The Oar House is located in Portsmouth’s Olde Harbour area, which in the late 1700s and early 1800s was a thriving seaport. In December 1802, 120 buildings burned in Portsmouth’s most disastrous fire, including the wooden mercantile structures that occupied the restaurant site. The citizens of Portsmouth rebuilt almost immediately, in the early months of 1803, using brick to eliminate future fire hazards. The buildings on Ceres Street, including the one now occupied by the Oar House, were constructed at this time.
A seafood-strong menu & spirits served in a historic harbor setting with a waterfront deck. Based on 484 reviews, the restaurant has received a rating of 4.3 stars. Price $$$
✔️ Dine-in ✔️ Takeout ✔️ No delivery
Address:
55 Ceres St, Portsmouth, NH 03801
Phone: (603) 436-4025
Social Profile: 
Hours
| Monday
(Labor Day)
|
11:30 AM–9 PM
Hours might differ
|
| Tuesday | 11:30 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 11:30 AM–9 PM |
| Thursday | 11:30 AM–9 PM |
| Friday | 11:30 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 11:30 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | 11:30 AM–9 PM |
Menu
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Menu Photos
Photo Gallery
Order and Reservations
Reservations: resy.com
Reviews
Stuart Morris
On vacation and stayed in our old stopping ground Portsmouth for the week. Ate at the OarHouse and thought the meal and the location were great. Elton, our server was wonderful. I had the Halibut, which I thought was exceptional, and she had the Mac & Lobster, which was just ok. Couldn’t find the lobster.
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Stephen Snow
This was a special birthday dinner on 2/18/23 for 4 guests on the street level. We promptly arrived for our 6:45 reservation. Warm ambience w brick walls and massive wood beams. Charming. The Manhattan, White Russian and wines were served promptly, apps after a while, entrees were served at 8:35. Our affable waiter, John, apologized for the delay as there were only 4 working the kitchen. Oysters quite fresh and briny, harvested from Damariscotta, ME. Beet salad good, needed seasoning. Deep-fried Calamari was exo. Needed seasoning. Their signature seafood casserole was very good. Baked stuffed Lobsters were topped w shrimp and a scallop and it was enjoyed. One guest had a side filet that was tender and flavorful. The flatbread prosciutto was lame, the fig consisted of a jam spread and no taste from the bread. Creme Brûlée was made from a powder mix and not worthwhile. Let’s hope they ramp up the kitchen staff, otherwise, avoid the weekends and the summer crush. With tip, $514.00.
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Natalie Koffarnus
Unique place full of character to get a bite to eat. Nice location near the water. Market prices for a portion of the menu with a catch of the day option.
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Elton Vasquez
Awesome place to have lunch in this historic town. The actual building is amazing. You can feel the history in the air. The menu is simply spectacular and extremely approachable. Great refreshing cocktails, if you’re able to find seating on the terrace the view is to die for. Ate like a boar and had a great time. Will definitely be coming back during my stay in Portsmouth!!
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Mark Balfour
Cool spot conveniently located downtown and worth stopping in. Great drink selection as expected and good food. Lobster roll was expensive as they are but stuffed with all lobster and very little mayo, so the taste was A+. Pizza was tasty as well and service was as expected.
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Arii
I came here with my family and we had a great dinner. I got the lobster roll and the crispy ribs and they were amazing. I highly recommend them. it was also a great atmosphere sitting out on the deck, and we really enjoyed the service and the live music
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David Weinstein
Perfect for what we were looking for: good seafood, on the water, no wait, and friendly staff. The oysters were super fresh and everyone loved their food.
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Sherri V
I suggested this restaurant for my sister to enjoy a beautiful Friday night in Portsmouth. The oar house has a beautiful location along the water. The view, however, didn’t make up for the 45 minute wait after her order was forgotten and then the wrong food brought out. Only solution from the oar house was to offer a 20% discount. Don’t waste an great opportunity to enjoy a great night by going to the oar house for over priced food even for the awesome view. Visit a place that appreciates your business
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Mark Cornelius
This place started off bad… We ordered Filets and got shoe leather. It looked like they used a meat slicer to cut New York steaks into 1/4 inch sections. Mine was supposed to be medium but came out a good shade of concrete grey with heavy char.
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Josh Hansen
Lobster Mac and cheese was good, not great. I ordered carry out and the portion seemed small for $30. Cheesecake was good.
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