The Best Diners in New Hampshire
Diners deliver a certain nostalgia that isn’t replicated anywhere else. Neon lights, hot cups of homemade coffee, the kind of environment you can escape to just about any time of day. For humble but delicious fare and an atmosphere that sends you back in time, check out these great diners in New Hampshire.
Gilley’s Diner, Portsmouth, NH
This formerly mobile diner still boasts its original interior from the 1940s. That in itself is a great reason to visit Gilly’s Diner. The food is a better reason, however. Serving lunch and dinner—and what locals call their “PM Lunch,” which they eat when the bars close, customers won’t find a better hotdog, hamburger or bowl of chili in the area.
The Red Arrow Diner, Multiple locations
If you’re craving all-day breakfast, check out one of the Reed Diner locations in the Granite State. The original is in Manchester, and you’d probably miss it if you didn’t know what you were looking for. Once inside, be prepared to wait for a seat—especially on a weekend morning—but the wait is oh, so worth it when you do. The breakfasts are hearty and delicious. The lunch and dinner plates are, too. Open 24 hours, you can’t go wrong stopping here to eat any time of the day or night.
Tilt’n Diner, Tilton, NH
A 1950s-inspired diner, the Tilt’n Diner plays carhop tunes and boasts that their “coffee is strong and their waitresses are fresh.” In addition, they serve breakfast at any hour and feature comfort meals like Grandma used to make—meatloaf, pot roast, and shepherd’s pie to name just a few. Enjoy a frappe and a piece of homemade pie here, too.
Peterborough Diner, Peterborough, NH
Peterborough Diner is an excellent place to eat. Get a good, hearty meal at breakfast or lunch, or come in for homemade dessert and a delicious hot cup of coffee. The nostalgic atmosphere is as welcoming as the staff—and, of course, the food.
Roundabout Diner & Lounge, Portsmouth, NH
At this revamped restaurant, the diner is truly spectacular. The 1950s-era décor is replicated, but appears authentic. The food is locally sourced whenever possible, and the meals are great. Breakfast is served all day and lunch and dinner items are typical diner fare with a few unique specials thrown in for good measure.
The 4 Aces Diner, West Lebanon, NH
The 4 Aces Diner has fed the community—and visitors, too—for 60 years. Serving breakfast and lunch, the food is typical “down home” cooking. The diner is housed in the original 1952 Worcester Diner Car #837. In the warm weather months, picnic tables outside provide additional seating.
Airport Diner, Manchester, NH
The Airport Diner is located—interestingly enough—near the airport in Manchester, so it’s a favorite stop for regular business travelers. Their meals are really quite remarkable. Breakfast is served all day and some of the dinner specials are creative.
Route 104 Diner, New Hampton, NH
If you’ve got a craving for an old-fashioned vanilla coke, you need to visit the Route 104 Diner. It’s like stepping back into the 1950s. In addition, they serve breakfast all day, as well as a long list of typical diner fare and homemade desserts. Their Homemade Mac ‘n Cheese is a favorite of countless customers.
Temple Street Diner, Nashua, NH
Temple Street Diner took home a prestigious award in New Hampshire Magazine’s list of restaurant awards. They received the “Editor’s Pick Best Breakfast Dish” for their Lobster Eggs Benedict. Try that, or one of many additional delicious breakfast, lunch or dinner items on their menu. Stop by frequently and check out their “Buy One, Get One Half Off” specials.
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