Things To Do in Portsmouth
Restaurants & Bars
The Wilder | Amazing cocktails, food can be a bit pricey but delicious! The Kitchen | Great lunch spot for sandwiches. Gilley's Diner | A tiny spot with amazing burgers and hot dogs. Note: they usually close around 6pm, so it's more of a lunch or early bite kind of place. Anju Noodle Bar & Wallingford Dram | Just over the bridge in Kittery, a bespoke cocktail bar on one side, and an amazing ramen and bao joint on the other side. Nikki's Banh Mi | If you're into Vietnamese fare, this is a must-try! STREET | The premise behind this restaurant is an eclectic mix of global street food. Super yum! The Ninety-Nine | What can we say, a classic New England staple (that Per used to bartend and host trivia at).
Breweries
Loaded Question | Small, unique location with great craft brews! Liar's Bench | Another small location near Loaded Question with equally delicious beer. Stoneface Brewing Co. | About a 10-minute drive from downtown near the airport, this is a great place to sit outside, enjoy their frequent live events, and play some cornhole! Throwback Brewery | About a 20-minute drive from downtown, this brewery is on a farm (there's goats!).
Coffee & Bakeries
Caffe Kilim | Enjoy some Turkish coffee and treats from this neat little place. Cere's Bakery | Coffee, sandwiches, and baked goods. Popovers on the Square | Did you know popovers are a New England staple!? Enjoy this classic bite along with lots of other delicious baked goods, sandwiches, coffee, and more! Fezziwig's Food & Fountain | If you fancy yourself some tea, biscuits, and light fare, this spot is a charming and delightful choice! La Mulita | A bit down the road, but a very cool quieter spot with amazing coffee.
Ice Cream
Lago's | About a 15-minute drive, but well worth it. A fabulous, outdoor-only spot that's dog-friendly and has the best ice cream! Frequently visited when we lived in Portsmouth. Annabelle's | If you're looking for something in the downtown area, this is the spot!
Seafood
Chauncey Creek Lobster Pier | Looking for that classic, fresh-caught lobster boil? This is the place for you! It's right on the water and BYOB. The Beach Plum | Lobster rolls, fried clams, and more. Also great soft serve! Robert's Maine Grill | For those looking for a bit more of a classy vibe, Robert's is right up Route 1 in Kittery.
Activities & Excursions
Explore downtown Portsmouth | A walkable city with shops, amazing food around every corner, and New England charm. Enjoy live music | Jimmy's Jazz & Blues Club, 3S Art Space, and if you're willing to make the trip, Thompson's Point in Portland! Stroll through Prescott Park | Right in Portsmouth, enjoy scenic waterfront views and lovely gardens. Go to the beach | Hampton Beach has that kitschy New England tourist vibe (parking fills up, go early), but we love walking along Jenness State Beach in Rye! Make a day trip to Lake Winnipesaukee or the White Mountains | Head 1-2 hours north to enjoy scenic nature, trails, camping, and more that New Hampshire offers. Visit Portland | Just an hour north, another charming New England city with amazing food, drinks, breweries, shopping, and more! Libby used to live just south of Portland. Explore Boston | One hour south. Where to even begin—reach out to Libby or Per for their favorite spots!