Winter is here and that means lots of cozy dinners and dimly lit, snowy nights. If that’s not your regular, every day way of eating dinner maybe it’s time you made it that way by visiting this New Hampshire legend. While we love the way this place makes everything seem warm, no matter how cold it is outside, it’s library vibes are the real reason to visit.
The Rockingham House mansion housing The Library Restaurant was built in 1785 and was the home of Judge Woodbury Langdon.
Brett Weiss / Google
In 1833 it became a hotel and by 1884 everything but the octagonal dining room had been destroyed by a fire.
alborealis / TripAdvisor
The hotel was rebuilt around this room and decades later became a residence in 1973. And, in 1975 it was opened as a restaurant with today’s wonderful library theme.
Paul Meijer / Google
Diners feel as though they’ve stepped back in time - to an era where opulence was key.
Paul Meijer / Google And, in fact, a lot of what was originally a part of the building can still be seen here today.
The dining room ceiling is made with beautiful Mahogany molding and the middle octagonal panels are hand painted. The mirrors were sent from France and each one is lined in silver.
Even the lighting fixtures inlaid with semi-precious stones are the originals.
We especially love that the marbletopped bar originall acted as the front desk of the hotel!
But the real star are the books lining the dining room walls and surrounding the bar.
Paul Meijer / Google
It feels as though you’ve gone to a very fancy friend’s house and that they’ve decided to serve dinner in their library!
Paul Meijer / Google
Oh, right. Dinner! That’s why we really here! The steaks you’ll eat here are one in a million - truly some of the best in the region.
kobonet / TripAdvisor
And you will definitely go home full and happy.
cncntr8 / Google
As long as you also get dessert.
Wes L / Google
The Library Restaurant is located at 401 State St., Portsmouth, New Hampshire. They’re open Monday through Thursday from 3 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Friday from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m, Saturday from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. and on Sunday from 2 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Check them out via their website or Facebook. Or, give them a call on 603-431-5202.
Brett Weiss / Google
alborealis / TripAdvisor
Paul Meijer / Google
And, in fact, a lot of what was originally a part of the building can still be seen here today.
The dining room ceiling is made with beautiful Mahogany molding and the middle octagonal panels are hand painted. The mirrors were sent from France and each one is lined in silver.
Even the lighting fixtures inlaid with semi-precious stones are the originals.
We especially love that the marbletopped bar originall acted as the front desk of the hotel!
kobonet / TripAdvisor
cncntr8 / Google
Wes L / Google
For more great places to eat in the Granite State, check out these 9 spots with some of the most incredible views you can find in New England.
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