Puritan Backroom Restaurant — Restaurant in Manchester

We typically have a good experience and want to make that clear, but I’m stating this so you all can improve. I had come for my birthday at puritan. I had a party of 3 with 1 of them being handicapped in a wheelchair. The host stated it would be around 25min wait - no problem. It was getting past 45mins and at this point plenty of people that came in before us were seated and even receiving meals. The hosts didn’t give us any update on why it was taking so long specially for our party, so I went up. They said that no table has freed up yet. Eventually they asked if we wanted a booth and if the person with the wheelchair wanted to slide into the seat but we said no because it was not a safe option and thanked her for asking. They assured it would not be much longer. Eventually after about 1hr 20mins and seeing many people that came after us and leave, we got a table that still was not accommodating for a wheelchair but it was able to be wedged, and we were starving. They had me view it, but saying no would have risked I don’t know how much longer of a wait. I told them we would have appreciated transparency sooner so we could have planned accordingly especially because it’s harder to logistically coordinate with a handicap person. We have been going there for years and on incredibly crowded days and have never had a problem like this. Do not say you are handicap accessible if we were verbatim told that at the END of the wait that it took TRIPLE the the time than others just because we had a wheelchair, and do not lie to us saying they are clearing off a table for us when they are not. It honestly ruined my birthday, but I had voiced my issue and wasn’t trying to make things worse especially dealing with furious parents. If it takes that much of a delay for a wheelchair, then you need to allow reservations or call aheads for accommodations such as that and high chairs etc. I’m understanding and respect food service, and I know they felt bad, but that was absolutely ridiculous. Edit: I was able to talk with the manager this morning and she was very understanding and looked further into the...

After giving them an outstanding review last summer, it pains me to have to admit that yesterday my meal was horrible and our servicer couldn't answer questions that really weren't hard. I brought a friend, new to the area, because he saw a YouTuber video about their chicken tenders and that they're the restaurant that invented them. When the waitress came over he wanted one of their famous mudslides and asked if it was very thick/heavy. She said she had no idea, she doesn't drink them. I told him to go for it because the place is known for them. He opted for the peanut butter one. Unfortunately it lacked peanut butter flavor when he took his first taste. As for the food, we decided to ask her if it was fact that they developed the chicken tenders and she said, I don't know very abruptly. Most wait staff who don't know the answer would at least offer to inquire on your behalf. He ordered them and I ordered their baked haddock, which was outstanding last summer. The crumbs on top of the haddock weren't even wet, they were like dry sand poured over the fish. The casserole had zero flavor even the haddock. His chicken tenders were dry. I tried them because I was shocked since they're a top seller for them. It being Christmas we did not complain. Our waitress's persona took a turn twords the end of the visit, which to me, is when the bill is coming, and it's tip time. I left the worst tip I think I've ever left a waitress. If the place was packed I'd understand but this was before the dinner rush hour and plenty of empty tables. As for my buddy he's not returning. I told him to give them another try but he was right when he said there's just too many restaurants out there to try to give them a second shot. I'll return because I've been coming here for over 30 years and everyplace has...

From Culinary Crown to Cardboard Chicken: A Puritan Backroom Lament

The Puritan Backroom, once a beacon of culinary delight, has, in my experience, regrettably lost its luster. What was once a weekly pilgrimage for their legendary chicken tenders has become a source of profound disappointment. These weren't just any tenders; they were, in my estimation, the world's best – a perfect symphony of flavor and tenderness that made the journey worthwhile. Sadly, the last three visits have painted a starkly different picture. The tenders, once juicy and flavorful, are now consistently dry, bland, and burnt. Adding to the culinary letdown, the sweet potato fries, which I recall being delightfully crisp, are now perpetually soggy. It's evident that whatever magic touch they possessed before the pandemic has vanished, taking with it the passion and love that once infused their food. The decline isn't limited to the kitchen. The service has become mediocre at best. More often than not, I find myself resorting to flagging down staff for a simple drink refill or to address an issue with my meal. It seems the Puritan Backroom now caters predominantly to an older demographic. While their loyalty is understandable, it feels as though the establishment thrives on nostalgia rather than current quality. For those of us in the younger generation, the appeal has all but evaporated. Each visit now feels less like a restaurant and more like a dining hall for a nursing home, a stark contrast to the vibrant, delicious spot it once was. It's a truly sad and disappointing turn for a place I once cherished. While I'll hold onto the fond memories of its glory days, I won't be returning. My two-star review reflects this...