Crackskull’s Books & Cafe

Bullet point review:
–It’s like a slightly smaller Portsmouth Pool and Bar
–Feel more quaint; not as open as PB&B, but not squishy either
–Plenty of seating, even a couch, albeit a bit narrow
–Lots more books too
–Music is fairly loud, too much for me to read well
–Folksy music, which was unexpected but it feels right
–Well decorated with art and wood furniture
–Huge advantage for me is that they add flavoring to lattes
–Free wifi, works well
–Lemon pound cake I got was good and for $ 2 seemed fairly priced
–Picking my empty plate up, which I did not anticipate, was nice
–Sells hand printed t-​shirts
–Iced latte was very strong, should have heeded the warning about three shots
–I could barely taste the flavoring at all
–I’ve become picky about how I like my lattes, so just want to mention they do not serve them with steamed milk like Adelle’s and Café Kiam
–Price was what I expected, ~$ 4.25 for a large
–Second time I went the sole employee seemed a bit over his head forgetting I asked for an iced latte and what flavoring: it happens, at least he was chill
–A smaller latte with less shots tasted average

I love this place! Great coffee, books, people, and prices. The best all-​around coffee shop on the seacoast.

Don’t blink or you might miss it. Actually, if you blink you might miss the whole town. It’s right on the main drag so it’s convenient.
Owned and operated by Michelle, one of the best things about the place, though there are many. The coffee is great but there are so many other assets to pull you in and keep you. From the sitting area in the main window up front to the tables and sitting areas throughout.
There’s a library that has something for everyone: classics, fiction, spirituality and always something new. I even snagged an Annie Liebowitz for $ 5. Bonus!
Coffee, tea, bagels out of NY, and plenty of snacks. What’s not to love.

Relaxed, friendly atmosphere with happy and knowledgeable staff. Not only is the coffee delicious, but it’s roasted locally too!
Whatever type of drink you’re looking for — Crackskulls probably has it. They have iced coffee options, flavors, delicious hot coffee and even redbull with syrups if you’re into that.
All in all, a great place to hang out, get some work done and enjoy some great drinks.

Great coffee and the Coffee Cake Muffin was delicious! Price was excellent and the atmosphere was welcoming and warm. I would not hesitate to go back and sit and enjoy my coffee and muffin in the store.

Love the atmosphere, its definitely a local regular place. I like that they stick to the basics.

I love Crackskulls. I travel from the next town over just to come here and write. I’ve been often enough that I’m even getting to know some of the other people who frequent the place. And they are a community-​building place. I’ve been to poetry readings (first Tuesday evening of the month), and happened to be there during a Media Makers gathering one time. I’ve bought books, and coffees, and teas, and bagels and such, but never tried the ice cream. All are good, but that’s not even why I go. I go because I can think and write there openly, with just enough stimulation to keep my focused on my book. It’s my home away from home.

The perfect coffeehouse in my book! Great owner/​barista, delicious drinks and hands down the best cranberry muffin I’ve ever eaten. Go!

My wife and I love this place. On our first trip to Newmarket we stopped in and were floored because it strikes the perfect balance between coffee house and used bookstore. The only issue I have is that their book selection isn’t so hot. It’s perfect for browsing, and I bought a lot anyway. But the latte and the atmosphere are the real stars here.

Nice environment. Don’t hesitate to come in because of the outside look. Very cozy place

Crackskulls is great — the owner is an absolute sweetheart, and can make an amazing latte (even if you order something absolutely ridiculous). Some of the baristas don’t really know what they’re doing — I once got a double macchiato that was basically a small latte. Other than that, it is hands down the best place in Newmarket to grab some coffee or espresso.

One of the great places that makes our little hamlet of Newmarket such a nice place to live. Great owners/​staff, coffee, atmosphere, music, books, etc.

Just went here this afternoon and had a foamy piping hot chai. It was one of the best chai lattes I’ve ever had. The space is a bit tight and I can’t even image what its like during a busy shift but I enjoyed sitting amongst books. I think it is great that they sell used books, its the perfect place to grab your attention while making conversation in an intimate setting. It is a place I would visit again and I would also stay to enjoy my drink instead of heading out the door. Overall I enjoyed the space and I think it will grow on me more and more as I try other things on the menu!

