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Arnold's Restaurant
Categories: Restaurants Seafood Active Life Mini Golf Food Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Seafood, Mini Golf, Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt [Edit]
3580 State HwyRte 6
Eastham, MA 02642
(508) 255-2575
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Ambience:
- Touristy, Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
83 reviews for Arnold's Restaurant
Review Highlights
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"arnold's gets five stars for it's lobster roll." In 19 reviews -
"Coming away from Cape Cod a [happy] butterball." In 18 reviews -
"Yes, the best fried clams on the Cape." In 5 reviews
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83 reviews in English
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Review from Rob N.
Hackettstown, NJ
12/19/2011
Great food but man can this place do a business usually only open from memorial day thru labor day that's it
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Review from Ryan R.
7/26/2011
For the past 2 years at the Cape, a group of about 10 of us have descended upon Arnold's for "group dinner out". Last year, we all marveled at how effin' awesome it was. This year...something was REALLY lacking....
Last year the clam steamers were obnoxiously good and very nearly caused a clam-gasm. This year, the clams were gritty and rubbery and I gave up eating them after about 4 or 5 shells full of disappointment.
I credit Arnold's with my first ever raw oyster, and for that I will always be grateful, as I am now a raw oyster cheerleader. However, this year, the shucking left something to be desired. I hate picking oyster shell shards out of my mouth.
I had their new summer beet salad, and it was actually pretty good! Ironic that I would prefer the summer salad over the seafood. The onion rings are also pretty good. More irony.
We did the mini-golf after and it was pretty fun, but the course needs some updating. Also, they should keep the ice cream counter open a bit after mini-golf closes...that's a lot of missed business.
And Arnold's...it's 2011. 'Cash only' is annoying and lame. Get with the times, and make everyone's life a little easier.
Last year, when the meal was great, I didn't mind the obnoxious prices. This year, it was a slap in the face.
I'd try it again, because Arnold's 2010 was so damned good - and saved it from a 2 star rating. But after this year's disappointment, I faintly hear Moby Dick's up in Wellfleet a'callin. And they take credit cards.....Listed in: Cape Caaahd
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Review from Erick N.
9/4/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Arnold's features fried, raw, and steamed seafood in a fun atmosphere. The prices are reasonable (though not inexpensive) for Cape Cod and you order at the counter and seat yourself rather than have waiter service. You receive a pager that vibrates when you order is ready and you pick up your tray at the counter. Think semi fast-food featuring comfort seafood.
The menu is vast with all sorts of goodies to choose from. We had lunch there today and I went with a small order of fried clam strips and a small order of steamers. Both were fresh and tasty. I tasted my father's clam chowder and this was fairly good as well. Arnolds also has a great looking raw bar, but we did not partake in this today; it looked really attractive and I will have to try this next time (it is in a little hut). For non seafood eaters their are some nice salads (my wife enjoyed her beet salad with goat cheese, pineapple and candied walnuts) as well as basic staples such as burgers and dogs. For an inexpensive lunch the tuna roll is just $3.99!
Arnolds's also has a long list of froen adult beverages for hot days, a few beers on tap (including three local brews) and lots of ice cream choices (with some fun flavors) as well as milk shakes/malts. This is a great choice for family dining. While it is not the best seafood I have had by any means, the price is right and the atmosphere is fun. Be aware that Arnolds becomes quite crowded, so if coming for lunch show up right around opening (11:30am) to avoid a wait. Only negative is they do not take credit cards here, cash only - but Arnold's is definitely worth a stop. -
Review from Meliza Anne M.
Boston, MA
8/4/2011
Yummy seafood! My boyfriend and I shared some fried seafood platter (note to self: there IS a limit to how much fried food you can have in one sitting). It was a pretty huge portion, to say the least. I don't quite remember what was in the seafood platter, but everything was lightly breaded and not too greasy, which is a plus because that can be quite the turn-off for seafood lovers everywhere.
We were in a big group of very happy people who all left very full and very satisfied, myself included.
Only downside? Cash only. Boo!
Tip: If you like onions.. I mean like-like... or LOVE onions.. get their onion rings. So flaky and delicious!!!!! -
Review from Kimberly M.
New Haven, CT
7/27/2011
Went here twice on vacation because I enjoyed it so much.
Of course I found this place using my wonderful Yelp App and had faith in my fellow reviewers.
