One positive of the pandemic? Restaurants are responding to the crisis with creative solutions to keep guests comfortable and safe – even during the coldest days of winter. Check out our list below for suggestions on how to turn a normal meal or takeout run into an experience you’ll always remember.

Igloos

To reduce the risk of people dining together outside of their households, many restaurants are offering private “dining igloos.” Often heated, furnished, and strung with lights, they’re a great way to safely “chill” this winter.

For restaurants in NH with igloos, check out 603 Brewery in Londonderry, Twin Barns Brewery in Meredith, Galley Hatch in Hampton, Tuscan Kitchen in Salem, Popovers in Epping, Granite Roots Brewing in Troy, the Taittinger Igloo Garden at Bedford Village Inn, Woodstock Inn and Brewery in North Woodstock, Boston Billiard Club & Casino in Nashua, and Cheers Grille & Bar in Concord.

*Most restaurants have policies in place to ventilate and clean the igloo after use. Check with a restaurant about their safety practices if you have questions or concerns before booking an igloo.

Fire Pits

Cozy up by the fire for a rustic evening out! Fire pits and heaters are still up and running in many places, including Backyard Brewery in Manchester, Iron Furnace Brewing in Franconia, Garrison City Beerworks in Dover, Loaded Question Brewing in Portsmouth, Smuttynose Restaurant in Hampton, and Throwback Brewery in North Hampton.

Book a Staycation

Need a change of scenery, a new place to work remotely, or a place to entertain the kids safely? Hotels across the state have adopted enhanced cleaning procedures and safety protocols – made in consultation with health experts – to ensure that your stay is a safe one. And with low rates and special offers, now is the perfect time to explore your own backyard. Book that NH hotel room, bed and breakfast, or private cabin to support another industry struggling to keep their doors open and their staff employed.

Turn Your Car into a Restaurant

For one creative diner in Canaan, the pandemic became an opportunity to elevate her in-car dining experience into a memorable new tradition. Using car seat trays, Beth Reese and her husband began meeting their family in the parking lot of a favorite restaurant for socially-distant takeout with scenic lake views.

“In our car, we used the car seat trays and they were just perfect. My brother used regular sheet pans resting on towels and they both said it was much more comfortable than just balancing food on your lap,” said Beth.

Beth and her family call their idea “The Backseat Diner” and agree they’ll continue enjoying takeout this way even when the pandemic is over – especially since they live over 20 minutes from the closest restaurant. “It was so amazing to have HOT takeout! We sat by the lake in our snug little cars and it was lovely. We even went back for dessert! My little niece can be a handful in a restaurant, but in her little car seat in familiar surroundings, she was happy and calm.”

If you’re looking for something similar, we found this food tray for cars on Amazon for only $12.99. And for those who want it to take it up a notch, this couple in Illinois turned their van into a dining room, complete with bistro string lights and checkered table cloth.

Private Dining Rooms

If you’re not comfortable dining in a room with other people yet, there are plenty of restaurants that are offering private rooms. Old Salt and Lamie’s Inn in Hampton is one example; they flipped unused hotel rooms into isolated dining rooms. If you have a favorite restaurant you’d love to eat in privately, it’s always worth asking if they have an available room that you can reserve.

Make it a Game

Head over to NH Flavors to play Rally for NH Restaurants Bingo! Download or take a screenshot of the bingo card, match your acts of support to the tiles, and if you’re one of the first five people to reach Bingo, you’ll receive gift cards to restaurants close to you. If you live in Keene area, pick up your “Keene Top Chef Passport” at Luca’s Mediterranean Cafe or Machina Kitchen and ArtBar for a book full of 2-1 deals and coupons for restaurants and breweries all over Keene.

Join the Movement!

Become an advocate for the industry or ambassador for your favorite restaurant by rallying for restaurants this winter. Share your social media posts, tag us, or use the hashtag #rallyfornhrestaurants and encourage your friends and family to join you in supporting our local restaurants this winter.