When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
The Press Room
Why The Press Room is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Press Room in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, stands out as a vibrant hub for local arts, live music, and a welcoming atmosphere perfect for social gatherings. Renowned for authentically supporting local musicians and artists, this venue combines a rich cultural experience with excellent food and drink options. The ambiance features a blend of vintage charm and contemporary remodeling, creating a visually appealing and comfortable space to meet up with friends. With a solid selection of beers and expansive liquor offerings, The Press Room caters to a diverse clientele looking to enjoy quality drinks alongside live jazz, banjo performances, and other musical acts. Special events like the "Lonesome Lunch" offer unique daytime entertainment, making it an attractive spot for both locals and visitors. Whether attending a busy Saturday night show or a relaxed weekday meal, guests appreciate the friendly and efficient bar staff who contribute to the overall enjoyable experience. Additionally, an upstairs music venue and a dance floor add to the venue's dynamic appeal, making The Press Room a memorable destination for a night out or casual meetups.
Here's what people think of The Press Room
As of recent, The Press Room holds a 4.4-star rating based on 366 reviews.
Customer reviews of The Press Room highlight a generally positive experience focused on the support for local artists and the quality of live music, along with the venue's inviting atmosphere. Positive feedback frequently mentions the friendly and attentive staff, enjoyable events, and the strong beer and liquor selection. Many patrons appreciate the opportunity to enjoy local jazz and other music performances, describing the venue as a legendary local spot with a well-done modernization that enhances the charm without losing its character. However, a minority of reviews point to occasional issues such as long waits during busy times and a sometimes stressful work environment noted by former employees, including concerns about management stability and communication. Despite some negative remarks related to service delays and internal workplace challenges, the overall consensus remains favorable. Visitors typically find The Press Room a worthwhile place to visit for quality entertainment and socializing, reinforced by its authentic connection to the Portsmouth community and consistent quality in food and drink offerings.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Jakub Mysliwiec
I’m writing this the morning after because I can’t stop thinking about dinner at The Press Room in West Loop. The drinks were absolutely delicious, and the secret cocktail of the day was explained so eloquently it made me feel like I was in on something exclusive. But the star was the food. The skirt steak came out perfectly charred on the outside, juicy and tender inside, with a bright, herby chimichurri that lit it up with flavor. The corn salad was colorful and refreshing, with sweet kernels, crunchy greens, and just the right touch of zest. I asked for a spicy aioli on the side and the kitchen nailed it... creamy, bold, and fiery enough to take every bite up a level. Just look at the plate: vibrant greens, golden corn, glistening steak, and that rich sauce pooling underneath. It’s the kind of dish you want to stare at before diving in, and then you can’t put your fork down once you start. The Press Room is elegant without being stuffy, and the service is sharp, thoughtful, and on point. Easily one of the best meals I’ve had in Chicago this year.
Malena Bartaburu
The atmosphere at this winery bar was lively, and the service was excellent. The wine selection was good, though a bit pricey per glass. I was expecting a more intimate, cozy setting with dim lighting and softer music, but the space felt more like a commercial bar—bright lights, many tables, and music that was quite loud, making it hard to have a conversation. If you’re looking for a vibrant and energetic spot, this might be a good fit, but for a more relaxed winery experience, it may not be the best choice.
Maddie Hasiewicz
Moody vibe, great food and great cocktails! We walked in while waiting for a table at another restaurant and we found a seat right away and got some tasty small bites and drinks. A great cozy spot for friends or a date!
jihye han
Salmon’s finally on the menu this week—so good! Super happy with this plate! four cocktails + salmon = 100 + tip! Reasonable price
karina k
Very nice unique atmosphere with real candles burning everywhere including the entrance door. Happy hour specials are small oysters on a bed of large salt crystals for $1 each and some drinks are $8 and some other apps are a good deal like a $14 burrata w baba ganoush. It’s in the basement right under a huge hair salon in the heart of west loop. It’s dark and candle lit and romantic. Overall a very beautiful experience! Happy hour Oysters are $1 an oyster Tuesday to Thursday 4-6pm. Great deal!
How to reach The Press Room
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Why The Press Room may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The Press Room with your friends?
