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American Diner · Manchester, NH

Puritan Backroom Menu 2026: NH's Legendary Tenders, Rings & Comfort Food

Puritan Backroom has anchored Manchester, New Hampshire since 1917 — a century-plus diner landmark equally famous for its hand-breaded fried chicken tenders, hand-cut onion rings, and its place in presidential primary history. Below: the full menu by category, what the restaurant is known for, its history, and everything you need to plan your visit.

Open since 1917Manchester, NH landmarkFamous chicken tendersIce cream counterPresidential primary stop
Jump to full menu Cheapest items
Sample · $$

Signature items

Chicken Tenders DinnerSignature
Hand-Cut Onion RingsNH icon
Fish and ChipsNew England classic
Hot Fudge SundaeIce cream counter
Lobster RollSeasonal
Jump to: What it's known for Signature dishes Full menu History Visiting FAQ
Quick answers

What Puritan Backroom is known for

The four things people most often ask about when planning a Puritan Backroom visit.

Must-order dish
Fried Chicken Tenders

The dish that defines Puritan Backroom — hand-breaded, fried to order, served with honey mustard.

NH icon side
Hand-Cut Onion Rings

Thick-cut, hand-battered, fried to order. Considered among the best in New Hampshire.

Best dessert
Hot Fudge Sundae

From the full ice cream counter — a separate NH tradition inside the same building.

Seafood pick
Lobster Roll

Fresh New England lobster, lightly dressed, in a toasted top-split bun.

Signature spotlight

The dishes that define Puritan Backroom

A century-old restaurant earns its reputation dish by dish. These are the items that have made Puritan Backroom a New Hampshire institution.

The signature · Since 1917

Fried Chicken Tenders

Hand-breaded and fried to order, Puritan Backroom's chicken tenders are the dish that built the restaurant's reputation. Served with honey mustard and your choice of sides, they are consistently cited as among the best in New Hampshire — a bold claim that regulars will defend passionately.

NH comfort-food icon

Hand-Cut Onion Rings

Thick-sliced, hand-battered and fried to order. Puritan Backroom's onion rings have become nearly as famous as the tenders themselves — golden, crisp outside and sweet inside. A side that many regulars treat as the main event.

New England seafood

Lobster Roll & Fish and Chips

A proper NH seafood menu rounds out the comfort food offering. The lobster roll uses fresh New England lobster lightly dressed in mayo, served in a toasted top-split bun. Fish and chips feature beer-battered cod with hand-cut fries and coleslaw.

American comfort classics

Hot Turkey, Meatloaf & Open-Face Roast Beef

The entree menu reads like a New England Sunday dinner: roast turkey with mashed potatoes and cranberry, house meatloaf with brown gravy, slow-braised pot roast. Comfort food that justifies a 100-year run.

Full ice cream counter

Ice Cream, Sundaes & Milkshakes

Puritan Backroom operates a full ice cream counter alongside its dining room — an NH tradition. Hand-spun milkshakes, hot fudge sundaes, banana splits and seasonal flavors make it a destination on its own for dessert.

Political landmark

A Presidential Primary Institution

Because New Hampshire holds the first presidential primary, Puritan Backroom has become a required stop for candidates of both parties. Autographed photos of political figures line the walls — an edible piece of American political history.

Browse the menu

Jump to a menu category

All menu categories at Puritan Backroom.

Puritan Famous Chicken Tenders4 itemsBurgers & Sandwiches6 itemsSeafood5 itemsAppetizers & Sides6 itemsSalads4 itemsComfort Food Entrees5 itemsIce Cream & Desserts6 itemsDrinks & Beverages4 items
Full menu

Puritan Backroom full menu (2026)

All categories and items. Prices are not published online — see the note below.

About pricing. Puritan Backroom does not publish prices online. Menu items and categories are described based on publicly available information as of May 2026. For current prices, visit the restaurant at 245 Hooksett Rd, Manchester NH, call ahead, or check puritanbackroom.com.
About Puritan Backroom

Manchester's century-old diner landmark.

Puritan Backroom opened in Manchester, New Hampshire in 1917 — more than a century ago. What began as a local diner has grown into one of the most recognizable restaurants in New England, famous for its comfort-food menu, its full ice cream counter, and its place in American political history.

