Looking for your new favorite restaurant that’s a bit off of the beaten path but within easy range of your Meredith Bay lake home? A place that’s the perfect blend of casual atmosphere, unique menu, and great wine, with a little piano music or an open mic night for good measure?

Well I’ve got the place for you.

Just off Parade Road in Laconia is Tavern 27; formerly known as Tavern on the Green and The Stone House Tavern, it has quickly become New Hampshire’s premier Americana tapas restaurant! For those of you who are unfamiliar with tapas, they typically consist of small plates, or bites, that are great for sharing. Tapas means variety, so that everyone can find a palate pleaser!

But Tapas is not the only offering from this gem of a place; pizzas made with a sourdough crust, as well as a range of entrees, soups, salads, and desserts are available too. The menu is extensive and is deeply rooted in a seasonal farm-to-table concept; local options are sought-after first and organic ingredients are used whenever possible. Some of the plates are made using their own heirloom and rare seeds from the garden on the property! With a menu that is perpetually evolving and changing with the season you can never really run out of options. Gluten free, vegetarian, and pescatarian alternatives are also available. Tavern 27 boasts a full bar and is continually expanding their wine list so keep your eyes open for new additions and pairings.

A personal favorite off of the summer menu is the spicy lobster cucumber roll; with just the right amount of zest and the cool of the cucumber how can one really go wrong? The crispy crab cakes, mushrooms and garlic, spicy pork with candied onion jam, and chickpea fries are also very noteworthy.

The atmosphere at Tavern 27 is casual and fun—you can choose to eat at the piano WHILE it is being played—and begs you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the company of good friends. The comfy, overstuffed chairs situated between the bar and fireplace make for a great place to grab a drink with a friend and enjoy the entertainment. Due to the growing fan base and the fact that it is a smaller space, it is highly recommended that you make a reservation!