Submitted by HillyjoKokoMo t3_125py77 in newhampshire
Hi folks. Looking for recommendations on places to take my partner Saturday night. We've mostly stuck to Southern NH places - Buckley's, the Library, Copper Door, Greenleaf - but would love to explore other areas & other restaurants. Where do you take your special someone on date night?
Also MT Local or whatever it's called right there too
MT local is amazing
Same owner as Surf and Buckley’s. The food is great.
There’s a surf in Nashua?! Can confirm the Portsmouth one in fantastic
Yes! Right on Main Street!
It is nowhere near as nice as the one in Portsmouth, not even close. The ambiance is severely lacking and it’s pretty small.
:( to Portsmouth we go! Thanks for the heads up
I recommend the tuna stone thing
Oh! I’m intrigued, thanks!
They don't do it anymore.
Ffffffffffffffffffff
Sushi program has changed a bit since you've last been I'm sure. But the specials make up for the hot tuna stone being gone. It was a liability.
I'm not really a "good ole days" guy but I really wish we could trust people to be able to handle a hot rock and sushi grade fish.
Cotton in Manchester is great
I had a surreal experience with a snobby waiter there. Felt like it was out of a comedy sketch
Tell the story!
We went in for brunch, he wouldn't make eye contact with either of us, harrumphed a lot and was super short. it was a few years back so I don't remember all the specifics, but things like walking up to the table and just saying "what do you want?". I asked for a tap list and he turned around, walked away, came back, put it on the table and walked away again without saying anything.
At the time it seemed odd, but over the course of the meal seemed to add up to intentional disrespect. It was weird, I've never seen the guy before or since. Only time I've stiffed a waiter, I tipped 0.02. I looked up some reviews after and a couple people had similar experiences. Guy wasn't in the right profession I think
I've yet to hear a guy audibly harrumph in public, but envisioning this in my head greatly amuses me.
Great cocktails.
Not super fancy but Tuckaway Tavern if you want some incredible food!
Tuckaway is good-if you like to wait around for 2 hours. Food is ok if you like steak tips. Personally, I like my beef to taste like cow, not whatever “house” is.
I call it Staythefuckaway Tavern because it is prohibitively difficult to just go to and eat...
Just snorted my coffee
Yeah the food isn't worth the wait. Not even close.
The house is seriously dry Italian dressing. So basic. I worked as a butcher and their sausage is actually very impressive so I'm not downplaying their craft. It's just what sells to their clients. God any place that sells chicken "tips" is a nogo for me.
Agreed, and if you have to wait hour+ how about putting some bread on the table when you sit down. Nothing special there
Tuckaway… Lol
Agreed.
Eh not personally a fan. I've only been to the one in Raymond but it's a bit too costly for the quality of food, and the wait is too long. Plus, I don't get why, but the place is constantly packed. Which to be completely fair probably explains the wait times.
Raymond is their only location
It's the closest thing the Epping/Raymond/Milton Redneck Axis has to a tourist attraction
Try Sawbelly brewing!
Best steak tips in NH.
Firefly Bistro in Manchester is a personal favorite of my wife and I.
Yes! Went there once for a low key anniversary and we were super satisfied! Great food..and a delicious pickled whiskey sour!
I give it a B+
That lamb risotto dish they used to have 👌
Have you tried their buffalo chicken soup? It was so good I asked if they could put in in the menu when we had our rehearsal dinner there. (They did lol)
Never have, I’ll look for it.
Bedford Village Inn
This is the way
Holy Grail in Epping
Rail penny tavern in Epping is also amazing
I love holy grail! Fun environment for sure.
Massimos in Portsmouth
Note they require reservations, even for the bar!
Is this new policy? About two months ago I just strolled in and they sat me at the bar.
I tried last fall. Perhaps new policy is to allow people to walk in
Those meat balls….
Was going to say this! Such a cozy date spot! 💕
Cotton in Manchester
Does it have to be fancy? Because if you’re just going out to eat and can continue the date elsewhere smokehaus in Amherst is the best BBQ
The Crown in Manchester is a personal favorite. Patio/yard in the back in the summertime too.
Great spot, but beware it is difficult to hear due to the tin ceiling...
Cava in Portsmouth
MT’s local in Nashua. Cotton in Manchester. Crown Tavern in Manchester. Codex in Nashua is a fun speakeasy in Nashua for some cocktails.
Riverworks in New Market. Dante's in Barrington. The Ffrost Tavern at the 3 Chimney's in Durham. Railpenny in Epping.
Also many others in Newmarket. Shhh don't tell anyone!
