To know Nashua is to know its tables. While the city hums with new energy, its soul lives in the booths and kitchens where generations have gathered. These aren’t just places to eat; they’re landmarks of memory, from the family-run diners that fueled mill-town mornings to the innovative bistros shaping its future. Here are the twelve establishments—the enduring classics and the fresh favorites—that define dining in Nashua today.
New Taj India
$$ | (603) 864-8586 | WEBSITE
New Taj India’s got great food, and you can celebrate special occasions. It’s in Nashua, so it’s really inviting. It’s beautiful with authentic decorations—you’re in a nice atmosphere, and it feels like you’re somewhere with family enjoying excellent dishes like Aloo Gobhi and curry chicken.
Coffee & Kindness
$ | (833) 221-1822 | WEBSITE
As we all know, wintertime gets very cold in Nashua. I think at one point I remember a winter going below zero for almost six weeks straight. But if you’re trying to warm up, I suggest going to downtown Nashua. Just off Main Street is Coffee & Kindness, which is the best coffee shop that you’ll probably ever visit. It’s so charming. There’s so many drinks, and it’s a nice way to warm up when it’s getting pretty chilly out there.
Margaritas Mexican Restaurant
$$ | (603) 883-0996 | WEBSITE
They’ve always got great margaritas on the patio at Margaritas Mexican Restaurant. The restaurant is always going to be what it is, and it’s still got the spirit of authentic Mexican flavors in there. One of my favorite dishes, the Coconut Shrimp Salad with Tequila Lime dressing, is kind of the culinary legacy of the place, and I order it quite a bit.
Subway
$ | (603) 891-1466 | WEBSITE
My go-to spot in Nashua is definitely Subway, where the staff always makes me feel welcome with their kind and engaging service. They’ve been running this location for a while now, keeping the store clean and the service fast, even if it could use a bit more warmth at times. So Subway is basically my headquarters when I need a quick, tasty meal, especially those veggie sandwiches with chipotle mayo sauce.
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews
$ | (603) 888-4691 | WEBSITE
Weekend afternoon, maybe swing by Red Robin, grab a solid burger, then check out the family-friendly section they have near the back, which is where you’ll usually find me, kind of settled into this really welcoming, very casual spot—probably one of the most laid-back joints in town—but they serve a lot of really satisfying, beef-focused classics.
Laton House Nashua
I love Laton House Nashua. It’s not actually in downtown Nashua—it’s on the outskirts, which is about a fifteen-minute drive from the city center, but it’s well worth the trip. I used to go there with my family after work. It’s been around for years, recently renovated. You get your generous bowl of pho, they bring out those mini egg rolls on the side, you get a nice iced tea, and you have a comforting meal.
Wendy’s
$ | (603) 577-8719 | WEBSITE
Wendy’s is solid. It’s right there on the main strip, where I grab a lot of quick meals. We used to call that place the Wendy’s Wonder for how reliably good it is. It just got updated—they were on a bit of a slump with staffing and rude customers, and I’m so glad they’re back on track. It’s just a standard fast-food spot and they serve until the rush is done.
Chicken N Chips
$ | (603) 889-2001 | WEBSITE
Let’s talk about a solid meal. I’d say you first grab some takeout somewhere. Maybe you go to Chicken N Chips and get some fried chicken. Chicken N Chips makes good tenders. I know I’ve had a few family dinners from Chicken N Chips.
Arby’s
$ | (603) 459-8563 | WEBSITE
Arby’s is a place I used to go with my grandfather. My father’s first car was a beat-up sedan we’d take through the drive-through—he’d always order the classic chicken sandwich and tell me it was way better than Wendy’s. Arby’s has a lot of real estate in my heart.
Bubbakoo’s Burritos
$ | (603) 880-2484 | WEBSITE
We used to go to Bubbakoo’s Burritos all the time because it used to be right across from our office park, at the Nashua Tech Center. Bubbakoo’s was the go-to for coworkers who could leave for off-campus lunch. The burrito bowl was a popular favorite, and the generous portions were a pleasant surprise. Customers frequently commented on the delicious, hot food that met expectations every time, especially praising the steak and cheese as the best they’d ever had—completely free of fat or grizzle.
The staff was professional and courteous, ensuring a great experience whether ordering through the app or in the restaurant. Their customer service stood out, with a kind manager and helpful staff who cared about providing the best experience. Parking was plentiful, with over 200 spaces, making it easy to find a good spot. Overall, Bubbakoo’s Burritos continued to impress with quality food and friendly service.
Penuche’s Ale House
$ | (603) 595-9831 | WEBSITE
Cold beer and arcade games are my favorite pastimes. I’ve been coming to Penuche’s for a few years now, grabbing drinks and playing pool. My very first visit to Penuche’s was to meet friends for happy hour on the patio. But we got one of the confusing parking spots and then we couldn’t find the entrance.
So we had an unmarked car in an unmarked lot wandering around, popping out like lost tourists trying to find the bar and no one could help us because we just looked like some confused out-of-towners who were trying to stumble into some suspicious alley. But eventually we caught sight of the lodge-esque patio and realized that we were just there to relax and have a good time.
Caribbean Breeze
$ | (603) 883-4340 | WEBSITE
Kind of a gem that not a lot of folks really talk about is Caribbean Breeze in Nashua. They’ve got a great jerk chicken, and really great Caribbean dishes in general. All the sides are really nice. Good crunchy fries. So Caribbean Breeze’s food is really great.