The Hardcover Restaurant Menu

  • Appetizers
  • A La Carte Accompaniments
  • Fresh Fish Of The Day
  • Entrees
  • For The Smaller Appetite
  • Desserts

Healthy Meal suggestions for The Hardcover Restaurant

  • Appetizers
  • A La Carte Accompaniments
  • Fresh Fish Of The Day
  • Entrees
  • For The Smaller Appetite
  • Desserts

Visit below restaurant in Danvers for healthy meals suggestion.

  • Robert K.

    This place was fantastic. Service was prompt and very personable. Decor was very homey and the furniture was very comfortable. The entrees come with a salad/bread bar, which is very fresh but a little lacking in choices. The menu has a lot of great choices though and offers a wide variety of meats and a decent variety of fish. I ordered the universally, rarely offered beef wellington which I had only even seen through the food channel and Gordon Ramsey programs. I ordered it medium-rare and it was cooked to perfection. Possibly the best cooked piece of meat i've ever had and the taste exceeded all expectations. The sides were all very good but again lacking in choices. Capped it off with a cappuccino that was a perfect way to end the meal. I didn't order a appetizer nor a dessert as the portions of the entree along with the salad bar were enough. Overall a great first experience and I strongly recommend it if you're willing to pay $30 for a meal. It's worth every penny.

    (4)
  • Lauren M.

    Great service, good simple food, warm atmosphere.

    (4)
  • April W.

    we made reservations 3 weeks ago for today, requested table in main dining room. We were escorted to a table upstairs located in a very dark v-shaped corner of the room. we asked the hostess for a table downstairs closer to the salad bar, we were seated at another table in same area but close to serving trays...we mentioned to the waiter that we requested a table downstairs closer to the salad bar...he spoke to the manager who requested we wait a half hour and he could seat us downstairs, he did, This 3rd table was fine. As I looked at the main dining room, there were very large parties occupying tables in the room, like parties of 8 or more. This is not a restaurant for two people to dine on a holiday! If we wanted to have such poor atmosphere we could have gone to a lesser priced restaurant! Our bill was $80....the experience was not fine dining...I noticed most of the tables for 2 are in dark nooks and cranies of the restaurant. The waiter implied that holidays are busy so what can you expect. A word to the wise....stay away on busy days!!!

    (1)
  • Tom J.

    Had Dinner with a bunch of friends in the Bar about a week ago. Atmosphere in bar was nice and it wasnt too loud. Decor hasnt been updated in years and REALLY needs a face lift / cleaning. Drinks were pricey and a bit watered down but not too bad. Quantity of Food and Salad Bar were great. Food was eh OK. Bar prices for dinner was good but would have choked on the bill if we ate in the dinning room - Seems like this once nice restaurant, with its dated decor and higher then normal prices, is serving pub style food (Some of us ordered off Bar Menu others off Restaurant Menu- Quality the same for both). Owners need to freshen place up and update menu and kitchen staff.

    (2)
  • Anthony A.

    I wanted to take my wife out for a nice dinner. I called and requested reservations.The receptionist stated on the phone that she could not make reservations for parties of 4, only 5 or more?. That was fine, I asked, since we would be arriving around 4PM, which was kind of early before the rush, could we be seated near the fireplace, she replied possibly if something is available. We arrived aroun quarter to 4PM. We were very dressed and wanted to have a no frills night. We walked in and the receptionist walked us in the room with the fireplace, then we kept walking passed all the empty tables, upstairs to another room which was less heated and the sat us down. We asked to be seated next to the fireplace, since the place was empty. Sadly to say, we were walked back into the room and seated approx. five tables away from the fireplace. The food was not prepared as they have done in the past. The only real plus with the Hardcover was the salad bar. The rest went down hill from the beginning and from past experiences. Do I need to say anymore?

    (1)
  • Havana F.

    Place has good food, good friendly service and plenty of parking....a hidden jewel...

    (4)
  • John R.

    I haven't been to Hardcover in years and decided to take my GF out for a nice relaxing meal no special occasion. I am trying to take her out to all the great Boston area restaurants she has only lived in Boston a few years and there are just so many place to go it takes time to hit them all. Hardcover was just as good as I remember. I have eaten in some of the other restaurants they own but none as as good as Hardcover. I had the Pock Chops and she had the small order of Chicken Florentine we both had the Garlic mashed and salad bar. The food was excellent! We split the Chocolate fudge brownie sundae I had them put the fudge sauce and whipped cream on the side for her. I just like the plain ice cream and brownie.

    (5)
  • Jeannie C.

    A great steak house...that's the way I think of the Hardcover. The prices are reasonable for what you get....$16-$26. The beef is the best bet. Cooked to perfection. The salad bar is good with lot's of options. And the drinks are made well.

    (5)
  • stephen w.

    I thought I was going to have a nice throwback meal--sliced sirloin steak on toast points with garlic butter. Simple enough, eh! When the meal came each 1/4 inch slice of beef was smothered in raw garlic. Now I like garlic but this was over the top. I scraped the garlic off thinking I would just move on but it was all I could taste. I sent it back and they brought a replacement but it took so long my wife had completely finished her meal and I had lost my appetite. Management wasn't very sympathetic; simply took it off the check. I guess they are a popular place as it was busy but they won't see me there again.

    (2)
  • christiane b.

    My husband and I hosted our wedding's rehearsal dinner at The Hardcover on a beautiful night in November, and we could not have been happier with the evening. Teddy was the most accommodating banquet manager that I have ever dealt with before, catering to our every request. We hosted our dinner in one of the upstairs private rooms, and the space was perfect for our needs. There was plenty of space for our 22 guests to enjoy a few cocktails before dinner, while snacking on a delicious vegetable crudite platter, and still room for the gifts, jackets, and other things we had with us. For the dinner, Instead of offering one of the banquet menus to our guests, we instead picked select entrees off of the regular menu (a recommendation from Teddy to get us the most for our money), and everyone was quite pleased with their meals. The service during dinner was very good--the staff was attentive to our needs for more bottles of wine, and were always present if someone needed something. The staff at The Hardcover did a very nice job keeping the dinner flowing, as we were on a tighter schedule than most large parties, and we were out of the restaurant just when we needed to be. Teddy even allowed us to bring in our own cookies and brownies for dessert, to enable a quicker getaway. The prices were very good, for the quality of service and food that we received! Overall, we were very happy with our choice to host our rehearsal at The Hardcover, and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a restaurant to host a group for dinner near the North Shore.

    (5)
  • Tom D.

    I was in Portsmouth overnight and my Dad and I decided to meet for dinner somewhere between he and I. Danvers looked like a reasonable middle point and my Dad mentioned having eaten at the Hardcover a long time ago. We decided to meet up there and give it a shot. We walked in and immediately got a table. The waiter was right over to take our drink order and let us know the specials. We both decided to go with the NY Strip which came with their salad bar. The salad bar was nice and fresh. It didn't have a ton of options, but was good enough. The steaks came out and were cooked properly. Mine had a large chunk of grizzle/fat on the tail which wasted several ounces of my steak. My dads was a cleaner cut though, so mine could've just been unfortunate. The steaks were flavorful and tender but not as spectacular as the cost would imply. Cost wise it was above the chains but less than the high-end steak places. Considering the quality landed right in there as well I'll give it an A-OK. I wouldn't necessarily avoid the Hardcover again in the future but I would probably look around a little harder to see if there was a better option for a steak.

    (3)
  • Miss T.

    Have not been here for years and like it back then so..... Happy that they had the escargot. The salad bar is always great. Got the lobster and prime rib. Yummy!! Husband got the shrimp & prime rib. The only thing is that we asked for med rare & got rare. The rice pilaf is actually not a rice pilaf but....... it was a while before she came back to ask us if everything was ok but this place was so busy. The food is great and I could not give a 4 for misunderstanding cause after all these years their food is still amazing. MY FAV ESCARGOT!!!!!

