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Apr 23, 2018
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The fine print
The vote
Hippo readers’ poll results are tabulated from votes cast by readers at our online survey during February. Readers entered their favorite people, places, events and more ― no pull-down menus or pre-selected choices. As with all the content you’ll find in the Hippo, there is no connection between editorial and advertising ― winners were picked by readers, not by Hippo’s advertising or editorial staff.
Hippo’s Best of 2013 is a celebration of all things local ― large chains are not included in the count. Some smaller chains, particularly those that are New Hampshire-based, are eligible.
All results are final.
Bests
“Best of the Best” goes to the person, place or thing that received the most votes in that category.
“Best of Manchester,” “Best of Nashua” and “Best of Concord” are awarded to the entry located in those three areas that received the highest votes after the “Best of the Best.”
For the purposes of the best-of-a-city awards, the Manchester area includes Manchester as well as Hooksett, Goffstown, Bedford, Litchfield, Auburn, Windham, Salem, Londonderry and Derry. The Concord area includes Concord as well as Bow, Pembroke, Canterbury, Hopkinton, Dunbarton, Loudon, Boscawen, Chichester, Suncook and Contoocook.
The Nashua area includes Nashua as well as Merrimack, Amherst, Hollis, Hudson, Brookline and Mason.
In categories that award “Best,” “Runner-up” and “Honorable Mention,” the wins go to the top three vote-getters.
Ideas, corrections and complaints
Have an idea for a category for next year’s survey? A correction to a phone number, address or name you see here? Complaints that your favorite muffin didn’t get the win? I probably can’t help you with the last one but for everything else please get in touch with me, editor Amy Diaz, at adiaz@hippopress.com. As you’ll see here, categories change every year (some are retired and new ones are added) so your suggestions are appreciated.
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3/21/2013 - These are your favorites.
Your favorite restaurant, your favorite burger, your favorite date spot. In February, you voted for your favorite things in southern New Hampshire. We counted the votes (yes, by hand, powered by coffee and junk food) and now here are the results. You’ll find old favorites and new winners, places you’ll want to rediscover and new restaurants or attractions to add to your plans for a great weekend or a fun night out.
Enjoy cheering and arguing over the picks and keep an eye out for our Best of 2013 magazine, which will hit stands in late April, where you’ll get to hear more from the people who have been crowned Best Hairstylist, Best Bartender or Friendliest Dentist.
And the “bests” are...
Arts
Best Live Theatrical Production
Best of the Best: A Christmas Carol in December 2012 at Palace Theatre, 80 Hanover St., Manchester, 668-5588, palacetheatre.org
Best of Concord: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast in January 2013, at the Capitol Center for the Arts, 44 S. Main St., Concord, 225-1111, ccanh.com
Best of Manchester: Ballet Misha’s The Nutcracker in December 2012 at The Dana Center, Saint Anselm College, 100 Saint Anselm Drive, Manchester, 641-7700, anselm.edu/dana
Best Live Theater Venue
Best of the Best: Palace Theatre, 80 Hanover St., Manchester, 668-5588, palacetheatre.org.
Best of Concord: Capitol Center for the Arts, 44 S. Main St., Concord, 225-1111, ccanh.com
Best of Manchester: Stockbridge Theatre at Pinkerton Academy, 5 Pinkerton St., Derry, 437-5210, stockbridgetheatre.com
Best of Nashua: Amato Center for the Performing Arts, 56 Mont Vernon St., Milford, 672-1002, svbgc.org/theater.aspx
Best Art Gallery
Best of Concord: Kimball Jenkins School of Art & Estate, 266 N. Main St., Concord, 225-3932, kimballjenkins.com
Best of Manchester: New Hampshire Institute of Art, 148 Concord St., Manchester, 623-0313, nhia.edu
Best Art in a Public Place
Best of the Best: Republic Cafe, 1069 Elm St., Manchester, 666-3723, republiccafe.com. The walls of Republic are adorned with artwork, including the graffiti series of restaurant co-owner Claudia Rippee.
Best of Concord: Concord Arts Market, a juried weekly outdoor market of artists and artisans that runs in the summer and fall in Eagle Square in downtown, 229-2157, concordartsmarket.com.
Best of Manchester: Currier Museum of Art, 150 Ash St., Manchester, 669-6144, currier.org. The Currier features sculptures on its grounds, including the 35-foot-tall, “Origins,” a sculpture by Mark di Suvero. Best of Nashua: Greeley Park Arts Show, an art show hosted by the Nashua Area Artists Association each August in Greeley Park, off Concord Street in Nashua, nashuaareaartistsassoc.org.
Best Art, Theater or Classical Event of the Year
Best of the Best: Ballet Misha’s The Nutcracker in December 2012 at The Dana Center, Saint Anselm College, 100 Saint Anselm Drive, Manchester, 641-7700, anselm.edu/dana
Best of Concord: Granite State Music Festival, 106 Warren St., Concord, is a two-day festival that raises money for music- and arts-related efforts, 534-3592, granitestatemusicfest.org
Best of Manchester: Palace Professionals Productions’ A Christmas Carol in December 2012 at Palace Theatre, 80 Hanover St., Manchester, 668-5588, palacetheatre.org
Best of Nashua: Greeley Park Arts Show, is an art show and competition hosted by the Nashua Area Artists Association each August in Greeley Park, off Concord Street in Nashua, nashuaareaartistsassoc.org.
