Harpoon Willy's

 

2

13

Kim J.

Portsmouth, NH

What can I say, Harpoon Willy's is cool.   Wouldn't eat there.   But it's a great place in summer to watch sunset over those three wonderful tugboats.  Throw on jeans and a sweatshirt, have a cocktail on the deck.    

Strong drinks so watch out.  Loud classic-rock music.  This is good New Hampshire authenticity.   It's messy hair, spilled ketchup, and fresh air in summertime.  Good fun.

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Elite '08

43

304

Don W.

Portsmouth, NH

We had planned on going to Harpoon Willy's for lunch because we'd never been there and because another reviewer had said that this is where the real locals go.  Since we live within walking distance, we wanted to check it out.  We showed up at lunchtime on the first sunny, 70 degree Friday of the season.  There was nobody eating lunch, 5 or 6 locals drinking, and a waitress (apparently) that was confused to see someone drop by for lunch.  There were specials on the wall, but no one was eating so we decided against it.  I guess we could have stayed for a drink but we were hungry.  The fact that all the other decks were full of diners and this one didn't have any told us all we needed to know.  We moved on but I can't say that the food was bad.  3 stars because I can't say anything good or bad about the food or service.

Update (4/25/08):  An article in seacoastonline.com said that after Harpoon Willy's opened, it was closed because  "it had failed to address concerns in a letter from the city health officer at the close of last season."  Maybe that's why no one was eating.  Here's the article:

http://www.seacoastonl...

Once they're open, it means that everything was fixed and the inspector's happy.  I'm not trying to scare anyone away and for all I know, the food could be really good.

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4

6

Robert M.

Portsmouth, NH

Want to go where the locals go during the summer?  This is it (when we can get in!).  When you come to Portsmouth, its worth making your way down "the decks" to try them all on for size. Want to meet fellow touristas for a marg?  Pocos is fine.  Want to then get to know your now more friendly fellows more up close and personal?--wade over the the ferry landing's deck for a Jimmy Juice.  Cruise down the alley and have a quick drink at the stock pot deck, and then---enter the world that is Harpoon Willy's (or Harpoon's if you want to sound even more familiar).

This is a no frills drinking shack (and the food is actually pretty good...or delicious as Aaron Beull your bartender will tell you while he gets your next drink---want it or not! )

The people are great, and the staff has returned year after year.  If you're feeling like really emersing yourself in the portsmouth culture, wait until a rainy day and sit inside at the bar.  You'll no doubt meet a few of the kittery or rye fishermen while you sit 3 inches from the ceiling and inhale the floating carton of Marlboro's (but only until September....thank you smoking ban).

OH...and don't forget to bring your coozy.

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