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Bob's Clam Hut
- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun 11 am - 9 pm
Fri-Sat 11 am - 9:30 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Dive-y
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
122 reviews for Bob's Clam Hut
Review Highlights
"Those first heavenly bites into a lobster roll."
(in 43 reviews)
"Especially Lillian, who has been there FOREVER."
(in 8 reviews)
"Friend had the butterfly shrimp and those were huge and..."
(in 3 reviews)
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122 reviews in English
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Review from Tracy B.
Have been several times over the years... It always that trusty we know its going to be open (Year round) and the food is always good... But today we took a trip (a cold one) up to Maine, went to the Beaches & The LightHouse. We were complete tourists for the day... It was great!
I was with my Sister in Law who has never really had any seafood but shrimp, I talked her into trying some of my Seafood Platter & she loved it & I guess I forgot how good portioned & tasting the food was here, because it was absolutely delish...
The prices are what you would expect for seafood in the winter & due to the fact that this place is smack dab in the middle of about 200 outlets & prime shopping spots, you are paying a little bit more... Totally worth it... And dont let the line fool you, it moves FAST!
Next time Im gonna do the Bob & Lillian and try Both clams... Im always afraid to try the Lillians... But I promise I will next time & Ill let you know how it goes!
Must stop in & if you see a spot take it, the parking is quite aggressive... Better to park in the Trading Post spot & walk over! -
Review from Ian W.
1/13/2012
I stopped at Bob's Clam Hut for dinner after shopping at several outlet stores in Kittery. This roadside seafood shack is open year round, which has seasonal outside takeout windows and an inside counter area and an indoor seating area.
The place was very busy on a very frigid winter evening. I placed my dinner order at the inside counter and was given a number which was called out over the loud speaker 10 minutes later. They were generous with the tartar sauce cups.
I ordered the Fried Calamari Dinner ($10.95 plus tax) served with golden fries (freezer to fryer) and the sweet creamy cole slaw and helped myself to the free ice water across from the counter. The good portion of fried calamari had a mix of soft rings & tentacles coated with a crispy sweet breading. The fries were the "freezer to fryer" kind which were deep fried golden & crispy and not greasy. The minced cole slaw (cabbage & carrot) was dense and very creamy which had a good crunch and a sweet taste.
Overall, the food was solid good, filling and not too greasy. -
Review from Jenelle J.
Boston, MA
1/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
Outlet food doesn't seem to attract culinary excellence -- except, that is, for Bob's Clam Hut. We shared a glorious large lobster roll here - tender lobster meat, with just the right amount of mayo, on perfectly buttered bread. Better than anything my taste buds have experienced in Boston.
Coming back for the lobster roll - err I mean the outlet mall? - no maybe just for the lobster roll! -
Review from Brian G.
Dornsife, PA
1/29/2012
This place feels like a tourist trap. It is smack in the middle of the kittery shopping outlets and the prices are way inflated.
That said i enjoyed the lobster roll and the chowder, which was loaded with lobster. Couldn't justify paying nearly 20 bucks for a basket of fried clams, mainly neither me or my wife are big fried seafood people. But I must admit they look good and I may try it next summer.
We went twice last year - once on a sweltering hot day in the midst of a rare Maine heat wave, and a second time on a cool fall afternoon with no tourist crowds. Needless to say it was more pleasant the second visit.
All in all this place is ok and I can recommend a visit outside the summer months, but I think you can get better rolls and chowder for less hassle and lower prices elsewhere. -
Review from Steve T.
Epping, NH
12/13/2011
Stopped in for dinner and had the clams which were good, but lose the frozen
fries! They were terrible go with fresh hand cut fries people will love them! -
Review from Alex B.
I saw Guy loving this place on DDD so I naturally wanted to get up here for some lobstah. When I had to go do a job in Maine I figured I would stop in for dinner on my way back.
With expectations high I pulled in to the lot and placed my order for a lobster roll, lobster stew, and a homemade whoopie pie.
I cannot attest to the fried seafood here as that is not my thing, but it seems like a ton of people were ordering the fried clams that were featured on the show. I think the prices on those things were a little more reasonable than what I had ordered.
The lobster stew was tasty and had large chunks of lobster in it, but I did not think it was worth $9 for the small cup that I got. The lobster roll was loaded with a little over 5 oz of lobster meat for $19. It was basically just lobster and mayo on a lightly buttered bun. It was definitely good, but again I thought too pricey for what I got. I really think prices became inflated after the episode aired.
