Epoch Reopens as Exeter’s Newest Gastropub

The Epoch Gastropub’s menu lives at the intersection of American regionality and global influences with dishes that showcase fresh, seasonal ingredients from local producers like this delicious chicken under a brick with fork crushed fingerling potatoes, baby eggplant, shishito peppers and thyme jus. Photo by Brian Samuels

As the state starts to reopen, some of our favorite businesses are starting to reopen too, including one of Exeter’s most beloved culinary destinations, the Epoch Restaurant. The restaurant will be reopening its doors on July 1 with a fresh new concept, guest experience and new name, the Epoch Gastropub. “This last year allowed us to not only focus on projects like redoing our dining room floors and adding more outdoor seating options, but focus on a new direction for the restaurant as a whole,” says General Manager Derek Hunt. “We want to come back fresh and a year older, but not worse for wear. Our focus on being an upscale gastropub gives us the opportunity to highlight New England cuisine and talented breweries around the state while staying true to who we are — a premier destination on the seacoast for eating and drinking.”

Executive Chef Tyler Brooks, an alum of Emeril Lagasse and culinary connoisseur, has created a new menu showcasing various global influences on approachable modern classics. It features a curated mix of small plates, sandwiches, large plates, sides and sweets. (And don’t worry, you will still be able to find the infamous Epoch burger on the new menu.) “We are excited to have a lot of locally sourced ingredients from local purveyors like Brookford Farm and Vernon Family Farm, which means that there will be seasonal and quarterly menu changes,” says Hunt. “Our drink menu will also be revamped with thoughtful crafty twists on cocktails made with local spirits and flavorful mocktails, and a focus on local breweries and wineries.”  The summer menu includes delicious options from a burrata and heirloom tomato bowl to tempura squash blossoms to butter poached native lobster rolls, and all can be enjoyed at the new bar inside or new bucolic seating area outside. The outdoor space also includes a new fire pit and chef’s live grill station, perfect for sitting back and relaxing with a smoked maple old fashioned during a variety of programming that will be available throughout the summer.

Brunch will also be back on Sundays featuring soup and salads, eggs, sandwiches, mimosa flights, and brunch staples like chicken and waffles, smoked salmon benedict and more.

All of the new restaurant additions and changes are exciting, but the staff is most excited to start welcoming customers through their doors again. “Epoch has been a significant part of the dining scene here in Exeter since 2007 and we couldn’t be more excited to reopen our doors in a few days,” says Hunt. “We are excited to reconnect with our community and invite them into the fresh space and create some deliciously fun times.”

Epoch Gastropub also offers customizable event space for groups ranging from five to 150 people and boasts five private dining spaces.