Schilling Beer Co. (NH)
Article by Sam Dostaler
In recent years Littleton, New Hampshire has become a town where I spend a number of weekends each year. The idealistic town located in the White Mountains of northern New Hampshire blends the outdoors with a picturesque Main Street filled with restaurants and shops.
However, to find one of the more popular spots in the town one has to wander down towards the Ammonoosuc River where Schilling Beer Co. is located. Offering European-inspired craft beers paired with a simple yet delicious menu of specialty Neopolitan-style pizza along with bratwursts, stromboli, and calzones as other entree options; there is something for everyone.
With both indoor and outdoor (seasonal) seating Schillings Beer Co., operating out of an 18th-century grist mill, is the perfect location to unwind after a day of hiking or skiing. When we get the chance we prefer sitting outside in the beer garden or on the riverfront deck where you can hear the sounds of the roaring river in the background as you enjoy good food and good company.
Over time we have developed a bit of a routine when we visit. First, we order one of their fantastic beers (cider, wine, or soft drinks also available), either from the Schillings list or the breweries American Ale Project Resilience Brewing list. Once our drink decision has been made we move on to the food, beginning with a homemade Pretzel Braid that is delivered warm and soft with just the right amount of salt. The pretzel is served with a homemade beer mustard or cheese dip. My preference is the mustard, which combines nicely with the soft dough and lightly salted crust.
The pretzel is quickly followed by an assortment of pizzas. During our many visits, we have tried a wide range of offerings from the Classic Cheese or Pepperoni pizza to the Margherita, Chicken Maple Bacon, and Pesto. However, our favorite might just be the Buffalo Chicken Pizza. One of the early offerings, the Buffalo Chicken Pizza is no longer listed on the menu but if you ask your server they will make it for you.
Each pizza is a little bit bigger than personal size with a very thin crust. Cooked in a brick oven, a group of four probably requires at least two pizzas. Every pizza we have tried has been just good as the next and because there is usually more than one pizza that catches your eye ordering a second is usually a good idea. A nice perk while enjoying your meal is that Schillings offers half pours of their beers for half price should you want another drink during your visit.
If you aren’t looking for a full meal then be sure to check out the Store and Tasting Room where you can enjoy small pours while standing on the deck and taking in the sweeping river views below or enjoying the crackling fire inside the store during the winter.
Since opening in 2013 Schillings Beer Co. has become an integral part of the Littleton landscape. Not only serving up great food and drink but working to make a difference in the community. When you add it all together a trip to Schillings, for our money’s worth, is always well worth a visit (or two) when you are visiting Littleton and the White Mountains.
Note: Beginning this summer Schillings will be hosting food trucks on the weekend. While the food trucks are on-site full pours will be available from the Store and Tasting Room. Inside the Tasting Room, there are cans and merchandise for sale.