The "Backroom" name refers to the restaurant's expansion over the decades — what started as a modest operation grew into a sprawling dining institution capable of feeding large groups and hosting campaign events for presidential contenders. The walls are lined with autographed photos spanning decades of political visits, making it as much a historical landmark as a meal.

The fried chicken tenders became the restaurant's defining dish, built on a simple premise: hand-breaded, fried to order, served consistently. That approach — applied to an entire menu of American comfort food — has kept the restaurant open through more than a century of change.

1917Founded
100+Years open
1Manchester, NH location
NHPrimary stop
Planning your visit

Getting to Puritan Backroom

Puritan Backroom is located at 245 Hooksett Rd, Manchester, New Hampshire 03104. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner daily; confirm exact hours before visiting as they can vary seasonally.

The restaurant is a short drive from downtown Manchester and easily accessible from I-93. Parking is available on-site. During presidential primary season, expect increased demand — reservations or early arrival are advisable.

For current hours, to-go orders and event inquiries, visit puritanbackroom.com.

  • Address: 245 Hooksett Rd, Manchester, NH 03104
  • Hours: Lunch & dinner daily (confirm at official site)
  • Parking: On-site parking available
  • Groups: Large dining room accommodates groups
  • Ice cream: Full counter alongside dining room
  • Reservations: Recommended during peak periods
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Common questions

Puritan Backroom — frequently asked questions

Answers to the most common questions about Puritan Backroom's menu, history and visiting the Manchester NH landmark.

What is Puritan Backroom famous for?

Puritan Backroom is best known for its hand-breaded fried chicken tenders and hand-cut onion rings, widely considered among the best in New Hampshire. Open since 1917, the Manchester institution is also famous as a presidential primary stop — nearly every major presidential candidate has visited during NH primary season, making it one of the most politically significant diners in America.

Where is Puritan Backroom located?

Puritan Backroom is located at 245 Hooksett Rd, Manchester, New Hampshire 03104. It is open daily for lunch and dinner. Confirm current hours at puritanbackroom.com before visiting.

Does Puritan Backroom have prices on their menu online?

Puritan Backroom does not publish a full priced menu online. Pricing is available in-restaurant. For the most accurate current prices, visit the restaurant directly or call ahead. This page describes the menu categories and signature items based on publicly available information as of 2026.

How long has Puritan Backroom been open?

Puritan Backroom has been serving Manchester, NH since 1917 — making it over 100 years old. The restaurant has operated continuously across multiple generations and is considered one of the oldest and most beloved dining institutions in New Hampshire.

Do politicians really visit Puritan Backroom?

Yes. Because New Hampshire holds the first presidential primary in the nation, Puritan Backroom has become a must-stop for presidential hopefuls dating back decades. Past visitors include candidates from both major parties. The walls of the restaurant are lined with autographed photos of political figures — the restaurant is as much a piece of NH political history as it is a dining destination.

Does Puritan Backroom serve breakfast?

Puritan Backroom is primarily a lunch and dinner destination. It does not operate as a traditional breakfast spot. The restaurant is best known for its diner-style lunch and dinner menu anchored by fried chicken tenders, onion rings, burgers, seafood and comfort food entrees. Check puritanbackroom.com for current hours.

Is there an ice cream counter at Puritan Backroom?

Yes. Puritan Backroom has a full ice cream counter that is a separate draw alongside the main dining room. It offers scoops, sundaes, milkshakes, banana splits and seasonal flavors — a New Hampshire tradition that extends the restaurant's all-ages appeal well beyond the sit-down menu.

Is Puritan Backroom good for families?

Puritan Backroom is widely considered one of the most family-friendly restaurants in New Hampshire. The sprawling dining room accommodates large groups, the menu ranges from comfort plates to ice cream, and the all-American casual atmosphere makes it easy for diners of every age. The ice cream counter is a particular favorite for kids.

What are the best things to order at Puritan Backroom?

The unanimous first-timer recommendations are the fried chicken tenders (the dish the restaurant is built on) and the hand-cut onion rings. Both are considered NH comfort-food benchmarks. Beyond those two, the fish and chips, lobster roll and hot fudge sundae from the ice cream counter round out the classic Puritan Backroom experience.

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