The Rise and Fall of Portsmouth's Most Beloved Bar! The Red Door Ex-Owner on FAMOUS Espresso Martinis & How Portsmouth Changed
How does a tiny, hidden cocktail bar with no sign, no advertising, and (almost) no rules become one of the most beloved institutions in a city's history? Cresta Smith, the co-founder of the legendary bar The Red Door, joins host Troy Farkas this week to discuss the iconic Portsmouth speakeasy that shaped an entire generation of nightlife (and espresso martini lovers) on the Seacoast. From opening night in 2003 to her departure in 2014 and the bar's closure in 2017, Smith reveals the untold story of building a business entirely on instinct and word of mouth. She shares how a chance conversation with restaurateur Jay McSharry changed her life, why she refused to put a sign on the building, the secret behind their famous espresso martinis, and how The Red Door became the place everyone ended their night. But beneath the success was another story. The pressure of running one of Portsmouth's busiest bars... the mental toll of always being "on"... the temptations that came with success... and the unlikely companion that ultimately saved her. This isn't just the story of a bar. It's about ambition, identity, addiction to momentum, knowing when to let go, and why the places we remember most are often impossible to recreate. IN THIS EPISODE: Why The Red Door never needed a sign or advertising The business philosophy that's made Jay McSharry so successful How Portsmouth transformed into a nationally recognized food destination The secret behind The Red Door's legendary espresso martinis Building a cult following before social media existed The hidden cost of success and burnout The dog that changed Cresta's life forever Why some places become legends—and why they can never truly come back CHAPTERS: (00:00) Portsmouth's Foodie Boom (01:02) Jumpin Jays Changes Game (02:06) Jay McSherry Playbook (08:48) The Red Door Origins (11:52) Designing Speakeasy Vibe (14:35) No Signs, No Advertising (18:12) Getting Through Loopholes (28:55) Big Musical Acts Who Performed There (32:00) The Physical & Mental Toll of The Red Door (34:20) The Dog Who Saved Her (36:45) SPONSORS: Budget Blinds + JOBTALK LLC (39:40) The Red Door's Famous Espresso Martinis (44:20) Leaving For New York City (50:00) How Portsmouth Has Changed SUPPORT SEACOAST STORIES: Visit the NEW SeacoastStories.com for our newsletter & LIMITED-TIME summer merch drop! Follow Seacoast Stories on Apple Podcasts or on Spotify to get our new episodes every week. UPCOMING EVENTS: Seacoast Stories Dinner Club: The club that's regularly attracting ~100 people heads to Amesbury, Mass. on Wednesday, August 5, and back to Portsmouth on Wednesday, August 19! Book your seat at the table here. SPONSORS: Budget Blinds of the Seacoast! Custom blinds, shades, and shutters reasonably priced and professionally installed. JOBTALK LLC! Get 50% off JOBTALK Academy courses with the code "SEACOASTSTORIES50" for the rest of 2026!