Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Portsmouth and Merrimack Valley

OpenTable

Updated September 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in Portsmouth and Merrimack Valley? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

The Crown Tavern

4.8

4.8 (838)

$30 and under

Comfort Food

Manchester

About the restaurant

The Crown Tavern will be the perfect spot to unwind and savor the end of the day. Located in the heart of Manchester’s central downtown, The Crown is a place where you'll come to relax with friends, grab a drink, share some tasty bites, and enjoy the night as it unfolds.

Top review

allyssa

Dined 2 days ago

Seated outside as requested. Food and service were fantastic as usual.

Stella Blu

4.7

4.7 (1097)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Nashua

About the restaurant

Stella Blu provides an upscale casual approach to dining. Offering a combination of both large and small plates. Known for our award winning cocktails, friendly staff, and upbeat dining experience.

Top review

Peter

Dined 6 days ago

The small plates are amazing, and the mixology is second to none

Row 34 - Portsmouth

4.7

4.7 (1566)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Portsmouth

About the restaurant

We’re Row 34. If we could eat oysters and drink beer for every meal period, we probably would. Professionals Only.

Row 34 serves up a seafood-focused menu in an industrial-inspired setting. Chef/Owner Jeremy Sewall's menu offers fish entrees and an extensive oyster selection, along with craft beers and an eclectic wine list. Classic comfort food side dishes round out the menu.

Visit our sister restaurants: Row 34 Boston, MA, Row 34 Burlington, MA and Row 34 Cambridge, MA

Top review

Greggvip

Dined 1 day ago

This was our second visit to Row 34 and definitely will not be our last. From the time we enter the restaurant we are greeted with a smile and helpful host/hostess that is determined to make sure our evening starts off well. Our server, Lily, was amazing! She offered advice on selections for drinks, raw bar, and dinner. She was spot on every time. The portions are size appropriate but we still had leftovers that were boxed separately and labeled with a date. Row 34 has become our must go to in Portsmouth.

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4.7

4.7 (930)

$31 to $50

Mediterranean

Hampton

About the restaurant

Tinos features a modern, ingredient driven menu inspired by the iconic flavors of the Mediterranean. Signatures include House-made Pasta, Wood-grilled Steaks + Chops, and Fresh Seafood; artfully prepared by their European Trained Chef.

Expert bartenders offer award-winning innovative cocktails, a curated wine list, and favorite local brews. Their bright, contemporary, and energetic ambience is the perfect back drop to enjoy their Friday night entertainment or a night out with friends.

You may choose to enjoy the outdoor patio which boasts built in heaters in the permanent roof, retractable weather screens, and a fire pit that seats 16 or dine inside and post up at their Chef's Table and watch their award winning culinary team prepare your meal for you.

Top review

Shannon

Dined 6 days ago

Thank you for sending bubbles to our bride. Great food. JR was an awesome server and gave us a local recommendation for night time which we loved.

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The Common Man Roadside – Millyard

4.4

4.4 (117)

$30 and under

American

Manchester

About the restaurant

Welcome to The Common Man Roadside – Millyard!

This new location brings real food, real fast to the TRU by Hilton in Manchester's Millyard. Dine in our full service restaurant or order online and take it to go from our cafe. We will be featuring our Roadside menu with a twist on some dinner favorites.

Top review

Thomas

Dined on Sep 5, 2024

We went for Thursday night happy hour and enjoyed some oysters, shrimp cocktail, and a pizza. Everything was perfect and we had a very enjoyable evening. This food was delicious, our server was courteous and efficient, and the ambience was just want we needed. It was truly a lovely experience.

