Guidebook for Kittery & Portsmouth
Drinks & Nightlife
Incredible cocktails and a cozy ambience. Great for date nights. Plus, if you want a little nibble, they serve Anju pork buns.
29 locals raden deze aan
The Wallingford Dram
7 Wallingford SquareIncredible cocktails and a cozy ambience. Great for date nights. Plus, if you want a little nibble, they serve Anju pork buns.
Old Ferry Landing is one of a number of bars that are collectively known as "The Decks." When it's sunny out, they are the most popular destination for anyone in the seacoast who wants to sit (or stand) outside and have a drink. They are definitely very crowded, but the energy of The Decks is contagious. One drink you can get at all of the bars at The Decks is Jimmy's Juice. It's a crazy concoction of many fruit juices and many liquors (I think it's 5 liquors). It takes like punch and will get you tipsy very quickly.
14 locals raden deze aan
Old Ferry Landing
10 Ceres StOld Ferry Landing is one of a number of bars that are collectively known as "The Decks." When it's sunny out, they are the most popular destination for anyone in the seacoast who wants to sit (or stand) outside and have a drink. They are definitely very crowded, but the energy of The Decks is contagious. One drink you can get at all of the bars at The Decks is Jimmy's Juice. It's a crazy concoction of many fruit juices and many liquors (I think it's 5 liquors). It takes like punch and will get you tipsy very quickly.
Liar's Bench is a little hidden brewery with some very tasty beers. It's a fun place to hang with foosball and an outdoor beer garden. They tend to have a lot of non-IPA style beers, which is great for me, but not for everyone.
21 locals raden deze aan
Liar's Bench Beer Company
459 Islington StLiar's Bench is a little hidden brewery with some very tasty beers. It's a fun place to hang with foosball and an outdoor beer garden. They tend to have a lot of non-IPA style beers, which is great for me, but not for everyone.
Great Rhythm is a gorgeous new brewery with an incredible selection of hoppy beers. It's become a popular local spot and I highly recommend it if you're touring the local brewery scene.
12 locals raden deze aan
Great Rhythm Brewing Company
105 Bartlett StGreat Rhythm is a gorgeous new brewery with an incredible selection of hoppy beers. It's become a popular local spot and I highly recommend it if you're touring the local brewery scene.
Tributary is a local gem. It's only a few blocks from the house and has a great selection of beers. A few times a year they make Mott the Lesser which is the new name for Kate the Great, which was at one point rated the #2 beer in the world. You can bring your own food or order takeout from The Blue Mermaid next door if you want to have a meal there.
23 locals raden deze aan
Tributary Brewing
10 Shapleigh RdTributary is a local gem. It's only a few blocks from the house and has a great selection of beers. A few times a year they make Mott the Lesser which is the new name for Kate the Great, which was at one point rated the #2 beer in the world. You can bring your own food or order takeout from The Blue Mermaid next door if you want to have a meal there.
Food Scene
Popular coffee shop with delicious crullers. Even if you don't like donuts, I would recommend trying one. They have a lot of good baked treats for breakfasts and offer sandwiches and soups for lunch.
66 locals raden deze aan
Lil's Cafe
7 Wallingford SquarePopular coffee shop with delicious crullers. Even if you don't like donuts, I would recommend trying one. They have a lot of good baked treats for breakfasts and offer sandwiches and soups for lunch.
Their acai bowls and smoothies are a great way to start the day.
12 locals raden deze aan
Maine Squeeze Juice Cafe
7 Wallingford SquareTheir acai bowls and smoothies are a great way to start the day.
This place is always super busy, but it's worth it. The modern American food is interesting and delicious and the staff are so friendly. Go early and have one of their amazing cocktails while you wait. You can't go wrong with anything on their menu, but the poutine and fish & chips are perennial favorites.
66 locals raden deze aan
The Black Birch
2 Government StThis place is always super busy, but it's worth it. The modern American food is interesting and delicious and the staff are so friendly. Go early and have one of their amazing cocktails while you wait. You can't go wrong with anything on their menu, but the poutine and fish & chips are perennial favorites.