    (5)
  • A F.

    Nice salad bar with most entrees! Garlic mashed potatoes were a little dry. Our waitress was very nice and everyone enjoyed their meal.

    (4)
  • Jessica I.

    Had a wonderful meal here while in town on business. My hosts scored a table by the fireplace on a chilly, rainy night, so it was extra cozy. Neither the food nor the decor is fancy, but it was completely satisfying. I had the clam chowder and baked haddock and loved both. Others got steak and everything was done to their liking. I felt like I had gone back in time when I was invited to raid the salad bar, but it was good nostalgia (and good salad).

    (4)
  • Jennifer S.

    The best salad bar around! We used to go there all the time years ago. Then we moved and found that their sister restaurant, The Dandelion Green, was way closer to us. They've since closed, so we finally made our way back. We always liked the atmosphere of the Hard Cover better, with the fireplace and books everywhere. The wait staff is attentive, but not annoying. We both loved our meals. We both got baked stuffed shrimp and he got prime rib and I got the sirloin. Everything was cooked perfectly. Another great thing is since it was my husband's birthday, we got half off of his meal. We will definitely be back soon!

    (5)
  • Amanda A.

    My husband and I received a gift card for this restaurant for Christmas and decided to go here for dinner on Valentine's Day as it's about an hour from our house. My husband called last month and made a reservation for 8pm. When we got there we were told they were a little behind and it would be a few minutes. 20 minutes later one of the hostesses came up to us and asked our name. We gave it to her and she said "Oh we called you about 10 minutes ago". We were on a bench directly in front of the hostess stand. Another host brought us to our table which another couple had apparently been seated. We stood in the middle of the room while the host found another table for us. He had us follow him downstairs to a table next to the trash and the sink. I am serious when I say we were next to the trash, I could smell it from the table. There were dirty dishes piled up on the counter and the water pitchers used to fill peoples glasses were left next to the sink which had dishes in it. Needless to say, I didn't drink my water. A waitress came over and took our drink order. Our drinks were brought very quickly however we sat there for close to 15 minutes with our menus closed waiting for someone to take our order. A gentleman came over, took our order and then informed us that we could go to the salad bar and once we were done with our salads he would put in our dinner order. The salad bar is okay, standard iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, broccoli, onions, etc. They had bread which was cold and hard. We finished our salads and the plates sat on our table until another gentleman came over and took them away. While waiting for our food to come we noticed other patrons sitting at their table with their coats on waiting for their check. Since we were so close to the waitstation/trash/sink we overheard the two waiters and waitress arguing because the check for the table waiting had disappeared. Due to the fact that there were three/four waiters handling each table they could not figure out what the table had ordered in order to create a duplicate ticket and because everything is handwritten they had no record of the order. The waiters were emptying out the trash onto the counter and looking all around to no avail. Our food came and it was, ok. I had the filet mignon with mixed vegetables and garlic mashed potatoes (which had to be purchased separately, approx. $4) and my husband had the beef wellington with rice pilaf and mushrooms (which had to be purchased separately approx. $6). The filet was very tender and cooked medium, as requested. It came with a bearnaise sauce, which tasted horrible. The beef wellington was ok. When my husband ordered he asked for it medium and the waiter told him that the chef would do the best he could but usually it is cooked to medium-rare in order for the puff pastry not to burn. The beef wellington was well done, with absolutely no pink in the middle. When we finished our meals the waiter came over and removed our plates then proceeded to clean our table, while we were sitting there, with a cloth taken from the sink with the dirty dishes in it. Overall, I wasn't impressed. I have heard good things about this restaurant and for the cost (we spent $130.00 for two people), expected top quality service and food. We have been to other restaurants in and around Boston and the North Shore that are around the same price point but have excellent service and extraordinary food. I would not come back to The Hardcover.

    (2)
  • Scott W.

    Joined the family here for Easter dinner this evening with my wife. Service was attentive especially for a busy Easter Sunday and was much appreciated. The food, however, was uninspired and overpriced. First, don't come if you're not a meatlover. No pasta or veg dishes to be found here. Crabcake appetizer had more breading than crab. Had the lobster stuffed flounder from their daily specials - sounded great. Lobster was chewy and overcooked, and the dish as a whole would have benefited from some kind of sauce. I've had a similar dish (for half the price) at Picadilly Pub and been far more impressed. Wife had the chicken florentine...which was basically a breast of chicken with about half a tablespoon of spinach and approximately three molecules of what may or may not have been cheese inside. Oh, and the whole thing set us back about $70 with drinks (no alcohol). I'd strongly suggest saving yourself $30-$35 and hitting the 99. The steaks are just as good.

    (2)
  • Tom L.

    I have been going to the Hardcover for many years. It has always been a great place for a steak along with some comfort food favorites. To start, the service is always superb. They make sure you get exactly what you want, and they make a point of timing your meal well. The salad bar is top notch. Certainly one of the best I have been to. If you watch carefully, the staff is constantly taking items off and adding new fresh ones to the bar. Anything you could possibly want is there. Also, do not neglect to indulge in the delicious fresh bread and make sure to cut some fresh cheese right off the block. Appetizers are good. The calamari are always fresh and crispy. Although not something you see often, the mini beef Wellington's are delicious. Main courses are consistently fresh and tasty. The beef is exceptional and is very well priced. The filet is always great but the real highlight is the beef Wellington. You get a very high quality filet wrapped in a delicious puff pastry with a lovely Demi glaze. It is remarkably good. It is one oft he finest I have had. Desserts are very good as well. I personally like the fried ice team. Although not particularly upscale, I enjoy it quite a bit. The bread pudding and cheesecake are both delicious. This place is excellent restaurant for a nice but not overly fancy family dinner. The food and decor is colonial themed, which I find quite nice. The many book shelf spam d fireplaces give off a warm vibe butt they manage to have it stay classy. I highly recommend the hardcover.

    (5)
  • Jamie L.

    What a great atmosphere and the food is fantastic. Went here for a family event and everything was perfect. It was so nice my fiance and I are considering having our reception dinner here. This is a perfect place to have a family get together.

    (4)
  • Evan M.

    Overall experience was amazing. The food, ambience and service were top notch. We were seated right away right next to the fire place, which made the night that much more romantic. Started the night off with the salad bar and a bottle of chianti. Then our entrees came. I got the filet mignon béarnaise which is one of my all time favorites. It was cooked perfectly Kendra got the beef Wellington which was good, but not great. Would have liked the dough to have been thinner, more flaky and buttery. After dinner, we split the Boston cream pie and each got a glass of amaretto on the rocks which was a perfect end to the evening. Definitely will be back in the future.

    (4)
  • Mike W.

    I've been to the Hardcover probably a dozen times, but only on two occasions was it my decision to go. The others were usually along the lines of rehearsal dinners or another group-like setting. I really haven't been a fan of this place, mostly based on the service I received my second time there. I'm just gonna give a quick break down and be done with this one. I had made a 7pm reservation for me and my girlfriend's anniversary dinner. Since we both work insane hours, we rarely get a chance to go out. We arrived at 6:45, the hostess said they were a little backed up and it would be about a half-an-hour. I wasn't trilled, I mean what's the point of a reservation if I could have walked in without one and gotten the same 30min wait? But I didn't let that get to me... went to the bar and ordered a round of drinks. At 7:30 I was told 15 more minutes... 8:00 I was given "another 20 minutes." I had also been noticing parties that showed up after us getting sat while we were standing in a crowded bar area, no longer even in the mood to drink. We finally sat down at 9:00pm! 2 hours after our reservation... we were offered dessert "on the house for the trouble." Now I'm a lot more forgiving, having worked in a restaurant at one point in my life... but having a little bit of knowledge in the business, I also know what's acceptable and what's not. I'll still show up if invited to a group get together here... but I highly doubt I'll personally being choosing The Hardcover for dinner again.

