White Mountains
ROOFTOP JEWEL TERRACE AT OMNI MOUNT WASHINGTON RESORT
Bretton Woods
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Many years ago, when I was researching my family’s first big trip to a National Park (Grand Canyon), I came across a great piece of advice which I’d like to share with you. You don’t have to stay in the most luxurious accommodations to experience them. Most hotels and resorts have dining, bars and lounge spaces that are available to the public. So, for the price of a refreshment or meal, you, too, can enjoy that great view and service. As such, regardless of where you book any overnight accommodations while at Bretton Woods, you’re going to want to treat yourself to some time at the Omni Mount Washington Resort. There are several nice places to eat and drink inside, but assuming good weather, you’re going to want to check out the rooftop Jewel Terrace. On it looking out, you face Mount Washington and the rest of the Presidential Range. In season, the open-air Observatory Bar, located on the rooftop, will supply your needs. If that bar is closed, light fare and drink is available through the Rosebrook Bar located inside, just off the veranda connecting the hotel to the Jewel Terrace.
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It’s hard to choose among the many specialty cocktails they have available. I went with one called, Of All Things. It was made with 21 Seeds Grapefruit Hibiscus Tequila, Aperol, Barmalade Grapefruit-Elderflower, fresh lime, rhubarb bitters and Lunetta Prosecco. They had me at 21 Seeds…. It was divine. That perfect combo of sweet and tart. And beautiful. Hibiscus pink and served in the curvy Poco Grande cocktail glass. It looked so nice it drew some away from the mountain view as I had a few people stop and ask me what I was drinking.
The Reason to Visit: The million-dollar view.
When you go: Look through their interesting and quirky drink menu, complete with diagrams of specialty drinks and ingredient and health tidbits about them.
Omni Mount Washington Resort, 310 Mount Washington Hotel Rd, Bretton Woods
https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/bretton-woods-mount-washington
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SOLE TRACK BREWING
Rumney
The best way to describe this brewery is to tell you what it is not. It’s not so small that you have to chose between standing or sharing a couch with someone you don’t know. But it’s not a warehouse or a stark industrial building either. It’s not a place where you vie for the attention of a bartender and are rushed into making a decision. The brews are not concoctions from the Willy Wonka factory and are not overpriced. You know what I mean?? There are so many breweries out there, but many are lack-luster. Not this one.
Sole Track brewery is big on hospitality and a good selection of rotating beers. The staff on hand, which often includes the owners, are friendly and attentive. The are happy to offer samples and help you select something you will enjoy. Relax in the newly constructed and comfortable tap room with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. Try Atomic Blonde, my favorite. In Sole Track’s words, it’s not your average blonde, slightly hazy, light bodied and eminently crushable. I agree. For the IPA lovers, Social Outcast is a must try. Their best seller, it is a New England IPA, has tons of wheat and oat, hopped to the hilt with Nectaron and Citra, carefully added in stages to build deeply nuanced layers of apricot and mango.
The Reason to Visit: Community. This watering hole is where the locals hang out. It’s where co-workers meet after a long day on the job and where neighbors catch-up. Visitors passing through – including many climbers from nearby Rumney Rocks – mix right in. Discussions usually revolve around the brews and the appreciation of the outdoors.
Fun Fact: Brothers Tim Lewis and Andy Lewis originally thought about opening a sports outfitter store in the brewery location. They discussed the business concept over Andy’s home brew that he’d been crafting out of his garage. They quickly decided that a brewery was a better idea and Andy had to get bigger tanks.
When you go: Tell Tim Lewis and his wife, LeeAnn, that the Thirsty White Mountain Traveler says hello.
