Helm Oyster Bar + Bistro

4.7 (467)

$31 to $50

Seafood

60 Thames St., Portland, ME 04101-5074

About this restaurant

Innovative
Good for special occasions
Romantic

*Find us on Resy starting November 17!*
Helm Oyster Bar & Bistro is an ode to the coast and farmland offering an intimate dining room, bar, and seasonal outdoor patio across the street from Portland's Ocean Gateway. Our raw bar offers a selection of shellfish and seafood such as oysters, clams, and crudo. Expect a small bistro-style menu from our Executive Chef, Billy Hager, that changes frequently to reflect seasonal and locally-sourced availability. Our bar focuses on natural wines, rotating New England beers, and unique cocktails. Our dining room is open with dark wood and cozy corners.

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

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Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Seafood, Oyster Bar, Bistro
Hours of operation
Dinner Wed–Sat 4:30 pm–9:00 pm Sun 4:30 pm–8:00 pm Happy Hour Wed–Fri 4:30 pm–6:00 pm
Phone number
(207) 613-9918
Website
http://helmportland.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Billy Hager
Private party facilities
The private dining room is available for intimate events like birthday parties, anniversaries, or a business lunch. The main dining room is available for full buy-outs for larger parties. Please call 207-613-9918 or email info@helmportland.com for more information.

Location
60 Thames St., Portland, ME 04101-5074
Neighborhood
Portland
Cross street
WEX Building Commercial Street Extension
Parking details
There is ample street parking on Thames Street after 6pm. Parking is free along our patio's curb. Paid parking in city-owned lot.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Basket Island - Casco Bay, Portland, ME
- ea$3.25
Eros - Robinhood Cove, Georgetown, ME
- ea$3.25
Johns River - Johns River, South Bristol, ME
- ea$3.50
Love Point - Casco Bay, Freeport, ME
- ea$3.25
Pleasant Cove - Damariscotta River, Edgecomb, ME
- ea$3.50
Spartan Sea Farm - Casco Bay, Freeport, ME
- ea$3.25

Starters

Lettuces$14.00
bay blue cheese, hakurei turnips, walnuts
Asparagus$15.00
stracciatella, hazelnuts, pea shoots
Chicken Liver Mousse$14.00
blueberries, brioche, chives
Brandade$15.00
sourdough, sugar kelp, confit lemon
Johnny Cakes*$20.00
trout roe, crème fraîche, cultured butter

Mains

Pollock$28.00
rye berries, mustard greens, grain broth
Smoked Monkfish$30.00
butter beans, ramp pesto, maitake
Bone-In Shortrib$32.00
spinach, sherried onions, kunik

Plateaux

Petite
6 oysters, 4 littleneck clams, 4 prawns, ½ lobster, mussel escabeche
- Serves 2-3$75.00
Grande
12 oysters, 6 littleneck clams, 6 prawns, full lobster, jonah crab claws, mussel escabeche, boquerones
- Serves 4-6$150.00

Cocktails

Cherry Colored Funk$15.00
gin, rhubarb, tarragon, verjus, aperol
Where My House Lives$15.00
rhum, black pepper, grapefruit, mint, campari
Mel Blanc$15.00
tequila, carrot, coriander, lime, yellow chartreuse
Kelp Me Rhonda$15.00
scotch, bison grass, sugar kelp, lemon, pastis
Player's Club$16.00
akvavit, piney gin, parsnip, alpine herbs, fino sherry, lovage
Chicken Hammer$17.00
bourbon, sotol, cardamaro, apricot, hickory, ancho chili

Spritz

served with seltzer and citrus peel

Mondino, Bavaria, DE$13.00
Casa Mariol, Vermut Negre, Catalunya, ES$13.00
Bonal, Gentiane-Quina, Savoie, FR$10.00
Bruto Americano, Alameda, CA$10.00
Erborista, Coccaglio, IT$10.00

By the Glass

Champagne

J. Lassalle, 'Preference', Premier Cru, Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Chigny Les Roses$25.00

Sparkling

Jean Bourdy, Crémant du Jura, Chardonnay, Jura, FR$17.00
2018, At Roca, Cava Reserva, Macabeo, Parellada, Xarel·lo, Penedès, ES$16.00

White

2019, Domaine de la Fruitière, Gneiss de Bel Abord, Melon de Bourgogne, Muscadet, FR$12.00
2019, Olivier Tricon, Chardonnay, Chablis, FR$17.00
2019, Anne Pichon, 'Sauvage', Vermentino, Rhone, FR$13.00
2019, Regis Minet, Vieilles Vignes, Sauvignon Blanc, Pouilly Fume, FR$16.00

