Are you finding the best dining spot in Keene to grab a bite with loved ones, friends, and family? Keene is well-known for its local breweries, Mediterranean cafes, and restaurants. Here we share a list of Keene’s best restaurants that fulfill all the visitors’ needs.
Best Restaurants in Keene, New Hampshire
Keene is a beautiful small town and has a lot of attractions. Many impressive restaurants offer delicious food items for State College students and visitors. The total population of Keene is 23,000, and it is filled with rural beauty.
Along with the town’s Main Street, you will find many shopping spots, hang-out options, and cafeterias. It is famous for pizzerias, Thai gardens, and home-style eateries where visitors feel homey vibes.
Many food options are available whether you are looking for casual, drinking, or upscale options. You will easily find famous restaurants and fast food chains if you want to avoid exploring local tastes.
Lindy’s Diner:
| Location | 19 Gilbo Ave, Keene, New Hampshire (603) 352-4273 |
| Official Website | lindysdiner.com |
In the US political landscape, NH is very famous and has a long history. All the candidates come to the Granite State during the Primary season and for the Presidential campaign. During their visit, they visit downtown Keene to engage voters and prove their worth to their party.
Along with it, Lindy’s Diner is the favorite spot of many candidates. Whenever they come, they give a compliment that “The road to the White House goes through Lindy’s Diner.”
The counter service place offers a New Jersey-style diner option. The dinner style is the same as you experience throughout the United States but includes New England’s menu twist.
Lindy’s Diner is the best local eating place that offers breakfast, meatloaf, and burgers at affordable prices.
In the morning, visitors especially sit at the shiny silver bar to enjoy breakfast. In front of the restaurant, there is a large parking lot. The inside area of Lindy’s has a warm, classic diner vibe.
What to get at Lindy’s Diner?
Fish Reuben, Crabcake BLT, and Hot Dogs are Lindy’s icons. Lindy’s antique bottled soda helped to wash everything.
Luca’s Mediterranean Café:
| Location | 10 Central Square, Keene, NH 603 358-3335 |
| Official Website | lucascafe.com |
Luca’s Mediterranean Café’s menu is identical to the European Ocean country’s. It was the first café and a top spot for students. The restaurant offers North African, Southern European, and Middle Eastern flavors. You will also find a massive selection of wines.
The fare at Luca’s Mediterranean Cafe is full of Italian and Greek flavors. This local restaurant gives you excellent food and a friendly environment. It is considered an impressive spot for a date. The long wood bar is also suitable for solo dining.
In the evening, outdoor tables offer a great feeling. You also experience a warm vibe at indoor seating. It is the best cafeteria to enjoy the events with the family and partner, so quickly book your table or grab a seat in the bar to enjoy Mediterranean Europe flavors.
What to get at Luca’s?
Moroccan Lamb Tagine is Luca’s signature dish. Regarding food quality, Luca’s Mediterranean Café is considered one of the best eating places. Try tasty Italian food like Linguine with Bacon and Peas.
Many unique ingredients are used in stew-like dishes, including candied apricots flavor. Grilled Faroe Island Salmon with Moroccan salad made of Arugula and roasted pistachios will be a tasty selection.
Thai Garden:
| Location | 118 Main St, Keene, New Hampshire 603 357-4567 |
| Official Website | keenemenus.com/thai_garden.html |
For a casual Tuesday night, Thai Garden is an iconic establishment. Thai Garden is an unpretentious local restaurant offering many traditional cuisines, beer, and wine.
Their extensive menu includes Thai favorites like pad see ew, pad thai, spicy dishes, etc. Diners enjoy a cozy environment and comfortable setting. Thai Garden does not offer delivery assistance.
What to get at Thai Garden?
Enjoy the classic flavors of Massaman Curry and Pad Thai. If you love dessert, then you must try Sticky Rice with mangoes. For the summer evening, traditional Pineapple Fried Rice is the perfect dish. For vegetarian people, Spicy Tofu is the top option.
Elm City Brewing Company:
| Location | 222 West St #46 Keene, New Hampshire 603 355-3335 |
| Official Website | https://www.elmcitybrewing.com/ |
The modest artisan brewery was established in 1995. Along with craft beers, the restaurant is famous for its unique cuisine. It is a decent place to relax and enjoy the brewery. In their meals, they use locally sourced ingredients.
Make your time lovely with fresh soups, dressings, desserts, bread, salads, and sauces. The restaurant has a tavern-like atmosphere.
Due to its large size, they accommodate 200 people during summer, whereas the sitting capacity in winter is 150. Elm City Brewing Company is the perfect place to enjoy with friends.
What to get at Elm City Brewing Company?
Walnut Crusted Pork Loin and Maple Cream Sauce are the perfect choices for people who love to eat. It’s a tasty dish consisting of roasted pork loin with a brown sugar crust and baked walnuts. After topping with a sweet maple cream sauce, they serve the dish with seasonal vegetables and chive Yukon gold mashed potatoes.
