New Hampshire Dining 2009

DINING

Best Ice-Cream Stand:
MEMORIES, Kingston
Step onto the wraparound porch to order flavors such as peanut-butter cup, chocolate-chip cookie dough, and Kahlua chip, all made on site at this farm. Then lap up the rural scene, where resident goats and a cow roam the grounds, and picnic tables under the trees offer a place to lick your dish clean. 95 Exeter Road; 603-642-3737

Best Picnic Lunch:
HOLDERNESS GENERAL STORE, Holderness
Whether you’re coming from the lake or you’re just off the trail, step up to the counter at the back of this store and get made-to-order sandwiches (such as turkey and avocado on sourdough, from $5.95), wraps, or panini. There are plenty of drink and snack options from the well-stocked shelves, too. 863 Route 3; 603-968-3446

Best Inexpensive Grub:
POOR PEOPLE’S PUB, Sanbornville
This family-owned restaurant gets its name from its beginnings, when in 1974 a deep recession–sound familiar?–prompted two out-of-work contractors to jump into food service. Today it’s a state staple and always packed, especially on Saturdays when the pub’s traditional pork-and-molasses baked beans and brown bread is the daily special. Entrées: from $7. 1 Witchtrot Road. 603-522-8378, 603-522-8681; poorpeoplespub.com

Best Steak:
O STEAKS & SEAFOOD AT LAKE OPECHEE INN, Lakeport
At this lakeside dining room, Scott Ouelette is known for his prime New York strip steak, cut to order and served with a choice of 13 sides, ranging from roasted garlic mashed potatoes to corn pudding. Entrées: from $16. 62 Doris Ray Court. 603-524-9373; osteaksandseafood.com

Best Chimichangas:
HERMANOS COCINA, Concord
Owners Bruce Parrish and Jane Valliere offer an ample menu of Mexican fare at their restaurant. Our favorite is the chimichanga, a deep-fried burrito that comes out crisp yet flaky and plump with beef or chicken, Mexican rice, tomatoes, and avocado. Best of all, a vegetarian version is offered. Entrées: from $7.99. 11 Hills Ave. 603-224-5669; hermanosmexican.com

Best Beer Sampler:
MOAT MOUNTAIN SMOKEHOUSE, North Conway
A wood rack of seven beers, a mix of ales, stouts, and lagers, from light to dark, are served in five-ounce glasses. It’s the most generous sampler portions we’ve ever seen, and each beer is full-bodied and distinctly flavored. Entrées: from $10.95. 3378 White Mountain Highway. 603-356-6381; moatmountain.com

Best Martinis:
COTTON, Manchester
A truly swanky lunch spot, Cotton features specialty vodka martinis (Cosmopolitan, pomegranate, 007 Vesper, Dirty Bleu–with blue-cheese-stuffed olives). Of course, it also serves a made-to-order gin martini, perfectly balanced and smooth. Entrées: from $14. 75 Arms St. 603-622-5488; cottonfood.com

Best Breakfast Omelet:
AUDREY’S CAFE, Dublin/Marlborough
Expect to find a full menu of choices (from $3.99), but try the “Farmer’s Omelet”–made with three eggs and folded around potatoes, peppers, onions, and cheese. The ingredients are well proportioned, and the eggs are cooked just right at this diner-meets-homestyle-cafe on the town line. 13 Main St.; 603-876-3316