Porter's Pub looks to carve out neighborhood bar niche

Owner James Henley in front of Porters Pub, Rochester's newest restaurant, located at the site of the former Magrilla's on Hanson Street. (Rochester Voice photo)

ROCHESTER - James Hanley of Rochester is hoping the city's newest restaurant and pub will be its friendliest.

Porter's Pub, named after his late father-in-law who always dreamed of having his own tavern, is located on Hanson Street in the space formerly occupied by Magrilla's, which closed when the pandemic struck in March.

"We want to make this place your neighborhood pub where everyone can feel comfortable, no cliques," Hanley said on Friday.

Hanley, whose been in the hospitality business for many years, said he's hoping to add to the pub's allure with locally brewed beers like Stripe Nine Brewing Co. out of Somersworth.

He said the food items will lean toward Italian and barbecue with a mixture of typical pub comfort food as well as a selection of popular entrees.

Newly renovated with extra seating, Porter's Pub opened on Sept. 1. It is open 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.

The pub's Facebook page is located at https://www.facebook.com/porterspub6174