I feel like kitchen was unorganized as they forgot my woopie pie and had called my number about 5 minutes before my order was actually ready. From now on I will try to find better in Maine for less $$ or stick to James Hook in Boston. -
Review from Rose L.
Flushing, NY
11/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
$50 for a regular lobster roll, 10? Or so fried clams, and a where's Waldo lobster stew? Where's Waldo? Probably next to the missing/teeny tiny amount of lobster in the stew. Not worth it!
On the other hand the lobster roll wasn't too bad. I'd rather have a whole steamed lobster but if you do find yourself here, I'd get a roll. -
Review from Vic F.
Manhattan, NY
12/18/2011
We tried the "clams two ways" so we could compare the 2 styles of clams that we saw featured on Diners Drive-ins and Dives. Verdict: both were very good, but the classic won because the clam flavor was way more intense. Of course, big bellied clams of both styles stood out as most flavorful.
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Review from Stacy A.
Somerville, MA
7/24/2011
I'm prone to muddling American idioms, though I was born and raised in the gold old USA. I *think* there is an expression "she/he's one tough clam", but it's quite possible my beautiful mind is making it up for the purposes of of a Yelp review.
Either way, do you want to eat tough clams? I didn't think so. It's a clam shack, and I'm thinking if you're a clam shack, you should have some awesome fried clams. Tender, perfectly fried little morsels of the sea, they should be. On my trip to Bob's, I didn't get what I had hoped for. Maybe it wasn't a good time for clams or it was a bad batch. I'll have to try again and see.
However, the place is large, clean, and has some lovely seating in the back. I'm sure it's a perfect stop for those shopping around Kittery. Just don't set the expectations too high, and you'll be o.k. -
Review from Apolinaras S.
Somerville, MA
6/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
I am sorry, but this is a classic tourist trap. I really really really wanted to like it, but food is overpriced and them friers need some new oil in them.
Drive couple of miles out of the way to Chauncey Creek Lobster Pier and for bit less money you will get MUCH better food. -
Review from Sarah C.
Alfred, NY
5/31/2011
I love whole-belly fried clams.
I often dream about them in the wasteland of western New York. No, that's not a rhetorical dramatization. I really do.
I know, I know, there are some connoisseurs who might claim that Bob's Clams are not as good as x or y, but whatever. I have always enjoyed the whole-belly clams here, and they are juicy and nicely-fried. True, I am a Vermont/no-coast New Englander who only spent vacation weeks in the Seacoast area, so, no, I've not been to the Ipswich or Cape Cod clam haunts.
Still, I maintain, if you want a great cardboard dish of clams and fries (for a good Jackson or more, it's true), then Bob's is great. More than great. Divine.
If it's a summer weekend, you will have issues parking. The lot is sort of/kind of capacious, but not nearly enough for outlet mall weekenders. -
Review from Michael B.
Waltham, MA
5/26/2011
I've been here a few times and it's just super duper every time. GET THE ONION NUGGETS!
And get some seafood while you're there too. -
Review from Two Fat Ladies R.
Portsmouth, NH
10/1/2011
This use to be the place to go and you didn't mind standing in line for a half hour.
But I've gone a half of dozen or more times with out of state friends who insisted on going and we were all disappointed with the much much much smaller portions and the over the top prices.
What happened Bob ? -
Review from Melanie T.
Boston, MA
10/23/2011
Yum! Another stop on our Diner's Drive In and Dives honeymoon. The lobster stew was out of site. Everything fried was really good, too. Lobster roll was only so so. Next time I'll stick to fried goodness. Also, there is something outstanding about their tartar sauce.
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Review from Tim A.
Granby, MA
11/5/2011
The food was very good. Restaurant was clean inside for the number of people coming through. A little pricey tho.
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Review from John P.
Ballston - Virginia Square, VA
2/20/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Generally, I am not a fan of places like this, mostly because I do not like fried seafood or lobster rolls etc. However, having been dragged to many such clam huts/shacks/stands, this is probably the best. I typically get chicken at seafood places, and at least here they do not fry the chicken tenders in the same oil in which they fry the fish, so no fishy taste there.
This is a good, though expensive, lunch option when shopping, conveniently located. -
Review from Keith M.
Dunstable, MA
Updated - 9/9/2011 2 photos
Others ordered whole belly clams with fries and strips with fries. I didn't want the the fries, so I ordered a LARGE side of strips. Yikes, its a large, overflowing container. I ate plenty and what was left ust fit into the container. I also couldn't resist getting the onion rings. Clams were an A+. Onion rings maybe a B - the thick ones were great, but thin ones not so much. I'm sure I'll be back.
