MANCHESTER, NH — New Hampshire Magazine has announced the Best of NH award-winners for 2017. The list includes 323 winners from around the state in categories such as food and beverage, shops and services, and arts and culture. In celebration of this year’s winners, the 16th Annual Best of NH Party will be held June 15, at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Partygoers will enjoy New Hampshire’s best food and beverages at more than 65 culinary stations while enjoying an evening at the ballpark filled with live entertainment. To cap it off, the party culminates with a spectacular fireworks display.
Partygoers can sample the finest offerings from all regions of the state in one place. As attendees enter the stadium the excitement in the air is palpable. Music fills the air, the aroma of locally made food makes mouths water, and laughter is infectious as people explore the curated array of offerings. From Triolo’s Bakery’s tasty dessert creations, to a crisp glass of wine from LaBelle Winery, to The Common Man’s homemade crab cakes, the Best of NH Party is a food and beverage lover’s go-to event.
“There’s something special about having a sample of bourbon in one hand and a hot, juicy burger in the other while taking in the sounds of a great band that puts a smile on people’s faces,” says Rick Broussard, editor ofNew Hampshire Magazine. “For many, this event symbolizes the kick-off of summer each year. And you never know what surprise is in store during the party.” Broussard noted that one year Taylor Swift performed and last year Steven Tyler showed up just to party. “Even our award-winners get creative with their culinary arrangements – giving away full-size products, displaying ice sculptures, dispensing mini martinis – no matter what, it’s an all-around great time,” says Broussard.
Stay Work Play New Hampshire is the 2017 Best of NH Party partner, which is expected to catch the attention of young professionals.
“New Hampshire residents in their twenties and thirties are establishing careers, deciding where to plant their roots and looking for lifestyle enhancements. At Stay Work Play New Hampshire, we love working with events like the Best of NH Party, which reminds folks why they love living here and everything New Hampshire has to offer,” says Kate Luczko, president & CEO of Stay Work Play New Hampshire. “Through this partnership we want to help newer businesses find their spotlight in New Hampshire and thrive. Not only that, the event itself is a blast, and we want Stay Work Play New Hampshire’s target demographic to enjoy the very best local flavors and entertainment available in their backyard.”
Live performers will be stationed throughout the venue to spread out the variety of sounds. This year’s entertainment lineup includes:
Roots of Creation – Sharing the stage with performers including Slightly Stoopid, Michael Franti and The Wailers, this jam-reggae hybrid was named “Best Band in NH” by the New England Music Awards.
Alli Beaudry – Known locally for her versatility in all styles of contemporary music, Alli’s songs have been played on 92.5 The River and 106.3 Frank FM.
Dusty Gray Band – Led by Nashville songwriter Dusty Gray, the five-piece rock/country band performs around the northeast and opened for performers including Willie Nelson and Lee Bice.
Miss Maybell & Slimpickin’s – This duo plays American roots, jazz, blues, country and ragtime from the early 1900s in addition to originals, which have been featured on several regional radio stations.
Sam Robbins – This Berklee College of Music student has been featured on Comcast on Demand and shared the stage with pop singer Aaron Carter. His songs blend pop melodies and folk philosophies.
The roster of local restaurants, wineries, breweries and distilleries participating at the party is constantly growing. For an updated list, please visit www.bestofnh.com and check back weekly for updates.
The party is presented by Coca-Cola Bottling of Northern New England and will conclude with a display of fireworks provided by Atlas PyroVision Entertainment Group, Inc., and one lucky attendee will walk away with a grand prize provided by RDC Resort. The winner will receive an all-inclusive, one-week vacation for four to Rockyworld-Deephaven Camps on Squam Lake in Holderness, NH.
Tickets for the Best of NH Party cost $65 per person, or $55 per person for a group of six or more. Tickets for children ages 4 to 10 cost $19 per person. Advance ticket purchasing is strongly encouraged, though remaining tickets will be available at the party. To purchase tickets, please visit www.bestofnh.com.
New Hampshire Magazine would like to thank the following sponsors of the 2017 Best of NH Party:
- Presenting Sponsor: Coca-Cola Bottling of Northern New England
- Wi-Fi Sponsor: BEI Net.works
Custom Sponsors: Hornitos, Bacardi, AutoFair, CR Helicopters Inc - Fireworks Sponsor: Atlas PyroVision Entertainment Group
- Other Sponsors: Kettle One, Bud Light Lime-A-Rita, NH Division of Travel and Tourism, Sam Adams, Liberty Utilities, Freedom Energy, WZID, WXRV, and WMUR-TV
- 2017 Best of NH Award-Winners
Winners are determined by an online poll organized by New Hampshire Magazine. The poll is divided into more than 80 categories that range from best ice cream to best margarita and much more. More than 323 New Hampshire businesses have been selected as the 2017 winners, and over 15,600 responses were received.