The Press Room offers an exceptional venue to gather with friends and family because it perfectly balances a warm, inviting atmosphere with lively entertainment and delicious refreshments. Its well-curated ambiance, blending modern and classic design elements, creates a comfortable yet stylish setting that feels special without being pretentious. The staff’s friendly and attentive service ensures that every guest feels welcomed and valued, enhancing the overall experience. Whether you’re looking to catch a live music show, enjoy a casual meal, or simply relax over expertly crafted drinks, The Press Room accommodates a wide range of social occasions. Its vibrant yet relaxed environment encourages connection and conversation, making it an ideal spot to create memories with loved ones. The combination of good food, impressive drink selections, and engaging entertainment draws a diverse crowd, ensuring a dynamic and enjoyable atmosphere for any group meetup. Ultimately, The Press Room's unique charm and lively personality make it the perfect place to rally your friends and celebrate life’s moments together.
What kinds of activities can you enjoy at The Press Room?
The Press Room is far more than just a bar or restaurant; it’s a versatile gathering place with a variety of activities that cater to groups looking for a memorable outing. One of the standout features is its live music scene. Local bands and talented musicians regularly perform, ranging from jazz to banjo performances, creating a dynamic soundtrack to your night out. These performances foster an engaging and communal vibe where guests can tap their feet, sing along, or simply soak in the atmosphere. For sports enthusiasts, The Press Room is a great spot to watch major games, including soccer matches and other sporting events broadcast on large screens. This makes it a go-to destination for fans who want to experience the excitement of a live game day surrounded by like-minded supporters. Beyond entertainment, the venue boasts a well-stocked bar with a wide selection of craft beers, bottled brews, and creative cocktails. Guests can also enjoy ordering food either from The Press Room’s menu or from local eateries nearby, combining the convenience of great drinks with tasty meals. Together, these activities ensure there’s something for every type of group to enjoy.
Why is The Press Room perfect for group meetups?
The Press Room stands out as an ideal place for groups due to its flexible and inviting environment that effortlessly accommodates meetups large and small. Its layout—including a spacious seating area with comfortable arrangements—allows groups to gather without feeling cramped, supporting good conversation and ease of movement. The staff is experienced in managing group dynamics and delivering prompt service, so everyone can enjoy a hassle-free night without waiting long for drinks or food. The venue’s relaxed yet stylish atmosphere strikes a fine balance where groups can celebrate special occasions or enjoy a casual catch-up with equal comfort. Moreover, the combination of live entertainment and interactive sports viewing keeps the energy lively, offering natural conversational starters and shared experiences that bring people closer. This communal aspect is enhanced by the venue’s reputation as a friendly spot where regulars and newcomers alike feel at home. Finally, its central location in a vibrant part of town makes it an accessible destination for friends coming from different areas, further enhancing its appeal for group gatherings.
How does the food and drink selection enhance the experience?
The Press Room boasts a well-curated food and drink menu that significantly enhances the visitor experience, particularly for groups seeking variety and quality. The drink selection includes an impressive range of craft beers on draft and in bottles, appealing to beer enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike. Specialty cocktails crafted by creative bartenders add an element of sophistication and fun to the evening, with each drink prepared to delight the palate. Food-wise, guests can enjoy a menu of casual yet satisfying offerings that complement the drinks perfectly. In cases where the venue might not have an extensive kitchen, guests often take advantage of the option to order food from nearby local restaurants and bring it into The Press Room, combining convenience with diverse culinary options. This flexibility means groups can cater to a variety of tastes and dietary preferences without hassle. Overall, the combination of thoughtfully chosen drinks and food options means every group member can find something they enjoy, making the outing all the more memorable.
What kind of atmosphere and service can guests expect?
Guests at The Press Room can expect an atmosphere that expertly balances energy and ease, creating a setting where everyone feels comfortable and engaged. The design blends modern touches with vintage influences, reflecting a tasteful nod to the past while maintaining contemporary appeal. Music, ranging from live performances to carefully selected playlists, fills the space with vibrant energy that never overwhelms conversation. The crowd is diverse yet friendly, often featuring local regulars alongside visitors, creating a sense of community. Service at The Press Room is consistently praised as friendly, efficient, and attentive, with bartenders and servers who are both knowledgeable and personable. This level of service ensures that drinks are served promptly, questions about the menu are answered with care, and any special requests are handled smoothly. Ultimately, this welcoming atmosphere combined with top-notch service creates an experience where guests want to linger and return, making it the perfect place for memorable meetups with friends and family.