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  5. Portsmouth
The Puddle Dock, Portsmouth, NH
This restaurant now offers Takeout

This restaurant now offers Takeout

Bring the restaurant to you. Order and pay for food directly on OpenTable.

The Puddle Dock

4.7
4.7
523 Reviews
$31 to $50
American
Located on the grounds of Strawbery Banke Museum in historic Portsmouth, New Hampshire, The Puddle Dock Restaurant proudly offers Modern Colonial feel and fare! Led by esteemed Executive Chef Derek Clough, the Puddle Dock Restaurant will take you back to Colonial America featuring English and American favorites, then snap you back to the present with our modern twists.

Chef Derek takes great pride in growing a lot of our vegetables, foraging our mushrooms, and presenting beauty for your palate. His care is evidence in some of our best-loved dishes, Yorkshire Pudding, Portuguese Salted Cod, Pan-Roasted Duck Breast, and our signature Hoe Cake. Be sure to save room for dessert! All our desserts are made in house - Cinnamon Rum Breading, Dark Chocolate Pudding, and Posset are among the favorites!

Enjoy the ambience of our historic exposed beam building, once a general store offering penny candy, or enjoy our front and rear patios for dinner in the open air.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 22 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    American, Cocktail Bar, Comfort Food
  • Hours of operation
    Wed–Sun 4:30 pm–9:00 pm Sun 10:00 am–2:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (603) 373-8192
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Derek Clough
  • Neighborhood
    Portsmouth
  • Parking details
    Private Lot
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 523 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • New Hampshire

    Best Ambiance

  • New Hampshire

    American

  • Portsmouth and Merrimack Valley

    Best Ambiance

  • Portsmouth and Merrimack Valley

    Romantic

  • Portsmouth and Merrimack Valley

    American

523 Reviews
  1. Benjamin

    Greater Boston

    21 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Phenomenal food, drinks and service and a charming callback to settlement times, both on the menu and the historic building. Surprisingly quiet inside, even when the restaurant is packed, making for a very relaxing meal. Attentive service without being overbearing. The best Manhattan I’ve had outside of NYC in a long time. And the food - all so well executed, thoughtful, fresh and deeply comforting. The rarebit was a delight of richness and texture. The mussels were elegant in their simplicity. The chicken was cooked perfectly, and mushrooms a great complement, retaining their snap and rich flavor, without pulling focus. We’re stoked to come back soon. Bravo team.

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  2. OpenTable Diner

    Greater Boston

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall3food2service4ambience4
    Getting seated was not smooth for two of us. Told many people just seated and needed to wait. We were early but wanted a drink at bar. Told by same girl, the bartender doesn’t like it if you stand since there was only one seat. Confused she finally brought us to our table. Not a great welcome. Appetizer was tasty. Entrees bland ( lamb pot pie and swordfish dishes). Lacked seasoning. Waiter was good.

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  3. diningout

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We enjoyed a lovely dinner celebrating a birthday.

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  4. OpenTable Diner

    Greater Boston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent experience. Will be back. Great service.

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  5. GloriaF

    Phoenix

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The ambience, the atmosphere, the service, the accommodations, the drinks and the food were all amazing. We sat at the chefs table which was delightful. Highly recommend.

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  6. MichelleL

    Greater Boston

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful meal and drinks, beautifully presented, and top notch service from a lovely and knowledgeable server.

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  7. stevens

    Greater Boston

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on November 25, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Great food, great ambiance, will be back again for sure!

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  8. Abtrick

    Greater Boston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic in every respect. Food was delicious, drinks very good, ambiance and service were excellent. It was our third visit with various friends and we will definitely come back.

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  9. PaigeB

    Greater Boston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    So delicious! Fantastic dinner!! We had a wonderful evening

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  10. foodlvr

    Greater Boston

    18 reviews

    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Great meal, attentive service. Deserts were to die for! Nice ambiance, but a bit loud. Pricey.

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  11. AllenB

    New Hampshire

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Best dining experience we've had in Portsmouth for a long time. Fabulous!!

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  12. LisaH

    New Hampshire

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 16, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Fabulous food and fantastic service! We each ordered something different and everyone was pleased. Our host and server were professional and knowledgeable. We enjoyed ourselves. Thank you!