3 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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12/19/2010
ok, so I had the lobster stew and fried clams AGAIN. Even more lobster in the stew (staff told me… Read more »
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Review from Jeff S.
Somerset, MA
10/26/2011
Bob's must have paid DDD for the airtime on Food Network. Small portions and big prices. Got clams/scallops for two and it looked like enough for one anywhere else, for $26!! Ordered that, small lobster stew (too spicy and didn't look anything like I saw on tv) and we shared a drink for $42. Never again! Save your money and go elsewhere.
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Review from Scott S.
Jacksonville, FL
8/13/2011
After cruising for guns at the well-known place up the street, I worked up a hankering for a Lobster roll that just wouldn't let go. I pulled into Bob's and was marshaled into a spot (I'm pretty sure I didn't need the help, but thanks).
Let's call it like it is: Bob's is a tourist trap, out to catch the hungry gun shoppers (and other outlet stores) in it's mitts. It worked this time for me.
There were two lobster roll meals: The jumbo and the "regular". It came with fries and I wasn't interested in that. Thinking that I'd save a buck or two, I ordered it without the fries. The price of the meal was $14.95 and so thinking it would shave a couple of bucks off, I ordered it without fries. All this did was knock a buck off of the meal. I was annoyed, but I paid the man.
The roll was good. It was served on a toasted New England-styled hot dog bun, lightly buttered. It was filled with lobster meat, however, it was not affixed with what I became used to having, which is a whole lobster claw on top.
All-in-all, I was slightly annoyed at my "savings", but it was good. The fried clams that I saw others buying were whole bellied and looked awesome. I think people should stick with the namesake on their visit.
I've rated it two stars due to the price of the lobster roll. Unlike other reviews with this lower mark, however, I would recommend them still. I just think they jacked the prices up a little more than they should. I'd recommend the clams, they looks perfect. -
Review from Phillip Y.
Des Moines, IA
7/3/2011
We had the seafood basket for $20.95 and it was worth every penny. Parking was crazy here during July 4th weekend. Restrooms were tied up too. Just come here for the best fried seafood and forget about the Weathervane across the street. You get your food in 5 minutes which is hard to beat. Fried haddock was the most tender and delicious fish I have had. The fried shrimp was a bit skimpy since I was dreaming of jumbo shrimp. The clam strips were the best and French fries were extra crispy too. I got a hat and a postcoard for my sis. We will definitely come out here again.
Listed in: Portland-Freeport ME Trip…
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Review from Elin W.
Brattleboro, VT
7/7/2011
Lobster roll satisfied the off-season craving - but only sort of. Lot of fries, not much lobster. Friendly staff, open when others are closed, and offers inside seating.
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Review from Nikki L.
Bedford, MA
10/7/2011
This place has charm and I love it!!! Food is GREAT!
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Review from Susan D.
Nashua, NH
7/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
I have been to Kittery many, many times, but the BF and I always go up to York to the Lobster Barn for dining to get away from the overpriced fare and the touristy shoppers close to the outlets. But we were on our way back to NH from Acadia, and my poor little brother had been dying to try some clam strips. Clam strips were either too expensive just to sample or were unavailable at the places we went to in Ellsworth and Bar Harbor. We tried to go to the Maine Diner, but it was packed and pouring rain outside; we tried the Chauncey Creek Lobster Pier, but they did not have any clam at all. It was 8:30PM, and we knew that the Barn and other shacks would be closing, but a Chauncey Creek employee recommended Bob's as the best clam strips in town. We jumped in the car and sped over to the outlet mall area and discovered that Bob's was open until 9:30, leaving us plenty of time to get some food. The restaurant has outdoor and indoor seating, which was very important on a rainy night. My brother and I split a seafood platter, with fried clams, popcorn shrimp, and haddock, as well as fries. It was advertised as plenty for two to share; well, it was actually plenty of food for three, maybe four. It was pretty delicious! The batter was very light, allowing the flavor of the seafood to dominate. My brother really liked the clam strips; maybe eventually he'll graduate to bellies, but I thought that strips would be a good starting point for a novice. He usually complains about shrimp being overcooked--not this time. The fries were also a nice surprise, needing no extra seasoning.
