My wife, a Portland native, and I were excited to have a rare date afternoon yesterday, around 3:30 PM, and chose J's Oyster for our meal. Upon arrival, the host was very kind and seated us promptly at a table outside, which was a great start.
Unfortunately, that's where the positive experience ended. For a full 20 minutes, we were completely ignored by the servers and staff. Tables directly next to us were being tended to, but not a single person acknowledged our presence, offered water, or even made eye contact. We patiently waited, hoping someone would eventually come to our table, but it never happened.
After 15 minutes, we agreed to give it another five. When that time passed without any acknowledgment, we sadly gathered our menus, placed them back, and left to find another place to eat.
We spend a good chunk of our time every year in Portland. I have always been impressed by the show of courteously of people here. This experience at J's Oyster, however, was a stark and pretty disheartening contrast.
We were really looking forward to enjoying some oysters and drinks, and to leave so utterly disappointed was truly a letdown.
While the initial greeting was pleasant, the complete lack of service that followed made for a very frustrating and memorable experience for all the wrong reasons. We hope this feedback helps the management address the issue, as we wouldn't want others to experience the same disappointment. Given our experience, we will unfortunately not be returning.
Mimi Phan
Food was very basic…. We did not enjoy the presentation and taste of the oysters.
The Arya
The food here was so good! This was my first time having a lobster roll in Maine. I did have a cold here. It had a lot of meat in it and it was actually pretty good. I did love the server that we had. She was super nice and very helpful and made sure that I were drinks were always refilled. She was a character and I really loved her! I'm mad I forgot her name though 😞. I had the original lobster roll, my friend had the original officer role as well. And then they had the oysters which they said were amazing. Some of the best that they had. My mom had Lee tuna salad salad and my aunt had the shrimp salad. They both look super huge like it could have been for two people. The only thing that was a little bit of an issue was the wait time and then the fact that it was kind of tight on the inside. Back home. We will call this place almost like a hole in a wall kind of place where it's like. Really tight knit but the food is amazing. It's kind of like that feel. Had a ginger ale to drink. It was a little off but I didn't care. I didn't come there for that. The lobster roll was good. They gave us butter and mayo packets for it. I used both. Definitely a messy meal lol.
Vinod Bhat
Had a great experience yesterday dining at Jay’s oyster, we ordered steamed clams and oysters, both were phenomenal and flavorful, great service with bustling atmosphere, great service!
Martha Freeman
We walked in around 2:00 on a Saturday afternoon and the place was crowded. We were able to be seated almost immediately. I had a lobster roll and iced tea. The meal arrived quickly and was delicious. The waitress was busy, but she was still very attentative. The only issue I had was the one restroom, which is used by both men and women. Although the restroom was kinda icky, I think that is part of having a single gender neutral facility. Despite the restroom situation, I’d definitely return for another meal and have no problems recommending J’s Oyster Bar.
import performance
Best steamed clams in town. Thank you so much. Also love your cocktails and a great staff. A+++
richard strachan
Very well prepared food. Waitress was very nice.
David Watermiller
Had baker's dozen oysters and the mussels. Both great 😃
Food was fresh, service was lagging a little, but friendly enough. Price seems on par for the area.
I loved the atmosphere where tourists were chatting each other up and also had regulars coming in. I'd definitely be back for a more tucked away spot near the water.
K Otto
Old school, jetty vibe. Great food and service. Will be back.
Donna Freas
Food was exceptional!
ariel moniz
This place sucks. Rude bad vibes.
Stephanie Ballou
The food was good. The space was tight and busy. Not a place to linger. But a good spot if you want a quick meal without any fanfare.
My wife, a Portland native, and I were excited to have a rare date afternoon yesterday, around 3:30 PM, and chose J's Oyster for our meal. Upon arrival, the host was very kind and seated us promptly at a table outside, which was a great start.
Unfortunately, that's where the positive experience ended. For a full 20 minutes, we were completely ignored by the servers and staff. Tables directly next to us were being tended to, but not a single person acknowledged our presence, offered water, or even made eye contact. We patiently waited, hoping someone would eventually come to our table, but it never happened.
After 15 minutes, we agreed to give it another five. When that time passed without any acknowledgment, we sadly gathered our menus, placed them back, and left to find another place to eat.
We spend a good chunk of our time every year in Portland. I have always been impressed by the show of courteously of people here. This experience at J's Oyster, however, was a stark and pretty disheartening contrast.
We were really looking forward to enjoying some oysters and drinks, and to leave so utterly disappointed was truly a letdown.
While the initial greeting was pleasant, the complete lack of service that followed made for a very frustrating and memorable experience for all the wrong reasons. We hope this feedback helps the management address the issue, as we wouldn't want others to experience the same disappointment. Given our experience, we will unfortunately not be returning.
Food was very basic…. We did not enjoy the presentation and taste of the oysters.
The food here was so good! This was my first time having a lobster roll in Maine. I did have a cold here. It had a lot of meat in it and it was actually pretty good. I did love the server that we had. She was super nice and very helpful and made sure that I were drinks were always refilled. She was a character and I really loved her! I'm mad I forgot her name though 😞. I had the original lobster roll, my friend had the original officer role as well. And then they had the oysters which they said were amazing. Some of the best that they had. My mom had Lee tuna salad salad and my aunt had the shrimp salad. They both look super huge like it could have been for two people. The only thing that was a little bit of an issue was the wait time and then the fact that it was kind of tight on the inside. Back home. We will call this place almost like a hole in a wall kind of place where it's like. Really tight knit but the food is amazing. It's kind of like that feel. Had a ginger ale to drink. It was a little off but I didn't care. I didn't come there for that. The lobster roll was good. They gave us butter and mayo packets for it. I used both. Definitely a messy meal lol.
Had a great experience yesterday dining at Jay’s oyster, we ordered steamed clams and oysters, both were phenomenal and flavorful, great service with bustling atmosphere, great service!
We walked in around 2:00 on a Saturday afternoon and the place was crowded. We were able to be seated almost immediately. I had a lobster roll and iced tea. The meal arrived quickly and was delicious. The waitress was busy, but she was still very attentative. The only issue I had was the one restroom, which is used by both men and women. Although the restroom was kinda icky, I think that is part of having a single gender neutral facility. Despite the restroom situation, I’d definitely return for another meal and have no problems recommending J’s Oyster Bar.
Best steamed clams in town. Thank you so much. Also love your cocktails and a great staff. A+++
Very well prepared food. Waitress was very nice.
Had baker's dozen oysters and the mussels. Both great 😃
Just great food and a yummy lobster casserole.
Delicious!!
Restaurantji Recommends
Food was fresh, service was lagging a little, but friendly enough. Price seems on par for the area.
I loved the atmosphere where tourists were chatting each other up and also had regulars coming in. I'd definitely be back for a more tucked away spot near the water.
Old school, jetty vibe. Great food and service. Will be back.
Food was exceptional!
This place sucks. Rude bad vibes.
The food was good. The space was tight and busy. Not a place to linger. But a good spot if you want a quick meal without any fanfare.
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