Eat like a local

Whether you’re craving a cozy country breakfast, a family-friendly dinner or a flavorful international dish, the Sugar River Region has you covered. Here, country stores serve more than just pantry staples; they offer fresh-made meals with a side of New England charm. You’ll also find restaurants nestled in historical buildings, casual cafés and lively taverns. For three squares a day, and plenty of treats in between, you’ll find options waiting to fuel your adventure.

Upcountry

Meridan Deli Mart809 Route 120, Meriden (603) 469-3222facebook.com/MeridenDeliMart

Whether you want to start your day with a doughnut or a quiche, this neighborhood shop is the perfect place to stop. You can also shop for locally made products, get a take-and-bake meal, register your hunted turkey or fuel up your vehicle. During the summer season, cool off with scoops of ice cream.

Forbes Tavern and Events6 Club House Lane, Grantham (603) 863-8000forbestavernevents.com

On the weekends, you can get lunch at Forbes in addition to dinner, which is offered Wednesdays through Sundays. Don’t miss the Braised Beef Ravioli or its Sushi Bowl. There are also options for burgers, sandwiches, pizzas and salads.

Poor Thom’s Tavern19 Bean Road, Plainfield(603) 469-3400poorthomstavern.com

Dig into a wood-fired pizza or a burger of 6 ounces of local beef, topped with your favorites. Pub fare classics are here, plus French-Canadian-inspired dishes like duck poutine. Tuesdays are trivia night; reservations are recommended.

Downstream

Washington General Store29 N. Main St., Washington (603) 495-3131thewashingtonstore.com

Locally owned for more than 20 years, the Washington General Store is a popular stop for breakfast, lunch or a cold beer. You can’t go wrong starting your day with a plate of pancakes, bacon and local eggs at their counter.

The Village Store1068 Route 123A, South Acworth (603) 835-6547acworthvillagestore.com

This nonprofit, community-run general store operates as a traditional grocery and general store, including serving breakfast and lunch daily. Plus, on Saturdays in the summer, you can enjoy dinner with live music.

The Sumner House122 Main St., Charlestown (603) 826-0003thesumnerhouse.com

The Sumner House offers seated casual dining service, an amazing pub, as well as outdoor deck seating in the warmer months.

Sunapee

Stacy’s Smoothies and Coffee Bar36 River Road, Sunapee (603) 763-5900stacyssmoothies.com

Smoothies, bowls, coffee, baked goods, soft-serve, wraps, mixed nuts and more are a pretty sweet (and healthy) way to start your day. Note that it is open seasonally, May to October.

The Bend at Sugar River75 Lower Main St., Sunapee (603) 414-3016thebenddeli.com

Fine food, deli-and-country-store fare are available in Sunapee Harbor. Egg sandwiches, French toast sticks, yogurt, bagels, coffee and more are available for breakfast. Sandwiches, salads, soups and takeand-bake meals keep you fueled all day.

Suna6 Brook Road, Sunapee (603) 843-8998sunarestaurantnh.com

Delicious, high-quality dishes in a casual, comfortable atmosphere. Try a fun appetizer, like Sweet & Sour Calamari or The Chips. Then, dig into entrees like Shortrib Stroganoff or Shrimp and Lobster Gritts.

Newport

Breaking Bread63 Main St., Newport (603) 678-1212portcitypop-ups.com

A relative newcomer to the downtown dining scene, Chef Jeffrey Porter is dishing up breakfast and lunch fare of biblical proportions.

From the Hail Mary Hash Bowl to Holy Hot Ham and Cheese Sammich, there are unique combos for you to find.

The Old Courthouse30 Main St., Newport (603) 863-8360

This is, in fact, an old courthouse, but for the last 20 years, it has served elegant lunches and dinners, with brunches on Sundays. The menu includes the Courthouse Club and New England lobster rolls. Robust dinners include Mongolian roasted lamb or seared scallops.

Salt Hill Pub58 Main St., Newport (603) 863-7774salthillpub.com

Come to enjoy sandwiches, burgers, fish and chips, or other pub grub along with on-tap local beers. Stay to hear live music or participate in pub trivia. This is one of several locations owned by brothers Joe and Josh Tuohy.

Claremont

The Barn Café39 Main St., Claremont (603) 287-8098friendsofthebarn.com

Your taste buds will be watering when you spy the cinnamon rolls and pastries baked fresh daily at the Barn Café. Looking for something a bit heartier? There’s quiche, sandwiches, salads and more. Fill your mug with a hot brew at the coffee bar.

Sunshine Cookshop37 Pleasant St., Claremont (603) 543-0003sunshinecookshopjsr.com

From flavorful stew beef and other authentic Jamaican dishes, its passionate experts offer an exceptional dining experience that takes you on a culinary journey to the heart of Jamaica. Dine here if you are seeking to appreciate the rich, diverse flavors of Jamaican cuisine.

Taverne on the Square2 Pleasant St., Claremont (603) 287-4416taverneonthesquare.com

Located in the historic downtown area, Taverne on the Square is a full-service restaurant and bar offering American cuisine with a French flair. With homemade appetizers and entrees, hand-crafted flatbreads and mouth-watering burgers, its menu offers something for everyone at an affordable price. Kid-friendly, too!

Local Favorites

Balthazar’s Ice Shack367 Washington Road, Goshen (603) 309-7795balthazarsiceshack.com

Close to the snowmobile trails that pass the South Branch Sugar River, Balthazar’s is serving up subs, burgers, fries and, of course, ice cream. Shaded picnic tables, with heaters in the winter, are available for outdoor dining year-round.

Charlestown House of Pizza203 Main St., Charlestown (603) 826-3700chopizza.com

For 30 years, this cherished, family-owned pizzeria has been crafting mouthwatering pizzas and a welcoming atmosphere. Each pizza is lovingly prepared with the finest ingredients and time-tested techniques. Don’t miss your favorite scoop in an ice cream cone when you’ve finished dinner.

TC’s Pantry35 Pleasant St., Claremont (603) 542-6031tcspantryonline.com

From scratch-made meals like pot pies, chowders, chicken dinners, desserts and other specials are available frozen or ready-to-eat. You can choose from pick-up, delivery or shipping options to get a delicious dinner with little effort on your part.