For more than four decades, The Press Room has been your spot for an afternoon pint and a bite to eat, a night out with friends, and your live music fix. We spent a year repairing, renovating, and making improvements-while staying true to the spirit of the place-to ensure we can create memories here for decades to come.
But the most important part of The Press Room isn't the space itself. It's the people that keep coming back, to share a drink or take the stage. It's the community of musicians and artists, performers and listeners, who've made this the place we know and love. The Press Room is the longest running bar, restaurant, and live entertainment venue in downtown Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
But the most important part of The Press Room isn't the space itself. It's the people that keep coming back, to share a drink or take the stage. It's the community of musicians and artists, performers and listeners, who've made this the place we know and love. The Press Room is the longest running bar, restaurant, and live entertainment venue in downtown Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
Services
Green room with unisex bathroom, kitchenette, television, seating for 5+, closet for clothing and minimal luggage storage, bluetooth speaker. The Press Room does not have parking or an official loading zone. It is imperative that you discuss your needs in this area with production staff in advance of your engagement.
Be a part of the newly revitalized, historic neighborhood pub, restaurant, and music venue. We're on the hunt for talented, enthusiastic, open-minded people to join our team! If you have restaurant experience, are committed to providing great service, and want to help us carry on old traditions with new energy-give us a shout.
Reviews (24)
Mariah Erikson
Dec 15, 2021
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We recently hosted our company holiday party for Aland Realty in the upstairs space of the Press Room. The staff, food and atmosphere were excellent and we highly recommend renting this space for a private party, event or work gathering. Thank you to the Press Room for such a memorable night for our company!
Michelle D.
Dec 12, 2021
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The owner should investigate how non-white guests are treated by a couple of members of the staff. What they do represents the owner and the whole business. Do you think it is only that customer who will never return? What about every person with a conscience and an understanding of right and wrong who witnessed it?
When a kind, gregarious, charitable, friendly, popular, emotionally intelligent non-white customer out enjoying an evening with friends leaves there feeling humiliated and dehumanized, you have a problem. How dare you, and why would you? If you allow this to happen at your establishment
When a kind, gregarious, charitable, friendly, popular, emotionally intelligent non-white customer out enjoying an evening with friends leaves there feeling humiliated and dehumanized, you have a problem. How dare you, and why would you? If you allow this to happen at your establishment
Marc Bouchard
Dec 04, 2021
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Good bar, solid food, good service, good value. Nothing to complain about here.
Kudos to the staff; very efficient and with a great attitude. The menu is smart; they don't try to do a million things, but concentrate on some popular appetizers, sandwiches and salads. And in a town that is trending a bit pricy, Press Room keeps things affordable. Good job.
Kudos to the staff; very efficient and with a great attitude. The menu is smart; they don't try to do a million things, but concentrate on some popular appetizers, sandwiches and salads. And in a town that is trending a bit pricy, Press Room keeps things affordable. Good job.
Lynn Siconolfi
Dec 01, 2021
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Let’s talk about how amazing the Press Room is! After all we experienced thru Covid, my fiancé (now husband) and I decided we wanted to host a small, intimate family gathering/wedding (about 30-40 people) and we’re having such trouble finding a venue in Portsmouth who could accommodate our needs.
In walks Jamie and Zac, the Press Room Event Coordinator and Chef. Wow, just wow. Not only did they respond to our request immediately and deal with and answer my bajillion questions, they were so professional, kind and accommodating!
Now I’ve lived in Portsmouth for over ten years and I’m not
In walks Jamie and Zac, the Press Room Event Coordinator and Chef. Wow, just wow. Not only did they respond to our request immediately and deal with and answer my bajillion questions, they were so professional, kind and accommodating!
Now I’ve lived in Portsmouth for over ten years and I’m not
Lauren Laio
Nov 30, 2021
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My (now) husband and I rented the top floor of the Press Room for the after party for our wedding. Tristan and Jamie were phenomenal to work with! We corresponded over email a few times to start and went in for a few consultations. They were accommodating across the board - customizing the drink menu and offer a specialized late night snack menu for our guests. Jamie and Tristan were both quick to respond via email, and offered ideas and suggestions when we were unsure of what we wanted to do. The Press Room was accommodating, professional, and a joy to work with. They worked directly with our
Brett Tiede
Nov 27, 2021
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Jennifer C.
