This is one of those meals I'll think about for a long time. Service and ambiance great but let's talk about the food. 1. Oysters incredible - couldn't tell you which ones we got but all were really good 2. Calamari actually my least favorite of all. Not that it was bad it was just uneventful compared to everything else 3. Warm rolls with butter - delish and cozy 4. Tuna crudo thing was fabulous 5. Clam chowder was reallllllly good Now for the main events: 1. Crab pasta. HOLY COW. So damn good. The corn in it is chefs kiss. 2. Mac and cheese like so heavenly. It was HUGE and so rich and creamy and amazing 3. Warm lobster roll was so good too Really incredible food all around - can't recommend enough! read more

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Great spot in Portsmouth with happy hour $1 oysters. Modern, clean and open. We were greeted immediately and requested to sit at the bar. Our server came over and I wasn't sure about him, but he warmed up a few minutes later. Everything was delicious and cocktails were great! A great spot for happy hour and noshing. read more

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Summary- mixed experience all around. Food- 2.5 stars Raw bar stuff was meh.... oysters were good quality but 2/10 were shucked poorly.... amateur hour. Blue crab cocktail was covered in a giant slopped on pile of cocktail sauce and horseradish, which absolutely overwhelmed much of the delicate crab meat even after peeling off as much as possible. Why not put this on the side? Maryland sensibilities offended. Shrimp roll was good but menu should explain how it's served. Coleslaw it came with was awful.... Too much vinegar. Dinner rolls were excellent. Mac & cheese was also very good. Kids cheeseburger and fries were fine. Heirloom tomato salad was ok... tomatoes were a little overripe but flavor was good. Roasted oysters were terrible.... If I wanted a mouthful of warm flavored bread crumbs I can eat them out of the pantry. We sent back the crab dip... it very much tasted like whitefish... they checked and said it was the crab dip, but it tasted nothing like crab to us. Maybe it was just poorly balanced like a lot of the rest of the food. Drinks- 5 stars Great cocktail and very solid beer menu. Atmosphere- 1 star I CAN'T HEAR YOU?!? Maybe a little less tile and metal next time. Sooooo loud the lady we were walking out with said "your ears need a break from that place.... Never again!" Same lady... same. Service- 1.5 stars Our actual server did a very good job he was timely and friendly and dealt with our crab dip send back very well. However- we reserved a standard height table but when we got there they said that only high tops were available. We specifically chose the dining room not a high top when we reserved and the hostess completely blew this off like it was our fault. When she asked if it was a problem and we said it was she simply stared at us. Value- 2 stars A meal at this price should hit on all cylinders and this was more of a "it runs but it smokes a lot" experience. read more

Nestled in the heart of downtown Portsmouth, this vibrant upscale seafood spot sits conveniently next to the Hanover Parking Garage (bonus: parking is only $3 an hour). The tuna crudo was a standout appetizer--silky slices of fresh raw tuna with bright Asian-inspired flavors that complemented the fish beautifully. My only complaint? Four pieces for $21 disappeared way too quickly. I also tried Ethel's Creamy Lobster Roll, which came on perfectly toasted bread with the restaurant's signature thick-cut, house-made 242 fries. While the buttery roll was satisfying, I was hoping for a more generous portion of lobster. At $54, plus an upcharge for the specialty 242 in house made fries, this was definitely the meal that emptied the wallet more than it impressed my taste buds. The crispy fish tacos were my favorite of the meal. Each taco was packed with large pieces of crispy fried fish layered over a fresh slaw, and a squeeze of lime brought everything together with a bright, refreshing finish. As for the crispy fish sandwich...it was just mid. Perfectly edible, but nothing memorable compared to the rest of the menu. Overall, this is a beautiful seafood restaurant with a lively atmosphere and quality ingredients, but be prepared for upscale prices. You'll likely leave with a full stomach--but also a noticeably lighter wallet. read more

Row 34 - Ethel's Creamy Lobster Roll, Crispy Fish Tacos, Fish Sandwich - Seafood Near Me - Portsmouth, New Hampshire

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We've reviewed many times before; it's excellent all around, love the buttered lobster roll and shellfish tower!!

