This place is good so good it serves the best cornbread in the human history please go please go is the best place ever

Went here last Friday. During the middle of the pandemic. We had no problem getting seated. I got the sword fish and it was great. My wife got the meatloaf and that was also very good. Great selection of craft beers. Good selection of craft beers. The service was also great considering the current times we are living in. read more

When is a Reuben not a Reuben? *When there is no sauerkraut!* I have reviewed this restaurant before, detailing the quest for the best Reuben in the area, and the award did indeed fall to the "Shoe". However, you can't rest on your laurels. I have been to the Shoe several times since that post because it's close to where my sister lives and I have got to say that someone needs to explain to me why their cooks don't know what goes on a Reuben. Once may have been an easy mistake, but it's happened to me at least three times (and I haven't been the only patron to have this problem)! And I couldn't have had the same cook each time. The people there are so nice and the food *is* good. The Reuben, even without the sauerkraut, was tasty, but I cannot condone nor forgive the egregious error of omitting a key ingredient. I was hard pressed to find evidence of Thousand Island dressing as well, apart from the quarter inch drop found on the side. Kudos to our waitress Nikki, who was very kind and provided me a side dish of sauerkraut, but we were a little disappointed to not be approached by the management, who was informed of the problem. We like the Shoe and will be back, hopefully this will provide a wake-up call to make sure their cooks understand the menu. read more

After hearing many positive reviews (from neighbors, co-workers and friend) of this place - I had to try it for myself. We decided to grab dinner and sat in the outdoor lounge area. The outdoor area looked fairly new and was nice on a warm Summer night. Wasn't too busy for a weekend night, service was sub par and could of been better, in my opinion. We noticed a Manager, possibly, cruising around from table to table to introduce himself and also making contact with regulars. There were only four other seated tables and he neglected to make any gesture/contact with our party. This happened numerous times where he would make his way to newly seated patrons and go back to old regulars. He failed to acknowledge our table and would make conversation with tables right next to us. We were completely dissatisfied by this. It didn't seem like a busy night, we were not checked up on halfway through our meal to see if our meals were okay or if we needed anything else during our stay. Besides the service, cornbread was good. The entrees we ordered were not bad. The overall experience would of been better if they had better service and were a lot more attentive. read more

I've been coming here for awhile. I'm generally pleased, though not everything is phenomenal. I find their salads to be small & overpriced though anything from the sandwich menu is fantastic (save for the roast beef since they were out when I went so I can't comment on that). The service is always top-notch & I never wait for a table, which are big pluses. I'd easily give 5 stars, but the prices are pretty high on everything but sandwiches. $9 for a small wedge salad is pretty steep in my opinion. Also, they are commonly out of ice cream pie as well as another reason for the docked stars. read more

The Horseshoe has a serious problem with consistency. Let me first say, we LOVE the staff. The staff brought the overall rating up from 2 stars. We have been going to the shoe off and on since its reopening many years ago. It was decent for a stretch. We were regulars, going every week. Then a couple years ago it really went downhill. The menu options became less plentiful and more boring. There were several visits in a row where we were either served cold food or dry un-chewable meat. So we didn't come back for over a year. Earlier this spring, we gave it another try after I noticed the menu had changed dramatically for the better. I was happy with the additions of more creative options (especially the new side dishes). We met the new manager who I think was behind the improvement. We started coming in regularly again up until things got busy over the summer. We went back recently and it looks like things are on the downswing again. We ordered nachos - normally a "can't go wrong" option. The chips were crushed, the toppings were not as we asked, and the chili was basically brown broth with a couple of beans and specks of meat at the bottom. The bartender did offer to get new ones, but that plate should never have left the kitchen in that condition. Besides the food I want to mention something that has happened several times at the bar that we don't see happening in other places (and we go out a lot and always sit at the bar). A patron will sit alone and watch videos with the sound on very loud. Granted, the patron should have enough social awareness to bring ear buds, but when they don't, the staff should step in and ask them to mute it. It makes for a disruptive and chaotic experience for everyone else. I'm sure that's not the atmosphere you are looking for. We had to move to the other side of the bar because of it. If it was a one time event I would not have mentioned it but it's not. I waited a long time to write a review because again we love the staff. They are great. I didn't want to say anything against their place of work, but thought at this point the owners should know some of the reasons that people choose not to come back. read more

