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Alisson's Restaurant
Categories: Restaurants Seafood Restaurants Burgers Restaurants Sandwiches Seafood, Burgers, Sandwiches [Edit]
11 Dock SqKennebunkport, ME 04046
(207) 967-4841
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 11 am - 12:30 am
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Drive-Thru:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Dogs Allowed:
- No
67 reviews for Alisson's Restaurant
Review Highlights
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"Outstanding seafood - try their lobster roll." In 29 reviews -
"I loved the clam chowder - smooth, with tender clams." In 22 reviews -
"and about trivial pursuit - the tables have trivial pursuit..." In 6 reviews
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67 reviews in English
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Review from Stacey B.
Maynard, MA
12/3/2011 3 Check-ins Here
We went here for lunch during Prelude and the place was packed with people. We lucked out and found 2 seats at the bar where we were quickly served. I had a Guinness and my husband had a Bud Light - no taste ;)
I had the reuben and it was very yummy. Enough corned beef and not too much dressing. My husband had the potato skins for his meal and said they were good. They did come with green peppers and onions which he thought was a bit odd so he took them off.
The bartenders never rushed us away to make room for other guests. We will go back. -
Review from Corey B.
5/12/2012 1 Check-in Here
We stopped here while in Kennebunkport as it was one of the few places open a bit later for dinner. I got the prime rib and hubs got the lobster roll and clam chowder. While asking for my steak medium, it arrived well done and was almost too tough to eat - which is really hard to do with prime rib! Hubs said his meal was OK but didn't think so when a couple hours later he was on the floor of the bathroom with the worst stomach pains in his life. He was scared to go near seafood for the rest of the trip thanks to this meal... which is sad b/c he adores seafood.
Go here for: a drink, the Maine Blueberry-tini was delicious
Don't go here for: an introduction to awesome Maine seafood. Or you may not want another bite of it :( -
Review from Sasha B.
Boston, MA
5/1/2012
Mediocre is the best way to describe it. It really is nothing special. Not sure what award their chowder won. As another reviewer mentioned is tasted like it came out of a can. It sure did and as an FYI they sell their mass produced chowder in cans to take home. The chowder was not awful but not even close to anything that would win an award. In fact they should be ashamed it.
The lobster roll was decent on the other hand. Again not sure what award it one. But in my opinion, it easy I make a lobster roll and not mess it up. Fresh lobster and a little mayo, leave everything else out. The lobster tasted very fresh, was not over cooked and very tender not a all chewy. An just a bit of mayo... Perfect.
Plenty of other places nearby with better offerings, but we went during the off season and needed to grab a quick lunch.
Side note if you come to Maine to eat and review turkey sandwiches, you're a clown. -
Review from Callan C.
2/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
I think this place is a little over rated. I stopped in for lunch with a coworker and found it to be an overall good experience, but nothing to rave about. The restaurant has a typical American / bar type menu with the standards you would expect.
They get creative with the naming of sandwiches and the service and environment make you feel comfortable. It seems to have a nice schedule of weekly events for those that are looking for a neighborhood spot to hang out versus just a place to eat. Obviously sporting events but also trivia night, Mexican night and karaoke (Friday).
I had what was essentially a turkey panini. The turkey tasted fresh and it was a satisfying sandwich, but it was bland and a little heavy on the butter. My coworker/s fish sandwich seemed to be a little bit better. The food came out quickly and the service was efficient. Good spot for a casual meal or a relaxing beer! -
Review from Christie L.
Reading, MA
4/19/2012 1 Check-in Here
My mom and I stopped in here for lunch on the way back to Boston on a Sat afternoon. We were seated right away and the server was friendly. Only gripe - when a server asks you if you need a minute and you say yes, that doesn't mean wait 15-20 before showing your face. I mean, a minute is a minute! Anways, my mom got the half soup and sandwich with turkey and chili and I got the petite lobster roll and cup of clam chowder. My mom liked hers, but thought the chili was a little spicy. I thought the clam chowder was just ok, but the lobster roll was GREAT. It was nice and fresh and cold with no noticeable mayo, but still had a great flavor on a lightly toasted bun. So good I had to get a large one to go to take for my bf who also loved it. I would definitely go back for another one!
