The Marathon Restaurant at North Pond, Hopkinton

When Michael Tobins opened The Marathon Restaurant at North Pond, he told the MetroWest Daily News that he and his wife, Megan, "wanted to open a restaurant in [their] hometown and offer something Hopkinton needs—something that has a wide spectrum." Now, whether diners are looking for a casual family lunch or an upscale steak dinner, they can find it in one of The Marathon Restaurant’s three separate areas: the fancier downstairs space, the more casual upstairs room, or the bar.

In the kitchen, chefs whip up entrees such as house-marinated sirloin tips, beer-battered haddock, and steak and wild mushroom ravioli lavished with mushroom brandy cream sauce. Those seeking a more laid-back feast can dive into sandwiches, including lobster clubs stacked with applewood bacon, or load build-your-own burgers with gruyère, guacamole, barbecue pulled pork, or sauerkraut. Meanwhile, at the bar, servers tap draft brews and pour wine for diners to savor with their meals or gargle with afterward.