Every single time we go up to Portsmouth, we make it a point to go to Gilley's. I don't often think that a place has five star food but this place absolutely counts. The french fries alone are why I love the place. They taste like they chopped a potato right there and tossed it into the frier. I'm sick of places that use the gross coated fries, Gilley's thankfully does not do that! It's a small little diner that's been around forever with only a few parking spots (like three or four) in a busy area of Portsmouth. The hours are a little wacky but it's always worth it. The fried egg and cheese and the grilled cheese are made about as perfectly as one could hope. Very greasy spoon diner type of grub. Reading some of the one star reviews, they seem to come from disgruntled people who have a weird agenda who also don't tip and are proud to mention it in their review... and this is the only place they've reviewed? Ignore them and just know the food is good. Only downside - It is cramped inside the little space. There are only a few (six?) stools inside - which is fine if the place isn't busy. I'd more recommend getting the food to go. read more

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Gilley's was super hyped up but I just didn't get it. It's a cool experience given the history and old school setup, but I was disappointed. I think it is good after a night out kind of food, if you get what I mean. Simple, quick, and greasy. Now, I will say - I went with a large group of people one night after going on the harbor cruise and there was only one guy working. That man was the order taker, cashier, and cook, and everything else in between; he did a great job as far as handling the orders and getting the food cooked and out the door quickly, so kudos to him. Menu consists of burgers, hot dogs, fries, and some miscellaneous other items - again, very simple. Our group got a mixture of cheeseburgers, hot dogs, and fries - some "cheesy", others regular. I got a cheeseburger and regular fries. It was mediocre. Like I said, probably good after a night out food but for me, I it wasn't great. read more

These cheeseburgers hit the spot! What you see is what you get. It's not a "gourmet" burger but that's not why you went there to begin with! What you get is a delicious burger! They serve burgers and dogs and fries. Their chili is delicious. I had a double cheeseburger with everything on it and chili cheese fries. Loved every bite and wished I'd had two! It's a tiny spot but the line moves quickly. Love the bench seats. It might be the original food truck! Definitely recommend! read more

Gilley's - Inside Gillet's Diner - Hot Dogs Near Me - Portsmouth, New Hampshire

I had added this to a list of places to try without making many notes, so when we did indeed end up in town I was a bit surprised (and delighted) to see that it was a tiny lil counter service burger joint. Be aware that the hours can be tricky--check ahead of time, as they are not always open late (currently just on weekends) and they don't serve during a typical dinner hour, rather they cater to the late night crowd. YMMV and this could change. We happened to be after a very early dinner and caught them about 30 mins before closing. The woman serving us was very efficient and to the point, we got some fries and a couple of burgers and they were ready promptly. We sat inside (they only have seating for a few there) and enjoyed a very straightforward, very inexpensive meal. This is good, simple food. You can get a few options with burgers and on fries, but go with the baseline to start. read more

So this is supposedly the best hotdog in New Hampshire. Well I don't know about that. It's not bad. The hotdog has a nice snap to it from the casing and taste pretty good. But it's also pretty standard. The fries are fresh cut and come hot right out of the fryer to you, so that's a plus. I will say that the lady working behind the counter was one of the sweetest people I've ever met. And for her alone I give the place four stars. read more

Gilley's - Hotdogs with the works, and a side of fries - Hot Dogs Near Me - Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Amazing Hamburger stand. A must stop! It's like stepping back in time. Also a great late night after bars spot to get something to eat before bed. read more

Absolutely terrible experience. The food might have been passable, but the attitude of the line cook ruined everything. In all my years of eating out, I've never dealt with someone so openly rude and unprofessional. Rolling eyes, snapping at simple questions, and making customers feel like an inconvenience instead of paying guests. If this is how they treat people, it doesn't matter how the burgers taste--you've already lost me. Save your money and your appetite and go literally anywhere else where respect and customer service still matter. read more

Amazing burgers. Amazing French fries. Old school. Awesome. Grilled cheese is amazing as well.

