The Puddle Dock was pretty much exactly as I expected, considering how much I had looked into it ahead of time. The entire reason for going was for the rarebit my boss had informed me of during a discussion about foods I had grown up with.The food was all incredible and was interesting to see the inside of the building since I had grown up going to Strawberry Bank as a child and getting pickles from a pickle barrel when it was a store. The post and beam structure still looks incredible and the layout of the bar is extremely well done. The atmosphere that is given was extremely laid back. The one thing that took away, for me, was a few of the wait staff that had come by have an arrogance when speaking to you that is a bit off putting. It is clear that it is not all of them but enough to discourage.I had an old fashioned, the rarebit which came with bits of duck, brussel sprouts and a fried egg on top as an appetizer and the Shepard's pie as a meal. The Shepard's pie came out with a crust making it look more like pot pie but added a wonderful texture to it. The flavor was incredible though be warned of how hot that dish is and how long it will need to cool. Definitely worth the visit and experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
DarP
They accommodated our party of 7 at a lovely table. The place is lovely, the food was delicious and the service was perfect. I would definitely dine there again. I highly recommend!
The most delicious meal! Going to the Puddle Dock is a MUST as are the mussels! Quinn and Maddie made our experience phenomenal!! And did I mention the cocktails? Incredible! Can't wait to go back
selectogusto
We had a wonderful meal celebrating my wife's birthday. We were seated quickly despite arriving a bit early for our reservation. and were treated to terrific service throughout the evening. Our appetizers were excellent and the entrees superbly prepared and delicious. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit and look forward to our next meal at Puddle Dock!
BruceK
This restaurant never disappoints, the food , setting, service is extraordinary every time. We come up from Connecticut twice a year, and make a beeline for the place every time. Highly recommend!
Brian Hunter
Food was phenomenal and service was impeccable. Staff were kind, fun and answered any question fully. Drinks were amazing as well. My girlfriend is a vegetarian and had no issues and also loved every dish she got. The chowder was some of the best I’ve had. The hoecake was unique and delicious, and the same can be said for the skate fish, which I hadn’t heard of or seen anywhere before. Will be going back and recommending this place to anyone looking for a truly great Portsmouth dining experience!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Rebecca
The food, service and ambience were great! It's definitely a higher-end place but well worth it. We had the steak and potatoes, scallops, mushroom soup and the cheeseboard — all were fantastic! Also highly recommend the “Chai me a River” cocktail. So good!
The service was great but the food was just ok. My fish and chips was cooked with skate and that is a cheaper fish than cod but the dish price was the same and the quality was not good. Only getting 4 fries was unsatisfactory as well - 8 would have been better. My husbands chicken was rubbery but the sauce was good. I doubt we will return.
First time experiencing the setting and food, and I was thoroughly delighted. Amazing meal. The broccoli soup? Stellar. The duck? Outstanding. Signature cocktail - Steve's Opus? A delight. The bread pudding? I'd drive to Portsmouth again just for that.
Coldwaterisbliss
The soup special and smelts were delicious. Steven's cocktail was superb and his engaging manner made for a fun pre show dinner. The show at Players Ring was great fun. Perfect collaboration.
Wonderful experience - our first time there. There were four of us - good friends. The fireplace was burning - very cozy. We sat in the bay window at a round table - best for conversation. Our server was lovely and attentive - Natalie. Best cesar salad ever. The skate was hot and delicious. And my husband had the Shepards Pie - also hot and delicious. We shared two puddings - bread and chocolate - and highly recommend. Go there. Don't wait. Beautiful space, great food and service, loved it all.
Laureen Amarante Dorow
We eat there quite often and every meal has been cooked to perfection. The bartender's creative drinks are exceptionally good. The service is excellent and the atmosphere is warm and inviting. It is our top go to restaurant in Portsmouth!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
What a cool place. The restaurant is in an old colonial style building with free parking. Started out with the cheese board appetizer which was very good. I had the steak and potatoes and my wife had the pork belly both meals were excellent. We ended with the bread pudding for dessert which was also really good. Had a couple of specialty drinks and they were great. The service was great all the way around. I would highly recommend The Puddle Dock and we will be back.
Erica
My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our 11 year anniversary dinner at The Puddle Dock! It was our first time there and we will absolutely be back. From the moment we walked in the staff were outstanding, warm and friendly. They provided us with complementary champagne to celebrate our anniversary and it was fabulous! The food and drinks were next level delicious, the ingredients were so fresh and each dish/cocktail were thoughtfully created. They truly care about your experience and the food they serve. The environment itself was upscale, historic, and cozy. One of my new favorite places and in a beautiful location! You will not be disappointed at The Puddle Dock, it's a must try destination!
