Puritan Backroom stands as a landmark in Manchester, New Hampshire. Since its opening in 1917, this restaurant has been a beloved gathering spot for families, politicians, and food lovers.
The menu is brimming with classic American comfort foods, Greek-inspired dishes, and the legendary chicken tenders that locals and travelers alike rave about.
“The Puritan Backroom is the quintessential New Hampshire dining experience—where tradition, quality, and hearty portions meet.” — Local Food Critic
Whether you’re dropping in for lunch, dinner, or a quick dessert, the Puritan Backroom menu offers something for everyone. Explore the detailed menu options and prices to plan your next visit, family meal, or takeout order.
Appetizers
Kick off your meal with Puritan’s tempting appetizers, crafted to delight every palate. From golden onion rings to their famous homemade soups, these starters set the tone for a memorable meal.
| Appetizer | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Homemade Chicken Tenders | Hand-breaded, juicy, and served with your choice of sauces. | $10.99 (Small) / $14.99 (Large) |
| Onion Rings | Thick-cut, battered, and fried to perfection. | $7.99 |
| Fried Mozzarella Sticks | Golden-fried cheese sticks served with marinara sauce. | $8.99 |
| Homemade Soup of the Day | Fresh, rotating soups made daily in-house. | $4.99 (Cup) / $6.49 (Bowl) |
| Greek Salad | Fresh greens, feta, olives, tomatoes, and Greek dressing. | $8.49 |
| Buffalo Tenders | Spicy, tangy, and served with blue cheese dressing. | $12.99 |
If you’re new to the Puritan Backroom experience, start with their signature chicken tenders. These have become a true New Hampshire institution and are beloved for their crispy exterior and succulent interior.
Sandwiches & Wraps
The restaurant’s sandwiches and wraps deliver satisfying flavors and generous portions. Served with fries, chips, or a side salad, these options are perfect for lunch or a lighter dinner.
| Sandwich/Wrap | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Tender Sandwich | Three tenders on a toasted roll with lettuce, tomato, and mayo. | $12.99 |
| Turkey Club | Roasted turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayo on toasted bread. | $13.49 |
| Greek Chicken Wrap | Grilled chicken, feta, olives, tomato, lettuce, and Greek dressing in a wrap. | $12.99 |
| Buffalo Chicken Wrap | Spicy chicken tenders, lettuce, tomato, blue cheese in a flour tortilla. | $13.49 |
| Reuben | Corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing on grilled rye. | $13.99 |
| BLT | Crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, ripe tomato, and mayo on toasted bread. | $10.99 |
Pro Tip: Many locals opt to add the famous chicken tenders to their sandwiches and wraps for an extra punch of flavor and crunch.
Classic Entrees
Puritan Backroom’s entrees pay homage to time-tested recipes and homestyle cooking. Hearty, comforting, and served with your choice of sides, these dishes have kept generations of patrons coming back.
| Entree | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Tender Dinner | The original, with fries, coleslaw, and your choice of sauce. | $17.99 |
| Baked Haddock | Fresh haddock, seasoned and baked, served with potato and vegetable. | $19.99 |
| Steak Tips | Marinated sirloin tips, char-grilled, with rice pilaf and vegetable. | $23.99 |
| Chicken Parmesan | Breaded chicken breast, marinara, melted cheese, and pasta. | $18.99 |
| Eggplant Parmesan | Fried eggplant, marinara, and mozzarella over pasta. | $17.49 |
| Beef Liver & Onions | Classic comfort food, sautéed with onions and served with mashed potatoes. | $15.49 |
| Greek Style Chicken | Boneless breast, marinated with lemon and herbs, served with rice and salad. | $18.49 |
| Fried Scallops | Lightly breaded and fried, served with fries and coleslaw. | $21.99 |
Each entrée is served with your choice of two sides unless otherwise noted. Popular sides include garden salad, mashed potatoes, fries, and seasoned vegetables.
The portions are generous, making these plates an excellent value for families and groups.
Kids’ Menu
Families appreciate Puritan Backroom’s kid-friendly offerings. The children’s menu features smaller portions of the restaurant’s most beloved dishes, ensuring young diners are just as satisfied as adults.
| Kids’ Meal | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Tenders | Two tenders with fries or vegetable and a drink. | $7.99 |
| Grilled Cheese | Classic grilled cheese sandwich with fries or vegetable and a drink. | $6.99 |
| Pasta with Marinara | Simple pasta, perfect for picky eaters, with a drink. | $6.99 |
| Hamburger or Cheeseburger | Served with fries or vegetable and a drink. | $7.99 |
| Fish Sticks | Crispy fish sticks, fries or vegetable, and a drink. | $7.99 |
All kids’ meals include a small beverage, making them a practical and affordable choice for families dining out.
Salads
Freshness and flavor shine in Puritan’s salad selections. These generous salads can be enjoyed as a meal on their own or as a lighter accompaniment to other dishes.
| Salad | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Greek Salad | Crisp greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, olives, and feta cheese. | $10.49 |
| Caesar Salad | Romaine lettuce, croutons, parmesan, and Caesar dressing. | $9.99 |
| Grilled Chicken Salad | Mixed greens with grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and choice of dressing. | $13.99 |
| Chef Salad | Ham, turkey, cheese, hard-boiled egg, and vegetables on crisp lettuce. | $12.99 |
| Buffalo Chicken Salad | Spicy chicken tenders, blue cheese, greens, and veggies. | $13.99 |
Add grilled or crispy chicken to any salad for an additional $4.00. House-made dressings, including the restaurant’s creamy Greek and tangy blue cheese, elevate each salad to a new level.
