Portsmouth might get overshadowed by Norfolk and VB, but locals know there are some seriously good burgers tucked into its pubs and restaurants. These are the spots that come up again and again in local burger conversations.
1. Roger Brown’s Restaurant & Sports Bar
Right in Olde Towne, Roger Brown’s is a big, lively sports bar that takes its food more seriously than you’d expect. The burger is a cornerstone of the menu.
We’re talking big, hand‑formed patties cooked to order, with a good char from the grill. The classic cheeseburger with bacon, lettuce, tomato, and onion is hard to beat, but they also do specialty builds with mushrooms, Swiss, or BBQ sauce and crispy onion straws. With a pile of fries and one of their many beers on tap, it’s a full meal that keeps people coming back.
2. Still Worldly Eclectic Tapas
Still is mostly known for tapas and cocktails, but regulars will quietly tell you the burger is one of the best in the city. It’s a little more upscale, with a moody, lounge‑y atmosphere.
The burger itself leans gourmet: quality beef, cooked to temp, with toppings like sharp cheese, caramelized onions, house pickles, and an herbed aioli or special sauce. The bun is usually a toasted brioche‑style roll, and the side of fries is crisp and generously portioned. It’s the kind of burger you order when you’re having cocktails and want something indulgent but well done.
3. Gosport Tavern
Gosport Tavern feels like a classic neighborhood gastropub—cozy, brick‑walled, and casual, with comfort‑food‑heavy menus and a solid bar…