Nearly six decades of serving steaks and classic American meals? That’s an impressive run for a family steakhouse, especially in an era when restaurants seem to change concepts every few years.
The New Hampshire dining destination traces its history to 1967, with a menu centered on familiar steakhouse favorites and hearty comfort food. Its longstanding presence gives the restaurant a connection to generations of diners who appreciate traditional meals without unnecessary complications.
I like how old-school steakhouses keep certain dining traditions alive. You can settle in for a satisfying dinner, choose a familiar favorite, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of a restaurant that has been part of the community for years.
Trendy menus come and go, but a well-prepared steak never really goes out of style. After all these decades, that simple appeal remains a pretty convincing reason to visit.
Follow The Steer And You Can’t Miss Dinner
Some restaurants hide behind fancy logos. Merlino’s Family Steakhouse went with a big steer, and it has been a landmark on the Route 16 strip ever since.
The “Sign of the Steer” is basically a dinner invitation you can spot from the road. It tells you exactly what’s waiting inside without a single word of explanation.
That kind of honesty feels refreshing. Plenty of modern places try to be mysterious about their menus.
Here, the sign says steak, and the kitchen delivers steak.
The location adds to the appeal. North Conway sits in a busy part of New Hampshire, where travelers pass through all year long.
A landmark sign helps first-timers find their way without circling the block three times.
It also works as a handy meeting point. Telling friends to look for the steer is a lot easier than reading off directions.
Kids usually think it’s pretty fun, too.
Landmarks like this become part of a town’s story over the years. Families who visited decades ago can bring their own kids back to the same spot.
That’s a small bit of roadside magic worth slowing down for.
One Family Has Kept The Grill Hot Since 1967
January 1967 changed everything for this steakhouse. That’s when the Luciano family bought the business from the Merlinos, who ran it first.
Here’s the fun twist. The Lucianos kept the Merlino’s name, and they have owned and operated the place continuously ever since.
In 2024, the restaurant celebrated its 57th year at the very same location.
Think about how much has changed since then. Phones, cars, and shopping habits look nothing like they did in the 1960s.
Yet this family kept serving steaks from the same corner of North Conway.
Long family ownership often shows up in the small things. Recipes stay steady, and the overall feel stays familiar.
It’s the opposite of a chain that reinvents itself every few years.
The family’s name lives on inside the building, too. Luciano’s Pub carries their name, a nice nod to the people behind the counter for all these decades.
Staying power like this is hard to fake. A restaurant doesn’t last 57 years by accident in a tourist town.
It takes steady hands, plenty of hard work, and a lot of satisfied diners heading back home.
Angus Beef Is The Headliner Here
Steak lovers, this is your section. The menu centers on Signature Angus Beef steaks, and they’re the big reason that steer sign makes so much sense.
Prime rib gets plenty of attention on the menu. It’s the kind of slow-roasted classic that defines an old-school American steakhouse.
The Delmonico is another standout cut worth considering.
Then there are the sirloin tips. Merlino’s offers Bourbon Street Sirloin Tips, a hearty choice for anyone who likes bite-sized pieces of beef.
They’re a good pick if you can’t decide on just one big steak.
Sides keep things traditional. Garlic mashed potatoes and baked potatoes fit right alongside a steak.
Nobody needs a fancy foam on their plate in a place like this.
Here’s a practical tip. Know how you like your steak cooked before you sit down.
Medium rare, medium, or well done, telling your server clearly helps the kitchen hit your target.
Sharing is also an option if you’re not starving. A steak split between two people can be a smart move.
That leaves room for dessert, which, as you’ll see, is a very good idea.
Not A Steak Person? Lobster And Pasta Have Your Back
Every group has that one person who doesn’t want steak. Good news.
Merlino’s Family Steakhouse has plenty to keep them happy.
Fresh Maine lobster is on the menu, which feels right for a New England restaurant. Seafood lovers can also look for shrimp scampi and other fish dishes.
It’s a nice break from beef without leaving the table hungry.
Italian cooking plays a big role here, too. Dishes like chicken parm give the menu a cozy, homestyle feel.
It’s a fun mix that reflects the restaurant’s Italian-named roots.
This variety makes group dinners much easier. Grandpa can order prime rib while a cousin picks pasta.
No one has to compromise or eat a sad side salad as their meal.
The restaurant also says it buys locally grown vegetables and meats whenever possible. That’s a thoughtful touch for a place serving so many travelers.
So if your crew can’t agree on dinner, this menu might settle the debate. Steak, lobster, and Italian classics all under one roof is a pretty strong peace treaty.
Everyone wins, and everyone leaves full.
