If I was in Rye, which I am a lot, and wanted typical fried seafood fare I would go to Peteys right on Ocean Blvd. Always a packed house there. When I"m in Portsmouth I love going to any of the "decks" off Bow St to be outside. They overlook the tugboats and are all connected and you walk by each and decide which one you like. But don't expect fancy food there. It's mostly about the atmosphere and setting.
http://www.peteys.com/