The Shanty
About us
Welcome to the neighborhood tavern that every other neighborhood wishes it had.
The Food? Legendary.
Just ask the locals about the food at The Shanty. Angus beef burgers. The best pizza in town. Homemade pasta. Fresh seafood from local fishermen. Plenty of options for the kids. Yes, we're kid-friendly. Yanks and Jets fans? Not so much (kidding, sort of).
Game On. Always.
Football. Baseball. Hockey. Hoops. Soccer. There's always a game on at the Shanty. Wear your team jersey. Yell at the TV. Kick back with wings and a cold one. With over 20 TVs around the bar and throughout the dining room, there's not a bad seat in the house.
Community Is Family
We're all about having a good time, but we also believe in giving back to the community we call home. From sponsoring sports teams, to hosting an event for a worthy cause, to donating a portion of the night's sales to a local nonprofit, The Shanty has your back.
From Humble Beginnings
The Shanty Family Tavern delivers exactly what you'd expect from a neighborhood restaurant and bar - great food, great atmosphere, and great times with great people. It doesn't matter if you show up in a t-shirt, your team's jersey, or a business suit. Everyone is welcome. Whether you're looking for a dinner menu that has something for the entire family, a night out with friends, a seat at the bar to watch the game, or a venue for a special event,
The Shanty has you covered.
How The Shanty Was Brought (Back) to Life
The Shanty co-owners Joe Scarlotto and Bob O'Leary are Portsmouth natives who have lived in the area their entire lives. When they were in their 20s, they used to hang out at the legendary Fish Shanty in Portsmouth. Back then, everyone just called it The Shanty.
When Joe and Bob reconnected in 2012, they kicked around the idea of opening a family restaurant in Portsmouth and bringing back The Shanty. They wanted it to have the same casual, neighborhood feel, the same traditions, and same menu everyone loved. As a show of respect, they asked Al Neri, the original owner of the Fish Shanty, for permission to use the name. Joe and Bob got the green light, and The Shanty of Portsmouth was born.
Meanwhile, the original Fish Shanty in downtown Dover had been sold and turned into a breakfast cafe. When the new owner decided to sell, he approached Joe and Bob about buying the place because he knew how much the old Fish Shanty meant to them. Joe and Bob jumped at the chance to bring The Shanty back to its original location in downtown Dover.
Think about it for second. How many guys get to bring back their favorite local bar and restaurant from their younger days? Talk about living the dream. Owners Joe and Bob and the awesome staff invite your family to discover - or rediscover - The Shanty.