Locally owned and operated by the Hart family since 1954, Hart’s Restaurant specializes in fresh, homestyle cuisine made from scratch in our own kitchen and bakery. Located in beautiful Meredith, NH, Hart's is a cornerstone of New England hospitality where locals feel at home and tourists feel like locals. We have ample parking and seating for 500 guests in our dining rooms, seasonal deck, and The Copper Kettle Tavern. Dine-in, order take-out, or visit our shop to pick up Hart’s fresh or frozen prepared foods to enjoy at home. For delicious food and warm, friendly service, Hart's is your year-round Lakes Region destination.
A Family Tradition Since 1954
Click the links below to watch more videos of Hart’s Turkey Farm Restaurant through the years
Our story began when Mae and Lawrence Hart started vacationing here in the 1920s. The clear view of the Lakes Region drew them in. In 1946 they decided they loved the area so much that they moved from New Jersey and purchased this beautiful mountain-view farm. Sons Russ and Larry, and their wives, soon followed and also began farming in NH. Helen and Gerda helped their husbands grow vegetables and apples. Not long after, the two couples began selling produce, chickens, eggs, and turkeys from a delivery truck.
In 1953, they began raising turkeys exclusively and delicious turkey dinners became the norm. The following year, in 1954, the Hart family opened the Lakes Region’s original farm-to-table restaurant, a 12-seat restaurant specializing in homemade turkey dinners, sandwiches, and over time, prime rib, steaks, and seafood. It has been a family endeavor ever since. “Quality, service, and home-style cooking,” has remained our highest priority.
How it began: a farm in the Lakes Region
The year 1960 brought about big changes when Larry passed away and Russ became the sole owner. In 1966, Russ decided to phase out raising his own turkeys, discovering that he could maintain the quality of home-grown birds by selectively purchasing from turkey farms that met his standards. That decision gave him time to perfect his skills as a chef and restaurateur, and to expand the restaurant to what you see today, with seating for nearly 500 guests.
From turkey farmer to chef & restaurateur
Expansions throughout the building were numerous but conservative. Russ and Helen enlarged the kitchen when needed and added small dining rooms year after year as our establishment grew more popular. The restaurant was enhanced by the addition of our gift shop in 1988. The shop and front lobby received a beautiful update in 2018, allowing us to maintain our extensive gift shop and to better showcase our fresh and frozen food and bakery products for customers to purchase and enjoy at home. In 2015, we added outdoor seating for dining on “the deck,” perfect for those sunny summer days or fresh fall afternoons! In 2016, we renovated and expanded the bar area into what is now known as the “Copper Kettle Tavern.” Come take a peek!
Hart’s point of view has always been, “If you want it done right, do it yourself,” so practically everything is made right here on premises. All our meals are prepared with the same painstaking care with which the best cooks prepare food for their own families and guests.
Grandma Mae’s Thanksgiving Platter
Mae Hart purchased this antique, circa 1850 turkey platter in 1922, to use for their Thanksgiving feast. In 1964, Mae presented her family heirloom to Russ & Helen to adorn the restaurant walls. Grandma Mae had perhaps the world’s largest turkey plate collection (in excess of 900, at last count), some of which visitors can see on our dining room walls. These unique platters and plates were acquired when friends and guests presented them to the Harts as gifts, and through much searching in antique shops along the East Coast.
Four generations of Harts, same great food
Four generations of Harts have owned and managed our restaurant continuously and consistently for over 67 years. The family continues to be involved in the daily operation and tradition of Hart’s.
Whether we’re catering an event at your choice of venue, serving you dinner in the restaurant, or making from-scratch foods you can take to go and enjoy in the comfort of your own home, we still consistently follow Russ’ original recipes. And we will remain true to ourselves and you…serving home-style cooking from scratch.
Hart’s Family of Businesses
Over the years Hart’s family of businesses has grown to include Hart’s Catering, and the Frog Rock Tavern, located just down the road in Meredith, NH. Both businesses are family owned and operated and share the Harts’ commitment to delicious homemade food and warm, friendly service.
Be a part of the best hospitality team in the Lakes Region!