-
Review from Brian B.
Brighton, MA
11/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
The Flavor of the Day is BLAND!
Man what a total disappointment. This is really the first time that Yelp has led me astray. I thought I did everything right! I checked the reviews...I made sure all of you had at least a few dozen under your belt. Everyone praised the chowder and the lobster roll. The only thing I failed to take into account is that like 90% of you came here on a vacation and probably are clueless about chowder and lobster rolls.
I hate to sound like a snob, but folks, this is a far cry from the best clam chowder or lobster roll available. A FAR CRY!
This place was downright terrible...and allow me to explain.
Somehow, with all the glowing reviews, I managed to delude myself into thinking that the food here would be several notches above standard pub grub...WRONG!
So I'm sitting there after the meal reassessing my opinion, not wanting to bash them for serving simple food, except even that was bad!
The clam chowder DID have a lot of clam bits in there, and it was pretty good, for chowder that tastes like it came from a can (and probably does). If I was at some event outside in the freezing cold, eating this chowder out of a styrofoam bowl, it would be quite welcome, but at a restaurant in Kennebunkport, Maine, I really expect better. However, for this type of restaurant, it was fine. In fact it was probably the best part of the meal. Still NOT chowder to rant and rave about because the entire population of the world needs to try it.
The fried calamari tasted like it had been battered in shredded cardboard and fried. Thankfully not soggy, but just absolutely devoid of flavor. I had to add salt, pepper, and lemon to get it to taste like anything other than delicious fried flour. What a waste.
My girlfriend had some baby fried shrimp entree. Again, useless. Flavorless and boring. For this type of restaurant to botch fried food in such a manner is mind boggling.
Finally, the pièce de résistance, the local Maine lobster roll that for so many was "the best lobster roll in all of the known universe". What a sham! I had been bamboozled! Hoodwinked! Run amok! Yes, there was a decent quantity of lobster meat, in a buttered and toasted bun/roll. For all intents and purposes, this met the technical definition of a lobster roll. However, once again, the food that sat before me was a barren wasteland. Any flavor that once inhabited that lobster roll had perished long ago, probably during the last ice age. What I got was the following: Lobster, bread, butter, mayonnaise, FIN. This sacred sandwich, the PRIDE of Maine, had been reduced to a disgrace. I ate it, it was edible, but it made me so very sad. An absolute debacle.
We blew that joint as fast as possible after the entrees were finished. I was the only one who actually ate all my food. My girlfriend's shrimp platter remained largely intact.
Long story short: This place is a pub that serves pub type food. That food is not very good at all. The chowder is NOT the best you will ever have, because it's not even freshly made. The lobster roll is also not the best you'll ever have, because it lacks any and all inspiration and flavor. The fried food that is the crux of any pub, tastes like...well it tastes like nothing, nothing at all.
My best advice to you if you do end up eating here is to pack a small carry-on sized bag with fresh herbs, spices, and other assorted condiments. Every single thing you order here is going to require something from that bag in order to register on your palate. -
Review from Rene A.
Venice, CA
12/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
Chowder was great!! Egg salad, not so much.. Bland nothing to it..
Bummer -
Review from Jean R.
2/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
We landed upon this quaint little town on the drive back from a ski weekend and loved Alissons! We ended up here as it was one of the few places that was actually open in the dead of winter. Nice staff, full bar and AMAZING lobster roll - not too mayo-ey and tons of meat. My bloody mary was a great addition to the roll too. So glad we stumbled upon this little restaurant and might have to plan a trip back soon...
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Review from Lani T.
Dublin, CA
10/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
I had the mini lobster roll and cup of clam chowder, and my husband had the crab mac and cheese. The food wasn't bad, although the crab mac and cheese was a little "loose" and could've used some more flavor. The chowder, however, was fantastic. Creamy, well-seasoned, tons of clams. Buttery without looking oily, thick without tasting like it was thickened with flour.
