The best bites in North Conway, New Hampshire
Of course! Grab a cup of coffee (maybe from Frontside, we'll get to that) and settle in, my friend. As your local guide to the culinary heart of the White Mountains, I'm thrilled to take you on a mouthwatering tour of North Conway's top tables. This isn't just a list; it's a story of flavors, from the first sip of morning brew to the last decadent bite of dessert under the stars. Let's dive into the delicious details.
***
### **A Foodie's Pilgrimage to North Conway: Ten Stops for the Ultimate Culinary Adventure**
North Conway. The name itself conjures images of crisp mountain air, vibrant fall foliage, and the nostalgic whistle of the Conway Scenic Railroad. But for those in the know—the true pilgrims of palate—this valley is a secret powerhouse of dining delights. Forget the chain restaurants; the soul of this town is fed by independent kitchens, passionate brewers, and family recipes passed down through generations. This is your curated guide to eating your way through paradise.
---
#### **1. Bangkok Cafe: A Spicy Oasis in the Mountains**
**Location:** 2729 White Mountain Hwy
**Vibe:** Unassuming strip-mall exterior hiding a vibrant, aromatic haven. The walls are adorned with Thai art, and the warm, immediate greeting makes you feel like a regular, even on your first visit. This is the real deal.
**What to Order:**
Don't you dare play it safe here. You came for adventure.
* **Must-Start With:** The **Fresh Summer Rolls**. These are not the sad, pre-made rolls you find elsewhere. Translucent rice paper wraps bursting with crisp lettuce, vermicelli noodles, mint, and plump shrimp, served with a perfectly balanced peanut hoisin sauce that is both sweet and savory.
* **The Main Event:** This is a tough call, but you can't go wrong with the **Panang Curry** (ask for it with duck if you're feeling fancy). The curry is a masterpiece of complexity—creamy coconut milk, savory peanut undertones, a hint of sweetness, and a building, warm heat that dances on the tongue rather than attacking it. Served with impeccable jasmine rice, it’s a dish you’ll dream about.
* **For the Adventurous:** The **Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao)**. Ask for it Thai spicy if you truly mean it. Wide, chewy rice noodles wok-fried with basil, bell peppers, onions, and your choice of protein in a fiery chili-based sauce. It’s bold, aromatic, and utterly addictive.
**Pro-Tip:** They have a well-deserved reputation, so calling ahead for a reservation, especially on weekends, is a wise move. Your taste buds will thank you for the planning.
---
#### **2. Muddy Moose Restaurant & Pub: The Hearty Mountain Staple**
**Location:** 2344 White Mountain Hwy
**Vibe:** Exactly what you picture a classic New England pub to be. High, beamed ceilings, a massive stone fireplace, and the gentle hum of happy chatter. It’s rustic, welcoming, and the perfect refuge after a day on the slopes or trails. This is comfort food central.
**What to Order:**
Think hearty, satisfying, and quintessentially New England.
* **Must-Start With:** The **Moose Nachos**. A massive platter perfect for sharing (or not, no judgment). Piled high with seasoned beef, melted cheese, jalapeños, sour cream, and salsa. It’s the kind of indulgent start a fun night demands.
* **The Main Event:** The **Shepherd's Pie**. This is the benchmark. Ground beef and vegetables simmered in a rich gravy, topped with a cloud-like blanket of mashed potatoes and baked until golden brown. It’s the definition of comfort in a cast-iron skillet.
* **For the Seafood Lover:** The **Lobster Roll**. This isn't just any lobster roll. It's packed with generous, fresh chunks of lobster meat, lightly dressed in mayo (or drawn butter, if you prefer), and served in a perfectly grilled, buttery split-top bun. It’s a taste of the coast, right here in the mountains.
**Pro-Tip:** Sit in the tavern area for the full pub experience and a great selection of local beers on tap.
---
#### **3. Hooligans Restaurant: Lively Bites & Nightlife**
**Location:** 21 Kearsarge Rd
**Vibe:** Energetic, bustling, and unapologetically fun. With multiple bars, sports on TV, and often live music, Hooligans is where you go to fuel up for a night out or to refuel after. It's loud in the best way possible—a place where laughter is the main ingredient.