First night we arrived in the cape we wanted something simple and easy so we went to Arnolds, stand in line (which wasnt as long as i expected it to be) and ordered ourselves some Lobster Rolls (hot of course the cold is awkward) Came with fries and a healthy serving of butter on the side for the roll. IT WAS AWESOME. Sat outside, which was very cute next to their mini golf area..
SECOND time we went, we were beggining the Cape Code rail trail and as our adventure was on its way around lunch time we noticed we were passing ARNOLDS! PERFECTT!!! sooooooooo we stopped again, and I had myself a BLT (appparently Arnolds favorite) which just so HAPPENS to be one of my favorites and it was scrumscus.
SO thank you arnolds for fueling me for the 54 mile bike ride and starting my vacation correctly. -
Review from Amanda T.
Jackson Heights, NY
7/17/2011
If you're on the way to Provincetown from elsewhere on the Cape, a lunch stop at Arnold's should be on your agenda. Excellent no-frills, family seafood. Yes, Arnold's is very much a "tourist trap," but it's the best kind. In fact, I wouldn't mind being trapped at Arnold's for a few days.
They sure know how to fry up anything that comes out of the Atlantic. Watch out! Huge portions are so yummy you will inhale them without a second thought. You might not want to put that bikini or speedo on after a meal at Arnold's, ladies and gents. -
Review from Jennifer N.
Chicago, IL
9/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
Since I'm on vacation on the Cape visiting my in-laws I thought I would take a moment to write some reviews.
This was my first time coming to Arnold's even though I have been visiting the Cape for many years now. Overall, I really enjoyed my lunch here. We often love to find seafood lunch spots and this fit the bill. I ordered the beet salad, as I was trying to be healthy. The salad was very yummy. My husband ordered the fried clam strips (which are my favorite) and I snagged a bunch as they were so yummy.
Overall, I thought this was a good lunch spot for a quick fast yummy seafood lunch! -
Review from John A.
7/5/2011
Make sure you bring your patience when you come to Arnold's for dinner because there are going to be throngs of tourists with their maniac kids all over the place.
My advice? Come here around 9:00 just before closing time. You'll be treated to a chill atmosphere where you can actually hear your conversation and eat by far the best fried clams on the Cape. The fried scallops are also worth the mention. Make sure you bring plenty of greenbacks though because it's cash only!
The raw bar is packed with plenty of reasonably priced offerings to snack on. I recommend the Wellfleet Oysters. You can be sure that they were caught that morning. Arnold's takes the idea of a Cape Cod clam shack and takes it to new awesome levels of great food and fun atmosphere. -
Review from Beth B.
New Orleans, LA
8/31/2011
I've been eating at Arnold's for years. I could bend over backwards to try and come up with some overinflated poetic description. Instead, I'm just going to tell it to you straight:
Arnold's serves the best fried clams I have ever eaten in my life.
I love fried clams. Thus, I love Arnold's. Simple as that. -
Review from Cynthia M.
Aylett, VA
9/12/2011 1 photo
it MAY have gotten 4 stars if they had actually had what I wanted to order...
But they were out of whole clam bellies. Minus 1 star.
Needless to say, I ordered the fried clam strip basket...and it was yummy, fried, greasy goodness!
Came with the skinny fries-salted just right.
Finished my meal with a green monster (mint ice cream with oreos) sundae with homeade fudge!.....oops. Forget to mention I was lactose intolerant...but it was worth every bite!
Delicious!Comment from Nathan N. of Arnold's Restaurant 12/6/2011
Because we use only fresh shucked clams, not frozen, we will… More » -
Review from Jennifer F.
Pottstown, PA
8/17/2011 2 Check-ins Here
We ended up at Arnold's twice during our Cape Cod vacation, once at when we first arrived, and later during the week. And as it turns out, it was the same place my husband and his parents ate when they were in Cape Cod a while back..
Needless to say, it was pretty darn good if we went back for a second visit within a week. The first time, we ordered the fried seafood platter for two, an order of clam chowder and an order of lobster bisque. I have absolutely NO COMPLAINTS about any of it. The lobster bisque was pricey, but to die for, and our two year old put a hurting on the clam chowder. He kept scooping it up and yelling, "MMMMMMMM.... LICIOUS!" The fried seafood platter was a very generous portion and well worth the $25 or so. We had trouble finishing it, and ended up taking some home. The clams were amazing, but I loved the scallops the most. I don't eat oysters, so I can't comment on them. The shrimp were gigantic, plump and very flavorful. Even being deep fried, it wasn't overly greasy and everything was nicely cooked.
