The Porthole

Loved it here! Came here on the 2nd of January with family. We were quick greeted and taken to a bigger room with a projector since the bar area was full. The lady who greeted us asked me if I wanted to watch the Pats game and she put it on for me. The waiter was really friendly and attentive. I was craving a lobster and my wife a cod sandwich. Both were really good and worth every cent. My kids all ordered chicken fingers with fries. We were all happy. I highly recommend if you're in the area and especially in the summer you can eat outside and enjoy the dockside view.

Food is average; views and vibe are above average, thus 4 stars. Seems more like a tourist destination where you are paying more for the vibe and views rather than the food. The food is satisfactory and the experience is fun. There is a mix of families and friends here as well as a vibrant singles scene with the outdoor bar and live music. We waited about 90 minutes for a table on a Friday night; they don’t take reservations. The wait didn’t bother us as we walked around the downtown area. There are no vibrating alarms to take with you so consider returning every so often to see where you are on the list. We sat at a picnic table and our waiter was attentive and excellent. As mentioned previously, the food was average but the scene was vibrant. Oddly, no masks anywhere to be seen. We felt a little out of palace wearing ours. Also, this restaurant is dog friendly and the waiter brings out a bowl of ice water for the pup. For a family of 5 the bill was $115 which seems about a average.

Omg the blackened haddock sandwich was amazing. Fun that there are $6 for 2 jello shots but they tasted weak. They have a pretty large seating area but they jam you together before expanding where they sit people it seems like? Service was great. The Good: The food. The blackened haddock sandwich was absolutely worth coming out of the way for! Good jello shot prices if you're into that but I question the alcohol content. Despite how busy it was the service was fantastic. The Meh: They seem to jam you together seating wise even when they have more parts of the building available. Prices are on par for downtown Portland at the pier. The Bad: None.

I was in this restaurant today, June 21,2022. I ordered fried scallop meal, on menu, it indicated $34. When I got the meal, it is showed in this photo. It has only 6 pieces of scallops? Also they charged lobster roll $28. The next photo I took in another restaurant, which is same dish, fried scallop. I just want to compare. I think everyone can make a judgement . That is why I gave such review.

Friendly attentive service, fresh and delicious seafood, cold beverages (Allagash White on tap with an orange slice hit the spot) with bowls of ice water for the 4-legged guests on the waterside deck all add up to a great summer evening. We all enjoyed the food and our dogs enjoyed the attention from staff and patrons alike.