Portsmouth might get overshadowed by Norfolk and VB, but locals know there are some seriously good burgers tucked into its pubs and restaurants. These are the spots that come up again and again in local burger conversations.
1. Roger Brown’s Restaurant & Sports Bar
Right in Olde Towne, Roger Brown’s is a big, lively sports bar that takes its food more seriously than you’d expect. The burger is a cornerstone of the menu.
We’re talking big, hand‑formed patties cooked to order, with a good char from the grill. The classic cheeseburger with bacon, lettuce, tomato, and onion is hard to beat, but they also do specialty builds with mushrooms, Swiss, or BBQ sauce and crispy onion straws. With a pile of fries and one of their many beers on tap, it’s a full meal that keeps people coming back.
2. Still Worldly Eclectic Tapas
Still is mostly known for tapas and cocktails, but regulars will quietly tell you the burger is one of the best in the city. It’s a little more upscale, with a moody, lounge‑y atmosphere.
The burger itself leans gourmet: quality beef, cooked to temp, with toppings like sharp cheese, caramelized onions, house pickles, and an herbed aioli or special sauce. The bun is usually a toasted brioche‑style roll, and the side of fries is crisp and generously portioned. It’s the kind of burger you order when you’re having cocktails and want something indulgent but well done.
3. Gosport Tavern
Gosport Tavern feels like a classic neighborhood gastropub—cozy, brick‑walled, and casual, with comfort‑food‑heavy menus and a solid bar.
Their burgers are straightforward but thoughtfully done. Expect thick patties, melted cheese, bacon if you want it, and toppings like grilled mushrooms or onions. The fries and house chips are both strong sides, and the whole thing tastes like the best version of a classic pub burger. Locals love it for low‑key date nights and after‑work hangs.
4. Griff’s Restaurant & Sports Lounge
Griff’s is a no‑frills sports lounge where the burgers taste like genuine bar food in the best possible way.
The patties are juicy and well‑seasoned, piled with American or cheddar, crispy bacon, lettuce, tomato, and onion. There’s nothing fussy about it—just a big, satisfying burger with fries on the side and a drink in your hand while the game is on. A lot of locals consider it their default “I just want a burger and a beer” spot.
5. Fish & Slips Marina Raw Bar & Grill
Primarily a waterfront seafood and raw bar spot, Fish & Slips still gets love for its burger—especially from locals who want something different from fried seafood baskets.
They usually serve a thick, grilled patty with cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles, and you can add bacon or other upgrades. What really sells it is the setting: you’re eating a juicy burger on the water, watching boats come and go. It might not be a burger‑only joint, but it’s a favorite “burger with a view” option for Portsmouth residents.
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