Craving seafood by the coast has always found me pacing the boardwalk of Hampton, NH, following the salty breeze and the chatter of satisfied locals. Finding the best seafood spot here can feel like following a treasure map—except the X marks not gold, but glistening platters of fried clam strips and lobster rolls that taste like summer in every bite. I still remember the first time I tried the local steamers with friends: buttery, soft, and cooked just right, they had me planning my next meal before I’d even finished the first.
Hampton’s seafood scene punches above its weight. From rustic shacks packed with regulars to elegant deck views by the sea, each place offers something a bit different. You can get ocean-fresh catches, creative specials, or just the comfort of a classic cup of chowder on a windy evening. If you want the best in town, this is your roadmap. Stick around, and you’ll discover which kitchens have mastered the art of simple, satisfying seafood without the fuss.
1. Sea Ketch Restaurant and Outdoor Decks
The Sea Ketch Restaurant and Outdoor Decks sits perched right along Ocean Boulevard, making it hard to miss if you wander G Street. What sets it apart is the three-level deck with stunning 360-degree views over the Atlantic. There’s nothing quite like digging into fresh seafood while the ocean breeze keeps things cool.
Service here always feels easy and family-friendly, with staff who know how to make regulars and visitors feel right at home. I remember my first time, settling in for the sunset and being surprised at how good the grilled scallops tasted—tender, with just the right hint of smokiness.
If you visit, try the lobster roll or the clam chowder. Both showcase their knack for balance: not too heavy, always fresh, and perfect overlooking the water.
2. The Old Salt & Lamie’s Restaurant And Inn
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The Old Salt & Lamie’s Restaurant And Inn combines a historic New England inn with the warm hum of a tavern, drawing locals and visitors alike to its welcoming atmosphere. With charming wood beams and a menu that feels like a greatest hits album of coastal comfort food, it’s earned a loyal following.
Every visit comes with that comforting blend of nostalgia and hospitality; I always find myself lingering over the menu, torn between old favorites and new specials. The seafood is fresh-off-the-boat, and always prepared with a deft hand.
Go for the baked haddock or the broiled scallops. Both are house classics, perfectly seasoned, and trace the real flavor of Hampton’s local catch, capturing what The Old Salt does best—authentic, no-fuss seafood dishes served with a side of nostalgia.
3. Boardwalk Cafe & Pub
Boardwalk Cafe & Pub brings a dose of energy to the Hampton Beach strip, known as much for its lively vibe as for its ocean views from two spacious decks. There’s a certain buzz that makes every meal feel like a celebration, especially when live music drifts over from the nearby Casino Ballroom.
The setting is ideal for anyone who wants good seafood without fuss. The crowd is as varied as the menu—whether you’re in for a casual lunch or a fun dinner with friends, it’s easy to settle in and watch the waves.
Order the fried shrimp plate or the clam strips for that classic boardwalk experience. Both are crisp, never greasy, and capture the carefree spirit of Hampton’s seaside dining.
4. The Galley Hatch
The Galley Hatch is a local favorite for those who prefer seafood in a cozy, classic setting. There’s something comforting about its sky-lit dining rooms and crackling fireplaces—a spot where you want to linger and soak in the New England vibe. With plenty of space, it’s great for family dinners or catching up with friends.
The menu covers a lot of ground, but seafood specials are what keep regulars coming back. My last visit included a bowl of thick, creamy chowder that tasted just as good as the ocean breeze outside.
Don’t miss their pan-seared scallops or stuffed haddock. Both deliver freshness without overcomplicating things and show off The Galley Hatch’s knack for letting local ingredients do the talking.
5. Jb’s Seafood
Jb’s Seafood is the kind of place where the aroma of fried seafood drifts out to meet you before you even step inside. Tucked along Ocean Boulevard, it’s always bustling with beachgoers and locals looking for a quick, no-fuss meal. There’s charm in its simplicity, from the checkered tables to the easy-going service.
It’s easy to become a regular here—I once stopped for lunch and ended up coming back for dinner just to sample more of their classics. The seafood is always fresh, and the portions don’t hold back.
If you’re feeling indecisive, start with the fried whole-belly clams or a shrimp basket. Both give a taste of what makes Jb’s a staple: generous, tasty, and straight-to-the-point seafood fare that puts freshness first.