Outstanding dinner! We started with raw bar - oysters were amazing. Seafood entrees were fresh and delicious. Server (Sarah) was fabulous, friendly and super-efficient. Highly recommend!! read more

Row 34 - Raw bar - Seafood Near Me - Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Row 34 was a fantastic experience for happy hour. They offer $1 oysters and discounted beers and wines. The happy hour goes from 3-5pm on Fridays and Saturdays, but only for 1 hour the rest of the week, if I remember correctly. I enjoyed a couple beers, 8 oysters, a half lobster ($23), and a glass of wine. The oysters and the condiments they're served with were so delicious. Some of the best I've had I a while. The service was very attentive and on point. A special mention to Holly, who was not my server, but I noticed going above and beyond for the restaurant and customers. While the service was great, I couldn't shake the feeling that my server (B) wanted to stab me in the neck. I'm not sure why, as I'm generally a quite pleasant person. I took off a star for that, but added it back on for the $1 oysters. Those make almost anything forgivable. read more

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Modern decor and plenty of fresh seafood options. Our server was great so friendly. Their oysters are delicious and fresh can't wait to go back and try their seafood tower. The tuna crudo had the perfect balance within savory and sweet. We didn't ordered dessert but had affogato with their in house made ice cream. Would definitely recommend. read more

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A Fine seafood establishment with delicious chicken breast. Staff is friendly & accommodating. Atmosphere was industrial loud & trendy. Great quantity of adult beverages. read more

Row 34 - Roasted Chicken Breast on brown rice - Seafood Near Me - Portsmouth, New Hampshire

We joined friends for a quick pre-show dinner, and the staff did a great job accommodating our tight schedule -- we made the show on time without ever feeling rushed. We started with cocktails and their excellent house-made rolls, then split a dozen oysters from a wide selection; the server's recommendations were spot-on. Entrées included shrimp rigatoni, salmon, fish tacos, clam chowder, and fries -- all well prepared, good portions, and enjoyed by everyone. It was fairly busy (and thus a bit noisy), so reservations are probably a good idea. read more

We just had the best meal of our trip. The food was amazing, we sampled oysters, fish, shrimp, mussels and the biscuit that was to die for. But what made our meal even more special was the server Laitham. He was the best server we have had in a long time, so attentive, kind and professional. We would 100% recommend going to Row 34 and look forward to going back. read more

Row 34 - Seafood Near Me - Portsmouth, New Hampshire

We went to seek for Clam Chowder soup in Portsmouth, and came across eating other items from Row 34. Ordered New England clam chowder soup, Lobster roll, Green crab slider and raw oysters. The food was all fresh and delicious. The New England Clam Chowder had a homemade crisp cracker in the soup. The extra crisp and crunch was great. The Lobster roll had homemade chips - my husband said it was delicious and fresh. The green crab slider (often has the pickled jalapeños- I saud no to spice) was interesting because it had a small soft shell crab right in the middle. Tasty and flavorful. The oysters had three sauces with the meal. All fresh and made well. We came in around 9pm, the restaurant closes at 11pm. We were served by Mike who my husband had asked what oysters he recommended and he delivered with the right choices. Thank you for your help, Mike. All payments accepted, parking is along the street with meters, free after 8pm. Decor and atmosphere was relaxing and semi dark in Row 34. read more

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The best lobster rolls we've ever had .... and my wife and I grew up in New England (Portsmouth and Boston) and lived there for 15 years as adults. Service was friendly and efficient and the place had a great buzz. The only thing that didn't live up to their high standards was their selection of non-alcoholic beers. The addition of Becks N.A. and Stella Artois N.A. Would provide nice alternatives to their nouveau N.A. beers. Next time we're in Portsmouth we'll definitely be back to Box 34. read more

Returned here as they had a $1 oyster special. Decided to have oysters first, then ordered 2 small fried oyster sliders and the clam chowder which I had last time and knew it was one of the best. Oysters although small as expected but were good however ordering 24 between us they only gave us three little dishes of the dressing items. The chowder had changed so much, I couldn't even finish it. Not sure the taste but we both said it was terrible with some sort of spice or herb over powering it. Most likely will return sometime but wont get the chowder. read more

Had a great dinner! We tried their clam chowder, oysters, lobster rolls and fish tacos! Great food, great atmosphere! Would love to come back. read more