    (2)
  • Meredith B.

    This place was next to my hotel. The name didn't give much of a clue as to the menu, but I gave it a try anyway. It was very good! Kinda old school steak house, but because it's located in MA, it also had a nice seafood selection. Very tasty salad bar seemed to come with all the entrees. The waiter was nice and attentive. If I'm in the area, I'll go back.

    (4)
  • Courtney N.

    I was really impressed by this restaurant. My friend and I wanted to try somewhere we had never been and being an absolute book nerd the name totally appealed to me. I loved the interior. There was a coat check upon walking in the door. The staff were all super friendly. There was a beautiful stained glass window. Books and old fashioned bicycle art pieces decorated the entire restaurant. Our table was nice, and very close to the roaring fire. (I am a sucker for fireplaces) The menu looked delicious and it was hard to decide on a meal. I got a sangria and my friend tried a beer. We enjoyed the salad bar that came with our meals; who know that blue cheese and raisins tasted so good together? For our meals we got the chicken Florentine and the special New Orleans seafood. I thought the rice was awesome- it has all sorts of herbs and was made using bay leaves. I'm going to have to try that! No complaints at all about the food. Our waiter was very nice and attentive. My friend's water glass was never empty. We decided to split a pecan bread pudding for dessert and it was absolutely luscious. And, since it was the day after Valentine's Day, they gave customers a nice carnation which really made me smile as that was certainly unexpected. We'd definitely return and recommend the restaurant to others!

    (4)
  • N T.

    Reliable high quality meal in a relaxing atmosphere with excellent waitstaff who are efficient, effective and unobtrusive. It is our go to restaurant after a stressful day/week.

    (5)
  • Joy O.

    The Hardcover Restaurant has a lovely atmosphere inside & out: bookshelves filled w/books (hence the name), a roaring fireplace, & that wonderful self-serve salad bar that's included w/your entree. Service is impeccable, they won't even let you pour your own beer. Steaks were cooked perfectly. Baked Haddock was a moist fillet prepared w/a delicate sherry butter & seasoned bread crumbs. The cheeseburger was not as good as the ones at their affiliate Beverly Depot. It was just a plain thin patty, topped w/cheese on a bun! The fresh pappardelle pasta wasn't house made, & was topped with a sage mushroom cream sauce, plump seared scallops (my substitution for chicken breast) & grilled asparagus. It was ok, but not special. Again, we prefer the Beverly Depot's version. The Baked Stuffed Shrimp were jumbo shrimp stuffed with an enjoyably rich clam sauce, & light bread crumb topping. We ordered the Escargot Special appetizer as a rare treat. Nice w/the cheesy topping but, the escargot were a little chewy. They never brought the clam chowder our out-of-towner was dying for! No room for dessert. Reservations are a must! thehardcover.com

    (3)
  • Stacey C.

    Sadly disappointed. I remember when this truly was fine dining quality. No more. Clam chowder tasted of chicken broth, then I got the scallops and prime rub dinner. Salad was fresh and tasty, but the baked potato was the only highlight in my dish. The scallops were so over cooked they were rubbery and my med rare prime rib was well done. Tasted my husbands ginger scallion swordfish and it was incredibly bland and tasteless. I will not be back. So disappointed.

    (2)
  • John D.

    Went here for Valentines Day and we couldn't have asked for a better experience. We showed an hour before our reservation and went to the bar. Great bar area with free cheese and crackers. We had a few glasses of wine (7.00 each). We started our dinner with an amazing all you can eat salad bar. They had anything you could possibly think of to put on a salad. I had the Top Sirloin (20.95) and it was good size and very tender and tasty. Awesome steak. My wife had the Fiilet Mignon (25.00) and it was HUGE. Awesome restaurant!!!

    (5)
  • lori d.

    Wow is all I can say!! I planned a family reunion on about two weeks notice and it was so wonderful you would have thought I planned it a year ago. For a group of 32 there aren't a lot of facilities that will book an event for less than 50 or 60. Not so at the Hardcover. Teddy is a great asset and so easy to work with. We had a brunch and it was amazing. The quiche Lorraine was raved about, but really everything was very good and plentiful!. You can have a dessert table or bring in your own cake and no extra charge for cutting etc. At the last minute I asked for a table for a family reunion chart and no problem. The waitstaff introduced themselves, made themselves available and when I took my first picture and my camera battery died, they even dug up some AA's for me! They even packed up the leftovers so nicely. I highly recommend anyone wanting a nice event for all ages to check out the Hardcover.

    (5)
  • Greg H.

    I've been going to the hardcover for special occasions for years. The Rack of Lamb has always been a favorite followed by the baked stuffed shrimp. It had been about 1.5 years since I went last and I must say that this last time was a disappointment. * I was disappointed to find that they no longer offer the rack of lamb and the reason I was given was because "the price of lamb has gone through the roof". * The Caesar Salad I got was watery and I could not eat it. I actually returned it which I think was the first time I've ever returned food at a restaurant. They removed it off the bill. * The baked stuffed shrimp I got had bland stuffing. * Our server forgot about us after he served our food. * They also used to give these mint chocolate stick things with the check that my wife really liked which have been replaced with the typical Olive Garden variety mints. The whole experience just pointed to the fact that they are cutting costs. Unfortunately they did not cut the prices to customer and provided a subpar meal. I hope this is an aberration and not a trend. The Dandelion Green owned by the same company closed about a year ago after being open for 34 years. I hope this isn't going to be the case for the Hardcover as well.

    (2)
  • Nick H.

    This place pretty much takes the cake (or steak) for fine(r) dining on Rt. 1 Danvers, Saugus area. Front desk service was very nice (I made a reservation for myself and my girlfriend) when we walked in. They directed us (by a server) to the bar area and asked us if we wanted drinks while we waited. Neither of us drank so we sat and had conversation with the other people in the seating "pit" area they had near the bar. Music was very relaxing and made for a good mood. Everyone seemed pretty laid back and pleased with the service. Within 15 minutes our table was ready and we were directed to the seating area by another very pleasant server/hostess (can't remember). Plates already on the table with ice water, the salad bar was directly next to the table which was a major plus. Fresh greens and vegetables, bread, butter, every salad dressing you could want etc. etc. VERY IMPRESSED with the quality of salad bar they had here. Waitstaff were kind and informative. The gentleman that waited on us was over literally every 5 or 10 minutes to check up on us and see if we needed anything. The second the glass got a bit low on beverage we would have another at the table before we could think to order one. Like Chris C., I got (and now my favorite is) the Old Fashoned Sliced Sirloin. Fantasticly cooked to perfection and the sides were doubly as delicious. The portions were pretty big so I ended up taking some home as well. Can't remember what my girlfriend at the time got but I'm 100% sure she was very pleased with it. The bill was completely reasonable for the quality and quantity of food we got. With an appetizer and two entre's and dessert it came to around $100. Service was so good I tipped him a $20 for being so attentive, informative and inviting. 10/10 This place is spot on!

    (5)
  • CJ S.

    Always amazing, love this restaurant!!!!

    (5)
  • Tony R.

    Not nearly as good as I hoped, or paid, for! Too expensive for what they give you. Did nothing special for my girls Bday. My steak was tough. My girl's Bernasie sauce was gross and made her stomach sick. This young kid server kept trying to up-sell me on everything and charged me for like every stupid little thing like sauces. Salad bar was awesome. Martini's were awesome. I'd go for a salad and a drink, that's about it.

    (2)
  • Paul G.

    We went to The Hardcover the day before my birthday. Shortly after we were seated we placed our order with a young waitress. Shortly after an older waiter whom I would say 60ish with white hair came and took over for her. He was awful. He was just uncomfortably hovering and his people skills were not the greatest. I ordered a Sam Adams and he brought the beer and a glass. I drank the beer out of the bottle and he proceeded to almost take the beer away a few minutes later. When he picked it up he said "oh you still have some left" and then inquisitively asked "so you don't drink your beer out of a glass?" Honestly, sometimes I do drink it out of a glass but this time I felt like drinking it out of the bottle. I felt like asking him "have I done something wrong?" I have to say the food was quite good. I ordered Prime Rib and the person I was with had a Seafood Plate. I would recommend the food however when the service is not up to par with the food it does ruin the overall dining experience in my opinion.

    (2)
  • Tom K.

    We had been loyal patrons of the Dandelion Green for close to 20 years when they lost their lease and closed shop. We trekked north to The Hardcover and were surprised/relieved to find the same terriffic food/menu here. I've read a few of the reviews and have to laugh when people complain about the menu not changing. There are around 40 or so choices for dinner, exactly how many different selections do you need? We've been to the Hardcover 3 times now and like the Dandelion we haven't had a bad meal there yet and there are generally four of us if my son's are in town. The waitstaff is and always has been top notch. Very knowledgable and friendly. More often than not we have running conversations with the waitstaff that just adds to the ambiance of the restaurant. Again, I have to laugh when I read people complaining about them. I've never seen a surly employee at these locations. These are some extremely professional folks. I have seen surly patrons though and some downright nasty people, but I've never seen a waitstaff get into it with any of these sorts. I usually get Grilled Swordfish or Beef Wellington or Chicken Florentine or Terriyaki Steak or Baked Scallops or Grilled Salmon or Steak au Poivre or I could keep going, but what, with the limited never changing menu I must be bored with the selection? I haven't even addressed the sides or the best salad bar I've ever seen in a restaurant except maybe at the Fogo du Chau (they have real bacon slices there at least the one in Philly does). Like I said, we've never had a bad meal at these establishments. Desserts are great too. I usually get the Brownie Sundae (They get their ice cream from Richardson's a shrine of ice cream goodness in this neck of the woods) or the Key Lime Pie, or the Apple Crisp or the Chocolate Mousse cake or the Turtle Cheesecake or, well, you get the picture. If you haven't eaten here, you should try it at least once, see what you think. I think you're going to find this is one fine eating establishment.

    (5)
  • kathy l.

    This is a nice place to do a small function. Attended a shower with a group of 15. We had a nice private table on the second floor. Food was really good and delivered in a timely manner. Nice salad bar.

    (4)
  • John A.

    It's over. It was a nice run, but I'm not going back again. I've gone to The Hardcover for 20+ years. It was always a good, reliable, decent meal, even if the menu was a little uninspired. (The menu hasn't changed in those 20 years). Even though I'd look at the menu every time, I always ended up ordering the same sirloin and scallops. Not sure if they are in trouble or the manager is trying to be a bottom line superstar but the food quality and service have declined badly and the portions are shrinking with each visit. My wife and I went one night, she ordered the broiled fish. Now, it happens, I wasn't upset, but the fish had turned. We sent it back; so far, no big deal. But then the manager comes over and instead of apologizing, in front of the whole dining room he starts telling my wife that he tried it and it was fine! Like he was trying to make his case to the rest of the room! First of all, don't argue with a customer, especially in front of the dining room. Second, he was full of it. I know the ammonia smell and taste of bad fish. It isn't pleasant. Don't come tell us we don't know what we're talking about. Ok, so that left a bad taste in our mouths, literally and figuratively but a few weeks later we decided to give them another shot. This time it was 3 couples. The service was so slow we waited 20 minutes for a drink order and had to ask another waitress for service. Finally the food came out. It looked and tasted like it had sat under a heat lamp for a half an hour. Nothing was hot, but my medium sirloin steak was cooked black, shriveled and dry, like they had forgotten about it while it was on the grille. It was also about the size of a half a deck of cards and the 6 or so scallops were cut into pieces the size of dimes. Not sure what's going on there now but it will be a long time till we try the Hardcover again. Too bad.

    (2)
  • Robert S.

    My wife and I went here for a somewhat special occasion and were looking forward to it as we have lived in the area for 3+ years. I made a reservation to insure a seat - not needed...granted it was a Monday night. We were seated at a table with a base that had 4 huge legs - extremely uncomfortable for me who has pretty long legs. The service was a C in my book with the waitress hovering over us for our drink order and rushing to get our food order as well. The food was good - chowder was excellent, shrimp cocktail tasty, salad bar was not that great but it was "included". The steaks were extremely tasty and PERFECTLY cooked. Overall it was decent but could have had an as "romantic or nice" time at TGI Fridays next door.

    (2)
  • R.W. M.

    I ran in yesterday to buy a gift card for a friend. I had not been here for several years. I looked around and noticed the place was much more dark, dirty, and old than I could remember and could use a "facelift". They obviously have not been watching, Restaurant Impossible with Robert Irvine. When the manager ran my card, he asked me for ID [probably because i was out running errands and had a t-shirt on]. I asked him if he asked for ID when people sit down and eat...then pay with a credit card?? His answer was, yes...we routinely do this. I have never had that happen in 40+ years of dining out. I was so angry. I think I will bring the gift card back today and find a restaurant that is clean and friendly.

    (1)
  • John B.

    OK so I have been to this place about 10 times. Once in the restaurant and the other times in the bar. The restaurant was your typical steakhouse type, dark fire-lit place (although the books everywhere are a nice touch, hence Hard Cover). The bar has a really cool sunken fireplace that you can sit at and take over if you have about 6 people. There are free Cheese and Crackers like the 99's used to do as well which is a plus. As for the actual bar, the drinks are good and the bar menu is inexpensive for the quality eats you get. The only downer I give it is a few times I was there and there were little kids in the bar (8 and under) and last night we went and a family had 3 kids AT the bar... I mean come on, the bartender must have loved that tip. Bars are for grown-ups.. J

    (4)
  • James G.

    We had my Daughter's baby shower here and it was excellent. We had a brunch buffet and everything was fresh, hot, and delicious. The wait staff was attentive and efficient. What a nice time we had.

    (5)
  • Janet D.

    Went on Saturday night. Service-excellent Value-way overpriced Food-Crab stuffed haddock-very good Grilled salmon-not edible The salmon had absolutely no flavor. I mentioned this to the server and he offered to get me some hollandaise sauce but that didn't help. When he saw we hadn't eaten the salmon he said they were using a different type of salmon and it was not as good as what they used to have. At $23.00 they need to fix this. I will not return to this restaurant.

    (2)
  • Jeff D.

    I would normally give this a three, but I think whoever gave them a five is skewing things a bit. The food was good but not spectacular. I ordered a rack of lamb rare and was pleasantly surprised to find that it came that way. Good on them. I had a bowl of beef barley soup which was quite good as was our calamari and the PEI mussells we shared. Again, not spectacular but good solid food.

    (2)
  • Billy L.

    I've been going to the Hardcover since I was little and I have never had a bad experience. I love the Filet with the Bernaise sauce and the salad bar is the best around.

    (4)
  • Topher D.

    I used to go here all the time when I was little. Last time was a few years ago; it was always a special place. Service was always excellent; salad bar to die for. Food portions ok, quality again excellent. Bill at the end of the meal - a little high. They used to have amazing chorizo nachos, not sure if you can still get them in the bar. A place to go for a special occasion, but not likely a regular hangout.

    (4)
  • Chrissy g.

