I'm going to be in Portsmouth this Friday (04/10). I know there was an appreciation thread about NH beer, but I couldn't find anything with specific recommendations for the Portsmouth area. I'd like to know of a few bars with quality local draft lists that I could plan on visiting. What is the availability of Stoneface on draft in Portsmouth? Will I be able to try the Mozaccalypse or does it only get released in bottles at the brewery? Restaurant recommendations are also welcome. I read that it's restaurant week. I haven't made any reservations yet, and I wondered if there is a place that would be relatively easy to get a table at if I called now or just showed up on Friday night.
Portsmouth Brewery is a safe bet and will cover your food and beer at the same time. It's right in downtown. Got a burger there while on a business trip last Fall and washed it down with a couple of their IPAs. Definitely recommend.
I'd stop by Earth Eagle and see what's on tap. Interesting beers and I hear the food is pretty good too.
x2 on Portsmouth Brewery. If you want to grab some bottles of local NH treats, stop by Craft Beer Cellar in Portsmouth.
Earth Eagle and the Portsmouth Brewery are within walking distance of each other. Earth Eagle has some truly unique beers that you're not going to find anywhere else. The Portsmouth Brewery always has a wide selection of beers and good food. Sometimes Smuttynose beers are on tap. If you have a car, head south down Rt 1 and visit WHYM. Great food and awesome beers on tap. They often have Stoneface beers available. Visit their website for their latest draft list. While in your car, head North on Rt. 1 and visit Tributary Brewing in Kittery. Tod's beers are terrific. Also, while in Kittery get a bite to eat and a beer or two at Black Birch. Some of the hard to find Maine beers make it to the tap list.
Thirsty Moose(old Muddy River) is just around the corner from the Portsmouth Brewery and seems to regularly have Stoneface on tap as well as a very nice tap list. StoneFace is only about 10 minutes north in Newington, Tributary is just across the bridge into Kittery and Smuttynose is close in Hampton as well.
This thread from last year also has some helpful guidance. http://www.beeradvocate.com/community/threads/portsmouth-nh-beercation.180188/
Check out.. Portsmouth Brewery - food and beer Earth Eagle - Good beer and experimental Gruits Coat of Arms - Quiet bar downtown that might still have Stoneface Moz double IPA on. Thirsty Moose - 114 or so beers on tap right downtown Gas Light - As of late had a few decent beers on tap. Pizza is real good OUTSIDE portsmouth but minutes away Smuttynose - New Brewery is up and running and great. Go Stoneface Brewing CO up rt4/16 10 minutes up the road and great. Tributary Brewing CO - Right over the bridge in Kittery point and awesome beers(Former Ports brewery Brewer) Black Birch - Amazing food and usually has Bissel Bros or Foundation on tap. Food is 3 steps about most other spots. When Pigs Fly Pizzarea - good pizza and brews York River Landing - Good draft selection and a bar manager that can put back a dark one like the best of us. Besides that just hunt around, lots of good stuff in the area.
I would do what others have suggested. My top local recommendation for food and beer is always Black Birch. Get there early or be prepared to wait for a table. I recommend getting there before 6pm. After dinner, then I would go to Portsmouth proper assuming you are staying in the city.
Stoneface posted on FB today they still have 100 cases of Mozz left so you shouldn't have a problem grabbing some on Friday. I also believe when those bottles kick they're going to start growler fills of it.
If you have time you should hit Garrison City Beerworks in Dover just a little outside of Portsmouth.
