With Valentine’s Day right around the corner we’ve decided to give you a guide to some of the best restaurants around UNH. Whether you’ll be dining with your boyfriend, girlfriend(s), or alone, here’s a list of places that you definitely cannot go wrong!
1. The Farm Bar and Grille || Dover, NH
The Farm is a cozy, little restaurant on the Cochecho River in Dover. It is warm, inviting, and home of the best pulled-pork BBQ Nachos ($10) in the game. The outside looks as though someone converted their home into a restaurant and the parking is slim, but they slow cook their meats and offer homemade barbecue sauce. The portions are generous and the draft beer list is extensive!
2. BRGR Bar || Portsmouth, NH
The BRGR bar is a modern reinvention of the best burger joint you’ve ever been to. It’s located in Portsmouth underneath the Marriot Residence Inn. The setting and the food are simplistic, edgy, and creative. To start, Lucy’s House Made Fried Pickles ($7) is the perfect dish for two. The BRGR ($12) is served medium, topped with American cheese, bacon, L.T.O, and a “secret sauce.” Your taste buds will never be the same again. The drink menu also offers “Adult Milkshakes.” You’re welcome.
3. The Black Birch || Kittery, ME
The Black Birch is a gem tucked away in Kittery that creates a friendly, lively, and enjoyable atmosphere. The dishes are simplistic, but the flavors are exceptional. The Black Birch Fish and Chips ($15) are Allagash White beer-battered haddock, served with cole slaw and fries. For anyone who is not a fish lover, the Mac and Cheese ($8) is served with buffalo chicken (in a homemade hot sauce) with blue cheese and celery. All of the draft beers are locally brewed in Maine. You can’t do it better than them.
4. Surf Sushi Bar || Portsmouth, NH
Surf Sushi Bar is a unique, modern sushi restauraunt located in downtown Portsmouth overlooking the harbor. Surf serves inventive, artistic sushi platters. To start, the Steamed Edamame ($6) is served exclusively with sesame and black truffle salt. Just when you think it can’t get any better, Spicy Alaska ($16) is six pieces of avocado, sesame, and cucumber topped with spicy king crab salad and Yuzu Tobiko. Although the prices may be above your college budget, the quality of the food is definitely worth the price. Just know that it doesn’t open until 5pm!
5. When Pig’s Fly Pizzeria || Kittery, ME
When Pig’s Fly is a convivial, wood-fired pizzeria. They have a variety of seating options including a screened-in farmer’s porch, back deck, and a beer and wine bar. The Crunchy Chicken Wings ($11) served traditional or boneless can be served korean, buffalo, or with a hot honey glaze. The hot honey glaze will NOT let you down. The wood-fired ovens give the crust of the pizza a chewy and smokey flavor. The Margherita ($13) is made with freshly made mozzarella, red sauce, oregano, and basil. They also offer homemade classic and artisan breads, allowing for the best sandwiches. The Corned Beef Rueben ($12) is served on a flat stone plate and made with 1000 island, pumpernickel, kraut, and swiss. This place is a must!
Other great places to try are: Mexican at Pocos Bow Street Cantina, Italian at Cafe Mediterraneo Ristorante, and delicious flatbread pizzas at Flatbread Company… all in Portsmouth, NH!