Concord Area
| Town | Name | Categories |
| Concord | The Barley House | Burger |
| Concord | Constantly Pizza | Pizza |
| Hillsboro | Mediterrano Turkish & Mediterranean Restaurant | Mediterranean Restaurant |
| Concord | CitySide Grille | Breakfast |
| Concord | The Newell Post | Breakfast Place |
| Pembroke | Rock On Diner | Diner |
| Concord | Bread & Chocolate | Bakery |
| Pembroke | Jacques Fine European Pastries | Cakes |
| Concord | O Steaks and Seafood | Favorite Restaurant |
| Concord | Arnie’s Place | Ice Cream |
| Concord | True Brew Barista | Coffee Shop |
| Concord | The Common Man | Favorite Restaurant: Multi-locational Local |
| Hillsboro | Taco Beyondo | Tacos |
Dartmouth/Lake Sunapee
| Town | Name | Categories |
| Lebanon | 4 Aces Diner | Diner |
| Lebanon | Lui Lui | Pizza |
| Warner | Schoodacs Coffee & Tea | Coffee Shop |
| Hanover | Lou’s Restaurant & Bakery | Breakfast Place, Bakery |
| New London | Flying Goose Brew Pub & Grille | Burger, Favorite Restaurant |
| Sunapee | Sanctuary Dairy Farm Ice Cream | Ice Cream |
| Newbury, Newport, Lebanon | Salt Hill Pub | Burger: Multi-location Regional |
Northern New Hampshire
| Town | Name | Categories |
| Berlin | Northland Restaurant & Dairy Bar | Burger |
| Colebrook | Moose Muck Coffee House | Coffee Shop |
| Littleton | Littleton Diner | Diner |
| Pittsburg | Moose Alley Cones | Ice Cream |
| Lancaster | Polish Princess Bakery | Breakfast place, bakery, coffee shop |
| Pittsburg | Rainbow Grille | Favorite Restaurant |
Lakes Region
| Town | Name | Categories |
| Gilford | Patrick’s Pub & Eatery | Burger, favorite restaurant |
| Gilford | Kitchen Cravings | Breakfast |
| Belmont | Jordan’s Ice Creamery | Ice Cream |
| Laconia | Laconia Village Bakery | Bakery |
| Laconia | Wayfarer Coffee Roasters | Coffee Shop |
| Sanbornville | Miss Wakefield Diner | Diner |
| Tilton | Tilton House of Pizza | Pizza |
| Meredith | Town Docks | Outdoor Dining |
| Laconia | Local Eatery | Locally-Sourced Menu |
| Laconia | Cactus Jack’s Grill & Watering Hole | Chili |
| Laconia | Patrick’s Pub and Eatery | Gluten-Free Options |
| Laconia | Burrito Me | Burritos |
| Tilton | Tilt’n Diner | Diner |
Manchester Area
| Town | Name | Categories |
| Bedford | Bedford Village Inn | Restaurant with Wine List, Fine Dining |
| Manchester | Alley Cat Pizzeria | Pizzeria |
| Manchester, Epping | 900 Degrees | Gourmet Pizza |
| Derry | The Purple Finch Café | Breakfast |
| Manchester | Airport Diner | Diner |
| Hooksett | New England’s Tap House Grille | Burger, Restaurant with Best Beer List |
| Bedford | The Copper Door | Favorite Restaurant |
| Manchester | Airport Diner | Breakfast, Diner |
| Manchester | Triolo’s Bakery | Bakery |
| Manchester | Puritan Backroom | Ice Cream, chicken Tenders, Family-Friendly Dining |
| Manchester | KC’s Rib Shack | Barbeque |
| Manchester | The Red Arrow 24 hr. Diner | Chili, Diner, Breakfast place: Multi-location |
| Manchester, Portsmouth, Dover | Thirsty Moose Taphouse | Restaurant with Best Beer List Multi-Location |
| Manchester | Billy’s Sports Bar | Sports Bar |
| Manchester | Cotton | Cocktail, Martini |
| Coffee Roasters | A&E Coffee Roastery & Whole-leaf Tea | Coffee Roaster |
| Manchester | Mr. Mac’s | Macaroni & Cheese: Mulit-location |
| Manchester | Pie Guy | Pie |
| Manchester | Queen City Cupcakes | Cupcakes |
| Manchester | Jack Wholly, Republic | Bartender |
| Manchester | Hanover Street Chophouse | Steakhouse, Fine Dining Restaurant |
| Manchester | Van Otis | Chocolatier |