    I absolutely LOVE this place. Food is always the best quality and comes out perfect and tasting amazing.

    (5)
  • Dale N.

    I went here for a private function and I have to say, our group was treated like gold. There were about 60 of us in a private room and we had at least 5 dedicated servers. No one waited for anything. Drinks were constantly being refilled, empties were being taken away, it was fantastic. Definitely top-notch. The salad bar and fresh bread were great. The entries were prepared well. The only complaint I have is that my boyfriend's sirloin was much better than mine. I think I just had a bad piece and it wasn't even that bad. I just don't like when he gets served better food than me, I'm a jealous person.

    (4)
  • Vanessa W.

    I was pleasantly surprised by this restaurant. We tried it for a company Christmas dinner, despite less than stellar reviews. The place was PACKED on a Thursday. There is plenty of parking, however, and as we had a reservation, they seated us right away. The wait staff was attentive despite the busyness of the place. The variety of drink options was vast, but not overwhelming. I ordered a draft BPA that I had never heard of previously and it was outstanding. The salad bar was great because you got to decide what you wanted on your salad, as opposed to the generic fare that many restaurants serve with the entrees. I ordered the baked scallops and the prime rib. It was fantastic. The prime rib was as it was ordered (medium rare) and the scallops were absolutely delicious. I would definitely visit again.

    (5)
  • Liz A.

    The prices were a bit high but the portions were huge and food was great. We had a team of servers so our needs were always attended to. They did lose a star for recommending a bottle of wine that was not that great. I would recommend going on your birthday they take 50% off the lowest priced entree. I took my Boyfriend here on his birthday and we had such a great time. The Salad bar is great, and so was the food. I will go back for other special occasions.

    (4)
  • Carol C.

    I was very, very please with the a Baby Shower I just ran at the Hardcover. We worked with Teddy, he made the whole experience pleasant and ran without a hitch. The guest all comment that that was one of if not the best baby shower they had been to. The guest of honor was all smile which made me smile. I would recommend for anyone who is looking to run any type of function to check them out. The food was excellent and made to order for the guest, location is also great and there were no hidden surprise. They were very easy to work with.

    (5)
  • Jennifer C.

    This is another fantastic restaurant in the North Shore area! I have been coming to this restaurant since I was a young teenager, and I have never been disappointed. The quality is fantastic! I have enjoyed all my meals, especially the filet mignon and seafood dishes. Their menu is pretty extensive! I LOVE the salad bar - you could truly make a meal out of it between the full spread salad bar with fresh ingredients, warm crusty french bread, and fresh cheddar cheese block. The ambiance of this restaurant is classy, yet old style. You will literally feel like you are eating inside in an old library. The staff are wonderful and helpful. My only "disappointment" I guess would be the crowd - I feel like much older people come here versus younger folks.

    (4)
  • Lyndsay B.

    A unique find on Route 1 North, if you ask me. Situated next to TGI Friday's, the Hardcover is an upscale steakhouse with a salad bar. Three of us went last night (a Monday), and it was a lovely dinner. We all had seafood, and it was cooked well and very flavorful. The waitstaff was well trained (although a little eager, and we had three different servers at various times in the evening), and our meal went off without a hitch. I can't speak to the wine selection or the drinks, as we did not get any alcohol. But, overall, I was very pleased with my meal and very pleased with the atmosphere of the restaurant. It is a little pricey, though. The entrees range from $20 - $40, which is a little rediculous. You do get a half-price entree on your birthday (with ID), so that might be worth it. ;o)

    (3)
  • Sarah C.

    i LOVE their salad bar (delicious cheese and bread and basil olive oil) and i love their chicken florentine (i get it every time i go there, and always will, without a doubt). the service is pretty good (it seems to be more or less the server you get, as sometimes we have quick servers, sometimes slow). they have a nice drink list as well. on your birthday you get 1/2 off as long as someone else at the table orders a meal that costs as much as yours..the prices are a little high but you get a lot for your buck. this is a good place for family gatherings or a cute date. sometimes it can get a little rowdy when there are huge parties, so if you wanted a nice quiet relaxing meal i would probably tell the host so she can pick a table that might be better suited for you. the setting is nice and dark, and there is a fireplace as well. i love going here for celebrations. i do like to dress up a little when i come here, but i definately see people coming in dressed as if they were going to eat at mcdonalds.

    (4)
  • RoseAnne D.

    The Hardcover is now out in paperback. Have not been this dissappointed in a romantic dinner in a very long time! And no, it was not my date's fault. What happened to the cozy tables, candlelight, and chamber music? Appetizers in the lounge were mediocre at best, service was good though. Remember the wonderful array they used to have on the salad bar? GONE! Much better selection at Hometown Buffet. Bread and Cheese are still there, some semblance of the good ole days! The main dining room was full of large parties in the middle of the room. Tables for two were around the perimeter of the still classy room, but it was so loud. Couldn't you put those large parties in one of the other rooms and let them all annoy each other? One of their best kept secrets was the rack of lamb. GONE. Unfortunately not taken off the menu, so the server had to break the news to me, apologizing ad nauseum. Replaced with some kind of lamb chops, but he couldn't tell me anything about the dish, so how could I take the chance? Very uninformed. I did get the famous Hard Cover Sirloin (so said on the menu) Cooked to perfection, but NOT steakhouse quality. Very tough, I thought it was just around the edges, so cut right into the middle, but it was still chewy. Just not what you expect from The Hard Cover. This was one doggy bag from The Hardcover that the dog really got!

    (1)
  • Rod S.

    Great romantic fireplace table wait staff friendly but I should have gotten the prime-rib, wife did and I let the waitress convince me to do the 20 oz sirloin and ordered med rare. Way to over cooked to be as good as it should have been. Good cut of meat, great wine selection, outstanding salad bar and the fruit parfait was a great finish. Should have had the prime rib.

    (4)
  • Katie O.

    Been to The Hardcover twice, over a span of several months, and the waitress actually remembered me, and asked how my father was doing (he'd been there visiting me the last time, several months back)! I couldn't believe she remembered that. Awesome! Anyway, the host at the front was very attentive both times, which is always good. Way too many places have non-existent hosts. The waitress was also very attentive both times (I thought it was cool that I had the same one...and she was awesome). I had the salad bar, which was delicious and fresh, and my husband loved the clam chowder. My dad had a burger there when we had gone the first time, and he practically inhaled it. Both times I was there, even the manager came out to check and see that our food was satisfactory, which I don't see too often. I'm a stickler for customer service, and this place definitely has my approval. I look forward to going back.

    (4)
  • Hans R.

    It doesn't look like much from the outside and is situated in front of Coscos etc. With that there is plenty of parking. The service was excellent from the moment we walked in and they perpared us a table next to the fire place. The wine list was comprehensive and people seemed to be enjoying themselves. Once you order they invite you to the salad bar. The entrees did not come with a green vegetable but you can order some from the menu and the salad bar is plentiful. The lobster casserole and prime rib was excellent. It is a diamond in the rough.

    (4)
  • Deborah C.

    My whole family loves this place, we have been going to the Hardcover for years for celebration. It's like stepping back in time, but in the best possible way. Old fashion menus, service and atmosphere. They have one of the best salad bars around.

    (5)
  • Stefanie D.

    I just had my daughter's christening there and I have to say that for a function the restaurant is great. It was nicely decorated for the holidays and the service was good. Teddy, the function coordinator, is excellent. Very organized and very responsive to questions and requests. Teddy was very competent and you don't find that very often. He tried to save us money anywhere he could by offering cost saving solutions. Everything was setup exactly how I asked them to. The prices were reasonable and everyone loved the food. The servers were attentive and the location is great - right on Rt 1. If you are considering a function here then you should definitely book it and request that Teddy be the function coordinator!!!

