6 Best Bars in The Monadnocks and Merrimack Valley, New Hampshire

Set in rustic, rambling farmhouse high on a hillside in Epsom, about 15 miles east of Concord, this spirited little nanobrewery has developed an almost cult following for its complex brews as well as its magical setting, with sweeping views of the countryside. Try the refreshing Beer Field wheat beer or Rhute Fo-ah rhubarb IPA, along with a Korean brisket sandwich from the kitchen. Folk and acoustic rock concerts take place many weekends on the pastoral grounds. 

A scene-y crowd mixes and mingles at this dimly lighted Prohibition Era–inspired cocktail bar with plush arm chairs and sofas and Oriental rugs, and an impressive list of both innovative and classic cocktails, plus globally inspired small plates.

This intimate, sophisticated little cocktail lounge with bar and booth seating is known both for creative cocktails and inventive small plates like lamb lollipops with mint-curry couscous and fried green tomatoes with corn relish.

Don't be put off by the location inside a small industrial park—this convivial taproom offers seating at picnic tables with wooden-keg tables, a big outdoor seating area where you can nosh on tasty pub fare, and, most importantly, great beer, including a tart Gose and potent triple IPA.

Serving boldly flavored saisons, grisettes, and other fine, mostly old-world-style ales and lagers as well as soft pretzels with hummus, chili, and other tasty edibles, this terrific brewery in downtown Peterborough has a beautiful setting inside the stately 1837 G.A.R. (Grand Army of the Republic) meeting hall.