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Sole Track, 27 Main Street, Rumney
https://www.soletrackbrewing.com/
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SCHWENDI HÜTTE
Waterville Valley
SCCCCHHHHWEEEEENNNNDIIIII. SAY IT AGAIN. SCCCHHHHWEEEEENNNDIIIIII. That’s reason enough to come, isn’t it? It’s fun. Say it again. So, what is the Schwendi Hütte? It’s a mountain top respite on Waterville Valley Resort located at elevation level 4004’. What does “Schwendi” mean? It depends on who you ask. Officially, it means to deforest the land. Which is pretty accurate to some extent if you are talking about creating a ski mountain. Unofficially, it means to enjoy life with others. And that’s what you do at the Hutte. There are two ways to get there – both involve you on the ski mountain. You can go up by hiking or skinning. Or you can go down, by skiing from the trails above the Schwendi Hutte. Once in, you are rewarded with warmth, great views, and – the reason we are here – a variety of drinks. Because skiing and hiking dehydrate you. Coffee and hot chocolate, with your choice of nips, are the obvious choices, but so is the namesake craft beer, the Schwendi. This German Pilsner is light and refreshing and won’t weigh you down. The perfect sip for a lunchtime or late afternoon break. The Hutte also offers a selection of sandwiches, soups and sweets.
The Reason to Visit: “Come for the Warmth, Stay for the Vibe.” The rustic atmosphere comes to life with visitors from near and far all enjoying small talk, tall tales and gratitude for a day on the slopes.
Fun Fact: The Schwendi Hutte manager, Steve Larkin, along with his friend, Jonathan Loiacono, are the creators of Schwendi Beverage Company, LLC. Their first brew, Schwendi, debuted in the Hutte and is now distributed widely in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Their IPA, Oblivion, is named after a popular intermediate trail on Waterville Valley.
When you go: Tell manager Steve Larkin that the Thirsty White Mountain Traveler says hello.
Schwendi Hutte, Mt. Tucumsah summit, Waterville Valley Resort, Waterville Valley.
https://www.waterville.com/mountain-dining
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MAD RIVER COFFEE
Campton
This is the coffee house you dream about. Always bustling with fans, this is the place to get a good cup of that dark elixir. Brewed in house, Mad River coffee isn’t just for breakfast. Customers line up all day for the stuff. Service is quick and pleasant. You can be off on your way to the next adventure or kick up your feet and revel in the one you just did. No one is going to rush you here. There are couches, big chairs, table and high-top seating choices to suit whatever kind of mood you are in or the job that needs to be done while re-fueling. Up for a challenge? Choose from their selection of from-scratch food items when caffeine alone isn’t enough. Their breakfast, lunch and baked goods menu, including rotating specials, is that wicked good combination of comfort food and innovative fare.
My drink of choice on this visit was a hot, Dirty Chai (chai tea mixed with steamed milk and a shot of espresso). They have two varieties: vanilla and spice, the vanilla being a little sweeter. I opted for the spice and was happy with my selection as well as the service. I noted my preference for a less sweet preparation, and they nailed it.
The Reason to Visit: It’s all about the coffee.
Fun Fact: The owner, Dave, taught himself to brew coffee at his kitchen table. His aim was to create a brew that was less acidic due to some stomach issues he was having. This resulted in their signature Mad River Blend coffee. The rest is history.
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When you go: Check out their line-up of live music events and plan your next visit.
Mad River Coffee, 18 Six Flags Rd., West Campton. https://madrivercoffeeroasters.com/
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4,080’ CAFÉ
Franconia Notch
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Located at the top of Cannon Mountain is 4,080’ Café. There is a large bar with plenty of windows (and seating) to enjoy the view. Outside decks are also available for eating and picture taking. Cafeteria-style food, typical for ski lodges, is offered. You can hike to it, or you can purchase a ticket for the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway to take you there from the parking lot at the base of the mountain. The tram ride is about 10 minutes long with 360-degree views of the White Mountains. Among the many offerings on tap is Cannon Ale, which of course was my choice of beverage being on Cannon Mountain. It is brewed by Woodstock Inn Brewery. I’m not usually an IPA fan, but this beer is low in bitterness and heavy on the hazy. It’s got just enough punch to be interesting but not enough to make me pucker. Very drinkable and satisfying. Try it. You won’t be disappointed.
