While Nashua might not be the first city that comes to mind for craft cocktails, a vibrant scene has quietly emerged over recent years. From speakeasy-style hideaways to modern lounges with inventive menus, these establishments rival the sophistication found in Boston or even New York. Whether you’re a local seeking new favorites or a visitor exploring the city, these cocktail bars offer memorable experiences that go beyond just drinks.
La Carreta Mexican Restaurant
$ | (603) 891-0055 | WEBSITE
While it’s now recognized as one of the best cocktail bar restaurants in Nashua, La Carreta had humble beginnings, starting years ago as a modest local spot before becoming a popular gathering place. While the restaurant serves delicious drinks like the popular mango margarita, it became known for its flavorful dishes—from the chile rellenos with grilled chicken to the shredded chicken quesadilla—though during busy nights some dishes may be dry or reheated.
Wanting to offer a vibrant atmosphere, the staff always remains friendly and courteous, surprising guests with festive touches for birthdays. Many diners appreciate the great service, often highlighting servers for their attentiveness, and praise options like the chicken burritos “a la carte” with a side of rice.
Customers have noted the chicken tacos are a good deal, especially when paired with the house hot sauce that enhances the basic salsa served with chips, and the lunch portions are perfectly sized and seasoned, with choices like beef tip tacos and burritos or steak and chicken fajitas. With more people looking for lively spots to return to, La Carreta plans to continue focusing on its vibrant atmosphere and attentive service.
And in the future, it also aims to maintain its reputation as a great spot for gatherings where the staff makes every visit feel special.
Martha’s Exchange Restaurant & Brewery
$$ | (603) 883-8781 | WEBSITE
Martha’s Exchange Restaurant & Brewery in Nashua is part restaurant, part brewery. Located in the heart of the city near the Nashua Center for the Arts, it features a pleasant atmosphere with window seats and a clean environment. It’s also always been a reliable spot for locals – when you’re heading to a show, you can count on grabbing a meal or drinks here beforehand, with the added bonus of free parking in the garage on Saturdays.
The menu offers a variety of options, including the steak and cheese sandwich with a side Greek salad that comes with a generous slice of fresh feta. Nachos are available too, though the cheese level can be inconsistent. The service can be slow at times, but the friendly staff like Emma and Brandon make up for it with their attentiveness and knowledge. They’re particularly good at handling large parties with patience, even without notice.
Looking forward, they continue to serve a range of fun alcoholic drinks besides their own brews, maintaining that welcoming vibe that keeps people coming back.
Casey Magee’s Irish Pub & Music Hall
$ | (603) 484-7400 | WEBSITE
15 years ago, Irish-American owner Casey Magee was studying to be an accountant when he first tried running a pub. It quickly became a passion as he began to explore different atmospheres, eventually leading him to manage a popular tavern in Boston. Long story short, accounting didn’t work out and Magee became interested in not only the food and drink part of the business, but also the entertainment aspect: creating a space that brings people together and an experience that he’s proud to offer.
He grew up watching his immigrant grandparents run their neighborhood pub, which made him initially avoid that kind of work, but the influence ultimately came back around with his own establishment. The pub opened in Nashua in 2010 in the corner of a historic 1920s brick building, and in late 2022, he expanded the music hall upstairs.
Over the course of the past year, Magee felt like he was going from being an expert at running traditional pubs to feeling like it’s all new again with the karaoke nights. And while the regulars have helped him stay popular, he said it’s hard to imagine things being exactly like they were before, but he’s optimistic that his customers will continue to support Casey Magee’s both as a destination and a welcoming community gathering spot.
The Martini Bar At Pizzico
$$ | (603) 633-8993 | WEBSITE
The Martini Bar At Pizzico is a great spot for a specialty martini and cold beer, known for its delicious pizza and friendly service. This Nashua establishment captures that same convivial spirit, using plenty of wood and warm lighting in the design complemented by a spacious bar area.
Over the years, with the support of the staff and the regulars, they’ve maintained their popularity, but the team acknowledges it can be challenging handling the busy crowds, although they manage the stress well to provide excellent service.
Looking ahead, they aim to keep offering the experience customers have come to love: enjoying a perfectly cooked pizza with generous toppings, but not just as a meal, while fostering a local hangout atmosphere to relax in—whether for after-work drinks, appetizers, or a lively dining outing, all with plenty of parking available.
San Francisco Kitchen
$$ | (603) 886-8833 | WEBSITE
Nashua has no shortage of reliable Asian spots, and San Francisco Kitchen is a relative newcomer, transforming under new ownership in recent years. The owners have backgrounds in hospitality and wanted to elevate the experience when they renovated so they could focus on the essentials—like the quality of each ingredient, sourcing produce directly from local markets, and offering dishes from across Asia with a California twist.
They chose the name San Francisco Kitchen because it felt fresh for a Nashua restaurant, but it also relates to their culinary identity as something that blends Asian traditions with West Coast flair, and their experiences of dining culture in places like California and Asia.
