First Stop at the Thirsty Moose
Hit up the Thirsty Moose, Portsmouth, NH’s 1st real Beer Bar, for the first time on Sunday. Have to say, I’m impressed. The owner’s did a fantastic job renovating the space, and really have a gem on their hands. From the outside, this looks like a little neighborhood pub, but once you walk in you realize that this little neighborhood pub has just swallowed your afternoon whole.
Thirsty Moose delivers an impressive 100+ taps from its two huge bars on the 1st floor (rumor has it that 2nd floor will open shortly, with another bar and live music). The taps on the first bar are nicely outfitted on top of a giant metal moose antler, as you walk past this centerpeice you’ll hit the second bar, with another dozen or three taps.
As with any new joint, the Moose has some opening kinks to work out. On a Sunday about 50% of their taps were kicked. This is to be expected as they figure out their inventory and I’m sure it will be quickly rectified as their popularity grows and demands it. Our waitress seemed even more annoyed then us, having to come back and tell us for the 5th time that they were all out of the beer that we ordered. We were not all too worried though, as we quickly found something of liking on the expansive tap menu.
Overall the Thirsty Moose is impressive indeed. The food complimented the brews nicely and the service was friendly and attentive. The TM will be a huge hit in this beer city – one that has bee without a true beer bar until now.
Portsmouth, you’ve finally arrived.