I drove all the way out here for fresh seafood, not a surprise episode of Restaurant: The Reckoning. The sign says Fish Market & Chowder Company, but what you walk into is 95% restaurant, 5% "technicality fish market," and that last 5% is doing the kind of work that would make a union rep cry. Let's be clear: The Angler is no longer selling fresh seafood. Not in any meaningful, market‑based, "take this home and cook it" way. What they are selling is the idea of a fish market -- the ghost of one -- while running a packed dining room full of people slurping oysters like it's a Cape Cod tourist trap in July. And speaking of tourist traps: They've got a tour bus parked outside. A tour bus. For a "local fish market." That's like seeing a stretch limo outside a Dollar Tree -- you immediately know something is off. As a chef, my time is valuable. As a food reviewer with an actual show, my time is documented. And nothing ticks me off faster than false advertising dressed up as nostalgia. If you've abandoned the fresh fish counter because the restaurant side makes more money? Fine. But update your signage. Update your branding. Stop wasting people's gas and goodwill. I walked in looking for fresh haddock. What I got was wall‑to‑wall oyster eaters and not a single square foot dedicated to what the sign promised. You can get oysters anywhere. You cannot get a proper local fish counter everywhere -- and certainly not in a space this cramped. If ownership wants to reach out and explain the pivot, I'm open to it. I'll even give them a redemption arc on one of my platforms. But right now? This new direction is the wrong fit for the location, the footprint, and the legacy they're trading on. Call me when you're ready to rebuild. I'll help. But today? Today was a misstep -- and an avoidable one. read more

Ordered take-out of baked stuffed shrimp. Receipt showed baked stuffed $33, but we received grilled marinated shrimp $28 (not to our liking). Called and explain the issued and asked for a refund of only the difference in cost between the two. Even offered to send a picture of what we received. Sadly, the manager kept arguing the receipts shows baked stuffed shrimp, as if we were lying, and hung up on us. Called back and she agreed to refund the difference. BIG SURPRISE...no refund!!! Poor way to treat customers and conduct business. read more

Wow, wow, wow! Servers and food are amazing! I went with my brother - $1 oysters on Wednesdays, and perfect seafood chowder, shrimp dumplings and margaritas! So good! read more

Every single item was delicious and home made! (Maybe not the fries tho) The shrimp on the cocktail platter were " colossal" with a fresh cocktail sauce that was zingy with fresh horseradish , the fried zucchini were perfectly cooked with a home made mustard dip on the side. The fried calamari has two options, plain and spicy, get the spicy! Huge portions, fresh and not over cooked. The best scallops I've ever had. Every seafood was item was battered, was lightly done so. Even the dang ole cornbread was extra yummy. Hot lobster roll dripping with buttery goodness, cold lobster roll brimming with chucks of lobster. This restaurant is the REAL DEAL! Great service and atmosphere. Highly recommend, worth a try! read more

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We came here twice while vacationing in the area. If I could give it 10 stars I would. The Ipswich clams were awesome, the lobster rolls, the king crab, fish, everything was outstanding. Our server was wonderful and the staff could not have been more accommodating to our large party. As I mentioned, we came 2 night in a row that's how good it was. You locals are so lucky...if I had to choose between World Peace and going to dinner here, the world would be f*cked. read more

The menu and food at the Angler has never disappointed. Restaurant is small and very "local" feeling which is nice. It's our go to when we want seafood! read more

This clean updated place is small, with about 8 low and 5 tall tables. Plenty of competent waitstaff and bar. The baked oysters were a bit different: a pungent cheese and not the typical gulf coast breed (clearly more local). Cole slaw was pretty standard and fries decent. Have nearly anything seafood on menu, including some pasta dishes. read more

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It is a pretty small restaurant but with a lovely ambiance. The food and service were great! Totally recommend!

I just dined at the Angler for the first time tonight and all I can say is - WOW! I took my father and grandfather out to eat, and all 3 of us were excited to have fresh seafood. (Like, the type of excitement you feel when you're at a restaurant and waiting with a buzzer and you engage in mind-sorcery by saying "my buzzer will go off in 3....2....1...NOW!" and it actually happens! J....just me? Ok then). Anyway, we sat down and began our meal with some excellent cocktails. We then opted for 3 cups of chowder (2 seafood, 1 clam) and OH MY GOD. This was THE BEST seafood chowder I've ever had. Thick (but not wallpaper paste), salty (but not too salty), and JAM PACKED with seafood. Literally every bite had massive chunks of lobster, white fish, scallops, etc. An extremely generous portion for a cup of chowder. I will dream of this chowder for the next few weeks. Maybe these dreams will replace my recurring nightmare of Kate Winslet trying to chop my handcuffs with an ax whilst in icy cold water, but I digress. For my meal, I opted for the pretzel crusted halibut which was incredible. My Father's maple glazed salmon was equally delicious, as was my grandfather's baked haddock. Again, the portions were ginormous. None of us finished despite our best efforts! This review would be lacking if I didn't give a special shoutout to our server, whose name is Amber C per my receipt. This girl did it all! She was the hostess, the waitress, the bartender, and the table busser. I have not seen someone work this hard since Vito Corleone fought for his life after being riddled with bullets. Amber is the best! But please, stop reading this review and go eat at the Angler. A true gem tucked away in Westminster that deserves your attention!! read more