Desserts & Ice Cream
No visit to Puritan Backroom is complete without sampling their decadent desserts. The restaurant is renowned for its homemade ice cream, cakes, and pies—many of which have been family recipes for generations.
| Dessert | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Homemade Ice Cream | Rich, creamy, and available in a rotating selection of flavors. | $4.50 (Single Scoop) / $7.50 (Double Scoop) |
| Ice Cream Sundae | Your choice of ice cream with hot fudge, whipped cream, and a cherry. | $7.99 |
| Baklava | Sweet, flaky Greek pastry with honey and nuts. | $5.99 |
| Chocolate Cake | Moist chocolate cake with rich frosting. | $6.49 |
| Lemon Meringue Pie | Tart lemon filling and fluffy meringue atop a buttery crust. | $5.99 |
| Rice Pudding | Creamy, spiced, and topped with cinnamon. | $4.99 |
The ice cream counter is especially popular in the summer months, drawing crowds with creative flavors and generous servings. Many guests take home a pint or quart to savor Puritan’s homemade ice cream at home.
Beverages
The beverage selection at Puritan Backroom covers all the essentials, from soft drinks to coffee and a variety of local beers and wines. Pair your meal with the perfect drink for a complete dining experience.
| Beverage | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Soda (Free Refills) | Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Root Beer, Ginger Ale, and more. | $2.99 |
| Iced Tea / Lemonade | Freshly brewed or classic lemonade. | $2.99 |
| Coffee / Hot Tea | Freshly brewed coffee or a selection of teas. | $2.49 |
| Milk / Chocolate Milk | Cold and refreshing, regular or chocolate. | $2.49 |
| Beer (Domestic) | Bottled or draft, selection varies. | $5.00 |
| Beer (Craft/Import) | Local and imported options. | $6.00 |
| Wine (Glass) | Red and white varieties available. | $7.00 |
For special occasions, the restaurant also offers pitchers of soft drinks or certain beers to serve larger parties.
Vegetarian & Gluten-Free Options
Puritan Backroom is attentive to guests with dietary restrictions. The menu includes a variety of vegetarian, gluten-free, and lighter options.
Salads, certain entrees, and sides can be adapted to fit most needs.
Popular Vegetarian Choices: Eggplant Parmesan, Greek Salad, Grilled Cheese Sandwich, and Rice Pudding for dessert. Gluten-free guests can request grilled chicken, steak tips, or salads without croutons or bread.
“Puritan Backroom made sure my gluten-free requests were met with care. I left full and happy!” — Satisfied Guest
Takeout & Family Meals
Recognizing the need for convenient dining, Puritan Backroom offers a robust takeout menu. Family meal deals are available, making it easy to feed a group without sacrificing quality or taste.
| Family Meal | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Tender Family Meal | 20 tenders, large fries, coleslaw, and sauces (serves 4-5). | $39.99 |
| Pasta Dinner Family Pack | Large tray of pasta, choice of marinara or meat sauce, salad, and bread (serves 4-5). | $34.99 |
| Greek Chicken Family Meal | Grilled Greek-marinated chicken breasts, rice pilaf, salad, and pita (serves 4-5). | $44.99 |
To-go orders are prepared with the same attention to quality as dine-in meals. Many local families rely on these options for weeknight dinners, celebrations, or game-day gatherings.
Why Puritan Backroom Stands Out
The Puritan Backroom’s enduring popularity is no accident. Generous portions, friendly service, and affordable prices ensure a welcoming experience for every guest.
The atmosphere is lively yet relaxed, making it an ideal spot for celebrations, casual dinners, or catching up with friends.
Their signature chicken tenders have achieved cult status, but the depth of the menu means there’s always something new to try. From Greek specialties to American classics and homemade desserts, the variety keeps regulars coming back for more.
“No trip to Manchester is complete without a meal at the Puritan Backroom.” — Travel Blogger
Tips for Your Visit
- Arrive early or make a reservation for dinner, especially on weekends.
- Don’t miss the homemade ice cream—it’s a treat for all ages.
- Ask your server about daily specials and seasonal menu additions.
- Consider the family meals for takeout during busy weeknights.
- Join the locals in ordering chicken tenders—try all the sauces!
Final Thoughts
Puritan Backroom combines historic charm, culinary tradition, and unbeatable value in every meal. Whether you’re seeking comfort food or lighter fare, the menu offers abundant choices for all preferences.
With clear pricing and generous servings, it’s no wonder this Manchester institution is a favorite for generations.
From the moment you enter, expect attentive service, a bustling yet cozy environment, and the promise of a delicious meal. Next time you’re in southern New Hampshire, treat yourself to the full Puritan Backroom experience.
Location:
245 Hooksett Road, Manchester, NH 03104
Phone: (603) 669-6890
Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-9pm, Sun 12pm-9pm
Note: Prices and menu items are subject to change. For the most current information, visit the official Puritan Backroom website or call ahead.
