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J's Oyster Bar

Seafood Restaurant$$$$

Downtown Portland, Portland

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J's Oyster Bar

8.1^/10

324

ratings

Ranked #3 for seafood restaurants in Portland
"The lobster stew is delicious and the drinks are notoriously strong."(9 Tips)
"Seriously fresh seafood and excellent lobster roll."(18 Tips)
"Bucket of steamer clams are amazing!"(5 Tips)
"Free oysters in February makes February the best month all year!"(32 Tips)

112 Tips and reviews

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lobster
bucket of steamers
casual
chowder
great value
scenic views
sandwiches
bar
corn
vodka
dinner
friendly staff
crowded
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raw bar
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Erik CintronSeptember 2, 2018
Famous spot the late Bourdain visited. I had to come try it. It’s everybody’s bar with amazing seafood. Make reservations or go to the bar and great service and food. Dive bar feeling. Off the water
Upvoted Sep 2
Norman EllisJuly 18, 2015
Divey and dirty and everything you want a lobster shack on the docks to be. Lots of drunk happy locals mixed in with summer folk. The steamed Lobster Dinner was reasonably priced and delish.
Upvoted Oct 3
Betty MakSeptember 7, 2014
Bucket of steamer clams are amazing! Sit outdoors and come early. Older blond waitress is rude. Younger short haired waitress is fun.
Wyatt FunderburkAugust 11, 2014
Been here 25+ times
Always my first stop in the old port. Grab an Allagash White, a bucket of steamers and some lobster bisque and you're all set.
Justin KadisJune 25, 2015
Did you know: Portland has an NBADL team named the Maine Red Claws? After you see the size of the claws on the lobster rolls at J's, it no wonder!
BonJune 28, 2013
Sit outside, watch the boats, eat oysters and other sea treats. The bakers dozen is incredibly generous. >13. PS you can charge a phone outside.
Pam De SilvaOctober 2, 2015
If there's an incredibly long wait list, you'll probably have better luck waiting for someone to leave their seat at the bar. Then get a bucket of steamers and wash it down with some local beer.
Bob TrippFebruary 2, 2011
great bar and resteraunt but 3's a crowd travel alone or in pairs if you want a seat at the bar during busy hours. Mary and Sandy are friendly and attentive bartenders. The lobster stew is awesome an
Kevin WalshApril 12, 2016
I would say leaving 15% is the minimum here and and even that I would frown upon unless there is a special lady that deserves some succulent oysters.
Kevin beinhackerJuly 5, 2020
Oysters were excellent but not as good as scales, lobster claw app and stuffed mushrooms with crabmeat were excellent. Lobster soup is definitely worth it
Jacob BialeschkiAugust 26, 2014
If this is your first time in Portland and want a local joint...This is the place. A little old school but the have amazing oysters for about a buck a piece!!
MLe BJanuary 7, 2018
Such a great place, amazing fresh oysters and excellent lobster
Noele L.November 25, 2015
Heaven on earth. Large bucket of steamers forever and ever amen.
JimSeptember 30, 2012
My go-to food and beverage destination in Portland. Found this place when Grateful Dead played the Civic Center May '79. I've boated over from S Harpswell in 17' Whaler just to have a Dozen.
Matthew RosenthalJuly 10, 2013
combo cocktail is a must and if they have the cajun scallops roll as a special a must try! oh and did i forget to mention oyster vodka shooters!?
Shelby CarignanSeptember 14, 2014
Authentic Maine seafood. Best oysters and lobster roll downtown. Always my go to place when taking friends out from out of town.
Craig DesmaraisSeptember 4, 2014
Favorite Portland restaurant. Great local feel. Get the "naked" lobster roll. Opens at noon.
Chelly BSeptember 5, 2010