The Reason to Visit: It’s the highest tap in New Hampshire! ‘Nuff said.
Fun Fact: The Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway was the first passenger tramway in North America. The ski trails were developed because of it, not the other way around.
When you go: Take in the air and scenery from one of the decks.
Cannon Mountain Summit, Cannon Mountain, 260 Tramway Drive, Franconia, NH, https://www.cannonmt.com/visit/summer-food-drink
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COYOTE GRILL
Waterville Valley
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Although a spacious restaurant, the seating areas apart from the bar are divided into small sections allowing for an intimate dining experience. The dark barn wood and low lighting from the many small chandelier sconces along the walls enhance that feeling. The menu is much more sophisticated than the restaurant’s name suggests. with a focus on seafood and game meat. All meat is cut in-house. Chef Shawn Stout is picky (self-described) when it comes to sourcing food for his restaurant. He works with a lot of local farms for both produce and game meat. It’s a nice change of pace from the many pubs I frequently visit. If you are lucky to be near the large windows, Waterville Valley and the mountains surrounding it are on full display. The bar area is more spacious and lively for those seeking a more communal meal.
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My husband and I began with cocktails and the New England clam chowder which we both thought was delicious. My drink of choice on this visit was the Triotini, made with Bully Boy vodka, blood orange, passionfruit and pomegranate. It was perfect and not too sweet as my husband incorrectly predicted. If you’re unsure, their house sangrias are also a good bet. I don’t often talk about the food, but my lobster salad with tomato exceeded my expectations, not having seen a picture of the dish that I later learned was displayed on the restaurant’s Facebook page. Instead of the familiar mounded salad mix, I was presented with a generous amount of large claw meat, lightly dressed, over thick-sliced in-season tomatoes drizzled with balsamic vinegar. Simple yet divine. I will be back for another prior to the lobster season’s end for sure.
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The Reason to Visit: Waterville Valley views and consistently good food
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Fun Fact: Coyote Grill started on December 15, 1995, as a smaller establishment, with a capacity of 65. Several renovations later, it can now accommodate 165. One of the expansions involved deconstructing a 200-year-old barn from Rumney, NH and re-building it on location.
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When You Go: Call for reservations and try to snag a Mountain View table
Coyote Grill, 98 Valley Road, Waterville Valley
https://www.wildcoyotegrill.com/about
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SEVEN BIRCHES WINERY
Lincoln
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There really is something for just about everyone here. Operating under different labels and out of two nearby locations, the winery produces not only a large variety of wines, but also hard ciders, meads, and seltzers. There are inside and outside seating options and plenty of room for even a large group of people. Tastings of both the wine and other beverages, separately, are available, as is the purchase of light food fare. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly. My first two visits were all about the wine. I enjoy both red and white but lean towards red. I walked out with a bottle of Merlot and their mulling spice mix the first time. My next visit ended with a purchase of Rebel (blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah from Chile & California harvests of 2020 & 2021) and Satori (Pinotage from South Africa harvest). I learned that during the pandemic, Seven Birches Winery expanded into hard ciders. While you can sample them at the tasting room, they are also featured at Rhythm Cider, Tap & Grill next door.
The Reason to Visit: Location and variety. With so many choices of quality beverages, it would be a challenge to not find something you like. It also means you can visit multiple times, like I did, and have a different experience each time. Being at the center of Lincoln, it’s conveniently located next to many restaurants and shops and, of course, Loon Mountain. The winery can just as easily become part of a shopping/spa day as it can be for an apres-ski destination.
Fun Fact: The winery started out in an apple orchard that had seven birch trees, the inspiration for the name. Sometimes you’ve got to just go with what you have!
