Morrissey’s Front Porch and Pub: A Wolfeboro Treasure, New Hampshire
Article by Nancy Dunmire, Staff Journalist – IPA Magazine Travel
Nestled in the lakeside town of Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, Morrissey’s Front Porch and Pub has long been a gathering place filled with history, hospitality, and heart. What began in 1938 as a humble ice cream shack has evolved into one of the town’s most beloved establishments—a place where locals and visitors alike feel at home.
The restaurant’s story begins with the Baileys, a family well-known and deeply respected in Wolfeboro. Their original shack quickly grew into a celebrated ice cream parlor, eventually moving down the street to one of the most charming parts of town. Over time, the Baileys expanded the original building, even adding their home to it. Decades later, in 2003, the space found a new identity when Aaron Morrissey transformed it into the warm and inviting Irish pub it is today.
Hospitality runs deep in Aaron’s family. His mother had a long-standing presence in the dining scene in Rochester, New Hampshire, and Aaron himself began working in restaurants at just 14 years old. Determined to hone his craft, he attended the renowned Johnson & Wales University, widely considered the nation’s top culinary school. That training, combined with his natural charisma as a host, has made Morrissey’s more than just a restaurant—it’s an experience.
Since opening its doors as an Irish pub, Morrissey’s has offered Wolfeboro residents and visitors not only a taste of authentic Irish fare but also a place to connect. Aaron’s attention to detail shines through in every corner: the cozy ambience, the hearty and flavorful food, and the fun, welcoming environment that keeps guests returning year after year.
About three years ago, he unveiled a striking new bar that quickly became the centerpiece of the pub. With dimmed lights, warm wood, and an energy that invites conversation, it’s the highlight for regulars and first-time visitors alike. Friendly, energetic bartenders and servers keep the place humming and make the pub feel less like a restaurant and more like a community living room.
A Menu That Over-Delivers
Some of the traditional—but truly “hit-it-out-of-the-ballpark”—menu items include bangers and mash, shepherd’s pie, prime rib, lobster roll, chili, and a seafood stew that’s absolutely explosive to the taste buds. The corned beef is brined for seven days with 18 impeccable ingredients, and Aaron leans on recipes he’s honed for more than 20 years. There are daily specials, and yes—mac & cheese with lobster. Who isn’t salivating?
He also loves his Irish “spice bag,” a Chinese-Irish takeaway favorite: think a chow mein–style box with spiced chicken stir-fry served in a paper bag—comforting, craveable, and unexpectedly perfect in a lakeside New Hampshire pub.
There are many cooks who might call themselves “chef,” but it’s easy to see why Johnson & Wales has the reputation it does. Everything here is fresh, and the kitchen happily modifies dishes for special dietary needs. They brine that corned beef for seven days, and sold 400 pounds of it on St. Patrick’s Day alone.
Live lobsters swim in the tank, assuring the freshest lobster roll you’ll find anywhere. Everything is handmade and made in-house. Aaron roasts his own turkey, grinds his own beef, and the pub goes through an eye-popping 100 pounds of haddock every week.
Hospitality At It’s Finest
Serving about 4,000 people per week—with warmth, friendliness, and genuine care—Morrissey’s keeps hospitality at the center of everything. Aaron’s top priorities are simple and unwavering: hospitality, great homemade food and service, and a welcoming ambience.
“Jimmy Fallon is quite a regular here, and I sure can understand why! I’m sure he has become part of the family at this place!”
In peak summer, they welcome roughly 36,000 guests; in winter, about 6,000. Locals know exactly where to come for an incomparable meal—and for friendship and family. Morrissey’s is, in every sense, a gathering place.
This is, without question, one of the finest restaurants we have ever visited: it wraps us all in the arms of belonging and hospitality; there’s something fun to look at on every wall; the lighting and the music are exceptional; and the food is simply unforgettable.
And for the record, we’re still trying to figure out how they imprint their logo on the foam of a perfectly poured Guinness. They attend to every detail.
Visit their website at Morrisseys Front Porch and make this your next stop in your travels!