Looking for some of NH’s great hole-in-the-wall restaurants this summer? Here are five that my family loves.
It’s summertime. That means day trips to the beach and lakes, as well as taking rides in the country. But a vacationer has to eat, and New Hampshire has no shortage of cool, cozy, hole-in-the-wall restaurants that may or may not be known to many here in the Granite State. I should know. It’s been my family’s mission to seek out and discover these tucked-away culinary treasures that whet the appetite for good food in funky places.
1. Chez Vachon
136 Kelley St., Manchester
New Hampshire, and especially Manchester, has a rich Franco-American history. During the heyday of the Industrial Revolution, mill workers poured into the Queen City from Canada, bringing their culture and cuisine with them. Chez Vachon, which has been open in Manchester’s West End for over 45 years, is one of the few eateries in the state that still offers authentic Franco-American cuisine.
Years before poutine became a trend, we tried the Canadian street food at Chez Vachon and talked it up to everyone we knew. Nothing beats the unctuous combination of French fries, “squeaky” cheese, and gravy. Rumor has it, this is a big hangover dish north of the border. We say it’s good anytime.
The menu here is incredibly affordable, and the atmosphere is simple, clean, and uber-friendly. Here you can order up homemade tourtière (pork pie), Montreal-style smoked meat, and a huge variety of crepes. The all-day breakfast and lunch establishment also serves traditional American diner fare. But Chez Vachon is more than just the food. We love the culture. Bon appétit!
2. George’s Diner
10 Plymouth St, Meredith
George’s Diner has been a funky food oasis in this upscale Lakes Region town for over three decades. Its flower-lined walkway, pine-green awning, and motto “Just good food” tell you all you need to know about this local treasure with a big local following.
The diner is known for its homey, house-made fare, including liver, bacon, and onions, country-fried steak, and deep-fried tripe. We hadn’t had chicken croquettes in decades until we visited George’s, and after tasting the little fried pyramids of deliciousness, we lamented that they’ve disappeared from so many other restaurant menus.
Sunday is a great day to drop into the diner. They offer traditional Sunday meals—like baked ham and bean dinners and chicken pot pie with cranberry sauce—that are a throwback to the days families would gather around the dining room table after a long week.
3. Joanne’s Kitchen and Coffee Shop
219 Main St., Nashua
This might be right downtown, but even some Nashua folks don’t know about this treasure of an authentic railroad diner that is tucked sideways into Main Street. It’s got it all: a long, tiled lunch counter with chrome stools, all wooden booths, and a devoted cluster of Joanne fans. The place has soul. It’s a third place for locals, who are tuned into their friendly servers, reasonable prices, and a vintage eatery that’s not staged, but rather the real thing. The dining car was built over a century ago and installed between two buildings in 1927.
Joanne’s is open for breakfast and lunch, and specializes in arguably the most creative offering of bespoke milkshakes, including Oreo, Almond Joy, Fluffer Nutter, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Twix and S’Mores shakes to name a few.
Our family is one of those residents who discovered Joanne’s during COVID times when they had outdoor seating. Since then, we make a point of eating there at least once a month. We love their homemade, gravy-laden buttermilk biscuits, which are the size of small dinner plates, served with eggs and home fries, as well as their breakfast specials, such as strawberry-stuffed French toast and meatloaf omelettes. We also head over for lunch. We’ve tried many a special, like a heaping plate of shepherd’s pie followed by apple crisp with vanilla ice cream, like our mother used to make for dessert. FYI. We did walk to Joanne’s and back to burn off some of our indulgences!
4. Geno’s Chowder & Sandwich Shop
177 Mechanic St., Portsmouth
It would be easy to miss Geno’s in Portsmouth, which the owners call “the best kept secret since 1965.” It’s tucked back in a historic neighborhood, perched above the Piscataqua River. It’s small with a limited indoor dining area and a deck serving views that are as delicious as the lobster rolls, chowder, and seafood stews Geno’s is famous for.
It’s not a big menu, but it doesn’t have to be. The recipes are tried, true, and abundant. This place has been owned by the same family for 60 years. It’s hard to imagine, but if you’re still hungry after your seafood lunch, grab a piece of homemade pie, made with seasonal fillings like strawberry rhubarb, blueberry, and apple.
We think Geno’s has the best lobster stew this side of the Maine border (which is actually within walking distance), and their blueberry pie is to die for.
5. Harrisville General Store
29 Church St., Harrisville
How often do you get to eat lunch in a store that’s been in operation for 187 years? Head to the teeny town of Harrisville and you’ll get the chance.
This is a general store in every sense of the word. You can pick up a quart of milk, soy sauce, a bottle of wine, fresh flowers, locally grown lettuce, homemade cookies, and a farm-to-table meal all at the same place. You’ll also find crafts and paintings from local makers and a few books by local authors.
The store, which has been owned and run by Historic Harrisville since 2008, offers counter service. You order, and then food is brought to your table or packed to go if you prefer. The choices are always inspired by locally available ingredients, including items like veggie burgers, grass-fed beef burgers, and freshly made pizza. The kale salad is famous in these parts, and we know why. It’s fresh, tangy, and we believe would convert even the most ardent kale naysayers into big-time fans.
We also love the store’s artisan sandwiches. We’ve made trips to the Monadnock region just for their brie, pickled onions, and fig spread on a crunchy French baguette sandwich, as well as the beet patty on whole grain ciabatta with a lemon aioli, red onion, tomato, and cucumber.
Of course, this charmer of a picturesque town is also well worth the drive.