Seven Birches Winery, 22 S. Mountain Drive, Lincoln. https://sevenbirches.com/
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MAIN STREET STATION
Plymouth
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When you think of diners you usually think of food, not drinks. Well, maybe coffee. And they do have coffee. But they also have very cool and tasty house Bloody Mary’s. Specialty varieties include soft shell crab and cheeseburger sliders. Their secret recipe is perfectly spiced and served in a generous-sized mason jar. It’s one of their more popular drinks among the other full bar offerings. Their breakfast and lunch options are full of traditional diner fare and food from either menu is available any time the diner is open. A standout item is the homemade baked beans. Made with meat and simmered long and slow, the result is smoky and savory comfort food. I’m sure it is often a side chosen with burgers and other lunch sandwiches, but I think it accompanies eggs splendidly. All food is served hot and quickly and with a smile. From the moment you walk in, Christy and her staff welcome you and wait on you in perfect casual but attentive fashion. This is not the place you have to wave down servers for help or to obtain your check.
The Reason to Visit: Hospitality of the owner, Kristi Nesteruk and staff.
Fun Fact: Located on Main Street in Plymouth, Main Street Station sits right next to Plymouth Ski and Sports. If you happen to be renting skis for the day (or need any other gear), the Main Street Station is a great place to get breakfast early so that you can be there when Plymouth Ski and Sports open. You’ll be fueled up and on your way to the slopes as early as possible.
When you go: Check out the pictures located on the wall connecting the boxcar portion of the restaurant and the dining area side. The Main Street Station is comprised of a converted 1946 Worcester Lunch Car. It has undergone much renovation since then.
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Main Street Station, 105 Main Street, Plymouth. https://www.themainstreetstationnh.com/
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RHYTHM CIDER TAP AND GRILL
Lincoln
In the heart of Lincoln is the picturesque Riverwalk Resort at Loon Mountain. The grand white structure with the red, metal roof seems to explode from the ground. Surrounded by the majesty of New Hampshire’s White Mountains, this property is a welcome modern luxury in an otherwise historic vacation area. Among its amenities is the Rhythm Cider Tap and Grill. A spinoff from the Seven Birches Winery nearby, this restaurant offers a nice selection of American food and drinks in a modern industrial setting. The long bar and outside patio overlook the resort’s pool and lounge area to Loon Mountain beyond. It’s a great place to unwind and talk about the day’s events.
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The Reason to Visit: The signature liquid offerings are their locally made ciders which they have on tap. They are available to sample in a flight or by the glass. I’m partial to flights.
When you go: When you find your favorite cider, take some home by purchasing it at the Seven Birches Winery on the other side of the resort. Mine is the Blood Orange.
Rhythm Cider Tap and Grill, RiverWalk Resort, 22 South Mountain Drive, Lincoln
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FRANCONIA COFFEE HOUSE
Franconia
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With a nice, large sign out front it would be hard to miss Franconia Coffee House. It’s a quaint establishment, with a few seating areas inside and two picnic tables outside. Their coffee is sourced from Mad River Coffee Roasters, so you know it’s good. They had many special iced lattes advertised. One, called Stacy’s Mom, caught my attention and made me smile. With toasted marshmallow flavor and cinnamon, it was an easy choice. They also offered several breakfast choices that made us smile. One was jalapeño cream cheese which Ronnie quickly had spread on a plain toasted bagel and devoured. The other was Hazelnut Toast which was my choice. It consisted of a toasted raisin bagel with Nutella spread, caramelized bananas and toasted almonds slivers. All I can say is, “wow.” It was a bit indulgent and thoroughly enjoyed. They have lunch options and baked goods as well.
The Reason to Visit: Quick midday pick-me-up or fuel for the road.
Fun Fact: The owner, Ivy, was born and raised in the Philippines and often incorporates some of the Filipino flavors into her recipes.
When You Go: Try something new from their rotating specials.
