PUBS AND RESTAURANTS

We want your Middle-earth vacation to be the best it can possibly be. To make it a little easier, we have compiled this list of the best pubs and restauants to be found in Middle-earth. We searched far and wide to find only the very best for you.

1. Immortality 4 U Restaurant
LOCATION: Lorien
Set among the trees in the beautiful, peaceful elven-city of Lothlorien, this is a lovely setting for a romantic dinner. It was founded after the WR by Arwen and Aragorn. Candle-light in the evenings, or sunlight streaming in during the day, you'll enjoy the silent beauty of the Elves. This is especially enjoyable right after floating down the Anduin (see the chapter entitled 'Lothlorien: Anduin Cruise and other attractions'). Winner of the Galadriel's Choice award, 1481; and the Tall Pretty Elf-Short Ugly Dwarf's Nice Place to Eat award, 1539.

2. Brandybuck & Took Restaurant and Pub
LOCATION: Edoras
Founded by Peregrin and Meriadoc just before the death of King Eomer in the fall of 1484 (Fourth Age). It changed hands after that year, when Merry and Pippin went to Gondor, but the quality is the same. Warm and welcoming, and comfortable inside. Nice family place--remember not to let the kids drink! Not that there's any experience with that, mind you. Merry and Pippin weren't only tiny children when they got drunk at the Prancing Pony, heh heh. Anyway, this place serves food from all over Middle-earth that the founders had on their journeys. Winner of the King Eomer's Favorite Pub Award, 1484; the Strider Would Walk Really Far to Get Here award, 1486; and the slightly biased Took-Brandybuck Best Pub award, 1484.

3. The Prancing Pony Inn and Pub
LOCATION: Bree
The very inn where Frodo, Samwise, Meriadoc and Peregrin arranged to meet Gandalf that fateful night--the 29th of September, 3018 (Third Age), as can be proven by a signed photo of the four hobbits with the words Fellowship Members Ate Here. Historic landmark! Winner of the Took-Brandybuck Best Pub award, 1447; Whitfoot Ribbon, 1462; and Best Place for a Hamburger, 1465.

4. Mortal My Foot Restaurant
LOCATION: Rivendell
This is the best burger in town! Founded by Elrond after Arwen's decision to stay with Aragorn, if you hadn't guessed. Absolutely charming inside, delicious hamburgers, or if you're in a hurry, try the drive-through. If you choose the latter, make sure you speak clearly; after hitting 4,000 years old Elrond has gotten a bit hard of hearing. Don't tell him I said so, his restaurant is wonderful nonetheless! Winner of the Strider Would Walk Really Far to Get Here award, 1487; the one-time Yeah Dad We Forgive You I Still Love You award; and the Back From the Dead for Your Burger award, 1488 (from Gandalf).

5. The Hungry Hobbit Inn and Restaurant
LOCATION: Gondor
Founded by Beregond in 1430, this place is named for Pippin, who befriended Beregond, and first of all upon their meeting asked of food. The inn rooms are comfortable and bright; the food in the restaurant is excellent, enough to satisfy a hungry hobbit. Oh, I crack myself up. Winner of the Took-Brandybuck Best Pub award, 1435; the Strider's Glad He Doesn't Have To Walk Far to Get Here award, 1485; and the one-time If He Likes It I Like It Too award (from Arwen).