Brown's Seabrook Lobster Pound
- 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:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Very Loud
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
68 reviews for Brown's Seabrook Lobster Pound
Review Highlights
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68 reviews in English
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Review from Kendra L.
Natick, MA
3/10/2012
Went for lobster roll which was very good and responsibly priced ($12). Served on traditional butter grilled, top split hot dog rolls with a moderate amount of mayo and sprinkled with paprika. Very yummy. Most other folk there were eating steamers, boiled lobsters and just about everything else deep fried. You can carry in your own beer and wine, but please don't bring soda.
Salty dog counter help could smile a bit more, but suppose his 'tude adds to the overall New England clam shack experience. -
Review from Christina F.
Chicago, IL
1/17/2012 3 photos
Browns, Browns, Browns. Where do I even begin?! Since moving to Chicago, I have not been able to get a decent lobster at a reasonable price, never mind steamers. Every time I go home, I drag my parents to Browns to get my fill of New England seafood.
I usually just get a lobster and split the steamers with my family. Their lobsters are so meaty and moist and my mouth is watering just thinking out it. It's BYOB which is great for a night after a day at the beach. They are opened in the off season which is good for people like me who are only in the area for the holidays (winter its weekends only I believe).
Check it out when the sun is setting, the back windows allow for beautiful view over the marshes! -
Review from Cheryl A.
Lawrence, MA
5/26/2012
Went for lobster and steamers last week. The steamers were the grittiest I have EVER had. So much sand it was collecting in my butter even after soaking them in broth. Lobster was good. Overall the price was very high considering the clams were not washed.
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Review from Dania R.
Rosamond, CA
Awesome seafood. Reasonably priced. Crazy huge selection. Steamed, fried, grilled... fries, rings, slaw. Bring your own beer and PLENTY of cash. CASH ONLY. My lobster roll was delicious. The little bit of lettuce and the sprinkles of paprika were a very nice touch. I couldn't believe how crowded this place was on a cold and drizzly Saturday afternoon - but after chowing down, I realized that folks are drawn to quality food regardless of the weather. Can't wait until I'm back in town because I will most certainly be heading back to Seabrook for fresh lobster.
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Review from lori d.
Merrimac, MA
5/17/2012
So its been a few years I think since i have been to Browns, was craving some seafood and didn't feel like being too dressed up. in hindsight I wish I had gone to Hungry Traveler for the Fishermans Platter. I will say for $20 it was okay but we are used to much larger and slightly pricier platters that are so big you sort of have to share them. This wasn't it. First I have NEVER heard of a fishermans platter that didn't have both fries and rings. (I did go back up and ask and they said they do either fries or rings so folks won't be confused, so maybe the slightly not very interested order taker could ask folks what they want) And if there were 12 fries on this plate I would be surprised. The haddock was a bit dried out. Clams ok, a few chewy ones which I don't like. Coleslaw was good as were the two shrimp pieces. I can't speak about the scallops as I don't like them and forgot to ask. The cup of clam chowder was very good. I don't see myself going back. Will try Lena's for take out type seafood next time and the old standby the Hungry Traveler.
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Review from Becca P.
New York, NY
6/15/2011
So I have always been a loyal fan of Markey's but after one bad trip, my cousin and I decided to cross the way over to Brown's...just to try. And boy oh boy should Markey have not delivered a bad batch of steamers because Brown's steamers are chewy, huge, and delicious. I might be converted. MIGHT. The steamers there are cheaper too. However, the wait was long whereas at Markey's their service is impeccable. I got some fries there too which were real good but for a small box..waiting about 10 minutes just seems long to me.
Service sucks.
Steamers good.
BYOB pretty awesome. -
Review from David H.
Brookline, MA
8/7/2011
We went to Brown's cold, without reading any reviews. Wow.. best fish joint on the coast N of Boston! The clams were sweet as clams get; the chowder was by New England standards pretty much perfect - no cornstarch but still creamy & fresh. We also got an order of crab cakes, which typically are a specialty of the mid-Atlantic (ie Jersey or Delaware), but again, these were about as good as any I've had.
We sat outside, with a direct view of the Seabrook River, a large salt marsh & the Seabrook nuke. It didn't spoil the meal. -
Review from Wang Treecy E.
