Exeter Restaurants and Bars Close Early

Downtown Exeter is known for its local boutique-style businesses and chef-driven restaurants.

But, as soon as the clock strikes 9 p.m., most stores and restaurants close, forcing night owls to flee to neighboring towns like Hampton or Portsmouth for after-hours fun.

Early nights have always been part of the town’s culture.

There are approximately 30 local businesses along the half-mile stretch of Water Street and half of those are restaurants and bars.

On average, the closing time of these businesses is 7:30 p.m., with only five open past 9 p.m.