12 Great New England Road Trip Food Spots
From fried clams to grilled cheese, senior food editor Amy Traverso maps out some of the best places in New England for road trip food — conveniently right off the interstate.
By Yankee Magazine
Jun 09 2022
The Tastiest Refueling Spots Off the Interstate
Photo Credit : Matthew BillingtonKnowing how easy it is to work up an appetite on long drives, Yankee food editor Amy Traverso recently compiled a list of favorite places to eat near New England’s interstates. Beyond serving up great road trip food, the winners also had to meet these criteria: (1) A location outside major cities and their parking hassles. (2) Operating hours that span at least two meals. (3) Menu with something for kids. (4) Setting casual enough for travel clothes.
12 Great New England Road Trip Food Spots
Sunny Day Diner | Lincoln, NH
This cute-as-a-button spot makes superb banana bread French toast and a road trip–worthy Reuben.
Red Hen Baking | Middlesex, VT
Some of the best breads in New England are baked here. Don’t miss the egg sandwiches and tartines.
King Arthur Baking Café, Bakery & Store | Norwich, VT
From bread, jam, and porridge to a perfect grilled cheese, this café has day-trippers covered.
Four Aces Diner | West Lebanon, NH
There’s a 1952 Worcester diner car hidden in this non-descript building, and its eggs Benedict and poutine are terrific.
Bob’s Clam Hut | Kittery, ME
While the menu is vast, it’s really all about the fried clams (ask for them “Bob’s style”).
Puritan Backroom | Manchester, NH
They claim to have invented chicken tenders, so you have to try them — either straight up or baked parmigiana-style.
Photo Credit : Matthew Billington
The Farm Table | Bernardston, MA
Several restaurants inside Kringle Candle serve brunch through dinner (hit the more casual Tavern for excellent flatbreads).
Publick House | Sturbridge, MA
The bread basket, with its cornbread and sticky buns, is the stuff of legend. So is the classic turkey dinner.
Modern Diner | Pawtucket, RI
You can’t miss with any of the many daily specials here, but we love the chouriço special and yummy custard French toast.
Rein’s Deli | Vernon, CT
Of course the main route between NYC and Boston has a terrific deli. Love the matzo ball soup and corned beef.
Dottie’s Diner | Woodbury, CT
The doughnuts here are so beloved, their recipes are held like state secrets. Same with the plump, buttery chicken pies.
Clam Castle | Madison, CT
Come for fried fish and hot butter lobster rolls, then — if you time it right — catch a beach sunset at Hammonasset State Park.
Where are your favorite spots in New England to get road trip food?
These “Editors’ Picks for Food Lovers” originally appeared in the May/June 2018 issue of Yankee.