Downtown Restaurant to Add Sidewalk Cafe

John Strymish, one of the owners of the Portsmouth Book and Bar, said Wednesday that soon patrons will be able to read, dine and drink in a new outdoor dining area with alcohol service.

Strymish said he has ordered the furniture for the new sidewalk cafe that will be located on State Street. There will be seating for 36 people and a new brick patio was installed earlier this week.

When finished, Strymish said the Portsmouth Book and Bar owners will create a very inviting area that will have plenty of tables with umbrellas and flowers. Patrons will be able to enjoy a glass of wine or a craft beer, their complete menu and read one of their many books. The Portsmouth Book and Bar opened for business in early December.

Because the outdoor dining area is private property that is already owned by the Portsmouth Book and Bar, Strymish said the restaurant didn't need permission to serve alcohol on city property as other downtown restaurants like State Street Saloon, Ri Ra Irish Pub, Popovers on the Square, Martingale Wharf and The District had to do. But Strymish said he still had to obtain the city's approval to serve food and alcoholic beverages outdoors.

He said Portsmouth Book and Bar staff will be able to use a door that will be installed to access the new outdoor dining area.