Having just come to the Newmarket area, I can already tell that this spot will be a frequent breakfast spot. I got a lemon poppy seed muffin (delicious), walked around and read some books, watch a fish swim around in their aquarium and looked at some pretty awesome art on the wall. Looking forward to buying some books and more muffins!

Ice cream and coffee are both awesome here. It’s a cool place with guitars and chess sets for the playing. I’ve found more than a few old books worth buying as I browsed with my ice cream!

Crackskull’s is my favorite shop in Newmarket.
They get 4.5 stars for service. The owner is there frequently and for the most part, she hires awesome baristas. The friendliness brings a positively great community vibe. However, sometimes they play music not quite fit for a coffee and book shop. (But usually the music is so awesome, I ask for the titles of musicians and songs)
They get 3 stars for store layout. When it’s busy, don’t plan on finding a seat. It has poor lighting, mainly due to a lack of windows and the amount of books they have takes up a huge space. I love this place to death, so I really hope they can someday upgrade to a bigger, more renovated and window-​lit space in a similarly convenient place.
5 stars for coffee, hands-​down. The prices are what you’d except in a downtown coffeehouse.
One of the best parts about this place is the loyal customers. Like I said, Crackskull’s is more than a coffee shop – it’s a community!

It warms my heart to know that Crackskull’s gets so much love. I used to live in Newmarket as a youngster and when it first opened, it was my hangout. Now I occasionally drive through town, stop in for a guilt-​free flavored coffee or redbull — and pick up a random book or two. I hope this place stays here forever, because it makes Newmarket a better place to be and it has not changed since day one.

Whoa. Strong coffee, wifi, books, and more! Fantastic little place!

Don’t let the name confuse you. It’s name made me feel uncomfortable when I first arrived because I am put off by goth music stores— but alas, that’s not what it is at all! When I am sad I go here for a big, warm, M&M Cookie and a coffee. I leave happy.
It’s very quaint and hipster, but it’s welcoming, not snobby. Anyone can walk in and be served without judgement– a rarity as far as hipster establishments go. It’s a used bookstore and I’ve seen it be used as a venue for poetry readings. It’s adorable. Everything is reasonably priced. I’d go there more if they had drive-​thru because I am THAT kind of American, but when I have some extra time on my hands it is a real treat (to search for parking) to spend it at Crackskull’s.
Bring a laptop, a magazine or a book and hang out for a bit. It’s very comfy. Good coffee. If you get coffee just grab a cup and serve yourself. If you get it «for here» are three mug sizes and you have to pay for refills… don’t get excited by the availability of the dispensers. Ask for your baked good to be warmed up and they toss it in a microwave, which is a little disappointing– but the result is pretty dang satisfactory. You’ll like it.
Oh and they don’t force you to spend a certain amount to use your credit card. This actually makes me want to buy more and with a smile on my face.

Crackskulls is a New Hampshire treasure. It’s warm, inviting and has a cool/​funky atmosphere. It is the perfect place to grab a coffee before work or class, to study, or to browse books and enjoy a nice big latte in a large mug. I LOVE that they use mugs for coffee, I can’t stand when coffee shops give you a to go cup if you plan on sticking around.
Things you MUST try here:
The Espresso frappes will have you hooked after one sip!
If you’re a black coffee lover try Capone! It’s dark, rich and is my favorite coffee to drink black. Yum! The beans are so greasy and delicious!
Maine Black Bear ice cream! This ice cream is so delicious as is or as a frappé!
Iced chai or chai tea latte: They have Oregon Chai and it’s the best I’ve ever had, so sweet and full of flavor, most other chais are bland and just taste like milk.
The cupcakes here are phenomenal! In store baked/​decorated and really gooey, soft and rich.
Try an asiago cheese bagel with cream cheese. You’ll never want another bagel again.