Endzone Bar & Grill
A family-friendly sports bar with a unique New Orleans-inspired twist, Endzone Bar & Grill (421 Central Ave., Dover, 842-4849, find them on Facebook) is the Garrison City’s newest spot for scratch-cooked eats, handcrafted cocktails and good times. The eatery arrived just before Memorial Day weekend in the former Thompson Tavern space on Central Avenue and is fast becoming a favorite spot for sports lovers and foodies alike. Co-owner Angelica Spinelli, who also runs Ginger & Clove Cafe in Hampton with her sister, Cassy, said she wanted to provide an environment she felt had been lacking in the immediate area. She added that AB Sports Lab in Hampton Falls, owned and operated by her brother-in-law, Antoine Bailey, also served as an inspiration. “I really wanted it to be a sports bar that is family-friendly … which is something that I don’t really see too often,” Spinelli said of Endzone. “I have a lot of people coming in and they are apologizing for their kids … and we’re like, ‘No, we love having the whole family here.’ That is actually what we want.” As for the New Orleans influence, Spinelli said that came from living in The Big Easy herself for nearly a decade and becoming immersed in the city’s culture and cuisine. Endzone’s New Orleans-inspired culinary stamps are all over its menu, from the crabmeat, shrimp and crawfish-stuffed egg rolls to the Louisiana seafood roll, a twist on the traditional New England lobster roll. The Scene recently caught up with Spinelli to talk about how her first year at Endzone has been going, as well as her personal picks for must-try recommendations when you visit.
How long has Endzone Bar & Grill been around?
We opened at the end of May. I believe it was May 23.
What makes Endzone Bar & Grill unique?
I feel that Endzone is unique because the food that we offer … is a little more than just the average sports bar that just has all frozen food options that are thrown in a fryer. We actually care about the food and the flavor and the way it comes out and looks. … We also enjoy the company of kids as well as adults. … I feel like we’re … gravitating toward becoming the first family-friendly sports bar around.
What is your favorite thing on your menu?
I would definitely say our seafood roll is pretty good, and it’s unique and fun. … A lot of people love the Cajun egg rolls, too. … I feel like a lot of people think that everything that’s from Louisiana is just burn-your-mouth hot … but a good combination of a little spice with a lot of flavor is really enjoyable. … We actually get our bread shipped from Louisiana, so that’s a little different. … It’s not as dense; it’s light, airy and crispy on the outside.
What is something that everyone should try?
It’s very simple, but the shrimp po’ boy is really great. … Our onion rings are also good. They are very thinly coated and hand-battered [with] great flavor. I would definitely say the seafood options that we have, too, for sure.
What celebrity would you like to see eating at Endzone Bar & Grill?
I don’t even know what to say! I mean, anyone would be great — the governor of New Hampshire would be great. Even Jayson Tatum of the [Boston] Celtics would be cool. I have a little figurine in there right now of him, which I’ve had since before they even won the Finals.
What is an essential skill to running a restaurant?
No matter how tired you are, no matter how many days feel like [things will] never get better, you just have to keep pushing through. That’s the honest answer — nothing is given to you. You have to always work hard … [and] you have to be there every day. If you always work at it and you have the passion for it … then everything comes together.
What is your favorite thing about being on the Seacoast?
I’ve traveled all over the place, and compared to every place I’ve been … I just feel like the Seacoast has so much to offer. You really do have everything all in one area.
— Matt Ingersoll
Photo courtesy of Endzone Bar & Grill in Dover
