Love the oysters here, but the hospitality leaves much to be desired. In a great hospitality city like Portland, the experience your FOH staff delivers is really below par--take notes from some of the other establishments in the area and create a more inviting environment for your patrons. Your oysters deserve better.
Michael Hussey
Unbeatable Oysters, A must for any tourist group.
Ted Gomez
No frills and some of the best oysters I've ever had. Snow Island was a perfect balance of briny and sweet. Clam chowder is solid it's a little bit more like a bisque but they cooked the potatoes perfectly for a soup.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
G Galvez
THIS is the place to go for oysters when you’re in Portland. I don’t care what anyone says. They have $1.95/oyster EVERY DAY. ALL day. The value here is impeccable. We had a few places for oysters while on our trip but this by far had the best value.Vibe is super trendy. Kinda got a little cringed out when I saw chairs from a high school classroom (whiplash moment lol). But the decor is clean, kitchen is clean and simple, display of the oysters is gorgeous, and the staff was helpful.Don’t bother for happy hour oysters when you can get this value all day, every day.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chips Dip
Gabriella G.
THIS is the place to go for oysters when you're in Portland. I don't care what anyone says. They have $1.95/oyster EVERY DAY. ALL day. The value here is impeccable. We had a few places for oysters while on our trip but this by far had the best value. Vibe is super trendy. Kinda got a little cringed out when I saw chairs from a high school classroom (whiplash moment lol). But the decor is clean, kitchen is clean and simple, display of the oysters is gorgeous, and the staff was helpful. Don't bother for happy hour oysters when you can get this value all day, every day.
S Franklin
super fresh, delicious oysters! we went for happy hour on a weekday and loved everything we ate - the dressed oysters were especially memorable. The ambiance is also perfect! Very relaxed, bright, and beautiful space.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chips Dip
Jill Jensen
Friendly, comfortable, and fabulous foods. All our favorite Maine oysters and several new ones to add to our list. Daily special was a great chowder unlike any other (crispy bluefish skin substituted for bacon - marvelous). And then, the tinned fish with toast points and cornichon - wow! Our first experience with razor clams and definitely not our last. Excellent beer selection, and fun cocktails (Lambrusco Spritz was out of this world and perfect with oysters) Can’t wait to return.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Hung-Hsiang Chen
Friendly staff, delicious food, we especially enjoyed the flavorful clam chowder.
Heather Ripley
All I will say is absolutely amazing place. Great people amazing food. I’m from Maine and grew up with a fisherman/Women family lots of sea food growing up but, the clam chowder at the shop is hands down the best !!! Sorry mom ;)..We Will absolutely be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
jon gurney
Great spot for fresh oysters, clam chowder and other accoutrements!! Must see when visiting
This is such a nice oyster bar!Always clean and comfortableGreat service with the best quality oysters
Sek Eun John Lee
Our go-to place for oyster whenever we visit Portland.We like the selection of oysters and the ambience. Of course, the employees are friendly as well.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ashley B.
Recommended: Highly, for oyster enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Overall: An outstanding destination for top-quality oysters and a delightful dining experience. Snapshot: Food: 5/5 Drink: 4/5 Vibe: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Value: 5/5 Family-Friendly: NA Highlights: Perfect For: Enjoying a wide variety of fresh, high-quality oysters Don't Miss: The rotating selection of oysters, offering fresh and delicious options Bonus Tip: Check out their small but well-curated drink selection, including Austin Street brews All The Details: My love for oysters began at The Shop in Portland, Maine, four years ago, and it has been a benchmark experience since. Now, it's a compulsory stop for my husband and me whenever we're in Portland. The staff is efficient, warm, and knowledgeable, ensuring the line moves quickly and that each visitor feels welcomed and assisted in their oyster selection. The menu constantly rotates, but the freshness and delectable quality of the oysters are consistent. When it comes to value, The Shop is unparalleled. It excels in providing perfectly shucked oysters at an incredible price point all the time (not just certain times like other places). The ambiance adds to the experience - a fresh market counter, charming seating, and a lovely patio. Though their drink selection is limited, they make impeccable choices, often featuring Austin Street brews. Their merchandise is also noteworthy. My husband frequently wears their oyster crewneck, a testament to our fondness for this place. While The Shop might not be a hidden gem, as it's well-known to many, it always feels like a delightful discovery to those new to it. We eagerly anticipate our next visit.
Camille T.
Great place for oysters but also loved adding canned fish and a few other items. No frills and casual. Really loved it and one of the best ways to enjoy some raw oysters. Able to get right in without a wait and the staff are great. Highly recommended.
