Best prime rib in New Hampshire? Turns out it’s been hiding in plain sight.

The food site Tasting Table just rounded up the best prime rib in every state, and Buckley’s Great Steaks in Merrimack took the top spot for NH.

According to Tasting Table, Buckley’s nails it with aged, specially selected, grain-fed beef—served either slow-roasted or pan-blackened, depending on your mood. The prime rib is cooked exactly how you want it, paired with a top-tier hollandaise, and made even better by fun cocktails and a solid whiskey list.

In short: if you’ve been craving a cozy, indulgent meal this winter, your answer might already be in Merrimack.

🥩 Read the full story: New Hampshire’s ‘best prime rib’ is in Merrimack

Here’s what else we’re covering today:

📰 What we’re reading, news from around the state

🛒 4 independent convenience stores worth a visit

📢 Question of the week: Should New Hampshire keep its first-in-the-nation primary status?

🔠 Put your restaurant lingo knowledge to the test in our crossword

P.S. One email worth keeping. Forward this email to a friend who likes being in the know.

👉 Trial begins over fate of NH’s proof-of-citizenship voter law

“A federal judge heard opening arguments Monday in a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of a 2024 state law that requires first-time voters in New Hampshire to show proof of U.S. citizenship when they register.” — NHPR

👉 ‘That could be my family’: Nashua students say protest against aggressive immigration enforcement is personal

“A few hundred Nashua high school students staged a walkout Wednesday to protest the aggressive federal immigration enforcement playing out nationally. Several said living in one of the most diverse cities in the state — or with immigrant parents — has left them fearful for family and friends.” — New Hampshire Bulletin

👉 Against judge’s orders, New Hampshire doubles down to end emissions testing

“On Wednesday, just over a week after a U.S. District Court judge ordered New Hampshire to take all necessary steps to continue its vehicle inspection program, the New Hampshire Executive Council voted to let the state’s emissions testing contract expire.” — New Hampshire Bulletin

Calef’s Country Store has its own product line. (Stacy Milbouer)

By Stacy Milbouer

🛒 Barrel and Baskit
Hopkinton
A historic community store turned modern gathering spot offering homemade food, specialty coffee, wine and beer, local products, and frequent community events.

🛒 Calef’s Country Store
Barrington
A 157-year-old general store famous for its cheddar cheese, old-fashioned charm, house-made sandwiches, and locally made New Hampshire goods.

🛒 JJ’s Market and Deli
Andover
A hometown market near Proctor Academy known for hearty breakfast sandwiches, deli favorites, prepared meals, and locally sourced products.

🛒 Lola’s Kitchen and Oceanfront Convenience
Hampton
An oceanfront convenience store across from Hampton Beach

New Hampshire has earned its reputation as the first-in-the-nation primary state thanks to a mix of law and tradition. State law requires that its presidential primary be held at least seven days before any other primary or caucus, ensuring candidates face voters here before anywhere else. That early timing gives the state an outsized influence—candidates spend weeks on the ground meeting voters, testing messages, and building momentum.

Political parties generally respect New Hampshire’s early spot, though technically they could penalize the state for jumping ahead. Every election cycle, as other states try to schedule earlier primaries to gain attention, New Hampshire simply moves its date earlier, making sure it stays first.

So this week’s question is…

Should New Hampshire keep its first-in-the-nation primary status?

Here’s what you’re saying…

“It’s great to see all the candidates coming here, and it’s great for NH’s economy. But is it fair for NH to always have this privilege? I think NH should share this wonderful opportunity with other states. Maybe there could be some kind of a lottery or something to choose the first every year or every couple of years. Let’s spread this treasured first position with other states and not be so selfish and greedy.” — Barb Southard 

Think you’ve got what it takes to crack this crossword? Tell us how long it takes you to finish it by emailing us at info@granitepostnews.com! This week’s topic? Restaurant lingo.

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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Katy Savage with stories from USA Today via Reuters Connect and Stacy Milbouer. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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