| Manchester | Puritan Backroom | Chicken Tenders, Family Friendly Restaurant, Ice Cream |
| Raymond | Tuckaway Tavern & Butchery | Macaroni & Cheese, Favorite Burger, Lobster Roll, Specialty Butcher Shop |
| Manchester | Portland Pie Co. | Pizzeria: Multi-Location |
| Manchester | Taj India | Indian Restaurant |
| Manchester | All Real Meal | Gourmet to-go |
Monadnock Area
| Town | Name | Categories |
| Jaffrey | Kimball Farm | Ice Cream: Multi-Location |
| Keene | Athens Pizza House & Restaurant | Pizzeria |
| Keene | Kristin’s Bistro & Bakery | Bakery |
| Keene | Thai Garden | Thai Restaurant |
| Keene | The Stage | Favorite Restaurant |
| Mason | Parkers Maple Barn | Breakfast |
| Keene | Lindy’s Diner | Diner |
| Keene | Local Burger | Burger |
| Keene | Prime Roast Coffee | Coffee Shop |
| Walpole | The Walpole Creamery | Ice Cream |
Nashua Area
| Town | Name | Categories |
| Amherst | Union Coffee Company | Coffee Shop |
| Nashua | Nashua House of Pizza | Pizzeria |
| Amherst | LaBelle Winery | Winery |
| Amherst | Black Forest Café & Bakery | Best Pie |
| Milford | Papa Joe’s Humble Kitchen | Burger |
| Nashua | Portland Pie Co. | Pizzeria: Multi-Location |
| Nashua | The Riverhouse Café | Breakfast Place |
| Nashua | Hayward’s Ice Cream | Ice Cream |
| Nashua | Joey’s Diner | Diner |
| Nashua | Red Arrow 24 Hr. Diner | Diner: Multi-Location |
| Nashua | Frederick’s Pastries | Pastries: Multi-Location |
| Nashua | MT’s Local Kitchen | Favorite Restaurant |
| Nashua | Black Forest Café & Bakery | Bakery |
| Nashua | Lilac Blossom | Chinese Restaurant |
| Nashua | Pressed Café | Lunch Spot |
| Nashua | Collins Brothers Chowder Co. | Soup |
| Nashua | The Nashua Garden | Sandwich |
| Merrimack | Buckley’s Great Steaks | Favorite Restaurant |
Salem Area
| Town | Name | Categories |
| Hampstead | Klemm’s Bakery | Bakery |
| Salem | Granfanallys Pizza Pub | Burger, Pizzeria |
| Salem | Grind Rail Trail Cafe | Coffee Shop |
| Salem | Maddie’s Bagel & Eatery | Breakfast Place |
| Salem, Derry, Windham | MaryAnn’s Diner | Breakfast Place: Multi-Location, Diner: Multi-Location |
| Plaistow | Casey’s Diner | Diner |
| Salem | Moo’s Place Homemade Ice Cream | Ice Cream |
| Salem | Trattori Amalfi | Favorite Restaurant |
| Salem | Tuscan Kitchen | Italian Restaurant: Multi-Location |
Seacoast area
| Town | Name | Categories |
| Dover | Harvey’s Bakery | Bakery |
| Portsmouth | Agave Mexican Bistro | Favorite Mexican Restaurant |
| Epping | Front Row Pizzeria | Pizzeria |
| Exeter | Otis | New Restaurant |
| Hampton, Portsmouth | Flatbread Company | Pizzeria: Multi-location |
| Exeter | The Green Bean | Soup: Multi-Location Lunch Spot: Multi-Location |
| Hampton | The Old Salt | Brunch |
| Portsmouth | Surf Restaurant | Crab Cakes, Favorite Seafood Restaurant, Favorite Restaurant |
| Portsmouth | BRGR Bar | Burger |
| Portsmouth | The Friendly Toast | Favorite Breakfast |
| Dover | Tucker’s | Breakfast Place: Multi-Location |
| Newmarket | The Big Bean Café | Breakfast Place |
| Rye | Petey’s Summertime Seafood Restaurant | Clam Chowder |
| Portsmouth, Durham | Breaking New Grounds | Coffee Shop |
| Portsmouth | Lexie’s Joint | Burger: Multi-Location |
| Portsmouth | Roundabout Diner & Lounge | Diner |
| Epping | Popovers on the Square | Bakery |
| Epping | Holy Grail Restaurant and Pub | Irish pub |
| Portsmouth | Wing-Itz | Wings |
| Portsmouth | Green Elephant Vegetarian Bistro & Bar | Vegetarian |
| Dover | La Festa Brick & Brew Pizza | Favorite Pizzeria |
| Rye | Memories Premium Ice Cream | Ice Cream |
| Dover | Adelle’s Coffeehouse | Coffee Shop |
