50 Best American Restaurants near Exeter

“Numerous experiences at Otis, and each one has impressed us more so than the last. A unique dining experience with impeccable food! Chef Lee Frank has created an environment that draws you in time and time again serving a tasting menu with the in season ingredients. His food will leave you satisfied and looking to book the next reservation on your car ride home.“

“Wonderful experience. Great location. An easy walk to the town with lots of walking trails and wonderful restaurants. A good continental breakfast😋.“

“service, love it, food love it.“

“A+ experience! First time coming here and was completely blown away by the atmosphere, staff, and delicious food (especially the bruschetta bites). Sea Dog Brewing had it all - including a comedy night and seats overlooking the river. Will come again.“

“I am a very picky eater and this place is absolutely amazing! I had the bbq chicken bacon sandwich and it was amazing. The guys said the beer was good. Will visit again when I come back to the area! Our waitress was super sweet and helpful!“

“if you like in-n-out style - this is the place! Great burgers, onion rings, and fries. If you get your In-n-Out double double animal style, order it dirty style at Lee Franks. Service was particularly good and fast. The only caveat was that the fries were really salty, something to consider when ordering if you like them lightly salted.“

“location was easy to get to, staff was very friendly, food was DELICIOUS great music in background“

“The best meatball sub I’ve ever had ! I ordered a sm and it had 4 full size meatballs on it. Highly recommend !“

“Happened upon this place because I was in the area and was hungry for lunch. The food and service were great, and I will be coming back often! Highly recommend!“

“Went there for lunch today & on the recommendation of a friend,. my husband & I both ordered the liver & onions. It was one of the best we've ever had. Liver was so tender you could cut it with your fork. We will definitely be going there more often.“

“Yummy healthy food to go!!!“

“I moved here 11 years ago and my first of many wonderful meals at the Riverworks. I especially liked the beer battered chicken fingers. But something has changed in the batter and I had them last night, 3/17/25 and they're not as good. Please return to the other recipe. But you are a favorite restaurant. Suellen Leugers“

“My family recently booked a private function in the Eisenhower room at Lamies. Everything was truly exceptional. Michelle and her team went out of their way to guarantee that our extra large party was perfectly cared for. I highly recommend considering the Old Salt for your private functions. You won’t find better service.“

“Applebees always delivers great food and great service. I have never had bad food, and the staff is super nice. The boneless tenders and the bourbon chicken are delicious!“

“Are you kidding me. Basic breakfast at its best!!!“

“The best breakfast I’ve had in a long time hands down. highly recommended. Waitress was awesome prices well affordable. a nice diner. One of the last ones left around. will definitely be going back. Lunch is next.“

“Railpenny burger was excellent. This was our first time there and we will definitely go back. The service was very good. We had a party of six and it was comfortable, they were busy but it wasn't too loud,easy to carry on a conversation.“

“This was our first time here. We loved it!!! The cowboy fried chicken sandwich was awesome! I unfortunately have a dairy allergy and my Texas Loan star burger came out with cheese. They comped my burger and the replacement came out so fast!!! We were so pleased with the service and the food we plan to visit the next time we are in Exeter!“

“Amazing!! 😻 I’m so happy I finally took the time to slow down and find this amazing place! The chef has been here for 17 years!! 🤯“

“great food and service, plenty of packing“

“The location in Stratham, NH, has been my “go to” several times a week since their opening. I live nearby, and can’t help but indulge in the convenience of the location, not only for the great food (top-notch menu and preparation), friendly atmosphere (regular patrons who easily come to feel like family), and a staff that has made me feel like this is my “home away from home”. Special shout out to John, the best, most efficient and attentive bartender that I’ve known in all my years of dining out. And, without a doubt, I must add that Jess is also most delightful in every way. The management, host staff, and endearing wait staff (you know who you are) have made every moment I’ve enjoyed at the 110 Grill in Stratham the best of times. What more can I say? Drop in, often! I recommend it. You won’t be disappointed!“

“Imagine walking into a gas station to pick up a drink, opening the door and smelling your grandmother's kitchen? I just had to try the hand battered tenders and bone in fried chicken and potato wedges! While waiting for my lunch regulars came in for sandwiches, roll-ups and cheesesteaks, the special for the day. There were some picnic tables outside but we grabbed our bucket of chicken and took it to go! The chicken was crunchy and crisp while remaining moist on the inside. Such a treat! While the atmosphere is not fancy it's friendly!“

“Shout out to Joe tonight for the best grilled chicken ceaser salad ever!! It was delicious!!“

“Amazing food, but even better service. Everyone was so happy there. What a nice change of pace!“

