Is it the Back Bay Grill and Fore Street that are owned by the same people?. They are very popular and busy restaurants. They may be a bit pushy to get their table back if there is a cruise ship in town.

It is always helpful to know which lunch spots are open for business during the interim hours of 2:30 and 5:30, and the Old Port Sea Grill understands that few late-afternoon snacks are more appropriate and satisfying than a dozen oysters on the half shell spiked with lemon juice and Tabasco sauce. The restaurant also serves one of the best lobster rolls in Maine, as well as a rich and smoky take on traditional New England–-style clam chowder. Any time I have guests who require “You know, food that people from Maine eat,” I bring them here.

Here’s a fun fact about Maine’s winter you may not know, its oyster season. Although you can delight in locally caught lobster, scallops, and oysters all year, the one’s caught in winter are more plump and sweet. Amy and Dan took to the Old Port Sea Grill for dinner, right in the heart of the Old Port, which boasts one of the most diverse raw bar in the city, with a rotating selection of cold water oysters, shrimp cocktail, littleneck clams, and chilled lobster.

This restaurant first opened in 2002, and it soon established itself in Portland’s culinary scene. It is considered to have one of the best raw bars on the coast of Maine, and this attracts large numbers of diners. The menu consists of seafood dishes using locally sourced ingredients that are prepared simply to retain the natural flavors, although there are some creative sauces and accompaniments.

Soon after opening its doors in the fall of 2002, the Old Port Sea Grill & Raw Bar became an instant classic on the Portland dining scene. In particular, it's extensive, attractively arranged and always fresh raw oyster bar is one of the best on the southern Maine coast. The restaurant's interior is decidedly upscale but also very intimate and comfortable.

So yeah, lobster is delicious but sometimes it can taste even better when it’s paired with a delicious steak. While you may not think of the Old Port Sea Grille as a place where you’re going to grab a steak, think again. Pair it with their mouthwatering lobster tail for an immaculate surf and turf combo platter.

Old Port Sea Grill & Raw Bar is the place to stop for fresh, Maine-caught seafood. The menu includes lobster dishes, scallops, sole, salmon, haddock, and a full raw bar. Classics — like a burger, New England clam chowder, mixed green salad, and more — round out the menu.

93 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101Phone: 207-879-6100 Visit Website. A post shared by Old Port Sea Grill & raw bar (@theoldportseagrill). The Old Port Sea Grill and Raw Bar restaurant lies close to the Portland harbor.

- Rating: 3.9/5 (384 reviews)- Price level: $$- Address: 93 Commercial St. 93 Commercial St. Portland, Maine - Categories: seafood, bars- Read more on Yelp