Outstanding great place to dine. We referred by a friend. In town to visit from NYC. The service was professional polite and friendly. Ambiance is powerful it's a great flow from the bar to the eating sitting. Definitely will be back. Portsmouth is on the move.
V Burke
Food was nice and hot! Delicious!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Tiffaney W.
Thyme on The River has a lot of potential to be a great addition to downtown Portsmouth however they need to work on somethings first. The atmosphere was great and the steel drum was even better ; however waiting 2 hours for food is unacceptable. Especially when your waitress never refills your drink or checks on you at the table and the host puts his fingers in your food. I hope they get it together.
Kareem H.
food is fair nothing to rush back to. after waiting 2hour for the food to come out they had the audacity to warm it up in the microwave like I wouldn't know the difference!! the waitress never came in gave us a refill on our drinks as we were waiting for 2hours then made sure she put gratuity on my tab for over $40 and our meal was only $58 not including food tax!! The atmosphere was ok the music was very loud but however the still drummer had skills just wish that it was a little softer With the music. I like the fact it's black owned but they gotta do much better
Jason F.
We decided to try this restaurant because the Jamaican creole style menu: The Good: Location is nice, and right on the water, parking was easy and we were greeted immediately upon entering. The Jerk Chicken was extremely delicious and seasoned to perfection. The owner came by to greet us as we were leaving and thanked us for coming. The Bad: We waited for a long time to get our initial order, there were a couple large parties so it was understandable but it shouldn't take 10 mins to get an order of drinks in. We ordered a couple signature cocktails, but they were wayy too strong and came out lukewarm warm, it could be better though just needs to be shaken in ice or something. I was excited about the oxtails but I was disappointed, they were the tiniest oxtails I've ever had, with not much meat on them, they were also cooked too long as they were a bit on the chewy side, sauce was good though. The house salad seemed like it came out of a bag and the croutons were too big. Rice and peas were decent, i think if they need a bit more seasoning and more peas. The Ugly: The plastic that they have over the tables are very unnecessary and a bit tacky looking. Also they didn't have proper table cloths. They give off high end restaurants vibes but are missing on a few details like that. Prices weee a bit steep for the quality of food. I understand oxtails and some ingredients are not cheap but we have got to make it soo good that i want to come back and not just settle for "Happy Times" or "MP Island" Verdict: This is a solid restaurant with tons of potential to make it even better, I would love to come back for that jerk chicken though and hopefully a better overall experience.
Matt W.
Food not satisfying. They need improvement on quality control with food. Service was a 3 star Ambiance 4 star
S. Parson
My best friend ordered a margarita. When we got the check, she was charged $2.50 for salt around the rim of her small glass. We both were like WOW! The food was ok, I don't care for canned yams.
Booked a reservation for a birthday party at 7:00 pm. Arrive at the place had be seated somewhere else until a table became available which was a 8:00 pm. Finally when we got seated had to wait fir a waitress to come and greet us. Put in our food order now it is 10:00 pm still waiting to be served. I am about to bounce. Very disappointed.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 1
Recommended dishes: Pears & Potion
Tashara Floyd
The food was absolutely delicious and drinks are very flavorful, HOWEVER the service was very poor! The servers were slow taking our drinks and the food took forever. My cousin bday dinner started at 6:45pm and we didn’t start receiving our food until 9pm
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 2
Recommended dishes: Rasta Pasta with Shrimp, Jerk Chicken Eggrolls
angela vaughan
Our server was Zoe C,I had the salmon sandwich they put it on sub bread instead of sandwich bread the food to me was OK it wasn't all that my husband had the shrimp po boy he said he only had 3 shrimp on and the rest was
Very nice location in Portsmouth! Sits on the water and will be great to eat outside when the weather breaks. It's right by the ferry so you can catch it over from Norfolk, instead of driving. There is some street parking that's nearby and a parking garage right across the street. The inside is a little plain with regards to decor, could use something on the walls. Service was not so great but it was obvious they were understaffed. The nice lady who did serve us definitely tried her best. Looked like she was solo with all the tables. She gets an A for her effort, it was not her fault. NOW, the food was outstanding AND it came out very quickly. I got the Rasta pasta which is really cheesy, if you like cheese like I do. Very flavorful My husband got the ox tails with cabbage. Besides the lil bones, his plate was empty when we left Got an order of fries as an appetizer because I was starving when I walked in. They had seasoning on them. I LOVE fries with flavor! Oh and the drinks, delicious also. I'm not a bourbon fan but the Sippin Easy was really good. Husband got it and I wanted his. I forget what I got but it was sweet and fruity, a little too sweet but it was still very good. Presentation of the food and drinks were great! With better service and a little more ambiance, this place will be unstoppable. I'm definitely going back and recommend it, just be patient.
