Ambiance and service were great. My fish sandwich came out very fast and was teriffic! I think the coleslaw was too saucy, though.

30+yr seasonal resident in the area. We hit BGs a couple times each season. Never really had to wait & it was 'good enough' to keep us going back. My meal was ok - lb of steamers & a lite fish & chips A few complaints from my wife The fish in the seafood medley special did not appear to be haddock as advertised?? On ordering she was asked what she wanted for a potato or rice, she chose the rice pilaf & there was a $2.99 charge for it on the bill? She also ordered a Pina Colada after ordering her food. There was a significant delay in delivery of the cocktail til we're almost finished w/dinner (we were hoping the server forgot about it). It was also the poorest such cocktail she's ever been served. Not off the list l guess but she was disappointed.The server was friendly, we probably should have brought this to her attention but it was 80deg in the AC & hate to present as a whiner! read more

The only thing great about BG's Boathouse is the scenery, otherwise don't waste your money!!!

YUMMMMMIEEE... this place isn't fancy, but it's vibe is great. You can drive your boat right up to the place - bonus. Large seafood menu. We tried the fried oysters, fried mushrooms, and steamers as our apps. I had the jumbo shrimp with a baked potato and house coleslaw. Cooked well and the slaw was very tasty. The rest of the table had lobster rolls (which I was a little jealous of)... We sat inside at a table in the bar area. Service was very good and everything came out quick and hot. read more

BG's Boathouse Restaurant - Jumbo Shrimp and Baked Potato - Seafood Near Me - Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Cold beer, good atmosphere, no music outside and my plate looked nothing like I've seen in the pictures, small plate & mediocre for $35 read more

BG's Boathouse Restaurant - Seafood Near Me - Portsmouth, New Hampshire

My wife and i are locals and we went for dinner and sat at the bar and Sue was an awesome server. The food however was just ok and not great. We ordered the steamers and they have 1 or 2lb servings and we ordered 1 lb. There were 8 large steamers and this dish was not a lb and is tiny. I also ordered a cup of seafood of chowder and the fish was non existent. Go to Rays Seafood on Rt 1A South for an excellent serving. Chowder was marginal. The lobster roll was very sweet and fresh and the side of coleslaw was just mayo. Terrible slaw. My wife wanted a seafood sandwich of haddock or fish of the day and they said NO for dinner, just the entrees are served. So my wife did not order any other food as not serving what she asked for is a no no. The customer is supposed to be allowed to have any type of food and for BG'S not to even offer a haddock sandwich demonstrates a negative attitude. Living only two miles away is great but we will not be returning. Sue was the best of the night. Consider increasing your steamers to a lb and not just 8 clams and offer a fish sandwich for dinner for those who do not want a dinner. GO TO RAYS SEAFOOD on RT 1A for better food. Hope this helps. read more

We are first timers at BG's. Our seat and view were perfect on this beautiful sunny day. Our waitress Elise was professional, sweet and had our orders to us piping hot. My husband had the blackened halibut on Elise's recommendation, he loved it. I had the BG's special, steamers were hot and so juicy. Scott boiled my lobster, and it was cooked to perfection. We enjoyed everything about BG's including the parking. We will be back! read more

Since having to cut gluten, I was nervous about the options I'd have in New England on our anniversary trip. I discovered BG's and was blown away that almost everything can be made gluten free. I started with the seafood chowder (amazing) and then had the shrimp platter (gluten free, dedicated fryer). It was incredible. The restaurant was busy and had a wait, but we ventured through the shops in the area in the meantime. We were seated outside, and the space heaters were on to keep patrons warm. (We live in Houston. We never have to run the heater in October.) My husband and I still rave about how amazing this restaurant was. We will definitely be back! read more

BG's Boathouse Restaurant - Seafood Chowder - Seafood Near Me - Portsmouth, New Hampshire

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The Best! Freshest seafood on the Seacoast. The service is always friendly and personable and the view is amazing! 5 Stars!! I especially love the consistency of their food! read more

BG's Boathouse Restaurant - BGs Boathouse Portsmouth, NH - Seafood Near Me - Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Poor service, high prices, and the food was low to average. I ordered the chowder which was like dish water. Where were the ingredients? We won't return. The view is pretty if you get a window seat. it was a high price for a view! read more

