Having lived in New Hampshire for most of my life, I would like to think I have pretty good insight on some of the best places to go. Today I will be talking about one of the best parts about living in New Hampshire: the food.

We're beach, we're mountains, we've got everything. In the same sense, all over the place there are speciality restaurants that will blow your mind. Today I am giving my top five restaurants to try while going to UNH (or being in the Seacoast in general).

These restaurants aren't seafood, expensive, or culinary places. I'm writing about the places that local teenagers and college kids go when their craving good food for a great price. So don't go in necessarily thinking that you'll get China and different sized spoons. It's the atmosphere we're looking for.

1. La Festa--Dover, NH

Travel time being about a half hour from the UNH campus, this is one of the two best pizza joints in New Hampshire. Inexpensive, beautiful pizza that is good for a dinner pre-party with friends, or after when you realize you haven't eaten in hours and it's 11 p.m. Personally, although I love the pizza, it just wouldn't taste as good without the incredible speciality dessert. Cinnamon knots. Yes, cinnamon knots.
My recommendation: Buffalo chicken pizza and 1-3 cinnamon knots (depending on the type of day).

2. Las Olas--Hampton & Exeter, NH

If you love a good burrito or taco but are looking for something a little more filling / healthy / better feeling afterwards, than Las Olas will be what you need. The Exeter one is 26 minutes away from campus, and the Hampton one is 30 minutes away. Cooked right in front of you with fresh, delicious ingredients, Las never fails to hit the spot. Don't forget that the Exeter one is better, ask any Exeter High School student or alum. (Sorry Warriors, ours came first!) With vegetarian and gluten free options, you can't get better. Plus, if you let them know at the checkout that you're a student, you get a free fountain drink!
My recommendation: Steak burrito with rice, cheese, lettuce and pineapple salsa.

3. KB's--Hampton, NH

Going back onto Warrior territory, I have never had a better bagel in my entire life. The small shop is a 35 minute drive from campus, but totally worth it. With 8-10 types of bagels daily, 12-14 types of spread, ice cream, cheap but amazing coffee and tea, you can't do better. There's very limited parking and the place is filled with soft, worn couches, and this gives KB's the most comfortable and home-y feel. Also for when it's not morning or if you don't like bagels (shame) there's also Gifford's ice cream. Right across from the beach and you can eat breakfast on The Wall by Hampton Beach, nothing better for a relaxing morning with friends.
My (intense) recommendation: French toast bagel with cinnamon sugar spread with an iced vanilla chai tea.

4. Gilley's--Downtown Portsmouth, NH

Maybe the first thing I should mention is that Gilley's is open until 2 a.m. Everyday. If that's not a good hint as to what Gilley's is for, then you'll just have to go sometime. Located 21 minutes from campus (with a Wildcat Bus that brings you to and from Portsmouth), it has that greasy and American food you just sometimes need. Without making you feel sick or gross, it gives that middle of the night cheeseburger and cheese fries fix anytime from 11 a.m.-2 a.m. While the menu doesn't necessarily look impressive at first glance, just give it a taste when you're famished at midnight and you'll understand. It's something only Seacoast residents have really gone to, so this will be your induction to being a real New Englander.
My recommendation: Cheese fries and a plain hamburger at 1 a.m.

5. 7th Settlement--Dover, NH

I have never been to a more organic and wonderful (and well priced) restaurant in my entire life. Everything, and I mean everything, in the restaurant is made from scratch. And you can taste it too! Even down to their ketchup tastes like actual tomatoes. The drinks on tap are awesome, and they have local beers named after close by highways that I have heard nothing but incredible things about. It's a little more pricey than the other four restaurants mentioned, but the price for the quality you are receiving is awesome. The staff is super sweet and wicked friendly, I'd recommend to both families, students, and dates, whoever!
My recommendation: Honey spicy chipotle flatbread and their homemade root beer!

Which of these restaurants have you been to? Any of the descriptions make you want to go? Did I miss any gems? Let me know in the comments! Thank you for reading!