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The Oar House Reviews List
The Oar House
Located in the historic "Merchant's Row" building at the edge of Portsmouth's old harbor, The Oar House serves fine food in a setting filled with mementos of the city's long and proud maritime heritage.
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46 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.6
/
5
Rating Breakdown 46 reviews
5 stars
(28)
4 stars
(16)
3 stars
(2)
2 stars
(0)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.6
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- special occasion(23)
- romantic(19)
- fit for foodies(18)
- neighborhood gem(15)
- good for groups(11)
- scenic view(8)
The Oar House Reviews List
Review 1 for The Oar House
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Super Server Karen
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Karen our server was spectacular, knew the menu well, and made great recommendations. we ate inside in the basement of an old warehouse, immaculate, the 8oz beef filet was done to perfection. The raspberry brûlée and the key lime pie topped off a perfect meal."
Dined on 6/15/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, romantic, scenic view, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 2 for The Oar House
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Kid Friendly AND Romantic? Yes.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We dined with 6 adults, one child (age 8) and a 4 week old. Two Master's grads honored for their work. It was the perfect spot for a special dinner: Stellar view of the harbor, outdoor dining if desired is right on the pier. (we chose the indoor: it was 94 degrees and we had the baby) The waitress was over the top with our 8 year old, not only asking us if we were ok or needed anything: she chatted with him every time she came to the table. The food was perfect. I had a seared tuna steak, my husband had a steak: both cooked exactly as requested. I love it when food is served artistically, and each dish did not disappoint - every plate was a picture. My husband and I are going back, sans kids, as fast as we possibly can."
Dined on 5/31/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, romantic, scenic view, special occasion, kid-friendly
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Review 3 for The Oar House
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Shipshape Great!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Quiet Friday night of Memorial Day weekend made for an extraordinary culinary event harborside in Portsmouth. The best service brought the absolutely best Haddock ever as well as an incredible dish of broiled shrimp, scallops, haddock, sherried lobster sauce and seasoned bread crumbs, a dish on the menu for over 35 years. It was wonderful."
Dined on 5/24/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, scenic view, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 4 for The Oar House
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
great graduation dinner
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Had a reservation for 7 which got switched to 10 at last minute. This is UNH graduation weekend. Restaurant changed the seating without problem. Room was full but still wonderful, friendly service. Food delivered at one time and everything was cooked perfectly and was hot. We had just about everything from steak to Mac/ cheese/ lobster to salmon etc. Having valet parking and own lot was key as Portsmouth was packed."
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: good for groups, romantic, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 5 for The Oar House
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fabulous
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We dined here celebrating our son's graduation from college. The food was amazing! Service great. The only issue, which really wasn't a problem, is the ceilings upstairs are very low and my son and his friend are 6'3 and 6'5 and had to keep ducked, only while standing."
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 6 for The Oar House
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Relaxing Mother's Day Brunch
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Brunch menu was excellent, with various "specialty" choices alongside actual menu. Food was served hot and in reasonable time. Brought my 7mon old son; they were quick to provide highchair and were careful to keep sharp objects and hot plates out of his reach. Server (Paul) was friendly and attentive, if a little slow with drinks (however, was Mother's Day brunch and fairly busy). Will happily visit again."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 7 for The Oar House
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Our 2nd time at the Oar House
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Our 2nd time at the Oar House and not our last! It's nice to dine in an established, historic space with a traditional yet creative menu. Our server, Carly, was THE BEST!!"
Dined on 04/28/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch
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Review 8 for The Oar House
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The Oar House was a nice find.
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The Oar House was a nice find. The food was better than average as was the service. The wine list, although not extensive, had a few selections in each price range. Wines were overpriced as they are at most restaurants. Not surprising, but I am always impressed by those few restaurants who provide good value for wines. The atmosphere was cozy and interesting, although the overhead music did not seem to go with the atmosphere. Motown and '70's soft rock seemed out of place. Restaurant staff was friendly and helpful. Overall, I would return and recommend to others."
Dined on 04/22/2013
2005
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Review 9 for The Oar House
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We went for a late lunch/early
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We went for a late lunch/early dinner so the restaurant was almost empty...a great time to see how clean and well-cared for it is. The waitress had already worked a long brunch shift, but she was cheerful and attentive. Outstanding Clam Chowder and delicious Haddock. The sides (crisp green beans and sliced, roasted potatoes) were prepared perfectly. We look forward to going back for either lunch or dinner."
Dined on 04/21/2013
2007
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, great for lunch
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Review 10 for The Oar House
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Requested and received table
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Requested and received table for 4 in corner, quiet area where we were able to talk without shouting. Nicole, our waitress was personable, cheerful and there when needed. Food choices were excellent, dishes were nicely presented and enjoyed by all. Loved the exposed huge wooden beams, brick and stone walls and music coming from the bar area. An eening enjoyed by all."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 11 for The Oar House
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food was great, server was
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Food was great, server was wonderful and the wine we had was even better. Our server let us taste a couple of different wines, and of course we chose the more expensive one... worth every penny! Food was exactly what we wanted for a nice little date night."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly, special occasion
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Review 12 for The Oar House
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Very nice evening at the Oar
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Very nice evening at the Oar House for Restaurant Week. Food was super. Waiter was very friendly and helpful."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2013
Special Features: romantic, scenic view
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Review 13 for The Oar House
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We love to go here for the
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We love to go here for the baked lobsters."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2008
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 14 for The Oar House
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
outstanding waitress, lovely
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
"outstanding waitress, lovely decor, great spot to relax"
Dined on 04/06/2013
2013
Special Features: late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 15 for The Oar House
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent Restaurant Week
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Excellent Restaurant Week menu!"
Dined on 04/04/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 16 for The Oar House
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
My husband and I were here
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"My husband and I were here for Easter dinner. The mussels we shared for a starter were fabulous!! - some of the best I've ever had. I had the veal and my husband had the lamb dinner - both excellent and filling. Place is very intimate and comfortable, very old feel to it. Waitress was wonderful and very friendly. My only disappointment was the creme brulee which was ok, but not what I'm used to - seemed like very thick vanilla pudding and I didn't finish it. We had a wonderful dinner and highly recommend the Oar House for a nice dinner if you're in Portsmouth."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 17 for The Oar House
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Amazing meal. Super friendly
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Amazing meal. Super friendly waitress. Although always good, The Oar House was outstanding this visit!
Highly recommend lobster Mac & Cheese. Valet parking was a huge help for the downtown Portsmouth area."
Highly recommend lobster Mac & Cheese. Valet parking was a huge help for the downtown Portsmouth area."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2012
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Review 18 for The Oar House
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Classy and delicious
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The service was excellent, friendly and courteous. Our waiter, John paid just enough attention to the table, was friendly, attentive and classy. The chef provided fresh food with a creative flair and the artistry of presentation was superior.
I would recommend the Oar House to anyone who was looking for great ambience and service, with attention to quality and variety on the menu.
A wonderful night out!"
Dined on 03/08/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 19 for The Oar House
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
It was difficult to get a
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"It was difficult to get a reservation..but we did. First night could not get in. Went online the next morning to secure reservation for that night. When we arrived the hostess graciously greeted us acknowledging she was sorry she did not have a table the prior evening. Quiet table by the window downstairs. Great dinner. Great waitress.The next day we tried again, late in the day to come back. No table till 9:00 which was too late for us. Lesson learned: make a reservation..the earlier the better."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, romantic, hot spot
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Ratings-Only Reviews for The Oar House
Based on the average of (27) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
6 out of 7 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate