Manchester, NH Area Restaurant

[SallyCapeCodCat]

Hi!
We're visiting our daughter at St. Anselm College this weekend and looking for a restaurant to take her to in the Manchester area. Thinking Steak/Seafood -- she's already sick of pasta. I know there is an Outback chain nearby. Any great independents? Thanks!
Sally

[Rabbit]

Cotton is another all-around great restaurant... food is "American bistro" (always well executed), cozy environment, and great bartending.

www.cottonfood.com

I also like CR Sparks, and the while I haven't been to the Hanover Street Chophouse, it's run by the same people so I would expect it to be very good.

[lexpatti]

love love love Cotton!!! I've also heard great things about "Z" but haven't been yet.

[rmsoul]

Have been to Z a few times. Food is very innovative and atmosphere is very fun. The scallops are some of the best I've ever had, sweet and cooked to perfection. It's a must try if you live in or around Manchester.

[whs]

If you don't mind spending $$$, the Hanover Steet Chophouse in Manch: http://www.hanoverstreetchophouse.com/default2.aspx or Buckley's Great Steaks in Merrimack: http://www.buckleysgreatsteaks.com/. A cheaper indy steakhouse is Silo's, also in Merrimack: http://www.silossteakhouse.com/reviews.htm
For seafood, you could try Commercial Street Fishery in Manchester: http://www.csfishery.com/
C.R. Sparks in Bedford has both: http://www.crsparks.com/CRSparksRB_co...

lexpatti, one of our great NE hounds, loves Tinker's Seafood--haven't tried it yet but am planning to, based on her rave.

[lexpatti]

Thanks whs, your picks are great for steak and most likely great seafood too and more upscale. Tinkers is very very casual - awesome seafood but not a nice dinner out per sa with the family, it's your typical paper plate, red checker table cloth place with fabulous clams, lobster rolls, etc.

[Ratatouille]

Hannover Street Chophouse is extremely expensive and feels like a place where you'd take business clients. CR Sparks is owned by the same guy, is cheaper and has a more fun yet intimate atmopshere, and is closer to St. Anselm. The menu also has a lot of variety so there's something for everyone.

Cotton is good as well. A little less pricey than CR Sparks. Fewer menu options, not presented quite as fancy, but the food's just as good. Plus there's outdoor seating which is wonderful at night.