Date night restaurants

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?

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ItsThorby t1_je5882i wrote

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.

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glop1701 t1_je591hc wrote

The manor on golden pond maybe a bit of a drive but nice

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PirateLunaFox2121 t1_je59l6k wrote

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

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The_Beardly t1_je5awfx wrote

Firefly Bistro in Manchester is a personal favorite of my wife and I.

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nataylor7 t1_je5bi6c wrote

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 )

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PM_Georgia_Okeefe t1_je5case wrote

- Crown Tavern with a nightcap at Industry East

- Corks at BVI

- Surf in Nashua

- Foundry (great vibe, meh food)

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Cash_Visible t1_je5cery wrote

Seacoast - Surf (excellent food and nice because well-rounded menu), or the Library for steaks.

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Verucasalt-- t1_je5clu2 wrote

Not super fancy but Tuckaway Tavern if you want some incredible food!

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vanillagorrilla23 t1_je5f892 wrote

Common man, Buckley's. Gauchos.buckleys has a nice sandwich shop across from a park in Merrimack.

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dac000111 t1_je5h7mh wrote

MT’s local in Nashua. Cotton in Manchester. Crown Tavern in Manchester. Codex in Nashua is a fun speakeasy in Nashua for some cocktails.

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monkeyinheaven t1_je5hg2c wrote

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.

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ArttVandellay t1_je5hm5a wrote

The Crown in Manchester is a personal favorite. Patio/yard in the back in the summertime too.

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bluecaddy5000 t1_je5i0iz wrote

O’s Steak and Seafood is an awesome couple’s place, they are in Concord and Laconia. Very good food too!

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Tasty_Reward t1_je5ik66 wrote

O's in Concord has really good food and cocktails with a fancy, but not a snooty, atmosphere.

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FoxyJustice t1_je5l395 wrote

Fire and Spice in newmarket is good, not super fancy but a cool place w/ good food.

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whatsthestitch t1_je5nden wrote

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).

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DimLug t1_je5pmg0 wrote

Replying to Verucasalt-- (#2,449,757)

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.

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Bertob15 t1_je5pmhn wrote

Hanover street chop house Cotton Firefly Foundry Backyard brewery Tuckaway tavern

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tomwilhelm t1_je5pqk9 wrote

Way out of your way, but if you get up to the Whites some weekend, try The Covered Bridge Farm Table in Campton, NH.

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DimLug t1_je5pvve wrote

Might be a basic pick but Olive Garden is always a hit.

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mal10101984 t1_je5q1qd wrote

Birchwood inn in temple is great. And coopers hill in Peterborough is really nice if your a whiskey fan

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MsTomHardy t1_je5qlmw wrote

Campo Enoteca, Cotton, Royal Taj, MT's, Cured, Surf, The Crown, Fire Fly, The Foundry, River Road Tavern, BVI

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crourke13 t1_je5qunz wrote

Replying to glockster19m (#2,451,816)

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.

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sonofteflon t1_je5r0ce wrote

Riverworks in New Market. Dante's in Barrington. The Ffrost Tavern at the 3 Chimney's in Durham. Railpenny in Epping.

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BETLJCE t1_je5sucr wrote

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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Vomitus_The_Emetic t1_je5t0js wrote

Replying to Highlingual (#2,451,716)

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

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_From_dust t1_je5v2bv wrote

If you don’t mind driving out there Seoul kitchen in Westford is phenomenal. Never had anything I didn’t find pretty top notch.

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bleucheese87 t1_je5z1d6 wrote

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.

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capta2k t1_je5znll wrote

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.

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rdilly6 t1_je60gl8 wrote

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

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besafenh t1_je64qw4 wrote

Revival Kitchen & Bar in Concord

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MartoufCarter t1_je65tg5 wrote

Stalk in Dover is great. Small and imitate atmosphere and fantastic food. Make a reservation. Ember in Dover is also a good choice.

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GonzoTheGreat22 t1_je68hk7 wrote

The Foundry in Manch is a nice experience, semi but not too fancy farm to table place….

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ParadigmCG t1_je6ddlc wrote

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.