    (4)
  • Lisa G.

    I was so disappointed. I ate here once years ago when I was a teenager and remembered the nice ambience. I brought my husband here for what I thought would be a nice date night out while we visited my parents for Thanksgiving. I ordered the lobster casserole. I grew up in New England and was excited. i was dismayed when the dish came smothered in a thick layer of bread crumbs. I couldn't cut through a large chunk of the lobster. I tasted it and it was chewy and tough to eat. I started to feel rather ill after awhile trying to eat it. My husband ordered his prime rib medium and it arrived bright pink. Our server didn't check on us after the food was served. We had to get another server to bring the steak back to cook it some more. It still wasn't medium. When we got the check, I found I was overpriced for wine. They had charged me for a more expensive wine I hadn't ordered. I had to say something. The atmosphere is nice and the servers were friendly, but the food was way overpriced and disappointing. We paid $160 in all and felt really sick about it.

    (1)
  • Katie S.

    Pretty classy restaurant. It's cozy with some charm. The food is excellent! I had the baked haddock once which was exquisite, and I also had the filet mignon which was just a little over-cooked for me, but still good. They also have a great salad bar! The staff isn't that polite, however. They take a while to check in with you and see if you need anything, but each time they do, they are expressionless. It makes you feel as though you're inconveniencing them by being there. I would go back, but it wouldn't be my first choice.

    (4)
  • Sam P.

    There's a lot to like about The Hardcover. I wavered between three and four stars before finally going with four, because there are times when I find myself thinking, "Hardcover...that sounds like a really good idea". It's a total 3.5. The Hardcover has an old-school (think 1970s steakhouse) feel and great service. Really, really first-rate service. The potatoes are perfectly good. The veggies are over-buttered, but, well, what do you expect? The steaks and sauces are totally competently prepared and of absolutely acceptable quality, as is the seafood. I like that it all comes with the (also 70s-old-school) salad bar, and that's half the reason I think to myself that The Hardcover sounds like a good idea. Do I sometimes want all the iceberg and bacon bits I care to eat? Why, yes I do. Look, it isn't a place to go out of your way for, but I have a real fondness for it. Worth going at least once.

    (4)
  • Diana K.

    Love this place! The food is always consistent, the service in the bar is exceptional and there's usually no wait if you eat in the bar even when the parking lot is packed. We walked into a nice surprise this evening... a special menu offer two meals for $40 includes The unlimited salad bar, a choice of one of three entrées (chicken Florentine, steak tips, baked haddock) and a choice of dessert (Hot chocolate brownie sundae, hot apple crisp, creme Brûlée). The hubby and I both had the unlimited salad bar, baked haddock, and sweet potato fries (the best in the area). I ended with the warm brownie sundae with ice cream and whipped cream. It was absolutely the best brownie I've had in a while. Hubby had the hot apple crisp topped with ice cream and whipped cream and enjoyed his as much as I enjoyed mine. Unsure how long this special will last but you must try it soon!!

    (5)
  • Diana A.

    Food has always been great. I'm always partial to the lobster pie and they do an Excellent job. The salad bar is wonderful with warm bread and delicious cheese. I'm taking two stars off for the service. We sometimes have great servers and other times we have awkward servers who are slow. If the service wasn't hit or miss then the hardcover would be 5 stars! Food is great tho so we keep going back (and hope we get a good server!)

    (3)
  • Grahame G.

    Some friends who are regulars brought us here for our last night in NH. It looks like a fairly standard steakhouse restaurant, and it's worth dressing up for this as it does try to be classy. There's a maitre'd to greet you when you arrive, and a full bar to whet your thirst while you wait, although we avoided that as we couldn't actually get near the bar for the crowd of young ladies sat around it drinking their way through the cocktail menu. I'm told that the steaks are very good, but since we don't eat meat we both plumped for fishy options. For starters, I had the crab cakes, which were served plainly on a bit of lettuce with some aoli dip. I thought these were very tasty, and you could tell there was a lot of crab meat in them by the way they fell apart when you cut into them. Herself had the clam chowder (chow-DA!!) - she's a bit addicted to that at the moment. It seemed to disappear very rapidly, from which I concluded that it was OK, There's a help-yourself salad bar for between-course appetisers; it's not the best salad bar I've seen but is perfectly fine given that it's just an appetiser and not the main event. For mains, we both went for the swordfish in ginger scallion sauce with mixed vegetables. Absolute perfection is the only way to describe it - succulent and juicy, it almost dissolved on the tongue. The vegetables too were perfectly cooked -firm and crunchy, just the way I like them. I was too stuffed to manage dessert but I did have a wee espresso coffee, which to my surprise (this being 'Merica) was actually very good! Excellent restaurant, excellent food, excellent service. Top marks,

    (5)
  • Chris C.

    It's been almost 5 years since my first review on this location. I have since been here about 5 to 8 times (wild guess). The one thing that sticks out to me is consistency. Not only in their food, which is excellent, but also the service from the host/hostess, to the waiters, waitresses and others. Everyone there has a positive attitude and are always accommodating. Service is almost always timely, too. I just went here last night (12/7/14), and after ordering wine to go with my steak meal that was just provided, they brought it out rather quickly. I highly recommend the Old Fashioned Slice Sirloin. It's cooked with garlic on a piece of what I think is a slice of buttered garlic toast (sorry for not knowing exactly what it was, but it went very well with the steak). The salad bar alone is worth the trip. You can get cheese and fresh bread from the salad bar that is a very nice addition to your meal. There's nothing negative about this place. Sure, the prices are higher than your typical restaurants, but the extra cash goes a long way. I highly recommend this place to anyone who enjoys a good steak. Enjoy

    (5)
  • Steven F.

    I have never had a bad meal at the Hard Cover. My wife & I had the sirloin steak. Mine was medium rare, which was done to perfection, and my wife had her steak rear. The salads were phenomenal, the food was hot when it arrived and we enjoyed the meal thoroughly. We each had a drink, mine was a glass of white wine & hers was a mixed drink. The quality of the wine was excellent. The mixed drink was cold, creamy & bountiful. The service has always & still is the best around. Take our word for it "U'll have one of the best meals on the North Shore. No matter what you order, U will love the smell, taste, & service. Go on give it a try. Steve1946

    (5)
  • Richard C.

    In years gone by, if you wanted an evening out at a fine restaurant, Route One was it. You had the Red Coach Grill, Pierro's, New England Oyster House, Valle's, The Olde Forge. Now we're left with the Continental (still stuck in the 70's) and the Hardcover. And while the Hardcover still reminds me of my disco days, and nights, they have tweaked their menu for the modern appetite. First things first: the steaks are great. They'll prepare them any way you want and all can be cooked Cajun style, if you wish. With each entree you get a side and the salad bar. Not bad. Several special sides are extra, but are worth it. The mushroom medley has an assortment of the delicious funghi and is large; the garlic mashed potatoes are sublime. The salad bar is small and manageable (unlike Warren's where you could get lost at the salad bar) with just enough produce to keep you happy. You can also get bread and cheese to serve as sort of an appetizer. There is a decent assortment of non-steak offerings, but the meat is so good. They offer a hard-to-find beef Wellington and you can add stuffed shrimp or scallops to your order. The desserts, if you have room, are tasty and large. We've started coming here for Thanksgiving. Make your reservations early (October) and then sit back and relax. They do a marvelous job. Fine linens and tableware, attentive service, great food, this is the finest dining experience on Route One, hands down. Enjoy!

    (5)
  • Stuart K.

