Hidden Gem: Ian's Granite State Grille

Ian's Granite State Grille near is an old-school hot dog cart with some modern touches.

In addition to traditional standbys like brats and kielbasa, owner Pete Datillo serves up vegetarian options like tofu dogs and Divine Burgers – the latter of which are made by an Exeter company.

In fact, Datillo uses many local vendors. The buns come from down the street, he sells old-fashioned Squamscot soda, and he serves ice cream from Memories over in Kingston.

Datillo also accepts credit cards with Square Up, a swipe device that attaches to a smartphone.

Datillo opened his cart for the season on St. Patrick's Day. Customers have been coming out in droves thanks to the unusually warm weather. More will come out today, as temperatures will reach 85 degrees.

"It's been busy," said Datillo, who opened the cart six years ago.

He likes to give his customers options, as he offers unique items like Vietnamese cole slaw. There are more than a dozen sauces to choose from, including ones like garlic jalapeno.

He got the idea for the cart after taking his children to Exeter's free Thursday night concert series on the parkway. He said after bringing a bunch of soda for his family and friends, he saw a need for a food cart on the parkway.

"It's a great spot," he said.

Datillo set up his cart right on the parkway, but he had to move it last year when the parkway closed to two-way traffic because of . The repair work is expected to be , at which point he can move back to his old spot.

He's currently set up near the town boat launch by the Phillips Exeter Academy boathouse.

Datillo's cart is open Tuesday through Sunday from about 11 a.m.-6 p.m.