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Where to celebrate my brother's 50th around Portsmouth?

Against all odds, my brother will be turning 50 at the end of April, and we (his 5 siblings and others) would love to do something nice for him. But we are a crowd, at least 12, perhaps as many as 16. The ideal would be someplace we could linger, a good meal and drink, a bit of atmosphere (maybe a fireplace? maybe a piano?) His birthday is a Saturday night, so we will need to deal with the weekend crowds.

He actually lives in Kittery Point, so we're open to anything in the area, but off season my guess is we'll end up in Portsmouth, hmmm?

This brother truly deserves a little spoiling, so please, 'Hounds, help us out?

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  1. Lindbergh's Crossing would be lovely. It's one of my favorite restaurants anywhere.They have a rather small dining room, your party would certainly take up most of the tables, but I imagine you could get an early reservation. I'm certain it would be a very memorable birthday dinner. Make sure to save room for the medium rare chocolate cake. It's deee-lish!

    1 Reply
    1. re: kittychow

      Lindberghs is closed.... chef is re-doing the space since he bought it from the old owners..will be open again in the middle of march... new name...black trumpet...


    2. Here are a few ideas for you:
      Victory 96 is a really attractive space and they have private dining areas. I have actually only done drinks and apps. in the bar, so I cannot speak to meals there, but it may be of interest to you.

      Dunaway Restaurant across from Prescott Park, is a great space too, supposedly they have outside patio dining in the warmer months.

      Dolphin Striker and or Spring Hill Tavern might be nice. The upstairs dining is a bit more formal but the downstairs tavern is really neat, complete with Koi fish in the well at the end of the bar. They also have live bands, but it can get very crowded.

      On the more casual end, The Portsmouth Brewery has a large table in the back of the main dining area and you can also rent the downstairs lounge for parties.

      1. IN KITTERY!

        Anneka Jans, Anneke Jans, Anneke Jans...........oh, ........BTW,..........ANNEKE JANS!


        1. I like Lindbergh's Crossing also, though I haven't been in a few years. I think I've actually been there for a birthday meal in the past. For "old school" italian, I like the Rosa; they've been there forever and should be able to handle a big crew.

          Another to consider is heading north to MC Perkins Cove (http://www.mcperkinscove.com/). I have not yet been, but it is on my list.

          1. Dunaway is great. I'll have to try Anneke Jans soon.

            1 Reply
            1. re: Bighead

              Although Dunaway's food is very good I think their portions a bit miserly. I'm not looking for Vinny T's here but, really.