The Wallingford

I never imagined I would have the BEST drinks of my life at this cozy and intimate bar in Maine. Seriously– no bartender in Boston can even compete with the craft we witnessed at The Wallingford. The quality and creativity of ingredients makes every other drink I’ve tried seem… uninspired.
We tried several drinks off the menu which were all insanely good. The bartender offered to make us a few of her own creations, one being an «original» Mai Thai recipe. I know it might sound dramatic but it was life changing. I didn’t think a Mai Thai could be so damn good.
To the owner — I applaud your menu and commitment to quality and finding such amazing bartenders. Sadly there’s no comparable place in Boston so I will be back to Kittery just for this place!

I’m giving The Wallingford five stars solely based on the cocktail list, which is inventive and superb through and through. If you love Bourbon, the Old Brown Turkey is a MUST TRY. You won’t believe the ingredients and how they come together in perfect harmony.
Located around the corner from Anju (this was a bit confusing at first, but just walk around the building to the left of Anju — same building), the atmosphere is cozy and romantic. It’s a small space, so prepare to stand if you arrive later.
It’s no wonder folks from Portsmouth are crossing the bridge to nosh on Kittery Point. The «wow factor» keeps growing!

BEST COCKTAILS I HAVE EVER HAD ANYWHERE BY A SIGNIFICANT MARGIN (which is saying a lot for someone who travels very often and is always seeking great drinks and food). It’s critical to talk to Misty or Mike about what flavor profile you are interested in so they can help you navigate the menu. All of the drinks are incredible but you could definitely pick something that isn’t for you — you will realize it is a very well crafted drink even if it’s not for you. Misty and Mike will help you pick one that will astound you. Absolutely worth the price and absolutely worth any wait (the drinks are complex). Simply watching them build the drink is fascinating. Quality 10, flavor 10, experience 10, uniqueness 10. Misty and Mike you’ve changed us.
Get ready for cocktails made anywhere else to disappoint you.

Perfect, almost impossible to believe this spot exists in Maine it should be in Manhattan. The most knowledgeable bar staff I’ve come across, friendly and helpful to boot. If you just want a beer or glass of wine that’s fine as it’s a great comfortable spot but the cocktails are what it’s all about here. If your not sure what you want the bartenders will talk with you about what flavors appeal to you and come up with something inventive and probably spectacular. I did not get a chance to try the food items but will be back with that as part of the plan.
Wallingford Square is not a large area but this spot is not easy to find, it’s actually attached to Anjou and next door to the Black Birch.

A perfect little farm-​to-​bar spot for any foodie interested in great mixology. Locally sourced cheeses. Very knowledgeable staff. I like to try new spots, but now I only want to go to the Wallingford when in town. Loads of exploration for the taste buds in this cozy little bar.

Probably the perfect little bar, like a small, warm treasure you just want to carry about your day with cupped fingers and show to nobody but your closest friends. With such a timeless, hidden, antiquated feel, you wouldn’t be surprised if it’s actually always existed, hidden from the world by an ancient cantrip or spell that’s only started to be loosened now by the ravages of time, allowing only a few, wary wanderers to unknowingly and luckily stumble upon it. The only thing scarier than the thought of someone discovering it is the opposite, that if no one discovers it at all, it might disappear completely, unknown, which is why, with some hesitation, it’s probably worth writing a nice Unilocal review about it.

Great friend spot and wonderful date spot. I very rarely consume alcohol, but the drinks are so thoughtfully made with the highest quality ingredients, I would choose this spot for my rare indulgence. The menu items and non alcoholic choices are perfect for those who don’t drink, so I’d go even if I weren’t going for cocktails.
Lovely, intimate room with a Maine/​Brooklyn vibe.

Best cocktails in the area, hands down.
The intimate setting and welcoming/​knowledgeable/​amazing staff (hi Mike, hi Misty!) make you feel like you are just hanging out in the living room with good friends (well, a little more classy than that, but you know what I mean!).
The food is delicious too and affordable, too. My husband and I stop by at least once a week for drinks and dinner.
Favorite drinks: The Painkiller, The Nice to Meet You, Yard Gate Punch, East By Gimlet.

We walked to Kittery from Portsmouth to get a drink at The Black Birch. Either that place is closed or we could not find it. But we were lucky enough to find The Wallingford Dram and our fine bartender Misty. We had 2 excellent cocktails made by a true professional. My wife got a «Golden Hour» a truly delicious tequila (100% Agave) themed beverage. I got a «Painkiller» a great rum drink reminiscent of the Islands. Both were expertly mixed and beautifully presented. If you are staying in Portsmouth walk to Kittery and go see Misty.

This intimate craft cocktail oasis provides a wonderful spot for date night or a night out with friends when you tire of the tourist-​filled lobster shacks. My friend introduced us to this new bar while visiting from DC, and the Wallingford vibe would be just as at home in Brooklyn, DC, or San Francisco. Highly recommend.

I had drinks at this brand new 25-​seat cocktail lounge last Friday night and was truly blown away. I haven’t found cocktails this artfully and beautifully prepared and served anywhere else north of New York City. Honestly, it reminded me of a miniature version the pioneering lounge Double Seven — back before Manhattan’s Meatpacking District was taken over by massive corporations.
The beautiful glow of the interior lighting drew me from across the street. I stepped inside to a packed house, filled with cool music on the stereo, and even though there was no place to sit we were able to pick up one of the extensive drink menus and order immediately. Service was attentive, and deeply knowledgeable (one of the owners perhaps?).
Cocktails here are spritzed with a wide variety of delicious concoctions seen in little spray bottles behind the bar, hiding behind the vast array of beautiful fresh herbs and bowls full of fruits at the bartenders’ fingertips. Drinks span the gamut from classics, to tea-​infused exotics, to any sort of «mule» one might dream up (topped with fresh ginger in addition to the ginger beer, which gives it quite a kick). Be prepared to be delighted by the texture of hand-​shaved ice in one drink, or a gigantic crystal clear ball of an ice-​cube in another, wherever appropriate. (With its density and large surface area, the large cube means slower melting and therefore a cold drink that doesn’t get watered down). The attention to detail is simply exquisite.
From the marble-​topped bar to the intimate space to the tastes that will linger and draw any cocktail connoisseur back for more, I would gladly give this place six stars if I could. Bravo.