Food over Keene, New Hampshire
# **A Foodie’s Guide to Keene, NH: 10 Must-Try Dining Experiences**
Nestled in the heart of New Hampshire’s Monadnock Region, Keene is a charming small town with a surprisingly vibrant food scene. From cozy family-owned pizzerias to gourmet food trucks and elegant Mediterranean cafes, this college town offers a diverse array of flavors that will delight any food lover. Whether you're craving hearty Italian comfort food, authentic Thai, or a scoop of artisanal ice cream, Keene has something to satisfy every palate.
Join us as we explore ten of Keene’s best dining spots, highlighting must-try dishes, ambiance, and what makes each place special.
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## **1. Tempesta’s – Classic Italian-American Comfort Food**
? *401 Winchester St, Keene, NH 03431*
? [Menu](
)
### **Why You Should Go:**
Tempesta’s is a beloved local institution serving hearty Italian-American fare in a warm, family-friendly setting. The portions are generous, the flavors bold, and the vibe unpretentiously welcoming.
### **What to Order:**
- **Tempesta’s Famous Meatball Sub** – Juicy, tender meatballs smothered in marinara and melted mozzarella on a toasted roll.
- **Chicken Parmigiana** – Crispy breaded chicken topped with tangy marinara and gooey cheese, served over pasta.
- **Garlic Knots** – Soft, buttery, and loaded with garlic—perfect for sharing (or not).
**Pro Tip:** Their lunch specials offer great value, and their pizza is a local favorite for takeout.
---
## **2. Athens Pizza & Family Restaurant – Greek & Italian Classics**
? *133 Main St, Keene, NH 03431*
? [Menu](
)
### **Why You Should Go:**
Athens Pizza has been a Keene staple since 1979, offering a mix of Greek specialties and classic Italian dishes. The cozy, no-frills atmosphere makes it a great spot for a casual meal.
### **What to Order:**
- **Gyro Platter** – Tender, spiced lamb and beef with warm pita, tzatziki, and Greek salad.
- **Athens Special Pizza** – A Greek-inspired pie with feta, olives, onions, and pepperoni.
- **Baklava** – Flaky, honey-drenched layers of phyllo dough and nuts—perfectly sweet.
**Pro Tip:** Their lunch buffet (weekdays) is a steal for sampling a bit of everything.
---
## **3. Sole’s – Upscale Comfort Food with a Twist**
? *8 Winter St, Keene, NH 03431*
? [Menu](
)
### **Why You Should Go:**
Sole’s offers a refined yet relaxed dining experience with creative takes on American comfort food. The dim lighting and rustic-chic decor make it ideal for date night.
### **What to Order:**
- **Duck Confit Poutine** – Crispy duck, cheese curds, and rich gravy over fries.
- **Braised Short Rib** – Fall-off-the-bone tender with creamy polenta.
- **Burrata Salad** – Fresh burrata with heirloom tomatoes and balsamic glaze.
**Pro Tip:** Their craft cocktail menu is just as impressive as the food—try the **Smoked Old Fashioned**.
---
## **4. Ricks Gourmet Ice Cream – Sweet Indulgence Done Right**
? *58 Key Rd, Keene, NH 03431*
? [Menu](
)
### **Why You Should Go:**
A local legend since 1983, Ricks serves some of the creamiest, most inventive ice cream in New Hampshire. Their flavors rotate seasonally, and everything is made in-house.
### **What to Order:**
- **Maple Walnut** – A New England classic, rich and nutty.
- **Mocha Chip** – Bold coffee flavor with dark chocolate chunks.
- **Lemon Ginger Sorbet** – A refreshing, zesty palate cleanser.
**Pro Tip:** Try their **Monster Mash** sundae if you’re feeling indulgent—it’s loaded with toppings!
---
## **5. Guru Food Truck – Globally Inspired Street Food**
? *100 Main St, Keene, NH 03431*
? [Menu](
)
### **Why You Should Go:**
This vibrant food truck brings bold, globally inspired flavors to Keene’s streets. Their menu is a fusion of Indian, Middle Eastern, and American street food.
### **What to Order:**
- **Tikka Masala Burrito** – Spiced chicken, basmati rice, and creamy sauce wrapped in a tortilla.
- **Falafel Bowl** – Crispy chickpea fritters with tahini and fresh veggies.
- **Mango Lassi** – A sweet, creamy yogurt drink to cool the spice.
**Pro Tip:** Follow them on social media—they often have specials and pop-up locations.
---
*(Continued in Part 2—stay tuned for The Stage, Cheshire Village Pizza, Thai Garden, The Pour House, and Luca’s Mediterranean Cafe!)*
Would you like me to continue with the remaining five spots? I can also adjust the tone, add more personal anecdotes, or focus on specific dietary preferences (vegetarian, gluten-free, etc.). Let me know how you'd like to refine it!
