The Rusty Hammer

Will never be back again.
First time in the Rusty Hammer since their remodel and upon entering, the new atmosphere was welcoming and comfortable. Came in with a group of about 10 and sat at a table near the back. It was at least 30 minutes before we were even acknowledged by anyone. At this time we were all quite thirsty and a little annoyed, but after putting in our beer order we relaxed a bit.
Our beers came fairly quickly, however the waitress got 4 our of the 5 beers wrong. After realizing this we decided we didn’t want to order any food and wanted to go to a place where there were more than two servers for 15 tables and we would actually be served correctly.
We asked for our tabs which were given to us and proved that we were given incorrect beers. We gathered cash together and started moving out when our very rude server Judy came over and grabbed up the cash and receipts. I have never been so poorly treated as a PAYING customer. We just wanted to leave this terrible establishment, but Judy angrily threw the wad of cash and receipts directly onto the table and told us «there isn’t enough money here to cover your tab.“Fine! We just wanted to leave.
We gave her an additional 6 dollars and she threw a quarter at my friend yelling «here is your change» and stormed away.
As someone who has worked in the restaurant industry, I was appalled that an establishment would allow this type of behavior.

Stopped in for a drink and an appetizer with some friends while we were on a little girls weekend getaway. The nachos and potato skins were so delightfully cheesy and flavorful. I liked the fact they gave little portions of sour cream so we didn’t have to all fight over the serving for our skins. Only big downside was there was three skins for the order, which then we just cut up and divided them, but the portion was very small. Service was quick and our server, even know we were just doing a drink and an appetizer was still attentive to us. Really nice little place, not to bad at all.

Love this place. Awesome atmosphere and bar area. Fantastic beer selection of locals and domestics. Great selection of app and main course food. Fantastic soup and nachos. If you are up for down-​to-​earth hanging out, definitely check this place out.

Fantastic nachos but the worst service I’ve had in New England. Came in last night for a late night bite and the waitress was obnoxiously rude. Won’t be coming back because of that alone.

Excellently prepared dishes by new ownership! Everything from the lobster roll to the taco salads was fresh and prepared with care. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a well-​executed meal at an affordable price point. Perfect for everyone, including families. Our server was especially accommodating and friendly.

Went there for the first time in a long time. Ordered nachos, a steak and cheese sub and a couple salads. All the food was mediocre to bad. Place just felt like a booze dive. Avoid at all cost.

My son and I went during peak dinner hours on the night of the fireworks. The staff quickly cleared a 2-​top for us and we were seated in less than 5 min. We were told the food wait was about 30 min due to the crowd, and asked if that was ok. Most restaurants usually don’t give you a heads up.
I had not been there since the remodel. Atmosphere was open and inviting. Prices were very reasonable, especially for the portions!
Our server, Jessica C was very friendly, quick and accommodating. There were other tables being rather rude to her and even walked out, because of the food wait, and she still remained calm and positive.
Overall, I was impressed with the service and food, especially considering the how busy it was.
Bathrooms could have been cleaner and had no to. But that was the only issue.

Our server was nice and the atmosphere was lovely, but that’s it. I ordered the chicken parmesan sandwich and it was half the size it should have been. The baguette was not toasted/​grilled, the chicken was so bland, and the sauce gave me heartburn for the rest of the night. Plus, for $ 11, it should have at least come with fries instead of a mountain of plain potato chips. My companion got the goat cheese and cranberry salad, which had too many cranberries and hardly any goat cheese. It was basically $ 10 worth of lettuce and dried fruit. Overall, it was an overpaid disappointment.

I been there many times back when I used to live in gorgeous Porstmouth; all in all was great, service, food and drinks.

The atmosphere was excellent and casual. Most of the patrons are regulars but we were made to feel right at home.

A cold cold night — warm atmosphere in the Rusty Hammer. A perfect place to go to meet friends. Food was great. Service was delightful. The waitress even remembered my name and she was busy!

Love this place for the atmosphere, the killer food, and the friendly waitstaff — missed it so much when it was closed!

Atmosphere is good. Renovations look great. Too many tables for only 2 servers, covering downstairs, not sure if there’s a bartender… Waitress greeted with a «what do you want?» YEAH! Ordered an app, weren’t told there was a 30 minute delay until 20 minutes after ordering, came out curt (I get it, you’re busy, but having been a server, you learn to control your feelings, and be pleasant to everyone). Sourpusses on both girls. Not sure if they’re overworked or just unappreciative of being employed, but they need an attitude adjustment. They’ll cost this Portsmouth landmark their reputation if they don’t turn it around.
Ordered potato skins. Taste like nothing, plated like crap, not even garnish! Take some pride in your work!

Comforting pub food in a warm, inviting tavern. The Rusty Hammer, located in the center of Portsmouth, is a Portsmouth staple. It’s been around for years and years and is a place where you can go and expect to see at least one person you know. It’s the ‘Cheers’ of Portsmouth. Now under new ownership, it has retained that small pub feel. I go here at least once a month — more if I’m lucky.
Get the fish and chips, order up a black and tan, and catch a football game.
I loved Rusty — but I have to say that the new owners are just wonderful. I hope they stay for another twenty years!

Wife and I stopped in for a late dinner on a cold nite. The place was pretty chilly inside. Not much for atmosphere here. Service was slow initially but once we were acknowledged by waitress service was good. Good selection of draft beers. Food was not much to be desired. Not awful but a little disappointed. Wife has fish sandwich which she didn’t care for. I had Reuben and it was decent. Probably wouldn’t return to this place.