Written by Allison Knab
Photos courtesy of Allison Knab, Martingale Wharf, Ore Nell’s Barbecue, and Sea Dog Brewing Co.
Cover Photo: Dining on the deck at Martingale Wharf
Surrounded by water as we are – the ocean, Great Bay, and a river around every turn – it can sometimes feel harder than it should be to find a meal with a view that’s not of a parking lot. Never fear, we’re not afraid of a challenge – especially when it comes with a glass of beer – and have ferreted out the best dining with a view in the region!
When the weather starts warming, we always look forward to the opening of the decks in Portsmouth. With their views of the iconic tugboats of the Piscataqua River, plus the almost more iconic bridges bringing thousands of cars daily to Maine, spots like, Poco’s Cantina, the Old Ferry Landing, and the River House are a great place to celebrate the arrival of spring or just show off your hometown to visitors. When it’s not actually the dog days of summer yet, we like Martingale Wharf for its outdoor heat lamps and fire pits, but stop by nearby Lazy Jack’s on hotter days to actually feel like you’ve escaped to Margaritaville.
Over on Badger Island, Ore Nell’s Barbecue offers humanely raised meats cooked low and slow, but vegetarians need not fear: there’s also “Maine BBQ Tofu.” Try and resist the urge to settle down at the comfortable, cozy bar and walk out the side door, where several picnic tables offer stunning views of the Piscataqua River rushing its way to and from the Atlantic below. Order a local beer or a spiked Arnold Palmer and settle in with the delish bbq and sides – and as a bonus, if you have kids in tow, they can keep entertained with the nearby corn hole set.
At the new-ish Sea Dog Brewing Co. in Exeter, sit upstairs and admire the rushing Exeter River, freed at last from the dam that used to hold it back on its way through downtown. Pair dishes like blackened haddock tacos and lazy lobster pie with their extensive draft beer list, from a blueberry ale to their classic Irish stout. Afterward (if you have room!) stop by for ice cream at Stillwells Riverwalk. Wander just around the corner to find a peaceful park with benches, shade, and views of the river and boats coming into dock.
It would be easy to drive back and forth past Robert’s Maine Grill while shopping the outlets of Kittery, Maine, and never realize what a stunning atmosphere is hiding inside the white two story building. Local art decorates the white walls of the two-story, light-filled building, while a back deck overlooks stunning Spruce Creek. The restaurant may claim a farm-to-table focus, but it’s equally skilled at sea-to-table, with an extensive raw bar and locally sourced fish – plus an inspiring list of Maine beers.
Of course, as everyone knows the best views are the 360-degree kind. Pick up sandwiches in Portsmouth and catch one of the Gundalow Company’s “Sunset Sails,” a two hour ride along the Piscataqua River on which guests are welcome to bring picnics and beverages. Or navigate the Uncle Oscar’s online calendar to get yourself out on the Atlantic on your way to Star Island (and back), where you can bring your own picnic or arrange to be served lunch at the main hotel’s community dining room.
We’re quickly running out of space – and there are so many more great restaurants out there that we haven’t gotten to (Latitudes! Don’t miss them!) – but whatever you’re in the mood for, you can see it’s easier than it first seems to find a beautiful spot with good food and drink to match. Enjoy!
This blog post was provided by the Great Bay Stewards, a proud partner of the Every Drop Alliance.
#EveryDropMatters