Made a pitstop driving between Boston and Maine for a couple of lobster rolls to go. Had to call because we couldn't find lobster rolls on the toasttab pick up menu. The staff was super nice and had the rolls and homemade chips ready in 15 mins as promised. The bread was toasted with butter and the lobster meat was warm and delicious. Don't be surprised by the $52 pricetag per roll. Glad we stopped! Will be back next trip read more

Might be good food..??, but left after waiting 30 minutes at the bar for a burger and mussels. After the guest next to us received their food within 10 minutes of ordering..and the vIP walked in with the red carpet lined up for them.. read more

The shrimp cocktail was the best I have ever had, anywhere. They were absolutely perfect. Perfectly cooked. I cannot tell you how much we enjoyed it. Everything was so flavorful and delicious. The service was great. Immaculate and well executed. I would definitely return. I'm actually happy I don't live in Portsmouth or I would be broke from ordering the shrimp daily. Trust me, so few restaurants deliver now. Apps were great. Entrees hit. read more

Allagash white. Fried oysters. Chowder. All lovely, and served with great service. Thank you for a lovely impromptu evening of fresh seafood! read more

Row 34 - Chowder. Fried oysters. Allagash beer. - Seafood Near Me - Portsmouth, New Hampshire

First off, the staff were friendly, knowledgeable and perfectly attentive. We both ordered the cold lobster rolls. Presentation was excellent. They come with some really great house-made chips. Fresh, crunchy and very flavorful. The coleslaw was also quite nice. The rolls were perfectly buttered and toasted. The lobster was generous and the pieces were large and properly cooked. So why 3 starts? Because the lobster completely lacked flavor! The creamy mayo and celery was very good - you tasted the celery in every bite. The roll was delicious. But never did I taste the lobster. I'd say it was primarily tail meat, just a bit of claw meat. Whether I grabbed a piece off the top or bit into the whole thing, I never tasted the lobster. Since we went specifically for the lobster rolls, I can't comment on any other food. The place was certainly packed and lively. We ate outside, which was quieter and very pleasant. We pass through Portsmouth a few times a year as we drive from Philadelphia to the County in northern Maine. We'll probably try Row 34 again at some point. Just different entrees next time. read more

We came here to celebrate my brother-in-law's birthday and ordered the Seafood Tower, the Clam Chowder, and the Fish & Chips. The seafood tower had 12 oysters, 6 clams, 6 shrimp, ceviche, and two lobster halves. It was so fun to try as a shared dish for the table. The chowder was flavorful (it had bacon in it!) and the fish and chips was cooker perfectly and was super fresh. The ambiance was perfect for a birthday celebration and the service was quick and polite. We will definitely be returning! read more

Row 34 - Seafood Tower - Seafood Near Me - Portsmouth, New Hampshire

The interior is nice and modern. Servers were nice and food came out quickly. I got the grilled shrimp Caesar salad. It was good, but a lot of lettuce. It was chopped well. I liked the variety of available hot sauces. The Row 34 sauce was actually my favorite with the tangy, savory flavor. The rum milk tea cocktail was delicious. read more

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Very cool bar with lots of seating. Service was fast and friendly. We only stopped in for a drink. The drinks were great and the food looked good. A little pricey so just be aware. read more

Row 34 - Dirty martini - Seafood Near Me - Portsmouth, New Hampshire

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Great food. Excellent service. Cool vibe. We got the happy hour oysters which were delicious. I had the bacon burger with fried oysters which was juicy, very flavorful, and cooked right. Garnished with pickled onions and sweet pickles. My wife had the fish and chips which was a huge piece. Crispy and tasted great. We were surprised at how great everything was!! read more

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We had such a nice experience here a few weeks back on a Friday night in Portsmouth. We were exhausted as we had just traveled four hours from Acadia and on our way back to CT. Our server was fantastic. Wish I remembered his name but he was so great and accommodating. Our meals were phenomenal. We started with the green salad to start which we split. Very fresh and tasty. I had my heart set on a dish but I guess they change the menu often and were out of the steamers that night so I went with the Wild Gulf shrimp. The waiter checked with the chef and they were able to do this dish without onions and with gluten free pasta. So impressed. It was absolutely delicious. My boyfriend got the Grilled Steelhead Trout and liked his meal as well. He's pretty picky but said this fish reminded him of salmon so he liked it very much. We loved our entrees so much that we got the blueberry crisp for dessert. I think I will stick to just apple crisp in the future just as a preference but this was done very well. I ate every morsel of everything here as it was all so good. They have a very nice menu here and I would come back if we lived closer! read more

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We stopped in Portsmouth on our way to Kennebunkport for a quick bite to eat. Cute little town!!! The folks here were super nice. Loved hearing that northeastern accent. Also LOVED seeing a beer on the menu from our home (Austin TX) - Jester King Brewery. Kudos to the beer picker! Oysters, phenomenal. Chowder, delicious and filling. Tuna tartare, amazing. Overall excellent lunch! read more

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Stopped by for lunch today. Wasn't too busy and we were seated immediately. Service was kind, courteous, and prompt. My GF thought it was a bit cool (temperature wise) but it was just right for me. Type of place you can hear yourself having a conversation and you don't need to shout over the table, so A+ ambiance. Food-wise, GF got the clam chowder appetizer which she thoroughly enjoyed, I got 3 pieces of shrimp cocktail: big, meaty pieces of shrimp which were super succulent. GF got the fried fish sandwich and I got the fish and chips. Both portions were massive--a lot bigger than we expected--and the fish in both dishes were great. Flakey, tasty, and cooked to the right doneness. Next time we are back in Portsmouth, we will definitely return. read more

Row 34 - Fried fish sandwich - Seafood Near Me - Portsmouth, New Hampshire

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Disappointed by Management and Vibe We came to Row 34 on a Sunday afternoon as a party of 7, excited to try their oysters after reading great reviews. Unfortunately, the overall experience left us disappointed -- not because of the food, but because of the attitude and lack of basic hospitality. Right from the start, the hostess made an offhand comment about how it would be hard to find a waitress "willing to take a party this large." It set a strange, unwelcoming tone. Thankfully, our actual server was very sweet, and we tried to stay optimistic. Despite it being a relatively quiet afternoon, it took over 20 minutes just to get our beers. When they finally came out, the waitress accidentally dropped the tray and two full beers spilled all over my sister -- her hair and back were soaked. Accidents happen, and we totally understood. We helped clean her up, she changed shirts, and we even laughed it off. We made sure to reassure the waitress, who was clearly mortified, that it was okay. What shocked us, though, was the management. My sister handled the situation with grace, but the fact that nothing was comped, not even a beer, speaks volumes. The manager, we think?, he didn't introduce himself, came over and handed us napkins but didn't comp the drinks?! Our server couldn't even make eye contact when we left. It felt like she was embarrassed on their behalf, and honestly, she should not have had to be the one to bear that weight. Row 34 is clearly aiming for upscale dining, but with that comes a responsibility for decent customer service -- especially when something goes wrong. Instead, the vibe was weird and cold. It's overpriced, unfriendly, and we won't be returning. There are plenty of great seafood spots in the area that don't come with the side of attitude. read more

8 out of 19 seats sat at the bar (including our 2) and about 32 of 120 restaurant seats sat. Two bartenders on but it still took almost 10 Minutes to even get acknowledged. We ordered our drinks as we looked over the menu deciding what to eat. We just didn't get a very welcoming vibe from the place so paid for our drinks and decided to look else where for our meal. The food may be great but if the personality of the establishment is cold and impersonal, I'll go somewhere else read more

Such a bright, open, airy spot. The front of the raw bar was decorated with the grow trays used in oyster farming and looked chic. The aesthetic was perfect for a waterfront restaurant. Our waiter was funny, knowledgeable and helpful. He turned us on to some of the best hot sauce from Maine. It is one of the condiments that they serve. We started with fried clams, which were fresh and sweet. Possibly some of the best we've ever had. We each ordered oysters from each location on the menu. The wide range of flavor profiles from up and down the coast was incredible. I ordered mussels as my main dish. They were fresh and the broth was delicious. Definitely a good spot to enjoy a meal in Portsmouth. read more