However for us, the highlight of the meal was dessert: the blueberry pie a la mode is TO DIE FOR. It's a pretty solid serving so if you're already full, consider sharing it with others at the table.
The pie was not too sweet, but the blueberries were ripe and tasted so good. Of course, any pie you get with ice cream HAS to be heated up, and this was no exception. The way the ice cream slowly melted and swirled in with the pie filling was heavenly!
As we were leaving, there was a couple at another table talking to the manager and complaining about the food. We tried to eavesdrop, and it seemed like this couple was just super picky. Instead of eating everything then complaining, they should've asked to the manager right away, or had the food sent back to fix (shrug). We had no problem with our food, and our server was very friendly.
We definitely recommend this place.
[We were walking around Kennebunkport's retail area and decided to check our smartphones to see what Yelp had to say. We popped into Alisson's after seeing the solid reviews. Yelp came through again.] -
Review from Nicole S.
Jacksonville, NC
A-freakin-mazing!
Hot clam chowder with a TON of clams. And served in a mug!
The lobster roll. Mmm mmm good!
This is the only reason we came to Kennebunkport for the day! The awful parking is worth it, just for a mug of this amazing chowder.
And when you're done eating....take one of their kits home to make it when you can't head up north! -
Review from Janice C.
Atlanta, GA
6/27/2011 2 Check-ins Here
My husband and I came to Kennebunkport for one reason and one reason alone... to eat as much lobster as we possibly can. After going to Alisson's for the first time after hearing rave reviews about it from a friend who vacations in Kennebunkport on a yearly basis, we were hooked. For our first visit, we had the lobster bisque and steamer clams. The bisque was extremely rich and flavorful. There were so many chunks of lobster we were in heaven. My husband also got the flight of beers which allowed us to sample the local brews- which I recommend to the beer drinkers out there.
Our second trip, we split the lobster mac and cheese and the lobster roll. After having their mac and cheese, I don't think I can ever have any plain ole mac n' cheese. And their lobster roll, one of the best in Kennebunkport. The best part of their roll is that it was warm and toasted. I'm drooling as I'm writing this review... -
Review from Sara M.
2/26/2011
Being from Boston, Happy Hour is an unknown phrase. As a result, when I discovered such a thing exists in Kennebunk, I had try this elusive event firsthand...and it turns out that Alissons is a nice place to do so.
My friend had two bud lights, I had two Bass ales and with a 1 dollar happy hour hotdog, our tab was (drumroll please...) under ten bucks! And they have deviled peanuts at the very quiet and enjoyable bar...
While I did not try the food, the bar was very nice to sit at for an afternoon, and in true Maine spirit, everyone is very friendly. -
Review from Sheridan S.
Culver City, CA
11/11/2010
My first lobster roll and a comforting mug of some tasty clam chowda.. good service, comfortable ambiance and reasonable prices. Check this place out.
(I hear they just won the "Best Lobster Roll" challenge with the Clam Shack (?) so I am guessing my first taste of these sammiches was a good one) -
Review from Chelsea J.
New York, NY
9/21/2011
This was a good casual meal at pretty reasonable prices. I was especially a fan of the lobster roll. Plus, they had pretty excellent sweet potato fries. A good beer selection too, which is important, including a bunch of local Maine beers. The services was friendly and quick. A very enjoyable meal!
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Review from Mark T.
Los Angeles, CA
11/3/2011
Insane lobster!
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Review from T C.
Toms River, NJ
8/20/2011
Good food. Had seafood medley... VERY good. And lobster Mac & CHz was homemade and very tasty. Had baby peas that wer oh so sweet. Nachos were huge. Other son's chk nuggets wer the processed kind. Agree with one other reviewer on salad and veggies. Had veggie medley and squash was a tad soggy broccoli was good. All and all would definitely go back!
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Review from Alyson C.