When you find the CEO of a corporation sitting next to the Fisherman who brought in the catch of the day...you know it's good! imo best place to get the best seafood in Portland when you want it fresh
JonSeptember 29, 2015
Not the best seafood I've ever had, but it a really nice vibe. Be warned though: waited 90min for a table for 2 on a Friday in mid-Sept.
WyngspanJanuary 27, 2014
Feels and looks like it hasn't changed in years, and that's a beautiful thing. Best spot for delicious, fresh, cheap oysters. Read more
Arminda Guillama-RodriguezOctober 20, 2011
Any wait is worth it, staff is friendly and place is mixed with locals and tourists - great specials too. Best lobster roll I've had so far!
M PJuly 17, 2019
Great service, great food, great value. Every lobster dish is delicious. Would highly recommend.
Lauren BeslityOctober 24, 2016
Best steamers I have ever had! The lobster roll was pretty amazing too. Highly recommend!
Ivana LiApril 15, 2014
Definitely get the raw scallop cocktail. Sweet, fresh, and HUGE!
Traci GikasFebruary 19, 2016
Do they still have the oyster special going in February? I've been away for awhile, in the Midwest where oysters are something that come in a can!
Chris BraccoSeptember 13, 2014
Awesome seafood at a good price. Nice wait staff, and one of the less touristy options down on Commercial Street.
Sofia PapastamelosSeptember 5, 2015
Good lobster roll. Had a great time eating lunch on the outdoor deck.
Dana VillmoreMarch 26, 2017
Been here 5+ times
Seriously fresh seafood and excellent lobster roll. Love the long neck clams!
Steven MatthewsFebruary 8, 2012
You really can't go wrong at this fun, cozy raw bar with a great local energy. It's probably just what you're looking for.
Lisa SosaAugust 26
Oysters were awesome. Lobster stew had nice chunks of lobster
Portland Old PortApril 15, 2013
A local dive with fresh seafood. Nothing is fried, so don't come here looking for fish & chips. Try the classic lobster roll.
Tonya MezrichJune 21, 2016
Kinda disappointing this year compared to last year. ESP for the kids food. Got a pink hot dog and orange mac n cheese. The lobster roll was nothing special and the steamers soso.
Jonathan HosterOctober 12, 2013
There are a lot of good seafood places in Portland. This is one of the BEST!
Allison CrouchJuly 9, 2013
Quiet, intimate outside seating in the late evenings.. all seafood is fresh and delicious
Jonathan YuOctober 9, 2018
Good steamers and chowder. Go early since there is limited seating.
Chris NevinsSeptember 19, 2015
Good lobster roll. Excellent oysters. Clam chowder is a little watered down.
Deb MJuly 6, 2016
Great lobster platter!! Can't wait to get back there
EaterJuly 30, 2012
Nothing fancy here, just straightforward Maine seafood served with sass on Portland’s working waterfront. [Eater 18 Member]
Patrick SwettAugust 16, 2015
Oysters, Clam Chowder, Lobster Claw Cocktails, Beer
Stephanie BellMay 21, 2012
Delish seafood & outdoor seating with view of the water. This place is a must for visitors.
Kurt BakerFebruary 8, 2020
Been here 10+ times
If it’s a full moon and a high tide, J’s is where you’ll find your stride.
JonathanJune 30, 2015
Lobster roll is a must here.
Mary Jeanne RobinsonJuly 25, 2016
The scallops are amazing!
Pat GouinJuly 31, 2015
The raw oysters were delicious
Kate RumeryOctober 3, 2012
Local history. Staff is a family and have worked together for years!! A must!!!!
Gene G.August 25, 2012
Had dinner with J and M.. WOW! Two bowls of chowder, oysters on the half shell, and a bucket of steamers.
Marty AAugust 23, 2013
Martinis good. Oysters yes. And the locals are incredibly friendly.
Jerry KimDecember 18, 2019
Clam Chowder Soup. It’s good enough
Chet ManciniMay 29, 2017
Classic 70s styled oyster bar but the pasta quality is quite poor. Stick with whole steamed lobster or similar.
AmandaMay 31, 2013
Been coming here as long as I can remember, and have never had a disappointment!

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