Portsmouth, New Hampshire

I'm going to be visiting Portsmouth, NH, on a short business trip at the end of the month and am looking for recommendations for a couple of good meals (probably lunch and dinner). I don't have much in the way restrictions, but something in keeping with the New England coastal location would be great.

Thanks in advance!

Back from a fantastic holiday weekend in Maine that took us to Portsmouth for lunch on the way back to Boston where we flew in and out of. Cool town. More going on there than I thought. I saw on twitter that Row 34 was worth checking out. It's owned by the Island Creek Oyster people in Boston which Ronnie praises HERE.


Located in Portwalk Place

Apparently Island Creek is so popular and thus hard to get into in Boston that people from there are driving out here just to get some of their stuff. I can see why. The oysters were saltier than normal this time of the year but I had no problem with the ones rec'd. I pretty much enjoy all cold water oysters and Row 34's selection from around these parts impressed.


East Coast Oysters

As far as bottom to top goes this was probably the best place we ate at all trip. The cocktails were easily the best and we went to all the hotspots in Portland, ME. The brunch menu was on display for Labor Day so a few breakfast options were available including one of the best hashes I've ever had. Masterfully smoked pulled pork was matched with golden crisped potatoes and a perfectly poached egg. I haven't had smoked hash like that since my buddy stole his Pakistani dads stash before taking off for a class trip to Springfield back in HS. Fried Oyster lettuce cups with pickled onions were a winner as were the lobster tacos with mango salsa served in fresh fried mini tortillas. Go here if you're ever in the area.


Lobster Tacos. Fried Oyster Lettuce Wraps. Smoked Pork Hash.

The lady was getting a little restless with all my food stops, as this was our last day, so I knew a trip to the local hot dog landmark Gilley's would have to be snuck in. Lucky for me it's right around the corner from Row 34 and there was a parking spot right in front and I had already dropped her off to put our name in. This was my chance.


A local institution downtown

This place has history going back to 1912 when it was just a hot dog cart that parked in the center of town later at night. Something that was commonly found all over New England at that time. In 1940 a dining cart was built by the Worcester Diner Co. of Worcester, MA. Gilley's diner is one of just five that were built then, and it's the only one remaining in full operation today. At first the diner was hauled into Market Square each evening and parked in front of a Church in preparation for the evening's business. Originally it was towed by horse, then tractor and finally by truck. Today it rests in the same place at all hours. Stepping inside is as close to time travel as we have. Just slide the front door open.


View from my front (L) View from the back (R)

As you can see in the pic it's one of the smallest eating establishments out there. Just eight seats. I ordered a wiener with everything and took one of the seats to enjoy a near flawless example of an All-American hot dog. Extra snappy wiener, I didn't ask what they were made of, goes into a soft New England Style bun and gets topped with your choice of stuff. Chili, with tons of kidney beans, and sauerkraut are popular options but I wanted to try the original on my first stop in. It was one of a few top notch hot dogs tried this trip. Cool spot. I might do a night in Portsmouth mixed into a Boston and or Maine trip next chance I get. I had forgot how much I like visiting New England when the weather is warm. As always, more to come.


Hot Dog Everything (Mustard, Relish, Onion)

Row 34
5 Portwalk Pl
Portsmouth, NH 03801
(603) 319-5011

Gilley's PM Lunch
175 Fleet St
Portsmouth, NH 03801
(603) 431-6343