I hadn't been to the Oar House for almost 20 years and it will likely be another 20 before I go back. The evening started poorly when we arrived on time for our reservations and were placed in the corner of a nearly empty dining room right next to the only other diners in the place. When I asked to move the hostess told me the rest of the restaurant tables were for others with reservations. Not exactly sure why those guests couldn't have my table for 4 when they arrived and I have "theirs" now. Anyhow it was very awkward--I felt like the nerds in the cool frat house party scene from Animal House. Took 30 minutes to get served despite the fact that the place was empty. Scallops wrapped in bacon were saturated in maple syrup and soggy. Gross. The crispy ribs were good though. Drinks were big and pretty good. My friend had the lobster roll--$45!! Less than half that price at any good place in the area. Large and small Oar House Delight were exactly the same size, just $6 apart. Not bad though. Service was slow and those seats I couldn't have never got filled. Had to listen to the boring conversation of the foks 2 feet away in a half full restaurant. Hostess should be fired.
We had a wonderful dinner here seated in the bar area and served by Leon. So fun! Haddock was delicious and the wilted greens it was served on were even better! My husband loved his shrimp scampi. Don’t miss this charming spot!
Took my father for his birthday. Waitress was great and energetic. She really made us feel welcome and was excited about the menu. Loved the old colony feel of the place and the food/wine offerings were delicious. Will definitely go again!
So basically everything other than the stuffed lobster I had was good. The escargot and scallop appetizers were good, standard. The stuffed 1-1/4 lb $60.00 lobster I had was horrible. Repeat… $60.00. The stuffing was like eating wallpaper paste and the lobster was dried out, tasteless seafood jerky. I could have cooked a better stuffed lobster blindfolded with my hands tied behind my back. Sorry Oar House, but you need to do better!
Had not been to the Oar House in a couple of years and just went Friday night while we were visiting Portsmouth.We sat in the cozy lower level and were waited on by Jen.All and all the entire experience was top shelf.We would definitely go there again on our next visit.Thank you Jen
It's amazing how badly this place delivered from the opening drink to the dessert. We ordered straight-forward items from a limited menu. My Manhattan tasted like it was made with dishwater. The Haddock and Scallops had been sitting in the grocery for a few days before arriving at our table. And the Key Lime Pie sure wasn't from the Florida Keys. It was indescribably bad.
For years, We have always loved coming here for dinner when visiting Portsmouth. Over the weekend, we looked forward to going, always amazing food , service, and atmosphere. However, really disappointed this time. Unfortunately, they changed their menu and no longer offered the meals we look forward to. The meals we did get were just ok. Maybe just an off night. However, the worse part was that our waiter was very rude and unfriendly. We definitely did not feel welcomed. It’s really makes me sad because this was one of our very favorite places to dine. 
We love the Oar house! We go there when we want to guarantee delicious food, great service and historic nautical atmosphere that is warm and upscale without being uptight. We were sat in the pub section last night for dinner reservations and our waitress was over the top attentive to our needs and beyond generous with her time and energy. She truly treated every table like it was her only table-rare service these days. I wish I could remember her name! Thanks Oar House & staff- we are super grateful for you?⚓️??
One of the best meals of my life. Take a look at the lazy lobster.
Great food! Classic downtown eatery in portsmouth.