Hunt's Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar Reviews

Okay, so, you know how sometimes you just need seafood? Like, a serious, deep-down, craving-you-can't-ignore seafood need? Well, I recently tackled that craving and ventured to Hunt’s Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar in Portland, Maine. Let me tell you, it was an experience. It started with a slightly terrifying drive down a one-way street – seriously, folks, Google Maps was screaming at me, and I wasn’t entirely sure I was going the right way.

First Impressions: Rustic Charm (and Maybe a Little Barn)

The restaurant itself… it’s like stepping into a really, really nice barn. Don't get me wrong, it's charming, with exposed beams and fishing nets draped everywhere. I half expected to see a grumpy old fisherman sitting in a rocking chair polishing his lobster traps.

The Oyster Situation – Brace Yourselves

Now, let’s talk oysters. Hunt's is known for their oysters, and they don’t mess around. They have, and I’m not kidding, over 50 different varieties. Fifty! It's like a seafood roulette wheel of deliciousness, and you're just hoping you land on the one that doesn't make you question all your life choices.

I went with the "Captain’s Choice," which, according to the incredibly enthusiastic waiter (who may have been channeling a pirate), meant “everything we have that's good.” That's a bold claim, and thankfully, he wasn’t wrong. The shucking was an art form – shells were expertly cleaved, and the oysters popped open like tiny, salty treasures. Seriously, the presentation alone deserves an award.

A little-known fact about oysters: they’re basically tiny, aquatic sponges. They filter water, which is amazing for the ocean, but also means they taste a lot of whatever’s around them. So, the salinity, the temperature, the seaweed – it all gets translated into the oyster. It’s like they’re little seafood translators!

Beyond the Oysters: A Dive into the Menu

But, let's be honest, the oysters were just the warm-up. The menu is a serious celebration of all things seafood. They’ve got lobster rolls – obviously – and they are, according to everyone I spoke to, absolutely legendary. I opted for the classic Maine lobster roll with mayo, and it was a revelation.

Hunt's Oyster Bar & Seafood Restaurant - Panama City, FL | Menu

The lobster meat was unbelievably sweet and tender, and the roll itself was perfectly toasted – not soggy, not dry, just…right. It’s the kind of food that makes you close your eyes and say, "This is what happiness tastes like.” Don't even think about asking for ketchup. You’ve been warned.

I also tried the fried scallops, and they were crispy, golden brown, and served with a lemon butter sauce that made me want to weep with joy. The chef clearly knows what he’s doing. He's basically a scallop whisperer.

A Few Quirks (Because Every Good Story Needs One)

Okay, here’s where it gets a little weird. They have a chalkboard menu that’s constantly being rewritten with handwritten specials. I’m pretty sure the waiter was just making things up as he went along – and I’m totally okay with that. It added to the chaotic, delightfully authentic vibe.

There was also a very serious debate happening at the table next to me about the best way to eat a clam. It involved diagrams and intense gesturing. I politely backed away. Let’s just leave it at that.

HUNT’S OYSTER BAR & SEAFOOD RESTAURANT - Updated June 2026 - 764 Photos

The Verdict: Worth the Navigation (and Maybe a Seasickness Bag)

Hunt’s Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar isn't fancy, it's not pretentious, and it might occasionally leave you slightly bewildered. But it is delicious, and it's a genuine taste of Maine. It's the kind of place where you feel like you're eating like a local, surrounded by the echoes of fishermen and the smell of the sea.

Would I go back? Absolutely. Would I brave that one-way street again? Probably. Just maybe I’ll bring a compass next time. And perhaps a seasickness bag, just in case.

Pro-tip: Don't be afraid to ask the staff for recommendations. They’re passionate about their seafood, and they'll steer you in the right direction – even if that direction involves a slightly chaotic oyster selection.

Also, be prepared to spend a little bit more. Good seafood doesn’t come cheap, but honestly, in this case, it's worth every penny. It's an experience, not just a meal. It’s like a seafood adventure, and you deserve to be rewarded with buttery lobster and perfectly shucked oysters.