Serving diners since 1887 from our home in the grand and historic Rockingham House, steps from the center of Portsmouth, The Library Restaurant is an upscale steakhouse boasting an original Colonial Revival vaulted ceiling, three crackling fireplaces, a thirty-seat bar and lounge, and a private dining space under an ornate painted ceiling fresco. For generations the Library has been one of the Seacoasts best loved restaurants, renowned for its prime steaks, award-winning cocktails, warm staff and conscientious approach to sourcing only the highest quality ingredients. Voted Best Steakhouse and Martini Bar, with an award winning wine list. We are open for dinner and reservations are suggested.
An elegant, 1785 mansion sets a clubby backdrop for steakhouse fare, wines & a buzzy bar scene. Based on 723 reviews, the restaurant has received a rating of 4.4 stars. Price $$$$
✔️ Dine-in ✔️ Takeout ✔️ No delivery
Address:
401 State Street #5, Portsmouth, NH 03801
Phone: (603) 431-5202
Website:
Social Profile: 
Hours
| Monday
(Labor Day)
|
4–9 PM
Hours might differ
|
| Tuesday |
12–2 PM, 4–9 PM |
| Wednesday |
12–2 PM, 4–9 PM |
| Thursday |
12–2 PM, 4–9 PM |
| Friday |
4–10 PM |
| Saturday |
4–10 PM |
| Sunday |
4–9 PM |
Menu
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Menu Photos
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Reviews
gerard webster
Our fortieth anniversary, a perfect evening. The ambience is spot on. The food expertly prepared. The service, from the greeting to the waitress(absolutely the best), to the end. We couldn’t have improved on our special evening. Thank you!
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Jessica-Lee Murphy
Just celebrated my birthday here tonight and everything was just INCREDIBLE. Michelle went above and beyond to make sure everything was perfect. Our server Jessica was also just so great! The food was divine and it was the perfect way to end my birthday. Thank you all for making it so memorable!
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Natalie Koffarnus
Wonderful place to spend a delicious and special evening. The character and the history of the restaurant is so interesting to learn about. Eat in the same place as Teddy Roosevelt? JFK? and even George Washington…. Kinda… Pre-fire in the 1800s. It adds to the imagination. Food is great, and there are some tempting items for a taste of chocolaty, creamy, or fruity on the desert tray they bring out.
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Julia D
I guess I expected more because of all the awards, but I felt like this place was fairly average. Maybe because I am from San Francisco, CA? Also, I didn’t realize before I went that this is considered a casual restaurant.
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Natasha Robichaud
Christian M was our waiter and he was fabulous! Friendly, attentive, knowledgeable on menu and specials (the food was fabulous) no complaints entire experience was awesome! He made for a great first time at the Library! We will be back! Christian is a great asset to your team! 🙂
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Charlie Fenton
I consider one of the best steak places in c Portsmouth. Decor is beautiful, service is very good, and food is excellent. Great selection of bourbon and whiskey as well. Australian Wagyu is one of their specialties.
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Karin A
We love the Library. Made reservations to go there for dinner before a show on New Year’s Eve (and yes, you need to make reservations when it’s a special occasion. You can’t just walk in! ) Food, drinks, service.. never disappoints! Everything on the menu is delicious. Worth every penny. (Waitress even surprised us with a piece of birthday pie for our special occasion!) Thank you for making hubby’s birthday a memorable one for sure!
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Nicole Price
A delicious, upscale restaurant in an elegant atmosphere with all the steakhouse favorites. They had some lovely main dishes including this Lobster and Butternut Squash risotto. They have a decent but not exciting wine list. The ambience was delightful and the staff very friendly. Definitely a place for a team dinner where there is variety of dietary restrictions, or for a special occasion.
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Matt Oliver
Located in the historic Rockingham House (which hosted several presidents and was the location of the signing of the Russo-Japanese treaty in 1905), the Library is an upscale steakhouse that is perfect for a special dinner in Portsmouth.
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Sheri B
The Library Restaurant is very sophisticated, elegant restaurant with exceptional service and extraordinary atmosphere. Very clean, ambiance. Excellent food! We were happy with all the food that we had. The bill came in a books, which was cool, considering it was once a library.
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