Craving comfort food? Here's where you need to go
Part of our 2014 list of Hot New NH Restaurants
BRGR Bar
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Chef Phelps Craig of Brazo opened the ultimate comfort scene with the hip BRGR Bar in the sophisticated new Portwalk Place development in Portsmouth.
A creative cast of burgers on the menu play well with the strong suit of adult milkshakes and house-made sodas. Burgers range from the Brazen burger with braised short rib atop a grass-fed burger to the Elvis that graces a beef patty with a fried banana, habenero strawberry jelly and cashew bacon butter to The BRGR, which offers the classic combo with lettuce, tomato and onion with a secret sauce.
It’s not all beef. Other patty choices feature quinoa, duck, bison and ahi tuna. The truffle fries and poutine round out the sides in high style.
There are several salads on the menu for those who must. In addition to a few local beers on tap, the adult milkshakes are laced with a choice of spirits including bourbon. BTW, they also have a great bourbon selection.
Don’t Miss: “Brazen” burger with braised short rib, truffle mayo, tomato, fried egg and cheddar is off the charts. ($13.50) Have it with the salad if you must, but the Parmesan truffle fries are the bomb.
BRGR Bar
34 Portwalk Place, Portsmouth
(603) 294-0902
Shack N' Cheese
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It’s a simple concept. Make a really good cheese sauce for mac n’ cheese and stir in a variety of ingredients to order, heat and let customers add their choice of crunch from dispensers. Would that be the Cap’n Crunch or the Goldfish or the Ruffles Potato Chips? Owners Jen Edes and Kate Lynch are constantly changing up the flavor options. The Brock is roasted broccoli, roasted garlic and caramelized onion, while The Whole Hog is ham, crispy bacon and hot dog. Like the idea? They are looking to franchise it.
Don’t Miss: The daily special mac n’ cheese mix is a testing ground for potential menu mainstays. It’s well worth a try. ($7, $9)
Shack N’ Cheese
149 Main St., Keene
(603) 352-5133
More Pure Comfort
Bella Napoli
It’s all Italian at this storefront pizza and trattoria in Suncook Village. Traditional subs, calzones, pizzas and classic entrées for eat in or take out. 139 Main St., Pembroke. (603) 210-2324
Riverside BBQ
If comfort is carnivorous, then BBQ is the answer. The former Sausage King on Main Street in Nashua was transformed by owner Dave Manganello into a BBQ joint. Find succulent ribs, nice fries, craft beers and ridiculous desserts for a savory assault on a big appetite. 53 Main St., Nashua. (603) 204-5110
Roger's Redliner Diner
Breakfast is offered all day at this renovated 1950s diner, serving throwback favorites and classic diner options for dinner, too, including blue plate specials. All breads and granola are from Me & Ollie’s. Southgate Plaza Shopping Center, Portsmouth. (603) 436-7777