The Farm Café:
| Location | 12 Emerald St Keene, New Hampshire 603 354-3521 |
| Official Website | https://www.facebook.com/TheFarmCafe/ |
A fully vegan restaurant is located in The Toadstool Bookshop, whose building is the same as Athens Pizza House. You will find it on the opposite side of the Works Bakery Café. They serve juices, smoothies, and other local foods.
For vegetarians, it is an ideal place in Keene. This café provides excellent service, and visitors experience a natural, friendly, and homey environment. They used fresh ingredients in salads, wraps, gluten-free bowls, soups, baked products, and other items.
What to get at The Farm Café?
The healthy food that the farm café offers is a Green Monster Bowl. It is filled with the quinoa of the farm café and black beans. It will give a smoky taste. Try a Golden Onion with a fresh baguette from the burgers list. Amanda’s Reuben Bowl is also a tasty dish.
Fireworks:
| Location | 22 Main St Keene, New Hampshire 603 903-1410 |
| Official Website | https://fireworkskeene.com/ |
Fireworks are located on the first floor of the Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Keene Downtown. It is a Mediterranean restaurant. It offers high-end Italian unique dishes like roasted meats, handmade pasta, and brick oven pizza.
Firework is considered one of the best downtown restaurants. It was awarded the “Best New Italian Restaurant” title in 2009.
Behind the restaurant’s success is a James Beard award winner Matthew Blau. It gives you the perfect taste in every dish. It also gives you excellent service with a pleasant environment.
What to get at Fireworks?
They offer you a Verdura. It is a vegetarian pizza with arugula pesto, mozzarella, and feta. It provides brews like Pineapple- Thai basil margarita.
Granita Enoteca:
| Location | 51 Railroad St Keene, New Hampshire 603 355-5242 |
| Official Website | https://granitakeene.com/ |
It is a fine dining spot where you will find New England-touched Italian food. They serve world-class wine and hand-crafted cocktails.
The restaurant has Michelin Starred Chefs. It provides menu-crafted dishes paired up with the options of wine and drinks.
Many seasonal-designed dishes are available to optimize your dining experience. The establishment is ideal for celebrating your favorite events, such as work promotions, family gatherings, anniversaries, birthdays, etc.
What to get at Granita Enoteca?
Try their seafood-centric menu to make your dining experience lovely. Their Olive Oil Poached Salmon is their signature dish. It is served with butter rice, gremolata, broccolini, and watercress.
It would be best if you tried their brews with your perfect meal. The excellent choice is Butter Poached Lobster Risotto with saffron and lemon. Also, give it a try to Halibut Saltimbocca. The dish is garnished with black lentil beluga and lightly fried capers.
Stage Restaurant & Cafe:
| Location | 30 Central Square Keene, NH 603 357-8389 |
| Official Website | http://www.thestagerestaurant.com/ |
The stage restaurant allows you martinis, contemporary innovations, and American fare. Enjoy the dining experience in comfy seating and a lovely environment. Their staff is friendly and helpful.
Stage Restaurant uses fresh ingredients in the food, and fare prices are very affordable. They have outdoor and indoor seating plans. An extensive list of wines, craft beers, and half-dozen martinis attract all the customers.
What to get at Stage Restaurant?
Braised Short Ribs and Chicken Parmesan are the best on their menu. You will also get a large variety of burgers. For dessert, you should try The Boss’s Best Coconut Cream Pie. Pumpkin Festival Martini is a top choice to taste in the Fall.
Salt & Lime:
| Location | 73 Emerald St, Keene, New Hampshire 603 355-7068 |
| Official Website | saltandlimenh.com |
If you are a Mexican food lover, it is an iconic spot. It is located on Emerald St. next to the Keene Skatepark. This food truck serves high-quality local street or Mexican food.
The food truck cooks are authentic and very professional. They use delicious ingredients and food combinations to prepare tacos and other Mexican meals. It is a permanent food truck; you will easily find it next time.
What to get at Salt & Lime?
Try their Pad Thai Street Fries with fantastic peanut sauce and pickled veggies.
Mi Jalisco:
| Location | 463 West St, Keene, NH 603 354-3123 |
| Official Website | mijalisco1nh.com |
Mi Jalisco is a tastier and more authentic food option. This dining establishment is in the West Street Shopping Center. They offer many delicious and unique Mexican dishes.
It is a lovely spot to feel relaxed and entertained after a long day shopping at West Street Shopping Center. They don’t serve fast food Mexican style. They are famous for their Seafood dishes.
What to get at Mi Jalisco?
Try their Taco Salad Vegetariano. It consists of healthy and bright ingredients. The Chimichanga del Mar is also very famous here. It would be best if you taste it with fried or boiled shrimp.
