OUTDOOR DINING GUIDE 2022!
From sweet downtown patios to decks with breathtaking views of the water, the Seacoast towns of New Hampshire and Maine offer a variety of options when it comes to outdoor dining! Take a peek at some local spots we love that offer memorable al fresco dining experiences!
Let’s check out some local spots we love!
Stalk | DOVER
At Stalk, the team aims to deliver a beautiful bounty of freshly harvested vegetables and fruits to all guests. Each dish is designed with care and love—from small plates and vegetarian options, to big bold meat entrees and fresh daily seafood. The Stalk team hopes to see you dining with them soon—whether that be casually sitting at the bar for a snack and a well crafted cocktail, or cozying up to a table with someone special for a fine dining experience. Stalk is committed to our community, local farms, and the seacoast, and we’re all about it.
Old Ferry Landing | Portsmouth
Located along the Piscataqua River, The Old Ferry Landing offers the ambiance of casual waterfront dining, with a large outdoor deck featuring incredible views of Portsmouth’s tugboats. This downtown summer spot serves 100% fresh lobster meat, a variety of fresh seafood dishes, and, of course, its famous Jimmy Juice! The Old Ferry Landing is open 7 days a week staring at 11:30am!
Treehouse Taqueria | Ogunquit
Treehouse Taqueria is one of Ogunquit, Maine’s newest restaurants that has been offering fresh, local tacos in a laid-back, fun atmosphere since 2019! Perched among the trees along Ogunquit’s Main Street, Treehouse Taqueria is currently open for outdoor dining, indoor dining, and takeout.
Row 34 | Portsmouth
Row 34 is a high-energy, neighborhood-centric oyster bar. They source the best oysters from their friends, pick up their fish fresh from the Fish Pier, and are always on the hunt for the most delicious beers around. With locations in Boston, Burlington, Portsmouth, and soon to be Cambridge, Row 34 is open for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. For reservations, visit Row34.com, or call the restaurant directly; the restaurant also always saves tables for walk-ins.
Tacocat Taco Truck | Kittery (and mobile!)
TACOCAT is a Cali-Mex taco truck based in Kittery, Maine that is committed to serving up fresh, healthy, and delicious tacos! TACOCAT is open Wednesdays through Sundays from 12-7 (unless the truck is hired for a private event!). Located at the Kittery Food Truck Pod along with other hip food trucks, you can also stop by the on-site CANteen for a selection of local beer, wine, and craft cocktails, which pair excellently with the flavorful tacos! And don’t forget Fido—the pod is kiddo and pet friendly! Follow @tacocattruck on Instagram and stay up-to-date with the Food Truck Pod Truck Schedule @kitteryfoodtruckpod!
The Carriage House | Rye
The Carriage House is a casual, yet upscale fine dining experience in beautiful Rye beach. Enjoy glimpses of the ocean while sipping beautiful wines, craft cocktails, and enjoying exquisite dishes.
Leavitt Theater | Ogunquit
Today, we can enjoy a variety of entertainment along with new American cuisine and craft cocktails at The Leavitt Theatre in the heart of downtown Ogunquit, Maine! The Kitchen is open Wednesday through Monday from 5pm-12am, and the bar is open until 1am.
Check out The Leavitt Theatre’s full lineup of events online, and get excited for free movies, silent films and live music on Wednesdays, and Comedy Night on Thursdays!
Dockside Restaurant | York
Dockside is a family-owned, waterfront restaurant and private event venue in beautiful York, Maine. Visit the restaurant for classic New England fare, from Maine lobster to ribeye steak, and unparalleled coastal views of the Harbor. Reservations are recommended and dining options include porch, patio, or picnic style on the lawn.
Nikanos | Ogunquit
Nikanos restaurant provides a touch of the Mediterranean in coastal Ogunquit, Maine! With a heavy emphasis on Greek Cuisine, this family-owned eatery offers traditional appetizers such as marinated grilled octopus, spanakopita, and homemade dips and spreads with grilled pita and roasted garlic lavash—perfect for sharing! Entrees are highlighted by fresh seafood dishes such as fresh fish plaki, whole grilled branzino, and Valerie’s shrimp souvlaki. More traditional fare includes braised lamb shank, Yiayia’s roasted lemon chicken, and moussaka.
Visit Nikanos for Happy Hour every Thursday-Sunday from 2-5PM for live music, food and wine pairings, and drink specials. And don’t miss SundayBrunch weekly from 10AM -3PM!
Deck at Dockside | York
Relax and revel in panoramic views of York Harbor while enjoying great spirits and food at The Deck at Dockside! This seasonal establishment offers an unparalleled destination in which to anchor, eat, and drink. Wharf dining features salads and proteins, fried and steamed clams, burgers, lobster rolls and weekly rotating specials. Open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday (weather permitting).
