Porter’s Pub is now open for business at 19 Hanson Street, in the former Magrilla’s Restaurant space. 

Porter’s Pub is described as a family-friendly restaurant and bar featuring a wide selection of draft and bottled beer, cocktails, pub appetizers, and a full menu of homemade meals made with fresh ingredients. Open for lunch and dinner, Porter’s Pub is a place for people of all ages to enjoy. 

“I named the pub after my father-in-law, John Porter,” explains Jim Hanley, owner. “He was a great man, a hero to many, and loved by all that knew him. He was battling cancer when I met him. He told me that it was his dream to one day open a pub.” 

Porter, a member of the service, was an inspiration for Hanley’s mission to create a positive atmosphere for first responders, members of the military, and veterans. “We offer a 10% discount to military members and their families. They put their lives on the line for us every day so I wanted a place for them to come and enjoy a meal, relax, and have a good time with their friends and families.”

Porter’s Pub offers traditional pub food but Hanley is “committed to customer service” and plans to offer specials and utilize customer feedback to shape his menu in the future. “If something doesn’t work on the menu — we change it. I want to serve food that people enjoy so they’ll return again and again.”

Hanley explored retail and restaurant spaces in Dover and other surrounding areas but ultimately decided that Rochester was the right place to start his business. 

“We’ve received great support from the City of Rochester and Economic Development. We’re very happy with the welcome we’ve received so far,” said Hanley. “Rochester is more than ‘up and coming’ and downtown is experiencing multiple redevelopments… We got here at the right time.”

Porter’s Pub is located at 19 Hanson Street, in downtown Rochester, NH 03867. Regular hours of operation are Tuesday through Sunday 11am to 11pm. Closed Mondays. Follow Porter’s Pub on Facebook for more information.