The only thing more popular than Portsmouth right now is talking about how popular Portsmouth is. Yes, we’re all annoyed with limited parking and can’t find an affordable place to live. But can we talk about the real issue here? The overcrowded, ever popular, yeah-dude loving Portsmouth decks off Ceres Street. What’s a local gotta do to get a drink with a view around here?
After an influx of top-10 blog posts and articles ranking the Seacoast as one of the best places to visit, it comes as no surprise that our little city is overflowing with visitors. Kathleen Soldati, who handles marketing for the Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce, estimates 6 million tourists visit the Seacoast each year. “Of that large number, half come during the summer months, with August being the most popular time to visit,” she says.
Our booming culinary industry is one of the many reasons for the visits, according to Valerie Rochon, the chamber’s tourism director. Some visit for the lobster, some for the oysters, but many visit for an Instagram-worthy evening of outdoor drinking. Perfect for a sunset cocktail or a midday toast, these seaside venues attract an influx of backwards hat-wearing tourist bros from around the region. Locals know that attempting to carve out a spot on Harpoon Willy’s deck is damn near impossible between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Fortunately, we’ve got the inside track on a few off-the-beaten path outdoor drinking spots.
The Black Birch
2 Government St., Kittery, Maine
Why you should go: The Birch is one of the few spots in Wallingford Square with an outdoor patio, perfect for people-watching and sipping an artisanal cocktail.
What to order: According to co-owner Ben Lord, “Rose from Provence or Languedoc, bubbles, or a fine punch.”
Ever since the completion of the Memorial Bridge, Kittery has been booming. The Black Birch found business challenging during the construction. “When the bridge was closed, we really felt support from the immediate community — Kittery, Eliot, York,” says Lord. Now that the bridge is open, they are experiencing a different, though welcome, problem. “There is a resurgence of traffic spilling over the Memorial Bridge, both on foot and in cars,” he says. “It’s certainly welcome, but for the next few months it’s important for us to recognize the locals who support us throughout the year as well.”
Blue Mermaid Island Grill
409 The Hill, Portsmouth
Why you should go: Tucked away in the historic neighborhood of The Hill, the Mermaid’s deck is a sanctuary from the bustle of downtown.
What to order: The Killer Collins, the Blue Mermaid’s take on the traditional collins with St. Germain.
Manager Taylor Ross grew up in the Seacoast and understands the ups and downs of living in a vacation destination. “I love knowing that I live in a part of this country that people come from all over to visit. It makes me feel great about this beautiful area I grew up in. The worst is when you go out with your friends on one of your summer days off and all the decks/bars you want to go to are full. It’s always a bummer, but it’s always a give and take when you are living in New England.”
The Thompson Tavern
421 Central Ave., Dover
Why you should go: Boasting views of downtown, the Cochecho Mill building, and the Cochecho River itself, their rooftop deck (with a capacity for 30 people) provides a sunny spot for a drink.
What to order: Chocolate pretzel martini
Owner Kim Laughton and her husband have been living in the area all their lives and, though they’ve seen an increase in tourist traffic, they enjoy it. “I love being in the thick of things. I enjoy the crowds and all the great people you meet. Plus, Dover is putting in a new parking garage that will alleviate the parking and traffic problems,” she says.
Black Cow Tap & Grill
54 Merrimac St., Newburyport, Mass.
Why you should go: If the New Hampshire Seacoast is too crowded, take a short drive south. Newburyport tends to attract more daytrippers than overnight visitors and you’ll find a spot (for your car and your butt) a bit more easily.
What to order: Plum Island iced tea
The Black Cow doesn’t take reservations for its deck, so consider skipping out of work early, so you can complain about that obnoxious coworker who insists on microwaving salmon for lunch every day.
Top of page: a blue cocktail on a blue table under the blue sky at The Blue Mermaid’s deck in Portsmouth (photo by Chloe Kanner)