Nov 18, 2021
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Jim Kimble
Nov 18, 2021
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Solid drinks and comfort-food eats makes The Press Room a must-visit spot no matter if you’re a local or dropping in from out of town.
Local musicians, artists and creatives have called the Room their home away from home since the ‘70s. The local chapter of the Fourth Estate (myself included) used to hang there on a regular basis in the ‘90s.
Times have changed. But after a recent visit, I can testify that all the great things at The Press Room are still there.
Under the leadership of Tristan Law (a longtime PR veteran), the staff is friendly and come across like old friends ready to welcome
Local musicians, artists and creatives have called the Room their home away from home since the ‘70s. The local chapter of the Fourth Estate (myself included) used to hang there on a regular basis in the ‘90s.
Times have changed. But after a recent visit, I can testify that all the great things at The Press Room are still there.
Under the leadership of Tristan Law (a longtime PR veteran), the staff is friendly and come across like old friends ready to welcome
Jeff Shore
Nov 02, 2021
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Nic
Oct 31, 2021
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This place is super cool. We stayed in an Airbnb basically footsteps from here, so one night we decided to hang out in the outdoor heated seating and grab some drinks. Our server, Jaki, was awesome, and we had a really good experience! The type of place you can hang at all night! Will definitely return when we’re back in the area.
Rhiannon G.
Oct 19, 2021
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We came in from out of town and popped in here. We got to see strangers connecting on common ground and had great drinks made by Tristan, who was working solo for the entire downstairs on a Monday night. Pretzels (not pictured) were fantastic, and their queso had a nice little kick.
If you're looking for a good neighborhood bar, this is it.
If you're looking for a good neighborhood bar, this is it.
Renje G.
Sep 29, 2021
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- my favorite bar in portsmouth
- open late
- it gets college-y at night on weekends
- I'm told by staff it its more for grown folk in the early evening
- theres a large variety of activities in this bar on any given day, check the IG
- soul church is a dancing good time!
everybody was dancing so carefree
I had the time of my life
- upstairs and downstairs are different vibes
- good beer selection
- apparently they have a kitchen, I had no idea
- open late
- it gets college-y at night on weekends
- I'm told by staff it its more for grown folk in the early evening
- theres a large variety of activities in this bar on any given day, check the IG
- soul church is a dancing good time!
everybody was dancing so carefree
I had the time of my life
- upstairs and downstairs are different vibes
- good beer selection
- apparently they have a kitchen, I had no idea
David Craig
Sep 19, 2021
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Steven B.
Sep 06, 2021
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Bartender Aaron is a living legend. The guy could have his own tv show. Remember Doug Coughlin from Cocktails? Yea that's Aaron. Guy makes a good drink, will tell you stories and keep you laughing all night.
The food? Amazing. Best pub food I've ever had. The place is a gem. If you leads unsatisfied that's a you problem. This place checks all the boxes. Want to be a foodie? Go here. Like a small almost dive bar feel but a little classy, go here.
Freakin gem!
The food? Amazing. Best pub food I've ever had. The place is a gem. If you leads unsatisfied that's a you problem. This place checks all the boxes. Want to be a foodie? Go here. Like a small almost dive bar feel but a little classy, go here.
Freakin gem!
Liv D.
Aug 20, 2021
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Really cool place to visit! Definitely for all ages with a cool upstairs for live stuff, and a nice vibe downstairs for everyone. The specialty drink menu is limited, but were made well. Good food options, like hamburgers and hot dogs. The only big issue I had was the hot dog I got looked amazing (it had Brussels, bacon, and caramelized onions on it), but it was like someone had dumped salt into it by mistake. I'm kinda a wimp so I didn't say anything until the end (to which they didn't seem to believe it was pure salt as we described), but I scraped off the top stuff and just had
Mark Lillis
May 20, 2021
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The Press Room in Portsmouth NH is a very cool place to have a meal or just a drink. Fast and friendly service at the bar, indoor and outdoor table service. Great wait-staff. The interior looks was modern but reflected the classic brickwork that make Portsmouth special. I had a chicken sandwich and a hard seltzer after a day of photoshoots in town. Great food, great place, highly recommended
Angela M.