Rose

2021, Chateau de Fontsainte, Grenache Gris, Corbieres, FR$14.00
2020, Domaine Collotte, Pinot Noir, Burgundy, FR$14.00
2020, Fabien Jouves, 'A Table!!!' Malbec, Merlot, Cahors, FR$12.00

Red

2019, Château de la Greffiere, Pinot Noir, Burgundy, FR$16.00
2019, Marcel Lapierre, 'Raisins gaulois', Gamay, Beaujolais, FR$13.00
2016, Château de Villeneuve, 'Vieilles Vignes', Cabernet Franc, Saumur, FR$16.00
2020, Domaine de Majas, Carignan, Grenache, Roussillon, FR$14.00

Beer

Rothaus Brewery, 'Tannenzapfle', Pilsner, Grafenhausen, DE$7.00
Austin Street Brewery, 'Obsolete Vernacular', Tart Blonde Ale, Portland, ME$9.00
Maine Beer Company, 'Wolfe's Neck', IPA, Freeport, ME$13.00
Oxbow Brewing Company, 'Sap Haus', Smoked Dark Lager, Newcastle, ME$9.00

What 467 people are saying

Helm Oyster Bar + Bistro reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

4.7

4.7 based on all time ratings

4.7Food
4.7Service
4.6Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

467 Reviews

AB
AnnaB
Greater Boston2 reviews
5.0
Dined on November 13, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Consistently delicious. Very attentive service. Welcoming ambiance and beautiful space. Highly recommend! If you only have time for one seafood-forward restaurant while staying in Portland, this is the one to go to!
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BG
BrianG
Tahoe / Reno Area3 reviews
5.0
Dined on November 12, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent service and delicious food and cocktails. We had a wonderful time dining at the bar and appreciate the friendly and helpful staff and excellent prepared by the kitchen staff. Thank you.
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d
dla911 VIP
Greater Boston219 reviews
4.0
Dined on November 11, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
The menu has become too weird from a taste perspective. The new chicory 'caesar' salad is full of tough stems that are difficult to chew and add nothing to the dish. The collard greens with the short ribs is way too sour for my taste. Great oysters and wine list, however...
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JA
JosephA
Greater Boston5 reviews
4.0
Dined on November 11, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
We always enjoy our meals here. The menu is relatively small but there is something for everyone. The hen-of-the-woods and the delicata squash appetizers were both particularly excellent. The pannacotta and the olive oil cake desserts were also excellent, as were our entrees The wine list is quite a bit pricier than our last visit, and I still cannot understand not having any decaf options for after dinner coffee.
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l
lehighparent VIP
New York City38 reviews
4.0
Dined on November 10, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
The menu is very limited and service needs upgrading. The ribs and fish dish were good but not exceptional.
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CT
CathyT VIP
New York City9 reviews
5.0
Dined on November 10, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Everything was perfect from being greeted, coats collected, seated, and service. The wine list is extensive and excellent. Our server was helpful, personable, knowledgeable, and attentive. The oyster selection was good and we tried three types -- all fresh and delicious. We all had different appetizers and small plates and shared. The food was amazing and beautifully presented. There simply are not enough superlatives to describe our experience. We will be back, bring more friends, and enjoy more fine wine, great food, and impeccable service.
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AJ
AlexanderJ
Maine1 review
5.0
Dined on November 5, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had a very nice dinner at Helm, with various starters, including Hen in the Woods mushrooms, Jonny cakes with caviar, tuna crudo, and entrees of Bangs Island mussels and Short Rib. All delicious!
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JS
JasonS
Greater Boston3 reviews
2.0
Dined on October 28, 2023
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 2
Our server knew we were there and did the minimum with recommendations / checking in with us. Our food was fair but we have been more impressed at other restaurants that we have paid less at.
Is this helpful?
TA
TerrA
San Diego22 reviews
4.0
Dined on October 27, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
The oysters were sublime. The Hen of the Woods, Prawn Cocktail, all amazing. Wine was perfectly paired and then there were the Johnny Cakes…they lacked flavor (salt) and were very greasy. The service was impeccable, all but our server Justin. He had the personality of a wet noodle. He seemed bored with his job. The rest of the staff was wonderful. Plenty of parking, in the dark but safe neighborhood. Also a little hard to find. If they lit their sign it would be easier. All and all a wonderful meal.
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L
Lise
San Francisco Bay Area33 reviews
3.0
Dined on October 22, 2023
1. Overall 3
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
This was a nice restaurant with good ambience although it could have had a bit more light. Service was prompt and friendly. Menu was somewhat confusing and I needed a few clarifications of menu items. My husband settled on mussels and I had the pollock. Both dishes were a good portion and delicious. Appetizers (oysters, tuna and a salad)also delicious. Only criticism was that it was super expensive. I realize we were in a city, but it seemed on the higher end by the time we’re were finished.
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FAQs

Helm Oyster Bar + Bistro offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (207) 613-9918.