Dracut, MA
6/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is the best place to get some fresh steamed seafood if you're craving for some! My family have been here for years! We usually get lobsters and a whole lotta steamers! LOVE it. They do not sell alcohol, but it is BYOB!! which is AWESOME! Hmm, my family never brought any, maybe another time!
This place is sooo YUMMAYYY in my TUMMAYYY. My boyfriend has never been here, so I decided to take him out so he could experience some freshnessss. We ordered him a big fat lobster, steamers, & some crisp seafood platter. He LOVEDD it. He thought it was soo awesome, and from then on, he always wanted to come back. I only go in the summer, therefore I always look forward to the summer because of Browns. -
Review from Chris Q.
Lawrence, MA
8/14/2011
I love this place, me and my girlfriend went here about a month or two ago and loved it. It's a great drive on a nice summer day and the location is pretty cool, i always make sure to bring my camera and tripod. BYOB absolutely rules, and i wish every restaurant did this. We got the clam and scallop plate with fries and onion rings and split it between the two of us with a few beers and were more than satisfied. Not sure if i was just there on a really busy day, but i waited about 45 minutes to order, wasn't really all that surprised it being one of the nicer days of summer but figured i'd give that heads up to some people because it really seems like a place that could be busy all the time. Plan to go back at least once before the end of this summer.
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Review from Lindsay M.
Sudbury, MA
10/27/2010
I go here after I get some goodies from Oldies in Newburyport. Lazy day lunch/early dinner. I leave here STUFFED.
Fantastic. The steamers here were AWESOME and worth every cent. We also got the fried seafood platter which was SO good. Great quality seafood and piled up high.
The atmosphere is quite fantastic - picnic style tables and easy to just relax and hang out to eat some awesome seafood.
Cash only - there is an ATM.
BYOB. We brought champagne and oj for mimosas - excellent idea!
All in all a fun place for everyone. -
Review from Sean W.
Brookline, MA
7/20/2010
Brown's vs Markey's - who is the king of lobster? I cast my rod and lobster traps at Brown's. A few reasons, they are a Byob location, meaning you can order your seafood platter, lobsters and steamers, and bring your cooler full of the beer of your choice and enjoy. They also have the best prices on lobster and seafood. They are cash only, but have an ATM inside, if you are ordering any lobsters, you can order your whole order inside and not wait in the outside line. Site outside and enjoy the patio during high tide.
You cannot beat this for price, taste, and atmosphere. -
Review from john d.
Methuen, MA
9/23/2009
There it is...right on Rt 286....Browns!
We've all gone by it. It looks tempting after a day at the beach!
But here are a few problems I have with it.
It appears dirty, with flies. You have to order your lobster over here....and your fried food over there....and clams? Well, they are over there. Why should I have to order in 3 different places?
Next there are incessant pages going on. "Numbah too, ya lobstahs are ready, numbahtoo..."
Yes, the lobsters are fresh, and the clams are good....but thats the easy part...any place at the beach should have that. And there aren't too many ways to screw up boiling a lobster.
I think they have the right location, and plenty of people willing to pay...so they never had to improve the place (and it HASN'T improved in the 30 years I've been in this area.)
I think it has a Zoo-y atmosphere....constant paging...and I think it'
s a little on the pricey side for what it is....a place where they boil your lobster and clams...and hand them to you.
For a better experience, a nicer view, nicer people, more polite staff...go to Ray's Seafood in Rye - http://RaysSeafoodRest... -
You can order everything all at one time, they have alcohol, inside or outside seating, and it's more conducive to sitting with friends enjoying a lobster meal.
AND....Cash only? With Lobster dinners being so expensive you have to go in with wad of cash. Who doesn't take credit cards anymore? This is 2009!~ -
Review from Julia F.
7/14/2010
Whoa. Overwhelming. BYOB (and earplugs?)
The place was PACKED, and I mean, PACKED when we went here with the whole family in tow. Thankfully the first half (or more) of us got there MUCH earlier, and we were able to snag a few tables in a row to fit all of us.