Gilley's great place for a burgers chilli dogs fries and onion rings and more you can eat inside but room is limited to 10 seats and a counter. You feel like your back in the day eating at the old diner and they are open until late hours just a good place to get a good cheeseburger Gilleys is the best greasy spoon around read more

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Great burgers, Great service! The owner really works hard to make sure you are taken care of regardless of how many people are there.

Why is it when I am out and about in a new area I always revert back to food that I find simple. I could be near five star restaurants and always end up at a diner instead. Which, let's be honest, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. Sometimes all you need is comfort food at a price point that doesn't break the bank. I had had a full day of seeing the sights in the area, after a brief down period I knew it was time to fill my stomach with something gut busting. I came up to Portsmouth with that intention. After parking I pulled up the Yelp app to see what was near me. Somehow I ended up getting lost walking around this town and almost got to the point where I was frustrated and ready to give up. Somehow in that frustration I ended up right in front of Gilley's. When I saw this place I was taken aback a bit. I thought, this couldn't be a place that serves something satisfying. At the same time I was intrigued. I waited until the group of people left until I entered. It was a good thing too. I had no idea how to get in here. It is a true diner car. Once that was figured out it was like you stepped into the past when you entered here. Odd to think that this is how people dined and dashed. I loved it. You definitely do not come here to wow people. You come here to fill your pit and get it moving. I quickly checked the menu when I was entering the place. Be sure to do this as service is extremely quick. Without hesitation I went with two chili dogs with onion and an order of cheese fries. I was a bit disappointed that they didn't have chili cheese fries, but we will get to that a bit later. I kind of milled around while my food was prepared. Which I would do over again, food is prepared as you order it, no food in warmers here. Once my food was ready I found myself seated in the corner ready to dig in. When I finally took in what I was about to do, I realized that this was going to be difficult. I should have went with one hot dog, because these things were beasts. I had attempted to pick them up, but each time I did that I ended up with chili all over my hands. So I ended up eating those dogs with utensils. Probably a good idea to do. Those dogs were perfect. The chili had a bit of a kick to it, but those onions with their fresh coolness kind of muted that. Those fries, oh my god, those fries. Fresh cut, hot out of the oil and with a generous amount of cheese on them. So amazing. So here's a pro tip for you. If you wanted chili cheese fries, get the two dogs with it. The amount of chili left over after devouring those dogs is just enough to mix those cheese fries in and have yourself chili cheese fries. It took me a minute to figure this out, but when I dumped my fries into the leftover chili in the dog container and mixed it all together, perfection. It may have made myself look greedy, but I enjoyed it. Don't be afraid to use utensils here folks. Gut busting? Yes. I left there satisfied and in need of a nap. read more

Gilley's - Totally small, but I dig it. - Hot Dogs Near Me - Portsmouth, New Hampshire

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Go to Gillies for the experience. The staff are pleasant. The atmosphere is nice. Well,meh, actually. The dogs were not what I expected. Being from Chicago hot dogs have at it very least mustard. Here, the dark with the works has no mustard. So I recommend going at least once bring guests but don't get your hopes up for some of the other things you might expect. read more

The bite of this cheeseburger is worth every bit of the locals' hype! Delicious, somehow crispy but also tasty, juicy burger. So glad i finally stopped by to try it. AHHHMAZING! and the cutest little spot too. Blink and you miss it. read more

Memories from the 80's were brought back to life when I entered. Some new build on but I recall many's chili dog at 1 am in the true Gilleys. read more

Perfect spot for late night take out or a quick sit down, but dont bring too many friends since there is limited seating and only counter style. The food is great and quickly served, although i stopped by late on a weekday when it wasnt jam packed. Easliy got a spot out front, food is priced low and the taste is great. Ill be back again when in the area late night. Dont expect fine dining. But expect your stomach to be full and your tastebuds to be thankful. read more