Helm Oyster Bar + Bistro is rated 4.7 stars by 467 OpenTable diners.

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

60 Thames St., Portland, ME 04101-5074

Additional information

Cross street
WEX Building Commercial Street Extension
Neighborhood
Portland
Hours of operation
Dinner Wed–Sat 4:30 pm–9:00 pm Sun 4:30 pm–8:00 pm Happy Hour Wed–Fri 4:30 pm–6:00 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Seafood, Oyster Bar, Bistro
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
There is ample street parking on Thames Street after 6pm. Parking is free along our patio's curb. Paid parking in city-owned lot.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Billy Hager
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://helmportland.com/
Phone number
(207) 613-9918
Private party facilities
The private dining room is available for intimate events like birthday parties, anniversaries, or a business lunch. The main dining room is available for full buy-outs for larger parties. Please call 207-613-9918 or email info@helmportland.com for more information.

Helm Oyster Bar + Bistro

About this restaurant

Permanently Closed

There’s more to explore

Additional information

Raw Bar

Littleneck Clam*

Scallop On The Half Shell*

Mussel Escabeche$9.00

Jonah Crab Claws*$15.00

Prawn Cocktail$20.00

Half Lobster*

Spoonbill Caviar Service*$60.00

Oysters*

Basket Island - Casco Bay, Portland, ME

Eros - Robinhood Cove, Georgetown, ME

Johns River - Johns River, South Bristol, ME

Love Point - Casco Bay, Freeport, ME

Pleasant Cove - Damariscotta River, Edgecomb, ME

Spartan Sea Farm - Casco Bay, Freeport, ME

Starters

Lettuces$14.00

Asparagus$15.00

Chicken Liver Mousse$14.00

Brandade$15.00

Johnny Cakes*$20.00

Mains

Pollock$28.00

Smoked Monkfish$30.00

Bone-In Shortrib$32.00

Plateaux

Petite

Grande

Cocktails

Cherry Colored Funk$15.00

Where My House Lives$15.00

Mel Blanc$15.00

Kelp Me Rhonda$15.00

Player's Club$16.00

Chicken Hammer$17.00

Spritz

Mondino, Bavaria, DE$13.00

Casa Mariol, Vermut Negre, Catalunya, ES$13.00

Bonal, Gentiane-Quina, Savoie, FR$10.00

Bruto Americano, Alameda, CA$10.00

Erborista, Coccaglio, IT$10.00

By the Glass

Champagne

J. Lassalle, 'Preference', Premier Cru, Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Chigny Les Roses$25.00

Sparkling

Jean Bourdy, Crémant du Jura, Chardonnay, Jura, FR$17.00

2018, At Roca, Cava Reserva, Macabeo, Parellada, Xarel·lo, Penedès, ES$16.00

White

2019, Domaine de la Fruitière, Gneiss de Bel Abord, Melon de Bourgogne, Muscadet, FR$12.00

2019, Olivier Tricon, Chardonnay, Chablis, FR$17.00

2019, Anne Pichon, 'Sauvage', Vermentino, Rhone, FR$13.00

2019, Regis Minet, Vieilles Vignes, Sauvignon Blanc, Pouilly Fume, FR$16.00

Rose

2021, Chateau de Fontsainte, Grenache Gris, Corbieres, FR$14.00

2020, Domaine Collotte, Pinot Noir, Burgundy, FR$14.00

2020, Fabien Jouves, 'A Table!!!' Malbec, Merlot, Cahors, FR$12.00

Red

2019, Château de la Greffiere, Pinot Noir, Burgundy, FR$16.00

2019, Marcel Lapierre, 'Raisins gaulois', Gamay, Beaujolais, FR$13.00

2016, Château de Villeneuve, 'Vieilles Vignes', Cabernet Franc, Saumur, FR$16.00

2020, Domaine de Majas, Carignan, Grenache, Roussillon, FR$14.00

Beer

Rothaus Brewery, 'Tannenzapfle', Pilsner, Grafenhausen, DE$7.00

Austin Street Brewery, 'Obsolete Vernacular', Tart Blonde Ale, Portland, ME$9.00

Maine Beer Company, 'Wolfe's Neck', IPA, Freeport, ME$13.00

Oxbow Brewing Company, 'Sap Haus', Smoked Dark Lager, Newcastle, ME$9.00

Overall ratings and reviews

FAQs

Does Helm Oyster Bar + Bistro offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Helm Oyster Bar + Bistro restaurant rated?

Permanently Closed

Additional information