Best of NH 2019 American & Seafood Restaurants

From juicy burgers and smoky BBQ ribs to outrageous grilled cheese sandwiches and tender crab cakes, whether you crave food from the the land or the sea, your bound to find satisfaction at these winners.

June 11, 2019

New Hampshire Magazine Staff,

Wicked Fresh Craft Burgers in North Conway is our pick for the classic combo of a burger and fries.

Editor’s Picks

BBQ Ribs: New Hampshire isn’t exactly known for its BBQ, but that doesn’t mean you can’t fulfill your craving for smoked or low-and-slow cooked meats (plus all the sides) — you just have to know where to look. Smokehaus Barbecue in Amherst, which opened in 2017, quickly gained buzz for a variety of items, but the highest praise goes to the baby back ribs. The combination of a dry rub and smoky flavor are spot-on. Under the “just meats” section of the menu you can order either a half or whole slab, though you really shouldn’t pass up the sides. Order a plate (again with a choice of a half or full order) and choose two from classic sides including mac and cheese, hush puppies, cole slaw, creamed corn, collard greens, baked beans or fries. If you’re somehow still hungry, give the brisket a try.

Burger Twist: There are many good things happening at this locally sourced, solar-powered spot in Northwood. Though the burger menu changes often at Umami Farm Fresh Café, bet on the fact that no matter what’s offered, it will be good and unlike anything you’ve had before. On top of that, you can make any of the creative burgers (like the Shmac, which has braised short rib and mac and cheese) your own by choosing from three options – the Asian-style smash burger, Korean fried chicken sandwich or veggie patty. You can also upgrade to specialty fries (these also change often) or swap out the regular bread for a gluten-free bun.

French Fries and a Burger: Burgers always demand a side of fries — it’s a match originally dreamt up in a diner, that has since made its way to even the finest of dining joints. At Wicked Fresh Craft Burgers in North Conway, the hand-cut Green Thumb potatoes are fried to perfection and tossed with fresh-snipped herbs grown onsite. The burgers are smashed on the grill for a perfect sear, and made with local beef, turkey or a veggie version of their own mix or the Impossible Burger. Toppings rule with a choice of fried egg, caramelized onions, marinated mushrooms, pickled onion and their own cajun or truffle sauce. Did we mention the bacon onion jam? Have it your way, or their way with pre-selected toppings.

Outrageous Sandwiches: If you call your place Sandwich Master, you better deliver the goods. This Rindge restaurant definitely lives up to its name with some truly over-the-top options. The Dumpster, for instance, has chicken fingers, fried mozzarella sticks and onion rings topped with more mozzarella plus marinara sauce served on a grilled sub roll. Or how about sandwich on sandwich? The Grilled Cheese Crazy is your choice of ham, turkey or roast beef with lettuce, tomato and your choice of dressing or sauce layered between a grilled cheese sandwich and a grilled bacon and cheese sandwich. Now that’s thinking outside the bun.

Over-the-top Grilled Cheese: Cheese lovers, make it your mission to track down the Manchester-based Prime Time Grilled Cheese food truck. The menu ranges from your basic grilled cheese (with a three-cheese blend) to sandwiches with all sorts of additions, such as pulled pork or buffalo chicken. For those who crave a little spice, there’s no topping the jalapeño mac and cheesy sandwich. Consider it the ultimate comfort food mash-up — creamy macaroni and cheese smack in the middle of more cheese and bread, with jalapeños for an extra kick.