J’s Oyster - Portland

Came in during happy hour, no problem that we had to wait. Was told bar seats were first come first served. Waited for 2 seats to come available, but was told we could not have them the owner wanted them for herself, but we were next on list (we were anyway). No offer to comp anything to us for the additional wait. We sat down, had to ask for refills. Requested a refill (ginger ale) to go, was told no because the police may think it was alcohol. Well we weren't driving, we had a driver. We told the server that the police could check if they thought it was alcohol and see that it wasn't, plus we would pass a sobriety test as we had not been drinking, plus it wasn't his problem. What happens if you get a drink from McDonald's or Burger King, is that allowed? He just didn't want to give it to us. I'm sure they don't want us to come back and the feeling is mutual. The prices were okay, but the service sucked!

Great food, I drive up from Boston. It still has the local charm!

We headed to Maine the week after getting hit with hurricane Ike. We found J's Oyster and set up camp. Drinks were perfect and frequent. But the Maine attraction were the lobster rolls which were stuffed with lobster and accompanied with plenty of drawn butter. We ate here 4 times in the week and every diner was a pleasure. I tried the grilled fish which by far exceeds the fish I've eaten in Houston. I suggest trying J's first to set the bar.

7/6/2008- My wife and I stood at the waiting area outside as one waitress passed us twice as if we were invisible. Finally another waitress said we should go inside and put our name on a waiting list. We at the bar and ordered 2 beers as we waited. Our name was called, and as we circled the bar, the bartender asked us to put our beer in plastic cups. When we got outside, we told the arrogant waitress that we were called for our table, she turned around and snapped that she did not call our name, she called someone else’s name. We told her we are not deaf, and that she called our name, and number of people. At this point she snaps back, you'll have a table in 3 minutes, and then she proceeds to say that we're not allowed outside with our drinks. So I exclaimed that your bartender gave us these cups since HE knew we were allegedly going to our table. We went back inside and asked to speak to a manager, supervisor, and even the owner. The bartender acted as the manager and basically just stood there looking off into space as we told him what happened. My wife and I have been frequent customers for almost 8 years, the only reason we stop in Portland was to goto J's, well never again, they lost 2 really good customers!

Lots of local color. Try the specials on the blackboard. Observe the regulars. Look for Donnie, the local Johnny Damon.