Glenda W.
The food was like eating a TV dinner for the $$$price. Jerk chicken (not juicy, kinda rubbery), rice and beans (dry), over cooked yams. Jerk sauce was really bad...too spicy, tasted like barbecue sauce. No bartender on a Friday night. Music and onsite steel drummer was fantastic! Location great! Owner has to get a better chef. Sat in bar area and felt claustrophobic. Only the front of the restaurant has great views and by reservation only. Initially sat at a table in front with dirty table cloth before being moved. I'm 25/75 on going back.
Cierra Holland
Food was delicious. Got the jerk chicken egg rolls. They were seasoned very well. Also got the crab cake sliders ouuu delicious (so airy and buttery) seasoning was an A+ and taste was so fresh. For my entree I got the Jerk Chicken with cabbage and rice and beans. The chicken was so flavorful, it was juicy, and tender. Perfect dish. Husband got the gumbo and he said it was great as well. Owner came over and introduced himself and gave us a little background on the food and updated us on future events. I rate 100/10. Definitely will be back.
The ambience was amazing! My husband and I were greeted by one of the owners who was amazing! He explained the menu to us and gave us a brief background of the dishes.We received our food in a timely manner. I had the ox tails rice and peas with cabbage. My husband ordered the jerk chicken egg rolls and crab cake sliders that were cooked to perfection! I hate writing reviews but I had to because the food was so amazing!I cant wait to come back for the live music .
Paulette M.
The food was good. Palatable at best. The server was not great at all. I specifically told her what type of drink I wanted, she came back with Pears and Potion. It turned out to be pretty tasty, but again, not what I asked for. I would definitely ask for a different server if I came back.
Outstanding great place to dine. We referred by a friend. In town to visit from NYC. The service was professional polite and friendly. Ambiance is powerful it's a great flow from the bar to the eating sitting. Definitely will be back. Portsmouth is on the move.
Food was nice and hot! Delicious!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Thyme on The River has a lot of potential to be a great addition to downtown Portsmouth however they need to work on somethings first. The atmosphere was great and the steel drum was even better ; however waiting 2 hours for food is unacceptable. Especially when your waitress never refills your drink or checks on you at the table and the host puts his fingers in your food. I hope they get it together.
food is fair nothing to rush back to. after waiting 2hour for the food to come out they had the audacity to warm it up in the microwave like I wouldn't know the difference!! the waitress never came in gave us a refill on our drinks as we were waiting for 2hours then made sure she put gratuity on my tab for over $40 and our meal was only $58 not including food tax!! The atmosphere was ok the music was very loud but however the still drummer had skills just wish that it was a little softer With the music. I like the fact it's black owned but they gotta do much better
We decided to try this restaurant because the Jamaican creole style menu: The Good: Location is nice, and right on the water, parking was easy and we were greeted immediately upon entering. The Jerk Chicken was extremely delicious and seasoned to perfection. The owner came by to greet us as we were leaving and thanked us for coming. The Bad: We waited for a long time to get our initial order, there were a couple large parties so it was understandable but it shouldn't take 10 mins to get an order of drinks in. We ordered a couple signature cocktails, but they were wayy too strong and came out lukewarm warm, it could be better though just needs to be shaken in ice or something. I was excited about the oxtails but I was disappointed, they were the tiniest oxtails I've ever had, with not much meat on them, they were also cooked too long as they were a bit on the chewy side, sauce was good though. The house salad seemed like it came out of a bag and the croutons were too big. Rice and peas were decent, i think if they need a bit more seasoning and more peas. The Ugly: The plastic that they have over the tables are very unnecessary and a bit tacky looking. Also they didn't have proper table cloths. They give off high end restaurants vibes but are missing on a few details like that. Prices weee a bit steep for the quality of food. I understand oxtails and some ingredients are not cheap but we have got to make it soo good that i want to come back and not just settle for "Happy Times" or "MP Island" Verdict: This is a solid restaurant with tons of potential to make it even better, I would love to come back for that jerk chicken though and hopefully a better overall experience.
