The term “hidden gem”, when used to describe a restaurant, usually implies that it is tucked away and obscure while being wildly popular at the same time. One might be tempted to put this label on Temple Street Diner of Nashua, but it is really only partially accurate. Situated on a small lot that is nested between intersecting train tracks still very much in use and abutting East Hollis Street, Temple Street Diner is not necessarily “tucked away”, as it exists next to a busy intersection- but it is most definitely obscure. There are no flashy signs, no bold facade. The building is modest and matter-of-fact. It’s what’s on the inside that matters most. What makes them so popular and cherished by the community is their friendly service, generosity, and exceptional food. Hardly hidden, the Temple Street Diner is by and large a stunning gem.

The menu is massive and offers everything from coffee to seafood platters. Breakfast options include an almost daunting list of Omelettes (Western, Steak Bomb, Mexican, and Lobster & Cheese to name a few), Meal Combos (Eggs Benedict, Biscuits with Sausage & Gravy, and Breakfast Sandwiches, among others), Pancakes (choice of chocolate chips, blueberries, strawberries, bananas, or whipped cream), French Toast (pick Original, Fruit & Whipped Cream or Cinnamon Raisin), and Belgian Waffles (Plain, Fruit & Whipped Cream, Chocolate Chips or Blueberries). Thirty different sides and additions are available to pile onto any breakfast plate, ensuring a victorious start to your day. Lunch selections at Temple Street are just as impressive and wide-ranging. Under Rolls & Sandwiches, you’ll find Clubs (Hamburger, Turkey, or Grilled Chicken, are a few) Burgers and Hot Dogs, a delicious Haddock Sandwich, and most famously, their eye-popping Lobster Rolls. Ranging in size from seven to twenty ounces, these behemoth mountains of 100% lobster claw and tail meat require a fork and a big appetite. Rounding off the Lunch menu, you can also find Wraps & Subs (Chicken Salad, Steak & Cheese, and a Veal Parmesan Sub are some examples) as well as a handful of Dinner Plates (Chicken Fingers, a Pastrami Reuben, Liver & Onions for those “old school” fans and more). Kids’ Menus are also available for both Breakfast and Lunch, and Frappes, Smoothies, and a tantalizing selection of desserts are just a phone call away. You can also rest assured that six packs and singles of beer are welcome to be a part of your order. Daily Buy-One-Get-One deals are listed on their Facebook page, as well as other generous incentives, like complimentary cups of soup.

The folks at Temple Street Diner are powering through today’s challenges and going strong. They are open seven days a week to continue providing us with rich, quality nourishment and a dedication to hospitality during this period of uncertainty. Their friendly staff and amazing food are award winning in the Nashua Community, and we are fortunate to have them by our sides.

Email suggestions for the Restaurant Spotlight to evassar@nashuatelegraph.com.

– Contributing staff member Emily Vassar

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