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MULTIMEDIA »  Pub Crawl Video

Last week the rain finally ceased and the sun broke out, giving anyone who needed it a reason to hit the decks for a bit of R & D — that’s relaxing ‘n’ drinkin’ y’all.

The tell-tale sign of summer’s arrival is when you can stroll Ceres Street in Portsmouth (down by the tugs) and see the decks of Poco’s, Ferry Landing and on back filled to the rail with folks dressed in shorts and sunglasses, fruity drink in hand, laughing and having fun.

Each deck has its own vibe, its own set of regulars, and its own specialty drinks. My favorite happens to be The Ferry Landing, when we can squeeze ourselves in, which also happens to be the smallest of open deck spaces for those who only want to drink — not eat. Although they certainly do serve up some tasty seafood and pub grub.

We christened the summer season here well last week, resulting in two quick lessons to pass on to those who, like me, tend to forget.

• First, don’t forget the ball cap and sunscreen.
• Secondly, pace yourself on the rum punches because they sure do sneak up on you quick and pack a wallop.

I asked Rachel Forrest, our food writer, to join me for this week’s Pub Crawl because I knew she was writing a cover story for Spotlight magazine about the decks. What follows is a sampling of her take on some of the Seacoast’s best places to have a brew with a view. Click here to read Rachel’s full story.

The Portsmouth Decks (Piscataqua River view)

It’s crazy, man. Cuban and Mexican cuisine makes this spot a bit different from the standard steak and seafood fare found in most deck dining. It’s right out front off Ceres Street so many folks stop here at the beginning of the evening or stay without delving into the inner sanctum of the decks behind. Because it’s the most prominent deck, it’s good for maximum exposure if you’re playing the mating game or trying to impress someone by recognizing many passers-by. Air kiss, hug, hug. Excellent Cuban influence cocktails like my favorite, the Mojito.

All grown up. One of the larger decks, this one is more family-oriented and low-key than some of the others. This is where I bring my Mom if she wants an ocean vista. My Mom’s pretty hip, but she’s not up to the more hectic decks. Because of the good space between the tables, this deck is also good for families as wandering children will not bump into other diners. Good classic menu and great wine list.

When locals and newbies collide. Along with Poco’s this is another lively deck, perhaps because it’s one of the more established spots and farther back from Ceres Street where no one can see you drink. Since it’s been around for almost 25 years this is where restaurant folk and old-time locals used to go in the wee hours. Longtime locals tell me that it’s not as secret or local as it used to be, but I still see them there so it’s a cozy respite from the tourists who can still be observed for comments on behavior and dress. Mee-owww. Classic seafood mingled with eclectic creative dishes.

Quiet madness. Tucked away at the very end of the decks off Ceres and Bow, Harpoon Willy’s is the most secluded of them all, another spot where the die-hard locals gather (at least they seem to have been around forever). There’s simple seafood on the menu and a laid-back atmosphere. It’s also an easy entrance or escape through the alley onto Bow Street so you can sneak in and out incognito.

Casual menu and comfortable vibe. This is one of my favorites because it’s not as frenetic as other decks, but it’s not too quiet, making it one of the least self-conscious spots to hang out in and therefore one of the coolest. I actually like sitting inside with a beer and watching the panorama of deck revelry. Anything they do with artichokes here like the artichoke tomato melt is great.

Hidden pleasure. Far from the maddening crowd (and potential fistfights), yet still close to the action, The Blue Claw is isolated and has one of the best views of the tugs. This is the place I’d go if I wanted to sneak in a romantic date where no one could see me. Yes, sometimes I just don’t need the gossip or the paparazzi. Excellent wings and lobster, especially the lobster feast with chowder, clams or mussels, salad, lobster and corn on the cob. Fishermen come up the rails and jump over them to grab a brew, which is very cool.

Beyond Portsmouth (Ocean View)

Far from civilization. All the baked stuffed and fried seafood you could possibly wish for and a lively deck to boot, Petey’s is good for after lounging on the beach between Hampton and Rye. This is a great spot for late afternoon or early evening and the deckizens here are less urban than I find in Portsmouth, which is refreshing. You’ll also see a lot of families here and they can spread out.

Jazz baby. There’s nothing like being outside by the waves and listening to some cool live music. The deckizens are an older crowd who actually listen to the music and it’s really one of the loveliest deck dining views of them all. Despite the seafood bent, they have an excellent prime rib. And if reggae’s your thing, you won’t want to miss Sundays, from June 18 to Labor Day, when Islandside provides the riddims from 3 to 7 p.m. (weather permitting).

People watching. If I go to Hampton Beach I go to the Purple Urchin or here at the Sea Ketch if I want to sit and watch the fireworks during the summer or am going to see a show at The Casino. They have some exotic drinks and simple sea fare as well as some good Italian dishes. If I can get a seat in front I just like to sit there and watch the crowd on the street if I crane my neck. Why are these parents letting their kids run around half naked?

Newburyport (Merrimack River View)

Garage band heaven. This place needs a good deck because there are often some wacky bands playing in the bar inside so you need to escape to the outside just to hear yourself think. And drink. A younger crowd when there’s a band and the inside bar is large and just a little bit crazy.

Minglesville. This is the place to go when I want to watch fishermen pull up to the deck and throw chum into the water while I’m eating outside. I’m serious, this happens all the time. The deck here has large heaters for those evening chills and a very cool bar hang outside and in with a good mix of ages for everyone’s taste. The food is creative eclectic American, which means a bit of everything.

I hear music. Reggae, AC/DC tribute bands and DJs on Saturdays make this deck a jumping dancing venue. Standard seafood but also dishes like a duck done two ways and a nice surf and turf. This spot is always very busy and like The Black Cow has a mixed age crowd (getting younger as the evening wears on).

So if you’re in the Seacoast area this summer, and you should be, get thee to the decks. You might even see me there tucked into a plastic chair holding a margarita, my red hair tossed back and blowing in the breeze right along with the rest of the nightlife glitterati of Portsmouth and beyond.

Michael Keating is managing editor/ features at Seacoast Media Group.