North Conway Dining Guide: Restaurants Along Route 16

North Conway is the busiest village in the Mount Washington Valley, and almost everything in it lines up along one road: Route 16, also called the White Mountain Highway. Outlets, inns, gear shops and restaurants sit side by side for miles. After a day of hiking, climbing, leaf-peeping or skiing, the question is always the same: where to eat. This guide covers restaurants in North Conway NH along Route 16, from a family steakhouse that has been open since 1967 to a burger spot that has been on national television.

North Conway at a glance

North Conway is a village and census-designated place within the town of Conway, in eastern Carroll County. The 2020 census counted 2,116 residents in the CDP, but the population on a fall or winter weekend is many times that. The White Mountain National Forest lies to the west and north, and Mount Washington rises to the northwest.

The village has been a tourist town for a long time. In the 19th century, artists painted the surrounding mountains, and their White Mountain art drew visitors, especially after the railroad reached North Conway in 1872. North Conway is also known as "the birthplace of American skiing." Today it is known for its outlet shopping, Cranmore Mountain Resort, and the climbing cliffs of Cathedral Ledge in Echo Lake State Park.

Late September through early October is peak foliage season, when visitors arrive to see the color on the surrounding mountains. That is also when restaurants are at their busiest, so this guide is especially useful for a September trip.

Merlino's Steak House: a landmark since 1967

Merlino's Steak House at 1717 White Mountain Highway calls itself "a North Conway landmark since 1967," and it is run by the Luciano family. It is a family steakhouse with a kids menu, outdoor dining and its own pub, Luciano's Pub.

A few details set it apart:

• Local sourcing. The restaurant says it buys locally grown vegetables and meats whenever possible.
• A long charity tradition. Merlino's hosts an annual charity golf tournament at the North Conway Country Club, and the restaurant says the event has raised more than $1.3 million for charities over its history.
• Walk-in dining. Merlino's notes that it takes reservations on holidays only, so on most days you simply show up.

It is the classic choice for a steak dinner after a long day outside. Check its website for current days and hours, since it closes one day a week.

Beef and Ski: roast beef with a view of Moat Mountain

Beef and Ski Restaurant and Pub, at 2633 White Mountain Highway, sits "in the heart of the Mount Washington Valley." Its signature is fresh house-roasted top round beef served with James River barbecue sauce, along with barbecue baby back pork ribs, homemade onion rings and fresh seafood.

You can eat in the cozy pub or out on the garden patio, which overlooks Moat Mountain and the historic Conway Railroad Station. The pub also lists live music and entertainment.

That view of the station is a nice tie-in to the village's history. The Conway Scenic Railroad runs heritage trains from the Victorian North Conway station, which has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1979. A train ride and a roast beef dinner make a natural pairing for a fall afternoon.

Flatbread Company: wood-fired pies

Flatbread Company's North Conway restaurant is at 2952 White Mountain Highway. It is one of a small group of Flatbread locations, from Maine and New Hampshire to Hawaii, all built around a wood-fired hearth.

The pitch is simple, and the restaurant puts it this way: there is no better way to end a day on the slopes than a flatbread baked in a wood-fired oven. It works just as well after a summer hike or a fall drive. It is a relaxed, family-friendly place and offers online ordering for pickup.

Black Cap Grille

Black Cap Grille is a North Conway restaurant that describes its food as "fresh and flavorful" and its drinks as "fun and sophisticated." It offers online ordering and reservations, and it runs a diners club for regulars.

It is a good middle-ground choice: more polished than a pub, but still casual enough for a family after a day outside. Booking ahead is a smart move on peak foliage weekends.

Muddy Moose: lodge-style comfort food

The Muddy Moose Restaurant and Pub is the place for hearty, rustic comfort food. Its menu runs from lodge-style comfort classics to modern favorites, and it promises "moose-sized meals." It also caters to groups and parties and sells its own merchandise.

This is the restaurant to choose when everyone in the car is starving after a long hike and wants something filling.

Wicked Fresh Craft Burgers

Wicked Fresh Craft Burgers, at 19 Barnes Road just off the main drag, sums itself up as "fresh food fast." It is a craft burger spot, and it notes that it has been featured on the Food Network show Chopped. It is open seven days a week, with hours posted on its social media, and it offers online ordering.

It is a good pick for a quick lunch between the outlets and the trailhead.

Planning a North Conway food day

Here is one way to eat your way through a fall day in the valley:

1. Lunch at Wicked Fresh before an afternoon hike, climb or scenic drive.

2. An afternoon train ride on the Conway Scenic Railroad from the village station.

3. Dinner at Beef and Ski on the patio facing Moat Mountain, or at Merlino's for a steakhouse meal.

4. Flatbread or the Muddy Moose on the second night, for something casual.

For a longer stay, see our North Conway where-to-stay guide and our North Conway outlets shopping guide.

Tips for eating out in North Conway

• Plan around foliage crowds. Late September and early October are peak season. Expect waits on weekends and eat early or late if you can.
• Reserve where you can. Black Cap Grille takes reservations. Merlino's takes them on holidays only, so arrive early on busy nights.
• Check hours in shoulder seasons. Several restaurants keep reduced hours or close one day a week. Confirm on each website before you drive.
• Use pickup. Flatbread, Wicked Fresh and Black Cap Grille offer online ordering, which is handy when dining rooms are full.
• Leave time for traffic. Route 16 through the village can slow to a crawl on peak weekends.

FAQ

What are the best restaurants in North Conway, NH?

Popular choices along Route 16 include Merlino's Steak House, Beef and Ski, Flatbread Company, Black Cap Grille, the Muddy Moose and Wicked Fresh Craft Burgers.

What is the oldest restaurant on this list?

Merlino's Steak House has been open since 1967, according to the restaurant.

Where can I eat with a mountain view in North Conway?

Beef and Ski's garden patio overlooks Moat Mountain and the historic Conway Railroad Station.

When is foliage season in North Conway?

Late September through early October is when visitors come to see the autumn color on the surrounding mountains.

Is North Conway good for families?

Yes. Merlino's has a kids menu, and Flatbread and the Muddy Moose are relaxed, casual options.

Sources

• North Conway, New Hampshire, Wikipedia (2020 population, history, skiing, recreation, foliage season): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Conway,_New_Hampshire
• Conway Scenic Railroad, Wikipedia (North Conway station, National Register listing): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conway_Scenic_Railroad
• Merlino's Steak House, official site (1967, address, local sourcing, Luciano's Pub, golf tournament, reservations policy): https://www.merlinossteakhouse.com/
• Beef and Ski Restaurant and Pub, official site (address, menu highlights, patio view): https://nhbeefandski.com/
• Flatbread Company North Conway, official site (address, wood-fired hearth, locations): https://flatbreadcompany.com/locations/north-conway-nh/
• Black Cap Grille, official site (reservations, online ordering, diners club): https://blackcapgrille.com/
• The Muddy Moose, official site (comfort food, groups and parties): https://muddymoose.com/
• Wicked Fresh Craft Burgers, official site (address, Chopped, open seven days): https://www.wickedfreshburgers.com/