Beauty & Health
Best Gym
Best of Concord: Concord Family YMCA, 15 N. State St., Concord, 228-9622, concordymca.org
Best of Manchester: Executive Health & Sports Center, 1 Highlander Way, Manchester, 668-4753, ehsc.com
Best of Nashua: Hampshire Hills Sports & Fitness Club, 50 Emerson Road, Milford, 673-7123, hampshirehills.com
Best Dry Cleaner
Best of the Best: Arnos Cleaners, 267 S. Main St., Concord, 224-4461
Best of Manchester: E&R Laundry & Dry Cleaners, 55 Central St., Manchester, 627-7661, and Bedford Village Shops, Route 101 West, Bedford, 472-2429, eandrcleaners.com
Best of Nashua: True Blue Cleaners, 14 Progress Ave., 883-3381, 120 E. Dunstable Road, 888-3341, and 4 Coliseum Ave., Nashua Mall, 889-3553, Nashua; 142 Nashua St., 673-6036, Milford, 308 DW Highway, Merrimack, 424-6276, 125 Indian Rock Road, 888-7995, Windham, and 20 Depot Square, Peterborough, 924-9988, truebluecleaners.com
Best Car Repair Shop
Best of Manchester: Brutus Auto Repair & Service, 148 Merrimack St., Manchester, 624-8881, brutusauto.com
Best of Nashua: Gurney’s Automotive Repair, 83 Broad St., Nashua, 886-5800, and 419 Elm St., Milford, 249-5552, gurneysautomotive.com
Best Florist
Best of the Best: Chalifours, 46 Elm St., Manchester, 623-8844, chalifours.com
Best of Manchester: Jacques Flower Shop & Garden Center, 712 Mast Road, Manchester, 625-5155, jacquesflowers.com
Best of Nashua: Fortin Gage Flowers and Gifts, 86 W. Pearl St., Nashua, 882-3371, fortingage.com
Best Doggie Daycare
Best of the Best: The Barking Dog, Ltd., 210 Rockingham Road, Derry, 434-2275; 7 Beech Hill Road, Exeter, 773-2275; 208 Londonderry Turnpike, Hooksett, 222-2275, thebarkingdog.com
Best of Concord: Cilley Veterinary Clinic, 37 Iron Works Road, Concord, 224-9549, cilleyvetclinic.com
Best of Manchester: All Dogs Gym & Inn, 505 Sheffield Road, Manchester, 669-4644, alldogsgym.com
Best Independent Clothing Store
Best of Concord: Gondwana & Divine Clothing Co., 13 N. Main St., Concord, 228-1101, gondwanashop.com
Best of Manchester: George’s Apparel, 675 Elm St., Manchester, 622-5441, georgesapparel.com
Best Second-Hand Store
Best of the Best: Mother & Child Clothing & Gifts, Greystone Plaza, 650 Amherst St., Nashua, 886-6727, mothersays.shoprw.com
Best of Concord: New to You High-End Recycled Fashion, 15 Pleasant St., Concord, 715-5908, newtoyouconcord.com
Best of Manchester: Opus Designers, 194 S. Main St., Manchester, 645-6787, opusnh.com
Best Independent Shoe Store
Best of the Best: Alec’s Shoe Store, 201 Main St., Nashua, 882-6811, alecs-shoes.com
Best of Concord: Joe King’s, 45 N. Main St., Concord, 225-6012, joekings.com
Best of Manchester: Bee Bee Shoe Store, 1525 S. Willow St., Manchester, 621-0608, beebeeshoes.com
Best of Nashua: The Shoe Box, 17 State Route 101A, Amherst, 672-6570, shoeboxnh.com
Best Independent Jewelry Store
Best of the Best: Capitol Craftsman & Romance Jewelers, 16 & 18 N. Main St., Concord, 224-6166, capitolcraftsman.com
Best of Manchester: Bellman’s Jewelers, 1650 Elm St., Manchester, 625-4653, bellmans.com
Best of Nashua: Scontsas Fine Jewelry & Home Décor, 169-173 Main St., Nashua, 882-3281, scontsas.com
Best Barbershop
Best of the Best: Lucky’s Barbershop and Shave Parlor, 50 S. State St., Concord, 715-5470, luckysbarbershop.biz
Best of Concord: American Barber Studios, 4 Park St. #2, Concord, 225-3052
Best of Manchester: Dude’s Barbershop, 1311 Hooksett Road, Hooksett, 626-0533, dudesbarbershop.us
Best of Nashua: Chuck’s Barber Shop, 168 Main St., Nashua, 882-3711
Best Salon
Best of the Best: Salon K Concord, 18 Pleasant St., Concord, 225-0099, salonkconcord.com
Best of Manchester: 26th on Hanover Hair Color & Design Studio, 26 Hanover St., Manchester, 626-0250, 26thonhanover.com
Best Spa
Best of the Best: Chill Day Spa, 1224 Hanover St., Manchester, 622-3722, chillspa.com
Best of Manchester: Not So Plain Jane’s Salon & Spa, 155 Dow St., Suite 102, Manchester, 622-5971, notsoplainjanes.com
Best of Nashua: Innovations The Salon and Spa, 228 Naticook Road, Merrimack, 880-7499, innovationsnh.com
Best Yoga Studio
Best of the Best: Bikram Yoga Manchester, 195 McGregor St., Mill West Annex, Manchester, 669-7711, bikramyogamanchester.com
Best of Concord: Sharing Yoga, 3 Pleasant St., Concord, with an additional location in Nashua, 630-5576, sharingyoga.com
Best of Manchester: YogaBalance, 135 Hooksett Road, Manchester, 625-4000, yogabalance.info
Best of Nashua: New Hampshire Power Yoga, DJ Square, 704 Milford Road, Merrimack, 594-2494, nhpoweryoga.com
Best Dance Studio
Food
Best Restaurant Overall
Best of the Best: Republic Cafe,
Best of Concord: The Barley House Restaurant & Tavern, 132 N. Main St., Concord, 228-6363, thebarleyhouse.com
Best of Manchester: The Puritan Backroom, 245 Hooksett RD., Manchester, 669-6890, puritanbackroom.com
Best of Nashua: MT’s Local Kitchen & Wine Bar, 212 Main St., Nashua, 595-9334, mtslocal.com
Best New Restaurant
Best of the Best: Baked Downtown Cafe & Bakery, 1015 Elm St., Manchester, 606-1969, bakeddowntown.com