Waltham, MA
10/25/2010
Ate lunch here this weekend while on a day trip to Kennebunkport. The restaurant was very crowded when we arrived, and we waited for a table. I appreciated that their pagers had a 1/4 mile radius on them so we could shop while we waited.
Our server was friendly and efficient. She wasn't overly attentive, as I would have appreciated a refill on my drink, but we were occupied with conversation and weren't too concerned.
I ordered the petite crab roll combo with clam chowder, and was impressed with the quality of both. The clams were a little chewy, and the "good stuff" had sunk to the bottom of their generous, logo-emblazoned mug, but the flavor was delicious, which is saying a lot since I'm not a die-hard fan of chowder to begin with. The crab roll was pretty well stuffed with [real] crabmeat and not too much mayonnaise. The roll was toasted, but could have been buttered, in my opinion, to make it perfect. Their crispy-coat french fries were delicious. My companions both ordered the famous lobster rolls with sweet potato fries and were very pleased (they were huge).
I wasn't a fan of their washcloth-style napkins, as I felt like the terrycloth was a turnoff in an otherwise accommodating restaurant. It's probably just me, because I'm picky about things like that, but all I could think of was months worth of chowder-drenched lips wiping themselves on these super-absorbent cloths, and it kind of grossed me out. Not enough to prevent me from returning, but they may want to reconsider using napkins that look like bar cloths.
All in all, it was a really great lunch for a good price. I'd definitely go again, if only to get another taste of that clam chowder. -
Review from Jeff T.
San Diego, CA
11/19/2011
THE BEST CLAM CHOWDER I had in all of Maine!
The Mini Lobster Roll and Chowder was the best deal I found while in Maine during the off season.
Trivia night was a lot of fun!
If you're passing through Kennebunkport, stop there for lunch or dinner! -
Review from Janet G.
Chester, NJ
10/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
I was here back in August. It's a lovely restaurant with good service. I'm a big artichoke fan and was excited to order the "Annie Artichokely" (not sure if I spelled that right) - an intriguing sandwich that features artichokes. Indeed, the sandwich was delicious - but I could not detect any artichoke! Perhaps it was a fluke, as other reviewers sound pleased with this particular sandwich.
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Review from Craig D.
Wayne, PA
1/30/2011
So far...the BEST Lobster Roll I've tried, but I still need to try the Clam Shack across the bridge:-)
NOTES: Their Lobster Roll uses a toasted & buttered roll. And the lobster was cooked perfectly (not rubbery). Their Clam Chowder was very good too...lots of Clams!:-) -
Review from Andy M.
Columbia, SC
7/8/2010
Overrated with pricey and bland food. Pretty much the same non- descript bar food you can get at any other restaurant / bar in America.
Beer selection was decent with some local Maine Beers but the food was forgettable. Service was slow.
One visit was enough and I'd try the other options in Kennebunkport and surrounding towns before ever heading back. -
Review from elvis j.
Atlanta, GA
10/13/2011 1 photo
First visit to Maine and this was the first restaurant we tried. Conveniently located near the public parking area and shopping we could smell the food getting out of the car so we were immediately drawn in. The prices were a bit high but you are going to pay for fresh seafood so it wasn't really a turnoff. Had the mini lobster roll and clam chowder. The roll was buttered and toasted which as a nice complement to the fresh lightly dressed lobster. The clam chowder although a little thick for my taste was very flavor full and chock full of clams. Good stuff for a cool breezy day.
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Review from Yvonne B.
Rutland, VT
11/9/2011
Last Sunday, my mother and I arrived from out of town looking for a good place to have dinner. When we found Allison's, we decided to give it a try. We were seated immediately in the bar end of the restaurant. The environment was pleasant and attractive. Although the bar was completely occupied with local regulars for the Packers/Patriots game, there was never a moment when I thought the crowd became obnoxious or too rowdy.