Danylo Kharmyshev
Good oysters. The “chips and dip” are actual potato chips a la Lays, not the French fries you’d expect. Fake out!
Love the oysters here, but the hospitality leaves much to be desired. In a great hospitality city like Portland, the experience your FOH staff delivers is really below par--take notes from some of the other establishments in the area and create a more inviting environment for your patrons. Your oysters deserve better.
Unbeatable Oysters, A must for any tourist group.
No frills and some of the best oysters I've ever had. Snow Island was a perfect balance of briny and sweet. Clam chowder is solid it's a little bit more like a bisque but they cooked the potatoes perfectly for a soup.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
THIS is the place to go for oysters when you’re in Portland. I don’t care what anyone says. They have $1.95/oyster EVERY DAY. ALL day. The value here is impeccable. We had a few places for oysters while on our trip but this by far had the best value.Vibe is super trendy. Kinda got a little cringed out when I saw chairs from a high school classroom (whiplash moment lol). But the decor is clean, kitchen is clean and simple, display of the oysters is gorgeous, and the staff was helpful.Don’t bother for happy hour oysters when you can get this value all day, every day.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chips Dip
THIS is the place to go for oysters when you're in Portland. I don't care what anyone says. They have $1.95/oyster EVERY DAY. ALL day. The value here is impeccable. We had a few places for oysters while on our trip but this by far had the best value. Vibe is super trendy. Kinda got a little cringed out when I saw chairs from a high school classroom (whiplash moment lol). But the decor is clean, kitchen is clean and simple, display of the oysters is gorgeous, and the staff was helpful. Don't bother for happy hour oysters when you can get this value all day, every day.
super fresh, delicious oysters! we went for happy hour on a weekday and loved everything we ate - the dressed oysters were especially memorable. The ambiance is also perfect! Very relaxed, bright, and beautiful space.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chips Dip
Friendly, comfortable, and fabulous foods. All our favorite Maine oysters and several new ones to add to our list. Daily special was a great chowder unlike any other (crispy bluefish skin substituted for bacon - marvelous). And then, the tinned fish with toast points and cornichon - wow! Our first experience with razor clams and definitely not our last. Excellent beer selection, and fun cocktails (Lambrusco Spritz was out of this world and perfect with oysters) Can’t wait to return.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Friendly staff, delicious food, we especially enjoyed the flavorful clam chowder.
All I will say is absolutely amazing place. Great people amazing food. I’m from Maine and grew up with a fisherman/Women family lots of sea food growing up but, the clam chowder at the shop is hands down the best !!! Sorry mom ;)..We Will absolutely be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great spot for fresh oysters, clam chowder and other accoutrements!! Must see when visiting
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
This is such a nice oyster bar!Always clean and comfortableGreat service with the best quality oysters
Our go-to place for oyster whenever we visit Portland.We like the selection of oysters and the ambience. Of course, the employees are friendly as well.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended: Highly, for oyster enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Overall: An outstanding destination for top-quality oysters and a delightful dining experience. Snapshot: Food: 5/5 Drink: 4/5 Vibe: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Value: 5/5 Family-Friendly: NA Highlights: Perfect For: Enjoying a wide variety of fresh, high-quality oysters Don't Miss: The rotating selection of oysters, offering fresh and delicious options Bonus Tip: Check out their small but well-curated drink selection, including Austin Street brews All The Details: My love for oysters began at The Shop in Portland, Maine, four years ago, and it has been a benchmark experience since. Now, it's a compulsory stop for my husband and me whenever we're in Portland. The staff is efficient, warm, and knowledgeable, ensuring the line moves quickly and that each visitor feels welcomed and assisted in their oyster selection. The menu constantly rotates, but the freshness and delectable quality of the oysters are consistent. When it comes to value, The Shop is unparalleled. It excels in providing perfectly shucked oysters at an incredible price point all the time (not just certain times like other places). The ambiance adds to the experience - a fresh market counter, charming seating, and a lovely patio. Though their drink selection is limited, they make impeccable choices, often featuring Austin Street brews. Their merchandise is also noteworthy. My husband frequently wears their oyster crewneck, a testament to our fondness for this place. While The Shop might not be a hidden gem, as it's well-known to many, it always feels like a delightful discovery to those new to it. We eagerly anticipate our next visit.
Great place for oysters but also loved adding canned fish and a few other items. No frills and casual. Really loved it and one of the best ways to enjoy some raw oysters. Able to get right in without a wait and the staff are great. Highly recommended.
Good oysters. The “chips and dip” are actual potato chips a la Lays, not the French fries you’d expect. Fake out!