Botanica | Portsmouth
Botanica is an intimate, upscale restaurant and gin bar located in the heart of Portsmouth’s West End neighborhood. Cozy up inside for intimate indoor dining or opt for a casual outdoor setting on the patio! If you’re in the mood to gather, Botanica welcomes reservations outside for up to 10 guests, and the full patio can be rented for full or partial evenings for up to 28 guests. Concerned about weather or parking?? Botanica’s patio offers a brand new retractable awning and electric heating to keep the elements at bay when needed. There is complimentary parking on-site!
Loaded Question | Portsmouth
Loaded Question is a craft brewery located in Portsmouth’s West End that is dedicated to understanding the infinite possibilities of craft beer, and making memorable moments with fellow beer lovers! This local brewery is open 7 days a week with plenty of patio seating outside, AC inside, and rotating taps to make every experience unique and memorable!
Blue Mermaid | Kittery
Blue Mermaid Island Grill is a laid-back restaurant oasis that serves up Caribbean-inspired food. Just off the beaten path in Kittery, Blue Mermaid offers great local seafood, craft beverages, and grilled meals for outdoor and indoor dining and takeout! Visit on Sundays for brunch, from 10am-2pm, and weeknights, for happy hour, from 2pm-5pm! Open Thursday through Monday.
BRGR Bar | Portsmouth
From appetizers and salads, to burgers and adult milkshakes, we can always count on BRGR Bar for a flavorful spin on the classics! Located in downtown Portsmouth, BRGR Bar is committed to using quality ingredients and offering professional service with a smile. BRGR Bar is now open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner (and for brunch on Sundays)!
Ore Nell’s Barbecue | Kittery
Ore Nell’s is a casual, welcoming restaurant that serves barbecue with a view! Enjoy picturesque scenes of the Piscataqua River from your picnic table, while indulging in the tastes of authentic central Texas barbecue—oak smoked low and slow! Ore Nell’s is open for indoor and outdoor dining 7 days a week!
Northern Union Wine Bar | Ogunquit
Northern Union Wine Bar is an elegant and comfortable restaurant offering seasonally-inspired dinner and drinks in the seaside village of Ogunquit, Maine. Northern Union is open for indoor and outdoor dining Tuesday through Sunday starting at 5pm, when we can dine al fresco on the deck, on the lawn, or by the outdoor fireplace! Make your Rezz!
STREET | Portsmouth
STREET is an eclectic, casual restaurant and cocktail lounge that satisfies both your hunger and wanderlust. From falafel and phở, to burgers and bibimbap, STREET serves some of the world’s most flavorful street food in one lively place. Open daily for lunch, dinner, and on Sundays for brunch! Check out STREET’S sister location—now open in downtown Exeter, New Hampshire!
Luigi’s | Portsmouth
Luigi’s West End Pizzeria is a neighborhood Italian-American restaurant serving New York style pizza, fresh pasta, and hearty sandwiches 7 days a week! Luigi’s offers outdoor patio dining, indoor dining, takeout, and delivery!
Moxy | Portsmouth
Inspired by the fresh produce and deep-rooted culture of New England, along with the energetic spirit of Spanish tapas, Moxy is a hip restaurant and bar that has won countless awards and adoration from the local and national community. Chef Matt Louis was a James Beard Best Chef Northeast Semi-Finalist for the past four years! Enjoy outdoor dining at Moxy Tuesday through Saturday evenings, starting at 5pm!
The Franklin | Portsmouth
Since opening its doors in downtown Portsmouth in 2015, The Franklin has been crafting a steadily-changing progressive menu using local, sustainable ingredients from across the Seacoast. Known for the vast selection of oysters and craft cocktails, The Franklin restaurant offers flavorful drinks and unique dishes for everyone! We highly recommend the fresh cut Franklin Fries!
Jumpin’ Jays | Portsmouth
For over 20 years, Jumpin’ Jay’s Fish Cafe has been serving up modern seafood in an upscale and comfortable setting in downtown Portsmouth. Enjoy local fish, an extensive raw bar selection, and a beautiful outdoor dining area.
Vida Cantina | Portsmouth
Vida Cantina is a chef-driven restaurant that celebrates modern Mexican cuisine every day of the week (11am-9pm)! Inspired by Chef David Vargas’ Mexican heritage, Vargas takes each dish to the next level with superb technique, product, and creativity. Located near the Portsmouth Green Plaza, Vida Cantina offers plenty of complimentary parking.
Surf Point 360 | Ogunquit
With some of the best views Ogunquit has to offer, Surf Point 360 at the Anchorage by the Sea provides a beautiful dining experience with traditional Maine seafood and contemporary American fare. Upstairs at the Surf Point 360, guests 21 plus can enjoy a cocktail lounge with an extensive outside deck overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
Pepperrell Cove | Kittery
Pepperrell Cove not only has stunning views; it also offers a variety of options for outdoor dining—morning, noon, and night! Start your day with coffee at Provisions General Store, enjoy lunch on the rooftop deck of The Ski Club, and watch the sunset fade over the river while enjoying dinner at Frisbee’s Wharf! Outdoor dining at Bistro 1828 is also available. P.S. If you have a boat, you’re welcome to dock it at Pepperrell Cove!
IF YOU LIKED THIS POST, YOU MIGHT ALSO FANCY…