Best of Manchester: The Rouge Grille, 860 Elm St., Manchester, 606-2488, rougegrille.com
Best of Nashua: Napa East Wine Lounge & Shop, 12 Murphy Drive, Unit B1, Nashua, 595-9463, napaeast.com
Best Fine Dining Restaurant
Best of Manchester: Bedford Village Inn Restaurant, 2 Olde Bedford Way, Bedford, 472-2001, bedfordvillageinn.com
Best Asian Restaurant
Best of the Best: Lilac Blossom Restaurant, 385 E. Dunstable Road, 888-9588, and 650 Amherst St., 886-8420, Nashua, lilacblossom.us
Best of Concord: Moritomo Japanese Restaurant, 32 Fort Eddy Road, Concord, 224-8363, moritomonh.com
Best of Manchester: Chen Yang Li Restaurant, 124 S. River Road, Bedford, with an additional location in Bow, 641-6922, chenyangli.com
Best of Nashua: You You Japanese Bistro, 150 Broad St., Suite 4, Nashua, 882-8337, youyoujbistro.com
Best Bagel
Best of the Best: Bagel Alley, 1 Eldridge St., Nashua, 882-9343
Best of Concord: Works Bakery Cafe, 42 N. Main St., Concord, with additional New Hampshire locations in Keene, Portsmouth and Durham, 226-1827, worksbakerycafe.com
Best of Manchester: Bagel Cafe, 373 Hanover St., Manchester, 647-2233, nhbagelcafe.com
Best of Nashua: Hot Rize Bagel Cafe & Coffeehouse, 634 DW Highway, Merrimack, 424-3367, hotrizecafe.com
Best Bakery
Best of the Best: Bread & Chocolate, 29 S. Main St., Concord, 228-3330
Best of Concord: Jacques Fine European Pastries, 128 Main St., Suncook, 485-4035, jacquespastries.com
Best of Nashua: Frederick’s Pastries, 109 Route 101A, Amherst, with additional locations in Bedford, and North Andover, Mass., 882-7725, pastry.net
Best Bar/Pub Food
Best of Concord: The Barley House Restaurant & Tavern, 132 N. Main St., Concord, 228-6363, thebarleyhouse.com
Best of Manchester: Billy’s Sports Bar & Grill, 34 Tarrytown Road, Manchester, 622-3644, billyssportsbar.com
Best BBQ
Best of the Best: KC’s Rib Shack, 837 Second St., Manchester, 627-7427, ribshack.net
Best of Concord: Arnie’s Place, 164 Loudon Road, Concord, 228-3225, arniesplace.com
Best of Manchester: The Farm Bar & Grille, 1181 Elm St., Manchester, with additional locations in Dover and Essex, Mass., 641-3276, farmbargrille.com
Best Beer Selection
Best of Concord: The Barley House Restaurant & Tavern, 132 N. Main St., Concord, 228-6363, thebarleyhouse.com
Best of Manchester: Murphy’s Taproom, 494 Elm St., Manchester, 644-3535, murphystaproom.net
Best of Nashua: Martha’s Exchange Restaurant and Brewing Company, 185 Main St., Nashua, 883-8781, marthas-exchange.com
Best Beer Shop
Best of Concord: Barb’s Beer Emporium, 249 Sheep Davis Road, Concord, with an additional location in Londonderry, 369-4501, barbsbeeremporium.com
Best Breakfast
Best of the Best: The Red Arrow 24 Hr Diner, 61 Lowell St., Manchester, with an additional location in Milford, 626-1118, redarrowdiner.com
Best of Concord: The Corner View Restaurant, 80 South St., Concord, 229-4554, Find them on Facebook.
Best of Manchester: Purple Finch Cafe, Woodbury Court, 124 S. River Road, Bedford, 232-1953, purplefinchcafe.com
Best Buffet
Best of the Best: Red Apple Buffet, 161 Loudon Road, Concord, 226-8866
Best of Concord: Sunday Breakfast Buffet at The Red Blazer Restaurant & Pub, 72 Manchester St., Concord, from 8 a.m. to noon, 224-4101, theredblazer.com
Best of Manchester: Manchester Buffet, 371 S. Willow St., Manchester, 668-8838
Best of Nashua: Grand Buffet, 350 Amherst St., Suite 2, Nashua, 881-9799
Best Burger
Best of the Best: The Barley House Restaurant & Tavern, 132 N. Main St., Concord, 228-6363, thebarleyhouse.com
Best of Concord: Downtown Cheers Grille & Bar, 17 Depot St., Concord, 228-0180, cheersnh.com
Best of Manchester: Billy’s Sports Bar & Grill, 34 Tarrytown Road, Manchester, 622-3644, billyssportsbar.com
Best Burrito
Best of the Best: Dos Amigos Burritos, 26 N. Main St., Concord, 410-4161, with additional locations in Manchester, Portsmouth, Dover and Rochester, dosamigosburritos.com
Best of Concord: Hermanos Cocina Mexicana, 11 Hills Ave., Concord, 224-5669, hermanosmexican.com
Best of Manchester: La Carreta Mexican Restaurant, 1875 S. Willow St., Manchester, 623-7705, 545 DW Highway, Manchester, 628-6899, with additional locations in Nashua and Derry, lacarretamex.com
Best of Nashua: La Carreta Mexican Restaurant, 139 DW Highway, Nashua, 891-0055, with additional locations in Manchester and Derry, lacarretamex.com
Best Butcher Shop
Best of the Best: Mr. Steer Meats, 27 Buttrick Road, Londonderry, 434-1444, mrsteermeats.com
Best of Manchester: McKinnon’s Market & Super Butcher Shop, 236 N. Broadway, Salem, 894-6328, with an additional New Hampshire location in Portsmouth, mckinnonsmarkets.com
Best of Nashua: Brothers Butcher Premium Meats & Market, 8 Spit Brook Road, Unit 28, Nashua, 809-4180, brothers-butcher.com
Best Candy/Chocolate Shop
Best of the Best: Granite State Candy Shoppe & Ice Cream, 13 Warren St., Concord, 225-2591, with an additional location in Manchester, nhchocolates.com
Best Cheap Eats
Best of the Best: The Red Arrow 24 Hr Diner, 61 Lowell St., Manchester, with an additional location in Milford, 626-1118, redarrowdiner.com
