Issues → May/June 2009 → Travel → Dining in New England: Yankee's Best →

New Hampshire Dining 2009

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DINING

Best Ice-Cream Stand:
MEMORIES, Kingston
Step onto the wraparound porch to order flavors such as peanut-butter cup, chocolate-chip cookie dough, and Kahlua chip, all made on site at this farm. Then lap up the rural scene, where resident goats and a cow roam the grounds, and picnic tables under the trees offer a place to lick your dish clean. 95 Exeter Road; 603-642-3737

Best Picnic Lunch:
HOLDERNESS GENERAL STORE, Holderness
Whether you're coming from the lake or you're just off the trail, step up to the counter at the back of this store and get made-to-order sandwiches (such as turkey and avocado on sourdough, from $5.95), wraps, or panini. There are plenty of drink and snack options from the well-stocked shelves, too. 863 Route 3; 603-968-3446

Best Inexpensive Grub:
POOR PEOPLE'S PUB, Sanbornville
This family-owned restaurant gets its name from its beginnings, when in 1974 a deep recession--sound familiar?--prompted two out-of-work contractors to jump into food service. Today it's a state staple and always packed, especially on Saturdays when the pub's traditional pork-and-molasses baked beans and brown bread is the daily special. Entrées: from $7. 1 Witchtrot Road. 603-522-8378, 603-522-8681; poorpeoplespub.com

Best Steak:
O STEAKS & SEAFOOD AT LAKE OPECHEE INN, Lakeport
At this lakeside dining room, Scott Ouelette is known for his prime New York strip steak, cut to order and served with a choice of 13 sides, ranging from roasted garlic mashed potatoes to corn pudding. Entrées: from $16. 62 Doris Ray Court. 603-524-9373; osteaksandseafood.com

Best Chimichangas:
HERMANOS COCINA, Concord
Owners Bruce Parrish and Jane Valliere offer an ample menu of Mexican fare at their restaurant. Our favorite is the chimichanga, a deep-fried burrito that comes out crisp yet flaky and plump with beef or chicken, Mexican rice, tomatoes, and avocado. Best of all, a vegetarian version is offered. Entrées: from $7.99. 11 Hills Ave. 603-224-5669; hermanosmexican.com

Best Beer Sampler:
MOAT MOUNTAIN SMOKEHOUSE, North Conway
A wood rack of seven beers, a mix of ales, stouts, and lagers, from light to dark, are served in five-ounce glasses. It's the most generous sampler portions we've ever seen, and each beer is full-bodied and distinctly flavored. Entrées: from $10.95. 3378 White Mountain Highway. 603-356-6381; moatmountain.com

Best Martinis:
COTTON, Manchester
A truly swanky lunch spot, Cotton features specialty vodka martinis (Cosmopolitan, pomegranate, 007 Vesper, Dirty Bleu--with blue-cheese-stuffed olives). Of course, it also serves a made-to-order gin martini, perfectly balanced and smooth. Entrées: from $14. 75 Arms St. 603-622-5488; cottonfood.com

Best Breakfast Omelet:
AUDREY'S CAFE, Dublin/Marlborough
Expect to find a full menu of choices (from $3.99), but try the "Farmer's Omelet"--made with three eggs and folded around potatoes, peppers, onions, and cheese. The ingredients are well proportioned, and the eggs are cooked just right at this diner-meets-homestyle-cafe on the town line. 13 Main St.; 603-876-3316