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This place is soooo good and definitely worth splurging a bit at. Everything is made right in front of you and the staff that is there working is so friendly. The prices cannot be best and woah are they quick with orders. Not only is this great food to have after a fun night of adult libations, but the flavors that are there are wonderful. There is not a single option on the menu that you won't love. From the burgers to the hotdogs to one of the best grilled cheese sandwiches I've ever had. You cannot go wrong getting a bite to eat here. The place can get a bit cramped because it's in a train car, but I think that's one of the best parts of it. The history and culture that comes with this place is just wonderful and so cool to hear. Definitely give this place a try! read more

Gilley's - Hot Dogs Near Me - Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Another day, another garbage experience from black lung behind the counter. You know, the skinny 50 something line cook that yells at people for not tipping on credit card transactions for an establishment you walk in under your own power to order food. Such a disappointing experience from what used to be a Portsmouth icon. Avoid this place like the plague. Go to Sineore Cannoli & Pizza. They won't badger you for a tip, and as a bonus, it won't smell like the inside of an ash tray. read more

Mmmm poutine. While I was served one giant wad of a cheese curd, the gravy really made up for it. Of course, this is more if a late night snack kinda experience. I found the service just fine, some other reviewers... relax. The ladies were working a big crowd. I'll be back. read more

My husband and I stopped in here after a wedding on January 6th. Others we were seated with recommend that we check this place out. The wedding ended a little early-ish and we wanted to explore what we around our hotel, even though it was super freezing out. This is just the type of place you need to go to after a few drinks. Don't go here thinking you are going to have luxurious seating in a comfy and cozy atmosphere. For a period of time, we were the only people in there and then a mad rush came in, making the place feel cramped and crowded, slightly uncomfortable. I could sense that the cook wasn't the friendliest, I'm sure a lot of drunkards come in here often and are unpleasant. I made sure I went out of my way to say my usual pleases and thank yous, loud and clear. We ordered the fries with cheese and gravy (poutine) along with a grilled cheese and a burger. When my husband was asked what he wanted on his burger, I think he mentioned lettuce and tomato. The cook yelled at him. Okay, sorry bub. We are from CT. We didn't know that this was a no-no in this place. Regardless, I am still going to give this place 5 stars because you could just sense this is one of those local places, the hole in a wall type of joints that many flock to. Oh and our food was great too. read more

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Workers are incredibly rude and you're treated like a burden for going in there. If you don't tip they quite literally yell at you. I've been screamed at all 3 times I've been here. I've heard owners are racist too. Do not support this business read more

Was told if I didn't tip my food would not be cooked. The owner also yelled "I'm going to cut your dick off and make it into a burger." Terrible service and food was mid at best. If you want a meal to just absolutely ruin your day, both physically and mentally, then I'd recommend you come here. Wish there was a below 1 star rating as this place has finally made me believe it is deserved. read more

Was told if I didn't tip my food would not be cooked and was told to leave multiple times.

Confirmed that the rude lady still works there. I recommend going somewhere else where you are treated in a pleasant way.

Abysmal to the point of harassment Woman employee/cook was racist acting and extremely rude!!! I agree with the other reviewer who said she should not be working with the public! With a pregnant woman, two seven year olds and a ten year old girl after a long drive and after going out of our way to get there, we waited for over 15 minutes to place our order. The woman then harshly and rudely snapped, "What do you want!?". We were all taken aback by the tone of her voice. She had the worst attitude I've encountered in the service sector in decades. She actually said to a regular customer who asked how she was that she's beginning to hate her job. That much was obvious. She forgot to make a seven year old's hot dog and copped an attitude when it was pointed out to her. She went back to check the order not believing what she was just told. She then shoved a hot dog laying in water into a bun and slapped it on the counter without even apologizing for her mistake. After that experience, we managed to find a picnic table out back to try to enjoy the food. The food was terrible and not worth the over priced cost. The fries were swimming in oil, limp and unsalted. The woman then came out a door at the back of the diner to deliver food to a table of white people who were obviously regular older customers of hers. They thanked her for doing that, and she loudly said, "Of course, you tipped me, I love you! Other people should learn to do the same!" while glaring at our little girls, our table and us as she quickly went back inside. Tips are earned and not given for rude and poor service. We ordered our own food and carried it away, and it's appalling that this person thinks she deserved a tip after how we were treated by her. I always tip in cash after having my food and, although she could've recovered from her initial errors, as she made the experience so much worse, no tip was warranted! It's a shame because I had eaten there years before, and the man was so pleasant, thankful for the business and nice. The food also was better. The restaurant was much busier then but the cook kept the orders moving and business was brisk. It's clear to our family why it no longer is! Food: 1/5 | Service: 1/5 | Atmosphere: 1/5 read more