Bonus: Check out this fun version of Stacy’s Mom: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2kOj-GFN8k
Franconia Coffee House, 334 Main Street, Franconia
https://franconiacoffeehouse.com
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FABYAN’S STATION
Bretton Woods
This casual restaurant is located in a restored train station that served this area. They offer American-style pub fare. I had the prime rib which is a house specialty. Service was good. I wasn’t sure what drink to order and asked the bartender to suggest something. He suggested a concoction he called Apple Pie created by mixing apply cider, cinnamon schnapps, and vanilla vodka. It doubled as my dessert.
The Reason to Visit: Experience this historical location where many early tourists came from near and far to visit the area prior to it becoming the White Mountain National Forest.
Fabyan’s Station, US 302, Bretton Woods
https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/bretton-woods-mount-washington/dining/dining-nearby
JUGTOWN COUNTRY STORE
Waterville Valley
This well stocked market is located right in the Town Square at Waterville Valley. They carry a variety of groceries and other provisions which, I assume, is provided mainly for the residents and vacationers with kitchens as part of their accommodations. But they have plenty of other options for everyone else eating on the go: coffee and baked goods, soup/chili, pre-made deli sandwiches, cheese and crackers and other snacks, as well as a large selection of beer, wine and soft drinks. Many healthy and low-cost options compared to most restaurant fare. For our mid-ride break during a biking trip, we opted for a hummus and pretzel pack and a pre-made charcuterie board. We washed it down with a Smart Water and a Twisted Tea.
The Reason to Visit: Large selection of grab and go food and beverage options that can be enjoyed in the center of town, so you can keep on enjoying the activities of the area.
Jugtown Country Store, 31 Village Rd., Waterville Valley
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SCHILLING BEER CO.
Littleton
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This brewery, opened in 2013, has made quite a name for itself. It has fans throughout New Hampshire and beyond. We are now among them. They specialize in modern European-inspired beers and wood-fired pizza. The pizza is the best I’ve had in New Hampshire. The texture of the crust and flavor of the sauce are to my “Connecticut-born palette” liking. But I especially appreciate their artisan choice of toppings. They resist the temptation to overload the toppings and go easy on the cheese.
As for the beer, my favorite thus far is the Alexandr, a Czech-style Pilsner. This is what I enjoyed during our late afternoon respite by one of the fire pits on a recent visit. You have quite a choice of seating options at this property, which can make for very different experiences. There is the restaurant located in a historic mill building. This contains the wood-fired pizza oven and a pub area with counter-top seating, in addition to table service. There is also a modern taproom with a small, indoor seating area around a fireplace and a good size wrap around deck with seating overlooking the Ammonoosuk River and the historic Riverwalk Covered Bridge. In between these buildings are several other outside options from which to enjoy your beer choices.
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The Reason to Visit: The artisan pizza pie toppings. Schillings has offerings that include Chicken Maple Bacon (which also incorporates apples, spinach and cheddar) and Pastoral (pesto base, oven-roasted cherry tomatoes, chèvre, arugula and balsamic glaze).
Schillings Beer Co, 18 Mill Street, Littleton
Littleton Freehouse Taproom and Eatery
Littleton
A large, lively establishment with fast and friendly service, many beers to choose from and modern pub food. The three generously sized Banh Mi Chicken Tacos were perfectly delicious. My flight favorite was Whalers Rise out of Wakefield, RI, a Pale Ale American with citrus and haze. Very smooth.
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The Reason to Visit: Big parties and appetites.
Littleton Freehouse Taproom and Eatery, 28 Cottage Street, Littleton
https://www.littletonfreehouse.com
SOURS TAVERNA
Littleton
Elevate your dining experience at Sour’s in Littleton. Meticulously crafted cocktails, sophisticated variety of small plates and a speakeasy vibe. With a separate entrance, this new restaurant is located at Thayers Inn, the oldest, continuously operating hotel in the White Mountains.
The Reason to Visit: Big city experience in small town. Date night.
