Discovering The Common Man Restaurants: A New Hampshire Icon of Hospitality& Comfort

A Journey Through New Hampshire, One Common Man Stop at a Time

As I travel through the winding roads and scenic landscapes of New Hampshire, there’s one name I know I can always trust for comfort, quality, and that warm New England charm: The Common Man. Whether I’m craving a hearty sit-down meal, a fresh apple cider donut at a roadside stop, or a quick, satisfying bite while fueling up for the next leg of my journey, The Common Man’s establishments are a beacon of consistency and hospitality across the Granite State.

What started as a single restaurant in a small town has blossomed into a statewide institution, making The Common Man one of the best restaurants in New Hampshire. Offering a diverse range of dining experiences that cater to locals and travelers alike, this restaurant group has become synonymous with New Hampshire comfort food and hospitality. From rustic taverns with roaring fireplaces to convenient roadside eateries, The Common Man has made its mark on New Hampshire’s best dining experiences.

Dining at The Common Man: A Personal Experience

As I write this blog, I find myself sitting comfortably in a cozy chair at The Common Man Concord, soaking in the warmth of the atmosphere. The rustic charm and welcoming ambiance make it an ideal place to reflect on what makes this restaurant group so special. In front of me is a steaming cup of tea, its aroma mingling with the comforting scents of freshly prepared food.

My meal is a perfect blend of flavors—a crisp Caesar salad and a Street Corn Bowl, a delicious combination of spiced roasted corn, pico de gallo, avocado, black beans, basmati rice, Cotija cheese, cilantro aioli, and fresh lime. Each bite is a testament to The Common Man’s commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients to craft memorable meals.

The History of The Common Man: A Legacy of Hospitality

The story of The Common Man began in 1971, when founder Alex Ray opened the first restaurant in Ashland, NH. What started as a cozy 35-seat eatery soon gained a reputation for its welcoming atmosphere, generous portions, and home-cooked flavors that embodied New England traditions. With a commitment to doing "common things uncommonly well," The Common Man quickly expanded into multiple locations, each with its own unique charm and menu, while staying true to its core values of quality, community, and excellent service.

Today, The Common Man is widely recognized as one of the best restaurant groups in New Hampshire, with restaurants, diners, roadside markets, and even a performing arts center, making it one of the most recognizable and respected hospitality brands in the state.

No matter where you are, chances are you’re never too far from a Common Man restaurant that offers the best comfort food in NH.

A Culinary Empire: The Common Man Family of Restaurants

Each restaurant under The Common Man umbrella offers something unique while staying true to the brand’s ethos of high-quality food and exceptional service. Here’s a breakdown of some of the best Common Man restaurants in NH that you need to visit:

Classic Common Man Restaurants

These are the cornerstone of the brand, offering a cozy, rustic dining experience with a menu full of hearty New England favorites.

• Common Man Ashland (The Original) – The birthplace of the brand, this cozy location is where it all started.

• Common Man Lincoln – A beautifully restored barn turned into a welcoming restaurant serving classic American comfort food.

• Common Man Concord – Known for its historic charm and inviting ambiance, it’s a favorite among locals and politicians alike.

• Common Man Merrimack – Housed in the historic Hannah Jack Tavern (built in 1794), this location offers a timeless dining experience with signature dishes like Baked Mac & Cheese and Prime Rib.

• Common Man Windham – Nestled inside a classic red barn at 88 Range Road, this spot offers New England comfort food in NH with a welcoming, rustic setting.

The Full Common Man Family of Restaurants

Beyond their taverns and roadside locations, The Common Man operates a diverse family of restaurants throughout New Hampshire, each offering its own unique experience while maintaining the brand’s signature hospitality and comfort food.

Diners and Specialty Restaurants

• Airport Diner – Manchester, NH

• Route 104 Diner – New Hampton, NH

• Tilt’n Diner – Tilton, NH

• Camp – Meredith, NH

• Lago – Meredith, NH

• Lakehouse Grille – Meredith, NH

• Town Docks – Meredith, NH

• Foster’s Boiler Room – Plymouth, NH

• Italian Farmhouse – Plymouth, NH

• Rise & Shine Café – Plymouth, NH

• JJ’s on the Common – Ashland, NH

Common Man Roadside: Gas Stations, Clean Bathrooms, and Good Food on the Go

For travelers looking for a reliable place to stop, refuel, grab a great cup of coffee, and use a clean restroom, The Common Man Roadside locations are the perfect solution. These rest stops elevate the standard roadside experience by offering more than just gas and snacks—they provide quality food, fresh baked goods, and a welcoming atmosphere.

Popular Common Man Roadside Locations in NH

• Hooksett Welcome Centers (I-93 North & South) – These flagship locations serve as full-fledged rest stops with a gourmet twist. Travelers can enjoy fresh sandwiches, bakery items, and freshly made apple cider donuts year-round.

• Portsmouth (Lafayette Road) – A newer addition that combines a quick-service concept with The Common Man’s signature high standards.

• Manchester-Boston Regional Airport – Bringing New Hampshire hospitality to travelers, this location serves quick and delicious meals before your flight.

• Epsom NH – A convenient roadside stop offering coffee, fresh sandwiches, and classic New England fare.

• Hooksett (I-93 South) – A favorite for travelers heading south, featuring a wide variety of food and beverages for a perfect road trip stop.

  
  

Keep your eyes out for the next location to open near you, it's sure to become your favorite stop too.

Closing Out at The Common Man Ashland

As I finalize this article, I find myself sitting in the newly renovated lounge of The Common Man Ashland, the very place where this incredible journey started over 50 years ago. In front of me is a dish from their B.L.T.O. (Bacon Limited Time Offers!) menu—the Brussels and Bacon Salad, a vibrant mix of roasted Brussels sprouts, crisp bacon, flamed apples, and red onions, served over mixed greens and tossed with a maple black pepper dressing. To elevate my meal, I’ve added steak tips, perfectly cooked and bursting with flavor.

I will say that the flavors are spectacular. From the char of the Brussels sprouts, the sweetness of the apple, topped with the vinegar from the dressing—a literal explosion of flavor in my mouth. The steak tips, charred and cooked to perfection. Highly recommend.

The comfortable, rustic atmosphere of this location, combined with its rich history, makes it a fitting place to reflect on everything that makes The Common Man one of the best restaurant experiences in New Hampshire. Whether you’re grabbing a meal at one of their taverns, enjoying a quick bite from their roadside locations, or indulging in seasonal specialties, every visit to The Common Man feels like coming home.

Conclusion: A Must-Visit for Locals and Travelers Alike

Whether you’re a lifelong New Hampshire resident or just passing through, The Common Man offers an unparalleled dining experience that blends history, comfort, and culinary excellence. From the moment you step inside one of their cozy taverns or grab a warm cider donut at a roadside stop, you’ll understand why The Common Man is one of the best restaurant groups in New Hampshire.

So, next time you find yourself traveling through the Granite State, do yourself a favor—make a stop at The Common Man. Your taste buds (and your travel memories) will thank you!

New Hampshire Real Estate Expert

Explore NH Life is produced by John Moscillo of ReMax Synergy. With over 20 years serving the New Hampshire Real Estate market you can rest assured that all your real estate needs will be exceeded. Simply email him at JohnM@NHSynergy.com call or text at 603-858-3548. Search for your Dream Home Now

Note: This blog is not endorsed or paid for by anyone. This is my journey as I travel the beautiful state I've called home since 1978 and the memories I want to share.