Feb 17, 2020
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Our very first visit to the press room! The staff was extremely friendly and quick. I ordered a vodka and cranberry juice, lets just say there was way more vodka than cranberry, so I ordered an additional cranberry juice to even it out a bit. My husband ordered the braised short ribs and they were cooked perfectly. I had wings and fries and both were perfect. The overall feel of the place was warm and inviting. It appears to cater to all ages. The one down fall for me was the very limited menu
Tiffany S.
Jan 25, 2020
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Saw Laura Fox and Young Frontier here on a Friday night. They were awesome, loved the mix of sad and upbeat songs. Such a cozy and welcoming place. Folks sitting on the stairs, people dancing by the stage or hanging out on the third level looking down at the band below. Well worth the minimal $10 cover.
Noel C.
Dec 05, 2019
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The press room is an interesting night life spot. An upscale hole in the wall, hipster hangout, karaoke night, live music, private events...you name it. They seem to have a bit of everything for everyone. The three story bar offers food and drinks downstairs, drinks upstairs and a balcony overlooking the stage. It's a nice place for a mid week drink with a friend or a show on the weekend. A wide variety of beer, wine and cocktails are available. Recently had a sangria topped with champagne and it was delicious!
Barbara A.
Nov 13, 2019
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Arrived for happy hour friday night . i read about their great drink specials and half priced apps which is why we decided to give it a try . When i asked the bartender about drink specials he looked at me like i had 3 heads! I said happy hour ? His response oh yeah and said a few beers and wine really ?? if your going to work a bar grow a personality . He proceeded to ignore us the rest of the night . When a co worker came to help him everyone she cashed out she said check your bill i think it's yours but it might be someone else's ! Sure enough i checked our bill we were overcharged
David V.
Oct 09, 2019
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Went to the Pressroom after the remodel and reopen. Unfortunately it's changed from a neighborhood place with good pub food and drinks to a hipster hang-out with food they didn't get right and classic drinks they got wrong as well. Cosmos do not have grapefruit juice nor are they pink! Pork belly needs to be seared and have SOME color, not just a beige fatty inedible blob. I would have told the waitress, there was only one working on a Saturday night with a full house and couldn't get her attention until she brought the bill. Some other person (manager maybe?) came by and scooped
T. B.
Sep 11, 2019
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Although I miss the old Press Room and its charm...they have maintained the appeal and the improvements are solid. The food has taken it up a notch. The menu is broad for what some might consider "bar food". I wish they would bring back Michigans on Fridays.
The upstairs (including balcony) are awesome and the sound is great. Their calendar of events is excellent and all the shows we have seen...from comedy to old local bands have been great.
This is a solid option for a place to spend time and enjoy a night out.
The upstairs (including balcony) are awesome and the sound is great. Their calendar of events is excellent and all the shows we have seen...from comedy to old local bands have been great.
This is a solid option for a place to spend time and enjoy a night out.
D. B.
May 06, 2019
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I was there with friends for a comedy show on Thursday evening. I normally like this place but after hearing the things being said on stage about another patron, I was shocked. I had to leave half way through the show because the host, Josh Day was yelling profanities targeted to the lady at the next table. It could have been misconstrued as an act of violence or it could have become violent had she not been so calm. Luckily for this establishment video was not made or they would have had a lawsuit in their hands. That lady should have been scared to walk home with the rage the host was spewing
Amy B.
Mar 23, 2019
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I really enjoyed this bar. It was Saint Patrick's day and I was afraid I was going to be stuck with a bunch of sloppy drunks listening to Irish music. The Press Room offered respite from the craziness of the rest of the city. They music was good, a bit eclectic and nothing Irish. As the night progressed the crowd got younger. I enjoyed their tasty inventive cocktails. If I ever return to Portsmouth I will definitely return to the Press Room.
