Outdoor Dining Guide!
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!
Waterfront Dining
old ferry landing
Lunch | Dinner
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! Now celebrating its 50th anniversary, the Old Ferry Landing will be offering specials and celebratory surprises throughout the season. Open 7 days a week starting at 11:30am!
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deck at dockside
Lunch | Dinner
Looking for a casual yet delicious meal, refreshing bevs, or light bites by the water during the spring, summer, and fall seasons in southern Maine? Check out the Deck at Dockside, located right on York Harbor! As a sister of the Dockside Restaurant, you can count on the same consistently tasty food and service we’ve come to know and love over the last few decades.
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riverhouse
Lunch | Dinner
Perched on the biggest deck in Portsmouth, River House serves up unbeatable waterfront views, award-winning chowder, and the best in seaside dining. Voted Best Waterfront Dining and Best Chowder on the Seacoast, we’re your go-to spot for fresh seafood, cold drinks, and laid-back good times. Whether you’re here for a family meal or a round with friends, there’s no better place to soak up the coast.
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ore nells bbq
Lunch | Dinner
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!
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pepperrell cove
Lunch | Dinner
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!
Visit Their Website!dockside restaurant & bar
Lunch | Dinner
Dockside Restaurant 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.
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water view grill
Lunch | Dinner
Water View Grill offers waterfront dining on the picturesque Piscataqua River, featuring a spacious covered patio, an indoor dining area, and a stylish bar perfect for social gatherings. Whether you’re here for happy hour, a casual meal on the deck, or hosting a private event, Waterview Grill blends fresh, locally sourced seafood with a vibrant, artistic atmosphere that’s elegant and fun.
Visit Their Website!latitudes
Lunch | Dinner
From late May through mid-September, Latitudes delivers one of Kennebunkport’s most scenic dining experiences. This seasonal, riverfront restaurant features both open-air balcony seating and umbrella-shaded outdoor tables along the marina, allowing guests to dine al fresco with sweeping views of the water. The menu reflects the season with vibrant seafood dishes, colorful salads, and summer-inspired specials that highlight regional flavors. Whether you’re sipping a chilled rosé at sunset or enjoying lunch with your toes in the grass, Latitudes is a feast for the senses and a celebration of Maine’s coastal lifestyle.
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Patio Dining
liars bench beer co.
Drinks | Dinner
Voted one of the 10 Best Beer Gardens in New England by USA Today, Liars Bench Beer Co. is an independently owned brewery and restaurant. Open seven days a week for lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch, Liars Bench offers an ever-rotating selection of intentionally brewed, traditionally inspired ales and lagers, as well as a robust food menu, draft cocktails, and choice wines. With its industrial yet inviting atmosphere guests are encouraged to tell stories but not necessarily the truth. Here’s to empty lies, come share one.
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brgr bar
Lunch | Dinner
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)!
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nikanos.
Lunch | Dinner
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!
Visit Nikanos for Happy Hour every Thursday-Sunday from 2-4:30PM for live music, food and wine pairings, and drink specials. And don’t miss Sunday Brunch weekly from 10AM -3PM!
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vida cantina
Lunch | Dinner
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.
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street food 360.
Lunch | Dinner
Street Food 360 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!
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atlantic grill
Dinner | Drinks
Located just five minutes from Portsmouth, Atlantic Grill offers an inviting dining experience that combines elegant cuisine with a casual atmosphere. Known for its signature seafood dishes and adored by the community, the restaurant features a stunning patio, a spacious bar, and a welcoming environment for locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re joining us for a special celebration or a casual meal, Atlantic Grill provides fresh, locally inspired dishes in a relaxed yet refined setting.
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moxy.
Lunch | Dinner
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!
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Cafes
beach pea baking co.
Brunch | Dessert
Located in Kittery, Maine, Beach Pea Baking Co. is a locally-owned, family-owned bakery and cafe that strives to offer the community a unique spin on classic baked goods, while holding true to the core belief that “simple is best”. It’s the bakery’s goal to serve the seacoast community in a warm, hospitable environment, with friendly, professional staff at the counter ready to help! Come for the sandwiches, stay for the delicious baked goods and outdoor garden seating!
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backyard coffeehouse & eatery
Brunch | Coffee
In addition to offering locally-roasted coffee from Bard in Portland, Maine (another place we adore), Backyard Coffeehouse & Eatery, in the heart of Ogunquit, Maine, serves flavorful espresso beverages, MEM loose leaf tea, and a rather delicious iced matcha latte if we do say so ourselves! Backyard serves beer and wine as well! So sit back and relax on a sunny Ogunquit morning, or take some sammies to the beach for midday fuel! We go crazy for the strawberry biscuits!
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lil’s cafe.
Brunch | Coffee
Visit Lil’s Cafe and you’ll immediately be welcomed by a beautiful display of freshly-baked pastries and Lil’s famous crullers (which will practically beg you to devour them before you even sit down). Once you select your treat (or sandwich, soup, or salad), it’s time to enjoy a beautiful cup of craft coffee! Outdoor seating available.
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two bees cafe & patisserie
Brunch | Coffee
Soak up the season at Two Bees Café + Patisserie, where our cozy patio is the perfect spot to enjoy a fresh, French and Mediterranean-inspired menu. From vibrant salads and sandwiches to handcrafted pastries and desserts, everything is made in-house with seasonal ingredients. Sip on espresso, tea, or one of our refreshing seasonal drinks—or unwind with a glass from our thoughtful beer and wine selection as well as small plates and snacks.
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junes cafe.
Brunch | Coffee
Stop by June’s Cafe in the heart of downtown Newmarket for cozy charm, strong coffee, and some of the best pastries around. With outdoor seating right on Main Street, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a cruller in the sunshine and watch the world go by. It’s a sweet slice of Newmarket that’s always worth the stop!
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stellas cafe
Brunch | Coffee
Visit Stella’s Cafe in Dover for bright charm, locally roasted coffee, and fresh-made breakfast favorites served with a smile. Grab a seat on the patio at Pointe Place and enjoy a slow morning with a muffin, your favorite espresso, and maybe even your pup by your side. It’s a neighborhood gem where good food and good company always shine!
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