My mother had the mini-lobster roll with a cup of clam chowder. I had pan-seared sesame ahi tuna over steamed napa cabbage with a side of steamed veggies of the day. Although I was really eating a "pub offering" it was substantial enough to be a light dinner. The tuna was perfectly cooked, flavors sealed in with a delicious ginger-soy glaze over the top. Veggies were steamed evenly, lightly tossed with butter and tender-crisp. My mom, another lover of seafood, was impressed with the rich, clam-laden soup that is Allison's clam chowder.
Servers were attentive, polite, and helpful. We enjoyed our experience enough to return the following night. -
Review from Brenda F.
Granby, CO
10/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
Clam chowder and lobster bisque are fabulous
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Review from Jen K.
Brentwood, CA
After a delightful time in Kennebunkport, we decided to grab lunch at Alisson's. It was very crowded so we decided to eat at the bar. We were greeted kindly and ordered two petite lobster roll with clam chowder. The combo was the perfect size. The lobster roll was full of succulent lobster in a buttery roll, with chips and a cup of clam chowder. The lobster roll was quite decadent, rich and delicious, definitely on high on the caloric count. I ordered an IPA on draft which paired well with the meal.
The lobster roll was quite delish and the clam chowder was quite creamy and delicious. The clam chowder was pretty good, could have been hotter, not sure why it is always served tepid.
Not a bad deal at $13 for the combo... -
Review from Mark H.
Abilene, TX
10/28/2011
We had lunch and dinner here on two separate days. We have eaten at Alisson's on prior visits so we were already familiar with the setting, the food, and such. Our meals continued to be excellent with very good service.
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Review from Cynthia P.
South Belt/Ellington, Houston, TX
10/18/2011
Good afternoon meal with great Cobb lobster with blue cheese salad and lobster roll with clam chowder with TNTC clams. Great!
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Review from Nick O.
Quincy, MA
1/17/2010
My wife and I came to town to celebrate our 6th anniversary and we were told (by our inn keepers at the Captain Fairfield Inn) that Alisson's Restaurant would be a good choice, so we walked over.
On a Saturday afternoon in the middle of January the wait was about 10 minutes. The menu had several good-looking options; my wife ordered the clam chowder (loved it!) and lobster roll, and I ordered the "Fish Called Wanda" which is haddock (I asked for it fried) with cheddar cheese on a burger bun. After I demolished my meal I continued to eat what my wife hadn't finished and we both left very satisfied. -
Review from LLoyd P.
Kennebunkport, ME
10/20/2006
This restaurant is the best. The food is always excellent and the menu is varied and is the place that locals go to day after day after day
The service is always the best and the chef is always coming up with new dishes and the old standbys never vary in quality. This restaurant is a must when you are in Kennebunkport. -
Review from Jack H.
Philadelphia, PA
10/2/2011
Terrific atmosphere and the staff was great. A good menu selection, but lacks raw seafood options such as shrimp cocktail. I would return.
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Review from Janie W.
York, ME
8/1/2010
Allison's was hopping on the Saturday night that we went, there was a 15-20 minute wait complete with buzzer alert. The food I found to be generic but serviceable. I had the lobster, scallop, and shrimp medley, the seafood was very fresh and veritably doused in butter sauce. The wild rice served was pretty tasty. But my main disappointment was that the vegetable that came with it was a soggy mushy ear of corn. It seemed like laziness since Maine in the summer is nothing if not abundant fresh vegetables.
Service was fine, and it was fun playing the old and outdated edition of trivial pursuit while waiting for our food. -
Review from Lea C.
3/1/2009 1 photo
A friend and I spent the night in Kennebunkport yesterday as a little mini-vaca, and had to get a lobster roll on our way out of town, natch. When in Maine, right? So after we took silly pics on the beach and scoped out the Bush compound, we stopped in for lunch.
Neither of us had ever had a lobster roll before (I honestly just haven't gotten around to it, even though I have lived in New England for 6 months), and were told that this was the best place around (that was open in the winter, which brings me to another complaint: why oh why is EVERYTHING including things that are not in any way related to weather closed for "the season" in New England?).
