From seafood to pub fare, Portsmouth Publick House has something for everyone
While Portsmouth is full of historical landmarks and quaint spots, Portsmouth Publick House offers a more classic dining experience perfect for a stop on the ride home from Aquidneck Island or a casual night out.
Located off West Main Street on King Charles Drive – a callback to when the island was occupied by the British during the American Revolution, Portsmouth Publick House is one of the livelier restaurants in the area. You can find locals playing trivia on Tuesdays until 9 p.m. and people chattering on its patio – made complete with a chic firepit – until even later. It stands out in the area as a busier spot among grassy plains.
The restaurant embraces its roots, hanging jerseys of Rhode Island collegiate teams from its rafters, including from local Salve Regina University and Roger Williams University. In the summer, you can also catch budding athletes fresh out of a Little League game enjoying a post-game meal with their team and family.
Options are endless at Portsmouth Publick House. Its menu features seafood, burgers, sandwiches, Italian cuisine, and more. The fish is as fresh as more well-known restaurants in Newport, but it’s more affordable and in a more relaxed environment. It even offers a raw bar with oysters caught that day.
I ordered the Caprese Burger, which did not disappoint. Topped with a hearty helping of mozzarella, tomato, and basil and drizzled in balsamic, this burger was charred to perfection. It made for the perfect reward after a long, muggy summer day. Next time you eat here, substitute fries for the Portsmouth Publick House’s truffle fries or mac and cheese!
Portsmouth Publick House also offers an assortment of pastries, such as tiramisu, cupcakes, carrot cake, lemon squares, and more for an after-dinner treat.
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This article originally appeared on Newport Daily News: What's Great Off 138: Portsmouth Publick House
