Nestled in the heart of Hampton, New Hampshire, 401 Tavern offers a dining experience that perfectly blends classic American comfort food with a modern twist. Known for its warm ambiance and attentive service, the tavern has become a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike.
Whether you’re stopping by for a casual lunch, a family dinner, or an evening out with friends, the menu at 401 Tavern provides a diverse selection that caters to a variety of tastes and dietary preferences.
Each dish is thoughtfully prepared using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, showcasing the culinary team’s dedication to quality and flavor.
The menu’s balance of hearty entrées, creative appetizers, and indulgent desserts makes 401 Tavern a standout destination in Hampton’s vibrant food scene. From succulent seafood options to classic burgers and vegetarian delights, the offerings are designed to delight every palate.
The tavern’s bar also features an impressive lineup of craft beers, cocktails, and wines, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy pairing their meals with the perfect drink. The combination of atmosphere, exceptional food, and drink variety ensures that every visit to 401 Tavern is a memorable one.
Appetizers: A Flavorful Start
The appetizer menu at 401 Tavern sets the tone for a satisfying meal with a range of options that appeal to both adventurous and traditional diners. Designed to be shared or enjoyed solo, these starters are crafted to stimulate the palate with bold flavors and creative combinations.
Highlights include the Seared Ahi Tuna, served with a tangy soy-ginger glaze and crisp wonton chips, offering a perfect balance of texture and taste. Another popular choice is the Tavern’s signature Buffalo Chicken Dip, a creamy, spicy blend that pairs wonderfully with fresh vegetables and house-made tortilla chips.
Vegetarian options are equally enticing, such as the Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad, which combines earthiness with a hint of sweetness and tang. These appetizers perfectly complement the tavern’s commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients and inventive preparation.
Noteworthy Starters
- Seared Ahi Tuna: Lightly seared, served with soy-ginger glaze and wonton chips
- Buffalo Chicken Dip: Creamy, spicy dip with house-made chips and fresh veggies
- Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad: A vegetarian option with a flavorful dressing
- Calamari Fritti: Crispy fried calamari with a zesty marinara dipping sauce
The appetizers at 401 Tavern provide a perfect introduction to the meal, offering bold flavors and fresh ingredients that invite guests to explore more of the menu.
Entrees: Satisfying and Diverse
The entree section of 401 Tavern’s menu showcases a wide variety of dishes that cater to meat lovers, seafood enthusiasts, and those seeking vegetarian options. Each entree is thoughtfully prepared to highlight the natural flavors of the ingredients while delivering a hearty and satisfying dining experience.
Popular choices include the Grilled Ribeye Steak, cooked to perfection and served with roasted garlic mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables. The tavern’s seafood selection is equally impressive, with offerings like the Pan-Seared Scallops accompanied by a lemon-butter sauce and risotto, balancing richness and freshness beautifully.
For those preferring a lighter option, the Quinoa-Stuffed Bell Peppers offer a nutritious and flavorful alternative, filled with seasonal vegetables, herbs, and a touch of cheese. This entree exemplifies the tavern’s dedication to accommodating diverse dietary preferences without compromising on taste.
Signature Main Courses
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Accompaniments | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grilled Ribeye Steak | Ribeye, garlic, herbs | Mashed potatoes, seasonal veggies | $28 |
| Pan-Seared Scallops | Scallops, lemon, butter | Risotto, asparagus | $26 |
| Quinoa-Stuffed Bell Peppers | Quinoa, bell peppers, herbs | Mixed greens salad | $19 |
| Chicken Marsala | Chicken breast, marsala wine, mushrooms | Herb roasted potatoes | $22 |
Each entree is crafted to ensure balance and depth of flavor, making 401 Tavern a perfect destination for a memorable main course.
Burgers and Sandwiches: Classic Comfort
The 401 Tavern’s burgers and sandwiches menu offers classic American comfort food with a gourmet edge. These dishes are ideal for a casual, hearty meal and showcase the tavern’s commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients.
The 401 Tavern Burger features a juicy, hand-formed beef patty topped with aged cheddar, crispy bacon, lettuce, tomato, and their signature sauce, all served on a toasted brioche bun. For something with a spicy kick, the Blackened Chicken Sandwich combines bold seasoning with cool avocado and pepper jack cheese.
Vegetarian diners can enjoy the Portobello Mushroom Sandwich, which offers a meaty texture and rich flavor, complemented by garlic aioli and fresh greens. These options make the burger and sandwich section a versatile and satisfying choice for any diner.
Popular Selections
- 401 Tavern Burger: Beef patty, aged cheddar, bacon, signature sauce
- Blackened Chicken Sandwich: Spicy chicken, avocado, pepper jack cheese
- Portobello Mushroom Sandwich: Grilled mushroom, garlic aioli, fresh greens
- Classic BLT: Bacon, lettuce, tomato with mayo on toasted bread
“The burgers at 401 Tavern strike the perfect balance between indulgence and quality, making them a standout favorite among patrons.”
Salads and Light Fare: Fresh and Nourishing
For those seeking lighter options, 401 Tavern offers a thoughtfully curated selection of salads and light fare that emphasize fresh, seasonal ingredients. These dishes are perfect for a quick lunch or a refreshing start to a larger meal.