The babies got restless (waiting to eat), the guys got restless (waiting in line for the food), then we each took turns going outside to calm down, smoke a butt, come back, relax. The sheer volume in this place is a little odd, especially when there is an old couple next to you with candles on the table, who brought their own wine glasses and tablecloth. Very cute, but you also had a million screaming children, and a packed house.
I'd never had lobster rolls before, and they were, cold, but not too cold, small (for the price, but again, I'm not accustomed to eating lobster anywhere) and tasted like straight mayo - only it was chewy. Not at all appetizing. I ended up eating off a couple of other people's plates, trying the chowder, and fried everything. I think if I go back, it's either fish and chips, or something along those lines for me!
The parking lot was a maze out of there too. How people go there regularly is beyond me! It was like total chaos with a side of dinner.Listed in: Happy Hampton
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Review from Marissa S.
Brighton, MA
6/20/2010
Worst customer service I have ever experienced.
Every year, we have a girls' day at the beach in Salisbury and we always have lunch at Markey's, just across the street from Brown's. One year we made the mistake of giving Brown's a shot and decided we would never go back.
I realize that broiled orders take longer than fried orders, but when my mother and I had waited close to a half hour, we started asking about the status of our order. We were told to be patient and that it was cooking, that broiled orders take longer. We responded that we realized that but that this wait was excessive, particularly where it wasn't a very busy day. We checked in about 15 minutes later and again were told that it was cooking and treated as though we were behaving as demanding and troublesome. Finally nearly an hour after we had ordered we asked for a manager and were told that there wasn't one on site.
Long story short, we discovered that our food had been sitting out on their counter inside the whole time and it was given to us cold after the rest of our group had long since finished eating. We politely requested a credit for the meal and the "supervisor" rudely refused and informed us that they do not give discounts or credits, regardless of how horrendous their service and food may be.
The fries were soggy and lukewarm, the chicken was dry and cold. And the service was abysmal. Since then, we have only and will only patronize Markey's where the food is delicious, the service polite, and the wait times reasonable, regardless of whether the order is broiled or fried. -
Review from Yumiko F.
Brighton, MA
8/8/2007
Fresh Lobster is the way to go!
It is cool that you can do BYOB!
you can go with many people and can sit down if it is not super crowded.
Even if kids or one of your member cannot eat seafood, they do have burger and sides menu.
I want more lobster!!! -
Review from Ellen C.
Lowell, MA
6/26/2010
I like Brown's because it's a great-big, open-air shack with lots of picnic tables. It's casual. It's one huge room with one huge roof over it and open windows everywhere. There is a small outdoor eating area, too.
CAUTION: cash only. They do have an ATM there, though.
It's right across the street from the water, nice view. It has its own parking lot and it's on the boarder of Mass. It's a good place to get New England boiled lobster and fried seafood. We go every summer.
My one complain is that they give drawn MARGARINE instead of BUTTER. They shouldn't be that cheap. Yeah, butter's more expensive, but they make a ton of money there. Charge an extra 50 cents if ya have to. I guess I'll have to bring my own butter. -
Review from Christina K.
Alameda, CA
10/31/2007
We drove three hours to get here because a crazy Greek man with a trident tattooed on his neck told us it was the best place on the east coast for clams. And by god, he was right! Brown's was exactly what we were looking for. Three California kids on a search for the freshest, tastiest, most local seafood the northeast seacoast has to offer.
The guys behind the counter were kind enough to demonstrate to this naive Californian how to properly peel and swish a steamer. The lobster roll was buttery and perfect. The fried seafood combo was a tasty smattering of shrimp, haddock, LOBSTER, scallops, clams and other delectable things from the sea. The view of the marshlands stretching for miles in all directions and capped with a cheery little nuclear power plant completed the dining experience.
New Hampshire is lucky that I don't live nearby because their marine life population would suffer a serious blow. Get thee to Brown's! Hurry! -
Review from Jen S.
9/23/2009
A great place if you like seafood, especially lobster. Simple set-up: pick out your lobster in one room and eat it in the other. In addition to boiled lobster, their menu includes a wide range of fried seafood.
Prices are fair, about $28 for a 1.25 pound lobster and a quart of steamer clams. The clams were a little gritty, the lobster was fresh and delicious. No need to worry about making a mess, just enjoy the good seafood.
