Portsmouth is a city with old-soul charm: 300-year-old neighborhoods, Atlantic air, a working waterfront—and a food scene that combines seafaring heritage with bold modern flavors and a dash of Southern whimsy.
1. Stellar Wine Company
Downtown’s living room, Stellar is a hybrid wine shop, tasting bar, and casual bistro: flights of Virginia and French wines, inventive charcuterie boards, flatbreads, and a seasonal rotating list of small plates.
Local musicians and art openings liven up the room and the owners are always happy to talk you through their latest favorite bottle.
2. Roger Brown’s Restaurant and Sports Bar
Housed in a massive renovated warehouse, Roger Brown’s is equal parts sports mecca, community center, and home for Southern classics—fried shrimp, pork chops with collards, catfish, and an all-day Sunday brunch with mimosas and chicken and waffles.
Big screens and bigger portions make it a ritual stop for game days.
3. Still Worldly Eclectic Tapas
Creative, inviting, but never intimidating, Still offers a menu that bounces the globe: shrimp and grits, lamb kofta, Cuban ropa vieja, Korean barbecue short ribs, and creative cocktails.
The bar crowd is lively, diners share plates in waves, and every visit ends with a new “you have to try this” dish.
Patio seating and theme nights up the fun.
4. Baron’s Pub
A beloved local haunt, Baron’s both slings the region’s best burgers (from classic to creative), loads up the potato skins, and delivers fresh oysters and fish fry Fridays.
Inside, the wood paneling, regulars’ photos, and friendly bartenders feel like Portsmouth’s family room—where laughter is as much on the menu as draft beer.
5. The Bier Garden
For over 25 years, The Bier Garden has reigned as Portsmouth’s destination for German beer, sausage platters, schnitzel, soft pretzels, and Bavarian comfort.
The cobblestone patio, live oom-pah bands, and a beer list that reads like a novel make it a must for locals, travelers, and every Oktoberfest.
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