Wolfe's Tavern

Chef Hoke Wilson of Wolfe's Tavern in Wolfeboro is satisfying the locals and summer visitors at this 200-year-old institution. Chef Wilson started his career at the prestigious Rainbow Room in NYC and also worked for the Carlyle Hotel. In 1983 he headed to New Hampshire to work at Stonehurst in North Conway and went on to the acclaimed Thorn Hill Inn and most recently the Thompson House Eatery.

Chef Wilson and staff have come up with a series of time-bending menus that reflect food trends through the decades as part of their anniversary celebration. Each week a different decade is featured offering special menu selections. Coming up in August are entrée specials from the '50s.

Other traditions at Wolfe's Tavern include the Mug Club. Drink 100 beers (but not more than two a night), kiss the moose and a pewter mug will be inscribed with your name and hung on the ceiling in the bar. A new martini club is being formed with similar requirements, but only 50 martinis need be consumed.

Seafood is a speciality of the house as well. Their day-boat fish has a QR code on the package which, when scanned, reveals the boat, captain and time of catch.

Thursdays feature Italian Night with a separate additional menu offering twists on traditional Italian fare at a good value.