“We tried a restaurant for the first time tonight, Paddy’s American Grille on the recommendation from a friend. Beautiful building with inside and patio dining, another gem in Portsmouth,NH. We were warmly greeted and taken very good care of by Vanessa who was outstanding. The food, drinks, and dessert were all excellent! We’ll be back soon for sure, give them a try.“

“Always great food and service. Friendly owners oversee the operation hands on. Would recommend to you“

“Loved our lunch yesterday (in the inviting and spacious bar room) of salmon burgers with side and bloody Mary's! Festive atmosphere and friendly staff. Will return for sure!“

“So good, my husband and I have been here a few times. The food and drinks are good, the staff is friendly, and you get a beautiful view of the lake.“

“Saturday October 4, 2025 I had the pleasure of having Lucy as our waitress. We were a party of 6, ordered dinner and drinks. I am not a beer drinker(sorry) so Lucy took the time to explain your Island District drinks to me. I left with a four pack after an amazing night of music, family, and good friends. Lucy and the team that were short staffed and super busy. She didn’t miss a beat. Amazing testament to your establishment . Looking for to our next visit!“

“Great place good food and drinks 🥤“

“Awesome dinners and cocktails for Pink Day!“

“We arrive last night for drinks. A beautiful place. Very professional and organized. We had the meatballs as a starter. They were great. The music and atmosphere was above and beyond. Will definitely be back. Thank you.“

“Always excellent! Have been coming for 10+ years !“

“My husband took me here last night for our Aniversary. He knows I love duck. We were greeted at the door and sat us right away. Our waiter Andrew kept us content with making sure everything was fine with the appetizers drinks entrees and the dessert. The food was amazing. The duck was excellent and my husband's short ribs were delicious. I would definitely go back again. We went early and still made reservations which I suggest you make as I heard this place gets packed on the weekends.“

“Came into town for a work event. Ate here twice. Great music playing, cool atmosphere. Fifties style diner The staff here are amazing. So welcoming. Felt like family. Great food, owners have fun stories. Great little diner. I’ll be back every year for sure. -MN boys“

“The “sea-cuterie” was a great value and one of the most memorable seafood platters I've ever had - because of the unique pineapple mignonette! Erin was very attentive and walked us through menu hits. The rest of the staff was great, too. Highly recommend for a nice dinner at Hampton Beach. Our family has been coming here to the Ashworth, and the Breakers, for over 40 years and it never misses!“

“never had a bad meal they will make it your way great family place young and very old not overpriced $3 beers owner Theresa, makes everyone feel welcome, even 1st timers need a home away from home, it's here“

“I had an amazing jerk chicken meal here, the owner is so friendly! I can’t wait to come back“

“This place is fantastic. Best breakfast I’ve had since I moved to New England.“

“great food and friendly owner and bartender's a fun place!“

“Definitely enjoyed outdoor event for Fleetwood Mac Tribute. Staff was friendly, venue was clean, food was good. The people dancing were having a wonderful time. Loved it.
Even the police was kind when they notice my jeep had a tail light out.“

“Local’s has become one of my favorite places to eat on the seacoast! Wings are amazing, drinks are excellent, beer is cold and the pizza is out of this world. Don’t sleep on the salad because they have some real gems. Philly egg rolls are my favorite app too. The best quality is how friendly they are and it truly is a local vibe. I had my mother’s mercy meal there and everything was done with care and to perfection. I couldn’t have asked for a better place to celebrate her life. Definitely check them out sometime, you won’t be disappointed! Thank you Local’s for being a wonderful business in so many ways!“

“My favorite haunt owners and bartenders are wonderful food and drinks are always fabulous 🥰“

“Love this place! Always a great time!“

“almost perfect.large menu.“

“Unique and special seasonal breakfast place. No other place like it, and the best maple breakfasts.“

“Excellent breakfast, great fast service. The pumpkin belgian waffles are amazing.“

“The Winner's Circle helped my family have a successful, responsibly priced event. I found there web page very helpful. I quickly figured out that I could have a function there with lots of flexibility. I spoke with Jeff about my needs and he made it easy and was accommodating.
On the day of the event, a Celebration of Life for my Dad, we arrived early to drop off some items. From this point through to the end Jeff and his staff were awesome. Any time they saw me, they checked in to make sure I had what I needed.
I highly recommend The Winner's Circle. It a local business that deserves attention.“

“So good! You can tell they put love into everything the make ❤️“

“I came in last night (Monday) for dinner with my husband. We met the nicest bartender, Leslie. She was very friendly and gave us great food suggestions, boy she was right, the chicken pie and burger were delicious. I can see why everyone comes in here not only for the food but also for Leslie. We will definitely back, Thank you Leslie for the great service and the laughs“