Gilley’s

Reviews

• Sarah C.

  star star star star star_border 13 June 2026

  Good hand cut fries and diner burger.  
  
  Just don't expect any frills, this is your typical diner fare.  There was just one guy working the whole place (it's super tiny).  He took a few orders and then got to making them, so he was understandably a little cranky and stressed.
  
  That being said it was great diner fare.  
  
  The fries tasted fresh, like what you get at a fair

• Nicole L.

  star star star star_border star_border 5 June 2026

  Oh, no. You guys...
  
  I read all over here, and heard by word of mouth, that Gilley's is where it's at when you need a late night meal. I am so sad to say that I did not get that impression during my visit.
  
  I can't tell you how long we had to stand in the line to get in and then how long it took for our order to be ready. I never have an issue with wait times unless the food comes out unsatisfying. If I have to wait for food it should taste like awesomeness since you took the time to cook it. I had a burger and fries. The burger was dry. We tried adding ketchup on it when we get back to the hotel and it did not help. The fries were stale yet somehow felt soggy/saturated with oil. I know, fries are oily because they are fried but this was like eating next day french fries and I was actually picking at it on the way back to the hotel while it was fresh and it was not at all good.
  
  Here's why I gave it an A-OK...
  
  My fiance and his co-workers were there for a handful of months and they've tried it multiple times. I was told it was an off night for the eatery and I believe it; I just caught them at the wrong time. I've heard so much about this being the spot and I'm a little bummed to have missed out on that impression. If you're reading this to decide on whether or not to try it, please do. I honestly think my experience was an isolated one.
  
  Side note and does not affect star ratings: This is a late night spot so be prepared to deal with horrible drunks.

• Samantha L.

  star star star star star_border 3 June 2026

  Mmmm poutine. While I was served one giant wad of a cheese curd, the gravy really made up for it. Of course, this is more if a late night snack kinda experience. I found the service just fine, some other reviewers... relax. The ladies were working a big crowd.
  I'll be back.

• Matthew U.

  star star star star star 1 June 2026

  Why is it when I am out and about in a new area I always revert back to food that I find simple.  I could be near five star restaurants and always end up at a diner instead.  Which, let's be honest, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.  Sometimes all you need is comfort food at a price point that doesn't break the bank.
  
  I had had a full day of seeing the sights in the area, after a brief down period I knew it was time to fill my stomach with something gut busting.  I came up to Portsmouth with that intention.  After parking I pulled up the Yelp app to see what was near me.  Somehow I ended up getting lost walking around this town and almost got to the point where I was frustrated and ready to give up.  Somehow in that frustration I ended up right in front of Gilley's.
  
  When I saw this place I was taken aback a bit.  I thought, this couldn't be a place that serves something satisfying.  At the same time I was intrigued.  I waited until the group of people left until I entered.  It was a good thing too.  I had no idea how to get in here.  It is a true diner car.  Once that was figured out it was like you stepped into the past when you entered here.  Odd to think that this is how people dined and dashed.  I loved it.  You definitely do not come here to wow people.  You come here to fill your pit and get it moving.
  
  I quickly checked the menu when I was entering the place.  Be sure to do this as service is extremely quick.  Without hesitation I went with two chili dogs with onion and an order of cheese fries.  I was a bit disappointed that they didn't have chili cheese fries, but we will get to that a bit later.
  
  I kind of milled around while my food was prepared.  Which I would do over again, food is prepared as you order it, no food in warmers here.  Once my food was ready I found myself seated in the corner ready to dig in.  When I finally took in what I was about to do, I realized that this was going to be difficult.  I should have went with one hot dog, because these things were beasts.  I had attempted to pick them up, but each time I did that I ended up with chili all over my hands.  So I ended up eating those dogs with utensils.  Probably a good idea to do.  Those dogs were perfect.  The chili had a bit of a kick to it, but those onions with their fresh coolness kind of muted that.  
  
  Those fries, oh my god, those fries.  Fresh cut, hot out of the oil and with a generous amount of cheese on them.  So amazing.  So here's a pro tip for you.  If you wanted chili cheese fries, get the two dogs with it.  The amount of chili left over after devouring those dogs is just enough to mix those cheese fries in and have yourself chili cheese fries.  It took me a minute to figure this out, but when I dumped my fries into the leftover chili in the dog container and mixed it all together, perfection.  It may have made myself look greedy, but I enjoyed it.  Don't be afraid to use utensils here folks.
  
  Gut busting?  Yes.  I left there satisfied and in need of a nap.

• Timothy T.

  star star_border star_border star_border star_border 29 May 2026

  While visiting Portsmouth after being gone for nearly three decades, was delighted to see Gilly's was still there.
  
  What was not expected was the downright unfriendly and rude attitude from the staff. Sorry Sir, the posted hours indicated you are open until 5:00 on Monday's, yet you snapped at us when we walked in the door at 4:30. No worries, left and spent my hard earned $$'s elsewhere.
  
  If you are truly that angry and unhappy, change jobs. Customer service is not your forte.
  
  Would give this a "negative 4" rating, but the Yelp app does not permit that.