What happens if our party grows to more than 20?
There’s no getting around the fact that no more than twenty chairs can fit at the Big Table. Allowing standing guests in that area is not a good idea for customers or servers since the table itself takes up most of the room. We’ll do our best to seat the additional guests somewhere else in the restaurant, hopefully within sight of the rest of your group, but, because we seat the rest of the dining areas on a first-come-first-served basis, that may not be possible. Groups of 20 or more are best accommodated in our Jimmy Lapanza Lounge.

Are you able to serve groups of more than 20 in your Side Dining Room?
We can serve large group in the Side Room from time to time during the day on a weekday. The availability of that room to large groups on weekday evenings and weekends is limited because we need those seats for smaller parties.

Is any gratuity added to checks for Big Table parties?
Yes, we allow our servers to add an 18% gratuity. You are welcome to reward your server with a larger tip if you especially enjoyed the hospitality they provided you and your guests.

May we pay with separate checks?
Of course.

If we are having a celebration, may we decorate the Big Table?
Sure. We have had many parties bring in centerpieces, balloons for chairs, streamers and more. If you are celebrating the final days of bachelor- or bachelorette-hood, we kindly ask that any party favors be tasteful because the Ezra LeFleur Room is open to the rest of the restaurant, where people of all ages are present.

Is there any time limit to a Big Table reservation?
No. We typically space reservations two and a half hours apart, but when we take a reservation, we ask what the occasion is so that if there would be a reason to allow for more time for your group, we will make the table available for as long as you like.

Is the Table handicapped accessible?
Yes, our back entrance is just down the hall and on the same level. That entrance is just steps away from the municipal parking garage, too. Our handicapped accessible bathrooms are very close by as well.

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The downstairs Jimmy Lapanza Lounge is a great private room for parties of 20–65 people available any day of the week anytime between 4:00 and 8:00 pm.  This eclectic game room features comfy chair and sofa seating. The Main Bar and California Bars provide additional seats. The Lounge also offers a pool table, shuffleboard table, wide-screen TV and an internet juke box. The layout and furnishings make this room best suited for informal, cocktail-style parties. As much as we may want to accommodate every party’s needs, we cannot change the room over to a sit-down dining room. The room’s access is by stairs, and therefore is not considered handicapped accessible. There is a $150 Room Charge to reserve the Lounge for your event.

Can there be minors in my party?
Of course, but they just can’t drink alcohol. House policies and state laws pertaining to alcohol service apply to our private functions just as they do to our walk-in guests.  Regarding Lapanza Lounge parties, all minors would be expected to leave once the party has ended.  The Lounge would then return to a “21 and over” room.

How much does it cost to book the Jimmy LaPanza Lounge?
Reserving the LaPanza Lounge requires a deposit of $150. The deposit is non-refundable unless we receive notice of your need to cancel at least one week prior to the reservation date. This coincides with our staffing and food ordering cycles. We accept payment by cash, credit card, or company check.

If we pay more, can we reserve the room for longer?
We get asked this frequently, but the answer is always a polite “no.” While we benefit from booking private functions, we have built our business around the premise that our restaurant will be primarily and routinely available to our walk-in guests.

Can we smoke downstairs?
In 2003 we decided to become a non-smoking restaurant and even though your party is private, our non-smoking policy still applies.

How does paying the bar tab work?
There are several ways to do it:
a. cash bar – everyone pays their own way.
b. you pay for all non-alcoholic beverages.
c. you pay up to a certain dollar amount.
d. you pay for everybody’s first one or two drinks using tickets or tokens.
e. you pay for everything

If we thought about it, we could come up with a few more options, but this just gives you a general idea of how many ways the bar tab can be handled. It typically comes down to your budget as well as the type or theme of the event. 

Is there an extra charge for the bartenders?
No, we cover the cost of the staffing for your party.

Is the tip included in the pricing for the food?
No, the prices of the food do not include a gratuity. The NH Rooms and Meals tax of 8% will  be added to the food tab. An 18% gratuity will be added to the tab for the food and to the tab for beverages (if applicable) before presenting the check(s) to you.

What kind of food can we order?
Food for LaPanza Lounge parties is always served buffet style. Our buffet menu includes options from finger foods to full entrees. In order to ensure a good balance of food and alcohol consumption and to provide for your guests’ varying food preferences, there is a 2 appetizer minimum order required. The buffet pricing is based on the guest count. We determine the price of the buffet based on the price per person and the number of customers who show up for the party. We do not charge you for anyone who does not come except in the case that the group ends up smaller than our required 20 person minimum. 

We take all of the guesswork out of ordering the exact amount of food for your event.  Just pick the items you would like served to your party and our staff makes sure that the buffet stays stocked and fresh until everyone is full!

Click here to see our function menus.

Can any changes be made to the menu options?
We have designed our function menus to suit a variety of tastes.  However, occasionally, some function hosts/hostesses receive special word as the reservation day draws near that one of their guests may have specific dietary needs or preferences (ie: food allergies, favorite dishes, etc ). We understand and will do our best to provide you with ideas for substitutions or special accommodations up to the last minute. Please don’t hesitate to ask!

What if I need to make last minute changes in the head count?
When making your reservation, we will look to determine the best estimate of the size of your group. Since the Lapanza Lounge is spacious, a difference of a handful or so guests in the turnout is not as important an issue. One of the selling points for Lapanza Lounge buffet functions is that you are not charged for expected guests who do not end up attending your party.  We take a count of guests once everyone arrives and then apply the charge.

Are decorations allowed in the Jimmy LaPanza Lounge?
We can be very flexible in this department. Since the Lounge will not open for regular business until after your party, you may decorate anytime during the day leading up to your function. The Day Manager arrives at 8am so anytime after then is fine. 

May we bring in our own cake?
Definitely. We will keep your cake safe and sound until you are ready for it to be served. We will provide the plates and forks if need be. We do not charge for serving your cake.

May we bring in our own food?
As a rule, we must ask that you purchase all food from our menus. We do make one exception when it comes to children (aged 12 or under) because sometimes the kids just won’t eat anything but home cooking! 

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In closing, we would like to thank you for considering the Portsmouth Brewery for your private function. We can provide you with quality food and service in a uniquely entertaining and vibrant atmosphere. And don’t forget the beer! You and your guests will be treated to the finest beers in the region (and beyond) along with our genuine hospitality. We look forward to the opportunity to serve you.