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I gotta give this place 4/5 stars for how it purports itself. It's missing the fifth star due to some service mishaps and the food being good but not *that* good. It doesn't measure up to the price and status of the restaurant. My friend and I each got the lobster pasta which is one of their most expensive dishes at $42. Again it was good but didn't measure up to that price point. I had high hopes for Row 34 and was slightly let down. That being said, I do recommend going, especially for a date. read more

Row 34 - Lobster Pasta - Seafood Near Me - Portsmouth, New Hampshire

I've tried this place a few times and they never disappoint! Their raw bar is awesome and they have an extensive selection of oysters. We had the clams and deviled eggs for an appetizer which were both amazing. The salmon was good, and the lobster roll was an incredible! I love the location and that they do outdoor seating. The inside is also beautiful and all of the staff is very attentive. Would recommend for a nice date night! read more

Row 34 - Lobster roll, Salmon - Seafood Near Me - Portsmouth, New Hampshire

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First time. Roasted chicken was good and presented well. Lobster roll good but over priced for the portion. Steamers were not hot. Corn bread very dry. Service was not good. Drinks not refilled, no pre busing, no check back. Probably will not return. read more

We came here for dinner and the food was excellent! We got the oysters which were so fresh and delicious! We got the fish board with spicy tuna pate, white fish pate, smoked maple Salmon and trout and it was a 10/10. We also got the clam chowder and the lobster roll with Vermont mac and cheese all of which were 1000/10. The service was fast and professional! Would highly recommend this place for any seafood lover! read more

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Cold nasty chowder. Fish tacos spares and non existent. Tuna tartare way too brown and tasteless. I will say tuna crudo was outstanding. Also wine was 5 oz ish and my glass was nasty. Not going back ever. read more

Awesome delicious dinner. Started with the Oysters on the half shell, clam chowder and the whitefish salad small plate. Dinner was the Lobster pasta, Maine crab with fresh pasta, and the Tuna Tartar small plate. Every single bite was loaded with flavor. Row 34 has made our list as a must every time we visit Portsmouth. And our server Julia was just the best!! read more

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Have you ever seen a 3.5% mandatory "kitchen appreciation fee" added to your bill?? If not here it is at Row 34 in Portsmouth. When does this end? We had a very nice meal and then see this obnoxious fee is added. How about make it a suggested fee???? Not be removed only if you look like a cheapo and ask. Hello corporate, how about you pay your kitchen staff more without clipping your customers. STOP the madness read more

Row 34 - Seafood Near Me - Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Row 34 was a spectacular choice for a local seafood experience. We are traveling throughout New Hampshire for a long weekend to explore the autumn views. Our last stop tonight and tomorrow being Portsmouth. We arrived into town around 5:30pm on Monday night. We were able to get a quick reservation on open table close to our hotel and within walking distance. It is located in a newly developed modern neighborhood near the water. We were so glad we found this place. Beautiful modern decor and atmosphere. Nice selection of wine, cider, beer, or cocktails. We had the crab appetizer... delicious. I had the Haddock and he had the fish and chips. Both were amazing. We also opted for the cornbread which was dropped down directly from the heavens. Highly recommended. Will come back again. read more

We came to Row 34 for the oysters, and we weren't disappointed. They were excellently prepared, the person shucking knew what they were doing (unlike some other oyster spots in town). The happy hour $2 oysters were pretty small but incredibly flavorful. The presentation was good, and the array of hot sauces was welcomed (I'm an oyster purist but do love a dab on an oyster from time to time). Service was prompt, and our waiter was very knowledgeable. The tuna pate was delicious, and our drinks were well mixed and came out quickly. So why 4 stars? We went on pasta night. I got the ravioli, my partner got spaghetti and meatballs. The ravioli was the smallest portion I've ever seen at a restaurant. $22 for ONLY 5 small ravioli, that were darn near flat due to lack of filling. Thankfully my partner let me have some spaghetti and meatballs, or I would have been hungry. Their dish was $15 and had 4-5 massive meatballs, and easily could be a meal for 2 people. Long story short, go to Row 34 for oysters and drinks (which, admittedly, is what they advertise as thier wheelhouse) and seek entrées elsewhere. read more

Very nice service good customer care and nice food we love this restaurant we go first time we like nice food and nice service and nice staff read more