Service was great at the bar on a Friday night. Had drinks and appetizers. Bowl of clam chowder was good, not the best but it satisfied the craving. It was pricey, $14. Had the steamers and mussels. Mussels were fantastic but quite expensive for $19 and it wasn't a huge portion. Small steamers were very sandy no matter how much you rinse them in the broth. I noticed the price increased again after 6 months. It's just really upsetting how expensive it is since this was a go to place in Portland since 2011. Oh well, how times have changed for the worse when it comes to dining out. We had a great time although prices are steep. $166 for 4 drinks, 3 clam chowder bowl, 2 orders of mussels and small steamers and that doesn't include the $35 tip.

A lovely, cozy seafood joint right by the water. I came here around Thanksgiving in a group of four and had a great time. We didn't have to wait for a table, and the service was prompt. I ordered the small bucket of steamed clams, which I'd never had before: you spear the meat out of the shell with a small fork and dunk it in melted better, and voila! The clams were huge, meaty, and tender, and one small bucket was enough food for me for dinner. J's also has a whole assortment of seafood on the menu -- everything from your classic clam chowder to oysters to seafood bouillabaisse. One person in our party ordered the linguine, and it was absolutely massive. They also have some great local beers on tap. The Shipyard blueberry ale paired really well with the clams. We also tried the chocolate cake for dessert, which was well-portioned, but a bit dry.

Okay, yall, how did I ever miss out on every coming here the time I lived in Boston? If you're debating on the small or large clams, get the large. It is worth every bite. Small might be enough per person if you get other dishes, large if you're a really hungry person. Super fresh, gotta wash all that dirt out & don't throw away the clam strips--which I did for most the meal until I realized what it was towards the end. Sad day forreals. Not sure what it's called on the menu but got the garlic olive oil pasta with scallops, which is never my first choice of seafood, but it blew me outta the waters. The seafood flavor was pleasant and so simple in both ingredients and flavor. This is on my list for Maine stops whenever I'm back on the East coast!

This local gem has such an exceptional dining experience that keeps you coming back for more. I grew up in Maine and always found myself coming back to this local joint many times. The cozy vibes of this small yet efficiently designed spot create a welcoming atmosphere, bustling with energy while providing plenty of seating. Sitting at the bar was the highlight of my visit. Tom, the bartender, was not only attentive but also incredibly friendly, making my experience even more memorable. Conversations with the local patrons added a genuine charm to the evening. The food and drinks? Absolutely stellar. The patty melt was perfectly cooked, full of flavor, and satisfying. However, the real standout for me was the large bucket of steamers. Fresh, tender, and served piping hot. Pairing them with a local Atlantic Blueberry Ale was a match made in heaven. That beer quickly became a favorite, offering a refreshing, fruity balance to the hearty seafood dishes. J's Oyster is a gem where great food, drinks, and company converge. It's the kind of place you can visit as a local staple or discover as a traveler seeking an authentic and unforgettable experience.

Portland is known for an abundance of good restaurants, but it's hard to pass up a good local joint like J's. my first time visiting, but my hosts go to place in downtown Portland. Great team and a great place to sit at a bar and eat oysters. We started with a dozen oysters and then followed it up with a haddock sandwich and a scallop dish. Everything was excellent. The beer was cold and Tesla The bartender was a very gracious host I was surprised by the current yelp rating, and definitely feel this place deserves better. I will definitely be back on my next trip to Portland.

Perfect night to bang with my college buddy. And it is sad to say that after living in Portland for 30 years, this is my first time. My friend suggested a pail of clams to start. I have had clams but not for a while and they were yummy. The staff is so attentive and the environment is fun. Everyone seems to know each other. I actually ran into a couple of people from my past. Just a fun space. Indoor and outdoor seating (seasonal). Located just off Commercial St. must use street parking or Uber. But worth the visit.

On a crowded night at J'Oyster my friend and I were lucky enough to get the last 2 spots at the large bar. I'm happy to report that what looked like it could be a dive bar upon first impression, churned out not only good drinks but very impressive lobster dishes. The lobster stew was filled with succulent lobster. You can't get anything like that where I live in Philly. For the entrée we shared the lobster scampi, since we noticed it was a huge dish. It was perfectly cooked pasta with a generous amount of lobster to ensure that you get lobster in every bite. We also couldn't resist the cheesecake for dessert. A sweet end to the meal. At the bar we had a front row seat to watch the bartenders working their butts off to provide great service. J's Oyster will be my first stop next time I'm in Portland Maine.

I will always love J's because it's got this dive bar fine-dining vibe that I cannot get enough of. It's just as common to see tourists as it is locals as it is guys who were on the boats that caught the lobster you're eating earlier in the day. The waits can be long because it's not large, but bar seating is plentiful and I recommend bellying up because it's a great chance to chat with the staff, who are always friendly and work their tails off. Service is great, and the food has always been really great every time I've been in. We started with half a dozen oysters and the presentation is bare bones - you aren't getting super duper dressed up oysters. This place is simple and it lets the food do the talking. We rocked some fried clams to start, and then the wife dove into the Seafood Casserole, and I had the scallop pasta. Everything was well cooked, felt like some really nice down-home seafood cooking. Again, we're not doing super elevated here. What we're doing is classic, simple, hearty. I love this joint and will always want to visit every time I'm back home in Maine.

Homey, family vibe. Simple menu where everything is fresh, amazing sea food. They know what they're good at! Fast service after seated but was a pretty long wait although we did go at 1 on a Saturday but was so worth it!!!