Everything Must Go: Hilltop Steakhouse Is Auctioning Off Restaurant Items

Photos via Hilltop Steakhouse

Putting the Hilltop Steakhouse in Saugus out to pasture, after more than 52 years in business, has been a long and arduous process.

But now, with the restaurant’s doors officially closed, the owners are trying to liquidate the property, and are selling off items from the eatery just in time for the holidays.

If turning to the traditional stocking stuffers for Christmas doesn’t sound ideal, people can show up to the Hilltop Steakhouse on Route 1 on Saturday, December 14, and make bids on items like small ceramic cows, buffalo heads that mount on the wall, Western décor, kitchen and butcher shop equipment, and Native American-themed carvings and statues.

Refrigeration systems, generators, cash registers, check-out counters, and computers will also be on the auction block.

The two-part sale, which will consist of a morning and afternoon session, will be hosted by John McInnis Auctioneers of Amesbury, and will include the liquidation of over 1,000 items in all. “Everything must be sold,” said McInnis. “For half a century, millions of people celebrated life events with a meal at the Hilltop and the steak house holds great memories for families across the region. The auction offers a great mix of cool memorabilia and up-to-date industrial equipment.”

Included in the lot of items up for sale at the auction is one of the ceramic cows that was reported stolen—and later recovered—when the Saugus family restaurant announced it was closing down back in October.

The larger ceramic cows seen outside of the restaurant, and the iconic neon-glowing cactus that welcomed customers to the eatery, will not be part of the sale.

Not sure if you’re in the market for buttons, pins, menus, and a varied selection of cookbooks? Then take a gander before you go placing cash on a ceramic cow. There will be a free public preview on Friday, December 13, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and starting at 8 a.m. on the day of the sale.