Best of Concord: Dos Amigos Burritos, 26 N. Main St., Concord, 410-4161, with additional locations in Manchester, Portsmouth, Dover and Rochester, dosamigosburritos.com
Best of Manchester: Ate Doors Down, 967 Elm St., Manchester, 518-5008, atedoorsdown.com
Best of Nashua: The Red Arrow 24 Hr Diner, 63 Union Square, Milford, with an additional location in Manchester, 249-9222, redarrowdiner.com
Best Cheese Counter
Best of Concord: Butter’s Fine Food & Wine, 249 Sheep Davis Road, Concord, 225-5995, buttersfinefood.com
Best of Manchester: McKinnon’s Market & Super Butcher Shop, 236 N. Broadway, Salem, 894-6328, with an additional New Hampshire location in Portsmouth, mckinnonsmarkets.com
Best Chicken Tenders
Best of the Best: The Puritan Backroom, 245 Hooksett Road, Manchester, 669-6890, puritanbackroom.com
Best of Concord: Tandy’s Top Shelf, 1 Eagle Square, Concord, 856-7614, top-shelf.biz
Best of Nashua: Chicken n Chips, 12 W. Hollis St., Nashua, 943-5840, chickennchips.us
Best Cocktail
Best of the Best: Mudslide at The Puritan Backroom, 245 Hooksett Road, Manchester, 669-6890, puritanbackroom.com
Best of Concord: House Margarita at Hermanos Cocina Mexicana, 11 Hills Ave., Concord, 224-5669, hermanosmexican.com
Best of Manchester: Moroccan Old-Fashioned at Republic Cafe, 1069 Elm St., Manchester, 666-3723, republiccafe.com
Best of Nashua: Giorgio’s Espresso Martini at Giorgio’s Ristorante & Martini Bar, 707 Milford Road, Merrimack, 883-7333, with an additional location in Milford, giorgios.com
Best Cookie
Best of Concord: Cafe Indigo, 128 Hall St., Concord, 224-1770, cafeindigo.com
Best of Manchester: Baked Downtown Cafe & Bakery, 1015 Elm St., Manchester, 606-1969, bakeddowntown.com
Best of Nashua: Frederick’s Pastries, 109 State Route 101A, Amherst, with additional locations in Bedford, and North Andover, Mass., 882-7725, pastry.net
Best Cup of Coffee
Best of the Best: Republic Cafe, 1069 Elm St., Manchester, 666-3723, republiccafe.com
Best of Concord: True Brew Barista, 3 Bicentennial Square, Concord, 225-2776, truebrewbarista.com
Best of Manchester: J Dubs Coffee, 1000 Elm St., Manchester, 622-7944, jdubscoffee.com
Best of Nashua: A&E Coffee Roastery and Whole Leaf Tea, 135 Route 101A, Amherst, 578-3338, aeroastery.com
Best Cupcakes
Best of the Best: Queen City Cupcakes, 790 Elm St., Manchester, 624-4999, qccupcakes.com
Best of Concord: New England Cupcakery, 24 S. Main St., Concord, 724-6464, necupcakery.com
Best of Manchester: Cupcakes 101, 132 Bedford Center Road, Suite A, Bedford, 488-5962, cupcakes101.net
Best of Nashua: Frederick’s Pastries, 109 Route 101A, Amherst, with additional locations in Bedford, and North Andover, Mass., 882-7725, pastry.net
Best Desserts
Best of Concord: Bread & Chocolate, 29 S. Main St., Concord, 228-3330
Best of Manchester: Republic Cafe, 1069 Elm St., Manchester, 666-3723, republiccafe.com
Best of Nashua: Frederick’s Pastries, 109 Route 101A, Amherst, with additional locations in Bedford, and North Andover, Mass., 882-7725, pastry.net
Best Diner
Best of the Best: The Red Arrow 24 Hr Diner, 61 Lowell St., Manchester, with an additional location in Milford, 626-1118, redarrowdiner.com
Best of Concord: Tilt’n Diner, 61 Laconia Road, Tilton, 286-2204, thecman.com
Best of Manchester: Airport Diner, 2280 Brown Ave, Manchester, 623-5040, thecman.com
Best of Nashua: The Red Arrow 24 Hr Diner, 63 Union Square, Milford, with an additional location in Manchester, 249-9222, redarrowdiner.com
Best Ethnic Food Market
Best of the Best: Saigon Asian Market, 92 S. Maple St., Manchester, 644-3555
Best of Concord: South Street Market (Greek), 47 South St., Concord, 224-8666
Best of Nashua: Saigon Asian Market, 33 Pine St., Nashua, 521-6171
Best Espresso Drinks
Best of the Best: Republic Cafe, 1069 Elm St., Manchester, 666-3723, republiccafe.com
Best of Concord: True Brew Barista, 3 Bicentennial Square, Concord, 225-2776, truebrewbarista.com
Best of Manchester: J Dubs Coffee, 1000 Elm St., Manchester, 622-7944, jdubscoffee.com
Best Farmers Market
Best: Concord Farmers Market, which operates from the first Saturday in June through the last Saturday in October, mornings, on Capitol Street in downtown Concord, concordfarmersmarket.com
Runner-up: Manchester Downtown Farmers Market, which operates every Thursday from June through October, afternoons, on Concord Street in Manchester (across from the city library), manchesternhfarmersmarket.com
Honorable mention: Bedford Farmers Market, which runs every Tuesday afternoon from mid-June to mid-October, at Benedictine Park in Bedford, bedfordfarmersmarket.org
Best Food Festival/Event
Best: Glendi, the weekend-long Greek food and culture festival held each September at St. George Orthodox Cathedral, 650 Hanover St., Manchester
Runner-up: Rock’n Ribfest, held each summer at the Anheuser-Busch Brewery Merrimack, featuring barbecue, music and entertainment, rotaryribfest.org. This year’s festival is scheduled for June 14-16.