You can BYO alcohol, but non-alcoholic beverages must be purchased on the premises. -
Review from Living A D.
Milwaukee, WI
7/2/2011
I fly 1200 miles to get the best!
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Review from thomas n.
Townsend, MA
10/12/2011
Haven't been here for a very long time....big wait in line operation, nice seating outside on the deck overlooking the water, fried oysters and fish were very good, lobster was excellent, steamers were really dirty, we sort of skipped them......all in all a nice experience thought the seafoeed that is fried is pretty greasy.....ok
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Review from Stephen T.
Windham, NH
5/2/2010
A great finish to a day at the beach! The lobster & Steamers are great! Next time I'll bring some adult beverages because this place is BYO! There were people all over that had obviously been there before and came prepared with wine & beer!
Note: Make sure you bring cash as they do not accept credit! Its about $25.00 for a two pound lobster so bring about $50.00 per person and you should be fine. -
Review from Richard M.
Somerville, MA
7/22/2008
I'm from the Boston area but I make a pilgrimage or two up to Brown's every summer. I can really only review the fried foods. They are my passion.
My favorite fried seafood is the clam strips. There's just something about the way they fry their food that makes it come out perfect. The breading is always crisp. Not really flavored so you can add your own salt and pepper to taste. I personally like to bring a can of old bay when I go. I also enjoy their onion rings and fries. Like the seafood they are fried just right.
It's BYOB so everyone is sitting at their benches with coolers full of drinks. I wish I didn't live an hour away from this place ! -
Review from Shanley S.
Groton, MA
7/24/2011
Picking out your own lobster? Bringing your own booze? Indulging in freshly deep fried seafood while waiting for the Sunday traffic to die down? There are SOOO many reasons to love Brown's. Those are just the ones I could think of at this moment.
After a day of drinking on the beach with my incredibly attractive yet slightly immature entourage, the only logical thing to do to avoid sitting in my blisteringly hot car in 90 degree heat in bumper to bumper weekend Hampton beach traffic was to stop by the equally backed up Brown's for some much needed grease in our stomachs. After ordering, I obliged my friend's request to hang out and watch the lobsters in the tank (like I said, immature... but adorable nonetheless). Shortly after our order, a gentleman ordered a 10 lb. lobster. While the staff marveled at it's size and attempted to put it in the boiler, my starry-eyed cohorts proceeded to remove two lobsters from the tank and have lobster fights with them, complete with character voices and lightsaber sound effects. That prompted us to be escorted to the dining room where we found a table, cracked open some ice cold coors lights (I know they were ice cold because the mountains were blue) and wait for our number to be called.
All in all, nothing disappointed. From the steamers and lobster to the fried clams and scallops, everything was spot on. Even the fact that the temperature outside was above 90, and the dining room has nothing more than a few fans didn't deter me from enjoying myself. It really wasn't even that hot in there. The only thing I regret is leaving my doggie bag in the backseat while we continued our day of indulgence with a late night showing of the newest and final Harry Potter at the Chunky's in Pelham.
A perfect day? Pretty damn close
***FYI: they don't accept credit cards. CASH ONLY. But there is an ATM conveniently located in the lobster room. -
Review from Nina P.
Manchester, NH
5/3/2010
Scallops? Clams? Shrimp? Fried? Steamed? Fried LOBSTAH!?!?!? You can get it all right here! Hurry, hurry, step right up!
I've never been here before, and I was taken here for a celebratory birthday dinner (and no, I do not get any older as each year passes; I must be a vampire or something). About 45 minutes to an hour from Manchester (depends on how fast you are driving), and after getting a little bit lost, and after driving on the traffic circle that encircled the church and town hall of Seabrook, and going through an area that seemed like the middle of nowhere, we finally arrived at this bustling restaurant. And I mean bustling. There were at least 45 people deep in line, either waiting for their food or waiting to order their food.
The moment we drove by, I could smell the yummy goodness of fried seafood and the ocean air. Everything smelled so fresh and so delicious. I did not mind smelling like the place long after I have eaten and left, and I hope to smell of it lingering on me as the next few days pass.