Throughout the changes, they’ve continued thinking about and focusing on what their customers are looking for: generous portions (they increased the variety of gluten-free options and sides), lively ambiance during evenings (they start music at 6pm for a relaxed yet stylish vibe) and efficient service (the attentive staff ensures a pleasant experience).
Pizzico Ristorante Bar – Nashua
$$ | (603) 633-8993 | WEBSITE
A newer addition to Nashua’s Italian dining scene, Pizzico Ristorante Bar opened its doors in early 2024. Despite being tucked away from the main downtown corridor, it has quickly gained recognition through word-of-mouth for its authentic culinary experience. The intimate space features warm lighting and tasteful décor that flows throughout, complemented by simple wood furnishings while the outdoor seating area offers pleasant evening breezes during warmer months.
All of this is to say, it’s a beautiful spot to enjoy authentic Italian cuisine.
Rambling House Food & Gathering
$$ | (603) 318-3220 | WEBSITE
Chef and owner behind Rambling House Food & Gathering approaches this spot primarily as a gathering place, rather than just a restaurant, which is why the space feels so intentionally layered, and why the menu rotates with such care. The multi-level establishment started with the Tale Spinner brewery downstairs before expanding upward to include full dining rooms and eventually the roof deck for seasonal BBQ.
At first, the building wasn’t as fully utilized or bustling, but the team liked the cozy, gem-like feel and that the location was purposefully chosen to be a perfect neighborhood anchor so that Rambling House would be more of a local staple. For a long time, they had the idea to offer both brewery fare and full restaurant service, and now they successfully run both with attentive staff across levels.
The recent expansion offered the opportunity to refine each space so they could maintain quality and do a thoughtful rollout of the roof deck and specials. The dishes, which include things like the potato leek tart and beer battered haddock, are drawn from fresh, local ingredients and by focusing on what pairs well in a cozy atmosphere.
La Hacienda Del Rio
$ | (603) 888-3353 | WEBSITE
La Hacienda Del Rio has been a longtime favorite for authentic Mexican cuisine in the local dining scene, with its welcoming atmosphere right in the heart of Nashua. The friendly and attentive staff provides excellent service, surprising guests with treats like large fried ice cream.
All of the food is freshly prepared on-site, with the cheese nachos and chimichangas highly recommended, along with the delicious birria tacos that many customers crave weekly for their flavor, especially with extra lime. The cocktails, including excellent margaritas, are top-notch, and the bar staff is attentive, often recommending new menu additions.
There are plenty of vegetarian options available, and kids eat free on Sundays with the purchase of an adult entree, making it a great family-oriented spot. The salsa and chips are a must-try, and the place is known for being affordable and comfortable, perfect for grabbing a drink and dinner.
Slade’s Food & Spirits
$ | (603) 886-1334 | WEBSITE
Slade’s Food & Spirits began as a simple neighborhood bar where locals could grab a drink and unwind after work. After expanding, the owners wanted to create a space where friends could come together for good food and entertainment, so they added karaoke and a DJ that plays customer requests. When they moved to their current location in Nashua, they needed to establish a welcoming atmosphere for both regulars and newcomers.
So in recent years, Slade’s has evolved into a popular spot with new pool tables and outdoor seating. The bartender said the community has been very supportive of the venue, and he often chats with customers about their favorite songs and burger preferences.
In the evenings, they’ve had to manage busy crowds and transition from a casual dining spot to a lively nightlife destination, but they’ve still found ways to maintain a relaxed vibe, mostly through attentive service rather than formal reservations. Regardless of the hustle, he said the bar needs to keep up with demand to thrive in a competitive scene, but he still values the friendly interactions and hopes to stay true to its initial mission as a place for a quick drink or a meal.
Union Public House
$$$ | (603) 699-8112 | WEBSITE
Order this: For something savory, go with the crab cake appetizer, or opt for a classic pasta alla vodka using their signature house-made vodka sauce. The crab cakes are wonderfully seasoned and cooked to perfection, while the pasta alla vodka offers a rich, creamy finish that’s both flavorful and unique.
Both dishes showcase the restaurant’s creative approach to classic favorites, with the pasta alla vodka being a standout for its balanced seasoning and the crab cakes for their light, refreshing texture. The portions are generous, making either choice a satisfying start or main course in the cool, vibrant atmosphere of Union Public House, where the attentive service and fabulous decor enhance the overall experience.
Chicken N Chips
$ | (603) 889-2001 | WEBSITE
Tucked away in Nashua, this longtime family favorite has been serving up memories for over 15 years, recently reopening with a refreshed vibe that feels both clean and welcoming. With backgrounds in creating community through food, the owners have always focused on making this spot a gathering place for families and couples alike. They spent years perfecting their approach, ensuring the menu offers something for everyone—from tenders and bone-in chicken to hearty sandwiches.
At the time, the local fried chicken scene was simpler, but Chicken N Chips aimed to deliver a satisfying experience with juicy, flavorful options that keep people coming back. The past year has given the staff and owner a renewed appreciation for connecting with regulars, even if it’s just a quick chat at the counter, and they look forward to continuing to be a true asset in the neighborhood through great food and friendly service.