I eat here almost once a week. Their Asian fusion dishes always hit the spot. You have to try the pork buns. Then you can't go wrong with ramen or wings or rice cakes or anything else that strikes your fancy. They don't have cocktails, but their wine and beer options are phenomenal.
42 locals raden deze aan
Anju Noodle Bar
7 Wallingford SquareI eat here almost once a week. Their Asian fusion dishes always hit the spot. You have to try the pork buns. Then you can't go wrong with ramen or wings or rice cakes or anything else that strikes your fancy. They don't have cocktails, but their wine and beer options are phenomenal.
A new restaurant in town that has already made a great mark. It has a fun hip vibe and a food menu and cocktail list that don't disappoint. The family portions are fun to share with a group. This is a great place for dinner, Sunday brunch or cocktails if you're out in Portsmouth.
18 locals raden deze aan
The Wilder
174 Fleet StA new restaurant in town that has already made a great mark. It has a fun hip vibe and a food menu and cocktail list that don't disappoint. The family portions are fun to share with a group. This is a great place for dinner, Sunday brunch or cocktails if you're out in Portsmouth.
This place is always very busy and for good reason. It's a casual little lobster joint located right on the creek. There are outdoor picnic tables and they have a BYO-anything not on the menu policy. I highly recommend bringing some wine or beer, a nice salad and a dessert. You can pick the lobster you want to eat and enjoy the beautiful outdoor seating.
38 locals raden deze aan
Chauncey Creek Lobster Pier
16 Chauncey Creek RdThis place is always very busy and for good reason. It's a casual little lobster joint located right on the creek. There are outdoor picnic tables and they have a BYO-anything not on the menu policy. I highly recommend bringing some wine or beer, a nice salad and a dessert. You can pick the lobster you want to eat and enjoy the beautiful outdoor seating.
Ceres Bakery is where the locals go. They make delicious baked treats and have different lunch specials every day. I used to live next door and went at least a few times a week. It is a no frills casual place for a good sandwich, soup or hot delicious lunch. If they have cornbread on the menu, don't pass up a chance to get it. It's incredible.
16 locals raden deze aan
Ceres Bakery
51 Penhallow StCeres Bakery is where the locals go. They make delicious baked treats and have different lunch specials every day. I used to live next door and went at least a few times a week. It is a no frills casual place for a good sandwich, soup or hot delicious lunch. If they have cornbread on the menu, don't pass up a chance to get it. It's incredible.
Incredible vegetarian Asian bistro that even non-vegetarians will love. One of my favorite spots. They also have incredible cocktails.
26 locals raden deze aan
Green Elephant Vegetarian Bistro & Bar
35 Portwalk PlIncredible vegetarian Asian bistro that even non-vegetarians will love. One of my favorite spots. They also have incredible cocktails.
This restaurant is phenomenal. Their oysters, food and cocktails are just so good. They’ve got something for everyone. I highly recommend it.
15 locals raden deze aan
The Franklin
148 Fleet StThis restaurant is phenomenal. Their oysters, food and cocktails are just so good. They’ve got something for everyone. I highly recommend it.
This spot has amazing views and all outdoor seating. It’s a super popular destination - and for good reasons. The Wharf has basic bar food - fish and chips, burgers, etc. The Bistro has more fine dining but doesn’t have the views.
11 locals raden deze aan
Frisbee's Wharf at Pepperrell Cove
88 Pepperrell RdThis spot has amazing views and all outdoor seating. It’s a super popular destination - and for good reasons. The Wharf has basic bar food - fish and chips, burgers, etc. The Bistro has more fine dining but doesn’t have the views.
Parks & Nature
This park is along the beach and great for long walks. It's dog friendly and has good paths for walking along the coast. Not an ideal place for swimming because the beaches are rocky, but you're welcome to swim if you are so inspired.
60 locals raden deze aan
Fort Foster
76 Pocahontas RdThis park is along the beach and great for long walks. It's dog friendly and has good paths for walking along the coast. Not an ideal place for swimming because the beaches are rocky, but you're welcome to swim if you are so inspired.