Honorable mention: 2012 New England Chili Classic, a two-day restaurant competition held this past October in Veterans Park in Manchester, newenglandchiliclassic.com
Best French Fries
Best of the Best: Caesario’s Pizza & Subs, 1057 Elm St., Manchester, 669-8383, caesariospizza.com
Best of Concord: The Barley House Restaurant & Tavern, 132 N. Main St., Concord, 228-6363, thebarleyhouse.com
Best of Manchester: Republic Cafe, 1069 Elm St., Manchester, 666-3723, republiccafe.com
Best Ice Cream
Best of the Best: The Puritan Backroom, 245 Hooksett Road, Manchester, 669-6890, puritanbackroom.com
Best of Concord: Arnie’s Place, 164 Loudon Road, Concord, 228-3225, arniesplace.com
Best of Nashua: Hayward’s Homemade Ice Cream, 7 DW Highway, Nashua, 888-4663, with an additional location in Milford, haywardsicecream.com
Best Italian Restaurant
Best of the Best: Piccola Italia Ristorante, 815 Elm St., Manchester, 606-5100, piccolanh.com
Best of Manchester: Fratello’s Italian Grille, 155 Dow St., Manchester, 624-2022, with an additional location in Laconia, fratellos.com
Best of Nashua: Villa Banca, 194 Main St., Nashua, 598-0500, villabanca.com
Best Late Night Eats
Best of the Best: The Red Arrow 24 Hr Diner, 61 Lowell St., Manchester, with an additional location in Milford, 626-1118, redarrowdiner.com
Best of Concord: Downtown Cheers Grille & Bar, 17 Depot St., Concord, 228-0180, cheersnh.com
Best of Manchester: Airport Diner, 2280 Brown Ave, Manchester, 623-5040, thecman.com
Best of Nashua: The Red Arrow 24 Hr Diner, 63 Union Square, Milford, with an additional location in Manchester, 249-9222, redarrowdiner.com
Best Mac & Cheese
Best of the Best: Mr. Mac’s Macaroni & Cheese, 497 Hooksett Road, Manchester, 606-1760, mr-macs.com
Best of Nashua: The Common Man Restaurant, 304 DW Highway, Merrimack, with additional locations in Concord, Lincoln, Ashland, Portsmouth, Windham, and Claremont, 429-3463, thecman.com
Best Menu Item
Best of the Best: Chicken Tenders at The Puritan Backroom, 245 Hooksett Road, Manchester, 669-6890, puritanbackroom.com
Best of Concord: Dublin Burger at The Barley House Restaurant & Tavern, 132 N. Main St., Concord, 228-6363, thebarleyhouse.com
Best of Manchester: Moroccan Red Lentil Stew at Republic Cafe, 1069 Elm St., Manchester, 666-3723, republiccafe.com
Best of Nashua: Beer Battered Fish and Chips at The Peddler’s Daughter, 48 Main St., Nashua, 821-7535, thepeddlersdaughter.com
Best Mexican/Latin
American Restaurant
Best of the Best: La Carreta Mexican Restaurant, 1875 S. Willow St., Manchester, 623-7705, 545 DW Highway, Manchester, 628-6899, with additional locations in Nashua and Derry, lacarretamex.com
Best of Concord: Hermanos Cocina Mexicana, 11 Hills Ave., Concord, 224-5669, hermanosmexican.com
Best of Manchester: Shorty’s Mexican Roadhouse, 1050 Bicentennial Drive, Manchester, 625-1730, with additional locations in Bedford and Nashua, shortysmex.com
Best of Nashua: La Carreta Mexican Restaurant, 139 DW Highway, Nashua, 891-0055, with additional locations in Manchester and Derry, lacarretamex.com
Best Neighborhood Market
Best of the Best: Bunny’s Superette, 75 Webster St., Manchester, 622-5080
Best of Concord: Concord Cooperative Market, 24 S. Main St., Concord, 225-6840, concordfoodcoop.coop
Best of Manchester: Sully’s Superette, 10 N. Mast Road, Goffstown, 497-8176, sullyssuperette.com
Best of Nashua: Jeannotte’s Market, 2 Courtland St., Nashua, 882-0161
Best Outdoor Food Vendor
Best of Concord: Arnie’s Place, 164 Loudon Road, Concord, 228-3225, arniesplace.com
Best of Manchester: Abe Froman’s, 997 Elm St., Manchester, 396-7564, abefromans.info
Best of Nashua: Jean’s Express Dogs, a cart in Greeley Park, Nashua
Best Pizza, Takeout
Best of Concord: Vinnie’s Pizzaria, 200 S. Main St., Concord, 224-7727
Best of Manchester: Portland Pie Co., 786 Elm St., Manchester, 622-7437, with an additional location in Nashua, portlandpie.com
Best of Nashua: Portland Pie Co., 14 Railroad Square, Nashua, 882-7437, with an additional location in Manchester, portlandpie.com
Best Pizza, Dine-in
Best of the Best: 900 Degrees, 50 Dow St., Manchester, 641-0900, 900degrees.com
Best of Concord: Vinnie’s Pizzaria, 200 S. Main St., Concord, 224-7727
Best of Manchester: Portland Pie Co., 786 Elm St., Manchester, 622-7437, with an additional location in Nashua, portlandpie.com
Best of Nashua: Portland Pie Company, 14 Railroad Square, Nashua, 882-7437, with an additional location in Manchester, portlandpie.com
Best Poutine
Best of the Best: Chez Vachon, 136 Kelley St., Manchester, 625-9660, chezvachon.com
Best of Concord: Penuche’s Ale House, 16 Bicentennial Square, Concord, 228-9833, with additional locations in Manchester, Nashua and Keene.