Common man Windham. Awesome atmosphere.
This is probably blasphemy but I’m born and raise NH and Common Man is so bland, boring, and the fact that they seem to think they’re “fine dining” is hilarious. If you go anywhere with actual quality restaurants, they put Common Man to shame. Common Man is high society for people who don’t know anything about society.
I don’t disagree with anything of this . Op asked for date night recommendations.I didn’t it was good or “fine “ I said it was awesome atmosphere…. Especially upstairs in the lounge. Perfect for date night .
For sure. I was a bit drunk and felt like it was the right time to spew some anti-Common Man rhetoric haha. I guess I’d say my hope for any New Hampshire resident is that they get to have some dining experiences that make them realize how mediocre the Common Man chain is. :)
All good,definitely not as good as it used to be. Great place do drink.
Super cool place but that giant bowl of self serve cottage cheese dip always grossed me out!! Haven’t been post-pandemic though.
There's a second one too but I forget where
Both are terrific though and the food is amazing
There are many of them. They have restaurants all along I93 very close to the exits. The ones most like Windham are in Merrimack (rte 3) and Concord. Windham is my favorite though. Start with one of the couch seats upstairs.
Seacoast - Surf (excellent food and nice because well-rounded menu), or the Library for steaks.
Campo Enoteca in Manchester, but they were sold over the winter and not positive if they've reopened yet. Used to be all farm to table and I read the new owner was going to keep that up
Yes! Campo is open and the new owners worked with the old owners to learn their ways to keep it 100% the same. I haven't been since the reopen but if it's the same, its the best Italian in NH.
Pearl in Peterborough!
I really like Buba Noodle Bar in manchester when i'm feeling ramen or pho
Moxy is always our go to. Cocktails and food are both delicious!
stella blu in nashua is a favorite of my husband and I !
Has anyone been to Piccola’s in Manchester? Last time I went it was great.
Piccolas is awesome. Brought my wife there on our first valentine's day dinner.
Way out of your way, but if you get up to the Whites some weekend, try The Covered Bridge Farm Table in Campton, NH.
I love their sweet buffalo chicken tenders! I used to live up in those parts, it used to be called the Country Cow back when
Carriage house in rye
Ricks Food and Spirits in Kingston! Such an amazing small town vibe, they are insanely personable, friendly, and will get to know you and your preferences if you become a repeat offender! I highly recommend making a reservation as they can be a little busy! And they do have a “rotating” menu so check that out before you head in!
This place is really good. The waiting staff is super friendly and fun. Their food is quite good too.
The manor on golden pond maybe a bit of a drive but nice
Common man, Buckley's. Gauchos.buckleys has a nice sandwich shop across from a park in Merrimack.
Used to love the Buckley's cafe, but not so much now. Just discovered hot rize up the same road and like them better.
Hot rize is amazing, usually think of it as a breakfast spot but if it's open for dinner for sure great spot
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It's not fancy but the Hidden Pig in Nashua has a great vibe and really good food and drinks.
The same holds true for Stone's Social in Nashua.
O’s Steak and Seafood is an awesome couple’s place, they are in Concord and Laconia. Very good food too!
O's in Concord has really good food and cocktails with a fancy, but not a snooty, atmosphere.
Fire and Spice in newmarket is good, not super fancy but a cool place w/ good food.
In that same area -Fuego is excellent. Towards Hampstead - Jamesons Restaurant is nice. There's a more "upscale" dining room, and there's also a "tavern" style of dining. Over towards Plaistow near the MA border, Sushi Time has some of the better sushi I've had in NH.
- Crown Tavern with a nightcap at Industry East
- Corks at BVI
- Surf in Nashua
- Foundry (great vibe, meh food)
If you have time to spare, Mangia in Manchester. Great Italian food and it’s BYOB. Service is slow though, because they make everything to order (but which also means you can often order off menu or to your taste).
Birchwood inn in temple is great. And coopers hill in Peterborough is really nice if your a whiskey fan
Inn On Pleasant Lake
Ignite Manch has awesome food.
Chrysanthis in Brookline has good food!
Ooooooooh I love Chrysanthis!!!
Hubby and I love doing date night at KC's BBQ in Manchester
Stalk in Dover is great. Small and imitate atmosphere and fantastic food. Make a reservation. Ember in Dover is also a good choice.
Can add Sonny's to that list imo
Vino e Vivo in Exeter.
How fancy you thinking? Where do you want to go (areawise)?
I've got a lot of suggestions.
Pickity Place in Mason is super unique but you really want to have that aesthetic and it's much nicer in the spring / summer because of the gardens.
