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New Life For Hilltop Steakhouse? NH Restaurant Eyes Route 1 Landmark

SAUGUS (CBS) – The Hilltop Steakhouse closed its doors in 2013, but there are signs that diners may one day again be able to enjoy a cut of beef at the Saugus landmark.

The Tuckaway Tavern & Butchery in Raymond, New Hampshire is hinting that it would like to buy the site where the iconic cactus sign still looms over drivers on Route 1. That's all that's left of the steakhouse that shut down after more than 50 years in business, citing a drop-off in customers.

In a Facebook post Monday, the Tuckaway posted a picture of the Hilltop's cactus and surrounding land, with the caption "Breaking Some Ground on Some Groundbreaking News."

Breaking Some Ground on Some Groundbreaking News......... #tuckawaytandb

Posted by Tuckaway Tavern & Butchery on Monday, January 4, 2016

The Tuckaway explains in the comments that there's "nothing definitive yet," but they are eyeing the site as a possible second location.

"The Hilltop site is most certainly our number one target," the restaurant says.

At its original location, the Tuckaway features a 200-person dining room, a country store with antiques and craft beers, and a large butcher shop.

Phantom Gourmet: The Tuckaway Tavern And Butchery

The Tuckaway says it would definitely be keeping the cactus sign in Saugus if plans work out, but the same may not be true for the fiberglass cows that were auctioned off after the Hilltop closed.

Hilltop Steakhouse Auction
A Hilltop cow is auctioned off. (WBZ-TV Photo)

"The cows were sold a while back unfortunately but if and when we open there will have to be a cow!" the Tuckaway said.

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