Featured photo by @woodstockinnbrewery on Instagram
Each and every year since I was a little girl, I have traveled up to Lincoln, New Hampshire.
It is one of my favorite towns in New England, and quite honestly maybe the entire world. Part of the reason is that it’s just so nostalgic for me.
I learned to ski at Lincoln’s very own Loon Mountain, and grew up going to the ice castles each and every winter. In the summertime, we would explore the caves up at Loon and ride the gondola up to the top of the mountain to catch the stunning views.
Now that I’m older, I still try to make it a point to go a few times each year. We go camping in Lincoln at the end of every September, and get so excited whenever we enter the tiny town.
No matter what season you visit, one thing’s for sure: after a long day hiking or skiing, there’s nothing like visiting some great restaurants to enjoy a great meal to take the edge off.
What’s So Great About These Restaurants?
Aside from the pure nostalgia that goes along with visiting each of these great places, I am a firm believer that some of the best restaurants in New England are located in this small area in the heart of the White Mountains.
The owners, chefs, and staff at these restaurants pour their heart and soul into their work each and every day. Every time you visit one of these restaurants, you can be assured that your meal was made with nothing but good food and love.
I also think that there’s just something so special about gathering over a meal after a long day.
Now that ski season is upon us, there’s no better way to celebrate a successful day at the mountain than over a nice beer and good meal.
No matter if you did 20 runs of hit up the bunny hill all day, skiing in and of itself is deserving of the reward of food.
What Kinds of Restaurants Are These?
This list has every kind of restaurant; from cafes, to breweries, to Italian restaurants.
No matter what you’re in the mood for, there’s something for everyone when you dine near Lincoln, NH.
What Are Some Fun Activities To Do In Lincoln New Hampshire?
The sky’s the limit in this great town!
I’ll start by naming the obvious, Loon Mountain. Whether showing up in the winter or the off season months, there’s plenty to do at the mountain besides skiing.
Loon offers plenty of activities year round, from ziplining, to disc golf, mountain biking, and more.
There are also, however, plenty of fun things to do that don’t have to do without going to the mountain at all!
Aside from exploring the Flume Gorge, Lincoln Woods, and the many other popular hiking trails in Franconia Notch State Park, you can go on a moose tour, which starts right in the heart of the town center.
Pay a visit to Clark’s Trading Post or Whale’s Tale Waterpark, two amusement centers that have many fun activities for people of all ages.
There are Alpine Adventures, Ice Castles, and even iconic railroads to explore. You’re never going to be short of a good time!
But for now, let’s go over all of the top restaurants to visit near Lincoln, NH.
Flapjacks Pancake House
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When it comes to hearty, traditional country breakfasts, Flapjack’s Pancake House is where it’s at.
This popular spot is a longtime favorite of skiers and hikers alike, eager to revolve their entire excursion around rewarding themselves with a delicious pancake (I do not blame them one bit).
One of my favorite menu items of theirs is the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Flapjacks, which is just like a regular chocolate chip pancake only with Reese’s cups embedded in the batter. The first time I tried these last year, I was wowed by the good flavor that was present in every bite.
Common Man Restaurant
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If a restaurant that opened in 1985 is still around and killing it, you know they’re doing something right.
This great place has gotten Best of New Hampshire five years in a row, and I’m not at all surprised by it. The Common Man features some of the best of the best home cooked meals, including their famous crab cakes, homemade baked mac and cheese, and prime rib.
It’s featured in a laid back, cozy setting, complete with a fireplace, couches and games; great common man fare all around.
No matter when you decide to visit, you’re sure to enjoy some great food and a great time at Common Man.
Black Mountain Burger Co.
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Believe it or not, I had my last meal out before COVID shut down the entire world in 2020 here. I don’t regret a thing.
Sometimes after a long day of physical exertion, all you want is a really good burger. Luckily for you, Black Mountain Burger Co. has you covered.
This great spot has all of your favorites. From the area’s best poutine, to a killer brie and bacon burger, to a delicious corned beef reuben, you’re guaranteed to love anything you get from here.
BMBC also features the area’s best locally crafted beer on draft, which is a huge plus for me. Burgers and beers, what more could you ask for?
The Toast
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Located right at the RiverWalk resort at Loon Mountain lies a beautiful slopeside oasis that’ll satisfy all of your needs for the most important meal of the day.
They call it “breakfast with style,” and it honestly couldn’t be more fitting; I truly believe that this place has some of the best breakfast that you can get in the North Country.
Most of the menu items here is prepared from scratch, and used to create many unique dishes that are loved by both tourists and locals alike.
Bananas foster french toast? Sign me up!
This place was formerly known as Texas Toast, but is still locally owned and operated with all of the same great flavors you know and love.
From eggs to pancakes, this is a must visit place for breakfast in Lincoln!
Woodstock Inn Brewery
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One of my favorite places on this list, Woodstock Inn Brewery located in North Woodstock never disappoints.
This is one of the most iconic spots in the area, and for a great reason: in addition to their bustling brewery, with frequent events featuring live music and other fun activities, they offer some of the best food that the White Mountains of New Hampshire have to offer.
These guys are famous for popular homestyle menu items and homemade comfort food such as their meatloaf and chicken salad sandwiches, but offer delicious appetizers and sides like french onion soup, chili, and more.