I'd Google it to see if it's for you. The hours are pretty early.
Riverroad taphouse in bedford
Martha's Exchange in Nashua
New England taphouse in Hooksett
Hanover street chop house in Manchester
900 degrees in Manchester
My wife and I used to frequent these a lot before our son came.
Vivo e Vino in Exeter
Get the Chefs Table
I have been to most "good" restaurants in southern NH over the years. Most of them are decent, but not amazing.
A lot of them are pretty much glorified bars, and their best food are burgers.
I don't really care for any of the Common Man restaurants. They feel like Cracker Barrel to me. Same goes for T-Bones (and their other places like Copper Door). They are decent, but not great. It's a good family restaurant.
For a romantic atmosphere, I would recommend: LaBelle Winery's restaurant "Americus" in Derry, NH. One of the best and most chill atmospheres and amazing food I've experienced in NH. Their steak is the best steak I've had in NH. And yes, I have lived almost 10 years in Texas also, so I know what good steak is.
If you want something more laid back, Jalisco Family Restaurant & Cantina, is a great Mexican style restaurant in Kingston. Tacos are legit.
If you want a good event type experience, there is Jimmy's Jazz & Blues Club, in Portsmouth. I'm not a huge fan of Portsmouth but, that venue is really cool.
Cure or Botanica Restaurant and Gin Bar in Portsmouth. Or venture over the bridge to Kittery and go to Pepperell Cove.
The Franklin in Portsmouth
Thank you to everyone for the replies. I'm going to save this list for future reference 🙌
Rick’s Food & Spirits 143 Main Street, Kingston, NH
Your welcome
I liked Frody’s for a nice dinner. Peddler’s daughter for a laid back bar atmosphere. And there was a speakeasy type bar where it looks like a bookshop on the outside but I’ll have to find the name.
(Edited because of autocorrect )
Believe you're talking about codex if it's in nashua.
*Fody's
Pizzico Nashua great drinks great food
Hanover street chop house Cotton Firefly Foundry Backyard brewery Tuckaway tavern
Campo Enoteca, Cotton, Royal Taj, MT's, Cured, Surf, The Crown, Fire Fly, The Foundry, River Road Tavern, BVI
If you don’t mind driving out there Seoul kitchen in Westford is phenomenal. Never had anything I didn’t find pretty top notch.
Codex is a speakeasy in Nashua, food is pretty good but the atmosphere and drinks are awesome. Crown Tavern in Manchester might be the sneaky best restaurant in the state IMO.
If you like Greenleaf and don't mind a car ride get a reservation for the Thompson House Eatery in Jackson. It's all farm to table / scratch cooking. Great stuff.
Revival Kitchen & Bar in Concord
McDonalds, never misses
The Foundry in Manch is a nice experience, semi but not too fancy farm to table place….
Stage Coach Grill in Atkinson. Best prime rib around. Everything is cooked on a wood fired grill. Been going here for over 10 years.
Angelina's and Revival Kitchen in Concord! Small, tasty, and located directly on top of one another
Bedford village inn is really nice too, but you’re going to be dropping a lot of bank there. We stayed there first two nights of or honeymoon. Fabulous.
In Concord, Revival, Angelina’s, and Granite are good date night options. Get reservations for a Saturday, though.
Most romantic place in NH the Fire and Ice igloo dinning rooftop at Envio in Portsmouth. You get you own igloo in the roof with a heater. https://www.rooftopportsmouth.com/fire-ice-igloos
Stella blue Nashua nh
Mint in Manchester, when they reopen. If you don't mind coming up to concord revival is fantastic. If yiu want to stay over Portland has amazing food, moxy, black trumpet and central provisions are my favorites up there.
Hanover St Chophouse
Moxy in Portsmouth is amazing
Stages in Dover. Evan Hennessey is a brilliant chef.
The rambling house in nashua! Amazing views, vibes, and food!
Seconded to Rambling House! Best burger and fish and chips, all of the beer on tap is made by the brewery on the lower level!
Vino e Vivo in Exeter is honestly one of the better restaurants I’ve ever been to. Not just NH, I’ve traveled a lot. I’m talking my favorites regardless of location.
And this is coming from someone who likes high end stuff. Tony, Paul, and the entire staff absolutely kill it.
Mangia in Manchester has great scratch made Italian. you'll have to be patient as it typically takes a while for them to get the food out, but it's BYOB so you can chill and have a glass of wine in the meantime. the wait is worth it. I've never been disappointed there.