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Do Good. Trivia Night!! October 9th

The Windham Restaurant

4.3

4.3 (147)

$30 and under

Italian

Windham

About the restaurant

The Windham Restaurant is proud to occupy one of Windham’s most significant historical sites. First operated as a farm in 1729, the present Colonial style house was built in 1812 and was extensively restored at the turn of this century. The Windham Restaurant features elements that are rustic, romantic and relaxed, including working fireplaces in our bar and first floor dining area. The decor complements the historic character of the building with a few carefully selected modern elements to create a distinctive dining experience. The atmosphere at The Windham Restaurant is as inviting as the seasonally inspired menus. Dine in one of our intimate rooms with candle-lit tables, enjoy your favorite cocktail at the bar or join us on the patio during the summer months. We pride ourselves on a proven menu and eclectic cocktails!

Top review

OpenTable Dinervip

Dined on Jul 31, 2024

Everything was excellent as usual!! Michelle was a server and she’s just the best!! Thank you for another great dinner!!

Toscana Chop House

4.3

4.3 (1386)

$30 and under

Steakhouse

Portsmouth

About the restaurant

Toscana Italian Chophouse & Wine Bar, a steakhouse concept that will be built around signature chops, incredible sides, and of course many of the Italian favorites that customers have come to love from Tuscan Kitchen.

Top review

Chad

Dined on Sep 2, 2024

Great food, but even better service. our server was amazing and very attentive.

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10oz Barrel Cut Filet Mignon

Otto - Portsmouth

4.3

4.3 (49)

$30 and under

Pizzeria

Portsmouth

About the restaurant

Located in the heart of the West End in the Frank Jones 1884 House, OTTO Portsmouth boasts spacious indoor and outdoor dining areas and a 2-level bar with 24 taps. Enjoy full-service dining, our quick-serve slice counter, as well as takeout and delivery of your favorite OTTO pies, salads, apps, and desserts.

Top review

Annvip

Dined on Sep 4, 2024

We love Otto’s! The pizza just can’t be beat…the atmosphere is warm and welcoming…and the wait staff is so friendly and accommodating…and do not miss Trivia on Wednesday’s hosted by Beth! We recommend Otto’s to all our friends. So, if you’re looking for good food and a relaxing atmosphere you should definitively give Otto’s a try.

The Rooftop at The Artisan

4.3

4.3 (100)

$31 to $50

Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service

Salem

About the restaurant

Elevate your experience at The Rooftop, perched atop the Artisan Hotel. With a vibrant atmosphere and panoramic views of Tuscan Village, it's the perfect setting to enjoy creative cocktails and perfectly paired plates. After 9 PM on weekends, we transition into an exclusive 21+ ambiance. Come explore our uniquely shaped bar nestled within cozy lounge nooks, providing the epitome of upscale dining and vibrant nightlife."
Check out Live Jazz on Wednesdays from 6-9pm
Brunch & Beats every Saturday and Sunday from 11-3pm
Now accepting limited reservations Wednesday - Sunday!!!

Top review

Ashleyvip

Dined on Sep 4, 2024

Sat outside next to the fire! It was. Perfect evening! Cocktails were delicious and food was amazing!

Tuscan Market at Tuscan Village Salem

4.0

4 (612)

$30 and under

Italian

Salem

About the restaurant

The Tuscan Market is located in Salem, NH in the beautiful Tuscan Village. Close to the shops, the Artisan Hotel and our Lake Park, the Market is in the center of it all. Come in and enjoy full service dining inside the Market or on our heated enclosed patio. Shop for fresh and delicious prepared foods that are ready to take home and choose from our artisan pastry and gelato for something sweet to take home or have at your table. A one-stop shop, guests will be able to choose from an extensive assortment of specialty oils, vinegars and sauces, fresh pasta, imported meats & cheeses, desserts and so much more. From freshly baked breads and homemade pizzas and Panini, to imported pastas and slow-cooked sauces, customers can bring home a truly authentic meal.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Sep 3, 2024

We enjoyed a delicious meal (both my guest and I had chicken parmigiana) and it was outstanding. Our server was friendly and attentive throughout. We perused the bakery case after our meal and took home some delicious desserts to enjoy later! Also - the bread was warm and so tasty!!!

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