Nightclubs and bars in New Hampshire

If you are like me, you find yourself comfortably at home in a brewery or brewpub... Well, Elm City is one those great finds that acheives such a feeling. I wasn't expecting too much from this place, but I have to say that I was really surprised by the quality of their beers, which is unpasteurized & unfiltered giving it a very full, fresh flavor (the food was pretty good too).

I tried the India Pale Ale and the Ordinary Bitter and both were really good. The Bitter reminded a lot of the old Broad Ripple Brewpub Bitter that I used to drink at the Wellington back in Indianapolis, so, I was particularly fond that one.

Live Performances in Portsmouth
Portsmouth also has a great deal of Live performacnes in a number of great venues. Try The pontine Movement theatre, the Seacoast Repitory Theatre, The Players Ring, or The Music Hall for live theatre, plays, and other performances - many run as local productions. The Music Hall also runs a film scene of avant garde and indy-type films. In summer, Prescott Park also runs a series of plays and shows down by the water.

Dress Code: Basically as long as you're not nude, you are dressed well enough. New Hampshire is far from a fashion capital.

New hampshire is not the most party-rich scene (probably due to the cold) but Portsmouth has a decent nighlife scene - especially in the summertime. Waterfront bars, breweries, and even a dance club catering to UNH kids make it a great place to spend a Saturday night. Probably more of a 20-something destination, and definitely more of a romp for couples than a singles haven. There are a number of UNH college age students, but rather srtrict ID policies keep them out of the bars until they reach the ripe age of 21. Try Bananas for top-40 type dancing, the Tike bar (yes, a bar that has velvet Elvii) for basic dress down fun, the Portsmouth Brewery for the most cosmopolitan feel, Tequila Jacks for the best singles scene, and the Press Room for the best Live Music.

Within a few minutes drive is also the notrious Hampton Beach, where dive bars, dance clubs, cheap beer , and 'trouble' are much more likely to be found.

Dress Code: This is New hampshire - where the the words 'button down shirt' conjure images of being dressed up.

Nightlife as one might know it from big cities and other parts of the country really does not exist in NH. Although we do not have the overcrowded bars and large clubs, we do have smaller places that the locals tend to hang out at. Whatever town you are in just ask around for the 'night spot' and you'll be directed to it. Here in NH we do have a large theatrical community. Over half a dozen theater companies perform year round in NH, including Leddy center for the Performing Arts in Epping and Seacoast Repertory Theater in Portsmouth. both companies perform Broadway caliber entertainment year round.

Rte. 2 between Gorham and Shelburn
At dusk, you can often catch sight of moose wading in the Androscoggin River, drinking their fill.

Dress Code: Wear something warm, and in the summer come armed with mosquito repellant.

The only place I ever much partied was in Keene which has a few good bars. Kilkenny's has a good selection of beers (fairly cheap), a couple of pool tables and a foozball table (my favorite). Tony C's will make you a mean chocolate martini and the Elm City Brew Pub makes their own and has good live blues on ocassion.