Franklin Oyster Massimo’s Black Birch (Kittery)
Everyone has some great recommendations here. The Hanover St. Chophouse is very fancy (res. req.) and very delicious.
And I HAVE to give love to my favorite homestyle Chinese/blend restaurant in Manchester- Golden Tao on Amory Street. The location is very quaint (inside of a relatively dead plaza) mind you, but don’t let looks fool you. Dine at the restaurant (vs takeout) the food is fresh, the place is always so clean, and the owner is such a sweet woman.
Always enjoyed Fratellos in Manch or Nashua
Unfortunately the Nashua one closed, but Manchester is still going strong!
the place that replaced it, belissimo, is pretty decent. id say avoid the baked haddock, however.
Mollys Tavern. Nice restaurant on the left for dinner then walk across the lot to their pub/tavern and enjoy live music and trivia. Nice lil rustic switch up.
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Pearl in Peterborough.
Waterhouse in Peterborough is one of our favorites.
Sakura in Nashua if you like sushi. Sushi is amazing. Even their regular Asian/Chinese/hibachi is good.
Gauchos if you want some seriously good meat. It’s like a Texas De Brazil style where they bring the cuts to you buffet style
Granita Enoteca in Keene is amazing, also Stage or Luca
Gauchos in Manchester is delicious!
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Diverge in Dover is absolutely amazing! My boyfriend went there last summer and we had dinner there almost every night for a week there. The Nook in Dover is great for a breakfast date as well. I’m a New Yorker and I thought the food was better over there than NYC.
Someone already mentioned but… The Common Man in Windham is amazing. The ambiance, the staff and the food are all first rate. Also, the whole chain is run by really wonderful people that do a ton for charity. A great example of NH kindness.
Try LaFina in Andover. Only a 35 min drive from Nashua, classy, nice menu, and a groovy lounge called Prive' is linked to it next door. You can see pics and menu online.
And Larosa's across the street. Run by same people. Unfortunately for me, LaFina is currently where my store used to be.
Osteria poggio in center harbor is a great creative italian place (i.e. chicken parm crossed with ramen)
Crystal quail in barnstead for the most unique experience you’ll have dining out
The foundry was nice. I haven’t been there for a while tho
unique: code-X in nashua
seafood: surf nashua
pub and comfort: fodys nashua
tapas: stella blu nashua
hibachi: takumi nashua
sushi: yoshimama nashua (amherst st, not downtown)
diner with giant menu (and a bucket of bacon): red arrow diner nashua/manch
bbq: alamo brookline
clearly we tend to stick to nashua, but those are our go-tos. you cant go wrong with most of what people have suggested (except for olive garden. ignore that one)
Can't believe no one is mentioning Greenleaf or Ansamn in Milford or Pavilion in Wolfeboro. All owned by Chris Viaud, Top Chef alum and 2023 Beard Award semifinalist.
Zachary’s chop house Windham
Pressed
Villagio in Manchester has great Italian!! Perfect little date spot.
Molly's in New Boston is wonderful!
If you are lucky enough to score a reservation, go to Crazy Dirk’s Turkey Lounge in Dover. Super hard to get in though, not very expensive either.
If you like beer and dare to go to Rochester, Revolution Tap lRoom is great. Their head chef used to be a top chef at the White House and always has great weekend specials.
Luccianos in Londonderry!!
Portofino in Merrimack is very good. Outside isn’t impressive but the food is really good and made to order. Also the foundry in manchester, expensive, and you need a reservation but 10/10
Covered Bridge Farm Table in Campton!! Amazing food and atmosphere
Wendys
Revival in concord is great. Also a big fan of row 34 in Portsmouth. Both have excellent food, a lively atmosphere, and you can still hear each other talk.
CR’s The Restaurant in Hampton (American). Jumpin’ Jay’s in Portsmouth (Seafood).
Take her to the Brook in Seabrook,NH. . Good food. Friendly staff. Good drinks and gun.
Not gun. Fun
Lilac Blossom (2 in Nashua) for Chinese. Cucina Toscana (Nashua) for Italian. Tuscan Kitchen (Salem and Boston).
I know it might be a little far, but grab one of the Seadogs in North Conway or Exeter. Far, but it might be some great conversation in the car for the both of you!
The Sundrop in York, Maine. Anju Noodles in Kittery.
Firefly in Manchester!
Yeah, leave NH.
Stella Blu in Nashua is very good for date night!
Boycott until they bring back Stella fries!
Might be a basic pick but Olive Garden is always a hit.
Poisonous_plum t1_je58lm7 wrote
Surf in Nashua or Portsmouth - delicious!