Concord is having a moment, and its thriving, newly revitalized downtown is shaping up to become New Hampshire’s new “it” destination for locals and out-of-towners alike. One of the area’s biggest draws? Arts Alley — Concord’s multi-faceted destination designed to serve as a go-to spot for the community, from morning to evening. Nestled between the Bank of New Hampshire Stage and the Concord Food Co-op, Arts Alley is positioning itself as a dynamic gathering place that pays homage to the area’s history while bringing fresh and exciting new experiences.
Looking for a place to grab dinner with your closest few? A place to imbibe after work with killer views of downtown? A ground-level alfresco courtyard where you can enjoy a morning pick-me-up? A retro diner with an elevated take on the typical bacon-and-eggs menu? A well-loved brunch spot with a menu that never fails to hit the spot? You can find all of that and more at Arts Alley. Ahead are some of the standout dining and drinking experiences you can’t miss at Concord’s newest social destination.
Rooftop Social
Whether you’re looking for a refreshing drink to celebrate the weekend or take the edge off a long day behind the desk, you will find the perfect sipping spot at Rooftop Social. Located on the third floor of Arts Alley’s complex, this rooftop escape is just the right amount of trendy and laidback. The industrial-chic space is outfitted with string lights and a retro Airstream bar, and complete with raw and weathered finishes throughout. The cocktails (and the skyline vistas) are the main attraction, but the menu also offers up delectable, shareable bites if you’re out with your partner or friends. Think: truffle pub cheese, lobster sliders, pulled chicken street tacos, a variety of flatbreads, and salads. There are also charcuterie and cheese boards for the grazers in the group.
Rose & Rye
Housed inside a former 1940s diner (which was transported here by a crane), Rose & Rye keeps the spirit of its predecessor alive with its decor, ambiance, and culinary offerings. On the outside, the diner’s chrome siding, butter-yellow facade, and retro signage immediately evoke a sense of nostalgia. Inside, you can enjoy the elevated food-truck-style menu by the swivel bar stools or take your meal to the courtyard on a warm summer afternoon. Then, come evening, you can come back and experience Rose & Rye in a whole new way. At night, the space transforms into a unique event space — playing host to a slew of everchanging happenings, including private wine dinners, cooking classes, mixology workshops, chef-driven pop-ups, and so much more.
Duke’s
Set to open in 2026, Duke’s promises a unique experience for brew seekers looking for a place to raise a glass (or two) with friends. Whether you’re a hop-head or a lager loyalist, you will find something to love on the establishment’s impressive roster of beers on tap. Of course, there’s also a thoughtful menu of crowd-pleasing bites to snack on with your pint — think: hearty flavors, a little heat, and plenty of shareables. But food and drinks aren’t the only thing featured here. Drawing aesthetic cues from the gritty charm of honky-tonks, this Nashville-inspired brewery and pub will offer up a boot-scootin’ live music scene.
The Courtyard
Arts Alley’s colorful atmosphere makes it more than just a place to grab a bite; it’s a community hub where locals and tourists alike can truly feel the dynamic and ever-changing energy of the city. The Courtyard is central to Arts Alley’s multi-venue and multi-purpose complex. Designed for leisure and socializing, it provides a beautiful, open-air space for visitors to relax, grab a bite, or simply enjoy the ambiance. It’s always bustling with energy — especially on weekends. Swing by Rose & Rye in the morning for a cup of freshly brewed coffee and breakfast, or stop by during lunch for elevated diner-style staples. Comfortable lounge chairs and communal picnic tables are arranged for visitors to gather, kick back, and relax.
The Friendly Toast
In addition to several new concepts, Arts Alley is also welcoming The Friendly Toast to the neighborhood — one of New England’s most popular all-day brunch and bar spots, with locations in New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, and Massachusetts. It’s a beloved institution for a reason. For starters, the retro decor is funky and fun — think: colorful interiors, chrome seating, and ’50s memorabilia all over the walls. The menu is equally enticing; it puts a more sophisticated spin on traditional breakfast and lunch fare. In short: If you’re craving waffles, pancakes, and omelets with a side of homemade bread, you won’t be disappointed.
Ready to get a taste of what Arts Alley’s vibrant new destination has to offer? Plan a visit soon — the complex is slated to open in August. For more information and updates, follow us on Instagram.