Why Ken Burns’ French Bistro is New Hampshire’s Best-Kept Secret

America's Favorite Documentarian Lives in New Hampshire

If you are from New Hampshire, you know that we have some amazing filmmakers and actors in these parts. Ernest Thompson of "On Golden Pond" fame lives in the Lakes Region.  Of course, Happy Madison Productions was created by one of our favorites, Adam Sandler, who is from Manchester, New Hampshire.

You may not be aware that Ken Burns lives in Walpole, New Hampshire.  He has a beautiful little French bistro that you will love, but that's not the best part of the story.

Bringing French Cuisine to New Hampshire

Walpole is in Cheshire County, over by Keene.  Ken has lived there for decades.  He has a small French restaurant called The Restaurant at Burdicks on 47 Main Street in Walpole, New Hampshire.  It's small, and the food is, of course, delicious.  It's modeled after a quaint French Bistro.

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When I went, I was surprised at how down-to-earth the restaurant was.  I halfway expected to see people all dressed up, but it was the exact opposite. People dressed in regular clothes were enjoying lovely French cuisine in a country setting.

The service at the Restaurant at Burdicks was exceptional.  The staff was friendly, but definitely paid attention to what you needed before you even asked.  I'm not sure how they knew I wanted another glass of pinot before I did, but it happened.

Bring It Home

If you don't want to eat at the restaurant, you can visit the Walpole Grocery store and bring the ingredients home.  What a great little place for the community and tourists when they visit.

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The Real Reason to Visit the Restaurant at Burdicks in Walpole, New Hampshire

Attached to the restaurant is the chocolate shop, L.A. Burdick Handmade Chocolates. That's really the reason I make the trip.  They have the cutest little chocolate mice that you almost don't want to eat (almost, that is).  They are as delectable as they are beautiful.

You need to take a road trip to visit this place, but you MUST make a reservation.  You can imagine how much traffic the place gets, and staffing is an issue for many restaurants.  Just click here and make your plans!