Good food and good service. The ambiance with the fireplace is a nice touch. The cobb salad with shoe tips was delicious. Wings were good too...nice and meaty. read more

Had a great evening with my wife. The food and staff were wonderful and even received a free desert for my birthday. Will definitely return with friends and family soon read more

Was there on Sunday to watch some of the Patriot game and have some food and beverages. I was not disappointed. Food,drinks and staff were great. Will visit again. read more

Horseshoe Grille is one of my favorite places in the area to get a nice steak. Their mashed potatoes are also to die for, some of the best I've ever had. I also love their sangria during the summer. If you don't like steak, my wife gets the ribs or a salad and the kids get chicken. Give them a try because the food is fantastic!!! read more

The steak tips have always been very good here but I think they are a little too pricey based on what you get for your money.

BEST WAITSTAFF!! Penny M and Karen P are the best bartenders, love Jeannie R, best waitress!! The food is great, lots of craft cocktails, great beer and wine selection too. Family operated and owned for generations, owned by Pat Lee who does and outstanding job! read more

First of all I never, ever have the time or even take the time to write reviews. But I just had to do it after having the most delish takeout from Horseshoe Grille tonight. Always my go-to spot because I have picky teenage sons, a husband who loves barbeque, and then there's me who suffers from Gluten allergies that came on suddenly 10 years ago and turned my world upside down. No matter what I get, and there is a lot to choose from on this menu as a GF person, it's always well prepared and very tasty. My oldest loves the Brisket Mac n Cheese. The portions are big enough so that he can make two meals out of it. The food never disappoints. read more

Kind of expensive here for a place that gives off a townie (albeit affluent townie) and diveish feel. But the service was great and the appetizers were even better (although on the smaller side). I'd definitely come back. read more

I have been meaning to try Horseshoe for a while. A friend got me a gift card for the holidays and it was time to pay a visit. The dining room is very comfortable and clean. The fireplace in the middle gives a rustic charm and wonderful atmosphere. I went with my elderly parents and our server was very kind and sweet but never once used elder speak, which I was thankful for. Now the food. We started with Golden BBQ chicken wings. They are worth their weight in gold. The sauce could make cardboard edible. The chicken wings were delicious and had us all licking our fingers after. My dad got the Southfork Steak and he loved it. He likes steak well-done, which can be dangerous but they got it just right. You could taste the steak without being chewy and dry. The sides we're fries (awesome) and green beans (delicious). My mom got the Shoe Tips medium, the right way, and cleared her plate. The tips are described as petite but that goes for the size of the tip not the meal as a whole. I would say, if you don't get an app, spend the extra $ to double the portion. I ordered the BBQ pick 2 combo, ribs and chicken. The ribs were crispy on the outside and tender inside. I was very happy with the portion as well. I figured that when you get the pick 2 combo they don't give you a 1/2 chicken, well I was wrong. I got the half chicken and it was epic. They gave me the spicy bbq sauce and sweet, both are tasty. I did prefer the spicy one but that's due to watching Hot Ones on YouTube. The beans are also delicious and taste homemade. I will definitely be back and I can't thank my friend enough for the gift card. Glad to have a bbq spot down the street. read more

As anyone reading this knows, North Reading is not well known for having great eateries and tons to choose from.... the Horseshoe Grille is one of these great eateries though! We have eaten there several times, each time we get something different just to try it.... and each time we leave stuffed and happy! The ambiance of the place for dinner is great.. we sat near the huge fireplace in the middle of the restaurant, which provided a quaint, intimate setting. We ordered a tuna app, which was To die for! I got the beef brisket (they do BBQ correctly there, this brisket had a REAL pink smoke ring around it... I know BBQ and I was impressed!) Fresh vegetables served on the side were great, and the cinnamon buttered rolls that they bring you are also amazing. It's not the BEST restaurant Ive ever been to by far, but it IS the best restaurant in North Reading. Prices are decent for the food quality and you wont leave feeling like you got ripped off, portions are heavy handed. read more

