3 Best Restaurants in The Monadnocks and Merrimack Valley, New Hampshire

Barley House

$$

A lively, old-fashioned tavern with Irish overtones, the Barley House is steps from the state capitol and typically buzzes with a mix of politicos, businesspeople, and tourists. The melting pot of a menu includes chorizo-topped pizzas, burgers smothered with a peppercorn-whiskey sauce, chicken potpies, beer-braised bratwurst, and Mediterranean chicken salad—all reliably prepared.

Lunch Dinner $$ American
132 N. Main St., Concord, New Hampshire, 03301, USA
603-228–6363
www.thebarleyhouse.com
Known For
  • live Irish music some nights
  • great beer selection
  • hefty, delicious burgers
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Wed., Reservations not accepted

Parker's Maple Barn

$
At this rustic establishment begun in the late 1960s on a country lane in Mason, the word "maple" appears no fewer than 15 times on the menu, accenting everything from the maple-infused coffee to maple-glazed ribs to maple milk shakes. Naturally, pancakes—available with wild blueberries, chocolate chips, or pumpkin seasoning—are the big draw, but don't overlook the savory fare, including corned-beef-hash omelets and waffle breakfast sandwiches.
American Breakfast Lunch Brunch $ Family
1316 Brookline Rd., Mason, New Hampshire, 03048, USA
603-878–2308
www.parkersmaplebarn.com
Known For
  • Belgian waffles with maple ice cream
  • maple chicken sausage
  • maple milk shakes and root beer floats
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues. and Wed. No dinner

Red Arrow Diner

$

One of New England's most celebrated diners, this bustling downtown greasy spoon has been catering to students, artists, and most famously U.S. Presidential candidates since 1922. This colorful restaurant, open around the clock, is a friendly place with fresh daily specials as well as such classics as kielbasa-and-cheese omelets and triple-bun Dinahmoe burgers.

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