All in all, Bob's is good for later-night munchies--just make sure to split a meal with one or two friends. However, the BF and I will probably continue to patronize the Lobster Barn over the Clam Hut because the former is not so touristy, the prices are better, and the offerings are more varied. After all, if you don't want fried stuff, you're pretty much out of luck at Bob's Clam Hut. -
Review from Kris G.
Pinetop, AZ
7/29/2011
I had a lobster roll - heavenly! Lobster was tender and sweet. Hubby had fried clams and they were crispy and fabulous. Even my daughters grilled cheese sandwich was really good (crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside).
Recommended by a friend who lives in New England - thanks for the reco! -
Review from Sonia C.
San Antonio, TX
Yea, Bob's is open!! We laugh at you Irene. This is just a little drizzle compared to what we get in Texas ;). Back to the food, best clam belly of our trip so far, we like Lillian's better, not because it taste better(not all that different), but because Lillian is a foodie celeb. The lobster stew is chunky with a nice little spice kick, perfect for this stormy afternoon. Service is friendly and fast. Probably the best fried clams served during a hurricane ever.
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Review from Sande S.
Reston, VA
7/27/2011
We needed a lunch place half way between Boston and Camden Maine. We discovered Bob's from a DownEast Magazine article. We arrived for lunch on a busy beautiful Sunday. The attention to detail at this restaurant is over the top. A greeter helped us find a parking space. The manager greeted us as we walked in. We ordered then waited at the pick Up window. The order came quite fast. We took a picnic table in the comfortable outdoor seating area. Then a monitor checked on us every few minutes. The fried clams and fries are fabulous. The lobster roll is fair. These folks do hundreds of orders a day, and they get it right. This is no accident...it's great management. No surprise, it is owned by a Bowdoin grad named Michael. He does us proud. It will be a regular stop for us every trip..
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Review from Dave C.
Charlton, MA
7/17/2011
Very good Lobster Roll. Nice outdoor pavilion to sit under with ceiling fans.
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Review from Dan H.
Columbia, MD
7/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great tasting french fries, decent clam strips, an excellent lobster roll, quick service, and reasonable prices.
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Review from Deric L.
Novi, MI
7/16/2011
The lobster rolls and fried clams are among the best. You can't beat the service or the atmosphere either.
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Review from Bobby A.
9/7/2010
The best lobster roll and friend clams I've had in my life!
Yeah, it's a bit of a tourist trap and I'm sure Bob's does brisk business sitting smack-dab in the center of the Kittery Outlets Center, but tacky decor and a slight line up aside, these were the best whole fried clams I've had in years. Maine is known for their lobster rolls so I figured I had to give that a try also. It was perfect, perfect amount of mayo, claw meat and the right roll too! I was even able to replace my regular fries for spicy fries at no extra cost.
It's a bit overpriced, but given the eating options of a long day of shopping, dodging the snarling traffic and ducking other crazed shoppers at the outlets, you're not going to come here everyday so you might as well give it a shot. They also have deep fried calamari, shrimp, scallops and on and on it goes.
Bonus, I had my pug with me and was able to sit outside at the picnic tables with no problem whatsoever. -
Review from Kathy P.
Portsmouth, NH
8/16/2010
I love fried clams (whole belly, not wimpy clam strips). Bob's is my benchmark and I've yet to try any better. Don't get me wrong, there are good fried clams out there, but none tastier than Bob's. I go there on average once a month. If I were in the unfortunate position to have to choose my last meal, it would be a plate of Bob's whole belly fried clams, wait, make that two plates. Once in a while I get a combo with fried butterfly shrimp, which is also delicious. But I can't really speak to much of the other seafood there because I'm afraid that it may indeed be my last meal, and I can't bear the thought of it not being Bob's fried clams. If there is an afterlife, I hope I can get Bob's fried clams. If you like fried clams, you should try Bob's.
Sincerely,
Kathy's Husband -
Review from JACOB B.
Middletown, NY
6/24/2011
Bob's Clam Hut serves a purpose ..Quick fresh seafood , while shopping at KITTERY....The whole belly-clams jumbo roll is as good as it gets...Lobster salad plate likewise can't be better..The main downer is the lunch crowds and the lines...if U want to be served in a serene setting BOB'S is not the place 4U.
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Review from Dan L.
Burlington, MA
1/8/2012
very good, whatever you get
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Review from Jay O.
Andover, MA
Updated - 6/23/2010
UPDATE:
My french fry rant has been answered directly by the fine folks at Bob's and I'm happy to say that new fries are on the menu.