**What to Order:**
The menu is vast, but focus on their famous, inventive pub grub.
* **Must-Start With:** The **Hooligan Fries**. These are a meal unto themselves. Crispy fries smothered in buffalo chicken, bacon, blue cheese crumbles, and scallions, then drizzled with ranch. It’s a flavor explosion.
* **The Main Event:** The **Steak Tip Dinner**. Marinated for hours and grilled to order, these tips are famously tender and flavorful. Served with a baked potato and a house salad, it’s a classic done right.
* **For a Great Sandwich:** The **Turkey Bacon Avocado Club**. Stacked high with freshly roasted turkey, crispy bacon, ripe avocado, lettuce, tomato, and mayo on toasted bread. It’s fresh, satisfying, and the perfect handheld feast.
**Pro-Tip:** Check their website for live music schedules. Grabbing a burger and a local brew while listening to a great band is a quintessential North Conway night.
---
#### **4. Abenaki Trail Restaurant & Pub: Cozy & Classic**
**Location:** 2284 White Mountain Hwy
**Vibe:** A cozy, family-friendly lodge feel. Dark wood, friendly servers who’ve been there forever, and a menu that feels like a hug. It’s reliable, consistently good, and a favorite among locals for a reason.
**What to Order:**
Stick to the classics—they’ve perfected them.
* **Must-Start With:** The **Onion Rings**. These are hand-breaded, beer-battered, and fried to a glorious golden brown. They’re crispy, not greasy, and absolutely irresistible.
* **The Main Event:** The **Prime Rib**. If you’re there on a night they have it, do not hesitate. It’s slow-roasted, incredibly tender, and served with au jus, horseradish, and your choice of sides. A timeless, magnificent meal.
* **For a Lighter Option:** The **Baked Haddock**. A generous filet, baked with a buttery cracker crumb topping. It’s light, flaky, and delicious, proving that simple preparations are often the best.
**Pro-Tip:** This is a great spot for families. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming to all ages.
---
#### **5. Peking Sunrise Restaurant and Lounge: A Chinese Culinary Journey**
**Location:** 1179 Eastman Rd
**Vibe:** A step into an elegant, serene space. This isn't your typical take-out joint. With beautiful décor and attentive service, Peking Sunrise offers a more refined dining experience for Chinese cuisine lovers.
**What to Order:**
Explore the extensive menu beyond the standard fare.
* **Must-Start With:** The **Peking Ravioli**. These pan-fried pork dumplings are a revelation, with a delicate wrapper and flavorful filling, served with a tangy soy-ginger dipping sauce.
* **The Main Event:** The **Peking Duck** (order in advance!). This is their signature for a reason. Crispy, lacquered skin, tender meat, served with steamed pancakes, hoisin sauce, and scallions. It’s an interactive, celebratory dish.
* **For Something Unique:** The **Szechuan Crispy Whole Fish**. A stunning presentation of a whole fish, fried until the skin is impossibly crisp, then smothered in a spicy, garlicky, sweet-and-sour Szechuan sauce. It’s a showstopper in both flavor and form.
**Pro-Tip:** The lounge area is a great spot for enjoying one of their expertly crafted cocktails with your meal.
---
#### **6. Delaney's Hole In the Wall: The Quintessential Dive Bar**
**Location:** 2966 White Mountain Hwy
**Vibe:** Don't let the name fool you—this hole in the wall is a beloved institution. It’s small, no-frills, cash-only, and packed with character (and people). The walls are covered in dollar bills and local memorabilia. You come for the vibe and the surprisingly fantastic food.
**What to Order:**
Burgers. Always the burgers.
* **The Only Thing You Need to Order:** A **Cheeseburger with everything**. It’s a perfect, juicy, griddled patty on a soft bun with all the classic fixings. It’s messy, it’s glorious, and it’s arguably one of the best burgers in New England. Pair it with their crispy fries.
* **The Move:** Grab a seat at the small counter if you can, order a burger and a beer, and soak in the authentic, buzzing atmosphere. This is North Conway history on a plate.
