July 2018 Guest Post: "Coastal Eats" by Jen at Chatty Press
Hey there! (that's how I answer the phone when a friend calls, and I now consider you all friends!) I'm Jen Pepper, the designer behind The Chatty Press a custom wedding invitation and stationery shop. I grew up in Delaware, lived in New York City for a number of years, and now I call New England Home. I live on the coast of Massachusetts with my husband Matt, and our corgi, Einstein. I'm so excited to share with you a few of our favorite coastal eats from Maine, Massachusetts and New Hampshire! So let's eat!
It was really hard for me to pick a top 10 list as there are obviously more than 10 places we like to eat when we are traveling the seacoast! So I decided to choose the places where we find ourselves most often.
1. Bob's Clam Hut - Kittery, Maine
Now before you look at the map and say, "Jen! This place is nestled between outlet shopping, is this really the place to go for seafood!?" The answer is YES! We avoided this place when we first moved to Maine because we thought the same thing, how good could it be? It's actually my favorite lobster roll in Maine. Hands down! The lobster is fresh and the roll isn't growing in mayo or seasoning or anything else that takes away from its deliciousness. Matt often gets the clam strips and they too are just phenomenal! They are open year round, but our favorite time to visit is when we can sit on the picnic tables outside! Bonus: They are Dog-Friendly!
2.Paddle Inn- Newburyport, Massachusetts
This tiny restaurant located in Newburyport, Massachusetts is a little New England mixed with a west coast vibe. Their menu changes seasonally so while I can't recommend anything specific, I can say, everything I have eaten there, from their mezzo plate to brunch to their choco-tacos are amazing! You have to get the choco-tacos! Plus they have a great variety of tropical cocktails which are great to enjoy on their sidewalk seating ( only 4 tables) or a great escape in the middle of a snowstorm! They often play vintage surf movies on the tvs over the bar.
3.Flatbread Company - Portland, Maine & Amesbury, Massachusetts
You might call flatbread a local chain, but I've never felt that way about them! They have a handful of locations in New England, we love the one in Amesbury, MA and on the Portland, ME waterfront! They are great for those with special diets, as they have both vegan options as well as gluten-free pizza. All of their flatbreads (and desserts) are fired in their hand-made wood-fired ovens, and you can sit and watch (and in the winter warm up) but the fire and watch the magic happen! Many of the locations also have dog-friendly outdoor seating!
4. Portland Lobster Company - Portland, Maine
I like Lobster rolls, what can I say! This seafood shack is only open seasonally, so make sure they are open before you make the trip down to the dock! There is something kind of magical that happens when you sit down on their outdoor pier to eat, it always feels like any trouble or worries you had just melt away. Maybe it's the live music on the weekends and evenings, maybe its the sound of the boats, maybe it's just the magic of Maine! I highly recommend the crab roll here! Last time I checked this place is also dog-friendly!
5. Chauncy Creek- Kittery, Maine
Yeah yeah, another lobster place! This is the place if you want to pick your own lobster and have your very own lobster dinner while watching boats and kayaks float by while you eat! Feel free to BYOB and even some additional snacks with you to enjoy while you wait for your lobster to cook! I've seen families bring cheese and crackers and a bottle of wine and spend an hour or so just hanging out watching the boats go by! Open seasonally of course, and while it is outside dining, dogs are not welcome.
6. The Friendly Toast- Portsmouth, New Hampshire
To call this place a diner, might be an understatement. Think of it more as a kitschy place to grab a meal and they happen to sever breakfast all day! Another great option for special diets, especially the vegan in your group! They have a decent selection of local beer on tap, and some amazing bloody Mary's and mimosas if you are there for brunch! I highly recommend the anadama bread (you can even get a loaf to go!)
7. Hayseed- Smuttynose Brewing - Hampton, New Hampshire
This restaurant and bar is part of the Smuttynose brewing campus located outside of downtown Portsmouth. The brewery does a short tour where you can see how their beer is made, then hop over next door (it's just across the parking lot) to grab a bite to eat and a pint or two! In the summer months you can sit outside, but be sure to bring some bug spray! They also have a really nice frisbee golf course around the campus if you are into that sort of thing!
8. Half Baked - Beverly Farms, Massachusetts
Donuts! I've probably tried every donut place within a 100-mile radius of my home. And this place is my favorite! They are fresh, they are just the right texture and their chocolate is perfect! They do some really interesting flavors as well, like Jameson and Ginger and Maple Mocha. My favorite is the Beverly Cream, it's kind of like a Boston cream, but somehow better! And if you happen to have a nut allergy, don't worry, they are entirely nut free!
9. Lagos Ice Cream - Rye, New Hampshire
We just discovered this place and Matt and I both agree that it's probably the best ice cream we have eaten in our lives. In our lives people! The first time we got ice cream from there, I didn't stop talking about it for a week! Seriously, it was that good! The servings are generous and their special flavors change often, so there is always something new to try!
10. White Heron Tea - Portsmouth, New Hampshire
I'm not much of a coffee drinker, but I do love tea! This little cafe and tea shop is my go to for a quick lunch when I'm around Portsmouth. I might be addicted to their cran-apple ginger tea, and I'm totally okay with that! They have quite a few vegan options as well on the menu! You can get tea to go, for there or pick up some loose leaf to bring home with you to brew later!
There are so many places to check out while you are traveling here on the seacoast. If you are ever looking for suggestions, I'd be happy to offer them! I think the food is an important part of any vacation, and I would hate for you to have a bad meal when there are so many amazing spots to try! You can also follow my random New England adventures on instagram!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechattypress
Website: Custom Wedding Invitations: http://chattypressdesign.com
Stationery & Stamps : http://www.chattypress.com
