Manchester, New Hampshire

Looking for a greasy, hole-in-the wall place to satisfy a late night craving? Manchester is home to a diner that is known nationally as one of the best in the country. Have you set your sights on an upscale restaurant with a contemporary twist? As the largest city in New Hampshire, Manchester offers more options than anywhere else in the entire state! About time to nurse a cold beer in a party atmosphere? Manchester isn't called ManchVegas for nothing. Want to try something new from a different part of the world? Manchester's working class roots attracted immigrants from all over the world and the city offers a range of authentic and delicious ethnic cuisines. So go out for a bite in the city, you won't be disappointed.

Elm Street/Downtown

By far the area with the largest number of offerings in such a tight space, visitors will be presented with a multitude of dining options simply walking down the street.

Asian restaurants include Thousand Crane, a good choice for those who do not want to have to choose between Chinese and Japanese cuisine. Rumor has it that the sushi is some of the best you will find in the city. Peking Garden 2 gives out sweet fried dough before dinner to help curb your appetite. Although perhaps not the most authentic Chinese food in the world, the American-style Chinese cooking satisfies all cravings.

Consistently rated a favorite in Manchester, Z Food & Drink offers a contemporary lunch and dinner dining experience with the option of eating outside if it is a nice day or night. Inspired combinations make it a great place to eat if you are looking to thrill your palate. Also one of the more daring choices is Lala's Hungarian Pastry. A wide range of sweet treats adorn the cases surrounding the cash register, and delicacies like goulash and upon occasion, cherry soup, are offered.

The center of nightlife, Elm Street is the reason the city is nicknamed “ManchVegas.” See a real Grammy at Shaskeen's, the winner of which is also the owner of the bar, The Chieftans. J.W. Hill's Sports Bar & Grille is good for after dinner drinks with large windows to let in light or at night when the scene gets a little more lively.

Cultural Crescent

Ask any local for a restaurant recommendation, and chances are good they will mention the Red Arrow Diner. This small venue has 5 booths and a long counter, but the food is as typical diner as you could wish, extensive pie list and all. Famous visitors are commemorated with plaques at the places at which they sat and ate. Open 24 hours, it's a great place to visit after all the bars close.

Another “best” is Consuelo's Taqueria, awarded a “Best of New Hampshire” award in 2008. This friendly eatery serves up Mexican food with a flair. Another great choice for lunch (or even better, breakfast) is Suddenly Soupy's, with great coffee and superb sandwiches, and of course, delicious soups. The best pizza is arguably Alley Cat Pizzeria, with an extra large pizza to serve the entire family.

Millyard

The big old buildings of the Amoskeag Millyard are perfect for converting into restaurants, and here you will find a number of upscale choices. Cotton is located just next to the river and is great for strong cocktails and mouth-watering entrees, American-style. If you're looking for something a little more European, Fratello's Ristorante Italiano has great seafood options and a porch perfect for warm evenings. The family friendly 900 Degrees Pizzeria cooks the round pizza pies in a wood fired oven.

North End

Some of the best restaurants in the northern part of the city can be found on Hookset Road. La Carreta has a fun atmosphere and often a wait at on weekend nights. The Shogun Japanese Steak House not only serves up great Japanese fare, but entertaining tricks as well. Giving a nod to the country's roots, the Puritan Backroom Restaurant has daily specials and is always busy.

South End

Pho Golden Bowl specializes the Vietnamese favorite pho, and to those who know Vietnamese food, it is a favorite. Day or night, try Murphy's Taproom, just south of the Verizon Wireless Arena. Happy hour and night time drinks are excellent. Or to switch up the scene try Theo's, a pizzeria with Greek and American influences.

Airport/Mall

Many of the restaurants in this area of town are chain, in fact, an alarming number of Dunkin' Donuts can be found here. But if you are looking for something a little unfamiliar, try Cactus Jacks with more than Tex-Mex, other cuisines make an appearance, and there are vegetarian options. For lunch, the locals choose Nadeau's Subs, with wraps as well as the title food, hot or cold. For a great buffet and the ability to eat as much as you can stuff into your stomach, try the lunch at India Palace, quickly becoming known as one of the best places to eat Indian in the area.

The New Hampshire Institute of Arts is based in Manchester, allowing an influx of new artists and ideas to constantly flow into the city. With such an institution on site, it is no wonder the Manchester art life is flourishing.

To get news on all the latest events and happenings in the art world, pick up a copy of The Hippo, the local arts and entertainment newspaper for the greater Manchester area.

Theater

The Palace Theatre is the toast of the Manchester arts world, and is one of 450 buildings with the same design in the United States. The venue hosts both professional performances and youth theatre. Across the river, the Majestic Theater puts on numerous shows, including musicals, and is becoming a force to be reckoned with in the Manchester arts community. On the campus of Saint Anselm College, the Dana Center presents an array of works in a state-of-the-art facility.

Cinema

Although home to Back Lot Films, Manchester has mostly cinema straight from Hollywood in the numerous theaters around the area. The Regal Manchester 9 is a nice theater although without stadium seating. This is the main theater for the city, although there are numerous cinemas located just outside the area.

Galleries

Wandering around the city, it is more than likely you will happen across a gallery or two. Of particular note are the NHIA Amherst Street Gallery and French Building Gallery, which upon occasion show works from the faculty, and often from the students of the New Hampshire Institute of Arts. The Manchester Artist Association runs a gallery showcasing artists from Manchester and around the state. The E.W. Poore Gallery has exhibits changing every month to 6 weeks, usually exhibiting the works of local artists. Classes are also offered at the facility for those with artistic aspirations.

Museums

The most famous museum in Manchester is the world class art facility, the Currier Museum of Art. The collection includes mostly American and European art, and the permanent collection includes art from some of the most renowned artists in the world. Of interest is also the Millyard Museum, detailing the history of Manchester from pre-European times to its heyday when the Amoskeag Manfacturing Company was the largest textile mill in the world.

The SEE Science Center is conveniently housed in the same building as the Millyard Museum, but provides knowledge of science rather than only history. Here is the home of the Lego Millyard Project which captures the millyard in miniature. Also of note is the Franco-American Centre, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the French culture and heritage.

Music

The New Hampshire Philharmonic is based out of Manchester and puts on classical music concerts several times throughout the year. The New Hampshire Symphony Orchestra is also based out of the city and brings music to people of the region. Showing that opera is not just for the highbrow or from years past, Opera New Hampshire has a variety of performances dedicated to the appreciation of this art form.

Major musical acts often have a stop at the Verizon Wireless Arena, so check the schedule for details. For those looking for something a little more low-key, many of the bars in the area have live music nights. Strange Brew Tavern has live music six nights a week, and both the Black Brimmer and Shaskeen's both regularly feature live music.

Sports

The Verizon Wireless Arena hosts all different sports and is the home arena for both the Manchester Wolves (arena football) and the Manchester Monarchs (hockey). Numerous collegiate games, as well as an occasional game featuring the Boston Celtics (basketball) grace the arena. Baseball fans will find the home field of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats at Merchantsauto.com Stadium.