Best of Manchester: New England’s Tap House Grille, 1292 Hooksett Road, Hooksett, 782-5137, taphousenh.com
Best Restaurant for Kids
Best of the Best: T-Bones of Bedford, 25 S. River Road, Bedford, 641-6100, with additional locations in Derry, Hudson, Salem and Laconia, t-bones.com
Best of Concord: Downtown Cheers Grille & Bar, 17 Depot St., Concord, 228-0180, cheersnh.com
Best of Manchester: Purple Finch Cafe, Woodbury Court, 124 S. River Road, Bedford, 232-1953, purplefinchcafe.com
Best of Nashua: TieBreakers Family Grille at Hampshire Hills Sports & Fitness Club, 50 Emerson Road, Milford, 673-7123, hampshirehills.com
Best Ribs
Best of the Best: KC’s Rib Shack, 837 Second St., Manchester, 627-7427, ribshack.net
Best of Manchester: Cactus Jack’s, 782 S. Willow St., Manchester, 627-8600, with an additional location in Laconia, go2cjs.com
Best of Nashua: Shorty’s Mexican Roadhouse, Nashua Mall, 48 Gusabel Ave., Nashua, 882-4070, with additional locations in Manchester and Bedford, shortysmex.com
Best Salads
Best of the Best: The Puritan Backroom, 245 Hooksett Road, Manchester, 669-6890, puritanbackroom.com
Best of Concord: Downtown Cheers Grille & Bar, 17 Depot St., Concord, 228-0180, cheersnh.com
Best of Manchester: Republic Cafe, 1069 Elm St., Manchester, 666-3723, republiccafe.com
Best of Nashua: The Seedling Cafe & Catering, 30 Temple St., Nashua, 594-4002, theseedlingcafe.com
Best Sandwich
Best of the Best: The Cardiac Sam at KC’s Rib Shack, 837 Second St., Manchester, 627-7427, ribshack.net
Best of Concord: Beefside’s Famous Roast Beef Sandwiches at Beefside Restaurant, 106 Manchester St., Concord, 228-0208, beefsiderestaurant.com
Best of Manchester: C.B.C. at T-Bones of Bedford, 25 S. River Road, Bedford, 641-6100, with additional locations in Derry, Hudson, Salem and Laconia, t-bones.com
Best of Nashua: Big Poppy at The Nashua Garden, 121 Main St., Nashua, 886-7363, nashuagarden.com
Best Seafood Restaurant
Best of the Best: Surf Restaurant, 207 Main St., Nashua, 595-9293, surfseafood.com
Best of Concord: Makris Lobster and Steak House, Route 106, Concord, 225-7665, eatalobster.com
Best of Manchester: Hooked Seafood Restaurant, 110 Hanover St., Manchester, 606-1189, hookednh.com
Best of Nashua: The Lobster Boat Restaurant, 435 DW Highway, Merrimack, 424-5221, with additional locations in Litchfield, Exeter and Tyngsboro, Mass., lobsterboatrestaurant.com
Best Soup
Best of Manchester: Suddenly Soupy’s, 28 Hanover St., Manchester, 657-7279, suddenlysoupys.com
Best Steakhouse
Best Subs
Best of the Best: Nadeau’s, 776 Mast Road, Goffstown, 623-9315; 100 Cahill Ave., Manchester, 669-7827; 805 Canal St., Manchester, 644-8888; 1095 Hanover St., Manchester, 606-4411; and 81 S. Main St., Concord, 856-7563, nadeaus.biz
Best of Concord: The Yellow Submarine, 192 N. State St., Concord, 228-4500
Best of Manchester: USA Subs, 66 Crystal Ave., Derry, 437-1550; 354 N. Broadway, Salem, 912-5481; and 1292 Hooksett Road, Hooksett, 625-1800, usasubs.com
Best of Nashua: Bill Cahill’s Super Subs, 8 Kimball Hill Road, Hudson, 882-7710
Best Vegetarian Menu
Best of the Best: Republic Cafe, 1069 Elm St., Manchester, 666-3723, republiccafe.com
Best of Concord: Cafe Indigo, 128 Hall St., Concord, 224-1770, cafeindigo.com
Best of Manchester: Cafe Momo, 1064 Hanover St., Manchester, 623-3733, cafemomonh.com
Best of Nashua: Meena’s Kitchen, 113 W. Pearl St., Nashua, 204-5025, meenaskitchen.com
Best Wings
Best of the Best: Billy’s Sports Bar & Grill, 34 Tarrytown Road, Manchester, 622-3644, billyssportsbar.com
Best of Concord: Tandy’s Top Shelf, 1 Eagle Square, Concord, 856-7614, top-shelf.biz
Best of Manchester: KC’s Rib Shack, 837 Second St., Manchester, 627-7427, ribshack.net
Best of Nashua: 603 Sports Bar & Lounge, 14 W. Hollis St., Nashua, 821-5260
Best Restaurant Wine List
Best of the Best: UnWine’d, 865 Second St., Manchester, 625-9463, unwined.net
Best of Concord: The Common Man Restaurant, 25 Water St., Concord, with additional locations in Lincoln, Ashland, Merrimack, Portsmouth, Windham, and Claremont, 228-3463, thecman.com
Best of Manchester: Bedford Village Inn Restaurant, 2 Olde Bedford Way, Bedford, 472-2001, bedfordvillageinn.com
Best of Nashua: Napa East Wine Lounge & Shop, 12 Murphy Drive, Unit B1, Nashua, 595-9463, napaeast.com
Best Wine Bar
Best of the Best: UnWine’d, 865 Second St., Manchester, 625-9463, unwined.net
Best of Manchester: Corks Wine Bar/ Bedford Village Inn, 2 Olde Bedford Way, Bedford, 472-2001, bedfordvillageinn.com
