Mrs EcoRover & I stumbled upon this place after a tip from a local. Unless you are specifically looking for it, you won't likely find it. Definitely worth seeking out: we ate a couple of dozen fresh oysters and a plate of mussels, and both were fantastic. Certainly the best oysters we've had in the Northeast, and almost as good... more

Food was average. Service was average. Local dive. more

Jay's offers fantastic seafood at an affordable price. For a city located on the waterfront, there aren't too many options where you can get decent seafood. Perhaps this is why Jay's is frequented mostly by locals, and doesnt have the 'toy city' feeling that has permeated throughout the rest of portland over the past two decades. Instead it maintains a... more

I have been to J's 3 times this year - Jan alone on business, then two dinners in a row while on vacation with my wife in June. It is not for everyone! Not for large parties (more than 4). Not for families. It was recommended to me by a co-worker from Wells, ME when I was first in Portland.... more

I was really suprised to see these bad reviews? But then again Jays Oyster Bar is not a family style restaurant chain, if you are impatient or snappy with the staff they will most likely show you the error of your ways. My wife and I try to get up to Maine every other month or so for a weekend... more

J's is a place to experience the real Portland waterfront. It's usually filled--with locals, not tourists. Although the clientele is a mix of fishermen and professionals, J's maintains a decidedly working class feel. Located right on Portland's waterfront, it has indoor and outdoor seating. Serves great fresh seafood. more

The food was not good and made my mother ill causing her to spend the rest of the day in the hotel next to a bathroom.The lobster was dirty and many of the clams in the allotted serving failed to open.The scampi was loaded with spices. This negative experience was compounded by the most obnoxious waitress we have ever encountered.When... more

The waitress was the worst I've ever seen. My family of 6 went there because it was recommended. My husband got served flat beer. My drink was made wrong and my mother, a native Maine-iac expected a traditional lobster roll. What she got was lobster she had to mix herself with mayo. When she asked the waitress for a bowl,... more

As many of the reviews state, this place has amazing food. We had a bucket of Steamers to share at the table. They were fabulous. My lobster was huge and came with its own pile of steamers on top (which I couldn't eat). It seems that $24.00 is a going market price for a lobster at this restaurant whatever the... more