Food not satisfying. They need improvement on quality control with food. Service was a 3 star Ambiance 4 star
My best friend ordered a margarita. When we got the check, she was charged $2.50 for salt around the rim of her small glass. We both were like WOW! The food was ok, I don't care for canned yams.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Jerk Chicken Eggrolls, Salmon Bites, Jerk Chicken, Jerk Salmon Pasta
Booked a reservation for a birthday party at 7:00 pm. Arrive at the place had be seated somewhere else until a table became available which was a 8:00 pm. Finally when we got seated had to wait fir a waitress to come and greet us. Put in our food order now it is 10:00 pm still waiting to be served. I am about to bounce. Very disappointed.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 1
Recommended dishes: Pears & Potion
The food was absolutely delicious and drinks are very flavorful, HOWEVER the service was very poor! The servers were slow taking our drinks and the food took forever. My cousin bday dinner started at 6:45pm and we didn’t start receiving our food until 9pm
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 2
Recommended dishes: Rasta Pasta with Shrimp, Jerk Chicken Eggrolls
Our server was Zoe C,I had the salmon sandwich they put it on sub bread instead of sandwich bread the food to me was OK it wasn't all that my husband had the shrimp po boy he said he only had 3 shrimp on and the rest was
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 1
Restaurantji Recommends
Very nice location in Portsmouth! Sits on the water and will be great to eat outside when the weather breaks. It's right by the ferry so you can catch it over from Norfolk, instead of driving. There is some street parking that's nearby and a parking garage right across the street. The inside is a little plain with regards to decor, could use something on the walls. Service was not so great but it was obvious they were understaffed. The nice lady who did serve us definitely tried her best. Looked like she was solo with all the tables. She gets an A for her effort, it was not her fault. NOW, the food was outstanding AND it came out very quickly. I got the Rasta pasta which is really cheesy, if you like cheese like I do. Very flavorful My husband got the ox tails with cabbage. Besides the lil bones, his plate was empty when we left Got an order of fries as an appetizer because I was starving when I walked in. They had seasoning on them. I LOVE fries with flavor! Oh and the drinks, delicious also. I'm not a bourbon fan but the Sippin Easy was really good. Husband got it and I wanted his. I forget what I got but it was sweet and fruity, a little too sweet but it was still very good. Presentation of the food and drinks were great! With better service and a little more ambiance, this place will be unstoppable. I'm definitely going back and recommend it, just be patient.
The food was like eating a TV dinner for the $$$price. Jerk chicken (not juicy, kinda rubbery), rice and beans (dry), over cooked yams. Jerk sauce was really bad...too spicy, tasted like barbecue sauce. No bartender on a Friday night. Music and onsite steel drummer was fantastic! Location great! Owner has to get a better chef. Sat in bar area and felt claustrophobic. Only the front of the restaurant has great views and by reservation only. Initially sat at a table in front with dirty table cloth before being moved. I'm 25/75 on going back.
Food was delicious. Got the jerk chicken egg rolls. They were seasoned very well. Also got the crab cake sliders ouuu delicious (so airy and buttery) seasoning was an A+ and taste was so fresh. For my entree I got the Jerk Chicken with cabbage and rice and beans. The chicken was so flavorful, it was juicy, and tender. Perfect dish. Husband got the gumbo and he said it was great as well. Owner came over and introduced himself and gave us a little background on the food and updated us on future events. I rate 100/10. Definitely will be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Blackened Crab Cake Sliders, Jerk Chicken Eggrolls, Chicken Sausage & Shrimp Gumbo, Jerk Chicken
The ambience was amazing! My husband and I were greeted by one of the owners who was amazing! He explained the menu to us and gave us a brief background of the dishes.We received our food in a timely manner. I had the ox tails rice and peas with cabbage. My husband ordered the jerk chicken egg rolls and crab cake sliders that were cooked to perfection! I hate writing reviews but I had to because the food was so amazing!I cant wait to come back for the live music .
The food was good. Palatable at best. The server was not great at all. I specifically told her what type of drink I wanted, she came back with Pears and Potion. It turned out to be pretty tasty, but again, not what I asked for. I would definitely ask for a different server if I came back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 2