We went back a second time for lunch because I had seen the onion rings and was dying to try them. And the lobster roll. I had the lobster roll with the warm butter and it was fantastic. (I make it a point to eat as much lobster as possible when we vacation in New England). I'd definitely recommend that, and the onion rings. We polished them off without a problem. (And we ordered more soup for the toddler!) My husband ordered the fish and chips, and he thought it was a little overpriced at $16. I agree - the platter for two is a much better deal, especially if you don't mind the variety of seafood, which includes a decent portion of fish.
The lines look long, but they move fairly quickly. Be warned that they do not take credit cards, but there are two easily accessible ATMs inside. -
Review from Jim P.
Hyannis Port, MA
3/10/2012
Arnold's is usually crowded, and it's a tad pricey. However it is definitely the best fried seafood place on the Cape. The fried clams, shrimp and scallops are terrific; but the best is the onion rings. Thin, light and super tasty. The best I've ever had. We have to visit there at least twice a year. Don't miss it. It takes only cash but has an atm.
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Review from Alexander B.
Albany, NY
8/10/2011
I had the jumbo lobster roll, fried whole bellies, and lobster bisque. Probably the best fried clams I have had on the Cape (or anywhere). The lobster roll was really good too. The bisque was nothing amazing but definitely was respectable. Its definitely expensive but I don't mind splurging when I'm on vacation.
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Review from Robert S.
Glen Rock, NJ
7/31/2011
Touristy and overpriced, but the food is very good. Cash Only. The trick with Arnold's is to call ahead and place a takeout order. You can still sit at an inside picnic table, but get to skip the hour long line. We played mini-golf, placed our order over the phone and then walked right in to our waiting food. Thank me later..
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Review from Jonathan M.
Holland, MA
5/17/2011
disclaimer: i worked at a well known seafood take out place and i like Arnolds better!
If you go to Arnolds expect to wait in a line, expect for it to be crowded and noisy in the dining area, but more importantly expect to get some incredible fried seafood.
Beyond their seafood offerings I have had steamers from Arnolds and they were exceptional as well. I have been 20+ times and never any disappointment. -
Review from Port D.
New York, NY
8/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
I guess I'm still a fan of Arnolds, though the magic has faded for me. My kids love it of course because they know they're guaranteed ice cream for dessert, and maybe a game of mini-golf. Still without the Arnolds survival tactics below, I'd be over it.
Here are some tips to make going here bearable. First, getting here before noon, say 11:30, can be nice because it's not yet gotten dirty, and it's less insanely crowded (but even at 11:30 there's a line!!). Second, there's a really nice raw bar, with oysters, clams, shrimp. The raw bar is sort of the hidden secret, past the main line for food; by quality it ought to be the star of the menu. Third, they have some pretty decent salads, which can be a lifesaver from eating fried food. -
Review from Eva G.
9/3/2010 3 photos
Yelp doesn't have extensive coverage of food shacks in Cape Cod, so I looked into Chowhound; people raved about Arnold's, and for good reason. This is the only place we frequented more than once on our 3 day stay, which is odd because we hate waiting, (+/-30 minutes from the time of queuing until food reached mouth. Actually, the raw bar's Wellfleet oysters [$1.75 for one] reached my mouth first while it was waiting. They're good. I used to dislike raw oysters, but I'm made a fan.).
The FRIED SCALLOPS seriously won the show.
The onion rings were piled high, crispy, almost like shoestring fries; cool.
The fried native clams were also crispy, apparently a favorite among others.
We repeatedly contemplated getting the gallon of clam chowder and sneaking it into the Wellfleet Drive-in Theatre, but were not ballsy enough to get it (4 people = 1 liter each, no thank you). Cash only, with a dingy ATM by the bathroom, makes you think you're at a cheap arcade (with all your fantasies fried).
Coming away from Cape Cod a [happy] butterball.
The minigolf course abutting Arnold's ($8/pp) was fun at night. Good for putting off calories. -
Review from Diane H.