Angler Fish Market & Chowder - The BEST seafood chowder I've ever had in my life!! - Seafood Markets Near Me - Westminster, Massachusetts

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Their hours have decreased considerably in the past few years. Ordered halibut, was served haddock. Waitress disagreed with me and overcharged me. Thumbs down. read more

Great service, seafood and prices! All fresh and delicious. Busy and popular so call ahead to reserve.

This place does a very good job in providing high quality fresh seafood at reasonable prices with portion sizes that insure you won't leave hungry. The seafood chowder I ordered was excellent; chock full of a variety of succulent properly cooked seafood. Without question the chowder ranks up there as one of the best I've had. The fisherman's platter is hugh and each item was, fresh, properly cooked and delicious, even the fries and coleslaw were laudable. These folks deserve their fine reputation as the products they turn out are exemplary! read more

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I came on a Thursday around 4 ish when they had just opened. It was an odd time to come in so i didn't expect it to be packed but figured i wouldn't be the only there at happy hour, still i would like to try out the $1 oysters on Wednesday at some point and see how the happy hour crowd is for that. Seating is a little awkward, unlike most fish store places where they have a dedicated section for the market and restaurant this is all one combined and with the condensed area it feels like you are sitting with the whole room and everyone is constantly watching you. I ordered the 1/2 rack app, I was thinking of doing the full rack coming in but at $89 couldn't pull myself to do that but even the half was pricey at $55, although i have been weighing in my head all day where its a good price for what you get or just a high price. I would say it was both underwhelming and an awkward set up. The muscles were by far the best part, the lobster was overcooked, the shrimp didn't have much if any flavor and some of the oysters and cherry stones had so little meat on them i would compare them in size to finger nails and the one crab leg on top was so bendable i thought it was a kids toy. The oysters and cherry stones took up about 10% of the bottom tray mixed with melted ice and water and really just looked like an after thought in that big dish with those microscopic cherry stones. The worst part about the dish is all the garlic and seasoning in the top tray with the lobster and crab leg and shrimp so to break open the clam and the crab leg you get garlic all over yourself and the smell sticks with you for a couple of days. I followed up the tray with a specialty cocktail and clam chowder. The cocktail specials, it was refreshing but tasted either like the mix ratios were off or they use cheap vodka. Waiter seemed nice enough. The chowder was good, very creamy, a bowl can be a meal in its own, only complaint was that it was a little sandy. I had been looking forwarding to trying this place for about a year, i drive through the area about every other week so i must say i really built this place up and think if i am being honest all things considered it was ok although i cold see improving my experience by maybe making better choices ordering next time. read more

Angler Fish Market & Chowder - tables and stools - Seafood Markets Near Me - Westminster, Massachusetts

I have no idea why some of the best seafood in Central MA is in Westminster, but it is. I found this place once after doing some mountain biking, and have made several trips since specifically for this restaurant. I can't name anything else in Westminster, but this place is a gem for sure. It's a seafood market, and restaurant, and it gets very busy. I grew up eating a ton of seafood, especially New England style, and this is right up there with anything you'd find on the coast. Prices are very reasonable, and service has always been great.... despite seeing some customers being very difficult throughout COVID. I saw one customer throw a mini-tantrum because there was a wait. As if it was the restaurant's fault it was packed... I'm not gluten free, but on Wednesdays they make all the fried seafood with gluten free batter, and I actually prefer it. It's lighter and crispier. read more

Shrimp cocktail nicely portioned and fairly Priced . Seafood chowder was good but overpriced at 22.50 per bowl. The wrong pasta course was brought out and although apologetic, no effort made to comp a dessert or a soft drink etc. mistakes happen but it's how they are handled that leaves an impression more than than the error itself Fish tacos were terrible - flavor profile was all over the place read more

Gotta add the pictures of my amazing lobster roll!! I went to Maine last weekend and had the famous lobster roll! Guess what? Nothing beats Angler Fish Market's lobster roll and sweet potato fries !!! Guess we need to pay Wachusetts another visit!!! "On top of the mountain is lobster roll" that's the reward we normally get after hiking! read more

