HAMPTON -- Since 1987, Wilbur's Countryside Dining was situated on Route 1 in North Hampton, just up the road a piece from where Wilbur's Family Dining now resides.

Last summer, on July 12, Wilbur's re-opened their doors at 881 Lafayette Road at the HealthSource Plaza in Hampton. Still offering the same great, traditional style country cooking, this family-friendly eatery is now thriving more than ever.

Besides serving great food for an excellent value, owner Wilbur Forbes prides himself on running a restaurant where "local Joes feel comfortable coming in with mud still on their boots," he chuckles. "The waitresses already know most of the orders when they see the customers come through the doors." In fact, it is not unusual to see eight older gents (all natives, and pals for years) gathered around one of the tables sharing coffee and camaraderie.

This bright and cheery seascape-themed diner is famous for its imaginative and ever-changing specials. Executive Chef Jack Martin, who has been with Wilbur's for nine years, keeps the offerings interesting and delicious. It is not unusual to see Lobster Benedict or Oscar Bucca up on the specials board on any given day.

(In fact, since Jack is such a good sport, on one particular Friday next month he will be "arrested" and brought to the Old Salt in Hampton. There, he will be fed bread and water and held until Wilbur "bails" him out with a pledge for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. This creative fundraising event will round up local businessmen from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 15, all for a worthy cause.)

Open seven days a week, Wilbur's offers breakfast, lunch, dinner and take-out. For breakfast, 14 distinct special combos are offered like Eggs Benedict, French toast, waffles, Eggs Blackstone, and western, steak and cheese omelets, to name a few. The prime rib with two eggs, home fries and toast is a favorite and offered all day long.

For lunch, check out Wilbur's creative soups, chowders, sandwiches, wraps and salads. They swear by their lobster roll, and say it is the cheapest on Route 1 at under $10! For dinner, they offer traditional favorites like fried chicken, sirloin steaks, roast beef, veal cutlets and specialties like meatloaf and roast turkey (as well as corned beef and cabbage served on St. Patrick's Day).

Wilbur's casual atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, and is also available for private parties up to 60 people on Saturday or Sunday afternoons and/ or evenings. They are open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday from 7 a.m. until noon. Early bird specials are available from 6 to 7 a.m. Monday through Saturday. For more information, call Wilbur's Family Dining at (603) 929-2962.