I make it a point to visit this great restaurant at least once a year—it’s just that amazing. More often than not, you’ll find me ordering the meatloaf time and time again along with a flight (or three), but that’s besides the point.
If a restaurant is good enough to make you crave meatloaf, they usually know what they’re doing. You have to check it out.
Gordi’s Fish and Steakhouse
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This family run restaurant was founded in 1986 by olympic skiers. How crazy is that?!
This restaurant plays a special emphasis on skiing as a culture, and serves as a tribute to the people of Northern New Hampshire.
Here, you’re able to walk through and view memorabilia of past and present skiing icons and known characters, all while chowing down on some of the best steaks and Maine lobsters you can get your hands on.
Additionally, you can get local seafood favorites such as New England scallops, shrimp scampi, and all you can eat fish and chips every Thursday. Sounds like a win to me!
One Love Brewery
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This is one of the area’s best breweries, and for a good reason!
One Love Brewery has all of the best homemade craft beer you could ask for.
But aside from the delicious beer, something even more delicious from One Love Brewery is the food.
Here, you can enjoy a delicious, extremely extensive menu, with unique offerings like maple blueberry salmon, short ribs chimichurri, chicken gnocchi pesto, and lamb lollipops. Bet you don’t know of many other breweries offering those guys!
I know this might sound basic, but I also am a firm believer that a brewery is only as good as their pretzel, and let me tell you, One Love has an AMAZING one. So there’s that.
Get over here next time you’re in town!
Café Lafayette Dinner Train
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The Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train is the only one of its kind in Lincoln.
It is, you guessed it, an actual dinner train. How amazing is that?!
After boarding the dinner train, guests choose between an appetizer and an entree, and sit back among each others’ company for a two hour train ride on the iconic 1950’s train, in the restored vintage rail cars.
Their menu rotates between seasons, so it doesn’t always stay consistent. However, you can be assured that you’re eating the most delicious food and freshest ingredients that Northern NH has to offer.
This is truly a must-do activity whenever you’re in Lincoln.
Nachos
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Right in the heart of downtown Lincoln on Main Street is the iconic Mexican restaurant that has been going strong for years.
Nacho’s Mexican Grill recognized the area’s need for amazing Mexican food, and boy did they deliver.
I mean, who wouldn’t want to stuff their face with all of the best chips, salsa, tacos, and Mexican entrees after a long day of skiing and hiking?
I know I do!
Aside from classic Mexican fare, Nacho’s also offers things like veggie stir fry, grilled filet steak, and even a deep fried banana for dessert. You have to try this place!
Pub 32 Pizza and Beer
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The last stop for pizza and beer for the next 32 miles down the Kanc, Pub 32 Pizza and Beer is your last chance to get in a delicious meal before taking in all the gorgeous sights of the beautiful highway!
Known for its iconic sign that looms over Main St in Lincoln, Pub 32 has been serving up the area’s finest pizza and beer for years.
Here, you can get appetizers and pizza ranked as levels of ski slopes. Try a green circle “beginner,” appetizer, build your own blue square “intermediate” pizza, and then try one of their black diamond “expert” specialty pies.
This is truly your classic watering hole pub, and the perfect spot to satisfy your pizza cravings.
Don’t miss your last shot for 32 miles; go get what you’ve been dying for!
White Mountain Tavern
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Right by Woodward’s resort by Whale’s Tale Waterpark lies delicious food in a casual tavern, nestled into the heart of the White Mountains.
The White Mountain Tavern serves as a cozy family friendly restaurant and lounge, right in the middle of all of the Lincoln NH hustle and bustle that everyone knows and loves.
Here, you can enjoy classic appetizers such as perogies, truffle fries, and hand breaded chicken tenders, followed by delicious entrees like schnitzel, wild mushroom ravioli, and bourbon marinated steak tips.
You can also take after my father and get a massive burger with a knife down the middle of it, just like he did the last time we were here!
Classic American fare? Say no more.
This place is one of the best!
Jimmy Seas Pan Pasta
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Martha’s Vineyard’s favorite spot for pan fried pasta has earned its new location right at Loon, and it’s a crowd favorite!
At their Lincoln location, you can sit among the finest wines in all of New Hampshire and enjoy their classic favorites; such as butternut squash ravioli and lobster fra diablo (you read that right).
All pastas come served in a pan, and cooked to perfection!
In addition to their regular menu offerings, they also serve a myriad of different appetizers and house specials.
This place has been a hit on the Vineyard, and it’s a hit over by Loon! I highly recommend it to everyone.
Seven Birches Winery
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Last but not least is one of my very favorite places, the Seven Birches Winery.
Now, I’m not going to say that I gobbled down an entire stick of their imported Italian pepperoni the last time I was here having just finished a long hike, but I’m not going to say that I didn’t do that, either.
This great place features tons of homemade wines, table service, and the best of the best appetizers and snacks to eat alongside your wine.
All of their wines are produced directly on site at the RiverWalk resort, exactly where their tasting room and wine bar are located, so you can be assured that you’re drinking the freshest local wine that Lincoln has to offer.
Though their menu is constantly changing and evolving, the appetizers and snacks that they frequently have available are incredibly delicious.
This is the perfect spot to end the day, and a wonderful end to our Lincoln NH food tour.
Did I miss any spot that you love? Let me know in the comments section below so I can try it for myself!