Harvard, MA
8/19/2011
Love this place. The group I was with stopped here multiple times while bicycling out this way. They've got an ice cream stand (one is likely to get better sized servings when one gets a male server, according to my husband), a restaurant, and what looks to be a very nice mini golf course. I had a Nantucket Strawberry Spinach Salad and a bowl of Lobster Bisque, both of which were very nice. I want to give a shout out to the Mac and Cheese. It was very nicely done. I think almost everyone at the table had a little helping from my son's dish (with his permission) and deemed it delicious.
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Review from Ned H.
San Jose, CA
9/15/2010
HEADLINE: OMG ... OMG ... the BEST fried whole belly clams I have ever experienced on Earth ... to hell with the lines, the ATM, the outta the way location ... fried whole belly clam worshipers, you MUST have this place on your Bucket List.
This is going to be a not-so-short but ever-so-sweet sonnet to my beloved mollusk ...
This place, hands down, by orders of magnitude, by the widest of margins, has the best fried whole belly clams on Earth. Period, Over and out. The End!
Family (just the bro's and Mum) was up on the Cape together for the first time in years celebrating her upcoming 80th birthday and thanks to you fellow Cape Cod Yelpers on Talk, scouted out this place as one of the must-hits during my brief stay for clams / chowdah / lobstah rolls.
We hit this joint late Saturday afternoon just off season this past weekend. Lines were not abominable, in fact we waltzed right in to the ordering counter. After perusing the menu on the wall, I knew there was one, and only one thing I needed to have here ... a PINT of their fried whole belly clams, a large onion ring order and a large Bass Ale from the tap.
The rest of the family flummoxed over whether to get chowdahs, or bisque, or a lobby roll ... I cared not ... I needed some clammys in mah belly!
Buzzer for the party's order went off in a reasonable timeframe ... I think it was 10-15 minutes. Plastic utensils, napkins, lobstah crackers and extra tartar sauces were obtained for all ...
"YOU CAN NEVER HAVE ENOUGH TARTAR SAUCE" ...
hmmm, that sounds like a pretty damn good epitaph for my tombstone now that I think about it.
My PINT of fried clams is freakin' enormous. Worthy of the $21.99 eagerly passed over in cash when ordering. A mountain of whole belly fried goodness in a dense cardboard container. The individual clams are huge as well ... ginormous ... bigger than a silver dollar each ... some larger than that.
I take the first one in my hand ... trembling ... please, fried clam Gods ... do not let me down ... it's been over a year since I've enjoyed one of these delicacies ...
I barely can squeeze this giant into my mouth ... this first one's a virgin ... no tartar sauce ... no lemon ... I want to enjoy the clam in all its naked glory ... devoid of distractions .............
OMG
OMG!!!!!!!!
OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The best fried whole belly clam I have ever had in the over fifty years of my enjoying them ... all the way back to a kid in HoJo's enjoying fried clam strips and a chocolate shake.
These bountiful bivalve beauties are perrrrrfectly fried, perrrrrfectly breaded, perrrrrfectly seasoned and perrrrrfectly fresh.
Each successive clammy brings me and my senses closer to a tidal inlet near the sea, kneeling down in a salt marsh at low tide and just reveling in the earthy fragrance and peaty aroma that can only be found in rare places like the Cape shoreline.
Absolutely an orgasmic epiphany.
The tartar sauce was almost unnecessary these were so good by themselves ... but the sauce itself was dynamite ... and a much needed quality check-the-box item when enjoying fried clams.
Arnold's shoestring onion rings richly deserve their forward positive press here in Yelp. Absolutely mouth-wateringly good. Again, perrrrrferctly fried with the onion singing through the scant fried breading ... absolutely fantastic.
My large Bass Ale from the tap was silky smooth, fresh, cold, served with a buttery head.
I'm back in Cali as I record this, but you all must know that I have been de-flowered. Never again will anything match up to this fried quahog life altering experience.
Simply outstanding. For fellow worshipers of the fried whole belly clam, Arnold's is a Bucket List item to be crossed off fer sher. -
Review from Laurie P.
Chatham, MA
10/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great day for a fish sandwich! This place was hopping as the weather was perfect. Still didn't have to wait too long, which was nice. Fish was cooked perfectly.
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Review from John D.
8/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is my second favorite spot for fried seafood...but the price is absurd. We had two orders of clam bellies, one order of fish and chips, one onion rings, and two bottles of water...over $60! That's insane. The line is long, too.
