Popovers On the Square — Restaurant in Portsmouth

Okay.... here's the story. I'm moving from central MA to Florida.....my family lives in central Maine we wanted to meet for an afternoon of family time. My sister-in-law suggested Popovers... Honestly, my first thought was really that you want me to drive 75 minutes.... and you 2.5 hours for popovers? Okay... then as I drove into Portsmouth, I thought good idea...shops to wander into and chat along the way. Then I saw Popovers On the Square. .. walking in, you see the pastry case. your eyes light up with pleasant thoughts of which can I eat first. Since it was just about lunch time, I chose the tomato bisque....and a popover with the special maple butter. My brother had the quiche and salad... sister-in-law tomato bisque and grilled cheese .. ...and yes, we all had popovers. I ordered my first cappuccino extra dry.... The bisque was delicious, just the right texture and warm as in spice. The cappuccino was slap your momma delicious..... perfection.... the foam was rich, thick, and light. Whoever trained the staff on how to make a cappuccino should have a golden star. It was honestly the best coffee I have had in years.... so delicious that as we were leaving, I odered one to go...after a few hours of walking, shopping, and talking, and before heading back to our homes, the decision was made to have desserts a glance was passed around and back to POtS. .yes, I did....yes I had my third cappuccino with a delicious eclair. Should I have a chance to be back in New Hampshire, I will make the time to stop in and sit a while and enjoy yet another cappuccino. The food is wonderful, the serving size is just right.. no leftovers to worry about.... or should I say there's room for dessert. .. The staff is thoughtful, endearing, and intuitive, meeting your needs as they take care of you as you order... as they deliver or just in passing. As a former bartender, I am alway concerned about keeping a table busy, and as they got busy, I watched to make sure we weren't keeping others from sitting down ...I wouldn't want POtS lose a customer. The staff reassured me that we were fine... as we sat and enjoyed our family. When we returned for dessert, as I approached the counter to order, the young man said.....an extra dry cappuccino with sugar-free syrup... your third one? Great customer service... I thank the young lady who made the cappuccino for her knowledge and expertise in coffee making in special drinks. So would I recommend.....that's a Yes!!!! by all means ... sit and enjoy. turn off your phone, talk to the person you're with.......

In December I had the opportunity to stop in at Popovers in Portsmouth NH for a much anticipated lunch. Having been a frequent guest there for many years before moving away from the area I was anticipating a well prepared, flavorful sandwich. Unfortunately expectations did not meet reality. I ordered the Bon Mi sandwich and I can state that this was not only the worst Bon Mi sandwich I have ever eaten, but it was by far the worst sandwich I had eaten all year. The sandwich was a wet mess, leaving a pool of liquid on the plate. In addition, the pulled pork was bathed in a sauce that was so overloaded with salt that the entire concoction was inedible. After leaving the restaurant I thought I should convey this to the management and sent them a note on their website. No response. No apology. No offer to reimburse for a horrible experience. I used to be a big fan of Popovers and would recommend it to people traveling to the area. Based on this experience along with managements lack of response I will not be recommending this restaurant ever again. So many great dining options in Portsmouth - Popovers is not...

Ordered a quiche meal and it came to $18, the quiche did taste strongly of onion which the counter person said was mild, they delivered the meal outside to sidewalk but 25 minutes before closing time a woman with black nose piercings came over to announce they would be closing soon and she would like me and my friend to put away the dirty dishes, I told her she could take my dish if she liked, "no" she said she does not take dishes she was just letting us know we were running out of time to put our trash and dishes in the bins by the door. I explained I walk with a cane and cannot balance the dishes in my other hand, she did not take my dish she asked a guy to come over and remove the trays. Then as a group of at least 8 customers asked if they were too late to get food, a person by the door said no come in we are still selling food. So open for business but asking customers to hurry up and bus their dishes to the bins by the door. Like we worked for her. Rude, and the black things hanging from her nose looked unsanitary. This used to be a friendly coffee spot, but I...