J's Oyster Bar

The pearl of the waterfront and Portland and Maine's premier oyster locale. Good food, good drinks, and good people in a unique waterfront atmosphere!

8 / 10
324
ratings
  • Phone

    (207) 772-4828

  • Website

    jsoyster.com

  • Instagram

    No Instagram

  • X (Twitter)

    No X (Twitter)

  • Facebook

    120684354615158

  • Type

    Seafood Restaurant

Address

5 Portland Pier (at Commercial St) Portland , ME 04101 United States

Reservations No
Credit Cards Yes (incl. American Express)
Outdoor Seating No
Menus Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Happy Hour
Drinks Beer, Full Bar, Cocktails

Comments / 112


Keywords:

lobster bucket of steamers casual chowder great value scenic views sandwiches bar corn vodka dinner friendly staff crowded lunch town raw bar haddock parking shooters mayonnaise
Erik Cintron

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

Norman Ellis

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.

Betty Mak

Bucket of steamer clams are amazing! Sit outdoors and come early. Older blond waitress is rude. Younger short haired waitress is fun.

Wyatt Funderburk

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 Kadis

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!

Bon

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 Silva

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 Tripp

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 Walsh

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 beinhacker

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 Bialeschki

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 B

Such a great place, amazing fresh oysters and excellent lobster

Noele L.

Heaven on earth. Large bucket of steamers forever and ever amen.

Jim

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 Rosenthal

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 Carignan

Authentic Maine seafood . Best oysters and lobster roll downtown. Always my go to place when taking friends out from out of town .

Craig Desmarais

Favorite Portland restaurant . Great local feel. Get the "naked" lobster roll . Opens at noon.

Chelly B

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

Jon

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.

Wyngspan

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-Rodriguez

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 P

Great service, great food, great value . Every lobster dish is delicious. Would highly recommend.

Lauren Beslity

Best steamers I have ever had! The lobster roll was pretty amazing too. Highly recommend!

Ivana Li

Definitely get the raw scallop cocktail . Sweet, fresh, and HUGE!

Traci Gikas

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 Bracco

Awesome seafood at a good price. Nice wait staff , and one of the less touristy options down on Commercial Street.

Sofia Papastamelos

Good lobster roll . Had a great time eating lunch on the outdoor deck .

Dana Villmore

Seriously fresh seafood and excellent lobster roll . Love the long neck clams !

Steven Matthews

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 Sosa

Oysters were awesome. Lobster stew had nice chunks of lobster

Portland Old Port

A local dive with fresh seafood . Nothing is fried, so don't come here looking for fish & chips . Try the classic lobster roll .

Tonya Mezrich

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 Hoster

There are a lot of good seafood places in Portland. This is one of the BEST!

Jonathan Yu

Good steamers and chowder . Go early since there is limited seating .

Allison Crouch

Quiet , intimate outside seating in the late evenings.. all seafood is fresh and delicious

Chris Nevins

Good lobster roll . Excellent oysters . Clam chowder is a little watered down.

Deb M

Great lobster platter!! Can't wait to get back there

Eater

Nothing fancy here, just straightforward Maine seafood served with sass on Portland’s working waterfront . [Eater 18 Member]

Stephanie Bell

Delish seafood & outdoor seating with view of the water. This place is a must for visitors.

Patrick Swett

Oysters , Clam Chowder , Lobster Claw Cocktails , Beer

Jonathan

Lobster roll is a must here.

Kurt Baker

If it’s a full moon and a high tide, J’s is where you’ll find your stride.

Mary Jeanne Robinson

The scallops are amazing!

Pat Gouin

The raw oysters were delicious

Kate Rumery

Local history. Staff is a family and have worked together for years!! A must!!!!

Gene G.

Had dinner with J and M.. WOW! Two bowls of chowder , oysters on the half shell, and a bucket of steamers .

Marty A

Martinis good. Oysters yes. And the locals are incredibly friendly .

Jerry Kim

Clam Chowder Soup . It’s good enough

Chet Mancini

Classic 70s styled oyster bar but the pasta quality is quite poor. Stick with whole steamed lobster or similar.

Amanda

Been coming here as long as I can remember, and have never had a disappointment!

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