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  13. Cliff

    Greater Boston

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    We were very happy with our meals and service. Love the ambiance too!! We were on the second floor and did feel sorry for our servers having to go up and down the stairs.

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  14. JeannieA

    Greater Boston

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on November 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Dinner last night at Puddle Dock was really wonderful! We are local and have eaten at many of the Portsmouth restaurants but hadn't tried Puddle Dock yet. It was restaurant week and reservations were difficult to get at a reasonable time. Luckily, we booked here and now this will be on my list of one of my favorite places to have a nice dinner in Portsmouth! We were seated promptly and service was immediate. The waitstaff was very attentive but not obtrusive. We had the mussels and cheese board for apps and both were amazing. There were 4 of us and each had different entrees which were all excellent. The whole dinner experience was delightful and they gained a huge fan last night. I'll definitely be back!

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  15. OpenTable Diner

    New Hampshire

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic food in a great historical setting. They have directly adjacent free parking which is rare in Portsmouth. Service was great. Cocktails were superb and a highlight. Only negative was the cheese board which had only a quartered Brie on it with otherwise impressive fruits, bread and a jam. Cheese boards are about trying new cheeses so it was a let down. Aside from that though I am giving them a 92/100 which is a very high rating for me! In the top 5 for Portsmouth. Try it once for sure.

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  16. Athena

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 9, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Lovely environment and the staff were very friendly and attentive, food was good as week will definitely be returning.

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  17. Cathy

    Greater Boston

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 9, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Very nice! Great service. Atmosphere was warm and cozy on a rainy fall evening. We’ll be returning.

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  18. Margaryta

    Greater Boston

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on November 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I was surprised how tasty it was. I love dark places like that.

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  19. EllenM

    Greater Boston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The Portsmouth chowder is unparalleled! It’s one of reasons I go.

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  20. mars

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 29, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience1
    Reservation 6:45 PM. Appetizer cheese board was good and presentation was also nice. Before main course arrived our bread was removed as was bread plate and some silverware. The cheese to me required the bread to enjoy the cheeses. Steak was good. Mashed potatoes too wet from gravy. Scallops were not sea size but bay. They had no taste. Dessert was good as were drinks. At about 7:30PM we were asked if it was ok to clear our table. Still eating. My suggestion is cut off reservation time if you are expected to finish eating within 45 minutes. Hostess, bartender and others left before we did at 7:40. Would not recommend this restaurant. Prices are very reasonable for meal menu items. Quality did not match pricing, service or experience.

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  21. ChrisW

    New York Area

    15 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on October 29, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    This was our second dining experience and it was just as good as the first, if not better. There were four of us ... we had 2 caesars, 1 duck confit & mushroom appetizer with brussels and a duck egg over toasted bread slice, and 1 pear and endive salad to start... the caesars were good but the other two apps were just that little bit more special and tasty. For mains there was the duck breast, an entree portion of the lamb chop app (basically 2 x app portion .. very accomodating), the mushroom soup, and the shepherd's pie. All were devoured. I had the shepherd's pie and the lamb was spice so beautifully ... transported me to the UK; my ony suggestion would be a little less salt, especially on the potato/parsnip topping. Kate was an outstanding server ... very attentive, very well-paced. The best thing about this place aside from quality of the food is the room itself... the tables are well-spaced and not too tiny.... pleasant music in the background and a warm, inviting feel. Great cocktails (Steve's Opus!) and wines as well as non-alchohol options.

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  22. IconicIoniq

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 28, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Great spot, service was good but could definitely be better. However, it was a busy evening so we did not mind. Food was excellent and so was the atmosphere. We will be visiting again.

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  23. tmd11

    New York Area

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on October 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We aren't strangers to Puddle Dock. We know we will always enjoy our meals and drinks and service is friendly. The ambiance is cozy. Love it!

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  24. Cyrrob

    Greater Boston

    33 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    33 reviews

    Dined on October 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A very nice time to the Puddle Dock for a first time visit. For sure we will be back. Dinners we deliciously prepared and a great value.

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  25. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A bit privy but worth every penny. Wonderful drinks/food and excellent service. Great atmosphere

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  26. EileenJ

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We enjoyed the evening very much. Our waitress was very attentive without being intrusive. The food was delicious as anticipated. Overall the meal did not disappoint.