I guess there's a line on the outside for fried food and a line on the inside for steamed food. Total wait time for fried food at 6pm = 45 minutes. This included the moment we got in line, ordered food, waited for food, and the moment the crispy fried goodness hit my lips. It was rather lengthy, but definitely worth it. It bumped my rating from a 5.5 stars to just 5 stars for the long wait and funky smell in the dining area.
This place is cash only, BYOB, indoor and outdoor seating, right near water where you can watch people fishing. There's a sink and soap and paper towels for you to get dirty and wash your hands after eating yummy lobstah. There is a cramped parking lot right next door that seems to be always full, but there always seems to be someone leaving right at the moment someone else arrives, so parking isn't too bad.
My measuring stick for fried seafood is Anthony's in San Diego, my all-time favoritest place for fried seafood of all time and this place comes pretty damn close. The fried scallops were the freshest and most well-cooked scallops I have ever tasted. Not chewy, and definitely moist, and so flavorful. Definitely love at first bite. And the shrimp were large and succulent. The clam strips were the largest I've ever had and oysters. Oh, the yummy oysters. So big and savory, crunchy, with the perfect amount of tartar sauce. I don't really care it's an hour away, I might just go back this week. Oh, and the best for last. I've never had fried lobster before, but it is definitely a wonderful delicious dance atop your tongue. Fresh lobster meat, so sweet and juicy and the fried crust on top. I could eat 8 of those, easily.
Oh, and there is a regular menu for those that are not lovers of the seafood. I wish I had enough room to try one of their chowdahs... or lobstah roll... Sigh...
All in all, a great time and definitely recommend this place if you are around the area (or in Manchester). -
Review from Josh S.
Stratham, NH
5/13/2010
I've been to Markeys a few times over the years. Recently, I decided to compare with Brown's across the street. Since they're in direct competition, the food would be similar. Nope.
First, the atmosphere is completely different. Loudspeakers placed every 10 feet blare out peoples orders, and eardrums alike. This could be ignored, though. The main concern was the lobster roll. A lot less lobster than what I got from Markeys for the same price. what gives? -
Review from Jeff D.
Winchester, MA
8/27/2007
Brown's was awesome. This was my first time at brown's . The order takers are knowledgeable about tjhe products they serve, and are friendly despite the fact that it is a busy place. I ordered a clam strip roll and a cheeseburger. Both were delicious. Truly worth a stop on the way home from the beach in the evening though it is quite crowded in the evening on a warm beach day! Off hours might be better! ...Its right on route 286 as you head back to 95 from hampton beach , just take 1A south to 286 West.
(also this way you avoid paying the NH toll) -
Review from Shayne Z.
Boston, MA
7/31/2010
Like Markey's, my partner and I came here because we saw it on the Travel Channel. Embarrassing. But we figured we should try both places while we were in the area, so after eating at Markey's and driving around for a while, we stopped at Brown's on our way back to Boston.
I was really excited to try the steamers, and my partner got a small cup of clam chowder, which we shared.
The clam chowder was good. I've had a lot of mediocre clam chowder, and this was definitely much better than that. It wasn't the best clam chowder I've had, but I'd definitely order it again.
The steamers were okay. First of all, the order was HUGE and EXPENSIVE. I wanted a small order, since I had just had a lobster roll and obviously wasn't starving, but it was either order the $12.50 quart of steamers, or don't order any at all. Kind of annoying, but I REALLY wanted to try them, so I went ahead and ordered them anyway. The guy behind the counter seemed confident that one person could eat the entire order themselves, if that was all they were eating.... Seriously? I have NO IDEA how ANYONE could eat this entire order themselves. Holy crap.
I was hoping that they would have mussels in addition to the steamed clams, but they only had clams available. Oh well. The clams themselves were good, but not amazing. They were relatively flavorful, but nothing really special. As a side note, I think clams are possibly the most unappetizing-looking food. Ew.
Overall, I think we liked Markey's better, but Brown's seems good too. I'd come back and try something different next time, though. -
Review from David B.
Milford, MA
4/23/2010
For seafood lovers this is the place for you. Bring your own booze, sit back and enjoy your lobsters. Non-Seafood item prices are a little on the high side but everything is cooked to order.