**Pro-Tip:** Bring cash! They don't accept cards. The line can get long, but it moves fast and is 100% worth the wait.
---
#### **7. Flatbread Company: Earth & Fire**
**Location:** 2760 White Mountain Hwy
**Vibe:** Community-centered, earthy, and warm. The centerpiece is a massive, wood-fired clay oven that crackles and glows. The smell of baking bread and roasting toppings is intoxicating. It’s sustainably focused, family-friendly, and always buzzing.
**What to Order:**
It’s all about the pizza, baked in that magnificent oven.
* **Must-Start With:** The **Organic Mixed Green Salad**. It might seem simple, but with their homemade maple-balsamic vinaigrette, it’s the perfect crisp, fresh counterpoint to the rich pizza.
* **The Main Event:** The **Punctuated Equilibrium** flatbread. This is their masterpiece: homemade organic tomato sauce, mounds of fresh mozzarella, crumbled nitrate-free sausage, mushrooms, and caramelized onions. The crust is everything—chewy, slightly charred, with a profound smoky flavor from the oven.
* **For the Adventurous:** Create your own! Their ingredient list is all-natural and sourced locally when possible. The roasted garlic and free-range meatballs are a winning combo.
**Pro-Tip:** Ask for a table near the oven to watch the culinary magic happen. Also, they have a great selection of local craft beers on tap.
---
#### **8. Frontside Coffee Roasters: The Morning Ritual**
**Location:** 2697 White Mountain Hwy
**Vibe:** The cool, modern, and caffeinated heartbeat of North Conway. It’s a coffee shop for purists and enthusiasts. The smell of freshly roasted beans hits you the moment you walk in. It’s a place to plan your day’ hike over an impeccable espresso.
**What to Order:**
This is not a place for a syrupy, milkshake-like beverage. Appreciate the bean.
* **The Coffee:** A simple **Cappuccino** or **Pour-Over**. Let the baristas guide you. They roast their beans in-house, and the skill and care they put into each cup is evident. The flavor is clean, complex, and vibrant.
* **The Bite:** Their pastries are sourced from excellent local bakers. Grab a flaky, buttery croissant or a hearty muffin to go with your brew.
**Pro-Tip:** Buy a bag of their freshly roasted beans to take home. It’s the best souvenir—a way to bring the taste of the mountains back with you.
---
#### **9. Sea Dog Brewing Company: Brews with a View**
**Location:** 1976 White Mountain Hwy
**Vibe:** A sprawling, lively brewpub with a fantastic patio that offers stunning views of the mountains. It’s part of a Maine-based chain but feels right at home here, offering a reliable, high-energy spot for great beer and solid food.
**What to Order:**
You’re here for the beer, so let that guide your food choices.
* **Must-Start With:** The **Bangor Onion Rings** with their signature coyote dipping sauce. They’re legendary for a reason.
* **The Main Event:** The **Fish & Chips**. Beer-battered haddock that is light, crispy, and perfectly greaseless, served with classic tartar sauce and fries. It’s the ideal pairing for one of their brews.
* **The Beer:** You have to try a flight! Their **Bluepaw Wheat Ale** (with a hint of blueberry) is a crowd-pleaser, but don't sleep on their IPAs or stouts. There’s a style for every palate.
**Pro-Tip:** Weather permitting, absolutely wait for a seat on the deck. The mountain view with a cold beer in hand is unbeatable.
---
#### **10. Tricks and Treats: The Sweet Finale**
**Location:** 2050 White Mountain Hwy
**Vibe:** Pure, unadulterated joy. This old-fashioned candy and ice cream emporium is a kaleidoscope of color and sugar. The smell of waffle cones and fudge hits you from the parking lot. It’s a non-negotiable stop for anyone with a sweet tooth.
**What to Order:**
Embrace the sugar rush.
* **The Ice Cream:** A **Waffle Cone** with a scoop of their homemade **Maple Walnut** and a scoop of **Black Raspberry**. The classic New Hampshire combination. Rich, creamy, and bursting with real flavor.
* **The Treat:** A quarter-pound of **Salt Water Taffy** to-go. Watching them pull the taffy is half the fun. Or, pick up a slab of their decadent homemade fudge for later.
**Pro-Tip:** This is the perfect capstone to your culinary tour. Go for a post-dinner cone and stroll through the nearby shops as the sun sets behind the mountains. It’s the perfect, sweet end to a perfect North Conway day.