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Review from Nyc L.
Manhattan, NY
8/28/2011
We were there three days in a roll for lunch during our Cape Cod vacation. Part of it is because it's right on route 6--we stayed in Brewster but want to visit all the locations on the national seashore.
We had 1 beet salad, 2 orders of fish and chips (cod) and also a large quart sized clam chowder for $60 (cash only). Enoght food for feed four people. Not the cheapest food, but the quality was good. The price-quality ratio beats McDonald's. We were disappointed the baked cod was only available for dinner. The raw bar was outstanding and cheap. A dozen cherrystone for $12.
The long line says it all! If we visit cape cod again, this place will be on our list. -
Review from David F.
8/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
On the roadside between Hyannis and Provincetown, this looks exactly like every other roadside fish shack scattered across the Cape. However, the food is positively sinful. People dissecting and eating whole lobsters with gallons of bottomless coca cola. We had a massive seafood platter for 2 with calamari, scallops, shrimp, cod, all deep fried, all deadly on a bed of French fries. We were 3 but couldn't finish it. Portion control still a major issue for us! This food was exactly what the doctor ordered, if the doctor was a cardiologist desperate for business. Platter should have been called 'The Coronary'. Excellent value lunch at just over $30. The place was packed so they're obviously doing something right. I would go back but I think my health insurance excludes self-imposed heart failure.
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Review from Suzanne P.
Ann Arbor, MI
8/16/2010 2 Check-ins Here
I've been coming to Arnold's since 1978. They have the best fried seafood on the cape. There are 3 things to know: there WILL be a line, you need cash (it ain't cheap) and get the onion rings.
So call in your order, bring cash or use the ATM there and come hungry. -
Review from Paul G.
Acton, MA
7/2/2010
We went 3 nights in a row, because we wanted to and because we were staying at the Four Points by Sheraton just north of here.
The first night we had Ice Cream at the outside stand. The hard ice cream was delicious. The soft frappe left something to be desired.
The second night, I picked up take out to bring back to the hotel room. I cut the line by ordering from my phone on my way there and the food was ready shortly after I arrived. I wasn't even halfway finished with my beer at the raw oyster bar (delicious) when someone came over with my takeout order ready to go. We ordered the tasty Calamari and the Clam Belly's, which were to die for!!! Baked potato with butter was a great addition, but I need to warn you that a large order of Clam Belly's for one guy is way too many clams!
Last night was our final night in town. We had hoped to have a nice sit down dinner at a place we had yet to check out, but we were unable to get our 3 week old to calm down. That is before everything else closed so we ended up back at Arnold's. These guys stayed open til at least 9:30 and the place was packed on a Thursday night. This time we got the Hot Lobster Roll (very good, but I would recommend dipping into the melted butter and not dousing the roll in it as I did only to have it fall apart). We also ordered clam strips that can only be describe by one word: awesome! Our 5 year old daughter had Chicken Fingers and Fries. We also got a large bowl of the Clam Chowder. This Chowder was much better than any other that we tried in Eastham/Wellfleet area.
Highly recommend Arnold's Restaurant for a sure thing. They also have a new mini-golf course which looks like fun.
THE ONLY NEGATIVE IS LIKE MOST PLACES IN EASTHAM THEY ONLY TAKE CASH!!! Good thing they have an ATM on-site. I argue that when you are spending an average of $20 a person you should be able to use your CC. -
Review from Stephanie G.
Somerville, MA
8/25/2010
I'm torn about Arnold's.
The seafood platter is five star worthy. Seriously, it is amazing, it's got whole clams, calamari, shrimp, scallops, fish, fries, and it was all great!
Worth two stars - the management's refusal to substitute onion rings for fries in the fish and chips plate. Really? At first I said, don't give me fries, I'll eat them both. Then I got annoyed that they were making money off my withholding, I changed my mind. This is what makes America fat! I would have paid almost the full price for the onion rings, just, give me a dollar of discount. Come on!
Okay, is also cool that they have miniature golf.
But the lines are so long and they only have one cashier! Come on!
So, I'll give it four stars, but I am both very pleased and very frustrated with this restaurant! -
Review from Katarina L.