Wonderful experience! Good food, nice atmosphere (fireplace in dining area!!), friendly service and quick meal delivery. Had Valentine's dinner here - our first visit ever - and will definitely be back for more. A great find in the suburbs! . read more

Great atmosphere, fast friendly service, and yummy food. We will definitely come back. No complaints. Only 4 stars as it is our first time here - we'll up the rating when we see if it's consistently great. read more

I've eaten here twice and received the same poor quality of food. Not to say that it is prepared poorly, but it is always cold by the time we got it. It seems like everything is pre-made and tossed in a microwave. Also the first time we were there the table next to us was having a friendly conversation with a manager about their visit. The manager made a special trip to get them corn bread for the table. Something we were not offered (every guest here gets this when they sit down). The manager then walked by us without even a hello. Not a big deal, but just seemed rude. read more

We went to this place for the first time last night. Place was packed but we had reservations so that wasn't too bad. Service was ok. The food was pricey and mediocre. It's very similiar to a slightly more upscale 99. I had the steak tips and they came out well done even though I asked for medium and they were completely slathered with BBQ sauce, which was overwhelming. The rice pilaf was dry. The amount of steak tips was the same for my adult meal vs. the kids meal, but double the price! My husband got the smaller portion meatloaf and there was only one slice of it! He thought it was ok but not great! I'm glad we got a chance to try a new restaurant, but could honestly say there is no need to ever return. read more

Go here frequently Great bbq, beer selections, nachos are huge my 18 yo son and I split them for a lunch. If your gluten free this place is for you. One of the first in my area to do gluten free so it is not new to them. Many selections and zero cross contamination in the kitchen and we have been there dozens of time. A gluten free tip bring your bbq sauce the house made sauce there can not be confirmed as gluten free so they will not give it to you if you have celiac. We bring a bottle of sweet baby rays yummy. Oh almost forgot love the chili. read more

Me and a friend decided to grab some drinks and dinner; the first drink we had wasn't bad but I was craving a beer after. I went on Untappd and found a beer called tequilacerbus which was a sour (I love sours). I figured I would try it and get a glass. It was a smaller glass which I instantly knew it was a high alcohol content. I thought it was really good but it definitely was not the strongest beer I have tried. When I got the bill my mouth dropped; the beer was 15.95!! I have never had a beer that expensive especially when in such a small glass that was filled 3/4 of the way. I asked the waitress about it and she said next time I should ask the price before I get a beer. I wish that I would have known before, but I never usually ask the price of every beer especially when they're on tap! It was a yikes type of moment. I still loved the food it's just crazy that a beer would be almost as much as my dinner. read more

Horseshoe Grille - An Allagash Sour - Barbeque Near Me - North Reading, Massachusetts

See all

Three of us just had a superb dinner at the Horseshoe Grille. People greeting us were very friendly. 93 year old Father in law with walker the staff held the door open for him, patient, and placed it in a safe out of the way spot. Ambiance was classy. comfortable, clean, and cozy. Service was outstanding. Server prompt, friendly, and professional. Brought and replenished our drinks promptly. Cornbread moist and fresh, apple butter excellent. Our ribs, Mac and brisket, and veggies superb. They made a mistake on one order punching it in mistakenly. They apologized, made the dinner we requested, and took it off the bill. Server took great care of us with great timing. I read the comments below before going there, we'd been here once previously eating almost exclusively at home with our physical challenges. But we'd gladly go back. And those not returning based on comments, you're missing a great time and meal here. Top flight food, excellent service, and reasonable price. They get 5 stars. Biggest takeaway is they really cared about our having a positive dining experience read more

Great food & service, but the tables are clearly not arranged for physical distancing.

We get this food often when we have a meeting.. honestly not so good! Bbq food is dried out and not slathered in sauce or even moist.

