eat.
drink.
read.
repeat.
about
-
Book & Bar is a bookstore, cafe, bar, and live music venue tucked in the heart of downtown Portsmouth, NH. Find best-sellers and hidden gems in our curated collection of more than ten thousand used and remaindered books. Treat yourself to a snack or a meal, a cup of coffee, a pint, a glass of wine, or a specialty cocktail. Check out live music from local and touring acts, poetry readings, and a variety of community events. Our location in Portsmouth's 150 year-old historic Customs House boasts high-ceilings, oversized windows, and neat architectural details. We encourage you spend some time with us: have a seat inside, or outside on what we think is the best patio in Portsmouth. Enjoy some food, sip a beverage, and of course, read a book.
-
Book & Bar is located in Portsmouth’s old Custom House and Post Office, designed by Ammi Young and built in 1860. Young’s work transitioned from the Greek Revival to the Neo-Renaissance Styles, and he designed many federal buildings in the pre Civil War era, including Boston’s Custom House and the U.S. Treasury Building. He pioneered the use of iron in construction, allowing for longer carrying beams and larger interior spaces. The ornate columns flanking our bar are iron. A century and half in, our building is spot on – plumb, level and solid.
menu
books
-
Books are here to stay. Gizmos and screens are fun and convenient; they have their place—up the road toward the malls. Here, down in the center of Portsmouth, we’re about browsing and about celebrating well written, well designed books on all subjects. We buy books through the door from customers, travel to purchase significant private collections, and cherry-pick our way through warehouses all over the northeast for remainder books with quality content. Our genres range from academic titles, philosophy, and the social sciences; poetry, essays and memoirs; photography, architecture and arts; and of course, fiction, cookbooks and children’s.
Although we can't look anything up for you as we don't log our books, we are always able to guide you in the right direction and hope that you find what you're searching for or something similar. Our stock rotates quickly due to the way we purchase and sell so if you find a book you love we recommend buying it; it might not be here on your next visit! Think of books as treasures and take your time hunting for them, preferably with a beverage of your choice in hand. We always support reading and drinking.
-
• We buy books from the public on an as needed basis. Please call or email and speak with a manager regarding possible sales.
• We offer cash for your books.
• We are selective and only accept the books we purchase based upon content, quality, and need.
• Please do not drop books off without speaking to a manager.
• Please call the store and speak with a manager for any other questions.
Donations are always appreciated. Content, quality and need are still applicable.
live events
Since starting our live events series almost a decade ago, Book & Bar has become a much-loved venue in the Seacoast. We present a wide range of live music, readings, and discussions featuring both regional and national talent.
If you’re interested in performing at Book & Bar, please click the button below to get in touch.
upcoming
thursday, DECEMBER 16, 7PM
BEAT NIGHT POETRY JAM
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23, 7PM
ABRIELLE SCHARFF PRESENTS
ABBY HOLIDAYS
CANCELLED
thursday, JANUARY 20, 7PM
BEAT NIGHT POETRY JAM