I moved to Portsmouth from Georgia in 2012. Ever since, I have made it a point to discover everything this area has to offer. I am not done but here is a “short” list of my discoveries.

I have carefully curated this list so I hope you all enjoy it!

…But first coffee

Port City Roasters I have a coffee card here so that I don’t have to pay every time I go in.

Aroma Joes  They are just now building one in Portsmouth but there are several around the area. Great iced coffee.

Breaking New Grounds (BNG)  Located in the heart of Portsmouth

Gym

Seacoast Sports Club Four locations in the seacoast. Amenities include a lap pool, indoor tennis court, racquetball court, and a lot of classes

Orange Theory Fitness Their work out kills!

Barre I have tried two great options in the area Barre Logic and Barre and Soul

The Works Health Club  I have actually never been to The Works since it is in Dover, but I hear great things.

Blitz Air Park  Jumping around in an indoor trampoline park definitely counts as exercise

Social Groups

Catapult Seacoast  Great way to meet other young professionals in the area.

NH Social Sports and Clubs  Great for Rec sports.

Walk/Trails/Hikes/Beaches

I to walk around Portsmouth several times a week and not just the downtown area. The side streets have pretty gardens and calm streets which create a super serine setting for a walk.

Odiorne Point State Park  I LOVE this place. It is a 10 min drive from downtown Portsmouth. It has a nice trail along the water and a weird stone structure that takes you to the middle of the water.

Urban Forestry Center  I just discovered this last year, and I cannot wait to go a few times this  year. It is a hidden gem off of Lafayette

Wallis Sand  They call this a “beach” in New England

Great Islands Common in New Castle  Great for volleyball and bbqs

Art/music/culture

Prescott Park  This Park has several shows during the summer

• Movie Monday
• Musical- Every year they host a musical – it is super legit – I have seen Annie, Shrek and The Little Mermaid
• Concert at the park

The Music Hall  I have only been once to watch the Cat Film Festival (go ahead and laugh but I had a great time!). The hall is beautiful. They host movies and other special events.

Book and Bar  A library meets a bar – what else can you ask for?

Harbor Tour on the Thomas Laighton or The Heritage  For some history of Portsmouth and the Shipyard – or a trip out to the Isle of Shoals!

Food

What you have been waiting for – This list is going to be super long because there are so many amazing places and food is queen!

Sushi

SHIO . That is it… don’t try to go anywhere else. Just don’t.

Mexican

Locos Cocos  In Kittery, ME has the most legit tacos and burritos. (I am Mexican so you can trust me on this.)

Las Palmas  In Somersworth – Yummy fajitas *sizzle sound*

Vida Cantina  Pork Belly taco + Kale salad are a must

Agave  Good food – amazing atmosphere – my friends and I go here a little too often.

…But hands down the best Mexican food is at my apt.. but service is poor…

Breakfast

The Big Bean  In New Market – I only go if I can make it there before 8:30am – it’s a small place and it gets super busy.

Popovers  Located in the middle of downtown Portsmouth with outside sitting. Great place for a breakfast sandwich, coffee, and people watching.

Sandwiches/Burgers

The Beach Pea  In Kittery, ME should  allow me to open an account. They have yummy breakfast burritos, the sandwiches are to die for and the salads are huge (also lots of pastries)!

Street  Technically not a sandwich shop, but I only order their chicken cemita and curry fries so it is a sandwich shop to me. They have a fun funky-international-menu and cool selection of drinks. AND they will be featured on an episode of Diner Drive ins and Dives *fangirl swoon*

Lexie’s  Great burgers – there is a cool location in Newington that is out of the way but the view is well worth the drive.

BRGR Bar Also great burgers but my favorite part are the sweet potato ricotta tots. They also have adult milkshakes so go for it!

The Decks

Poco’s  I did not include Poco’s in the Mexican section of this post because it does not meet my Mexican food standards #sorryNotSorry – However, they have a nice view of the Piscataqua River and really good Garlic Fries and Buffalo Chicken Nachos

River House  Everything here is delicious. They do have an award winning seafood chowder that you must try.

TAKE-OUT

The Pizza Factory   This was the first place I ever got take-out pizza from so it has a special place in my heart and arteries.

Kim Lai  The definition of Chinese take out

Darleen’s(no site) Classic American sub shop that just added Vietnamese Bahn Mi sandwiches to their menu – all of their subs are above par.

Asian Cuisine

5 Thai Bistro  I love their Seafood Tum Yum soup in the winter

Little Tokyo Saigon  Chinese, Vietnamese and sushi – I like all their phos and vermicelli bowls. Their menu includes pictures which make it super easy to order

Tulsi  If you are not super familiar with Indian food, consider visiting for their Sunday buffet. You get to try a variety of their dishes so you can figure out what you do and do not like

Anju Noodle Bar  Do not pass up on ordering a pork bun or three. One of the best things you’ll ever eat.

Feeling date night fancy? For a fancy restaurant that would be great for a date, visit my Restaurant Week Post

The night life… MORE COMING SOON ON THE AMAZING BARS OF PORTSMOUTH

So that’s it. Go enjoy my home.