This is one of the best beaches for swimming. It has a nice sandy beach and if you jump over the rocks, offers a long beach to walk on. Be careful if you don't pay to park in the parking lot. The town of Rye is diligent about ticketing people who park on the roads for more than an hour.
33 locals raden deze aan
Wallis Sands State Beach
1050 Ocean BlvdThis is one of the best beaches for swimming. It has a nice sandy beach and if you jump over the rocks, offers a long beach to walk on. Be careful if you don't pay to park in the parking lot. The town of Rye is diligent about ticketing people who park on the roads for more than an hour.
Mt. Agamenticus (or Mt. A) is a series of trails on a SMALL mountain. Many of the trails lead to the top of Mt. A where you can see the coast and the White Mountains. It's a great place to stretch your legs and walk around in the shade. I recommend it as a nice alternative to walking around the city, but note that while there is some gradual uphill, it isn't really hiking.
Also, keep an eye on trail markers because there are a lot of trails and it can be easy to get lost.
109 locals raden deze aan
Mount Agamenticus
Mt. Agamenticus (or Mt. A) is a series of trails on a SMALL mountain. Many of the trails lead to the top of Mt. A where you can see the coast and the White Mountains. It's a great place to stretch your legs and walk around in the shade. I recommend it as a nice alternative to walking around the city, but note that while there is some gradual uphill, it isn't really hiking.
Also, keep an eye on trail markers because there are a lot of trails and it can be easy to get lost.
This is a local Kittery beach that is nice for walks. Some areas have a lot of seaweed, but it’s a beautiful beach and not very crowded. Note that there is limited parking for non-Kittery residents and police will ticket if you’re parked in a Kittery resident marked spot.
28 locals raden deze aan
Seapoint Beach
Seapoint RdThis is a local Kittery beach that is nice for walks. Some areas have a lot of seaweed, but it’s a beautiful beach and not very crowded. Note that there is limited parking for non-Kittery residents and police will ticket if you’re parked in a Kittery resident marked spot.
This is a great place for walks and a dip in Great Bay. Plus, across the street is Emery Farm which has delicious berries and all a full range of great foods and wines.
12 locals raden deze aan
Wagon Hill Farm
156 Piscataqua RdThis is a great place for walks and a dip in Great Bay. Plus, across the street is Emery Farm which has delicious berries and all a full range of great foods and wines.
This York Cliff walk is a beautiful way to get in the sights of the Seacoast. It’s one of my favorite walks and somewhere I take any visitors.
10 locals raden deze aan
Cliff Walk
Cliff WalkThis York Cliff walk is a beautiful way to get in the sights of the Seacoast. It’s one of my favorite walks and somewhere I take any visitors.
Sweet little local swimming hole. Get there by taking a left immediately after Fort McClary onto Crockett Neck Rd.
Barters Creek
Sweet little local swimming hole. Get there by taking a left immediately after Fort McClary onto Crockett Neck Rd.
Essentials
If you're looking to do some grilling, Carl's is the best place for delicious, high quality meats. It's a local spot that even Portsmouth folks will cross the bridge to go to. They also have one of the best beer selections around.
26 locals raden deze aan
Carl's Meat Market
25 State RdIf you're looking to do some grilling, Carl's is the best place for delicious, high quality meats. It's a local spot that even Portsmouth folks will cross the bridge to go to. They also have one of the best beer selections around.
Golden Harvest is the yin to Carl's Meat Market's yang. They are both owned by the same couple. Golden Harvest is not where you would want to go for extensive grocery shopping but they have great produce, cheeses and wines. Dried goods will be more expensive than a normal grocery store, but they'll cover the basics if you don't want to travel far.
34 locals raden deze aan
Golden Harvest Produce Market
47 State RdGolden Harvest is the yin to Carl's Meat Market's yang. They are both owned by the same couple. Golden Harvest is not where you would want to go for extensive grocery shopping but they have great produce, cheeses and wines. Dried goods will be more expensive than a normal grocery store, but they'll cover the basics if you don't want to travel far.