Parking is limited and be prepared to wait in line on busy weekend and holidays to order food. -
Review from Brian D.
Somerville, MA
9/11/2010
Wow what a disapointment. Its Tuesday after labor day so there were no lines, but some how our food still took 20+ mins. We were hungry which usually makes things taste better but still Browns did not live up to my expectations from Yelp and Chowhound.
Plusses- BYOB, good cocktail sauce, location its lovely sitting outside on a nice day. The employees were nice and answered our questions when deciding on what to order.
Negatives - fried batter is too thick and lacks the ability to enhance the seafood vs. overwhelm it (though the fried scallops were above average), the lemonade didn't taste like lemons but sugar, the corn was worse then KFC, and if they are going to make you wait so long why not give you your drinks when you order so they can sell you another when you pick up you food?
If you drove up for a day trip from boston you are much better off hitting woodmans on the way back.
Note: cash only -
Review from Michelle L.
Brooklyn, NY
6/9/2009 1 photo
I had to review Brown's because I just changed my profile pic to reflect my experience there. See that smile on my face as I dig in to that delicious Lobster? That's happiness that can't be faked.
I haven't ever had a bad experience at Browns and every time I am remotely nearby I come out of my way to go here. Fried food, chowder, steamers, lobsters...it's all good. Bring in a sixer of beer from the store down the street, and you've got yourself an excellent meal. Prepare to leave fat and happy.
Also, I love that you can see the Seabrook power plant from out back - Classy! -
Review from Maureen L.
Middletown, CT
7/14/2010 1 Check-in Here
My family has been coming to Brown's for more than 50 years and it's a tradition that I've continued with my children.
The thing about Brown's is that it is what you make of it. We've been there after a long day on the beach with a cooler of beer and last year, we celebrated my parents' 50th wedding anniversary there with table clothes and champagne glasses. I've seen people dress up and dress down - table clothes, wine glasses and candles - and people still in their bathing suits.
The fried food is excellent - onion rings and French fries are loved by my kids the chowder is excellent, as well as the steamers and lobsters. The service is okay, but this isn't the kind if place you go to for service.
We've been going to Brown's for years and we'll continue going for many years to come. -
Review from Minda H.
Methuen, MA
2/6/2008
I LOVE this place. Some background (that you can skip if you just want to hear about the restaurant rather than about me...). I grew up in Ohio where lobster = fancy. Lobster = really fancy and expensive. Lobster was not a commodity that you could just get anywhere. And so when I was introduced to Brown's while living in Utah (a place where most people have never even tried lobster due to the woefully landlocked nature of the state) on business in NH, I was amazed. Couldn't believe that you could get lobster for so cheap, and then could eat it in such a plebian manner. Fantastic!
Anyway, I LOVE this place. Order your lobster (and do get the lobster instead of the fried stuff - it's so much more fun!) in one line and your fried stuffs in another. Get your tray of food and take it to a picnic table to eat it. If you're lucky (and the weather is cooperative) eat it on the deck and throw french fries to the fish when the tide is in.
Brown's isn't fancy. You can brown bag your own beer (which goes great with lobster). And this is where I take all of my landlocked family and friends when they visit and want to get lobster. -
Review from Laura E.
Washington D.C., DC
6/9/2009
I made poor Michelle drive, I dunno, 2 hours out of the way to get some "fresh" lobsters here--which I think she was more than happy to do. This place hasn't changed AT ALL in the 25+ years I've been going here and that is A-OK. I mean... Lobster. Soda. A paddle with your number on it that they'll call when your lobster is ready and red. This place is quintessential New England seaside... no fancy shmancy crap--just real. good. lobster. A for a decent price.
After consuming my butter sauce soaked medium sized lobster, I was pretty happy... but get some french fries with ketchup as a side. -
Review from Dan R.
