Melissa A., Dartmouth College
In a small town called Hanover in rural New Hampshire, Dartmouth’s off-campus dining options may seem hopelessly limited. This cozy little town, however, has enough off-campus dining locations to satisfy a Dartmouth student’s desire to break away from the usual dining halls. A frequented favorite of Dartmouth students, families, and Hanover locals is Molly’s Restaurant and Bar. Molly’s Restaurant and Bar prides itself on being a Dartmouth College tradition, and its atmosphere surely shows it with its Ivy League memorabilia and local sports photos and artifacts. The restaurant also seems to play the role of the unofficial Hanover Historical Museum.
Molly’s serves thin crust pizzas and entrees ranging from pasta dishes, burgers, salads, and soups to finger foods. Complimentary fresh bread literally warms the soul before any meal actually starts. The thin crust pizzas are definitely a few notches higher than dining hall pizzas, as these pies are hand-rolled and baked in a wood-fired brick oven and cooked with high quality ingredients. Their wood-fired mac and cheese is a favorite too, filled with Cabot extra sharp chedder, fontina, gorgonzola, and Parmesan cheeses. For a pasta option, try the lemon pepper chicken pasta, a personal favorite. Half pound burgers and traditional fish & chips are favorites as well. In addition, the homemade desserts, like Molly’s Monster Mud Pie and Molly’s Outrageous Hot Fudge Sundae finish off meals perfectly.
Molly’s is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week and is reasonably priced. Just a short walk from the center of campus, Molly’s is the perfect place to go to for a celebratory meal after final exams, to take visiting families, or just for something a little more special than the dining hall. With its homey atmosphere and service and excellent cuisine, Molly’s Restaurant and Bar fulfills a Dartmouth student’s expectations for small town off-campus dining.