***
So there you have it, my hungry friend. From the spicy depths of Thailand to the frosty peak of a homemade ice cream cone, North Conway is a destination that deserves to be explored one incredible bite at a time. Now get out there and eat!
***
### **A Foodie's Pilgrimage to North Conway: Ten Stops for the Ultimate Culinary Adventure**
North Conway. The name itself conjures images of crisp mountain air, vibrant fall foliage, and the nostalgic whistle of the Conway Scenic Railroad. But for those in the know—the true pilgrims of palate—this valley is a secret powerhouse of dining delights. Forget the chain restaurants; the soul of this town is fed by independent kitchens, passionate brewers, and family recipes passed down through generations. This is your curated guide to eating your way through paradise.
---
#### **1. Bangkok Cafe: A Spicy Oasis in the Mountains**
**Location:** 2729 White Mountain Hwy
**Vibe:** Unassuming strip-mall exterior hiding a vibrant, aromatic haven. The walls are adorned with Thai art, and the warm, immediate greeting makes you feel like a regular, even on your first visit. This is the real deal.
**What to Order:**
Don't you dare play it safe here. You came for adventure.
* **Must-Start With:** The **Fresh Summer Rolls**. These are not the sad, pre-made rolls you find elsewhere. Translucent rice paper wraps bursting with crisp lettuce, vermicelli noodles, mint, and plump shrimp, served with a perfectly balanced peanut hoisin sauce that is both sweet and savory.
* **The Main Event:** This is a tough call, but you can't go wrong with the **Panang Curry** (ask for it with duck if you're feeling fancy). The curry is a masterpiece of complexity—creamy coconut milk, savory peanut undertones, a hint of sweetness, and a building, warm heat that dances on the tongue rather than attacking it. Served with impeccable jasmine rice, it’s a dish you’ll dream about.
* **For the Adventurous:** The **Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao)**. Ask for it Thai spicy if you truly mean it. Wide, chewy rice noodles wok-fried with basil, bell peppers, onions, and your choice of protein in a fiery chili-based sauce. It’s bold, aromatic, and utterly addictive.
**Pro-Tip:** They have a well-deserved reputation, so calling ahead for a reservation, especially on weekends, is a wise move. Your taste buds will thank you for the planning.
---
#### **2. Muddy Moose Restaurant & Pub: The Hearty Mountain Staple**
**Location:** 2344 White Mountain Hwy
**Vibe:** Exactly what you picture a classic New England pub to be. High, beamed ceilings, a massive stone fireplace, and the gentle hum of happy chatter. It’s rustic, welcoming, and the perfect refuge after a day on the slopes or trails. This is comfort food central.
**What to Order:**
Think hearty, satisfying, and quintessentially New England.
* **Must-Start With:** The **Moose Nachos**. A massive platter perfect for sharing (or not, no judgment). Piled high with seasoned beef, melted cheese, jalapeños, sour cream, and salsa. It’s the kind of indulgent start a fun night demands.
* **The Main Event:** The **Shepherd's Pie**. This is the benchmark. Ground beef and vegetables simmered in a rich gravy, topped with a cloud-like blanket of mashed potatoes and baked until golden brown. It’s the definition of comfort in a cast-iron skillet.
* **For the Seafood Lover:** The **Lobster Roll**. This isn't just any lobster roll. It's packed with generous, fresh chunks of lobster meat, lightly dressed in mayo (or drawn butter, if you prefer), and served in a perfectly grilled, buttery split-top bun. It’s a taste of the coast, right here in the mountains.
**Pro-Tip:** Sit in the tavern area for the full pub experience and a great selection of local beers on tap.
---
#### **3. Hooligans Restaurant: Lively Bites & Nightlife**
**Location:** 21 Kearsarge Rd
**Vibe:** Energetic, bustling, and unapologetically fun. With multiple bars, sports on TV, and often live music, Hooligans is where you go to fuel up for a night out or to refuel after. It's loud in the best way possible—a place where laughter is the main ingredient.
**What to Order:**
The menu is vast, but focus on their famous, inventive pub grub.
* **Must-Start With:** The **Hooligan Fries**. These are a meal unto themselves. Crispy fries smothered in buffalo chicken, bacon, blue cheese crumbles, and scallions, then drizzled with ranch. It’s a flavor explosion.
