Jumpin' Jay's Fish Cafe
PORTSMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE
A downtown Portsmouth seafood restaurant serving fresh fish, oysters and seasonal specials.
SINCE 2000
A Portsmouth seafood tradition.
Jumpin' Jay's has been serving fresh fish and oysters in downtown Portsmouth for more than 25 years. Our menu centers around the raw bar, simply prepared seafood and nightly specials, with a dining room that's lively, comfortable and distinctly Jay's.
FRESH FISH. RAW BAR. NIGHTLY SPECIALS.
Our menu centers around fresh fish, a dedicated raw bar and nightly seafood specials based on market availability.
PRIVATE DINING
Make Jay's yours for the night.
Host a rehearsal dinner, celebration, corporate gathering or cocktail reception in one of our private and semi-private spaces.
GOOD TO KNOW
Planning dinner at Jay's? Here are answers to some of our most common questions.
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Yes! Reservations are recommended and can be made through Resy for parties of up to 5 guests. For parties of 6 or more, please give us a call at (603) 766-3474.
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Absolutely. We’re always happy to welcome walk-ins when space is available. Bar seating and dining room tables may be available, though there can be a wait during busier times.
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Yes. There are several municipal parking lots and garages within a 5–10 minute walk, along with metered street parking nearby.
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We’re happy to accommodate allergies and dietary restrictions whenever possible. Some dishes are gluten-free as prepared, and many others can be modified. Just let your server know and they’ll be happy to help guide you through the menu.
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Takeout may be available on a case-by-case basis. We think our seafood-focused menu is best enjoyed in the restaurant, as many dishes don’t travel particularly well, but we’re happy to accommodate takeout when we can. Availability may be limited during busier periods.
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Yes! Shuck-A-Buck runs Tuesday evenings from October through June, with select oysters offered at a special price. Oyster varieties rotate based on availability.
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Yes. We offer private and semi-private dining for celebrations, rehearsal dinners, corporate gatherings and other special occasions, with options for groups of up to 80 guests. Visit our Private Dining page to learn more.
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Yes! Jumpin’ Jay’s e-gift certificates are available online, and physical gift certificates can be purchased by phone. JGroup e-gift certificates, good at participating JGroup restaurants, are also available.
ABOUT JAY'S
A Portsmouth fixture since 2000.
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 JGroup 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.