Sunny day and I've always wanted to try this spot. -Place is an "older" style kind of place, out of the 70's. Certainly wouldn't sit indoors. -Outdoor seating is always welcomed (and it was available). But they don't have umbrellas on the deck- so be prepared to sweat and get burned while you eat.. -Lunch menu is obviously built to extract maximum $$. No lunch plate or sandwiches (not counting the lobster roll or hamburger). You basically choose among overpriced fried seafood dinners ($35 +) -Beer list is decent -The fried seafood was good, but lack of a raw bar should exclude a restaurant from calling themselves "seafood" -Service was good, but when my GF "subbed" a salad for fries we weren't told it was $10 (yes, read that twice) for a garden salad sub with her meal -By the time we left my GF beer was warm (Sun beating down on it, my head was burned, I was sweating, and I had just spent $100 on a forgettable lunch. -Go up the street to the Ice House. Food is just as good, plates are more reasonably priced. They have picnic tables with shade. They are more "lunch" friendly. You won't get drinks or cocktails, but the after meal ice cream makes up for it...and your wallet will thank you read more

This is the poster board for tourist traps. As a local I would NEVER come here. I had friends in town and I let them pick where they wanted to dine and again, as tourists I guess they're fine with the prices. But the food, at least mine was horrendous. $6 for the sad "cup" of barely undercooked potato filled chowder that had 1 chopped clam? Unbelievable. The crab "cakes" obviously scooped and not hand molded were so tiny for the outrageous $13 price tag. And yes, I'd love a poorly sliced and prepped tomato and wilted romaine lettuce. Insult to injury, they use all plastic here down to the utensils. I am embarrassed that I came here and people patronage a place that has no sense of eco-friendly anything. read more

BG's Boathouse Restaurant - Seafood Near Me - Portsmouth, New Hampshire

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Stopped by for lunch. For years, BG's was a nice little waterfront place for locals and boaters, but it has devolved into a tourist trap. The views are still nice and the service is good, but the menu has shrunk and prices are up, and they were already up there for what they serve. I got one of their weak rum punches. $15. WTH. I was surrounded by stylish older couples that were clearly well-heeled tourists with money to burn, I guess they don't mind getting hosed, but it burns my ass. I am full of dread to find out what Chauncey Creek is like under new ownership... read more

An acceptable casual seafood experience. Ambiance is typical of a casual joint on water. Prices are in line with quality/ location. Tap list is decent. Kid friendly. Service is slow but not outrageous. Not a destination but not bad if in area. read more

Absolutely fabulous food and service. Very attentive staff and the food was perfect. They aim to please the pallete!!!

Quick service, nice water views, relaxing atmosphere with yummy food. Little off the beaten path. We rated our clam chowder 4.2/5. Loved the fish and chips! read more

BG's Boathouse Restaurant - Marina - Seafood Near Me - Portsmouth, New Hampshire

We met a few families for a late lunch, we asked if we could sit outside at the picnic tables which were not occupied. They asked how many people, we said in total 18 but we are in groups of 4-5. We were turned away because they don't accept parties of more than 10. Well, we are not a party of 10 or more. She said because we already told her we are together she has to turn us away. She admitted we would have been sat if we each went up and asked for a table as long as it was less than 10. She said it was the owners policy not hers. She then gave us the owners business card so we could call or email. Email is not a valid email, it bounced back. The number was the restaurant's so if I called, this same person answered the phone. We also said we are in no rush, take your time getting our orders out, she said no. I get there would be pressure on the kitchen staff as she explained, but if you can sit a party of 10 and a party of 8, how is that different? It seems to me the staff just didn't want work. And so rude. I wonder if the owners even know what is happening, maybe they should read there other reviews because a 3 star rating is really terrible (if they care). read more

Mediocre food served on paper plates with plastic silverware. Dingy anterior but nice views of the river.

Had excellent service and the best fried clams I've had in a long long time! The Buffalo tenders are also so delicious And after you eat you can try the chocolate mousse pie it's amazing. read more

chowder was like soup very little seafood pricey . wife had mixed salad with chicken also pricey for size plus little piece of chicken with small bone in it. cole slaw was loaded with mayo tasted like supermarket brand. expensive for paper plates and cheap plastic silverware. not good. read more

A very disappointing start to 2024 opening Steamers were large and tough-not at all sweet like first of season should be. Lobster rolls were plentiful but lobster meat not at all tasty- definitely frozen and rolls tasted like day old bread. Service was very friendly and efficient but food needs lots of improving. BG's used to be something special but now it feels like just another $32 lobster roll you can get anywhere read more