Nestled in the heart of New Hampshire’s Monadnock Region, Keene is a charming small town with a surprisingly vibrant food scene. From cozy family-owned pizzerias to gourmet food trucks and elegant Mediterranean cafes, this college town offers a diverse array of flavors that will delight any food lover. Whether you're craving hearty Italian comfort food, authentic Thai, or a scoop of artisanal ice cream, Keene has something to satisfy every palate.
Join us as we explore ten of Keene’s best dining spots, highlighting must-try dishes, ambiance, and what makes each place special.
---
## **1. Tempesta’s – Classic Italian-American Comfort Food**
? *401 Winchester St, Keene, NH 03431*
? [Menu](
)
### **Why You Should Go:**
Tempesta’s is a beloved local institution serving hearty Italian-American fare in a warm, family-friendly setting. The portions are generous, the flavors bold, and the vibe unpretentiously welcoming.
### **What to Order:**
- **Tempesta’s Famous Meatball Sub** – Juicy, tender meatballs smothered in marinara and melted mozzarella on a toasted roll.
- **Chicken Parmigiana** – Crispy breaded chicken topped with tangy marinara and gooey cheese, served over pasta.
- **Garlic Knots** – Soft, buttery, and loaded with garlic—perfect for sharing (or not).
**Pro Tip:** Their lunch specials offer great value, and their pizza is a local favorite for takeout.
---
## **2. Athens Pizza & Family Restaurant – Greek & Italian Classics**
? *133 Main St, Keene, NH 03431*
? [Menu](
)
### **Why You Should Go:**
Athens Pizza has been a Keene staple since 1979, offering a mix of Greek specialties and classic Italian dishes. The cozy, no-frills atmosphere makes it a great spot for a casual meal.
### **What to Order:**
- **Gyro Platter** – Tender, spiced lamb and beef with warm pita, tzatziki, and Greek salad.
- **Athens Special Pizza** – A Greek-inspired pie with feta, olives, onions, and pepperoni.
- **Baklava** – Flaky, honey-drenched layers of phyllo dough and nuts—perfectly sweet.
**Pro Tip:** Their lunch buffet (weekdays) is a steal for sampling a bit of everything.
---
## **3. Sole’s – Upscale Comfort Food with a Twist**
? *8 Winter St, Keene, NH 03431*
? [Menu](
)
### **Why You Should Go:**
Sole’s offers a refined yet relaxed dining experience with creative takes on American comfort food. The dim lighting and rustic-chic decor make it ideal for date night.
### **What to Order:**
- **Duck Confit Poutine** – Crispy duck, cheese curds, and rich gravy over fries.
- **Braised Short Rib** – Fall-off-the-bone tender with creamy polenta.
- **Burrata Salad** – Fresh burrata with heirloom tomatoes and balsamic glaze.
**Pro Tip:** Their craft cocktail menu is just as impressive as the food—try the **Smoked Old Fashioned**.
---
## **4. Ricks Gourmet Ice Cream – Sweet Indulgence Done Right**
? *58 Key Rd, Keene, NH 03431*
? [Menu](
)
### **Why You Should Go:**
A local legend since 1983, Ricks serves some of the creamiest, most inventive ice cream in New Hampshire. Their flavors rotate seasonally, and everything is made in-house.
### **What to Order:**
- **Maple Walnut** – A New England classic, rich and nutty.
- **Mocha Chip** – Bold coffee flavor with dark chocolate chunks.
- **Lemon Ginger Sorbet** – A refreshing, zesty palate cleanser.
**Pro Tip:** Try their **Monster Mash** sundae if you’re feeling indulgent—it’s loaded with toppings!
---
## **5. Guru Food Truck – Globally Inspired Street Food**
? *100 Main St, Keene, NH 03431*
? [Menu](
)
### **Why You Should Go:**
This vibrant food truck brings bold, globally inspired flavors to Keene’s streets. Their menu is a fusion of Indian, Middle Eastern, and American street food.
### **What to Order:**
- **Tikka Masala Burrito** – Spiced chicken, basmati rice, and creamy sauce wrapped in a tortilla.
- **Falafel Bowl** – Crispy chickpea fritters with tahini and fresh veggies.
- **Mango Lassi** – A sweet, creamy yogurt drink to cool the spice.
**Pro Tip:** Follow them on social media—they often have specials and pop-up locations.
---
*(Continued in Part 2—stay tuned for The Stage, Cheshire Village Pizza, Thai Garden, The Pour House, and Luca’s Mediterranean Cafe!)*
Would you like me to continue with the remaining five spots? I can also adjust the tone, add more personal anecdotes, or focus on specific dietary preferences (vegetarian, gluten-free, etc.). Let me know how you'd like to refine it!
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