6. Breakers Restaurant & Bar
Breakers Restaurant & Bar, tucked inside Ashworth by the Sea, gives you those postcard ocean views alongside a menu rich in New England seafood. The setting feels equal parts casual and a little polished, making it just as suited for an easy lunch as it is for a nice dinner out.
I still think about their attentive service—the kind that somehow knows when to refill your water without crowding the table. Sitting by the window as the sky changed color over the beach made the meal stand out.
The lobster bisque here is a standout, creamy but never heavy, and packed with flavor. Or, try the grilled salmon; it’s fresh, unfussy, and every bite tastes like it was cooked just for you.
7. Bernie’s Beach Bar
Bernie’s Beach Bar brings a laid-back, toes-in-the-sand vibe right to Hampton Beach, making it just the spot for a relaxed seafood meal with the ocean as your soundtrack. Its outdoor seating lets you take in the sea breeze, and the energy picks up as the sun dips lower in the sky.
This spot combines the best of simple comforts with festive atmosphere—I remember peeling into a basket of crispy fish tacos here and realizing I’d never really understood “fresh” until that bite. The seafood always tastes like it just left the water.
For a true taste of Bernie’s, try the grilled fish tacos or their steamed mussels. Both dishes hit the sweet spot between bold flavors and breezy casual dining.
8. Purple Urchin Restaurant
Purple Urchin Restaurant claims one of Hampton Beach’s best spots, right inside the historic Casino building. The lively atmosphere and sweeping ocean views make it a favorite for beachgoers and anyone catching the fireworks or a show on the half shell stage. There’s a family vibe here—big tables and big flavors for groups large and small.
What struck me on my first visit was how spirited and welcoming the place felt, even when it was busy. Service moves fast, but you never feel rushed, and seafood dishes arrive fresh and piping hot.
Try the baked stuffed shrimp or the classic New England fried haddock. Both show off the Purple Urchin’s style: generous, local, and always best enjoyed with a view of the ocean.
9. Smittys State Pier Lobster Pound
Smittys State Pier Lobster Pound delivers the classic New England seafood shack experience right at the start of Ocean Boulevard. There’s no pretense here—just the hum of pots boiling and the sea breeze carrying the promise of fresh catch. On my first trip, I watched fishermen unloading lobsters straight into the kitchen. You really can’t get closer to the source.
This is the kind of spot that lets the food speak for itself. It’s picnic tables, paper plates, and simple, unbeatable flavors—exactly what you want after a day at the beach.
Go for the steamed lobster or a hearty lobster roll. Both let you taste the sweet, briny flavor of local lobster without any distractions, making Smittys a true Hampton seafood institution.
10. McGuirks
McGuirks pairs ocean views with the kind of friendly, come-as-you-are energy that makes Hampton Beach memorable. Whether you’re grabbing a bite after a walk on the sand or unwinding at the pub, the atmosphere stays laid-back without ever feeling sleepy. Watching the sunset from their deck has become something of a personal ritual each summer.
The menu skews classic, but the seafood always feels fresh and well-cooked. Even in the bustle of the season, plates come out hot and generous every time.
Key dishes to try: the blackened haddock sandwich or their famous fish and chips. Both are solid examples of McGuirks’ straightforward, satisfying approach to New England seafood.
Frequently Asked Questions
What seafood is Hampton, NH known for?
Hampton is known for its fresh lobster, fried clams, scallops, haddock, shrimp, and classic New England clam chowder. Many spots along the beach and town excel in these staples, using local catch whenever possible.
Are there seafood restaurants in Hampton with ocean views?
Absolutely. Places like Sea Ketch, Boardwalk Cafe & Pub, Bernie’s Beach Bar, and McGuirks all offer ocean views, adding a scenic backdrop to your meal. Outdoor decks and patios are especially popular in warmer months.
Where can I find casual seafood in Hampton?
Casual dining is easy to find at Jb’s Seafood, Smittys State Pier Lobster Pound, and Purple Urchin Restaurant. These spots offer quick service, classic fried platters, and a relaxed, beach-ready atmosphere.
Is there good seafood for families in Hampton?
Definitely. The Old Salt & Lamie’s, Galley Hatch, and Purple Urchin are known for their family-friendly menus, comfortable dining rooms, and options for diners of all ages.
What’s the best time to visit for seafood in Hampton, NH?
The seafood scene shines from late spring through early fall, when the town is in full swing, and local seafood is at its freshest.