Terra Cotta has delicious homemade pastas, sauces, lasagnas and pizzas. They also have prepared italian foods and make fresh sandwiches. I love getting some french bread with their ricotta cheese and roasted peppers. It's heavenly.
15 locals raden deze aan
Terra Cotta Pasta Co. Kittery
52 State RdTerra Cotta has delicious homemade pastas, sauces, lasagnas and pizzas. They also have prepared italian foods and make fresh sandwiches. I love getting some french bread with their ricotta cheese and roasted peppers. It's heavenly.
Vernon Family Farm has incredible local meats and produce. Plus every Friday they have Wicked Chicken Friday where they serve hot rotisserie chicken and sometimes fried chicken. If it’s a fried chicken night, you’ll want to order ahead of time. It’s popular.
The farm is beautiful and has great seating outside so if it’s a nice night, enjoy your meal at the farm and check out their chickens, calves and lamas.
Vernon Family Farm
301 Piscassic RdVernon Family Farm has incredible local meats and produce. Plus every Friday they have Wicked Chicken Friday where they serve hot rotisserie chicken and sometimes fried chicken. If it’s a fried chicken night, you’ll want to order ahead of time. It’s popular.
The farm is beautiful and has great seating outside so if it’s a nice night, enjoy your meal at the farm and check out their chickens, calves and lamas.
Sanders Fish Market
367 Marcy StBest place to get fresh fish.
Everything Else
Every Saturday, from May through October, Portsmouth has wonderful farmers markets. They run from 8am to 1pm and will have breakfast foods, fresh produce, local meats and eggs as well as live music entertainment. It's the best way to start the morning. There is frequently a booth called Marcia's that serves the most delicious Jamaican food. I highly recommend it.
Portsmouth Farmers’ Market
1 Junkins AveEvery Saturday, from May through October, Portsmouth has wonderful farmers markets. They run from 8am to 1pm and will have breakfast foods, fresh produce, local meats and eggs as well as live music entertainment. It's the best way to start the morning. There is frequently a booth called Marcia's that serves the most delicious Jamaican food. I highly recommend it.
Great place to pick berries, apples, pears, pumpkins... you name it. They also have their own hard cider!
7 locals raden deze aan
Butternut Farm
195 Meaderboro RdGreat place to pick berries, apples, pears, pumpkins... you name it. They also have their own hard cider!
This is where I recommend renting paddle boards and kayaks. It’s easy to walk or bike to the marina and you can boat right from there. Just be conscious of the tides.
8 locals raden deze aan
Esther's Marina LLC
41 Pickering AveThis is where I recommend renting paddle boards and kayaks. It’s easy to walk or bike to the marina and you can boat right from there. Just be conscious of the tides.
Arts & Culture
The Music Hall is a beautiful theater that offers a lot of speakers, musical performances and films. They also host some popular film festivals.
79 locals raden deze aan
The Music Hall
28 Chestnut StThe Music Hall is a beautiful theater that offers a lot of speakers, musical performances and films. They also host some popular film festivals.
This museum has New England houses from different time periods. Step into each house and experience New England in another age. The houses and the gardens are fun to explore.
111 locals raden deze aan
Strawbery Banke Museum
14 Hancock StThis museum has New England houses from different time periods. Step into each house and experience New England in another age. The houses and the gardens are fun to explore.
Sightseeing
The Nubble Lighthouse is a pretty place to visit to see an iconic Maine scene. It is also in between Long Sands and Short Sands in York which are fun beaches to check out. Long Sands is great for long walks on the beach and Short Sands is right next to a bunch of shops, restaurants and arcades.
38 locals raden deze aan
NUBBLE LIGHT / SOHIER PARK
Sohier Park RoadThe Nubble Lighthouse is a pretty place to visit to see an iconic Maine scene. It is also in between Long Sands and Short Sands in York which are fun beaches to check out. Long Sands is great for long walks on the beach and Short Sands is right next to a bunch of shops, restaurants and arcades.