Carriage Towne Bar & Grille
There’s something to be said about tried-and-true classic American fare served in a friendly neighborhood atmosphere, and for nearly two decades Carriage Towne Bar & Grille (53 Church St., Kingston, 642-4481, carriagetownebarandgrille.com) has been doing just that. The eatery has grown considerably over the years, both by virtue of its dining area size and in the scale of its menu. Today, you’ll find everything from appetizers, burgers, subs and sandwiches to pizzas, calzones, pastas and plated entrees like steak tips and risottos. Fresh baked and fried seafood dishes are also among the restaurant’s many staples, as well as prime rib dinners, served every Friday and Saturday night. Carriage Towne also features a full bar with 20 brews on tap and five flat-screen televisions, as well as a private dining area available for events of up to 30 people, known as the “Carriage Room.” The Scene recently caught up with Maria Collie, Carriage Towne’s general manager, to talk about some of her picks for must-try dishes and what diners can expect when they visit.
How long has Carriage Towne Bar & Grille been around?
Since 2004. We expanded in 2015; we’re located in a plaza, and we actually took over the store space next to us, so that greatly increased our seating and doubled the bar [seating].
What is something that everyone should try?
I would definitely say to start with the honey Buffalo tenders. That’s something that has been on the menu since we opened. … We have them as an appetizer, and we have it on a pizza and in the macaroni and cheese, as well, so it’s definitely featured all throughout the menu. … For vegetarian items, we have a vegetable risotto dish with asparagus, artichoke hearts, mushrooms and spinach in a light cheese sauce, and that’s a really good, filling dish.
What is an essential skill to managing a restaurant?
Working with different people who have different personalities, I would say it’s just knowing and understanding that everyone has different viewpoints. … Then, on the other side, it’s knowing your clientele, knowing what they like and what they want when they come in here. It’s a nice small-town community feel here, where everybody knows each other.
What makes Carriage Towne Bar & Grille unique?
We’ve kind of got it all. … It’s a large menu, and everything is [served] in large portions, too. There’s definitely something for everybody here.
What celebrity would you like to have seen eating at Carriage Towne Bar & Grille?
I would have to say Frank Sinatra. You can find posters of him, along with other famous musicians of his time period, scattered around the restaurant. As one of the owner’s favorite musicians, he would bring a good vibe into the restaurant, and it would be an honor to chat with and serve him.
What is your personal favorite thing on the menu?
Right now, I’d say it’s our Cowboy burger. It’s an 8-ounce burger that’s topped with cheddar cheese, bacon, barbecue sauce and fried onion strings. It’s one of our newer menu items.
What is your favorite thing about being on the Seacoast?
I like the energy. There’s always something to do, and it’s also a great community where everyone is supportive.
— Matt Ingersoll
Courtesy photo.
