are much smaller for the same price as before. 100% turnover on staff, didn’t recognize a single face, no one seemed happy save for our sever. Walter’s was great the way it was, why try and improve on something needing nothing? Incredibly disappointed and quite frankly sad by what’s happened to Walter’s. Good bye Walter's Basin, it was fun...

Charming lakeside restaurant with great food, service, and atmosphere

Walters Restaurant is a true hidden gem in the Squam Lake area. It’s cozy, welcoming, and full of character — and whether you’re stopping in for a full dinner or just a drink at the bar, you’re in for a great experience.

The restaurant is split into two areas: a lively bar with TVs showing sports (great energy and a solid crowd), and a quieter dining room with beautiful views overlooking Little Squam Lake. I really appreciated the contrast — the bar is fun and bustling, while the restaurant area feels a bit more upscale and peaceful, but both share the same menu.

Speaking of the menu — it’s short and focused, which I love. Everything we ordered was fresh and delicious. I especially recommend the pork dish — it was cooked perfectly and packed with flavor. They also have an impressive selection of beers that pair well with the food.

The interior is stylish and thoughtfully decorated, giving off both a rustic and polished vibe. Service was fast, friendly, and attentive from start to finish. Prices are very reasonable for the quality and the setting.

Another great touch: there’s a small retail area with cute merchandise and souvenirs, and plenty of on-site parking, which makes things easy. I also love the name — a nod to Walter DePiche from On Golden Pond, filmed in this very area in the ’80s. It gives the place a bit of local history and charm.

If you’re in the Squam Lake region, Walters is absolutely worth a stop. Whether for dinner, drinks, or just to take in the lake view, this place has it all. Highly...