Modern American restaurants in New England
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55 Degrees
In a former silversmith’s shop, this elegant newcomer serves delectable cuisine amid exposed-brick walls trimmed with artwork and old-world touches. The menu features excellent cheeses, quinoa and roasted-walnut salad, seared sea-scallops, roasted duck and other tempting choices. It’s matched by a decent wine list.
reviewed
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80 Thoreau
Understated and elegant, this modern restaurant is an anomaly in historic Concord – but that's a good thing. The menu – short but sweet – features deliciously unexpected combinations of flavors, mostly using seasonal, local ingredients. There's also a busy bar area, which offers a short selection of classic cocktails and long list of wines by the glass.
reviewed
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Lexx
This contemporary kitchen takes things upscale, with decor that is sophisticated but not stuffy. The creative menu incorporates international elements into its classic dishes.
reviewed
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A
Franklin Cape Ann
The North Shore branch of a South End favorite in Boston, this cool place has an urban atmosphere and an excellent, modern New American menu.
reviewed
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51 Mill
51 Mill offers a varied menu, large portions and a fine lakeside setting; the crab cakes and grilled swordfish go nicely with the wine selections.
reviewed
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B
Elliott’s at the Blackburn
Exposed brick and polished wood make for a very cozy spot. Come for old-fashioned comfort food with a modern twist, like lobster mac and cheese, buffalo bolognese or fig pizza.
reviewed
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C
Mews Restaurant & Cafe
A fantastic water view, the hottest martini bar in town and scrumptious food add up to Provincetown’s finest dining scene. There are two sections. Opt to dine gourmet on tuna sushi and rack of lamb downstairs, where you’re right on the sand, or go casual with a juicy Angus burger from the cafe menu upstairs. There's also a happening Sunday brunch.
reviewed
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Sweet Life Café
Romantic candlelight dining at its finest, this chef-driven bistro adds a gentle French accent to superbly prepared island seafood and complements it with a perfectly matched wine list.
reviewed
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D
Walden Grille
Set in a former firehouse, this popular spot is a tavern-restaurant with soft lighting, exposed brick walls and lyrical landscape paintings. The New American menu gets mixed reviews, but the atmosphere is welcoming.
reviewed
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Aylmer’s Grille
This handsome little restaurant serves creative American cuisine with Eastern accents. Grilled tamari salmon, saffron linguine, shrimp and tomato tart are all nicely prepared, and there are wine suggestions with every main course.
reviewed
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E
Green Street Grill
Gritty on the outside, cozy on the inside, the Green Street Grill is a longstanding neighborhood joint that still manages to be thoroughly up to date. The urban bar and grill hints at upscale, but keeps it real with affordable prices and tried-and-true American fare. Killer cocktails make it a great place to drink, too.
reviewed
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F
Boarding House
The sidewalk patio here is perfect for people-watching, although the innovative American cuisine will vie for your attention. Linger over the likes of lobster Benedict, grilled fish with arugula, or steak-frites with béarnaise aïoli.
reviewed
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G
Marina Restaurant
This fun, refreshing local favorite blends fantastic food, spirited atmosphere and a sublime location on the banks of the West River. Food is reasonably priced and features all-natural beef filet mignon ($21.95) and daily seafood specials.
reviewed
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H
Mews
A fantastic water view, the hottest martini bar in town and scrumptious food add up to P'town's finest dinner scene. Opt to dine gourmet on tuna sushi and rack of lamb downstairs or go casual with a juicy burger from the café menu upstairs.
reviewed
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RooBar
This hip place features an exposed kitchen, high ceilings, great people-watching and innovative New American fare. Be adventurous: maybe the wood-fired spiced lamb pizza or the lobster tail in grapefruit sauce. RooBar is also known for its bar scene.
reviewed
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Coyote Grill
Above the White Mountain Athletic Club, this bistro serves creative American fare. Gazpacho, roasted beet salad, New York strip (top loin steak) and herb-roasted salmon are some of the popular dishes you can enjoy to mountain views in the rustic dining room.
reviewed
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I
Five Fifty-Five
One of Portland’s best new chefs holds court at this handsome restaurant north of the West End. Plates here are both delicious and imaginative, including blueberry salad, scallop ceviche, smoked trout risotto and a range of desserts, artisanal cheeses and good wines.
reviewed
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J
White Barn Inn
Kennebunkport’s most renowned restaurant boasts country-elegant decor and fantastic New American cuisine. The menu changes weekly and features local seafood complemented by locally grown herbs, fruits and vegetables and California greens. Make reservations, and be sure to dress the part.
reviewed
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Thompson House Eatery
Casual but cool, the Thompson House is a local favorite for creative new American cuisine. The seasonal menu is big on organic locally grown produce, which is also for sale at the farm stand outside. Eat on the porch, with light filtering through the stained-glass windows, or at the friendly bar.
reviewed
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K
TJ Buckley’s
This upscale but classic and authentic 1927 diner seats just 18 souls, but those lucky 18 are in for an exceptional dinner. The menu of four mains changes nightly, and locals rave that the food here is Brattleboro’s best. Reservations are strongly recommended; credit cards are not accepted.
reviewed
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L
Café Beyond
Head to this cafe in the Collected Works Bookstore for full meals with international flair. The Thai and Colombian chefs here offer an inspired world-ranging menu. Additionally, the fabulous bookstore, meeting space and seating designed for lingering draw a wild cross-pollination of, well, lingerers.
reviewed
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Clay Hill Farm
This award-winning restaurant is set in an elegantly restored 18th-century farmhouse and serves new American cuisine. Rack of lamb with fennel salad, organic trout, roasted Cornish hen and sesame-crusted scallops are among the changing menu selections. It’s located 5 miles north of Ogunquit, off US 1.
reviewed
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Candleworks
In a restored brick candle factory, this chic restaurant is about as good as it gets in New Bedford. You can eat in the cool cellar or under the umbrellas on the patio: either way the setting is luxurious. Italian dishes have a modern, New England flair (lots of seafood). Live piano music fills the air in the evenings.
reviewed
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M
Peter Havens
This intimate, 10-table local institution features an incredible menu bursting with culinary mastery. Fresh seafood dishes share the roster with venison, duck, tenderloin and pasta dishes (which can be modified for vegetarians). Brimming with intimate and artsy atmosphere, Peter Havens also has a full (eight-seat) bar.
reviewed
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Freestone’s City Grille
Freestone’s offers ‘Gay Nineties’ ambiance in a reclaimed bank building, complete with a stained-glass mirror and a brass monkey. Modern American fare shows hints of Asian influence, especially in the specialty salads. This place is opposite the National Historical Park visitor center, so it’s easy to find.
reviewed