The Caesar Salad is elevated with crisp romaine, house-made dressing, and shaved Parmesan, with optional grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein. Meanwhile, the Harvest Salad combines mixed greens with roasted butternut squash, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and goat cheese, finished with a maple vinaigrette.
Light fare also includes the Soup of the Day, which changes regularly based on seasonal ingredients and chef’s inspiration, providing comforting warmth and flavor. These choices highlight the tavern’s ability to cater to health-conscious diners without sacrificing taste.
Seasonal Selections
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Protein Options | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caesar Salad | Romaine, Parmesan, croutons | Chicken, Shrimp (optional) | $12 / $18 with protein |
| Harvest Salad | Mixed greens, squash, cranberries, pecans, goat cheese | None | $14 |
| Soup of the Day | Seasonal ingredients | None | $8 |
These lighter options cater to a wide audience, balancing nutrition and flavor effortlessly.
Desserts: Sweet Finishes
The dessert menu at 401 Tavern offers indulgent treats that provide a satisfying conclusion to any meal. Each dessert is crafted to highlight rich flavors and textures, often incorporating seasonal ingredients and classic techniques.
Signature desserts include the Chocolate Lava Cake, featuring a warm, gooey center paired with vanilla bean ice cream. The New England Apple Crisp celebrates regional flavors with tart apples, cinnamon, and a crunchy oat topping, served with whipped cream.
For those seeking a lighter option, the Fresh Berry Parfait layers seasonal berries with Greek yogurt and honey, providing a refreshing, healthy alternative. These desserts round out the menu with a thoughtful variety of choices to satisfy every sweet tooth.
Delicious Highlights
- Chocolate Lava Cake: Warm cake with molten center and vanilla ice cream
- New England Apple Crisp: Tart apples, cinnamon, oat topping, whipped cream
- Fresh Berry Parfait: Seasonal berries, Greek yogurt, honey
- Classic Cheesecake: Creamy and rich with a graham cracker crust
“Desserts at 401 Tavern are the perfect ending, combining classic comfort with gourmet flair to delight every palate.”
Drinks and Cocktails: Crafted to Perfection
The tavern’s bar menu complements the food offerings with an extensive selection of drinks crafted to suit every occasion. From expertly mixed cocktails to an impressive range of local and international beers, the beverage menu enhances the overall dining experience.
The cocktail list features both timeless classics and innovative creations. The Signature 401 Old Fashioned uses locally distilled bourbon combined with bitters and a touch of maple syrup, delivering a smooth yet robust flavor.
For those who prefer lighter options, the Hampton Mule blends fresh ginger beer with lime and vodka for a refreshing, zesty drink.
Beer enthusiasts can enjoy a rotating selection of regional craft brews alongside well-known favorites, ensuring that every visit offers something new to try. The wine list includes thoughtfully selected bottles from both the Old and New Worlds, chosen to pair well with the menu’s diverse flavors.
Beverage Favorites
| Drink | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 401 Old Fashioned | Local bourbon, bitters, maple syrup | $12 |
| Hampton Mule | Vodka, ginger beer, lime | $10 |
| Craft Beer Selection | Rotating local and regional brews | $6-$9 |
| Wine List | Varied selections by glass or bottle | $8-$40 |
The bar at 401 Tavern is designed to complement the robust menu, with drinks crafted to elevate every dish.
Specials and Seasonal Offerings
401 Tavern frequently updates its menu to incorporate seasonal ingredients and unique specials, reflecting the changing tastes and bounty of New England’s seasons. These limited-time offerings provide opportunities for guests to explore new flavors and culinary creativity.
Seasonal specials often highlight fresh seafood in the summer months, like lobster rolls and clam chowder, while the fall menu brings hearty dishes such as braised short ribs and pumpkin-infused desserts.
Winter specials might feature warming soups, stews, and rich comfort foods designed to soothe and satisfy.
These rotating dishes are a testament to the tavern’s commitment to freshness and innovation, encouraging repeat visits and ongoing discovery.
Seasonal Highlights
- Summer: Lobster rolls, chilled seafood platters
- Fall: Braised short ribs, pumpkin cheesecake
- Winter: Hearty stews, spiced soups
- Spring: Asparagus risotto, fresh herb salads
“Seasonal specials at 401 Tavern showcase the best of local produce and creative culinary techniques, ensuring every visit offers something fresh and exciting.”
Conclusion
401 Tavern in Hampton, NH, offers a menu that artfully balances traditional American favorites with innovative culinary creations. Its diverse offerings—from flavorful appetizers and hearty entrees to indulgent desserts and expertly crafted drinks—cater to a wide range of tastes and dietary needs.
The emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients shines through in every dish, enhancing the quality and authenticity of the dining experience.
The tavern’s inviting atmosphere, attentive service, and thoughtfully curated menu make it a destination that appeals to families, couples, and groups of friends alike. Whether you’re craving a classic burger, a sophisticated seafood plate, or a refreshing seasonal salad, 401 Tavern consistently delivers with style and substance.
The rotating specials and seasonal menus add an element of surprise and excitement, encouraging guests to return and discover new favorites.
Ultimately, 401 Tavern stands out as a culinary gem in Hampton, combining comfort, creativity, and quality to create memorable dining experiences that keep guests coming back time and again.