Sours Taverna, 26 Thayers Lane, Littleton
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THE COFFEE POT
Littleton
Recommended by locals, this is a small, family-run breakfast/lunch spot that delivers traditional favorites with a smile.
Reason to Visit: Feel like a local. All-day breakfast.
The Coffee Pot Restaurant, 30 Main Street, Littleton
https://thecoffeepotrestaurant.com
INKWELL COFFEE
Littleton
This café, located in the Rail Trail Village complex, is only two minutes from Main Street by car. It’s a clean, welcome, airy, modern space. They have all your expected caffeinated offerings along with rotating seasonal concoctions. What is unexpected is their variety of toast offerings. I chose the Cheggamame which comes with Cabot cheddar, edamame hummus and sliced, hardboiled egg. I’m always on the lookout for something simple but satisfying and this fit the bill. I paired it with a Cappuccino and left to hit the trail.
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The Reason to Visit: A beautiful place to refresh and awaken the senses.
Inkwell Coffee, 24 Beacon Street, Littleton
MAD RIVER TAVERN
Campton
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Mad River Tavern, located in Campton, is one of the few restaurants near Waterville Valley that is open for lunch. Many of the area restaurants don’t open until 4:00 PM. This makes it a great option for those seeking an earlier respite from the days’ activities. The décor, as the name suggests, is rustic. Low ceilings and dark wood create a cavern-like experience, offering warmth in cold weather and cooling relief on those hot and humid days. Bear carvings and signs with the names of area ski runs are placed throughout. Although they have seating separate from the bar, the bar, in my experience, is always more populated. In addition to the barstools, there are many small tables available. Service is always fast and friendly and several channels of sports are offered and easily visible from wherever you are seated. The main dining area has a nice brick fireplace. This is a casual place serving casual fair. My go-tos are the nachos and a rotating pick of their draft beer. Good selection of tasty burgers too.
The Reason to Visit: Lunch or early afternoon libation.
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Mad River Tavern, 377 NH Route 49, Campton
SIX BURNER BISTRO
Plymouth
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An elegant dining experience, Six Burner Bistro delivers with service and quality. Everything is sautéed to order. The charm of this historic house is highlighted by the intimate seating arrangements and the warmth of the bar.
The Reason to Visit: Although anytime is a good time to enjoy this gem, celebrate special occasions here.
Fun Fact: The kitchen is literally comprised of six burners.
When you go: Consider making reservations.
Six Burner Bistro, 13 Main Street B, Plymouth
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Lakes Region
INN KITCHEN + BAR
Holderness
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Located on the same property as Squam Lake Inn, the Inn Kitchen + Bar is a quaint dining experience in the Lakes Region, not far from the southern White Mountains. Decorated in modern farmhouse style, the space is clean and comfortable. They manage to avoid the cookie-cutter décor often associated with lakeside properties. The restaurant offers a frequently changing menu under Chef Amanda. The seasonal food selections are familiar with a high-end twist. The bar is cozy and well attended by guests of the inn and visitors alike. Their craft cocktail selection includes one of my favorites – St. Germain Elderflower liquor. In fact, it is called St. Germain and is served with sparkling wine, club soda and lemon over ice. Good choice for a hot summer evening. My dinner mates all opted for and enjoyed the High Haith Sour, made with Basil Hayden Bourbon, smoked maple syrup, rosemary simple syrup and lemon and lime juice. Zero proof libations are also offered.
The Reason to Visit: When you're looking for an upscale dining experience in a charming setting.
Fun Fact: Current co-owner, Molly, purchased the restaurant three years ago. She started her tenure with the inn years ago, as a housekeeper while a student at nearby Plymouth State University. She continued moving up within the hospitality establishment, eventually attaining the position of general manager prior to her ownership status.
When you go: Be aware that it's easy to miss the turn off from Rt. 3 to Shepard Hill Rd. It's more of a "veer" than a "turn".
