Portsmouth has lost a landmark.

SSS 3
loading...

Seacoast-area residents (myself included) are still stunned at the loss of a Portsmouth landmark.

Early this morning a massive fire destroyed the ever-popular "State Street Saloon" at 268 State St in Portsmouth. WMUR reports that the initial cause points to a possible fire that may have originated in the kitchen.

I love the Saloon.  It's always a go-to stop for me whenever I'm enjoying the nightlife in Portsmouth.  In fact, I was there with friends as recently as three days ago.

I'm glad to hear that everyone appears to have made it out safe.  Certainly for the sake of residents in the building, employees and patrons- I'll hope they'll be able to rebuild as soon as possible.

A Facebook post early on Monday morning reveals they're remaining positive regarding the situation- simply reading "stateystrong"

 

 

A Go Fund Me page has been set up to support those in need.

While driving in to work today, I thought about some of the things I'll miss about the charm of the original State Street Saloon.............

1) Cheap Lobster Rolls

They were known for some of the cheapest lobster rolls in town.  If you look closely in some of the scenes of the fire on TV you'll see a sign burning that reads "Lobster Rolls $6.99!"

Lobster state
State Street Saloon Facebook Page
loading...

2) Jello Shots!  

Yes.  You could actually order jello shots at State Street.  It was something that wasn't widely advertised there- but if you're a local.....you know you can order them.

Getty Images
Getty Images
loading...

3) The "Old School" Decor 

Unlike some of it's posh neighbors, the Saloon was never out to prove anything in the way of the interior decorating department. It was the townie bar. Darkly lit, old carpeting, old wooden bars. Don't like it? Go somewhere else. My kinda place.

State Street Back Bar
State Street Saloon Facebook Page
loading...

4) It's a GREAT place to watch a game

B's, C's, Sox & Pats.  I've watched many a game there.  Always a comfortable atmosphere to take in a local team on the tube.

Sports Saloon
State Street Saloon Facebook Page
loading...

5) The Unmistakable Signage

Once you were in the vicinity of Pleasant and State Streets, the whiskey barrel was in full view.  I hope that somehow this sign may be salvaged.

State Sign new
loading...

 

More From 97.5 WOKQ