Sawtooth: Hanover Gets a Southern Spin

Kevin

After my third visit, I’ve realized that my relationship with Sawtooth is like one with a pesky ex: even if I’m not 100% satisfied, I’ll keep going back.  

For appetizers, we ordered pork belly, Caesar salad, fried pickles, and poutine. The pork belly was excellent; it was juicy, and accompanied with a nice sauce—I can confidently recommend it. The grilled flavor of the salad was unique, and the dressing tasted fresh and homemade.

As a Canadian who unapologetically believes the best poutine comes from McDonald’s, Sawtooth’s version missed the mark. While the gravy and cheese curds were delicious, the dish doesn’t work with potato wedges which don’t hold up any crisp. The fried pickles were polarizing. Instead of regular pickles, we were met with an assortment of pickled vegetables, such as asparagus and carrots. I enjoyed this twist; however, others did not.

For my entree, I ordered the prime rib with chimichurri, and wasn’t too impressed. A member of my party more versed in steak informed me that the cut was extremely lean, and more like a tenderloin. I was also not fond of the spaghetti squash side. Next time, I’ll stick with the chicken, which is reliably delicious. 

Sawtooth definitely has potential to become a vibrant space and bustling event venue. With a passionate owner and friendly staff, things will continue to improve. Management is actively listening to customer feedback and constantly updating the menu, which may look different after this article is published. So, go down to Sawtooth and give the place a shot. 

Harrison

First came the drinks. I would thoroughly recommend the Loretta Lymmonade, a fun mix of bourbon and lemonade, and a nice reference to country music. However, the next drink to hit my palette was the Indigo 75, and the lavender gin which made the whole drink taste like hand soap.

The sadness felt by consuming hand soap was diminished with the arrival of our four appetizers, a pork belly, a plate of poutine, caesar salad, and a dish of fried pickles that in reality was just fried vegetables. The vast culinary diversity displayed in this order was my first chance to observe how Sawtooth is a place still trying to find its niche. 

The wait staff soon brought me my chosen entree, a massive plate of boneless fried chicken wings meant for two. The taste was superb, or as the kids would say, gas. However, I paid dearly for this culinary experience, and woke up the next morning with the worst stomach ache of the term. Gas indeed.

Given all these discrepancies, between the neo-rustic ambience and the abstract art on the wall, and between the diverse appetizers and decidedly American-pub style entrees, I am still inclined to give Sawtooth the benefit of the doubt as they attempt to find their niche in Downtown Hanover. If the sheer number of Tuckies I have seen at Sawtooth is any indicator, maybe someday soon it will dethrone Murphy’s as the go-to spot to hear about Tuck parties. I’ll definitely go back; where else am I to get southern-style Nashville hot-fried Chicken so close to campus? 

Ellie

As I perused the menu, I was very upset to find my favorite chicken entree missing from the menu. I am an admittedly picky eater and creature of habit. When I find something I like, I tend to order it a lot, and I was quite satisfied with this roasted chicken breast served in a black pepper bechamel sauce. I appreciate that Sawtooth is tinkering with the menu, but I do hope they will bring this dish back for a healthier option. 

I tried the Indigo 75—which Harrison referred to as tasting like hand soap. I, however, am quite fond of the Indigo 75. It is a nice blend of prosecco, Empress gin, and lemon—though $13 is a bit steep for the drink. The poutine was also tasty, particularly the cheese curds, and the potato wedges were crispier than my last visit. For my entree, I got the Boneless Chicken Meal for 1, mild flavored, with sides of mac and cheese and brussel sprouts. I wasn’t a fan of the dark meat. The ranch, however, is delicious. As for the mac and cheese, pro tip: ask for breadcrumbs on top.

I do plan to return and hope that Sawtooth will soon live up to its potential as Hanover’s new nightlife spot and premier Southern restaurant. I’d like to not have to drive 30 minutes to Worthy Kitchen for good fried chicken. I was nonetheless impressed with the attentiveness of our waiter given the amount of tables he had. As an aside, I believe they are offering $20/hour for most positions if any students are looking for some extra cash. 

Zoe

Sawtooth Kitchen, Bar and Stage is many things, but currently, crowded is not one of them. After a brief wait, we were seated at our five top table a little too close to the stage where a Bluegrass jazz band played a little too loud. I was, however, charmed by the wooden booths and colorful LED staircase. 

My drink of choice was the Maple-Bacon Old Fashioned. To all who lament the lack of a true “bar scene” in Hanover, you can stop lamenting. While my first sip was above average as I tasted the smokiness of the bacon and the sugary maple bitters, as I watched them later make the drink at the bar I realized something: they’re using Evan Williams bourbon. 

There are no words to express my shock and awe that a bar would serve the ten dollar (for a fifth!) whiskey my brother buys at the gas station in their twelve dollar house cocktail. Opting to ignore the oven cleaner in my lowball glass, I sampled the poutine and fried pork belly appetizers.

Seven

Negroni … Sbagliato … with Bud Light in it. That’s right: Sawtooth’s negroni boasts a little twist of “American Lager,” but to me, that meant a—very expensive—Bud Light over ice with a splash of gin. I demanded we order the fried pickles. Not ordering fried pickles is a crime, but the real crime was the basket they sat down in front of me. I was beyond disappointed. I had two pickle slices in my basket compared to the plethora of undercooked carrots and battered asparagus. My fellow Reviewers enjoyed the fried vegetable medley, which I’m sure would have tasted better if it was accurately advertised.

Thankfully the meal was saved by the live music, great company, and my absolutely delicious Buffalo Chicken Sandwich.  I recommend the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich to anyone who loves blue cheese. The sandwich had the perfect amount of blue cheese crumbles, and the chicken filet was pleasantly crispy. This has to be my favorite sandwich in the Upper Valley. 

The service was fantastic and extremely welcoming. We all enjoyed casual conversation with our waiter and the occasional visit from the bartender. The live music created a comfortable atmosphere and provided the perfect opportunity to watch a local Upper Valley band perform without having to leave the campus area.

If I do happen to visit again, I will probably pass on the drinks and opt for a draft beer, which I have previously enjoyed at Sawtooth. but I will be, without a doubt, ordering another Buffalo Chicken Sandwich.