We both ordered the lobster roll with coleslaw, the fried clam strips, and a side of onion rings. The clam strips were huge and the best I have ever had--so crispy that when I took half of them home, 4 hours later they were still crisp. I thought the onion rings were equally good, though my friend thought they needed salt. The coleslaw was top notch as well, as was the tartar sauce. But the lobster roll left something to be desired. It could be that I am just not used to them, and so as a novice, was expecting something different. To me, it was just chopped lobster tossed with a little mayo and perhaps some butter on a bun, and was therefore very bland. I will say though, that the lobster meat itself was perfectly cooked, sweet, and as juicy as a lobster could be, and the chunks were large and satisfying. This has inspired me to make the perfect lobster filling...
Anyway, the portions here are huge, and a tad bit pricey for the format. The place was packed, loud, and is definitely a glorified sports bar for yuppies, tourists, and old money. The waitstaff was very nice, and a fun touch was a deck of Trivial Pursuit cards on the table. The location is perfect, right in front of Dock Square.
Overall, definitely a good place for lunch, though I would improve on the lobster roll. -
Review from Eddie D.
4/6/2009
Asked the local what they recommend for lunch, this is the first place they recommended. So we have to try it. We got the daily special Pulled BBQ Pork Sandwich with Fried Sweet Potato. Excellent! Not too saucy, great pork flavor, and the sweet potato was a change from your normal French fries. Cream of Broccoli didn't last two minutes on the table. Clam Chowder was filled with clams. Their Chicken Sandwich and Open Faced Turkey Sandwich did not last long either. Everything was great.
Service was fast and friendly. Price was just right. -
Review from Boyd C.
Phoenix, AZ
12/4/2009
While Allison's may not look like much from the street, you absolutely MUST venture inside. While Allison's may look like your ordinary sports bar, you MUST have a seat. While Allison's menu may look like an ordinary seafood restaurant menu, you MUST try at least two of the following:
1. The New England Clam Chowder. More meat, less potato.
2. The French Onion Soup. Don't burn your tounge!
3. The lobster roll. One of the three best I've had in Southern Maine.
The restaurant is clean, the waitresses were friendly, the service was top notch and the food was D-lish! If you like Trivial Pursuit, they have a stack of cards at each table to pass the time while you wait for your food, but you probably won't get too deep into the stack. I've never had an issue with parking. Just use the lot in back. If you can sit by the front window, it's a great place to people watch in the summer as well. -
Review from Wesley N.
Vista, CA
7/5/2011
very memorable place for me, one of the few places open during the winter. However I did go back there after being away for half a decade. The lobster roll I remember being a little bigger, but the clam chowder was just as good as I remember.
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Review from JACOB B.
Middletown, NY
6/22/2011
Looking for a quick lunch in town while shopping,don't ignore Alisson's,esp if u have children...classy ,cozy restaurant with wonderful salads, soups and various seafood specialties....Pizza was pretty good ,thoroughly enjoyed by our grandchildren ....had the combo clam chowder & petite lobster roll($14.95)...perfection. Bar seems inviting .Prices fair. Easy parking behind the restaurant.
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Review from Hal E.
6/18/2010
Caesar salad, house salad, and a sandwich named 'Annie Articokeley' was a perfect compliment to a hot June Friday afternoon for lunch.
Service was competent, a little bit too cute.
No wait at 2pm in the afternoon, cool inside. -
Review from Linda S.
Cobalt, CT
7/17/2008
I loved the clam chowder - smooth, with tender clams. I also had the spinach salad, but substituted fresh mozzarella instead of the blue cheese. Delicious!
My wine was$6, the salad was $8, and the chowder $3. Reasonable prices compared to others in this resort town. -
Review from David B.
Brooklyn, NY
11/21/2010
The mussels tasted reheated and bland. My fried clams, although hot, were also bland. And my salad greens looked and tasted like they were right out of a supermarket, pre-made salad bag. Service was good and attentive, but it doesn't make up for the lack of culinary quality. It does seem dining options are extremely few and far between post-season on Sundays.
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Review from Ted K.
New York, NY
11/23/2011
Best lobster roll in the universe!!