Newton, MA
1/25/2011
i have visited brown's at least a dozen times in the last few years.
pros: 1) very kid friendly. nobody seems to care if your kid runs around or accidentally spills something. 2) browns is b.y.o.b.. nothing beats champagne and good lobster. you can buy a bottle of moet white star for 35 bucks at your local warehouse and bring it with some plastic glasses. the best white star price that i have ever seen in a restaraunt was $110. the lobsters are also very reasonably priced. you won't break the bank here. 3) the lobsters are very fresh. i have never seen a lobster with shrunken "atrophied" meat at brown's. the inventory in their live pool seems to be consistently fresh. 4) the fried clams, steamers, and fries are above average.
cons: 1) it is very, very crowded in the summer and warm months. 2) it can be a little too rustic for some. i love the picnic benches and paper towels. 3) cash only. 4) the people who work there are not particularly friendly-- because they don't have to be.
this authentic lobster shack is worth the 1 hour drive from boston. in the warm months, you can also make a brief day trip to the beach--which is only a few minutes away.
tips: 1) if it is busy, they will make 2 lines: one for lobsters indoors and one for non-lobster items at the window outdoors. the lobster line is usually shorter, and you can buy anything from that line--as long as your order includes a lobster. not sure why anyone would go here without buying a lobster. 2) bring cooler with your drinks from home. buy plastic stemware that is disposable; it is fun and easy. don't bring your glassware from home. 3) they don't want you to bring "non-alcoholic" beverages from home. 4) it is cash only, so bring at least $30 per person. 5) you can grab ice cream at dunlop's across the street. don't let your kids play in the brush behind dunlop's--there is poison ivy. -
Review from Bill R.
Aptos, CA
1/26/2009
The freshest tasting lobster and a fun atmosphere. After you pick out your lobster the fun begins ins a large open room. Its just like home you bring your own wine, beer whatever, no corkage here. We even bring our own table cloths and glasses.
Best steamers around. -
Review from Gary R.
Sioux Falls, SD
4/13/2011
This is a true place to go and get good food in a very relaxed environment ,every time Ive been there the food has been great.When ever a place is consistent like Browns is you cant go wrong.Yes they do have other things besides lobster and there crab cakes are some of the best I have ever had.
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Review from Meg C.
Philadelphia, PA
7/31/2008
This probably my favorite casual seafood joint in New Hampshire. The scallops are wonderful, the clams are fat and juicy as well.
And the onion rings, oh the onion rings. Seriously the best I've ever had. They are sweet and tender, surrounded by that crisp, flaky batter I can't seem to find anywhere inland.
Brown's dining area is pretty open, so you can smell the ocean and watch the salt marsh while you dine. Very rustic, even borderline divey. You can even bring your own booze. If you don't like that salt marshy smell (which I adore), avoid visiting around low tide. -
Review from Tri D.
San Clemente, CA
4/2/2009
I'm not sure why but the lobster just tastes better here then the ones I've eaten in Boston.
BYOB. -
Review from Heather S.
Salem, MA
3/18/2009
I love Brown's.
I used to vacation with my family for a week every summer at Hampton Beach.
For the most part we made our own food but the one thing we always looked forward to was the one night we went out to eat at Browns.
The steamers are good. The fried Haddock is amazing.
There is so much seating and of course out door seating for those nice summer nights -
Review from Sarah C.
Canton, MA
6/10/2011
This place is AWESOME! Our family and friends have been going here for a very VERY long time. I grew up in Haverhill and so our go to beach was Hampton and Salisbury beach. Brown's is in the middle, take a left you are heading towards Hampton beach, take a right and you are at Salisbury beach. I now live in Canton, MA but we still drive up there to get our share of lobster, steamers, fried seafood and coleslaw. I talk about this place to everyone I can. This place has gotten really busy (not surprised). It is a VERY casual place and they have rows of picnic tables for you to enjoy everything they have to offer.
One of the best parts of this place is BYOB! YAY! There's another seafood joint right across the street and it's either you're a Brown's fan or Markey's fan and you never cross the street to go to the other place. We are loyal to Brown's and I would never go to Markey's. It's just the way it is.
We always get the steamers to start which is making my mouth water right now and then have the lobster and fried plates. There coleslaw is delicious as well as their clam chowder. I don't usually order the clam chowder because eating clam chowder on a hot day is just wrong to me. It has to be cold outside for me enjoy a chowda. I love this place and no matter how far
I may live far from this place, but I will still visit and eat as much seafood as I can and you should too!