    Went back last night. Both my wife and I have the NY sirloin. My wife wanted garlic mashed but that was considered to be a side and had to pay extra. What? So she got a baked instead because it comes with the meal. Very odd. The steaks were flavorful and cooked perfectly. Some tough spots but not too fatty. They should start serving only prime meats and charge a little more. It is the only way to compete with newly opened stark houses in the area that serve prime cuts. Had the brownie sundae for desert which was sinfully good! Enough for three people at least. The place could use updating to the 21st century and a good cleaning. Overall much better than our previous visits.

    (3)
  • J P.

    So... Made reservations for Vday because we hadn't been here in over 6 yrs and we thought it would be a nice treat to visit an old place we used to go. We were so disappointed! First off it was beyond loud, had to yell to talk to ea other. We ordered an app, stuffed mushrooms- they were ok but the stuffing was gross like bread and butter mixed together nothin more. Salad bar was ok but messy, someone couldve been picking it up and keeping it clean. But those arent the most imp things. Entrees-- i ordered baked stuff shrimp w tenderloin medallions. Steak was chewy that i had to spit out over half of it and sauce was so thick it stuck to my fork and didn't drip off... Just unappetizing. Husband got shrimp garlic pasta dish and shrimp was beyond overcooked it was rubber. We told waitstaff but we didn t want to wait for anything else. Im more disappointed then mad, the Hardcover used to be awesome and its gone way down hill. We wont be going back ever... Too bad.

    (1)
  • James B.

    It has been awhile since we last stopped by the hardcover. I have to say that you have not changed a bit and I mean this in a good way. We stopped in for a quick bite, as always everything was spot on. As we always do a seat at the bar and of course martinis for the both of us. Both of us ordered the prime and it was awesome. It is refreshing to know you can still count on stops like the hardcover to put out their best.

    (5)
  • Brett M.

    I go to the Hardcover several times a year, mainly for special occasions and when I want to splurge. Every time I eat here, I always say "This is the best meal I've had in a while". I've honestly never had a bad meal at this restaurant or the sister restaurant The Depot. I prefer the Hardcover due to the cozier atmosphere and varied dining rooms. The steaks are excellent. Go for the garlic mashed potatoes, they're worth it. The salad bar is awesome, always fresh ingredients. The crab stuffed haddock is my personally favorite with hollandaise sauce, as I say "oh yea and can I get some extra hollandaise sauce on the side". The service is top notch, always johnny-on-the-spot with everything. Will always come back to this restaurant.

    (5)
  • David M.

    The service was good. Wine list ok, a little pricey by the glass for average wines, $9-12. A little disappointed no lobster at a seafood restaurant other than a casserole which used frozen lobster. The Haddock was good as was the steak, (MR was closer to medium). Atmosphere was nice and maitre de was helpful and reminded me on way out I had forgot my hat. Classy place, worth the trip.

    (4)
  • Dianne L.

    Another great meal from this restaurant group. Only way to serve a salad... On ice cold plates. Fresh produce and crisp lettuce..great!. Swordfish was cooked perfectly, beef barley soup...just like mom used to make!

    (4)
  • Keli I.

    I went to the Hardcover Sunday evening with my parents and I wish we had a better experience. All I can review on is the salad bar and bread (which were fantastic) because our entree's were never prepared. After about 30-45 minutes of waiting for them we inquired and then at the hour mark we had to walk out. The restaurant was not even busy as there were many open tables. The Manager was very apologetic and honestly said the kitchen just forgot to make our order. He did not charge us for the salad bar and sodas and he told us to call him before if we come in another time. I am just hoping next time if we decide to go there, we will have better service when it comes to the kitchen.

    (2)
  • Scott W.

    This only got two stars because the server was great as well as the baked scallops. Quick synopsis...1) Bathrooms were disgusting. 2) Filet Mignon was very difficult to chew and tough, we sent it back and it they bought out a nice tender one that was raw. She ate around the edges and took the rest home to cook it properly for lunch the next day. The veggies that come with the meals were very over cooked and mushy. The shrimp appetizer was previously frozen as water squirted out when I took a bite. I wrote down my concerns and gave the list to the manager. He started to say let me give you a gift card and I told him no thanks that I wouldn't even use it. I'm not going back. I shouldn't have been surprised as The Beverly Depot has been going downhill as well both under the same owner.

    (2)
  • Lori R.

    Excellent food, service and atmosphere. This is one of the best restaurants is the Northeast. Love the brick walls, fireplaces, and quiet atmosphere. The service was 5 star, and the steaks superbly seasoned and cooked. Will be my go to for special occasions from now on.

    (5)
  • John A.

    I would've tried to give the Hardcover zero stars but the table DID have a little dish of butter already waiting for us when we sat down. Very swish. So there's the one star. I like to think of it as 'experienced butter'. High end. Beef (like) Wellington appetizer (3/4 u eaten) and the high point...a tomato and mozzarella salad. And I mean it. High point . Do . Not.

    (1)
  • Susan B.

    The 2 stars is due to lack of customer service and their food being so over salted and spiced...I had been here over 30 times, it's where my parents would take me every year for my birthday....I took my mother and daughter for Valentine's Lunch this past weekend...we had a reservation and were seated right away which was nice, and it was down hill from there since we were waiting for 2 additional people after they brought our drinks we were completely ignored we were trying to order soup or apps but not one waiter came over...that was fun! Then when our other 2 guest arrived we proceeded to order, and waited over 45 more minutes for our food to finally arrive, the lobster bisque was covered in a weird corn salsa? it was not good, sooo salty, then the seafood sampler for 2 was "ok" it was also over salted...my old fashioned steak was decent, but my baked potato was way over cooked, and the twice baked potato also over salted was over cooked...then the piece de resitance was supposed to be a delicious fried ice cream which was a big ball of old vanilla ice cream coated in stale cereal...after we paid the way overpriced bill...we were heading out of the restaurant and were stopped because the bill that we left on the table was "missing"? we had signed everything and left it but it had disappeared...so we had to stand around and wait for 25 minutes for them to try to find it, then they said they wanted to reprint it so we could sign it...while waiting not one person apologized and I would also like to add that every single woman at the place got a red flower for valentines day I guess the 4 women in our party didn't count? I just thought that they were rude considering we were patient waiting for them to figure stuff out and also had come out in a BLIZZARD they could have been nicer...too bad cause this place was really good back in the day

    (2)
  • D B.

    I love the Lounge More than the Restaurant - you feel as if transported to a swiss Chalet! Great specialty drinks. Love their Lounge Menu which has been expanded. Great Date night place to hang out and enjoy the atmosphere. The Iowa Hawkeye sandwich is the best!!!

    (5)
  • Laurel L.

    Like other reviewers, I haven't been to the Hardcover in a few years but my niece went for her birthday in November, 2013 and the way she described the restaurant made me remember it just like it used to be! Restaurants that make a lot of changes within a short period of time, kind of shows it's colors as a money hungry wolf that will sacrifice their reputation for a dollar! Not so with The Hardcover. The dining room's ambiance is amazing. It's both modern and there was always slow and soothing classical music in the background, with hired waiters who are the best of the best. Back in the late 70's and early 80's, when I went out with my parents, or a date (I'd say after age 17) The Hardcover allowed cigarette smoking and would not only light your cigarette for you, they'd change out clean ash trays for dirty ashtrays every time someone put a cigarette out. I loved that the most b/c it made me feel important and rich and kind of like a celebrity! lol The food is impeccably mouth watering and although they may give you more than you can eat, they wrap it up for you. I'd have to say that "The Hardcover" is the classiest restaurant in Danvers. The food is comparable to another restaurant I love in Peabody (Century House), but the architecture and ambiance just cannot compare with the classic and gorgeous interior design. You can't miss the dessert when you eat at The Hardcover. They have some of the best desserts your money can buy and your taste buds can enjoy! I do believe if it's the same, they don't take reservations. It's first come first serve. The Hardcover is the kind of restaurant you'd find a celebrity at if they were filming in Boston or closer.