* **The Main Event:** The **Steak Tip Dinner**. Marinated for hours and grilled to order, these tips are famously tender and flavorful. Served with a baked potato and a house salad, it’s a classic done right.
* **For a Great Sandwich:** The **Turkey Bacon Avocado Club**. Stacked high with freshly roasted turkey, crispy bacon, ripe avocado, lettuce, tomato, and mayo on toasted bread. It’s fresh, satisfying, and the perfect handheld feast.
**Pro-Tip:** Check their website for live music schedules. Grabbing a burger and a local brew while listening to a great band is a quintessential North Conway night.
---
#### **4. Abenaki Trail Restaurant & Pub: Cozy & Classic**
**Location:** 2284 White Mountain Hwy
**Vibe:** A cozy, family-friendly lodge feel. Dark wood, friendly servers who’ve been there forever, and a menu that feels like a hug. It’s reliable, consistently good, and a favorite among locals for a reason.
**What to Order:**
Stick to the classics—they’ve perfected them.
* **Must-Start With:** The **Onion Rings**. These are hand-breaded, beer-battered, and fried to a glorious golden brown. They’re crispy, not greasy, and absolutely irresistible.
* **The Main Event:** The **Prime Rib**. If you’re there on a night they have it, do not hesitate. It’s slow-roasted, incredibly tender, and served with au jus, horseradish, and your choice of sides. A timeless, magnificent meal.
* **For a Lighter Option:** The **Baked Haddock**. A generous filet, baked with a buttery cracker crumb topping. It’s light, flaky, and delicious, proving that simple preparations are often the best.
**Pro-Tip:** This is a great spot for families. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming to all ages.
---
#### **5. Peking Sunrise Restaurant and Lounge: A Chinese Culinary Journey**
**Location:** 1179 Eastman Rd
**Vibe:** A step into an elegant, serene space. This isn't your typical take-out joint. With beautiful décor and attentive service, Peking Sunrise offers a more refined dining experience for Chinese cuisine lovers.
**What to Order:**
Explore the extensive menu beyond the standard fare.
* **Must-Start With:** The **Peking Ravioli**. These pan-fried pork dumplings are a revelation, with a delicate wrapper and flavorful filling, served with a tangy soy-ginger dipping sauce.
* **The Main Event:** The **Peking Duck** (order in advance!). This is their signature for a reason. Crispy, lacquered skin, tender meat, served with steamed pancakes, hoisin sauce, and scallions. It’s an interactive, celebratory dish.
* **For Something Unique:** The **Szechuan Crispy Whole Fish**. A stunning presentation of a whole fish, fried until the skin is impossibly crisp, then smothered in a spicy, garlicky, sweet-and-sour Szechuan sauce. It’s a showstopper in both flavor and form.
**Pro-Tip:** The lounge area is a great spot for enjoying one of their expertly crafted cocktails with your meal.
---
#### **6. Delaney's Hole In the Wall: The Quintessential Dive Bar**
**Location:** 2966 White Mountain Hwy
**Vibe:** Don't let the name fool you—this hole in the wall is a beloved institution. It’s small, no-frills, cash-only, and packed with character (and people). The walls are covered in dollar bills and local memorabilia. You come for the vibe and the surprisingly fantastic food.
**What to Order:**
Burgers. Always the burgers.
* **The Only Thing You Need to Order:** A **Cheeseburger with everything**. It’s a perfect, juicy, griddled patty on a soft bun with all the classic fixings. It’s messy, it’s glorious, and it’s arguably one of the best burgers in New England. Pair it with their crispy fries.
* **The Move:** Grab a seat at the small counter if you can, order a burger and a beer, and soak in the authentic, buzzing atmosphere. This is North Conway history on a plate.
**Pro-Tip:** Bring cash! They don't accept cards. The line can get long, but it moves fast and is 100% worth the wait.
---
#### **7. Flatbread Company: Earth & Fire**
**Location:** 2760 White Mountain Hwy
**Vibe:** Community-centered, earthy, and warm. The centerpiece is a massive, wood-fired clay oven that crackles and glows. The smell of baking bread and roasting toppings is intoxicating. It’s sustainably focused, family-friendly, and always buzzing.
