“Rolling in along the endless parade of oceanfront immobilier de luxe, one dreams of a refined café, a civilized croissant. Instead, one discovers the Sandpiper: the lone outpost of refreshment in this desert for the cyclist’s soul. Cars crowd the roadside, doors swing open without a thought to the passing vélo — the Dutch Reach is a complete unknown here. Yet hunger dictates, and we dismount.
There is no rack, no intention toward the two-wheeled traveler. My bike leaned lonely, a rare species among the surfboards and sandy e-motos. Service is brisk enough, but clearly attuned to sunburnt beachgoers rather than the Lycra-clad. For the cyclist, it is stopgap fuel rather than a true enclave.
Here reigns the culture of surf: shirtless riders of foam boards, salty hair, languid conversation. It is not unwelcoming, merely indifferent. One observes the beach scene with a detached amusement, sipping from a sweating plastic cup, knowing this is not our civilisation, but theirs.
No espresso, no crema, no ceramic. Instead: a cold brew, decent enough, taken as necessity rather than joy. It refreshes, yes, but it does not inspire. This is hydration, not poetry.
Plenty on offer for the famished, but little of the pâtisserie one might crave. Sandwiches, bagels, smoothies—the practical provisions of surfers, not the buttery décadence that carries a rider through another twenty miles.
Not a cyclist’s café, but a seaside pause. One accepts the plastic cup, the salt air, the people-watching. And while it lacks panache, it is the only flame in this desert stretch of coastline. For that, it earns a respectful nod before one clips back in.
Ratings
Café: 2
Pâtisserie: 2
À Vélo: 1”
“We used to buy loose cigarettes back in 92,93, 94,95 for 10 cents for a newport! Those were the good old days so we thought now we just find out that everything was just hidden and now it's being exposed! so really was it the good old days?! The Cabot Street market still makes me feel like it was!”
“The finest homemade crafts from The Granite State!! If you’re in there though, and they try to sell you a stone and you thiiiiink it’s slate, don’t take it for GRANITE LOLOLOLOLOLL ?”
6:30AM - 11PM
148 State Street, Portsmouth
Convenience Stores
“Very niche experience but I dropped my wallet and the guy working brought it out to me on the street, just the nicest thing in the world, potentially saved me a huge headache. He was also just very nice when we were in the store as well, and the store has a great selection of everything you might need at a quick stop. This place is a credit to Portsmouth”
“Their breakfast burrito is absolutely delicious! And a great value at only $8 per burrito. Thank you Provisions for providing us with a wonderful breakfast sandwich!”
“This place has the cheapest gas around with debit pay and Irving rewards. I believe top tier as well. Very convenient from 95 just take 107 to 1 south. Very well stocked store and friendly employees. Clean restrooms. Better value compared to Massachusetts. My favorite stop for gas and snacks to and from Maine.”
“So many choices of beer and flavored hard seltzers! And so many discounted cases. I am always looking to discover new things that I might like, but I'm not willing to pay full price for them. Most of the discounted beverages I've tried have been enjoyable and a great bargain.”
“Great gas prices especially when signing up for there rewards program saving up to .25c per gallon. Inside you can find Circle K - all your snacks and homemade banana bread as well as lotto and scratch off tickets. Vapes and cigarettes. Sodas, juices, waters, fresh donuts and fountain drinks are inexpensive.”
“As a Door Dash Driver I use this place all the time. Greeted always with a smiling face. All the woman are friendly and hard working. Same for a couple of guys I've dealt with. Being from Massachusetts, North Shore, gas prices with Irving card very helpful and appreciated. Unfortunately I am a smoker but their prices on Marlboro 100's for two and a large drink 18.00 you can't beat it. Would cost me over 30.00 in Massachusetts. Keep up the great customer service and smiling faces. Very informative also.”
5AM - 9PM
162 ME-236, Eliot
Convenience Stores
“I like Irving. One of the best things about this location is the pizza. They make it quickly, it's really good and it's affordable. I almost hesitate to share this because I'd hate for it to get busy. :) But it's great and the staff is always friendly.”
Open 24 hours
103 US-1 BYP, Kittery
Convenience Stores
“Very nice, and clean truck stop. Showers are better than most pilots. Staff was friendly and helpful. Plenty of truck parking in upper lot..I would put 5 stars, but the restaurant closes at 7. As a driver it sucks to stop after a long day and not have anything hot to eat. They do have a variety of the pre made food.”
9AM - 1:30PM 2 - 5PM
620 Lafayette Rd, Hampton
Convenience Stores
“Brian and KJ are great! Always helpful and prompt. Deb, Sam, Brendan, and Heidi are all super professional and helpful. I been going here for 6 years and can always count on the pharmacy manager and staff to refill timely. A well organized machine right here! No nonsense and direct!”
