Getting braces is an exciting step toward a confident smile, but it does change the way you approach mealtime. Crunchy, sticky, and hard foods can damage brackets or wires, making dining out feel a little more complicated. Luckily, Hamilton has no shortage of great restaurants where you can enjoy a meal without stressing about your orthodontic treatment. Dr. Esshakiand Dr. Flückigerat New England Orthodontic Specialistscreated this guide for you so you can know the best places to eat in Hamilton, no matter where you are in your orthodontic treatment.
Best Places to Eat in (and Around) Hamilton with Braces
Hamilton and its surrounding communities offer excellent restaurants that cater to a variety of tastes. Here are some of the best braces-friendly options where you can enjoy flavorful meals without worrying about your orthodontic treatment.
1.Weathervane Tavern– Hamilton
Weathervane Tavern is a local favorite, offering a cozy atmosphere and a menu filled with braces-friendly options. Soft pasta dishes, fresh fish, and tender chicken make it easy to enjoy a satisfying meal. Skip the crunchy appetizers and instead go for soups or their famous lobster mac and cheese.
2.Crown & Anchor at The Hamilton Princess– Hamilton
This spot pairs elegance with comfort food. The Crown & Anchor restaurant features soft seafood dishes, risottos, and stews that are gentle on braces. Their carefully prepared entrées are flavorful without being tough or chewy, which is perfect for anyone who needs to avoid crunchy or sticky foods.
3.Honeycomb– Hamilton
For breakfast or lunch, Honeycomb is a must-visit in Hamilton. Their soft egg sandwiches, soups, and grain bowls are braces-friendly and delicious. Pastries that aren’t too crunchy can also be enjoyed in moderation. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a quick bite that won’t disrupt your orthodontic progress.
4.Post– Hamilton
Post brings a modern twist to dining in Hamilton. With a menu full of approachable yet inventive dishes, braces-friendly options like short rib, creamy pastas, and soft desserts stand out. This restaurant is perfect for a date night or a family meal, offering something for everyone while accommodating dietary restrictions due to orthodontic treatment.
5.15 Walnut– South Hamilton
Located in nearby South Hamilton, 15 Walnut offers plenty of options that are easy to eat with braces. Soft tacos, risotto, and noodle bowls are filling without being risky for your brackets. Avoid the crunchy tortilla chips (they have a reputation for being bracket busters!) and opt for guacamole with a spoon instead.
6.Rossetti– Beverly
Just a short drive from Hamilton, Rossetti in Beverly serves upscale Italian cuisine. Their pasta dishes are ideal for braces wearers, while tender cuts of fish or chicken provide another safe option. If you’re craving something indulgent, their tiramisu is a braces-friendly dessert worth trying.
7.The Farm Bar & Grille– Essex
The Farm Bar & Grille in Essex is family-friendly and casual, offering soups, mashed potatoes, pasta, and barbecue meats that fall right off the bone. You’ll want to avoid the crunchy nachos, but you can enjoy the many softer options this menu has to offer.
8.Pellana Steakhouse– Peabody
If you’re celebrating a special occasion, Pellana in Peabody is a standout. While steak can be challenging with braces, you can opt for softer cuts cooked medium or rare, or go for their fish or pasta selections. The sides (like mashed potatoes and sautéed vegetables) are braces-friendly and satisfying.
Now that we’ve gone over some great places to dine at in Hamilton, let’s go over some general eating guidelines that will keep you on track with your braces timeline.
What Foods Can I Eat and Not Eat With Braces?
Choosing the right foodswhile wearing bracesisn’t just about comfort; it’s also about protecting your investment in orthodontic treatment. Eating the wrong foods can damage brackets, bend wires, or prolong your treatment time. Here’s a quick run-down of what’s okay and what you should avoid with your braces:
Foods That Are Great for Braces
When you’re looking for safe options, focus on foods that are naturally soft and won’t put pressure on your brackets or wires. Some go-to braces-friendly foods include:
- Pasta dishes (like those at Weathervane Tavern or Rossetti)
- Soft sandwiches (like the breakfast options at Honeycomb)
- Tender meats such as chicken, fish, or short ribs (as offered at Post)
- Soups and risottos (available at Crown & Anchor and 15 Walnut)
- Mashed potatoes and roasted veggies (served at The Farm Bar & Grille and Pellana)
- Soft desserts such as puddings, cakes, or tiramisu
Foods to Avoid with Braces
Even though Hamilton offers plenty of delicious dining options, there are some foods you’ll need to skip until your braces come off:
- Hard breads or stiff baguettes
- Sticky candies or gooey caramels
- Crunchy tortilla chips or popcorn
- Hard nuts
- Tough steak cuts that require lots of chewing
When in doubt, choose the softer, easier-to-chew menu items to keep your orthodontic treatment on track. Remember, a braces-friendly diet focuses on foods that are:
- Soft and easy to chew
- Nutritious and balanced
- Low in stickiness or crunch
Stick to those guidelines, and you can enjoy dining in Hamilton while supporting your smile’s progress. Feel free to give New England Orthodontic Specialistsa callif you ever run across a food you’re not sure about, and be sure to refer back to this list if you feel stuck!
New England Orthodontic Specialists, Helping You Achieve Your Smile Goals
Living with braces doesn’t mean giving up dining out; it just means you’ll need to make smarter food choices. Hamilton and its neighboring towns have an abundance of restaurants that make it easy to enjoy meals without damaging your braces.
At New England Orthodontic Specialists, Dr. Esshaki and Dr. Flückiger are here to guide you every step of the way. With convenient locations in Beverly, Topsfield, Hamilton, Salem, and Lynn, their teammakes orthodontic care accessible for patients of all ages. Whether you’re exploring braces for kids, teens, or adults, their expertise ensures that you’ll not only love your results but also feel confident in navigating everyday life with braces.
Ready to start working toward a healthy, beautiful smile? Schedule yourfree consultationand begin your smile journey today!