For over two decades, The Barley House Restaurant & Tavern has been Concordâs premier destination for craft burgers made with freshly ground all-natural Angus beef and an impressive selection of draft beers. đ
Located directly across from the State House at 132 North Main Street, this beloved establishment has earned its place in political history as a mandatory stop for presidential candidates filing their New Hampshire primary paperwork.
The restaurantâs mottoââEat Better. Drink Better. Have More Fun.ââperfectly captures the laid-back atmosphere where locals and visitors can let their shoulders down and enjoy modern comfort food with a twist.
How The Barley House won Concordâs hearts
The Barley House opened in 2000 with owner Brian Sheaâs vision of creating an upscale tavern that served exceptional pub fare without pretension.
The restaurantâs prime location directly across from the New Hampshire State House initially attracted government workers and legislators looking for quality lunch spots.
Everything changed during the 2008 presidential primary season when then-candidate Mike Huckabee visited, and owner Brian Shea unveiled the âHuckaburgerâ in his honor.
That single moment transformed The Barley House into essential campaign trail territory, with presidential hopefuls making the well-worn path from the State House across Main Street to grab burgers and meet constituents.
By the third consecutive election cycle, the restaurant had hosted so many candidates that photos of presidential hopefuls covered the walls, alongside a mocked-up image of Theodore Roosevelt with their slogan: âThe Road to the White House begins at the Barley House.â
But what really won localsâ hearts was the foodâparticularly the Dublin Burger, which became legendary throughout New Hampshire.
The addition of creative options like the Korean BBQ Burger and the coffee-rubbed Java Bison Burger showed the kitchen wasnât afraid to experiment while maintaining classics.
Food Highlights
- Hangover Burger: A hearty favorite featuring peppercorn-charred beef with potato cake, bacon, cheddar cheese, fried egg, and buffalo sauce that delivers the perfect combination of savory and spicy.
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Dublin Burger: The legendary peppercorn-charred Angus beef patty topped with whiskey gravy, blue cheese, and crispy onion strings featured on Phantom Gourmet and called the best burger in New Hampshire.
- Bourbon Mushroom Burger: An elegant choice featuring bourbon-glazed mushrooms and Swiss cheese that adds sophisticated depth to the freshly ground beef.
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McBarley: A classic crowd-pleaser topped with roasted onions, bacon, cheddar cheese, and Russian dressing that brings traditional burger flavors with a tangy twist.
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Java Bison Burger: A unique option featuring a coffee-rubbed bison patty that proves this restaurant can work magic with alternative proteins beyond beef.
Atmosphere
Step into The Barley House and youâll discover a warm, convivial space where rustic wood accents meet leather-back booths. đď¸
The pub-style atmosphere on one side transitions to a more formal dining area on the other, giving guests options for casual drinks or elevated meals.
Photos of presidential candidates cover the walls alongside political memorabilia, creating a uniquely New Hampshire experience where history and hospitality meet.
Bottom Line
Over 20 years of serving freshly ground, all-natural Angus beef burgers with no hormones or antibiotics daily.
The legendary Dublin Burger featured on Phantom Gourmet is called the best burger in New Hampshire.
Presidential candidates make it a mandatory campaign stopâphotos on the walls prove it. đşđ¸
Address:
132 N Main St, Concord, NH 03301
đ (603) 228-6363
đ Open Mon-Tue, 11:30 AMâ9 PM; Wed, Closed; Thu-Sat, 11:30 AMâ10 PM; Sun, 11:30 AMâ9 PM