San Francisco, CA
arnold's gets five stars for it's lobster roll. which btw, is all lobster with a light sprinkling of butter and lobster goodness. i don't know what other reviewers are talking about with the "bland & disappointing" comments. the lobster roll definately held up to the hype and is probably the best lobster roll i've had in massachusetts (or elsewhere) to date. a little sprinkle of pepper did help the flavor but is not an absolute necessity.
fried belly clams -- yum. just the right amount of crispy and batter without overwhelming the natural taste of the clams. seasoning in the batter is mildly flavorful, not bland.
small stuffed clam -- gigantic bacon clam goodness. was a little on the salty side but may suite others tastes better.
wellfleet oysters are not bad, girl who is shucking them could use a little bit of practice (which i'm sure she will get throughout tourist season). i probably couldn't do any better then her but my job description doesn't involve shucking oysters.
kind of a bummer that they don't take credit cards, just make sure you have cash when you go.
everyone is quite friendly and enthusiastic.
ambience is a little commercialized / gaudy but you're not eating here for the ambience, you go to arnolds for the food. -
Review from Briana M.
9/8/2009 2 photos
The saga of Briana and shellfish (and cephalopods) is long and unpleasant. As a wee thing I would gorge myself on steamers, only to have them repulse me after a few years passed. I wouldn't touch a raw, shelled critter if you paid me.
Cut to this year! I had my second raw oyster. I was ready to take the plunge, to be a real part of my family.
I sauntered over to the raw bar and got my boyfriend an oyster. He downed it and shouted praise to the Wellfleet Gods of Oysters. He then bought me one. And then my dad bought me one. And then I had a raw clam! After this foray into the wonders of the raw bar, I was feeling adventurous. I tried my grandpa's calamari. I liked it.
Though Arnold's is a greasy, slightly boring spot, it gets major points for fresh seafood and helping me get over my fear of weird looking sea creatures. Had I stuck with my safe Fishwich, I would have been dreadfully bored, but thanks to the generosity of others and my sudden spontaneity, Arnold's has become a monument in the timeline of my life.
Who wants to hit up the oyster happy hour at Marlow & Sons?? -
Review from Ben G.
CANAL STREET, NY
7/5/2009
If you like fried fish, clams, shrimp, lobster, crab cooked in butter, or hotdogs that are longer then your fore-arm then you will love arnolds.
There are two reasons they aren't getting a higher review. First the prices are very very high, I mean 30 dollars for a lobster roll on a cheap bun is nuts. A basket of plain popcorn sized shrimp for 16 bucks!!!! craziness. I mean this is cape cod not LA, NYC, or Japan.
Second there is a long wait to place your order, and then about a 20 minute wait for your order to come. Your looking at an hour minimum during summer to get your order.
All that said if your in the mood for some fried food Arnolds will satisfy your craving and then some. I recommend getting the jumbo fried shrimp, and 2 pounds of the Blue Mussel Steamers to share with your table. Skip the hot dogs they aren't that special.Listed in: NUM NUM NUM, Economy Busters!!!
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Review from Brian K.
Wilmington, MA
6/19/2010
We had dinner here on the first night of our Cape Cod vacation. We're here in mid-June, so the crowds aren't making everyplace unbearable yet. We walked in, only had one other party ordering ahead of us, found seating, and generally enjoyed the experience. Also, because we're here a little ahead of high season, the lobster was on deep, deep discount. I had the shore dinner with a pound-and-a-half lobster for $16.99.
Needless to say, 90% of the restaurants on the Cape are fried seafood joints, and I am sure there must be better ones. This one clearly trades on a long-time reputation, and I don't know if it would be worth it when the lines are out the door, but it worked out very well for us. -
Review from Amanda M.
Newton, MA
10/7/2009
Oh Arnold's, what happened? You used to be THE place to wait in line for freshly fried goodness. I remember many yummy meals on the way to or from Provincetown, but no more!
This place has gone downhill, yet their prices are higher than ever. I guess that's what you get when there is a "AAA Approved" sign hanging next to your restaurant's name. Truth be told I liked the old gray picnic tables, but they have been swapped out for new sets of kitchen tables and matching chairs along with an odd little shed that serves alcohol in the middle of the dining area. I could get past the placement of this cape cod style tiki bar, but the prices are over the top. Beers in the six dollar range and margaritas for $10, this is just not that kind of place. A fish and chips plate, clam strips and a bowl of lobster bisque cost over $40 for lunch (and don't forget to it's cash only).