This place is delicious. Really good staff, attentive without being too much. I have gone back a few times with different friends and they love it too! read more

Update to reply to Pat. The service was subpar in my book. Been 3xs now all visits worthy of 4 stars, but all 3 the waitress was the holdup on the 5th star to be honest. read more

Good food, good location, a bit of a maze but also quiet and easy to enjoy. Service is usually good, relaxed, amos never fast but always paying attention. Feels clean at all times as well. read more

Every time I've been to the Horseshoe Grille the service as been excellent and the food is always superb. It's definitely a nice change of pace from the other North Reading establishments. If your going for dinner or just drinks and apps I would definitely give them a look. read more

Food is very good. Service is superb. The servers host, manager...AMAZING team. We arrived 10 minutes before closing and they happily seat us and served us with no rush and the manager himself went above and beyond to make us feel welcome. read more

We came here to celebrate my daughter high school graduation, we had a great time. The food was good the waitress was very courteous and attentive to our cocktail drinks and refreshments. The appetizer was really great crunchy not soggy Nachos with grilled chicken on top. Now the cremè brûlée was really good, I get a little iffy on this delicate dessert because NOT everyone knows how to make it just perfect. It was really good crunchy not burnt taste. read more

Food was awesome! Definitely recommend the cornbread, the golden bbq wings and anything with their pulled pork! I left feeling like family, service was great and 100% will be back! read more

Cutesy tavern in north reading! It's one of the older restaurants which recently celebrated 100 years of business!! Great service! Delicious cocktails , cute ambience! Food was delicious too! Would definitely go back again. read more

We HAD a reservation for a party of 11 for a very special occasion in the private room on a Saturday night. We made the reservation 1 month out and called and confirmed a week before. We arrived the night of our event only to find out the room was given to another party. The owner was not at all apologetic, provided no explanation for the oversight and all he said was we're sorry for the mistake. No one was held accountable, he didn't offer to comp anything and he really didn't seem to care. Leadership starts from the top down and if this is how the service is at the Horseshoe, I for one will never be going back again. read more

I went in for lunch with my wife for lunch yesterday, and we absolutely loved it. The spinach and artichoke dip was great, my cuban sandwich was a good size and hot and my wife loved her risotto. Fair prices and amazing atmosphere. I am really glad I only like a few minutes away and wish I had started coming here sooner. Also, on a side note it is refreshing when an owner is so active on this site and accepts feedback in a constructive non-defensive manner. read more

We ate here New Years Eve with a few people. I got the baked stuffed shrimp which was very good. My mother was really craving Prime Rib so she was excited when it was a special. When it came we were shocked how flat and pretty dry it was. She ended up eating it as she didn't want to make a fuss but I could tell it wasn't what she was expecting (especially for about $32?). The next night she actually got it at the 99 and got a nice big thick juicy piece and was like this is what you expect when you get prime rib. Other than the issue with the prime rib, the corn bread with cinnamon butter was soo good, twice baked potato was tasty, and green beans were nice and crisp. read more

Went there on a Saturday night about 630 didn't have to wait. The place was pretty full. The food was absolutely delicious. Highly recommend the nachos with pulled pork as an appetizer. For the meal I had the beet salad which was great! The wait staff is very helpful and attentive. It's come to the point now where If someone asks me where I want to have a nice dinner close by at a reasonable price my first choice is the horseshoe grill! read more

Do family owned restaurants even exist any more? Well, it does at the horseshoe Grill. I love this place. Its my favorite place to eat and bring out of town guests. I have yet to eat a meal that is not pure perfection. My sister commented that 'its not easy to find a restaurant where you are never disappointed'. I have to agree. Every meal is cooked to perfection. The steaks and bbq sauce is soooo yummy. And this place knows how to make a Cosmo! That, in its self, is a rare find. If I could only eat at one restaurant ever again, it would be the Horseshoe Grill in North Reading. I could eat here every day of the week. I love the fire place in the winter, and the heated outdoor dining patio in the summer. read more

Overpriced burnt food. Bad attitude from the management and the costumers. This is a dive bar trying to be better than they are. Just say no. read more

This place is hit or miss for me. Sometimes its great and sometimes its dry overcooked crap. Cornbread is always yummy. Service is good, but consistency is key and they don't have that. Takeout is always a bad idea. Homemade BBQ sauces are tasty but I've had better ribs at chain restaurants. read more