Local Cuisine and Foodie Delights in the Sugar River Region

Vegetable salad served on table with beef steak in restaurant. Image Credit: Roman Odinstov on Pexels.

Local Cuisine and Foodie Delights in the Sugar River Region

From authentic country barbecue to farm-fresh produce, the Sugar River Region has a great variety of local cuisine and foodie delights waiting for you to try! Check out the different food trucks serving creative bites, or stop by our charming cafés for a cozy brunch. Come dinner time, try some of the many dinner restaurants that transform local ingredients into gourmet creations! Join us as we take a delicious journey through the food trucks, cafés, and dinner spots that make the Sugar River Region a must-try culinary destination!

Vegetable salad served on table with beef steak in restaurant. Image Credit: Roman Odinstov on Pexels.

Food Truck Spotlight: Must-Try Flavors on Wheels

Epic Food Truck:

Come and experience the delicious smokehouse-style food at this local favorite! Epic Food Truck serves up mouthwatering burgers, crispy fries, BBQ, and more, all crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. 

📍Their location and hours of operation often change, so be sure to check out their Facebook for the latest updates and where to find them.  

Pizza Hero: 

This food truck serves up fresh, wood-fired pizza Thursday through Sunday! Pizza Hero takes pride in their craft, handcrafting each pizza to perfection. Don’t miss their standout options like the Bacon & Blue, Tomato Pie, or the classic pepperoni. 

📍Located at 633 John Stark Hwy, Newport, (Protectworth Brewing) come down and explore their delicious variety of pizzas that are sure to satisfy your cravings!

Top Dog Concessions: 

If you’re craving a tasty bite while out and about in the Sugar River Region, look no further than Top Dog Concessions—a hot dog food cart vendor that’s quickly become a local favorite since its establishment in 2023. What started as a regular fixture at Birney’s gas station in Claremont has now expanded, popping up at special events, community gatherings, and even near popular ice cream stands.

Their menu is a delightful ode to the all-American hot dog, offering classic traditional hot dogs, jumbo dogs, chili cheese dogs and of course mac n’ cheese. 

📍Most often located at 58 Washington Street, Claremont, NH (Birneys gas station). 

Top Dog Concessions at the Rail Trail Rendezvous. Image Credit: Shannon MacMichael.

Trucking Tacos:

Trucking Tacos is a family-owned and operated food truck based in Newport, and they’re always on the move! If you catch them, don’t miss the chance to savor their mouth watering Mexican street tacos and loaded nachos. Vegetarian? No problem! They offer delicious vegetarian options so everyone can enjoy a tasty meal. Trucking Tacos is also an excellent choice for private parties, corporate events, and community gatherings. 

📱Interested in bringing their flavorful fare to your next event? Give them a call at (603) 504-2282!

Cafes with Local Cuisine and Foodie Delights:

Claremont Country Cafe:

Looking for a classic country breakfast? Stop by Claremont Country Cafe! You can indulge in their fluffy pancakes, savory chicken fried steak, crispy home fries, classic corned beef hash, and more. Whether you’re in the mood for a leisurely breakfast or a satisfying lunch, Claremont Country Cafe has you covered. 

📍Located at 314 Washington St, Claremont, this cozy spot invites you to gather with friends and family for a delicious meal that feels like home.

Photo Of Mug On Top Of The Table. Image Credit: Valeriia Miller on Pexels.

The Barn Cafe: 

This cozy spot is the perfect retreat for breakfast or lunch, offering a casual atmosphere that invites you to relax. Indulge in their hand-crafted sandwiches, hearty soups, fresh salads, and a delectable selection of pastries and desserts made from scratch. Don’t forget to complement your meal with their rich VT organic espresso! Afterward, treat yourself to a variety of donuts, including those from Jupiter Rising Bakery in VT, alongside delicious options made in-house. 

📍Stop by at 39 Main St, Claremont, NH, from Tuesday to Saturday, 7 am to 3 pm, and treat yourself to a warm, inviting dining experience that feels like home!

Farmers Table Cafe:

Treat yourself to an exceptional dining experience at Farmer’s Table Café, where farm-fresh, top-quality ingredients meet great service. This cafe uses locally grown fruits and vegetables along with other high-quality foods sourced from local farms and markets. Come try some of their delicious burgers, sandwiches, salads, and more. Feel free to bring your kids and have them try out the kid’s menu! 

📍Located at The Newport Golf Club, 112 Unity Road, Newport.