Oh and by the way why would you ever serve MARYLAND oysters when your restaurant is right next door to the town of Wellfleet?!?! Outrageous! -
Review from Eric W.
Boston, MA
8/20/2009
Fried seafood is a beautiful thing. You wonder why God didn't just make the oceans out of bubbling hot oil instead of water. It would have saved us all a lot of time and effort.
I've only visited once as a tourist and I'll likely never have an opportunity to return, so maybe you don't want to take my word. My experience was excellent, though. My meal consisted of a fried feast with fish, clams, scallops, shrimp, and calamari (and part of a chili-cheese dog. Sue me.) The batter was substantial but not heavy, flavorful but not "fishy." It had that fullness of flavor that makes great fried foods great, but which the lesser varieties completely lack. I found it superior to other beach-side stands and fine dining fried seafood I've had in the area.
It was crowded, yes, and the line was long; I've always taken that as a good sign, though. The food was up extremely fast and there was no shortage of seats. Cash only is a problem if you're not in the know, but, lucky you, you're now in the know. -
Review from E K.
Waltham, MA
10/2/2011
We did a triple at Arnolds - mini golf, dinner and ice cream. Mini-golf was just okay. A easy course and very minimal deco. For $6.50 after their $1 off coupon, I thought it was just okay. For dinner, we had a warm lobster roll and it was small, greasy and disappointing. I couldn't bring myself to eat the bun or the romaine greens because they were soaked in oil - completely soaked. The lobster bits itself was okay, but there weren't much of it. For $15.99, I felt that it was a rip-off. The onion rings and fries were great though. We also got the fried chicken $8.99. For that price, we got 4 pieces - wing, thigh, breast and drumstick, fries & coleslaw. The chicken was great. Nicely battered, seasoned and it would rival any chicken fast food out there. :) The ice cream was not bad, but still nothing great.
Comment from Nathan N. of Arnold's Restaurant 12/6/2011
The way we heat our warm lobster rolls is to dip the meat in… More » -
Review from Betty M.
New York, NY
1/3/2010
Pros: Raw Bar, Friendly Atmosphere, Lobster Roll and Clams Cafeteria Style
Cons: I hope my lobster roll was just a fluke.
Know before you go: You can phone in your order instead of standing on a highly possible long line. The onion rings look really good, I wouldn't mind trying that next time. They have a homemade Ice Cream Shop right next door.
Thoughts: Was recommended by the hotel so we tried it. The steamer clams were fair for the price. The amazement I got from it, was that it was my first time having it. With that in mind, I guess I enjoyed it tasting, just like regular clams. Little did I know...
The Lobster Roll was however not up to par. For $16 I expected it to taste like, well... Lobster. I honestly was only able to taste the bun it was on, it was a Hot Dog bun. I can taste the texture of the Lobster, but not the lobster, the strange thing is I didn't even taste the Mayo that was on it. Seriously, just the Bun. I did however enjoy the Raw bar they had. Their Wellfleet Oysters were very plump and finished exactly how I like my oysters.
Alternatives: There is a convenience store (I believe it's called Maurice's) that is about 2 miles further north (it's right across from the Wellfleet drive-in theatre) on Route 6 who's Lobster Roll is only $7.99 and I thought it was amazing. At first I thought to just have something in my stomach to buffer my trip up North Cape, but when I started hearing a bunch of people ordering numerous Lobster Rolls at a time, I decided to go with more than just one. I enjoyed the Steamers better at Legal Sea Food when we got back into Boston. They were a lot more plump, juicy and Cleaner. -
Review from Steven S.
Sharon, MA
8/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
Something for Everyone! Steamers are great, as is the clam roll. Salads even got thumbs up. Kids meals were devoured. All left with full bellies and smiles on faces. Let's golf!
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Review from J S.
New York, NY
8/20/2011
In one word-- OVERRATED!!!!!!!!!!!!
Was my first time here. I had lots of great seafood all over the Cape and decided to come here because of the good reviews and high popularity.
From the previous reviews, it seems that this restaurant used to be good and is now declining-- that is the only way I can rationalize the difference between what I have seen and read versus the very disappointing food.