TRSN
Food was good quality, menu was limited but had some unusual items on it. Service was definitely slow. We rarely saw our waitress and it took well over an hour to get our meal, after ordering
The Puddle Dock was pretty much exactly as I expected, considering how much I had looked into it ahead of time. The entire reason for going was for the rarebit my boss had informed me of during a discussion about foods I had grown up with.The food was all incredible and was interesting to see the inside of the building since I had grown up going to Strawberry Bank as a child and getting pickles from a pickle barrel when it was a store. The post and beam structure still looks incredible and the layout of the bar is extremely well done. The atmosphere that is given was extremely laid back. The one thing that took away, for me, was a few of the wait staff that had come by have an arrogance when speaking to you that is a bit off putting. It is clear that it is not all of them but enough to discourage.I had an old fashioned, the rarebit which came with bits of duck, brussel sprouts and a fried egg on top as an appetizer and the Shepard's pie as a meal. The Shepard's pie came out with a crust making it look more like pot pie but added a wonderful texture to it. The flavor was incredible though be warned of how hot that dish is and how long it will need to cool. Definitely worth the visit and experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
They accommodated our party of 7 at a lovely table. The place is lovely, the food was delicious and the service was perfect. I would definitely dine there again. I highly recommend!
The most delicious meal! Going to the Puddle Dock is a MUST as are the mussels! Quinn and Maddie made our experience phenomenal!! And did I mention the cocktails? Incredible! Can't wait to go back
We had a wonderful meal celebrating my wife's birthday. We were seated quickly despite arriving a bit early for our reservation. and were treated to terrific service throughout the evening. Our appetizers were excellent and the entrees superbly prepared and delicious. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit and look forward to our next meal at Puddle Dock!
This restaurant never disappoints, the food , setting, service is extraordinary every time. We come up from Connecticut twice a year, and make a beeline for the place every time. Highly recommend!
Food was phenomenal and service was impeccable. Staff were kind, fun and answered any question fully. Drinks were amazing as well. My girlfriend is a vegetarian and had no issues and also loved every dish she got. The chowder was some of the best I’ve had. The hoecake was unique and delicious, and the same can be said for the skate fish, which I hadn’t heard of or seen anywhere before. Will be going back and recommending this place to anyone looking for a truly great Portsmouth dining experience!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The food, service and ambience were great! It's definitely a higher-end place but well worth it. We had the steak and potatoes, scallops, mushroom soup and the cheeseboard — all were fantastic! Also highly recommend the “Chai me a River” cocktail. So good!
The service was great but the food was just ok. My fish and chips was cooked with skate and that is a cheaper fish than cod but the dish price was the same and the quality was not good. Only getting 4 fries was unsatisfactory as well - 8 would have been better. My husbands chicken was rubbery but the sauce was good. I doubt we will return.
First time experiencing the setting and food, and I was thoroughly delighted. Amazing meal. The broccoli soup? Stellar. The duck? Outstanding. Signature cocktail - Steve's Opus? A delight. The bread pudding? I'd drive to Portsmouth again just for that.
The soup special and smelts were delicious. Steven's cocktail was superb and his engaging manner made for a fun pre show dinner. The show at Players Ring was great fun. Perfect collaboration.
Restaurantji Recommends
Wonderful experience - our first time there. There were four of us - good friends. The fireplace was burning - very cozy. We sat in the bay window at a round table - best for conversation. Our server was lovely and attentive - Natalie. Best cesar salad ever. The skate was hot and delicious. And my husband had the Shepards Pie - also hot and delicious. We shared two puddings - bread and chocolate - and highly recommend. Go there. Don't wait. Beautiful space, great food and service, loved it all.
We eat there quite often and every meal has been cooked to perfection. The bartender's creative drinks are exceptionally good. The service is excellent and the atmosphere is warm and inviting. It is our top go to restaurant in Portsmouth!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
What a cool place. The restaurant is in an old colonial style building with free parking. Started out with the cheese board appetizer which was very good. I had the steak and potatoes and my wife had the pork belly both meals were excellent. We ended with the bread pudding for dessert which was also really good. Had a couple of specialty drinks and they were great. The service was great all the way around. I would highly recommend The Puddle Dock and we will be back.
My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our 11 year anniversary dinner at The Puddle Dock! It was our first time there and we will absolutely be back. From the moment we walked in the staff were outstanding, warm and friendly. They provided us with complementary champagne to celebrate our anniversary and it was fabulous! The food and drinks were next level delicious, the ingredients were so fresh and each dish/cocktail were thoughtfully created. They truly care about your experience and the food they serve. The environment itself was upscale, historic, and cozy. One of my new favorite places and in a beautiful location! You will not be disappointed at The Puddle Dock, it's a must try destination!
Food was good quality, menu was limited but had some unusual items on it. Service was definitely slow. We rarely saw our waitress and it took well over an hour to get our meal, after ordering