You’re driving down Manchester Street in Concord, looking for something that isn't another fast-food chain or a place where the music is so loud you can’t hear your own thoughts. It’s a common struggle in the capital city. Most people end up at the same three spots near Main Street, fighting for parking and paying "downtown prices" for a burger that’s just okay. But there’s a reason Red Blazer Restaurant & Pub Concord NH 03301 has stayed relevant for decades while other spots have come and gone like New Hampshire seasons.
It isn't just about the food. It’s the vibe.
Honestly, it's one of those rare places where you see a state representative in a suit sitting two tables away from a construction crew in muddy boots. Nobody cares. Everyone’s just there for the chicken pot pie or a cold pint.
What’s the Deal with the Menu?
People talk about "comfort food" like it's a marketing buzzword, but here, it's basically the law. The menu at Red Blazer is massive. Like, "takes ten minutes to read the whole thing" massive. If you’re a picky eater, you’re fine. If you’re a carnivore, you’re fine. Even the gluten-free crowd has more than two options, which is a relief.
The signature move is the bakery. Most restaurants buy their desserts from a massive distributor—frozen cheesecakes that taste like cardboard. Not here. They have a full-scale bakery inside the building. You walk in and the first thing you see is a glass case filled with cakes, pies, and those massive cookies that look like they could be used as a frisbee. It’s a smart psychological trick because by the time you sit down, you’ve already committed to dessert.
The Haddock is probably the most ordered thing on the menu. It’s New England; we take our whitefish seriously. You can get it baked with crumbs, fried, or stuffed. If you go on a Friday night, expect a wait. The locals know that the portion sizes are borderline aggressive. You’re going home with a box. It’s inevitable.
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The Pub Side vs. The Dining Side
There’s a weird duality to the Red Blazer. You’ve got the dining room, which is quieter, more "family Sunday dinner" energy. Then you’ve got the pub.
The pub is where the real soul of the place lives. It’s darker, wood-heavy, and smells like hops and nostalgia. They’ve got a solid tap list that leans into New England craft favorites. You’ll find your IPAs from Vermont and Maine, but they keep the domestic stuff for the guys who just want a Bud.
One thing that surprises people is the catering side of the business. Because they have such a huge footprint on Manchester Street, they handle a massive chunk of Concord’s events. We’re talking weddings, corporate luncheons, and those awkward networking mixers. If you’ve lived in Merrimack County for more than five years, you have been to a function catered by the Red Blazer. Period.
Why the Location Matters (Even if it’s not Downtown)
A lot of visitors think everything happens on Main Street. They’re wrong. Being out on Manchester Street gives Red Blazer Restaurant & Pub Concord NH 03301 an advantage: parking.
Have you ever tried to park a dually truck or a minivan full of kids in downtown Concord at 6:00 PM on a Saturday? It’s a nightmare. The Blazer has a massive lot. It sounds boring, but in the world of dining, convenience is king. You pull in, you walk ten feet, you’re inside.
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The proximity to the airport and the local hotels makes it a hub for travelers, too. But don't mistake it for a "tourist trap." The regulars—the guys who have been sitting at the same bar stool since 1995—would never allow that. They provide the "checks and balances" for the atmosphere. If the quality dipped, they’d be the first to complain.
The Buffet Factor
Let’s be real about the Sunday Brunch. In a post-2020 world, the "all-you-can-eat" model took a hit. A lot of places scrapped it. The Red Blazer leaned in. Their Sunday buffet is a local institution. It’s got the standard eggs and bacon, sure, but the carving station and the dessert spread are what draw the crowd. It’s the kind of place where you see three generations of a family sharing a table.
A Few Things People Get Wrong
People sometimes think the Red Blazer is "fancy" because of the name or the catering side. It’s not. It’s upscale-casual at best. You don't need a tie. You don't even need a collared shirt.
Another misconception? That it's just for "older people." While the early bird crowd is definitely there, the pub side pulls a much younger demographic, especially during football season. They’ve got enough screens to make it a viable sports bar without the annoying "mega-bar" feel of a Buffalo Wild Wings.
Then there’s the price. Some people think because it’s a "landmark," it’s going to be expensive. It isn't. It’s mid-range. You’re paying for the fact that the food is made from scratch. You can get a cheaper burger at a drive-thru, but you can’t get a house-made carrot cake the size of your head anywhere else for that price.
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Practical Tips for Your Visit
If you’re planning to go, don't just wing it on a weekend.
- Call ahead: They don't always do traditional reservations for small groups, but "call-ahead seating" is your best friend.
- Check the specials: The kitchen staff gets bored with the standard menu and usually puts out some creative stuff on the chalkboard.
- The Bakery is a separate entity: You can literally just walk in, buy a whole cake, and leave. You don't have to eat a full meal to access the bakery.
- Happy Hour: Their pub specials are some of the best in Concord if you’re looking to save a few bucks on appetizers.
The Reality of the Experience
Is it the most "avant-garde" dining experience in New Hampshire? No. You aren't going to find foam, deconstructed tacos, or whatever the latest TikTok food trend is. And that’s why people love it. It’s consistent. The staff—many of whom have worked there for a decade or more—actually know what they’re doing. There is a level of institutional knowledge in that building that you just can't find at a new startup restaurant.
The Red Blazer is a survivor. It survived the 2008 crash, the 2020 lockdowns, and the rise of food delivery apps. It stays around because it knows exactly what it is: a reliable, high-quality New England pub that treats its customers like neighbors.
When you go, look at the walls. Look at the memorabilia. There’s a history there that’s baked into the walls just as much as the flour is baked into the rolls. It’s a piece of Concord’s identity.
Actionable Steps for the Best Experience:
- Avoid the 12:00 PM Sunday rush unless you enjoy standing in a lobby with fifty other people; aim for 10:30 AM or 1:30 PM for the brunch buffet.
- Try the "Pub Mac & Cheese" but add the buffalo chicken—it's the local's "secret" way to elevate a standard dish.
- Join the loyalty program if you live within 20 miles; the rewards actually add up faster than most corporate programs.
- Park in the back lot if the front looks full; there is almost always space behind the building that people forget exists.