Best Restaurant

For its atmosphere food and, of course, its beer, Elm City Restaurant and Brewery at the Colony Mill Marketplace came in first for best restaurant in Keene.

            Debra Rivest, owner of the Keene Elm City Restaurant and Brewery, said everything at the eatery is made fresh and with local ingredients, including their selection of Elm City beer.

            Senior Dan Colina said he likes the unique selection of brews the restaurant has to offer. From the breweries own beer to the more common concoctions, Colina said he enjoys them all.

            “There is always something new every few weeks,” Colina said. “But all their beer is good.”

            According to Rivest, the restaurant brews twice a week and usually has eight unique beers on tap.

            “Our Keene Kolsch and … Peachy Keene Kolsch, are on [tap] all the time … and we usually have a hoppy beer on and a porter and a stout and seasonals,” Rivest said.

            This focus on variety is applied to their food as well. Even if you want to stick to the basics, like a cheeseburger, there is plenty of room to spice things up at Elm City.

            Sophomore Justin Westra is not old enough to enjoy Elm City’s fresh brews but there is more to love for this KSC student.

            “You can get whatever you want.  You want pineapple and brie cheese, you can get it,” Westra said. “If you want a classic cheeseburger, you can get a classic cheeseburger.”

            When it comes to getting those special requests like pineapple or brie, Rivest said it depends on the specials they are offering, what they have in stock and if the crowd is too packed to grant the request. However, Rivest said if they are able to, the staff at Elm City is more than happy to accommodate.

            Another big selling point for this location is the atmosphere according to Westera.

            “It is a very relaxing and comfortable restaurant,” Westra said. “There is plenty of space for all your friends.”

            Rivest said the brewery has been open for 15 years and she appreciates the college’s support over the years.

             Elm City Restaurant and Brewery can be found at 222 West Street at the Colony Mill and whether you sit at the bar or a more personal table, you will be dining at this year’s Best Restaurant in Keene as voted by KSC students.