“Richard just waited on me and he was so incredibly helpful and kind which is really hard to find nowadays in customer service. So I wanted to give him a shout out here and let his bosses know he should give me because he’s the only reason that I keep coming back because the prices are a bit high. But Richard is a good guy that you should definitely pay more lol”
Open 24 hours
180 Lafayette Rd, North Hampton
Convenience Stores
“⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A True Anomaly — In All the Right Ways
The Rusty Lantern in North Hampton isn’t just a stop—it’s an experience. A hidden gem with character, heart, and a kind of charm you don’t usually find in places like this. Whether you’re grabbing a coffee, fueling up, or just pausing for a moment of peace, it somehow manages to feel personal, clean, cozy, and quietly exceptional all at once.
The staff are always friendly, the selection is thoughtful, and everything—from the lighting to the layout—just feels intentional. It’s not just for travelers or locals, it’s for everyone. Blue-collar, business, barefoot, or bundled up—this place welcomes you exactly as you are.”
Open 24 hours
169 State Rd, Kittery
Convenience Stores
“Cashier was confused on a sale price and reluctant to honor it. Owner was at the store, he professionally handled the situation and calmly trained the cashier while honoring the sale price as-posted. Owner of the store is a class act, runs the business professionally, and was very polite. Thanks!”
6:30AM - 9:30PM
435 US-1, Kittery
Convenience Stores
“Staff is always willing to help with directions and offer local suggestions for dining. Previously mentioned (in another review) rude employees no longer work there.”
Open 24 hours
639 Lafayette Rd, Hampton
Convenience Stores
“Staff is always very friendly. Too many people taking parking spots to go to the burrito place across the street....but that isn't in the employees' control.”
Open 24 hours
162 ME-236, Eliot
Convenience Stores
“I had to edit my original review because I've never known a gas station / store to care enough to take the time to respond. I think that says a lot about the place. Well done!It's a gas station store... 'nuff said”
“Cheapest gas around. Cheapest and best cold and hot drink selection and prices around. Forget Starbucks,get your iced mocha here. So many different varieties of hot coffee. It's August and pumpkin spice it out. Use the salted caramel liquid creamer with one! Scan the QR code before you get to the register and join the free rewards plan with your phone number on the app. I got a free coffee and then went back for a refill of mocha frozen coffee and it was $1.07!!! I won't say who but I know their name, they gave me a free coffee. Maybe because I look disheveled from staying at the nearby homeless shelter due to a fire at my apartment building in Seabrook on June 20. I've had a cat die do to breathing smoke and ash dust,I had to surrender my birds to the SPCA and these past 2 Months have been hell. I'm on hospice with less than 6 months to live and yesterday I got a therapist to vent to because all I do is cry in my car. So his small act of kindness really hit me. That was the nicest thing anybody has done for me in months. Btw they have excellent Wi-Fi!!!! Believe it or not I went for a cheap refill of my free cup,ran my rewards phone number again and for the second day in a row my refill was FREE!!! Please sign up for rewards and thank me later ☺️”
“Your basic small convenience store but with coffee ☕ and food made to order with pizza ? and sandwiches ? available.
The bathroom was in decent condition.
Irving is the gas ⛽ station.”
“They were the only ones open on Thanksgiving that we could find in Seabrook. Although I kept asking on the phone if this was the old searstown store the guy acted like he had no idea what I was saying. But if you look at the picture of Napa, you can see what I'm talking about. Anyway, they have a huge selection of all kinds of beers, wines, cigars, and vapes if you're into that sort of stuff. But it's a great place right off the highway. Grab your booze and head home, or if you're heading farther north than you and not sure if anything's open before you get home, grab it here.”
“Don't go to Portsmouth when the grumpy guy is working. Come here in the morning. The two girls absolutely kill it and are so nice. I just wish the cubbies I go to would fix the mocha frozen coffee machines. #CumberlandFarms if you ever see this,the morning girls need a raise. They handle the rushed with ease. Frozen coffee till I die!”
Open 24 hours
786 US-1, Portsmouth
Convenience Stores
“This gas station has GREAT PRICES and as a bonus the employees are always extra helpful and go out of their way. I take a lot of trips through here and this is my go-to gas station”
Open 24 hours
2470 Lafayette Rd, Portsmouth
Convenience Stores
“I moved across the street about a month ago. There is always one guy (I can’t remember his name I’ll have to ask for it next time) that is super helpful. I pulled in tonight at 2am in the need of a quart of oil (German cars are something else), and he came out with a funnel to assist. Good people here. Always will be here for my business.”
“We spend a week in Rye every year, and visit Petey’s at least 2-3 times every visit. Each time we’ve had friendly service and easy transactions. It’s a limited selection sure - but of course it is, it’s a beachside bodega. Cashier has always been especially kind to my young daughter, and happy to tell us about news in the community. We are happy to spend our money here - I bought beer here at 21 in 2005, I hope to still be buying it in decades to come.”