Lady that owns this place is the nastiest woman I have maybe ever encountered. Screamed at me and my friends when we were simply not the people being disrespectful and yelled at us that we better tip her good. Overall terrible experience, would not give her my service again. only giving one star because I have to. read more

A couple of my friends and I stopped in a couple Fridays ago. The food was actually pretty good. I had the chili cheeseburger and I would suggest that. I have also worked in food service my whole life and work for tips.... The woman behind the counter was furious when customers weren't tipping her. she took customers that were behind us when we had already been waiting. she also kept talking bad about a woman named Gena who I am assuming is the manager very unprofessional if you ask me, me and my friends will not be back unless somebody else is working. read more

We stopped here on a whim after parking nearby and seeing the articles they posted in the window touting their burger. We got a chilli burger, hot dog and poutine. Everything was a little too salty for my taste. Maybe my expectations were too high after seeing the articles. The food was good, not great. Bottom line, come here if you're in the area and craving some fast food classics, but I wouldn't necessarily make a special trip for it. read more

Gilley's - Poutine - Hot Dogs Near Me - Portsmouth, New Hampshire

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Cute place, only a few seating. Heard such great things about this place, but when I tried it, I wasn't too pleased. The burger is mediocre, couldn't finish it. And I wasn't a fan of their fries, just tasted like burnt potatoes skins to me. The lady was extremely nice and 90 percent of the seats were taken, so it got crowded in the little place. I just took it to my hotel to eat. Enjoy! read more

Gilley's - Cute little place. - Hot Dogs Near Me - Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Supercalafragalistic burgers and dogs. Well seasoned hamburgers are smashed and griddled hard either single or double with melted cheese or not on a warm buttered burger roll. Toppings available are ketchup, mustard, mayo, pickles. Onions or BBQ sauce. Pick and choose or order one of the predetermined best sellers: everything is mustard ketchup onions. Loaded is an everything but adds mayo and Pickles. The patties are relatively thin but have extremely crisp crusted exterior made more flavorful with the coarsely blended beef holding in grill fat. A loaded double cheeseburger is melty, extremely well seasoned, crisp, and loaded with beef flavor. Somehow, despite all the toppings involved, the roll holds everything together in a compact package perfectly. Juices flow freely. Hotdogs are steamed and can be served either as such or griddled. Ordered griddled, the dogs arrive in grilled buttered rolls. Excellent snap on the casing and an extra fine grind of filling have a dual effect - juices come easily and the flavor is intense. This is a dog not filled with nitrates and smoke flavor enhancers. This is pure seasoned meat and it is delicious. By the end of the meal, four have been consumed - the buttered grilled rolls are crisp and supple. Plain ketchup or mustard is perfect although pickles and onions are excellent too. Bacon is available as an extra. Can't wait to try sauerkraut and chili next time. Fries are handcut and fried hard. Crisp skin with soft interior. Seconded well. Poutine fries arrive smothered in melted cheese and covered in seasoned gravy. Excellent topping for the crisp fries underneath. Gilleys gets extremely crowded when the downtown bars are in full swing. read more

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We went here today based on a review we read, and we were all excited to try it. Neither of us are picky eaters or harsh reviewers. It is a super cute place... But don't expect to get the hot dog described in Yankee Magazine. It's an "okay" hot dog but it wasn't in the buttery toasted roll as described. Won't be back. There is so much better in Portsmouth!!! read more

Established in 1912. This place is an old stand-by. The food is quick, though be prepared for small spaces as is the norm with classic old eateries. I couldn't give a hoot about not having a fake smile or canned and scripted corporate line shot at me. By contrast the folks here are real, kind, and to the point. You get back what you put out. The food is exactly what you would expect- uncomplicated and timeless. Great burgers, dogs, sandwiches, fries. The poutine is decent as well. Iconic spots like this are fading every year, make sure to visit before this one does too. read more

I don't know how this place has less than perfect reviews. Some of the best food I have had and the ladies behind the counter are some of the coolest people you'll ever meet read more

Mediocre food cramped space and the cook yelling at customers burger left me feeling disgusted though that could be due to walking around downtown portsmouth in the heat lady at front counter very nice and took are order well maybe will be coming back due to the cheap price and quick eats read more

two hotdogs with the works onion, mustard and relish. $9.11....OUCH!!!! Never again.

Oh, no. You guys... I read all over here, and heard by word of mouth, that Gilley's is where it's at when you need a late night meal. I am so sad to say that I did not get that impression during my visit. I can't tell you how long we had to stand in the line to get in and then how long it took for our order to be ready. I never have an issue with wait times unless the food comes out unsatisfying. If I have to wait for food it should taste like awesomeness since you took the time to cook it. I had a burger and fries. The burger was dry. We tried adding ketchup on it when we get back to the hotel and it did not help. The fries were stale yet somehow felt soggy/saturated with oil. I know, fries are oily because they are fried but this was like eating next day french fries and I was actually picking at it on the way back to the hotel while it was fresh and it was not at all good. Here's why I gave it an A-OK... My fiance and his co-workers were there for a handful of months and they've tried it multiple times. I was told it was an off night for the eatery and I believe it; I just caught them at the wrong time. I've heard so much about this being the spot and I'm a little bummed to have missed out on that impression. If you're reading this to decide on whether or not to try it, please do. I honestly think my experience was an isolated one. Side note and does not affect star ratings: This is a late night spot so be prepared to deal with horrible drunks. read more

In high school, we loved going to the original Gilleys parked on the street in 1970 and 1971. That man Gilley was an icon in the City of Portsmouth. Rain, snow, or sunny, Gilley knew his people and his food. Remarkable memory in conducting business with his clientele. Great food, great service. read more

The owner accused me of committing egregious acts on his property when in fact I was simply waiting for my friends to get our food. Calling the police for me pointing out his stupidity seemed an overreaction He also smelt a little off, which doesn't bode well for the cleanliness of his establishment read more

Ok so the thought of eating in a divey eatery = priceless. Ok so the thought of rudeness from behind the counter = thoughtless. If your rude I don't eat your food! Food is okay here but it is your typical local grease pit. There are much better choices for food locally. read more

Gilley's sits tucked almost like an afterthought behind a parking deck, but if you're a fan of burgers and nostalgia, you shouldn't overlook this place that's been around since 1912. I think I was the first customer of the day when they opened at 11 a.m. I had a cheeseburger and a ginger ale, which set me back $4.70. The juicy thin uneven edged patty held mouth-watering flavor in the edges. I had this topped with crisp diced onions and pickle slices, ketchup and rectangles of white cheese. The burger was on a nice bun, not some standard Butternut or Sunbeam bun. Gilley's is cash only, and there are eight vintage stools mounted to the floor for your seating pleasure. My order was prepared by an efficient gentleman behind the counter who was taking orders, preparing food and watching the Price is Right. I agree that this is a great American classic. Simple and delicious. read more

I have been eating at Gilly's since 1953. My father and mother used to bring us there as kids. My wife of 44 years and i used to eat there when we were dating in high school. In those days the cart was in the square. My wife and i always eat there when we get back to NH. In all the years thay i have been going to Gilley's a number of things have not changed: First, the food continues to be great Second, the price is still extremely inexpensive Third, there is always someone behind the counter that is interested in getting your order completed not hearing your stories of the old days. I reccomend Gilley's not only as a great place to eat but also as a place with over a hundred year history. read more

Gilley's - Gilley's Hot Dog Cart. - Hot Dogs Near Me - Portsmouth, New Hampshire