Save Room For Soup Before And Sundaes After
Bubbling cheese on top of a hot bowl of soup is hard to resist. French onion soup is one of the American favorites that Merlino’s is known for.
It makes a great starter on a chilly White Mountains evening. New Hampshire weather can turn cold fast, so a warm bowl feels like a reward.
Clam chowder and chili are also on the menu for soup fans.
Chili is a hearty pick for anyone coming off a long day outdoors. It’s filling, simple, and pure comfort food.
Just don’t fill up so much that your entree feels like a challenge.
Now for the grand finale. The homemade brownie sundae is a favorite way to end the meal.
Brownies plus ice cream is a combo almost nobody argues with.
Here’s a smart strategy. Order your soup, enjoy your main course, and then share the sundae with the table.
Extra spoons make dessert feel like a celebration.
Classic starters and desserts like these are part of what makes an old-school steakhouse special. They feel familiar in the best way.
Sometimes the simplest favorites leave the biggest smile.
Game Day Gets An Upgrade In Luciano’s Pub
Four big-screen TVs can make any meal more exciting. Luciano’s Pub, inside Merlino’s, offers a comfortable space to relax and catch the action.
It’s a nice option when the main dining room isn’t quite your vibe. Some folks want a quieter dinner, while others want to follow the big game.
Having both choices under one roof is handy.
The pub’s name honors the Luciano family, who has run the restaurant since 1967. It’s a personal touch that ties the space to the people behind the business.
Sports fans on vacation will appreciate this spot. Missing an important game while traveling feels rough.
Here, you can enjoy a steak and keep an eye on the score.
The restaurant also has more than one dining area. That gives groups some flexibility depending on the mood of the evening.
Bigger families may enjoy the livelier rooms.
Next time you’re planning a night out in North Conway, keep the pub in mind. It’s relaxed, easygoing, and built for hanging out.
A good meal plus a good game is a tough combo to beat.
Parking Here Puts The Outlets Within Easy Reach
Shopping bags in one hand, dinner plans in the other. Merlino’s Family Steakhouse sits right in the heart of North Conway’s hotel and shopping district.
You’ll find it at 1717 White Mountain Highway, North Conway, NH 03860. The restaurant actually abuts Settlers Green Outlet Village, which makes it super convenient for shoppers.
That location is a big plus for travelers. You can spend the afternoon hunting for deals and then grab a hearty meal nearby.
No long drive needed between the stores and your steak.
Hotels are close by, too. If you’re staying in the area, dinner might be just a short trip away.
That’s helpful after a long day of hiking or skiing in New Hampshire’s mountains.
The restaurant also offers outdoor dining. On a pleasant day, eating outside along the busy road can be a fun way to watch the town go by.
Plan your day around it, and you’ll save time. Shop first, eat second, and head back to your hotel happy.
North Conway feels a lot easier when dinner is this close to everything else.
Kids, Allergies, And Big Parties Are All Welcome
Family is right there in the name. Merlino’s is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, and it backs that up with a dedicated children’s menu.
Young diners can find something simple, like mac and cheese, while parents enjoy steak. That makes dinner less stressful for everyone.
Happy kids usually mean a calmer table.
The staff is also attentive to food allergies. That’s a big deal for families who have to plan every meal carefully.
Always mention allergies when you order so the kitchen can help.
Planning a celebration? The restaurant has a banquet room for events.
Birthdays, reunions, and group gatherings can all fit the bill.
Here’s a useful note about timing. Merlino’s generally works on a walk-in basis.
Reservations are accepted for holidays, and tables are held for 15 minutes, so arrive on time.
Busy evenings can bring a wait, especially in peak travel seasons. Arriving a little earlier can help your group get seated sooner.
With kids in tow, that small move might save your whole evening.
Your Steak Dinner Helps A Pretty Great Cause
Over $1.3 million is a lot of money for a steakhouse to help raise. Merlino’s has done exactly that through its annual charity golf tournament, running for 44 years.
That money has gone to a variety of charities. It shows how deeply this restaurant is rooted in its community.
Being a landmark means more than just having a famous sign.
Community spirit like this often comes from long family ownership. The Lucianos have been part of North Conway for decades.
Giving back seems to be part of the family recipe.
For visitors, it’s a nice thing to know. Your dinner supports a business that cares about its neighbors.
That makes the prime rib feel even more satisfying.
Before you go, check the hours. Merlino’s is open for lunch and dinner starting at noon, but it’s closed on Thursdays.
Showing up on a Thursday would be a sad steakless surprise.
So when you’re in New Hampshire, look for the steer. Grab a seat, order something hearty, and enjoy a slice of North Conway history.
Some traditions are absolutely worth keeping alive.
