Jumpin' Jay's Fish Cafe in Portsmouth, NH

A seafood restaurant in downtown Portsmouth serving fresh fish, oysters, and seasonal specials for dinner.

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Address:
150 Congress Street, Portsmouth, NH 03801

Phone:
(603) 766-3474

Hours:
Sunday – Thursday: 5:00pm – 9:00pm
Friday & Saturday: 5:00pm – 9:30pm

Reservations:
Available through Resy

Jumpin’ Jay’s Fish Cafe is open for dinner service only and does not offer takeout.

Seared sesame-crusted tuna steak served over green beans and rice at Jumpin’ Jay’s Fish Café in Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Steamed mussels garnished with green chili and red pepper, served with grilled bread at Jumpin’ Jay’s Fish Café in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
Clam chowder with a fried fish fillet, celery leaves, and spices, served with crackers at Jumpin’ Jay’s Fish Café in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
Seafood fettuccine with shrimp, black and green pasta, cherry tomatoes, and grated cheese at Jumpin’ Jay’s Fish Café in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
Chilled shrimp cocktail with cocktail sauce and lemon wedges on a platter at Jumpin’ Jay’s Fish Café in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
Tuna tartare topped with microgreens, served with thin crispy crackers, cheese, and a drizzle of sauce at Jumpin’ Jay’s Fish Café in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
Grilled swordfish with cherry tomatoes, sliced vegetables, and green sauce on a white plate at Jumpin’ Jay’s Fish Café in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
Jumpin’ Jay’s Fish Café signature breaded Haddock Piccata with green beans, mashed potatoes, and white wine butter caper sauce in a white plate in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
Close-up of seafood salad with octopus, potatoes, green herbs, and edible leaves in a white plate at Jumpin’ Jay’s Fish Café in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
Apple crisp dessert with caramel ice cream, cookie crumble, whipped cream, and powdered sugar in a dessert cup on a white plate at Jumpin’ Jay’s Fish Café in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
Fried calamari rings drizzled with creamy sauce, garnished with lemon wedge and mixed greens on a white plate at Jumpin’ Jay’s Fish Café in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

What We're Known For

Fresh fish prepared simply with house sauces

Focused raw bar with rotating oysters and weekly oyster specials

Seasonal seafood specials alongside classic preparations

Menu

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FAQs

  • Yes. Reservations are available through Resy and are recommended, especially on weekends. Walk-ins are welcome based on availability.

  • Yes. Bar seating and dining room tables may be available for walk-in guests, but there can be a wait during peak hours.

  • No. Jumpin’ Jay’s Fish Cafe is dine-in only.

  • No. The restaurant is open for dinner service only.

  • Jumpin’ Jay’s is located in downtown Portsmouth. Metered street parking is available on Congress Street and nearby roads. The Bridge Street municipal lot is diagonally across the street, and additional public garages, including the Hanover and Foundry garages, are within a short walk.

  • Yes. Many menu items are naturally gluten-free or can be prepared without gluten. Let your server know about any allergies.

  • Yes. Jumpin’ Jay’s offers private dining options for special occasions, business dinners, and small group gatherings. Availability and group size limits vary. Contact the restaurant directly to discuss details.

  • Yes. Shuck-A-Buck is available Tuesday evenings from October through June, featuring select oysters at a special price. Oyster varieties rotate based on availability.

  • The core menu is consistent, with seasonal changes and nightly specials based on market availability.

  • Yes. The dining room offers a comfortable setting for celebrations, date nights, and small gatherings. Larger parties should contact the restaurant directly.

  • Yes. There is a full bar with wine, beer, and cocktails, as well as raw bar seating.

  • Children are welcome. The menu is seafood-focused, and servers can help guide simple options.

What to Expect

A classic downtown seafood restaurant with a steady dinner rhythm

A dining room centered around fresh fish and oysters

Attentive service and a bar that stays active throughout the evening

Where to Find Us

Jumpin’ Jay’s Fish Cafe is located on Congress Street in downtown Portsmouth, within walking distance of Market Square, The Music Hall, and the city’s waterfront.

About

Jumpin’ Jay’s Fish Cafe was opened in 2000 by restaurateur Jay McSharry and has been serving seafood in downtown Portsmouth for over two decades. Located two blocks from Market Square, it was the first restaurant in what would become J Group Hospitality.

From the beginning, the focus has been fresh fish and a dedicated raw bar program. Oysters rotate regularly based on availability, alongside shrimp cocktail and chilled seafood selections. The menu combines long-standing guest favorites such as Haddock Piccata and Linguine & Clams with seasonal seafood specials developed by Executive Chef Harley Smith.

Over time, Jumpin’ Jay’s has become a steady presence in Portsmouth’s downtown dining scene, known for consistent seafood, a focused raw bar, and a dinner service that moves with a comfortable rhythm.