A Weekend In: Portsmouth

 

FRIDAY

6 p.m. A one-time brewery, the loftlike ALE HOUSE INN is just steps from the bustle of Market Square. 121 Bow St., 603-431-7760, alehouseinn.com. 

8 p.m. JUMPIN’ JAY’S FISH CAFÉ dishes out countless varieties of oysters and the best appetizer in town: steamed P.E.I. mussels with ginger-saffron cream, lemongrass, and jalapeños. 150 Congress St., 603-766-3474, jumpinjays.com.

10 p.m. Thirtysomething locals hit the upstairs bar the BLACK TRUMPET; martini aficionados prefer the sleek new TWO CERES STREET. 29 Ceres St., 603-431-0887, blacktrumpetbistro.com; 2 Ceres St., 603-433-2373.  

SATURDAY

9 a.m.   Cycle past marshes and harbor islands on the 1B-1A loop toward the SEACOAST BEACHES. Spend a moment on Rye, North, or Hampton Beach before pedaling back.

12 p.m. The state’s first brewpub, the PORTSMOUTH BREWERY, has handcrafted Bottle Rocket IPA and Dirty Blonde Ale on tap, plus a menu of pulled-pork sandwiches and fish and chips. 56 Market St., 603-431-1115, portsmouthbrewery.com.

2 p.m. Stroll Market Street, stopping in at cheeky trio MACRO POLO, MACROSCOPIC,  and MACRO UNLEASHED for gifts, home goods, and pet accessories. Browse the racks of J. Brand jeans at neighboring boutique BLISS, followed by J. L. COOMBS and FOOTNOTES for shoes and boots.  

6:30 p.m. At the DUNAWAY, chef Evan Hennessey’s à la carte menu stars dishes like peekytoe crab cakes with bacon and tomato vinaigrette, but nothing beats his six- and 11-course tasting odysseys. 66 Marcy St., 603-373-6112, dunawayrestaurant.com. 

9 p.m. For live jazz, blues, and folk music, locals and tourists love the PRESS ROOM. 77 Daniel St., 603-431-5186, pressroomnh.com.

SUNDAY

7 a.m.  On weekends, crowds descend on the city’s vintage kitsch–bedecked diner, the FRIENDLY TOAST, for huevos rancheros and Grand Marnier French toast. Get there early, or risk waiting in a snaking line. 121 Congress St., 603-430-2154.