I was floored to get a note from the folks at Bob's, clearly this is a well engaged and intentioned group of folks and I tip my cap to them for staying focused on customer service and satisfaction.
Good on ya' Bob's I'll be back for some more clams soon!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/9/2010
For roadside fare this place is pretty legendary and deservedly so. The clams, scallops and fish are… Read more »
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Review from Jody F.
Huntington, NY
8/13/2010 1 photo
We chose to make Bob's our last stop on our Maine summer vacation, and apparently saved the best for last!
Sure, it's a little expensive for what you get, but there they are right in between the shopping outlets and the beaches. And it doesn't have ambiance, it's a "clam hut," 'fer crying out loud.
It's the food.. OH, the FOOD!
Jumbo lobster roll was fantastic, as was the fried shrimp (on the large side, for shrimp.. ba dum, bump!) and the french fries and cole slaw were terrific. Kids mac n' cheese (though likely a box of Kraft mac n' cheese) was ample and even the root beer and lemonade were super. Two thumbs up from my toddler, wife and me.
Only complaint was about the young man jockeying the cash register who didn't know how big the side of "large" cole slaw was. I could have eaten for a week on that portion size alone!
Didn't sample the ice cream, but you have to love a place that puts one of those carnival mirrors that makes you look tall and skinny right next to the order window. Brilliant.
Thanks, Bob's! We hope to visit you again soon! -
Review from Alex F.
Irvine, CA
10/7/2010 7 photos
They must hae paid DDD because there's no way this place lives up to the hype. Maybe it's just too much hype to live up to.
The lobster roll was small and uninspired. It's ok, but even after spending only a week in New England, we can say that we've had much better.
Same with the oysters. Just nothing special and both were very small portions for the price.
The place was crowded and is open all year, 7 days a week.
Judging by the lines and parking lot, I wouldn't blame them!
Service was very good and the staff were friendly. Bathrooms...immaculate. -
Review from Angela H.
9/26/2010
Stopped here on our way to Portland because we saw it on food network w/ Guy's 'diners, dives, and drive-ins'. Not a huge fan of Guy, but a lost a little respect for him after eating here. It was OK, nothing special.
the clam chowder tasted like whole milk and butter. the lobster stew and a little more flavor and was a little more exciting.
the lobster roll was small, nothing memorable. tons of mayo. not much flavor.
clams two ways (the bob and lillian) was not impressive. clams were tender but the breading wasn't crispy enough. -
Review from Lyn L.
Updated - 4/15/2010
Just got a note from Bob D ...accusing me of being a fake!!!! Could he be Bob from Bob's Clam Hut....so he didn't like my review. It was honest and authentic.
I had a better lobster roll at Old Port Lobster Shack in Redwood City, California..their lobster roll was $18.75..so Bob's Clam Hut's is cheaper and not as good, understandable....sorry Bob, you shouldn't say things like that without knowing the facts...and we are entitled to our opinion...that's what this site is about....
If you read my review about Old Port, you will see I paid over $70 for lunch there but had good things to say about their food (except the french fries).
You have lots of folks who think you are great so go with it and don't attack people without knowing the truth!
I stand by my review. It was MY experience and opinion.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/23/2008
Sorry, not impressed.....The lobster roll is $12.95 each, but it seems to contain a lot of the… Read more »
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Review from Matt L.
5/11/2010
The torrential rain kept me from fishing, so I compensated by visiting Kittery Trading Post and eating fish at Bob's Clam Hut.
The place is about as nice as a seafood "hut" can be without turning in to a "restaurant." The decor was oceanic, and the pace was hectic. I imagine that they do an enormous amount of volume due to their proximity to the outlets.
I had the haddock and fries, which came to nearly $17 when I added on a drink. There lies the root of the rating. The food was very good. Not the best fish or breading I have ever had, but fried about as good as it gets. The french fries were also just okay, but the tartar sauce really made it special. The price seemed about 30% high for what I got. I actually wanted a clam dinner, but I didn't feel like dropping over $20 for lunch.
All in all, it wasn't bad - it just fits the bill for the tourists, I suppose. -
Review from Larissa S.
Philadelphia, PA
9/9/2010
Lobster roll is very very good- a little more mayo compared to all of the others so be aware.
I'm also a fan of the clam chowder. I hate that thick flour goop that most places service but Bob's is awesome. It looks a little watery but is packed with flavor. Get it!
Their fries are also really addicting for some reason, and they have Annabelle's ice cream on site. Yum!
