I'll be in Meredith for a couple of days in August, and although Friday is out because I'm attending a wedding, I'll have some time Saturday afternoon for lunch and something beer-related. However, there doesn't seem to be a whole lot of options. Can anyone recommend a place to get lunch that will have at least a decent craft selection? I'm not looking to drive to Portsmouth or a similar distance, as I have a post-wedding event that evening and don't want to be in the car for 2+ hours round-trip. Could I get by at a place in town like Lakeside Deli or Frog Rock? Burrito Me in Laconia looks to have craft beers but nothing too inspiring. Anyone vouch for Hobbs in West Ossippee? Worth making an appointment to check out Squam Brewing? And as far as stores, I've made note of Case-n-Keg, but figured I'd see if anyone can recommend another spot also. Thanks.
You're right that craft options are limited in that area. When my family had a boat on Winnipesaukeee the grocery stores were my usual go-to. Not a crazy selection but enough to get you through a weekend. And each time I've been to Lakeside Deli they've had one or two Smuttynose options and maybe one from someone like a 603 Brewery. But based on food alone I'd highly recommend Lakeside. Awesome sandwiches and a great view to match. If your wedding is at Church Landing (crazy popular wedding venue up there), they also will have a few options.
Depending on where you are in Meredith, it might be worth the 25 minute drive to Plymouth for lunch at Biederman's Deli. Get a turkey or roast beef balboa and thank me later. Lots of good NH and New England craft beer on tap to wash it down. Good bottle selection in Chase Street Market above the deli as well, though a little on the pricier side.
Your best bet is go into Laconia (10 miles) and go to the Holy Grail at the Lakes. New Restaurant/Pub. Great beer selection and great food too. Trust me this is your best bet. Laconia was my home town. Biederman's is also a good choice, but its all college kids. Also Kathleen's Irish Pub in Bristol is another great place.
Looking into Biederman's and Holy Grail now. It'll probably come down to whether my wife wants to get in the car again Saturday after road-tripping through Vermont and Portland in the days leading up to the wedding.
I had their Imperial Stout at a beer fest last year and it was pretty good, tasted a lot like Old Rasputin, but haven't found any of their beer anywhere near me since then. They seem like they are a really small brewery.
I suggest Lavinia's in Center Harbor, 15 minutes north of Laconia on 25. More of a food suggestion than beer suggestion but their taps are OK, standard 603, Tuckerman type stuff. If you get real adventurous try the Corner House in Sandwich, again typical beers but great food, go upstairs to the pub. About a half hour from Meredith, take 25 north then bang a left at Moultonborough Country Store, follow that road into Sandwich Corner House is just past the fairgrounds.
Monte from Case-N-Keg recommended Frog Rock to me, I haven't been there. There's a dairy bar across the street from the movie theatre that advertises craft beer, but I haven't had a chance to stop in yet. Ackerly's Grille in Alton has fantastic food and a NH beer selection, and is worth the trip, probably the same travel time as West Ossipee.