One of my favorite waterfront meals in Portsmouth - delicious food and great drinks (get the punch)! read more

BG's Boathouse Restaurant - Lobster roll & fried clam/scallop plate - Seafood Near Me - Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Shockingly bad seafood. The server was nice, and the bar decent- that's what got this to two stars. The management was informed that the steamer clams had not been leached, they were so full of sand they were crunchy. What did the manager say? "They are supposed to be like that." Well, news to me after working in the industry and eating seafood my whole life. I guess the customer is wrong. They then brought me warm water to clean the clams myself. Yes, I am being serious. Maybe next time I'll offer to go pull a fresh batch out of the water, take them in the back and show the kitchen how to properly prepare them. Comical. I'll revisit the bar, not the menu though. read more

If 0 stars was an option I would've used it. We ordered the calamari to go and both bit into it only to find it to be filled brown diarrhea-esque goop that was one of THE MOST RANCID THINGS TO HAVE TOUCHED THE TASTE BUDS ON MY TONGUE. To be honest i don't even think the calamari was cooked all the way either. So whether is it was ooze that burst from the entree or the instant salmonella we promptly were sick. Nausea and diarrhea for dayyzzzzz. The server was the sweetest person in the whole world I only had wished she had warned us about the painstaking journey our stomachs were about to go on. read more

Cold clam chowder followed by hair in my dinner. Wow. Very disappointing. The clam chowder was returned to the kitchen, microwaved and brought back still lukewarm. The waitress was very nice and apologetic. We've had many good meals here. Hopefully an off night during a busy season. read more

Was excited to go to what appeared to be a quant river seafood restaurant. Huge disappointment. First off, everything is served on paper plates and plastic utensils. Not cool for expensive place. Got seafood baked special. Shrimp overcooked-like rubber- and scallops and haddock undercooked. Don't get me started on the runny clam chowder and limp French fries. Very very disappointing experience. I also have to add that the older woman host had such a sour puss on. Very inattentive to customers in general. read more

We got fried scallops and clam plates which was great. The service was excellent as well and the view couldn't be beat!

Especially nice with an outside table. The fried clams and fresh fish are just what you would want. Service is friendly.

Sunday night. Need to be on the water. Need seafood! What better way to enjoy the last of the weekend than at BG's? The lobster bisque: silky smooth with delicious little bits of lobster in a creamy, but not heavy, broth with a hint of luscious sherry. Love the whole little lobster claw and oyster crackers. It's perfect with a glass of Kim Crawford Chardonnay! Next, an order of lightly fried and battered sweet scallops and whole belly sweet clams with a lemon slice and the best thick tasty tarter sauce made with diced dill pickles. Heaven on earth!! Combine this with a beautiful view of the water and boats, it's quintessential New England. Thank you to all the staff at BG's Boathouse! Well done! read more

Blackened tuna was outstanding and lobster roll was delicious. One steamer clam was gritty but the others were clean and yummy. Waitstaff was outstanding. Casual and good. Go there! read more

Literally the BEST lobster I've ever had in my entire life! The lobster roll was perfect, and they even had an amazing gluten free roll. What a treat! The homemade coleslaw was exactly how I love it, crunch, sweet and tart. My husband and son loved their lobster rolls and agreed we've never had better (and we've eaten lobster all around the country!). They noted the onion rings were uniquely delicious with the perfect crunch. They also both loved the clam chowder and again thought it was some of the best ever. The patio was a perfect spot to enjoy a meal, unwind, have some laughs and take in the unmatched scenery. If we're ever in this area again we will make this a stop on our list for sure! read more

BG's Boathouse Restaurant - Lobster roll on a gluten free roll with homemade coleslaw - Seafood Near Me - Portsmouth, New Hampshire

If you enjoy getting treated poorly and paying for it then this is the place for you! I live locally and have been to BG's Boathouse many times over the years and have always had a decent experience so I was pretty shocked at how myself and my friends were treated and i won't be back ever again. And what is even more appalling is that the hostess who was so over the top rude is also the owner. She pretty much did and said everything she could to make us feel unwelcome so we all ended up leaving. It is pretty bad when a couple of the wait staff mouthed to us "I'm sorry". What is even more sad is that her actions are taking $$ away from the waitstaff. Good luck to them!!! read more

Had lunch at BG's a month ago. The food was good, but far from great. Their setting was perfect though.