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  27. BillS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Lovely meal! Wonderful cocktails and excellent service. Would recommend to anyone as the menu is fairly diverse.

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  28. OpenTable Diner

    Greater Boston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was excellent. Service perfect. Can’t wait to go back. Chef is superb

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  29. OpenTable Diner

    Greater Boston

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on October 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    As always the bartender, drinks and food were fabulous!

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  30. Oxonian

    London

    61 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    61 reviews

    Dined on October 20, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Nice location, warm welcome, immaculate service. Interesting menu, good wine list.

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  31. John

    Greater Boston

    5 reviews

    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on October 20, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience4
    Ambiance was very good. Seafood chowder was excellent. I asked our server the thickness of the swordfish steak and the width displayed via distance between fingers was over an inch which would have been fine. Three out of four of us ordered swordfish. The steaks were about 1/2 inch thick. The sauce was excellent but the fish was kind of dry, which is typical for a thin cut. Plenty of good restaurants in Portsmouth, so will try another next time.

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  32. ElizabethC

    Hawaii

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The Puddle Dock is one of our favorite Portsmouth restaurants! Incredible service and amazing food. Five stars across the board.

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  33. SFfoodietransplant

    Greater Boston

    7 reviews

    3.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on October 19, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience4
    I’ve been here a few times. I’ve complained about the wine list before and nothing has changed. The wine is not great. They need to add a few solid wines that people can recognize and some nicer wines to the menu. They need to filter the water. Nobody likes the taste of Portsmouth water. The cheese board used to be beautiful, now one cheese. My favorite part was the key lime posset dessert was perfect. $360 for a cheese plate, bottle of wine $67 and 3 entrees.

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  34. ArmJ

    Miami

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on October 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I had the pan-seared duck breast. It was terrific, tender, moist and succulent. I was so impressed, I think the owner should consider changing the name of the place to "PUDDLE DUCK". Thanks - RMJ

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  35. Luv2trvl

    Greater Boston

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on October 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We were a party of six and we can't wait to go back! The chowder, beet salad, the lamb chop and duck were perfectly prepared and delicious. The staff and drinks were great too. Highly recommend!

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  36. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 18, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    We had an excellent meal at PuddleDock last fall which was memorable, so when our out of state visitor wanted a special dining experience we immediately thought to go here again. We were not disappointed. The menu had just the right amount of dinner options. We each found something to our liking. However, our guest was disappointed that his first choice of Shepherds pie had been sold out by our 7pm reservation. We sampled the Snails in puffed Pastry, and Beet Salads as appetizers and the Fish and Chips, Roasted chicken and Duck entrees. All were of outstanding quality, taste and piping hot. The mushrooms served in the chicken dish were exceptionally prepared. Our server was pleasant but could have been slightly more present. I had sampled the Mussels which are offered on the appetizer menu our last visit and am still thinking about them. Probably the best I have ever had. We loved the cozy atmosphere, rustic New England decor and charm of this restaurant. It’s proximity to Prescott Park and Strawberry Banke make it a must if you are taking in the sites. Definitely recommend if you are in Portsmouth to dine.

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  37. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My husband had the swordfish and I enjoyed the salted cod with chorizo and navy beans - delicious! For Dessert we chose the chocolate pudding; quite small but yummy 😋

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  38. Aleafe

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very niche dishes that are all crafted to perfection. Excellent ambiance and parking, not to mention the high quality cleanliness and service. Apps to deserts are must haves.

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  39. SamM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 13, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience3
    Food was great, servings were good for a hungry person not looking to have leftovers. The duck rarebit was delicious, but not necessarily shareable. Our server, Mikayla (sp?), was attentive, nice and realized an anniversary dessert instead of a toast was in order.

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  40. Taylor

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    So yummy, cute fall menu. My boyfriend and I will definitely be back!

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
    • Contactless payment available
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

The Puddle Dock offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (603) 373-8192.

The Puddle Dock is rated 4.7 stars by 523 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 22 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for The Puddle Dock

66 Marcy St, Portsmouth, NH 03801-4650

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    Portsmouth
  • Hours of operation
    Wed–Sun 4:30 pm–9:00 pm Sun 10:00 am–2:00 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    American, Cocktail Bar, Comfort Food
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Private Lot
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Derek Clough
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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