J’s Oyster
Seafood restaurant · Portland ·
Steamed clams, fresh oysters, and lobster rolls on the pier
Steamed clams, fresh oysters, and lobster rolls on the pier
"A working-waterfront blue-and-white bistro that’s been a neighborhood fixture since 1977 and a favorite of Anthony Bourdain, this place offers an authentic, communal seafood experience where you might sit shoulder to shoulder with the lobstermen who caught your meal. Begin with steamers and a cheap beer, then order the lobster roll with tender, unadorned meat piled on a grilled split-top bun with a leaf of lettuce—the mayonnaise is served on the side to let the lobster’s flavor take center stage." - ByBriana Bononcini
"J’s Oyster feels right out of a nautical urban legend where ship captains rushed over for seafood and pints of beer after docking at the pier. It’s a tiny, U-shaped restaurant right on the water that’s perpetually packed with regulars slurping down oysters, so come by early for lunch before it gets too busy. Start with some steamed clams or jumbo scallops, and make sure you get one of the lobster rolls piled high with hunks of meat dropped off at your table with a “here you go, hon.” This spot feels like one of the only old-school places left in town, and you’ll leave so charmed that you’ll want to come back for a big bowl of clam chowder tomorrow. " - Alana Dao 2, Team Infatuation
"J’s Oyster feels right out of a nautical urban legend where ship captains rushed over for seafood and pints of beer after docking at the pier. It’s a tiny, U-shaped restaurant right on the water that’s perpetually packed with regulars slurping down oysters, so come by early for lunch before it gets too busy. Start with some steamed clams or jumbo scallops, and make sure you get one of the lobster rolls piled high with hunks of meat dropped off at your table with a “here you go, hon.” This spot feels like one of the only old-school places left in town, and you’ll leave so charmed that you’ll want to come back for a big bowl of clam chowder tomorrow." - Gabe Bergado
"Stopping in Portland led us to J’s Oysters, the spot locals (and Anthony Bourdain) favor and which looks like it probably did 30 years ago; despite initial 'eww' reactions to oyster smell, we got all the kids to try the creamy, briny oysters and they also loved the steamer clams dipped in butter." - Marissa Hermer Marissa Hermer Marissa Hermer is a Los Angeles-based entrepreneur and restauranteur behind Boujis Group (The Draycott and Olivetta), as well as an avid travel enthusiast, gourmand, and mother of three. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"Those searching for a taste of “Old Portland” need look no further than this iconic waterfront seafood joint, where the chowder is thick and the beers on tap are made by the grandfathers of Portland’s beer scene. Order up a bucket of steamers and contemplate the simple life, before Bon Appetit and James Beard came to town." - Kate McCarty