As much as I hate the defeatist turn of phrase, 'It is what it is' applies exceptionally aptly to the description of BG's Boathouse as 'serving up fried bar food on the water'. The fish sandwich is a step up from your standard McD's Filet-o-Fish, while being commensurately pricier. BG's lobster roll is roughly one-half to one-third the cost of Neptune Oyster's, but equivalently a fraction as decadent. And a pint of Blue Moon is just as good as you'll find anywhere. Truly, what you're paying for here is the ambiance - overlooking the docks, watching the rippling water of the bay on a sunny day in coastal New Hampshire. As long as you go in with moderate expectations, you'll walk away from your dining experience not dissatisfied. read more

BG's Boathouse Restaurant - Seafood Near Me - Portsmouth, New Hampshire

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I've been going to BG's for years. To quote another review (Scott H), it's a classic little New England waterfront joint. You can sit outside on the water and eat fried clams. It used to be a terrific place but the prices have gotten just silly and the crowds extreme (although it was the weekend after the fourth of July to be fair). I paid 17 bucks for a side of fried clams. Seriously. But they were great--hot and delicious and our waitress was excellent. My BG's days are numbered--because I'm not paying 17 bucks for a side of fried clams, but it's good, it's a great venue, and the service is excellent. If you're looking for terrific seafood with a view--go. Just not during prime time and not without being prepared to drop some cash. read more

This place used to be pretty good but now because of COVID it's like nazi Germany. Gotta wear ur mask or else you'll get yelled at even though while ur sitting and eating you obviously can't wear a mask. It was like 100 degrees and the AC inside sucked. Tried to open the window and got yelled at because of safety concerns. Restriction of an hour and 15 to eat and have drinks. So many stupid rules even though ur paying a fortune for mediocre food. Even the lemonade was bad and the lobster roll was decent but rather small and tasteless for 20$. read more

BG's Boathouse Restaurant - Lobster Roll with Onion Rings - Seafood Near Me - Portsmouth, New Hampshire

We have been going to BG's for years. We never minded the fact you are served mediocre food, at absorbent prices on paper plates and with plastic utensils, because it was part of the charm. We are locals to the area and typically the best seafood is served on paper plates and not in pretentious restaurants. Well that charm ends now, after being treated more poorly by the hostess/owner than I have ever been treated by restaurant staff, let alone the owner! We went to celebrate my sisters birthday, please note never have a celebration here, pretty sure it's against the/her rules. We were a party of 11 (4 being kids). She tried to turn us away immediately because of her 10 or less rule. We then tried all the strategies you will see written about on other reviews. Can we split up into 2 or 3 tables? Answer was no. What if we had come in separately and asked for different tables? Answer was that she now knows we are together so she will not allow us to split up. I felt like I was going crazy with the answers she was giving. She finally allowed us to sit inside (and if you know this place the inside is disgusting and ugly), while we saw the entire side deck empty and parties of 5/6/7 being sat out there. Service was fine once we got out of the principals office (host stand area), but it was about $800 for a party of 11 (4 ordering off the kids menu!!) Not worth the money, especially if it's going into the hands of the owner who treated us absolutely terribly. She will trick tourists into eating there probably, but can't imagine this place will retain her local customer base. read more

We ate at BG's last week with my brother and his wife. We all enjoyed our meals. We all had either fried clams or scallops. All were cooked well and tasted yummy. I also got a cup of chowder, it was very good! We will be back. Haven't been disappointed yet! read more

Nice service, good food! Waitress got the message early on to keep the water and iced teas coming. I drink a lot at dinner. They did not disappoint. For peel and eat shrimp, 1 1/2 pound lobster, fried green beans, and corn on the cob. All great! I will come back again. read more

People are nuts to pay these prices for their "middle of the road" small portions of seafood. Maybe all those rich democrats with money to burn, (you know the people with multimillion dollar yachts slipped over at the Wentworth) might think it's great lol! My wife in I decided to try it for once, after all, we've been locals for all our live drove by it for years now I know why... it's, big mistake. Started off with a bottle of Chardonnay for $34 which is pretty typical of any restaurant in the area.NP. So we Added a 7oz fried-clams for an appetizer, our main courses were 1 lazy mans lobster, and a 1 lobster pie. Nothing else honest! Bill came to $175 with 15% tip! Outrageous. What are they paying these libs like $30 an hour to shovel out regular local seafood? Crazy. read more