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!
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 |
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
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.
Bucket of steamer clams are amazing! Sit outdoors and come early. Older blond waitress is rude. Younger short haired waitress is fun.
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.
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!
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.
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 .
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
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 .
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
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!!
Such a great place, amazing fresh oysters and excellent lobster
Heaven on earth. Large bucket of steamers forever and ever amen.
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.
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 !?
Authentic Maine seafood . Best oysters and lobster roll downtown. Always my go to place when taking friends out from out of town .
Favorite Portland restaurant . Great local feel. Get the "naked" lobster roll . Opens at noon.
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
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.
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
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!
Great service, great food, great value . Every lobster dish is delicious. Would highly recommend.
Best steamers I have ever had! The lobster roll was pretty amazing too. Highly recommend!
Definitely get the raw scallop cocktail . Sweet, fresh, and HUGE!
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!
Awesome seafood at a good price. Nice wait staff , and one of the less touristy options down on Commercial Street.
Good lobster roll . Had a great time eating lunch on the outdoor deck .
Seriously fresh seafood and excellent lobster roll . Love the long neck clams !
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.
Oysters were awesome. Lobster stew had nice chunks of lobster
A local dive with fresh seafood . Nothing is fried, so don't come here looking for fish & chips . Try the classic lobster roll .
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.
There are a lot of good seafood places in Portland. This is one of the BEST!
Good steamers and chowder . Go early since there is limited seating .
Quiet , intimate outside seating in the late evenings.. all seafood is fresh and delicious
Good lobster roll . Excellent oysters . Clam chowder is a little watered down.
Great lobster platter!! Can't wait to get back there
Nothing fancy here, just straightforward Maine seafood served with sass on Portland’s working waterfront . [Eater 18 Member]
Delish seafood & outdoor seating with view of the water. This place is a must for visitors.
Oysters , Clam Chowder , Lobster Claw Cocktails , Beer
Lobster roll is a must here.
If it’s a full moon and a high tide, J’s is where you’ll find your stride.
The scallops are amazing!
The raw oysters were delicious
Local history. Staff is a family and have worked together for years!! A must!!!!
Had dinner with J and M.. WOW! Two bowls of chowder , oysters on the half shell, and a bucket of steamers .
Martinis good. Oysters yes. And the locals are incredibly friendly .
Clam Chowder Soup . It’s good enough
Classic 70s styled oyster bar but the pasta quality is quite poor. Stick with whole steamed lobster or similar.
Been coming here as long as I can remember, and have never had a disappointment!
Fantastic fish & chips! Huge portion with fried fingerling potatoes instead of traditional fries. - Portland Old Port
Amazing cocktails! Had a bees knees with bar hill gin. Plus dollar oysters at happy hour can’t be beat! Awesome location and space. - Sarah
Fish, fish and more fish. Good selection of oysters as well - Colby Spikes
Good local beer. We always stop here when we're in Portland. They have a mug club if you're a local and I am partial to the copper bar top as far as aesthetics go. - Adelyn
Awesome beer list...incredible beer garden! Great spot to soak up some suds and sun! - Jeff Snyder
Great lobster rolls (not too much added, so you get the full lobster flavor), good beer, and a great place to hang out outside on a sunny afternoon. A highlight of our trip to Portland! - Urban Oyster