DOX on Winnipesaukee — Restaurant in Laconia

We visited this restaurant last year and had a great experience, which is why we decided to come back. Unfortunately, this time I was completely disappointed.

The terrace was almost empty when we arrived, yet we were told we had to wait 15 minutes for a table. So we sat right next to the empty tables, looking at them, until 15 minutes later we got a message that we could sit down. The hostess offered us a table in the sun, even though several tables in the shade were free the whole time. We pointed out a table under an umbrella that had just been vacated and said we were fine waiting for it to be cleaned.

We then waited another 20 minutes, standing near the table, but no one touched the table. After some time, someone came and half-cleared it, leaving plastic cups behind. The terrace was filling up while we kept waiting. Eventually, we sat down, hoping someone would finish cleaning soon, but nothing happened.

Another 10 minutes later the hostess came and told us to “make space,” claiming that because we were sitting there, no one was coming to clean the table. I explained that we had already been waiting a long time near the table and that no server had even approached the table to finish clearing it, which makes no sense.

After another long wait, I even offered to help clear the few stacked plastic cups, but the hostess refused and insisted that we leave the table. Only then did someone finally clean it. After that, we still had to wait several more minutes until the hostess eventually brought utensils and seated. Now calculate how much time we lost…

I have never experienced such rudeness and unprofessional behavior at a restaurant before. The only reason we stayed was because we had already wasted so much time and were hungry. As for the food it was mediocre.

I never left a 1 star review, but was a complete waste of time, patience, and money, the hostess made us feel like we were being mocked. It gave us the impression that her strategy was to make customers not want to come back. Otherwise, I can’t explain the lack of logic in the way she...

2 adults 3 kids. We didn’t have to wait too long (between 3-5 arcade games later, we got the text about our table being ready). The tables were all cleared when we walked up, so I appreciate the team there not rushing to sit us down if the kitchen was handling a load of tickets.

We ordered the Guac and Corn dip to start- for a spot that did not claim “authentic Mexican” it was good. A great portion and our server offered us sour cream and salsa on the side- that was a plus. The portion of guac was so large I asked for extra chips to continue enjoying even when our main entrees arrived. It was giving homemade vibes, which is great when you’re hungry- it was not some dry powder guac mix- chunks of avocado, sweet pieces of corn, onion etc. Could it have used a squeeze of lime and chopped cilantro, sure- but it was not a deal breaker.

My kids ordered a hot dog and garden salad- great size hot dog, awesome salad portion. One of the 3 ordered a cheese burger- which seemed like the exact burger as the single smash burger minus the caramelized onions and bacon and a side of Mac and cheese (also great portion).

Both adults ordered burgers too- one Downsize (only one smash burger patty) and the Dox which included 2 smash burger patties - both with cheese bacon and caramelized onions. For sides we had the house made chips, and Mac and cheese.

The only feedback I have is about the lack of flavor in the Mac and cheese. Maybe it’s a cultural thing- but a little salt and pepper probably won’t hurt anybody. 🤔

Overall no complaints. I like that there was a live musician performing cover songs with the guitar and harmonica. The view was cool, and it seemed like a laid back...

There are very few places my husband and I frequent due to our 17 month old daughter’s food allergies but Dox made the list after Chef Leo went above and beyond to prepare her food during previous experiences!

I understand that restaurants are not required to accommodate ANY allergies and I was able to overlook the two hours our party of 4 waited for food, all the while watching 2-3 tables of 4+ guest having been seated after us were able to eat, pay, and leave. Consequently, after waiting for 2 hours and inquiring about the status of our dinner order, the manager, Jules, explained that my daughter’s dairy and egg free grilled chicken tenders were responsible for the hold up. Again, it was getting rather busy for 7pm on a Tuesday and Jules did request that I not inquire about allergy accommodations on busy nights in the future, of which, I also understood.

What I cannot overlook was the manner in which Jules interacted with the FOH staff. Her disrespectful, condescending, and dismissive attitude IN FRONT OF GUESTS was inappropriate and I would simply suggest that an individual with such obvious distain for her job should seek employment elsewhere. Our server on the other hand was attentive, she was transparent, she communicated effectively, and was an absolute delight. It’s a shame that our experience was tarnished by the individual who is supposed to be the representative of the restaurant group and seeing as it IS busy season and my daughter DOES have allergies, I’ll heed Jules advice and...