4 food halls to try in Northern New England

The food hall—the sexier, modern version of the 1970s food court—continues to grow in popularity. These variety-filled culinary marketplaces have become lively social hubs and dining hot spots, catering to a wide range of tastes. Instead of hosting chain restaurants, they’re often testing grounds for local chefs who offer ethnically diverse and innovative cuisines in a bustling communal setting.

Of course, Northern New Englanders have their own spin on the concept, often rotating chefs, using outdoor spaces, and adding craft beer, cocktails, and live entertainment. Here are four of our favorites, along with a quartet in Boston.

Check out the two-story Tideline Public House, which opened in May 2023 in Durham’s former town hall. The collection of open spaces includes two taprooms that feature hand-painted murals of local scenes. Outside, there’s a sandbox and cornhole boards as well as water bowls and treats for dogs.

The Salt Shed, in a separate building, was once used to store the town’s winter salt. It’s now a cozy bar with exposed granite walls, a 1909 wood-burning stove, and upscale pub grub to accompany the 22 craft beers on tap.

Food trucks include Dahab Falafel Co., Tim’s Drunken BBQ and Tacos, Sleazy Vegan, Local Lunchbox (burgers and sausages), Up Street (fish tacos and hot honey chicken sandwiches), Friends 4 OBA (Asian), and Local Dough (handcrafted pizza). A rotating cast of guest vendors might bring local oysters or homemade sweet treats.

“I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard, ‘This is exactly what this area needed,’ ” says owner Scott Letourneau. “The response from Durham locals and the surrounding communities has been off the charts.” Closed Mondays (seasonally) and Tuesdays.

Plan ahead for next summer and consider this wildly popular gathering at the Coal Collective—in a pretty setting along the Barge Canal—as Burlington’s fun take on a food hall. Held on Friday nights throughout the summer, this food-focused hoedown is like a big block party with an amazing choice of chef-driven, locally sourced dishes. Kids and dogs are welcome.

Two bars serve local draft beers, ciders, cocktails, and wine. More than 55 food vendors rotate throughout the season; each Get Down offers at least 18 choices.

Past vendors include Wagyu Wagon, featuring grass-fed beef raised on its own farm; Jilib Jiblets, offering authentic Somali cuisine; and Fei’s Street Bites, serving Asian street food. And, of course, there are burgers, pizza, barbecue, and ice cream. 5–9 p.m. Fridays, mid-May through August.

A dramatic contemporary building houses this 15,000-square-foot food emporium, billed as “Portsmouth’s Living Room.” Sculptures, artwork, Oriental rugs, lush plants, a fountain, and a soaring hand-carved stone fireplace fill the space, along with several cozy seating areas with plush couches and chairs. Intricate woodwork in the market’s atrium resembles a ship’s belly, a nod to Portsmouth’s rich maritime past. And, yes, there’s food.

Start, perhaps, with a drink at Elixir Bar, which specializes in craft beverages and elevated bar bites (think pork belly tacos and charcuterie platters). Then choose from gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, wood-fired pizza, sweet and savory crepes, a noodle and broth bar, salads, breakfast sandwiches, and pastries. In the heart of the building, Italian and Mediterranean food cases display takeaway specialty items.

Plants and home decor are also for sale, and the market hosts community events such as Storybook Sunday, a read-aloud children’s book session, and Dine & Design: Plant Nights.

You can’t beat the setting on Thompson’s Point, a 30-acre spit of land on the northern banks of the Fore River. Go for the salt marsh and water views and stay for the food. You’ll find a rotating array of some of the city’s award-winning mobile food vendors and emerging chefs.

At the Depot Pavilion, which pays homage to the site’s railroading and shipping heritage, you’ll find a selection of local craft beer along with wine and artisan cocktails. Enjoy your libations, listen to live entertainment, and peruse your food options. Some seven to 10 food trucks are usually on hand, offering dishes from sushi to barbecue to burgers.

Did we mention the Fore River at sunset, when the sky and salt marsh are cast in vivid pinks, purples, reds, and blues? Gorgeous. 4 p.m.–sunset Thursdays and Fridays, late June through August.

1. Near TD Garden, Hub Hall has 18 food and drink options; don’t miss Momosan for ramen and Mike’s Pastry for cannoli. Nearest T stop: North Station.
2. Close to the Rose Kennedy Greenway, Boston Public Market bustles with some 30 New England artisans, food producers, and restaurants. Nearest T stop: Haymarket.
3. The recently opened High Street Place Food Hall is a 20,000-square-foot food garden with 20 vendors selling burgers, pizza, tacos, and craft beer. Nearest T stops: Downtown Crossing, South Station.
   
4. In the Prudential Center, Eataly, often credited with developing the original food hall concept, has Italian-centric counters, cafés, and a specialty food market. It hosts a variety of classes and special events. Nearest T stop: Back Bay.

Be sure to designate a driver if you plan to drink alcohol.

Diane Bair and Pamela Wright cover food and travel for several publications and are frequent Boston Globe contributors.