Best of Nashua: Napa East Wine Lounge & Shop, 12 Murphy Drive, Unit B1, Nashua, 595-9463, napaeast.com
Best Wine Shop
Best of Concord: Butter’s Fine Food & Wine, 249 Sheep Davis Road, Concord, 225-5995, buttersfinefood.com
Best of Manchester: The Wine Studio, 53 Hooksett Road, Manchester, 622-9463, thewinestudionh.com
Best of Nashua: Napa East Wine Lounge & Shop, 12 Murphy Drive, Unit B1, Nashua, 595-9463, napaeast.com
Entertainment
Best Locally Produced TV Show
Best: New Hampshire Chronicle, WMUR, which airs weeknights at 7 p.m. and is hosted by Sean McDonald and Erin Fehlau with a regular feature by Fritz Wetherbee. The show profiles New Hampshire people, places and events. See wmur.com.
Runner-Up: Manchesterdam, TV 23. See manchestertv.org for air times of this public access show.
Honorable mention: Windows to the Wild, NHPTV, is hosted by Willem Lange and features outdoor adventures and scenes in New Hampshire. See nhptv.org/windows for air times.
Best Locally Produced Radio Show
Best: Greg & the Morning Buzz, 100.3 WHEB/Rock 101FM, which airs weekdays from 5:30 to 10 a.m. and is hosted by Greg Kretschmar. See morningbuzzonline.com.
Runner-up: New Hampshire in the Morning, 95.7 WZID, hosted by Mike Morin and Tracy Caruso, which airs weekdays from 5 to 10 a.m. See wzid.com.
Honorable mention: The Exchange on NHPR, which airs weekdays at 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. The call-in show is hosted by Laura Knoy. See nhpr.org.
Best Local Radio Station
Best: 95.7 FM WZID, whose slogan is “The Best Variety of Yesterday and Today.” See wzid.com.
Runner-up: 101.1 FM WGIR, known as “Rock 101.” See rock101fm.com.
Honorable Mention: NHPR, New Hampshire Public Radio, which airs on various FM frequencies throughout the state, including 89.1 in Concord and Manchester and 88.3 in Nashua. See nhpr.org.
Best Movie Theater
Honorable Mention: Chunky’s, 151 Coliseum Ave., Nashua, 880-8055, chunkys.com
Best Community Event
Best of the Best: Winter Holiday Stroll in downtown Nashua, which features music, food, shopping, live entertainment and a candlelight stroll throughout downtown on a November evening, organized by Great American Downtown Nashua. See downtownnashua.org.
Best of Concord: Market Days Festival, which offers food, shopping and free entertainment each summer in downtown Concord, hosted by Intown Concord. See mainstreetconcord.com.
Best of Manchester: New England Chili Classic, two days of food and entertainment in Veterans Park in downtown Manchester. See yourmanchesternh.com/chili.
Best of Nashua: Milford Pumpkin Festival, the annual fall festival organized by Milford Downtown Ongoing Improvement Team that brings food, music and a wide variety of entertainment to the Milford oval, including pumpkin-catapulting. See milfordpumpkinfestival.org.
Best Place to Take the Kids
Best of the Best: Cowabunga’s, 1328 Hooksett Road, Hooksett, 625-8008, mycowabungas.com
Best of Concord: Krazy Kids, 60 Sheep Davis Road, Pembroke, 228-7529, gokrazykids.com
Best Place to Take Kids on a Rainy/Snowy Day
Best of Concord: Krazy Kids, 60 Sheep Davis Road, Pembroke, 228-7529, gokrazykids.com
Best of Nashua: Chunky’s Cinema Pub, 151 Coliseum Ave., Nashua, 880-8055, chunkys.com
Best Place to Take Visiting Relatives
Best of the Best: Currier Museum of Art, 150 Ash St., Manchester, 669-6144, currier.org
Best of Concord: Canterbury Shaker Village, 288 Shaker Road, Canterbury, 783-9511, shakers.org
Best of Manchester: Millyard Museum, 200 Bedford St., Manchester, 622-7531
Best of Nashua: Anheuser-Busch Brewery, 221 DW Highway, Merrimack, 595-1201, budweisertours.com
Looking for Love
Best Pick-Up Place
Best of the Best: Drynk, 20 Old Granite Street, Manchester, 836-5251, drynknh.com
Best of Concord: Tandy’s Top Shelf, 1 Eagle Square, Concord, 856-7614, top-shelf.biz
Best of Manchester: Derryfield Restaurant, 625 N. Mammoth Road, Manchester, 623-2880, thederryfield.com
Best of Nashua: Arena, 53 High St., Nashua, 881-9060, arenanh.com
Best Date Place
Best of the Best: Firefly American Bistro & Bar, 22 Concord St., Manchester, 935-9740, fireflynh.com
Best of Nashua: Stella Blu, 70 East Pearl Street, Nashua, 578-5557, stellablu-nh.com
Best Make-Out Spot
Best of the Best: Drynk, 20 Old Granite St., Manchester, 836-5251, drynknh.com
Best of Concord: Tandy’s Top Shelf, 1 Eagle Square, Concord, 856-7614, top-shelf.biz
Best of Manchester: Rock Rimmon Park, on Mason Street in Manchester
Best of Nashua: Greeley Park, off Concord Street in Nashua