**What to Order:**
It’s all about the pizza, baked in that magnificent oven.
* **Must-Start With:** The **Organic Mixed Green Salad**. It might seem simple, but with their homemade maple-balsamic vinaigrette, it’s the perfect crisp, fresh counterpoint to the rich pizza.
* **The Main Event:** The **Punctuated Equilibrium** flatbread. This is their masterpiece: homemade organic tomato sauce, mounds of fresh mozzarella, crumbled nitrate-free sausage, mushrooms, and caramelized onions. The crust is everything—chewy, slightly charred, with a profound smoky flavor from the oven.
* **For the Adventurous:** Create your own! Their ingredient list is all-natural and sourced locally when possible. The roasted garlic and free-range meatballs are a winning combo.
**Pro-Tip:** Ask for a table near the oven to watch the culinary magic happen. Also, they have a great selection of local craft beers on tap.
---
#### **8. Frontside Coffee Roasters: The Morning Ritual**
**Location:** 2697 White Mountain Hwy
**Vibe:** The cool, modern, and caffeinated heartbeat of North Conway. It’s a coffee shop for purists and enthusiasts. The smell of freshly roasted beans hits you the moment you walk in. It’s a place to plan your day’ hike over an impeccable espresso.
**What to Order:**
This is not a place for a syrupy, milkshake-like beverage. Appreciate the bean.
* **The Coffee:** A simple **Cappuccino** or **Pour-Over**. Let the baristas guide you. They roast their beans in-house, and the skill and care they put into each cup is evident. The flavor is clean, complex, and vibrant.
* **The Bite:** Their pastries are sourced from excellent local bakers. Grab a flaky, buttery croissant or a hearty muffin to go with your brew.
**Pro-Tip:** Buy a bag of their freshly roasted beans to take home. It’s the best souvenir—a way to bring the taste of the mountains back with you.
---
#### **9. Sea Dog Brewing Company: Brews with a View**
**Location:** 1976 White Mountain Hwy
**Vibe:** A sprawling, lively brewpub with a fantastic patio that offers stunning views of the mountains. It’s part of a Maine-based chain but feels right at home here, offering a reliable, high-energy spot for great beer and solid food.
**What to Order:**
You’re here for the beer, so let that guide your food choices.
* **Must-Start With:** The **Bangor Onion Rings** with their signature coyote dipping sauce. They’re legendary for a reason.
* **The Main Event:** The **Fish & Chips**. Beer-battered haddock that is light, crispy, and perfectly greaseless, served with classic tartar sauce and fries. It’s the ideal pairing for one of their brews.
* **The Beer:** You have to try a flight! Their **Bluepaw Wheat Ale** (with a hint of blueberry) is a crowd-pleaser, but don't sleep on their IPAs or stouts. There’s a style for every palate.
**Pro-Tip:** Weather permitting, absolutely wait for a seat on the deck. The mountain view with a cold beer in hand is unbeatable.
---
#### **10. Tricks and Treats: The Sweet Finale**
**Location:** 2050 White Mountain Hwy
**Vibe:** Pure, unadulterated joy. This old-fashioned candy and ice cream emporium is a kaleidoscope of color and sugar. The smell of waffle cones and fudge hits you from the parking lot. It’s a non-negotiable stop for anyone with a sweet tooth.
**What to Order:**
Embrace the sugar rush.
* **The Ice Cream:** A **Waffle Cone** with a scoop of their homemade **Maple Walnut** and a scoop of **Black Raspberry**. The classic New Hampshire combination. Rich, creamy, and bursting with real flavor.
* **The Treat:** A quarter-pound of **Salt Water Taffy** to-go. Watching them pull the taffy is half the fun. Or, pick up a slab of their decadent homemade fudge for later.
**Pro-Tip:** This is the perfect capstone to your culinary tour. Go for a post-dinner cone and stroll through the nearby shops as the sun sets behind the mountains. It’s the perfect, sweet end to a perfect North Conway day.
***
So there you have it, my hungry friend. From the spicy depths of Thailand to the frosty peak of a homemade ice cream cone, North Conway is a destination that deserves to be explored one incredible bite at a time. Now get out there and eat!
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