Second Brook Bar & Grill — Restaurant in Hooksett

Edit- I want to add that Jeanne (owner replied very positively to my message. No hard feelings towards anyone involved

I really am not used to writing negative reviews, as I am a pretty easy to please person, but today was very frustrating.

My friend and I came in for lunch. It had been a while since our last visit, and since this establishment always receive great reviews, I was really looking forward to it.

We sat at the bar, and unfortunately, the service from the start was less than satisfactory. The bartender handed us menus and came back a few minutes later to take our drink orders. I gave her my drink order, and she went to make it without asking my friend what he wanted, which was very embarrassing and awkward. She then returned with my drink and took his order.

A short while later, she took our appetizer order but left before we could give our lunch orders (which we were ready to give as well), and she seemed more focused on the regulars at the bar. When she brought our appetizer, she started to take our menus before realizing we hadn’t ordered lunch yet. The rest of the service was okay after that, but overall, it still felt like we weren’t really acknowledged.

It came time for dessert, I tried ordering one of the dessert drinks (from the dessert menu) and she had no idea what I was asking for, which was embarrassing as well. I settled on an espresso martini, and, again, she started walking away without taking my friends order, but as she was still within an ear shot, he said he would take an espresso martini as well. Definitely poor service and it left me feeling embarrassed for my friend that he was seemingly being overlooked.

On a positive note, Jeanne stopped by to chat with us toward the end, which was very nice and left a good impression.

I wanted to share this feedback because I’ve always heard good things about this restaurant, but today’s service didn’t quite reflect that.

I was very...

I just don't understand these places up here in NH! I guess these locales just don't know good food. I mean I've been up here for close to 30 years from Boston and there still is no comparison! Nine out of 10 of places I am forced to go to in the Manchester area wouldn't last 6 months down in the the Boston Area. Anyway, on to Second Brook, the place was mobbed, SMH why. The bar where we sat was loud and boring! No music, bunch of LFOD locals. Just horrible atmosphere! The food was at best okay, but tiny portions. We are 5+ years Keto, so no carb. We got the Chicken Balls Appetizer, they were okay but way too salty (would not get again). My wife got a burger no bun or fries plus $5 for a sad side salad. The burger was good, it was a burger. I got the Baked Haddock, it was cooked well but more Ritz crackers than fish and again we don't eat those so pushed to the side. The sides were just bad! Way under cooked broccoli and tasteless coleslaw. Pretty much didn't eat any of those. We each had 1 drink which were good. But those 5 simple things cost us $100 and I had to make a salad when we got home because I was still hungry. The part I just don't get is how this place got all these awards! Best Bar, Best Happy Hour, Best Sport Bar, I didn't see any of that! Like I said at the beginning, the Bar was boring, there was zero Happy hour (we got there at 4PM) and they have like 5 or 6 big TV (all muted) like every other Sport Bar around, nothing specials. I guess they must be really lining Manchester Radio...

What a joke of a business honestly. We came here Friday around 3pm. This was a meet up spot for a long time friend and I. Trying to get lunch and catch up after 15 years! Way to buzzkill it off the bat? I drove from Maine he drove from western NH. We are not from this town. I’ve been to 43 states in this country, NEVER had something like this happen. Beyond disrespectful and unprofessional. I get you’re at work and gotta check IDs but really? Story below….

We sit down, give our IDs and the bartender with my ID leaves a pretty snarky comment, didn’t think twice at first whatever. I’ve heard worse. Next ID my friend hands over, bartender proceeds to drop a second snarky comment “ive never heard of this town before??” Okay? Read the birthday and move on lady? NO ONE wants your commentary

This is where I draw the line. My friends girlfriend hands her ID over as she is not from the U.S. we are all in our late 20s. Visibly closer to 30 than a teenager…. Takes her ID and goes “I’m gonna have to talk to manager about this”. Manager comes out with a book for reference. Then proceeds to say “oh we’re not sure” Like are you actually kidding me??? We gave you our IDs we are all tattooed and grown adults. We go around the corner to other bar Chantillys with ZERO ISSUES AND GREAT FOOD! I recommend going over there!

If you hate out of towners so much. Put a...