The Daily Grind:

This Family-owned cafe serves up a variety of home-style comfort food for you to try. Come down and try their Eggs Benny, savory sausage gravy, fluffy waffles, and fresh avocado toast. You can also look forward to trying some of their delicious specials. Whether you’re stopping by for breakfast or a midday meal, you’ll find a warm atmosphere and friendly service at this cafe. 

📍Located at 93 Pleasant Street Claremont.

Delicious Discoveries: Top Dinner Spots in the Sugar River Region

Wildwood Smokehouse:

Looking for a classic barbeque dinner? Try out Wildwood Smokehouse, where you can experience a taste of the “Old West” in Sunapee Harbor! Don’t miss out on their full-service bar, featuring a variety of local microbrews on tap. This spot has Happy Hour daily from 4 PM to 6 PM, it’s a perfect spot to unwind and relax. 

📍Located at 45 Main St Ste 2, Sunapee, they’re open Tuesday to Saturday from 4 PM to 9 PM. 

Rancho Viejo Mexican Food & Cantina

Discover the rich flavors of Mexico at Rancho Viejo Mexican Food & Cantina! They serve up an array of great dishes, including tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, fresh guacamole, and homemade salsa! Feel free to pair your meal with a refreshing margarita or their other cocktails for the perfect finish. With its warm atmosphere and friendly service, Rancho Viejo is the ideal spot for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or special celebrations. 

📍You can find them at 84 Pleasant St, Claremont. 

Salt Hill Pub: 

Looking for dinner and a show? Look no further than Salt Hill Pub! Owned by brothers Joe and Josh Tuohy, this local gem serves up delicious food made with fresh, local ingredients. Enjoy a full-service bar featuring Guinness Stout, 15 draft beers, and a variety of crafted cocktails to complement your meal. With a lively atmosphere enhanced by live performances, your dining experience is sure to be unforgettable. Fun fact: Salt Hill Pub has hosted over 5,000 live musical acts, including local favorites like Dr. Burma, Wherehouse, Brooks Hubbard, and Baldilocks! 

📍Come experience the lively atmosphere for yourself at 58 Main Street, Newport!

Photo Of Grilled Barbecue. Image Credit: Nerfee Mirandilla on Pexels.

The Old Courthouse: 

Try Something New at The Old Courthouse! Established in 2004, this charming restaurant has become a staple in the Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee dining scene. Housed in a beautifully preserved Federalist-era building dating back to 1826, The Old Courthouse offers a unique dining experience in the heart of Newport’s Downtown Historic District, right behind the Newport Opera House. Enjoy lunch from Wednesday to Saturday, 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM, or dinner from 5:00 PM until between 7:30 and 8:30 PM. Don’t miss their delightful brunch buffet on Sundays from 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM. 

📍Reservations are appreciated, so plan your visit to 30 Main Street, Newport, NH 03773, and savor the elegance and simplicity of this family-owned gem!

Looking For a Sweet Treat?

Balthazar’s Ice Shack

Hungry for dessert? Check out this ice cream spot Open Friday and Saturday from 12-8pm and Sunday from 12-7pm. This spot initially served homemade soups, chowders, hot dogs, and warm beverages to snowmobilers on the Lake Sunapee trails. But Balthazar’s has since expanded its menu for the summer months. Now, you can enjoy a delicious array of ice cream, shaved ice, frappes, floats, and artisan sodas. As it gets colder, try out their rotating selection of freshly made hot food and drinks. Owners Troy and Karyn transformed an overgrown yard and brook into a cozy oasis, complete with rock walls, a fire pit, and inviting seating areas.

📍Located at 367 Washington Rd Goshen. 

Person Holding Ice Cream Cone. Image Credit: Lukas on Pexels.

Sullivan County Cuisine

From the hearty flavors of local food trucks to charming cafés and upscale dining experiences, there’s truly something for every palate here in the Sugar River Region.

We invite you to embark on your own foodie adventure in the Sugar River Region! Plan a visit to one of these fantastic eateries, discover some of Sullivan County’s fun fall activities, or explore the region’s famous hiking trails. Whether you’re indulging in great food or enjoying the beautiful outdoors, there’s no shortage of experiences waiting for you!

 

About the Author

Lily Risk is a 2025 graduate from George Washington University, studying Political Science and Economics. As a Fall 2024 intern at Solimar International, she develops content for the Discover Sugar River Region destination development initiative.