Best Bars in New Hampshire: From Craft Breweries to Speakeasies and Everything in Between

New Hampshire’s bar scene is as diverse as its landscape. From historic taverns that have been serving pints for centuries to modern craft cocktail lounges, the state offers something for every taste. Whether you’re looking for a quiet pub to enjoy a local brew or a lively spot to dance the night away, New Hampshire’s bars deliver.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best bars across the state, highlighting what makes each one special and why they’re worth a visit.

The Craft Beer Revolution

New Hampshire has become a craft beer paradise, with over 100 breweries scattered across the state. Many of these breweries have taprooms where you can enjoy fresh, locally brewed beer in a relaxed atmosphere.

Top Brewery Taprooms

• Lawrence Brewery (Portsmouth): Known for innovative IPAs and a spacious taproom with food trucks
• Stoneface Brewing (Newington): Award-winning beers in a no-frills, beer-focused environment
• Concord Brewery: Community-focused brewery with a rotating selection of styles
• Smuttynose Brewing (Portsmouth): One of the state’s pioneers, offering tours and tastings

These taprooms are more than just places to drink—they’re community hubs where locals gather to share stories and enjoy quality craft beer.

Historic Taverns and Pubs

New Hampshire is home to some of the oldest taverns in the country. These establishments offer a glimpse into the past while still serving excellent food and drinks.

Pubs with Character

• The Purple Monkey (Portsmouth): A quirky, eclectic bar with a great selection of craft beers and cocktails
• The Press Room (Portsmouth): Housed in a former newspaper building, this bar offers an impressive whiskey collection
• Skyline Lounge (Littleton): A classic dive bar with a loyal following and great views

These bars have stood the test of time, maintaining their character while adapting to modern tastes.

Craft Cocktail Bars

For those who appreciate the art of mixology, New Hampshire has a growing number of craft cocktail bars. These establishments focus on high-quality ingredients, creative presentations, and classic techniques.

Where to Find the Best Cocktails

• The Franklin (Portsmouth): Speakeasy-style bar with expertly crafted cocktails in an intimate setting
• Portsmouth Brewery Taproom: While primarily a brewery, they also offer creative cocktails and a unique atmosphere
• The Bar at 33 (Manchester): Upscale cocktail lounge with a focus on local spirits

These bars elevate the drinking experience, treating cocktails as an art form rather than just mixed drinks.

Wine Bars and Tasting Rooms

New Hampshire’s wine scene is smaller but no less enjoyable. Several wine bars and tasting rooms offer curated selections of local and international wines.

Wine Lover’s Destinations

• Earth’s Harvest (Nashua): Wine bar with an extensive selection and knowledgeable staff
• Jewell Hill Winery (Hollis): Family-owned winery offering tastings and tours
• Flag Hill Winery (Hopkinton): Scenic winery with a restaurant and event space

These venues provide a more refined drinking experience, perfect for a romantic evening or a relaxed afternoon.

Live Music and Entertainment Venues

Many of New Hampshire’s bars feature live music, trivia nights, and other entertainment. These venues combine great drinks with a lively atmosphere.

Bars with Entertainment

• The Space (Portsmouth): Intimate venue hosting local and touring musicians
• Prescott Park (Portsmouth): Outdoor venue with summer concerts and events
• The Flying Monkey (Plymouth): Restaurant and bar with live music in a historic building

These bars offer more than just drinks—they provide a complete entertainment experience.

Sports Bars and Game Rooms

For sports fans, New Hampshire has plenty of bars where you can catch the game. Many feature multiple TVs, pool tables, and other games.

Top Sports Bars

• The Barley House (Portsmouth): Classic sports bar with great food and plenty of TVs
• Shea’s Cafe (Derry): Local favorite with a loyal following and great wings
• The Draft (Manchester): Modern sports bar with craft beer and pub fare

These bars are perfect for watching the game with friends, enjoying cold drinks and hearty food.

Rooftop Bars and Scenic Views

New Hampshire’s natural beauty is one of its biggest draws, and several bars take advantage of this with stunning views.

Bars with a View

• The Common Man (Ashland): Rooftop deck with mountain views
• Skyline Lounge (Littleton): Elevated views of the surrounding landscape
• Coastal Brewery (Portsmouth): Outdoor seating with harbor views

These bars offer the perfect setting for a sunset drink or a leisurely afternoon.

Planning Your Bar Crawl

New Hampshire’s bars are spread across the state, but many cities have concentrated bar districts that are perfect for a night out. Portsmouth, Manchester, and Concord each have walkable areas with multiple bars within a few blocks.

When planning your bar crawl, consider the following:

1. Transportation: Plan ahead for how you’ll get between bars, especially if you’re visiting multiple cities
2. Timing: Some bars open early for afternoon drinks, while others don’t get busy until late evening
3. Events: Check bar websites and social media for special events, live music, or trivia nights
4. Food: Many bars serve food, but you might want to plan meal stops as well

Responsible Drinking and Safety

New Hampshire has strict laws regarding drinking and driving. If you’re planning to drink, make sure you have a safe way to get home. Many bars are located in areas with easy access to taxis, ride-sharing services, or public transportation.

Always drink responsibly and know your limits. New Hampshire’s bars are meant to be enjoyed, and the best way to do that is to pace yourself and stay safe.

Seasonal Considerations

New Hampshire’s bar scene changes with the seasons. In the summer, many bars open outdoor patios and rooftops. In the winter, cozy fireplaces and warm atmospheres become the focus.

Fall foliage season and winter ski season are peak times for tourism, so expect crowds at popular bars during these periods. Spring and summer offer more relaxed vibes and better opportunities to explore without the crowds.

Local Etiquette and Culture

New Hampshire bars tend to be casual and welcoming. Don’t be surprised if strangers strike up a conversation—locals are generally friendly and happy to share recommendations.

Tipping is expected (15-20% is standard), and most bars accept credit cards, though having some cash on hand is always a good idea, especially at smaller establishments.

Final Thoughts

New Hampshire’s bar scene is a reflection of the state’s character: diverse, authentic, and full of surprises. Whether you’re a craft beer enthusiast, a cocktail connoisseur, or just looking for a fun night out, you’ll find it here.

The key is to explore beyond the obvious choices. Talk to bartenders for recommendations, follow your curiosity down side streets, and don’t be afraid to try something new. That’s how you discover the real gems of New Hampshire’s bar scene.

So grab your friends, raise a glass, and enjoy one of New England’s most underrated drinking destinations.