| Lee | Flaghill Winery & Distillery | Distillery |
| Portsmouth | Café Nostimo | Greek Restaurant |
| Portsmouth | Bubby’s NY Style Delicatessen | Delicatessen |
| Dover | Harvey’s Bakery and Coffee Shop | Best Bakery |
| Dover | Patty B’s | Best Italian Restaurant |
| Portsmouth | Portsmouth Brewery | Brewpub |
| Portsmouth | Shio | Japanese Restaurant |
| North Hampton | Throwback Brewery | Brewery |
| Rye | Lagos Lone Oak | Ice Cream |
White Mountains
| Town | Name | Categories |
| Lincoln | Black Mountain Burger Co. | Burger |
| North Conway | Delaney’s Hole in the Wall | Favorite Restaurant |
| Lincoln, Ashland | The Common Man | Favorite Restaurant: Multi-Location |
| North Conway | Boston Brothers Pizzeria | Pizzeria |
| North Conway | FlatBread Company | Pizzeria: Multi-Location |
| Littleton | Littleton Diner | Diner |
| North Conway | Leavitt’s Country & Bakery | Bakery |
| Sugar Hill | Polly’s Pancake Parlor | Pancakes, Breakfast |
| Woodsville | Slick’s Ice Cream | Ice Cream |
| Woodstock | Woodstock Inn Station & Brewery | Brewery, Brewpub, Favorite Restaurant |
| North Conway | Metropolitan Coffee House | Coffee Shop |
Multiple Locations
| Town | Name | Categories |
| Concord, Lincoln, Ashland, Merrimack, Windham, Claremont | The Common Man | Crab cakes, favorite restaurant |
| Rye, Epping | The Beach Plum | Lobster Roll |
| Exeter, Portsmouth | The Green Bean | Sandwich |
| Milford, Manchester, Londonderry | The Red Arrow 24 Hr Diner | Breakfast Place, Diner, Pie |
| Amherst, Bedford | Frederick’s Pastries | Bakery, Pastries, Cakes |
| Manchester, Salem | The Pie Guy | Pie |
| Laconia, Manchester, Nashua | Fratello’s Italian Grille | Italian Restaurant |
| Plymouth, Durham | Thai Smile | Thai Restaurant |
| Derry, Manchester, Nashua | La Carreta Mexican Restaurant | Mexican Restaurant, Burritos, Tacos |
| Concord, Manchester, Nashua, Salem, Portsmouth, Dover, Lebanon, Keene | Margaritas Mexican Restaurant | Mexican Restaurant (Regional) |
| Concord, Portsmouth | Dos Amigos Burritos | Burritos (Regional) |
| Exeter, Hampton | Las Olas | Tacos (Regional) |
| Bedford, Pembroke, Gilford, Meredith | The Wine’ing Butcher | Specialty Butcher Shop |
| Bedford, Derry, Hudson, Laconia, Salem | T-BONES Great American Eatery | Family-Friendly Dining |
| Salem, Portsmouth | Tuscan Kitchen | Favorite Restaurant |
In addition to the Readers’ Poll, New Hampshire Magazine editors include their favorite restaurants, events, shops, bands and more on their list of Editor’s Picks. This is where readers will find insider and expert information on the places they might have overlooked but will certainly not want to miss.
About New Hampshire Magazine
New Hampshire Magazine is the essential guide to living in the Granite State, each month joining readers in a quest for all the best the state has to offer. With over 20,000 annual subscribers, New Hampshire Magazine presents features on the most fascinating people, most entertaining places and most delicious cuisine and includes departments covering everything from health to home to humor.
About Stay Work Play
Stay Work Play is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is “To work collaboratively across New Hampshire to support ongoing economic, workforce, and community development by promoting the state as a favorable place for young workers and recent college graduates to stay, work and play when considering employment and lifestyle opportunities.” Additional information on the organization can be found on the website, www.stayworkplay.org
