What Is 72 Market Street Oyster Bar and Grill

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Last updated: April 17, 2026

Quick Answer: 72 Market Street Oyster Bar and Grill is a seafood-focused restaurant located in Portland, Maine, established in 2018. It offers a modern take on coastal New England cuisine with an emphasis on oysters, grilled fish, and locally sourced ingredients.

Key Facts

Opened in 2018 in Portland, Maine’s historic Old Port district
Features a raw bar with up to 20 oyster varieties daily
Uses 90% locally sourced seafood from Maine waters
Occupies a restored 19th-century brick building at 72 Market Street
Awarded 'Best New Seafood Restaurant' by Maine Magazine in 2019

Overview

72 Market Street Oyster Bar and Grill is a premier seafood destination located in Portland, Maine’s bustling Old Port neighborhood. Since opening in 2018, it has gained acclaim for its fresh oysters, innovative grilling techniques, and commitment to regional ingredients.

The restaurant occupies a meticulously restored 19th-century brick building, blending historic charm with contemporary coastal design. Its open kitchen layout and waterfront-adjacent location enhance the dining experience, drawing both locals and tourists seeking authentic Maine flavors.

Opened in 2018: The restaurant launched after a $1.2 million renovation of the historic Market Street property, preserving original architectural details while modernizing the interior.
Raw bar selection: Offers up to 20 varieties of oysters daily, sourced directly from Maine, Massachusetts, and British Columbia, with rotating seasonal features.
Locally sourced seafood: Approximately 90% of seafood comes from Maine waters, including lobster, scallops, and haddock, supporting regional fisheries and sustainability.
Grill-focused menu: Features wood-fired grilling methods that impart a smoky flavor to fish and shellfish, differentiating it from traditional steamed or fried seafood presentations.
Historic location: Situated at 72 Market Street, the building dates back to 1872 and was formerly a dry goods store before being converted into a modern dining space.

Menu & Dining Experience

Diners at 72 Market Street enjoy a thoughtfully curated menu that emphasizes freshness, seasonality, and culinary craftsmanship. The kitchen team, led by Executive Chef Melissa Chen, changes the menu quarterly to reflect available catches and regional harvests.

Raw Bar Specialties: Features a signature oyster trio flight with tasting notes, priced at $18, showcasing varieties like Damariscotta, Glidden Point, and Malpeque.
Grilled Whole Fish: A signature dish includes wood-grilled branzino with lemon-herb butter, served with seasonal vegetables, priced at $34.
Lobster Dishes: Offers a grilled lobster tail entrée for $42, using live Maine lobster, served with drawn butter and grilled corn.
Wine & Cocktail Program: The beverage menu includes 120 curated labels, with a focus on crisp whites and sparkling wines that complement oysters and grilled seafood.
Happy Hour: Runs daily from 3–6 PM, featuring half-price oysters ($1 each) and discounted small plates, drawing large after-work crowds.
Dessert Offerings: Includes a locally inspired blueberry buckle made with wild Maine blueberries, served warm with vanilla bean ice cream.

Comparison at a Glance

How does 72 Market Street compare to other top seafood restaurants in the region? The following table highlights key differences in pricing, sourcing, and offerings.

Restaurant	Location	Oyster Varieties	Local Sourcing	Signature Dish
72 Market Street	Portland, ME	Up to 20	90%	Wood-Grilled Branzino
Eventide Oyster Co.	Portland, ME	15	85%	Kampachi Bowl
Legal Sea Foods	Boston, MA	12	60%	Lobster Roll
The Lobster Shack	Perkins Cove, ME	8	75%	Fried Clam Basket
Fore Street	Portland, ME	10	88%	Wood-Grilled Mussels

The table shows that 72 Market Street leads in oyster variety and local sourcing percentage. Its emphasis on grilling sets it apart from competitors focused on raw or fried preparations, offering a unique culinary niche in the Portland dining scene.

Why It Matters

72 Market Street Oyster Bar and Grill represents a growing trend in sustainable, regionally focused seafood dining. By prioritizing local fisheries and seasonal menus, it supports Maine’s coastal economy and promotes environmental stewardship.

Economic impact: The restaurant employs 45 full- and part-time staff, contributing to Portland’s tourism-driven service economy.
Sustainability leadership: Partners with the Gulf of Maine Research Institute to ensure all seafood meets strict sustainability benchmarks.
Tourism draw: Ranked #3 on OpenTable’s 2023 ‘Most Booked Seafood Restaurants in New England’ list, increasing visitor traffic to the Old Port.
Culinary innovation: Introduced wood-fired grilling to the oyster bar concept, influencing other regional restaurants to adopt similar techniques.
Community engagement: Hosts monthly ‘Oyster & Education Nights’ to teach guests about aquaculture, conservation, and responsible consumption.
Award recognition: Won ‘Best New Seafood Restaurant’ from Maine Magazine in 2019 and has maintained a 4.8-star rating on Google Reviews.

By combining historic ambiance, culinary excellence, and environmental responsibility, 72 Market Street has become a benchmark for modern seafood dining in New England.