Inn Kitchen + Bar, 28 Shepard Hill Rd #2, Holderness
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SQUAMSIDE BEACH BAR (AT WALTER’S BASIN)
HOLDERNESS
Low purr of small motorboats. Faint chitter chatter of young and old amid pontoon boats. Hollow wood thuds of those walking to and from the restaurant via the boat docks. Sun glistening off gentle waves of water and the brightly colored crafts floating by. These are the sights and sounds you are treated to at the Squamside Beach Bar. The smell of fresh water, fresh air, and freshly cooked food add to the sensory experience. Located on the bank of the small channel that connects Little Squam Lake to Big Squam Lake, the casual eatery is an ideal location to refuel and relax in the Lakes Region.
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The beach bar is a new addition to Walter’s Basin Restaurant, a mainstay in Holderness. Owner Gary Chaffee has worked hard for over a year to create this experience. There is a long countertop seating area running the length of the bar on the lakeside. You can choose to be in the sun or utilize the nearby umbrellas for shade. Behind, attached to the restaurant and covered is a small bar with additional seating and some free-standing high-top tables. There is a ramp and stairway leading from the road down to the beach bar and a small patio with seating right before the entrance. This is still a work in progress and Gary plans to put up a pergola in this entrance area. The property sits on the Little Squam end of the lake. While the restaurant is open year-round, Squamside is seasonal.
I headed here following a summer kayaking day and thoroughly enjoyed the Lime In Da Coconut Crush. It is made with coconut rum, fresh lime juice, bar mix and ginger ale and served over crushed ice in a tall glass. As refreshing as it sounds.
The Reason to visit: Al fresco lakeside with built-in entertainment watching the boats pass through the channel and arrive/depart from the docks at the restaurant.
Fun Fact: Squam Lake was where the movie On Golden Pond was filmed.
When you go: Try to spot a loon.
Walter's Basin Restaurant, 859 US RTE 3, Holderness
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DANDELION EATERY
CAMPTON
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Located in a food truck court called Campton Commons, this food truck dishes out an eclectic choice of grub. I would describe half the menu offerings as comfort food with an elevated twist: Smoked Gouda mac and cheese, Zanghi fried chicken, pulled pork and chicken sandwiches treated with your choice of Asian, BBQ and American finesse and Meatloaf Sub with caramelized onions. The other half as an EPCOT-like culinary tour: Chicago Italian Beef, Sesame Noodle Bowl, Butternut Squash Rosotto and Japanese Braised Pork. I went with the Mac and Cheese topped with some pulled pork. It was heaven. This is a dish that can easily be too much: too salty, too tangy, too cheesy. Not so at the Dandelion Eatery. The pasta and the pork were well crafted and the flavors well balanced.
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I ate in an area with high top tables and chairs, set a top a covered wooden platform, and closed on three sides. Vinyl tarps covering the exposed front of the structure kept the wind out and allowed the sun to warm up the small space. They also had chairs around a fire pit for use.
Dandelion Eatery, 41 Southmayd Rd., Campton
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ODYSEA COFFEE ROASTERS
BRISTOL
Expansive is the word to describe both the atmosphere and the offerings at this café. It’s light and airy with lofty ceilings and exposed beams. The milky white walls and deep brown ceiling beams match many of the contents of the cups being handed to grateful customers. They serve breakfast and lunch options until early afternoon daily. They open in the evening again for dinner on some nights.
Once you’ve made your selection of food and drink, you can choose from several different seating options, including a bar top. I’ve been here a few times with very pleasing results. The iced coffee went down fast, followed by a melt-in-your-mouth almond croissant after a kayak ride. On a prior visit, I indulged in the house chorizo, egg, and cheese on a croissant with a pomegranate mimosa—definitely a more gluttonous option!
The Reason to Visit: The house chorizo
Odysea, 265 Lake Street, Bristol
https://www.odyseacoffee.com/coffeeshop
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