10 Best Cocktail Bars in Portsmouth

“Went here for our 56th anniversary Saturday night! This is the second time we’ve been here and not been able to order an entree because of the apps! We got PEI mussels and the calamari. My husband is a big eater but after drinks and these starters, we couldn’t eat another bite! Next time we are going to get one app to share and then hopefully have room enough for an entree! Service was great, drinks super! A cosmo and a dark and stormy. Will definitely be back again and again!“

“A fantastic establishment. They offer very cool meals as well as mocktails and delicious cocktails. Everyone has been very welcoming the multiple times I've been there. The vibe is great and the place is cute and well kept. Always will come back here“

“I personally did not eat here but my wife and daughter, who has a severe dairy allergy ate here last night. My wife was overwhelmed with how accommodating they were and the level of seriousness that they took her allergy. I can't begin to tell you how amazing it is for us to go out to eat "like normal families do" and for it to not be a STRICTLY vegan restaurant. My wife told me she was close to tears. I just wanted to thank the staff at this great restaurant for giving them this experience. My wife and daughter are in town for a tour of UNH and I am very happy to know she will have a safe place to hang with friends and get a bite to eat without worry. It will definitely make the 5 and a half hour drive a little easier.Dietary restrictions: Severe dairy allergy“

“So exceptional! I had a giftcard here and went for my birthday, is a cozy little restaurant and bar in Portsmouth. The owner and servers were friendly, helpful, fast, made great suggestions, and repeatedly asked if everything was tasting okay. We did the $60 per person 4 course meal for the Spring Menu. You have 3 options to choose from for each course. I had the beet salad, cauliflower, gnocchi, and churros. Everything was so fresh, flavorful and clearly cooked with love. Was insanely good the drinks were really fun and creative too. Would absolutely go back for their summer menu and recommend to anyone in the area. Definitely make a reservation!“

“Title: A Culinary Gem in Portsmouth: Botanica Delights with French FlairNestled in the heart of Portsmouth, NH, Botanica is a delightful French restaurant that effortlessly blends elegance with a relaxed ambiance. From its inviting decor to its diverse menu offerings, Botanica caters to both gin aficionados and non-drinkers alike, ensuring an unforgettable dining experience for all.The mix gin bar is indeed a highlight, offering a tantalizing array of concoctions for gin enthusiasts, while also crafting exquisite mocktails for those abstaining. As a non-drinker, I appreciated the thoughtful attention to detail in providing equally satisfying beverage options.Now, let's talk about the food. The Steak Frites and Duck Confit were both exceptional choices for entrees, showcasing the chef's mastery of French culinary techniques. Each bite was a symphony of flavors, leaving me craving for more.But the culinary journey doesn't stop there. Botanica's menu boasts an impressive selection of small plates, appetizers, and desserts, each offering its own unique twist on French cuisine. The rabbit croquettes were a delightful surprise, perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The raw oysters, fresh and briny, transported me to the shores of Brittany with each slurp. And the blue cheese with honey was a divine combination of savory and sweet, leaving my taste buds dancing with joy.In addition to the outstanding food and drink, the service at Botanica was impeccable. The staff exuded warmth and professionalism, ensuring that every aspect of my dining experience was nothing short of perfection.Overall, Botanica is a culinary gem in Portsmouth, offering a taste of France with a New England twist. Whether you're sipping on a gin cocktail at the bar or indulging in a decadent dessert, Botanica is sure to leave a lasting impression on even the most discerning palate.“

“I go here about once a week and enjoy the opportunity to smoke in a well-ventilated environment. The service is good and bartenders skilled. The liquor selection is limited, but that is because the space itself is relatively small. They do a good job of keeping the more popular, high-end alcohols. The cigar selection is excellent; there is a $20 cutting fee if you bring your own, although that is sometimes waived if you spend a lot on drinks as I do.There is a special members lounge with a large screen TV and personal cigar lockers. It costs around $1,000 a year to be a member.The bathroom is very nice and other aspects of the ambiance are generally good although the space itself is a little cramped.I docked a star and almost two because they often play loud rap music which is completely obnoxious and out of character with the otherwise laid back atmosphere.“

“My gf and I came for lunch around 230, no problems with a bouncer and staff were all nice, professional, and courteous.Now, the real star of the show was the food. We ordered the hummus board and the fish and chips. The hummus is made in house and served with a veggie mix and house made pitas. We both loved the hummus and pitas, both were very delicious. The fish was also very well done, nice and flaky. Only issue, very small, was the breading on the fish was, in places, a little oily.F- the pain away, the mix drink I had, was very good.“

“Let me start off by saying...I am probably the only person in the world who isn't a fan of Mexican food. My other half always complains that we don't ever go out for Mexican so we decided to give this place a try. Holy guacamole was I pleasantly surprised. Best tacos I've ever had. I really enjoyed making different styles/combos. The mimosa with tequila was an absolute delight. We sat the bar top and our bartender Jayden was very personable and her service was great. The only thing I wasn't a huge fan of was the loud music that was not my style, new rap/hip hop. We went around 11:30am so I felt that "vibe" was more for the late night crew not the lunch crew.“

“Great view on the deck and good food. The waitress was kind and welcoming, and the food was served quickly.Also noticed the cute 2-legged octopus hanger in the restroom (picture attached) - or maybe I was just too hungry and all hangers are like that. :“

“This was my third time at cup of joe and I’ll definitely be returning! The staff is friendly helpful and professional. They make a great latte along with a delicious chocolate hazelnut croissant. Brought the boys in last week during the quieter part of the day to allow Chunk (our reactive ½ of the duo) the opportunity to sniff out the scene. Really pleased with how well he did and the very kind female barista that made it possible. I’ll include there’s a nice viewing window that Blue put to good use!“