Jumpin' Jay's Fish Café

150 Congress Street, Portsmouth - 03801
237 reviews
Seafood Cocktail Bar
(603) 766-3474

Its with extreme displeasure with to even have to write this review. This is the second time in, and I honesty don’t know which experience was worse. First time was clearly a busy night and chalked up the service to just being in the weeds. Second time was probably worse and half the tables where either cleared or being cleaned. It took over 25 minutes to get the first drink (first time, our first round was comped because it took longer) but to receive an app before your beverage. Both experiences the food wasn’t even close to what should be expected from the JG GROUP. Have been to all with nothing but good things to say. Almost inedibly dry fish, having “fish” as the selling point in your bends name. Service, I honestly don’t even know where to start. We had at east 5 servers come to our table over the course of the night, which almost makes it even more sad how bad it was. For coming to the table that many times, but still not receiving what was ordered. Embarrassing or your part. Almost more embarrassing to see the server who took second drink order doing side work and chatting with other employees rather than getting our order. And before this gets an “owners” response, the fact that we saw multiple disgruntled patrons being apologized to, there is no need to say that you wish you knew we had a bad experience. If it isn’t clear how your patrons feel about their visit, maybe there is something that needs to be reevaluated.I’m sorry but we will not be back.

Very casual atmosphere, excellent food and service. Try the monkfish, which is excellent - was very fresh. Definitely recommend!

Met another couple here as a Mother’s Day celebration. We had made our reservations on line. We were seated promptly upon arrival. Our server was very nice and attentive. We shared a bottle of wine from their nice wine selection. Bread and appetizers were vert good. We all loved our entrees, all sticking with seafood. Each couple shared a berry crumble for dessert. Total with tip $135/ per couple. Very nice place. If I had a complaint it is very difficult to drop off and pick up your party after due to the one way streets. There is no place to pull over and get out of the flow.

Not fast service, but more a leisurely meal. The haddock is absolutely amazing... Probably one of the better meals I've had in my life.Wouldn't call this family friendly, but they'll make it work.

Food was good but service was a bit off. Salad came without dressing after stating what I wanted. Big gaps in between table visits. Enjoyed my entrée but the lack of none shellfish options in a seafood restaurant is pretty sad ?. I'll most likely return if me and my girlfriend stay together, this was an anniversary dinner from when we met off app 4 years ago..

The food was fantastic, as were the drinks. The staff was great, very obliging, and assisted by explaining things, such as what was in each sauce, to inform us and to help us make decisions on what we wanted. They made the dinner easy and even helped with to go orders. Will definitely go here again!

Outstanding meal! Great service and friendly staff. We’ve been many times and look forward to our next visit.

The friendly staff did everything to accommodate my husband and I on a busy Saturday night. We started with clams and oysters from the raw bar that were fresh delicious, Entrees consisted of swordfish carbonara and diver scallops. Both were expertly prepared, well seasoned and fresh. The after dinner drinks were extremely generous. Jumpin' Jay's is certainly worth the money.l

Very happy with my experience here. I like seafood so lets start there. Pretty broad menu so there is something for every seafood lover. Staff was very attentive and seemingly want to assure a great experience. I would go again.

Recently we had dinner on two occasions at Jumpin Jays. It is amazing how food can be prepared to be completely tasteless. On our last visit, just last week, we were with another couple and ordered oysters for their "shuck a buck". The oysters were so tiny they were not worth eating. We then ordered the tuna tartar, calamari with a basil aioli and a house salad. Everything was tasteless. The chardonnay on the menu was $60 for the bottle! If you like overpriced inferior food and wine this is your spot.