Best Break-Up Spot
Best: Drynk, 20 Old Granite St., Manchester, 836-5251, drynknh.com
Runner-Up: Tandy’s Top Shelf, 1 Eagle Square, Concord, 856-7614, top-shelf.biz
Honorable (?) mention: Mall of New Hampshire, 1500 S. Willow St., Manchester, simon.com
Music & Night Life
Best Bar for Live Music
Best of the Best: The Shaskeen, 909 Elm St., Manchester, 625-0246, shaskeenpub.com
Best of Concord: True Brew Barista, 3 Bicentennial Square, Concord, 225-2776, truebrewbarista.com
Best Spot for Comedy
Best of the Best: The Shaskeen, 909 Elm St., Manchester, 625-0246, shaskeenpub.com
Best of Concord: Capitol Center for the Arts, 44 S. Main St., Concord, 225-1111, ccanh.com
Best of Manchester: Boynton’s Tap Room, 155 Dow St., Third Floor, Manchester, 623-7778, boyntonstaproom.com
Best of Nashua: Fody’s Great American Tavern, 9 Clinton St., Railroad Square, Nashua, 577-9015, fodystavern.com
Best Music Venue
Best of Concord: Capitol Center for the Arts, 44 S. Main St., Concord, 225-1111, ccanh.com
Best of Nashua: Greeley Park, 100 Concord St., Nashua, gonashua.com
Best Bar with an Outdoor Deck
Best of the Best: The Derryfield Restaurant, 625 Mammoth Road, Manchester, 623-2880, thederryfield.com
Best of Concord: The Draft Sports Bar & Grill, 67 S. Main St., Concord, 227-1175, draftsportsbar.com
Best of Manchester: Murphy’s Taproom, 494 Elm St., Manchester, 644-3535, murphystaproom.net
Best of Nashua: The Pasta Loft Restaurant, 241 Union Square, Milford, 672-2270, with an additional location in E. Hampstead, pastaloft.com
Best Bathroom
Best of the Best: Billy’s Sports Bar & Grill, 34 Tarrytown Road, Manchester, 622-3644, billyssportsbar.com
Best of Concord: The Red Blazer Restaurant & Pub, 72 Manchester St., Concord, 224-4101, theredblazer.com
Best of Nashua: Giorgio’s Ristorante & Meze Bar, 524 Nashua St., Milford, 673-3939, with an additional location in Merrimack, giorgios.com
Best Dance Club
Best of the Best: Drynk, 20 Old Granite St., Manchester, 836-5251, drynknh.com
Best of Concord: Tandy’s Top Shelf, 1 Eagle Square, Concord, 856-7614, top-shelf.biz
Best of Manchester: Social 24 Restaurant & Sports Lounge, 24 Depot St., Manchester, 782-8489, social24nh.com
Best of Nashua: Arena Sports Bar & Nightclub, 53 High St., Nashua, 881-9060, arenanh.com
Best Place to People Watch
Best: Mall of New Hampshire, 1500 S. Willow St., Manchester, simon.com
Runner-Up: Elm Street, Manchester
Honorable mention: Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, One Airport Road, Manchester, 624-6556, flymanchester.com
Best Pub
Best of the Best: The Shaskeen, 909 Elm St., Manchester, 625-0246, shaskeenpub.com
Best of Concord: The Barley House Restaurant & Tavern, 132 N. Main St., Concord, 228-6363, thebarleyhouse.com
Best of Manchester: Wild Rover Pub, 21 Kosciuszko St., Manchester, 669-7722, wildroverpub.com
Best Sports Bar
Best of the Best: Billy’s Sports Bar & Grill, 34 Tarrytown Road, Manchester, 622-3644, billyssportsbar.com
Best of Concord: The Draft Sports Bar & Grill, 67 S. Main St., Concord, 227-1175, draftsportsbar.com
Best of Manchester: JW Hill’s Sports Bar & Grille, 795 Elm St., Manchester, 645-7422, jwhills.com
Best of Nashua: Arena Sports Bar & Nightclub, 53 High St., Nashua, 881-9060, arenanh.com
Outdoors
Best Local Hiking Trail
Best: Mine Falls Park, a 325-acre park in the heart of Nashua, gonashua.com
Runner-up: Lake Massabesic hiking trails, including the Massabesic Audubon Center, in Manchester/Auburn, which are unpaved trails amongst the trees with occasional views of the lake. There’s a parking lot and trail entrance just off the traffic circle at Candia Road and Route 28 Bypass in Manchester.
Honorable mention: Beaver Brook Association, which comprises 2,000 acres of land in Hollis, Brookline and Milford and offers 35 miles of hiking trails, 465-7787, beaverbrook.org
Best City Park
Best of the Best: White Park, 1 White St., Concord, concordnh.gov
Best of Concord: Rollins Park, on Broadway in Concord
Best of Manchester: Livingston Park, off Hooksett Road (DW Highway North) in Manchester, manchesternh.gov
Best of Nashua: Greeley Park, 100 Concord St., Nashua, gonashua.com
Best State Park
Honorable mention: Franconia Notch State Park, Franconia
Best Golf Course
Best of the Best: Derryfield Country Club, 625 N. Mammoth Road, Manchester, 623-2880, derryfieldgolf.com
Best of Concord: Beaver Meadow Golf Course, 1 Beaver Meadow Road, Concord, 228-8954,
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