The Riverworks Restaurant and Tavern — Restaurant in Newmarket

A Must-Visit in Newmarket: The Riverworks

We keep telling ourselves to try new places, but we always end up right back at the Riverworks—and for good reason. This cozy, welcoming spot has become our go-to in Newmarket. Whether you’re plant-based or just looking for great food, there are always at least two solid vegetarian options on the menu.

Just yesterday, John had the House-Made Black Bean & Corn Burger, topped with fried onion and herbed goat cheese. I went for the Gouda-Brie-Heirloom Tomato Grilled Cheese with fig preserve on sourdough. Paired with their perfectly crispy fries, it was tray-licking good—I even joked with the bartender/owner that it was “awful” as I pushed my crumb-free tray towards her, just to emphasize how delicious it was. I meant to ask for the chef to come out so I could compliment him in person!

If you sit at the bar, chances are you’ll end up chatting with the owner and the super friendly staff. They greet you like you’re part of the crew—it must be a great place to work because the good energy is contagious.

The beverage menu is smart, always rotating with the seasons. I tried the Dolce Vita yesterday—a mix of Tito’s, Limoncello, and a house-made basil syrup (or something like that)—and it was delicious. We even split a slice of strawberry cheesecake with a candied crust that snapped with a spoon but melted in the mouth.

We’ve brought several friends here, and we’ll keep doing so. Bonus points for the town itself—no parking meters, so you can park anywhere on the main drag. After your meal, be sure to walk down to the river. Just past the old stone buildings, there are stairs leading down to a series of lovely waterfalls. It’s pure New England charm.

In short: Don’t visit Newmarket without a meal (and a beverage) at the Riverworks. And don’t visit the Riverworks without taking a stroll through this beautiful little...

Haven't been to the Riverworks Tavern for many years due to military and college, but had the opportunity to visit last night while i was on a tour of my old hometown with my girlfriend.

The minute i walked through the door i knew i was in for a nostalgic treat. Having traveled and dined all over the country in recent years, I've patronized my share of diners, taverns and fine dining restaurants. The Riverworks delivers the feel of a true tavern like few places I've been.

Although under new management and ownership for less than a year, they haven't missed a beat, as the new owner was a big part of the old establishment and very clearly has a strong food and beverage knowledge and passion. The service, from our initial greeting to the warm goodbye, couldn't have been better.

The owner also has some ingenious bartending skills and crafts sangrias and infused liquors like a true pro. The jalapeño infused tequila makes the best spicy margarita you will ever have.

My girlfriend and i were there late so we only shared an app, but the house nachos with the added pulled pork were incredible and fresh. This is not your ordinary pub food, folks.

Despite living some 45 minutes away, i plan to put the Riverworks firmly into my dining out rotation. I'm excited to try a number of things on the menu that caught my eye and had me salivating. We lost some quality restaurants during covid and I'm sure this one had its struggles pulling through in a small town, but I'm so glad it survived. Let's never take this precious landmark for granted. If you have never gone, I highly recommend it; and if you haven't gone in years, i urge you to do so. I challenge you to look at the on-line menu and not come away salivating. See...

I really want to love this place but it is a hit or a miss. I stopped by twice in a week. Ordered the same thing and the dish- the holy F fries were inconsistent. The first time I ordered it, it was amazing and aesthetically pleasing. So much flavor, lots of aioli and the goat cheese tempura was light and airy. My follow up was a sadder blander version. Even the photos truly show how inconsistent the food is. Additionally the entrees have been a miss. First visit the seared cod was grossly over cooked- it was dry and burnt. The grain served with it was over seasoned in an unpleasant manner. We let our server know and it was graciously taken off the bill as it was inedible.

This visit my friend got the carbonara- first look I was shocked they used something that appeared to be ramen noodles. They were thin and squiggly- ok fine. The portion was that for a small child. The guiancale was hard- crispy and we saw evident traces of egg and it needed salt. The chocolate mousse was not a mousse and I was sad because we got the apple crisp cheese cake on the previous visit and it was such a home run that the chocolate mousse lacked flavor and it was too airy. I am sad as I am a local resident for 4 years and I don’t think I can return anytime soon. The kitchen and the staff need to...