Reviews

Okay, so, I've been to this place like 4 times. I love it. My boyfriend and I went yesterday and had such a great time. Our server was great, the food was great. The visit before, however, was horrible. The server completely ignored my friend and me. My drink was empty literally the entire meal, she never came over to check on us, and when I asked for separate checks she brought over one and left before I could correct her. I'm a server, too. I get bad days. But she was only ignoring my table. The other tables she had, she was very attentive and friendly. Towards my friend and me, she was almost hostile. I debated coming back. After this last trip though, I'm glad I did. I'll just make sure to never have that one server again.

Came from California and brought to Js by our hosts. Sat at the bar and enjoyed the friendly attitudes of the waitress/bar tender. Watched one employee shuck ing oysters the whole time we were there. The restaurant was busy, so those oysters didn't sit on the ice too long. Had the raw oysters with fresh horseradish and cocktail sauce. Delicious. Ordered the lobster dinner that came with steamers and corn. Generous portions, filled up. The lobster was delicious, the steamers also and the corn was good too. They give you a big bowl to pit the calm shells and lobster shells. Overall, a great experience. Would definitely go back!

Best steamers ever. There was not as much sand as there usually is in all the steamers I've ever eaten in my life. The lobster stew was perfect consistency and quite tasty. It was not too creamy. Oysters were fresh as well. No complaints.

Bloody mary was also delish.

My husband and I got here on a Tuesday evening but it was still quite busy. When we got in, nobody came to serve us so we just sat ourselves at the bar. Not a great start, but the bar staffs friendliness made up for it during the rest of our time there.

We had the seafood platter appetizer, it came out in a fair portion - 2 pieces each of fresh oyster, lobster claw, scallop, shrimp, and some crab meat. I really enjoyed it and even my husband who's not fond of raw seafood had the oyster! We also shared a shrimp scampi, which my husband really liked though I though it was a bit too oily and blend.

After our meal, we stayed a bit longer, had some local beer on tap, and caugh a bunch of water pokemon (J's is a pokestop and a lure was on - how could I resist?)

J's is a bit divey but don't let that put you off. The food is really good so don't let this put you off. The seafood here is delish! The lobster roll was the best I have had so far in Maine. Lots of fresh lobster on a caramelized bun, lettuce, with mayo on the side. The chowder was equally good and the have either clam or Haddock chowder. The broth was very delicate with some peppery hints. Great food and friendly service at the bar. The food gets a 5, service a 4, space inside a 2, outside is a 3. I would definitely go back agin for the food and the location is right downtown with ample parking in the area.

As expected the briny backwash of oysters on the half was the lead off to a great dinner on my recent and first visit to this food mecca. J's is one of the places you have to experience. We also enjoyed the lobster and seafood casserole. This will be a repeat for sure.

Every time we visit Portland, we make it a point to have dinner at J's. This is not your fancy, high end restaurant, but your basic good food and good service eatery. It is always crowded, which is always a good sign. Be prepared to wait, but it is worth it.

Heard about J's from our hotel front staff at Fireside Inn & Suites... so good we ate there 3 times!! Super friendly staff and great value for price. Without a doubt, the lobster stew and bouillabaisse were to die for!! It gets crowded and out door seating is a premium during nice weather. Jake the chef, came out to tell us his secrets in making the lobster stew. Yummy!

Wife and I stopped while visiting Portland. Best oysters we've had in Maine! Their service was on point and the steamed clams were also fantastic. Must visit if in Portland!

This is an iconic bar in Portland. I sat at the bar and got a lobster salad which had huge pieces of juicy lobster. They don't skimp on the drink pours either, and there are locals and tourists and it's such a great atmosphere!!!

Local, hidden gem without the insane prices of downtown. Plus Fast and friendly service. Left very full with a tasty spin on a scallop classic- the scallop casserole! Don't knock it till you try it!

Friendly staff! Good portion size! Lobster salad was unique where served with pasta salad, mixed carrots, celery, onion, and coleslaw. Romain lettuce is the base layer and tearing up to use as a wrap was a unique experience that will add to your slaps! You will get salad dressing, but if you need to watch out for sodium, dish is flavorful enough that you don't need the salad dressing. Definitely have oysters as an appetizer and you won't regret it!

Great atmosphere, good food, friendly staff. Wonderful way to experience Maine.

Jay's has been a perennial favorite of mine calling me back over and over for nearly 40 years. The foundation of this allure must surely be their Bloody Mary-s. Spicy, boozy elixirs of good tomato juice, horse radish, and celery that refresh and invite you to settle in whether from a hot day of strolling the Old Port or to shrug off a deep drizzle of rain and fog. The food is classic uncomplicated New England seafood, and reliably quite good. Turf offerings are also good and savory. The decor is comfortable bar and tables with low slung broad windows to watch the harbor go by. Always worth a burger, a beer, and a bucket of steamers. And a good bloody.

Always great seafood

The clam chowder soup, the stuff mushrooms and steam mussels were really good.

Really enjoyed the visit. Ordered raw oysters, steamed clams and seafood casserole - all very fresh and tasted great. Friendly service. I liked the location too - a bit off the main touristy beat, right on the docks, easy parking.

We come here every winter we are skiing in Maine, before we head up to the mountains. Best oysters ? I have ever had.

The oyster sampler was amazing, hard to pick a favorite!

If you like small local places with great food, then go to J's, you won't be upset.

This place is delicious and great location!

Just the best. Unpretentious, authentic and delicious. I live for their seafood casserole & tried the baked oysters for the first time, 5 stars. Always get a bucket or the steamers too - they're a must.

Absolutely fantastic experience here at J's Oyster. The staff was friendly and warm, the lobster stew was outstanding, and the local Maine oysters were delicious!