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    The Oar House

    3.3 (313 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

    The Oar House Photos

    THE OAR HOUSE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for groups
    Good for kids

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    Tuna tartare sticky rice
    Sarah O.

    Front row seat on the water at sunset (the sunset is behind you but still cool) - ambience is great. Service was subpar. Drinks were mid. Mac and cheese was mid too but huge portion for a side. Burrata appetizer is good-- very unique dish with tomatoes and artichoke; tuna tartare sticky rice was okay but wouldn't order again. Conclusion: come for the vibe but don't expect amazing menu or service.

    Our fun group!
    Susan V.

    I really enjoyed our time here. There was a party of seven and they treated us like royalty. The service was fantastic as well as the drinks. My boyfriend got amazing short rib and I had a seafood dish. I believe everyone was very happy with the food they ordered we did get a lot of appetizers in my standout was the tuna sticky rice cake cakes. Will definitely be back love this place.

    Rachel B.

    Upon entry, it was an instant "wow" for the ambience. We were guided through a door to the right for a quaint, dimly lit dining area surrounded by brick & wood. It was quiet for lunch on a Thursday which we expected. Fresh oysters on the half shell for $36 for a dozen. They even included a 13th which was a surprise! The steamed lobster dumplings came in a qty of 5 (small), a bit on the pricey side, however, delicious. Our waiter, Alex, came right over to us & was pleasant to all patrons. The bar looks beautiful from a quick glance. The spicy margarita they offer ($15) was so delicious. They have a nice cocktail menu.

    Room we sat in.
    Sarah P.

    Interesting restaurant with a cool vibe and a nice bar. The waitress was friendly. I had the Oar House Delight, a seafood dish that was very flavorful but not very filling.

    Salmon
    Michael R.

    We had the pleasure to dine at Oar House twice over the past month or so. We used to dine here at least once/twice a season on the nice outside deck, but over time we fell out of the habit for some reason. I recall that we would go for lunch and discover that they did not have any lunch size or priced options. In any event, I'm glad that we had a chance to become reacquainted. First, if you make a reservation online it is important to know that it is for the indoor dining room. The outdoor deck is first come/first serve. Another tip is that they do have some free parking spaces just outside their restaurant. Not sure how that works on a busy day, but you might score some free parking. On our visit several weeks back we had an absolutely wonderful waitress and service was perfect. We were a party of four and everybody enjoyed their meals. I tried their signature baked seafood entree, which they say has been on the menu since they opened, and it was very good. Usually I stay away from creamy cheesy seafood dishes, but this was not overly heavy. Very good, nice portions of seafood and the price of this dish and most entrees were reasonable (by todays standards!) We had some other friends visiting and we took them here last week and overall had a good experience but this time we had a server who just wasn't that into it. We asked if she could take a picture of us and she rolled her eyes. OK, no biggy but in general her service was sub par. Again the food was good, I had the Salmon entree which was cooked perfectly. Again, everybody enjoyed their meals and starters. It was a very hot day, and I ordered a glass of red wine, and it came to the table hot. Not room temperature, but hot. Perhaps the wine for the deck is kept in the sun. I rarely send things back, but it was undrinkable, and I swapped it for a cold glass of white wine. Again, this seemed like an inconvenience for our server. So, again, glad we rediscovered this place. The food is good, generous portions, and prices are not crazy. It seems your mileage may vary with service depending on who you get. Typical of many restaurants, but just wish establishments would weed out those servers who really don't want to be there.

    Tempura Shrimp
    Frederick C.

    Nothing like outdoor dining on a beautiful warm day overlooking the river in Portsmouth. Oar House a great location and nice outdoor eating area across from the main restaurant. Staff were super friendly and we were seated right away. Started with a Basil Berry Bliss to sip on while deciding on food. Although the menu describes the drink as a strawberry Basil lemonade, did not really taste the basil, which was disappointing. The drink was refreshing and tasty so still a win. Decided on the Tempura Fried Shrimp and the Beer Battered Fish and Chips. The appetizer was deeeeelicious. Although the tempura breading wasn't crispy like you'd expect, the light Asian sauce they use with the pickled vegetables was an awesome combination. Perfect for open air dining as it's light and not too filling. The fish and chips were nicely crunchy with a flaky and moist fish fillet inside. The chips, more like a small potato wedge, were a standout. Nicely seasoned and fried with that soft pillowy potato inside. Fish was well cooked and the tartar sauce a nice accompaniment. Slaw was bland and didn't really add anything, disappointing. Overall a good experience, even if a bit pricey for what you get. Definitely taking advantage of the parking in front of the restaurant next time but the outdoor dining is a must!

    Roland H.

    Great place. Food was excellent. Service was great. Place was cute. Decent wine list. Fun cocktails. First time in; will be back.

    Tricia W.

    Was a perfect sunny breezy day to enjoy the oar house (deck) yesterday! Mixed yelp reviews had me a bit nervous, but let me say, go! We started with the coconut shrimp as a starter, look how big and juicy these bad boys were! cooked to perfection and seasoned nicely. I opted for the crab cake app as my lunch and omg it was mostly crab vs filler!!! so sweeet and delicate. Nice crunchy crust. Hubs opted for the chicken sandwich fried! Huge sandwich, nicely fried. Only complaint was that the pesto sauce was mainly on one side, so other felt left out! our server was a lil awkward but that is ok, he took care of our needs, ambiance was spectacular with the view and breeze! Cant wait to come back!

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    29 days ago

    View on the deck is amazing. Had some great mussels and spritz for lunch! Would visit again!

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    11 months ago

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    5 months ago

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    3 months ago

    We had a great meal here from the drinks to dessert. Would definitely bring out of town guest here.

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    8 months ago

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    3 months ago

    Sat outside by the water so that was nice and our server was pleasant but our food was very pedestrian--disappointed!

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    7 months ago

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    4 months ago

    Excellent food, great atmosphere, friendly service! We will be back very soon! Thank you!

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    7 months ago

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    9 months ago

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    Popovers on the Square - Popover and maple butter

    Popovers on the Square

    4.0(568 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$

    Staff is very friendly and energetic! Tomato bisque was very tasty and the turkey sandwich was…read morejuicy with spinach.

    OMG this place is super cool! Nothing like I thought it was like. I won a $25 GC that they donated…read moreto a PHS reunion raffle basket & I was downtown on MSD. I happened to be talking to my Mom before heading into town about this place & had wondered if it was still in business, she told me it was. Yippie! She also asked me to get her a popover. My friend's & I stopped in here so I could grab my Mom a popover. Since it was MSD it was busy & there was a small line but it moved quickly. I ordered a plan Popover for my Mom that came with a maple butter that Sand (took my order @ the register) told me that it was really good. My Mom enjoyed it. It was a good size & looked yummy! I also picked up a sugar cookie for myself that I carried around all day & due to the heat the frosting melted and my cookie got smushed but it was still pretty tasty. It was sweet but not too sweet. I'd love to go back for another one & eat it before I ruin it! LOL I also got a funfeti cupcake & found it to be very small & kinda dry. The frosting wasn't very sweet. I wouldn't get another cupcake as it's not worth the price ($3.46) or the taste. I used one of the unisex bathroom's while I was here which wasn't too bad for a busy MSD, but they had signs on the door that "bathrooms are for customers only" but I doubt they had any way to control the bathroom traffic. I still have $$$ left on my GC & will definitely be back to try something else & maybe even a popover! :-)

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    The Oar House - seafood - Updated September 2026

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