I had the Lobster Roll, fried clams, onion rings, and oysters. All were disappointing. Lobster roll is small, about the size of a standard grocery store hot dog for $16, the clams were fishy smelling and terrible, and the oysters did not taste good. What a disappointment.Comment from Nathan N. of Arnold's Restaurant 8/23/2011
Wow I'm sorry that we did not exceed your expectations. I… More » -
Review from Ellen F.
Somerville, MA
5/29/2011
Not sure what Bob D is talking about but we have been going to Arnold's for more than 20 years and have never been disappointed. There's a reason there's always a line and that reason is that this is the best fried seafood, lobster, lobster roll, etc. on this side of the Cape Cod Canal and the prices are appropriate to the quality and quantity of food. Nobody forces you to wait in line--that's the only way you can order food. There is no waiter service at all. However, the help behind the counter is helpful and friendly. It's a clam shack, not a fine dining experience. By the way, the onion strings are fantastic.
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Review from Parker H.
Westwood, MA
7/18/2009
Things about Arnold's:
1) There's a reason there's a long-line out front with Police detail getting cars in and out (and the joint down the street has six cars parked in it)
2) Regarding #1: It will take you less than 1/4 the time you think it will to get through the line. They whack it down quickly and know what they are doing.
3) Why must so many Cape Cod restaurants not take Credit Cards? Absurd really. Other tourist towns like Newport, Myrtle Beach, Bar Harbor, etc all figure out credit cards.
4) OK #3 may have been off topic and a rant, but bring your cash to Arnold's.
5) There's two types of Onion Ring Lovers:
a) people that like thick, cut greasy rings
b) people that like impossibly thin cut, lightly battered, crisp, and delicious rings
If you find yourself in the "b" group above, you'll love the rings here.
6) The whole belly clams are amazing.
7) Fried chicken dinner: Amazing chicken and great value ($8 for four jumbo pieces of moist, crisp fried chicken)
8) Reminder: There's a reason there's a damn line! -
Review from Sharleen J.
Charleston, SC
10/6/2008
First off: Arnold's ONLY accepts CASH (but there's an ATM in back - I'm guessing with a high ATM fee).
I agree with other reviewers - the food is good, nothing too special, convenient location, casual and stress-free. I was pleasantly surprised by the womens' bathroom - it was sparkling clean and had lovely tile walls.
You order from an extensive menu at the front counter, and hand over cash in exchange for a wand that will vibrate when your meal is ready. When the time comes to pick up your plastic tray overflowing with food you then need to find room for plastic utensils, napkins, and little paper cups that you've filled with catsup and cocktail sauce. Pricey alcoholic beverages are available from a stall in the dining area, adjacent to the raw bar.
Husband and I ate there twice, once for lunch and once for dinner, after getting lots of exercise. We sampled a variety of items: Fried Clam Strips (not so great), Fried Shrimp (large and juicy - quite good), Clam Chowder (good), side of Broccoli (a pleasant surprise), Baked Potato (good), Fish & Chips (good fish, boring batter, fine fries), and Onion Rings (I prefer a higher ratio of onion to batter).
Overall, a passing grade, but without too much enthusiasm. -
Review from Steve B.
Groton, MA
9/11/2009
Was vacationing in the Cape this past July and I needed a good fried clam fix bad, and word on the street was Arnold's was THE place for fried clams on the Outer Cape.
Being from Maine I know and love fried clams, so I had high expectations for Arnold's and was not disappointed.
This is a very popular place with locals and tourists alike and is your classic New England clam shack in every aspect. From the location, to the simple rustic nautical atmosphere and dining areas, to the counter service, to the lingering aroma of freshly fried seafood, Arnold's conjures up images of quintessential coastal New England.
The clams were excellent overall; small, fresh, lightly battered and fried in clean oil and very tasty. The "clam plates" we had were not served on plates but medium size trays like you would typically get a side of fries in. So the serving size was moderate and smaller than expected though priced somewhat accordingly, and came with the obvious sides; fries, cole slaw and roll. The sides were average, but I was more about the clams, which were great, but probably not the very best I ever had.
I would recommend Arnold's for those that indulge in the occasional fried seafood fare, or those that just want a fresh seafood or lobster dinner in a casual and relaxed Cape Cod clam shack.
Tee shirt, shorts and sandals required.
4 Stars ****
Tip: Cash only with ATM on site. I hate that!