    (5)
  • Paul S.

    The last time we were at the Hardcover was in the 90's for a function. We drive Rt 1 often and always notice a lot of cars in their parking lot so for my wife's birthday we decided to give it a try again! We got there around 6:30 and were promptly seated.Let me say that walking in there was like stepping back it time. It looked exactly like it did back then! Low lights,dark colors and a fireplace close to were we sat. We ordered our dinner had their salad bar. The food was delicious!!! The waitstaff excellent! It was the perfect place to celebrate a birthday!!

    (4)
  • Casey H.

    This is the go-to spot in my family for special occasions. They are good with large parties and everything is always cooked properly. The salad bar is always a big hit and they let us bring in desserts. I do think the food is a little plain considering the prices (steak, seafood in butter and bread crumbs, steamed veggies and baked potato), but at least there are plenty of menu options.

    (4)
  • Steve V.

    Cozy dining room. Like being in someone's home. Fireplace and built in book shelves filled with classic books. Great salad bar with fresh bread loaves ready for slicing. Steaks and seafood are the specialities. New York strip was excellent. Baked haddock and grilled swordfish were exceptional. Personally skipped dessert but the rest of the group had hot apple crisp, key lime pie and fried ice cream. Will definitely return on my next visit to the Boston area.

    (4)
  • Angela S.

    It has been a few years since I've been here. We (my husband, myself and another couple) went for dinner on 2/21/15. We sat in the lounge and was greeted by a waitress that was not the friendliest. We ordered drinks and received them fairly quickly. A fairly lengthy time passed before another waitress came to take our order and then another 45 minutes or so passed before we received our meals. One of our friends ordered the scallops and steak. Her scallops were very overcooked. I ordered sirloin (one of the dishes that they are known for). I ordered it medium, it came more like "hockey puck". I ate my potato before the waitress came back to see how everything was. At this point most everyone was just about done with their meals. The waitress did offer to take my meal off the bill and offered to get me something else. I declined as the others were mostly done with their meals. A few minutes later the manager came over and offered the same. It took a bit to get the check and my meal was not taken off. We quickly paid and left. Needless to say, we were all fairly disappointed with this visit. Given this experience, I don't expect to return anytime soon.

    (3)
  • Carol W.

    So it was Valentine's Day, but they weren't any busier than a regular Saturday night. In fact because of the storm we were seated a half hour earlier than our reservation which tells me there were cancellations. We skipped apps and ordered the main course. I ordered scallops and the husband ordered the generous portion of prime rib. We headed to the salad bar. Enjoyed it and I excused myself when we finished, when I got back the meals were on the table, I may have been gone ten minutes. My scallops were piping hot, my husband offered me a bite of his right away...it was ice cold. Not luke warm, ice cold. His must have been cooked long before mine and sat. Poor planning and he refused to send it back And wait again. His rice was just as cold. Very disappointed. Another thing I noticed, As I tripped going to the ladies room. The floor is covered with a mat, it is very uneven and looks like it needs some work. The bathroom is very dated too. For a reasonably pricey established restaurant, I think it's time to do some remodeling.

    (3)
  • Lawrence C.

    Very comfortable environment. I ordered filet Mignon and it's very good. Highly recommended

    (4)
  • Bob G.

    My wife and I eat out frequently and The Hardcover is one of our favorite north shore Restruants. In all the years I have been going there I can honestly say I never had a less then good meal. The service has always been excellent, timely and courteous and the they have always been open to making subtle changes in the preparation of your meal. I would like to have given four and a half stars if possible. My only critique is the closeness of the tables, it is a tad congested for my liking unless you have a table adjacent to a wall.

    (4)
  • Megan W.

    This is a very cozy place. The atmosphere felt a little dated, but there were all sorts of old books as decorations, hence the name Hardcover. The food was just okay. I'm a huge fan of salad bars, and found this one lacking with limited choices. We ordered a filet dinner and a swordfish. The filet was good, but the swordfish was a bit dry. We will most likely check out many other restaurants before returning to this one. I would say I left feeling a little underwhelmed given the hype we heard from some locals.

    (3)
  • Lady S.

    Stopped in here for the first and last time last evening to celebrate my father's birthday. One of the first things the waitress asked was if there were any birthdays at the table, so of course we say yes and my father asks them to please not sing. She responds that they no longer do that but they can offer him half off his entree if he can prove that the day was in fact his birthday with a positive ID, which he does. Now, this place is quite over priced for what you actually get, in all aspects of food, wine, alcohol, etc. Must say the atmosphere is nice with the fireplace, stained glass windows, and bookshelves, but they are really faking it until they make it to come off as an upscale restaurant. So because my father was told about the half-off entree deal for his birthday, he picks out a much more expensive meal than any of us normally would have. We all order, the waitress collects the menus, and my father gets up to go to the salad bar. The waitress immediately points her finger at him and points him back to his chair scolding him "Nuh uh, wait." And states the half off entree will not be off his meal, it will be off the lowest priced entree. Okay then, thanks for letting us know AFTER we all order and you've collected menus, so of course most people wouldn't want to hold up everyone's dinner by having to take back a menu, sit down again and wait even longer to decide on a different meal. Nice up-selling technique. This waitress seems to think she has a few good ones. I've worked at many restaurants, these tricks may sneakily and deceptively bring up the check average, but leave people feeling cheated, leaving you less of a tip. We all eat and wanted to say something at the end about her misleading approach to informing us about the half-off promotion. We asked the male waiter whom she was working with (he was very polite and sincere in his apology, even though it was not his fault) to speak to her about it. We tell him how it's misleading to say the birthday boy gets half off an entree and then change it saying it's only for the lowest priced entree at the table. She rushes over, again actually pointing fingers in my father's face "Aha! I told you! Before you got up to go to that salad bar!" We try to explain that it's extremely misleading to tell the man who's birthday it was that it would be off of his meal, which only makes sense, and then wait until it would be an awkward point to change his choice, to state the actual guidelines of this birthday promotion. She does the "I told you so" thing once more still with the finger pointing, rolls her eyes and leaves while we are in the middle of talking to her. She did not tell a manager about the confusion or about having unsatisfied customers, no one came over to us, she never apologized or showed any sign of sincerity throughout the meal. It makes me upset that my father was treated so rudely and disrespectfully on his birthday. Needless to say, will NOT be going back and will be telling others about the experience.

    (1)
  • John O.

    Not sure if I'm missing something but to me it was just eh. Salad bar seemed nice but to me nothing special. Iceburg lettuce and several toppings. Eh. Had the steak au poivre. Which was good but a bit more fatty than steaks I get elsewhere. GF liked her soup and the app we got. A bit disappointed for a $95 night. But service was great.

    (3)

Sorry, we don't have Q&A for this restaurant.

Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.

Map

Opening Hours

    Sorry, Store hours have not been updated. If you are the owner of this restaurants. Please update the store hours.

Specialities

  • Takes Reservations : Yes
    Delivery : No
    Take-out : No
    Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
    Good For : Dinner
    Parking : Private Lot
    Bike Parking : Yes
    Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
    Good for Kids : No
    Good for Groups : Yes
    Attire : Dressy
    Ambience : Classy
    Noise Level : Average
    Alcohol : Full Bar
    Outdoor Seating : No
    Wi-Fi : Free
    Has TV : Yes
    Waiter Service : Yes
    Caters : No

The Hardcover Restaurant

Share with your social network

Looky Weed - Buy Marijuana Online

Looky Weed is here to help you navigate the maze of legalized marijuana. We provide you with a complete dispensary directory.

© 2024 Restaurant Listings. All rights reserved.