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beastmaster2518 t1_je6djfp wrote

Stage Coach Grill in Atkinson. Best prime rib around. Everything is cooked on a wood fired grill. Been going here for over 10 years.

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andtheIToldYouSos t1_je6ebjf wrote

Angelina's and Revival Kitchen in Concord! Small, tasty, and located directly on top of one another

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Kretuhtuh t1_je6fosi wrote

I really like Buba Noodle Bar in manchester when i'm feeling ramen or pho

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MusicalMerlin1973 t1_je6galk wrote

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.

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usual_nerd t1_je6gyrf wrote

In Concord, Revival, Angelina’s, and Granite are good date night options. Get reservations for a Saturday, though.

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Puzzleheaded_Cup_292 t1_je6im58 wrote

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.

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kkpc t1_je6mgjr wrote

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.

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Infinite_You_3786 t1_je6mxc8 wrote

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!

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All_Hail_Space_Cat t1_je6nca8 wrote

Replying to Exciting_Agent3901 (#2,452,116)

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.

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All_Hail_Space_Cat t1_je6nqv8 wrote

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.

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dogmom603 t1_je6og3a wrote

Cure or Botanica Restaurant and Gin Bar in Portsmouth. Or venture over the bridge to Kittery and go to Pepperell Cove.

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Ornery_List9248 t1_je6ritf wrote

Sakura in Nashua if you like sushi. Sushi is amazing. Even their regular Asian/Chinese/hibachi is good.

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HillyjoKokoMo OP t1_je6ro2a wrote

Thank you to everyone for the replies. I'm going to save this list for future reference 🙌

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hopefully-a-good-buy t1_je6tf2i wrote

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

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StudioOwl t1_je6udl8 wrote

Granita Enoteca in Keene is amazing, also Stage or Luca

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eeveemac t1_je6w03j wrote

Gauchos in Manchester is delicious!

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VeveBeso t1_je6z0ae wrote

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.

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diggnstuff t1_je71z2y wrote

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.

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mbillingswrites t1_je73ocm wrote

The rambling house in nashua! Amazing views, vibes, and food!

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Craptastick68 t1_je74lwm wrote

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.

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magicrobotmonkey t1_je76upi wrote

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

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skullshank t1_je7bjks wrote

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)

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larrybird56 t1_je7d6v2 wrote

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.

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THE_GREAT_PICKLE t1_je7dkza wrote

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.

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mccoriaty t1_je7jt0r wrote

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.

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Obi-Vag_Kenobi t1_je7mnpp wrote

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.

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icedcornholio t1_je7p757 wrote

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.

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kranken_box t1_je7rthz wrote

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

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4thKankerSister t1_je7u6m7 wrote

Covered Bridge Farm Table in Campton!! Amazing food and atmosphere

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BiffWiff t1_je7wakz wrote

Franklin Oyster Massimo’s Black Birch (Kittery)

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dc551589 t1_je7xrfv wrote

Replying to LiveFree_NeverDie603 (#2,449,597)

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.

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shi_guy36 t1_je84ibm wrote

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.

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TriumphST675 t1_je8j6h3 wrote

CR’s The Restaurant in Hampton (American). Jumpin’ Jay’s in Portsmouth (Seafood).

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LiveFree_NeverDie603 t1_je9a0nf wrote

Replying to dc551589 (#2,469,253)

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 .

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farmingmaine t1_je9btpz wrote

Take her to the Brook in Seabrook,NH. . Good food. Friendly staff. Good drinks and gun.

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MommaGuy t1_je9d0s9 wrote

Lilac Blossom (2 in Nashua) for Chinese. Cucina Toscana (Nashua) for Italian. Tuscan Kitchen (Salem and Boston).

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Gree-Grump t1_je9g4x4 wrote

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!

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photocurio t1_je9te8m wrote

The Sundrop in York, Maine. Anju Noodles in Kittery.

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misshepburn15 t1_jebscxd wrote

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.

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dc551589 t1_jed3mm7 wrote

Replying to LiveFree_NeverDie603 (#2,479,093)

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. :)

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