Leadbelly's Restaurant

Leadbelly's is a good option for the NNK locals and visiting boaters in the area. Taking over the restaurant space at Fairport Marina that has housed several restaurants over the years, the current owner seems to have a nice balance of casual atmosphere, affordable comfort food, and cheap beer. But there are a few flaws, and don't expect much variety and flair from either the food or drinks.

We decided to go to what my mom affectionately (I think) calls the "redneck bar" the day after Thanksgiving. My dad frequents here quite a bit, enjoying their cheap bottles of Busch Light. (I know ... I've tried to teach him about beer, but he's a creature of habit.) They were pretty much dead that night, with us being the only ones there dining.

Beer and bar options are limited ... no draft beer, and bottles are the typical NASCAR selection plus the standard "plus" options - Sam Adams, Corona, and Angry Orchard for the ladies. And expect just the "standards" at the bar as well. Menu here is wisely limited (as they have a small kitchen best suited for short-order cooking) with daily specials offered. We started with the "Mary's Oyster Bucket" appetizer - a dozen oysters placed individually into a small muffin tin, topped with cheese and bacon, and baked. Oysters were small, but the dish is served with tiny toast slices that are used to soak up the oyster juices and round out the dish. For $12, I've seen other restaurants deliver a lot worse.

For dinner, I ordered my favorite NNK comfort meal - liver and onions, with mashed potatoes and gravy. It was a good portion for the price, but I have had better at other local restaurants. Wife liked her burger, but her mac and cheese was a bit cold, and she thought tasted like box mix. I thought it was better than that, but it did seem to be box macaroni cooked with some type of prepped melted cheese sauce. Still, I think it would have been pretty good if it were just served warm.

Overall, we had a pretty good meal and I wouldn't mind going back. And this is the type of place that Northumberland needs - a place where locals can go and get an affordable meal and drink, rather than the tourist-oriented, pricier upscale dining options.

We stopped by on Saturday found the menu somewhat limited, the beer cold. Servicer while inexperienced was helpful and very polite. Mary's oyster bucket for $12.00 was over priced and under whelming in value and flavor as well as the size of the oysters. Not a good dish for their show case menu item. Crab cake sandwich for $8.00 was good but came with a few potato chips had no sauce and we had to ask for tarter or cocktail sauce. Over all for 30 plus dollars for two beers and two lunchs not a good deal.