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Update* They just responded with a LIE. This is almost funny if it wasn't so disturbing how they can literally make up a whole lie. Nothing they accused me of EVER happened. I've never been in that town, let alone the restaurant. Wow. If you don't want to be mistreated and lied on, this restaurant isn't for you. Since when do restaurants conduct business through texting and ignoring customers in front of them? I don't have a picture and they don't know my name so how would the owner even know who they're talking to? I'm flabbergasted. 3/24/21 HORRIBLE! The attitude of the lady (short, mean looking with dark hair) at the counter really turned me off from EVER coming to this place. We weren't even greeted, and when I tried to asked her a question, she ignored me because she was too busy TEXTING on the job. I took a step back and waited for her to finish. When she was done she says rudely says, "How can I help you?" I asked her a question about the prices and she looked at me like I was an alien and answered the question as if I asked the most stupid question in the world. I should've looked at the bad reviews before coming here. You'll see I'm not the only one that had an unfriendly experience. Ruined my first time experience buying fish at a market. P.S. Suggestion to the owner/manager...I think customer service manners should be the TOP priority when training your employees. Disgusting. read more

Angler Fish Market & Chowder - Wow! And they LIE so easily? This was literally my first time in that town, let alone the restaurant. - Seafood Markets Near Me - Westminster, Massachusetts

This place is the best!!! Yummy food for sure!!! Had the filet, cooked perfectly!!! Call ahead for reservations, this place gets very busy! read more

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Great place and food, reasonable prices, delicious fresh seafood and dessert and lovely customer service. read more

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This was our first visit in a long time (moved out of the area) and first since it was taken over by new ownership. Pleasantly surprised to find the food was as outstanding as it had been in the past. Pleasant and attentive wait staff. read more

I was in town for business and I really wanted a good meal. Opened up yelp and Anglers popped up as a suggestion. So I jumped in the rental and hit the rode. It sits in the back of a retail center that houses a DD and BofA to name a few. The place was packed, which in my opinion, is a great sign. I originally planned to order to go and saw a single spot in the bar, the vibe in the place was right and I didn't want to head back to a stuffy hotel room so to the bar I go! I was pleasantly greeted by Keri, a lovely soul with a beautiful smile. The food was great, the staff was welcoming and kind. Being from the west coast I was on a mission to find the best lobster roll available. I placed my order and I got the impression that it wasn't always available. Cue awesome sauce Keri to the rescue and let me tell you Anglers didn't disappoint! The plate was perfectly balance with a plethora of flavors. I'm not a huge slaw fan but I'll be damned if it wasn't delicious! To top off the experience, Keri made the time spent enjoying a lovely meal so enjoyable with her amazing energy that I returned and brought company. Thank you Anglers for making an out-of-towner feel welcomed and full! read more

Angler Fish Market & Chowder - Nice little place located in the back of this shopping center. The young lady at the bar my this out-of-Towner feel very welcomed! - Seafood Markets Near Me - Westminster, Massachusetts

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O M G! When you think New England, you wish for places like this! Visited on the advice of my brother-in-law and was blown away by the food, service and prices. The special that day....steamed whole lobster $9.99? What?!? Fresh caught that morning, made this Westerner want to slow clap with tears in her eyes! Menu varies daily and they have a limited, but decent wine menu. I ordered seared sc-all-ops, (yes you must say it correctly!) and the daily special potato. Portions were more than generous and food was delicious. Everyone at the table (six of us) said their seafood was cooked perfectly and was incredibly fresh and tasty. Will definitely be taking my husband back for dinner here on our next visit. read more

Angler Fish Market & Chowder - Seafood Markets Near Me - Westminster, Massachusetts

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First time we tried this place the food was pretty disappointing to say the least. The person, who I assume is the cook/mgr, was berating the staff. We figured maybe they were just having an off day. Tried them again recently and the food was just astoundingly terrible. The crab was charred. I don't mean a little, it was to the point it was fairly inedible. The prices are obnoxiously expensive for a dusty (and I do mean literally dusty) hole in the wall, subpar fish place. We routinely pay a couple of hundred dollars or more for ours dinners, so that's not a problem. The problem is charging so much for food, service, and an atmosphere that doesn't meet the standards of places worthy of that kind of price. I think for us, it's a no. If you're wondering why this wasn't brought to the attention of the cook, it is because she was once again yelling at her staff. If it's done face to face, I do not believe it would change their behavior. I...we just don't have the capacity for that kind of in-person toxicity. I'd rather do it here, on a platform that gives me that voice. read more

The seafood is fresh and well prepared. Great variety on the menu. The service was prompt and friendly. I wound recommend. You need to drive to the back of parking lot to find this hidden gem. read more

We went for a hike looked up a local restaurant drove there, called the phone number that is on the website to order food. Phone number does not work! Walked inside to see if I could get a paper menu with perhaps a different phone number Completely forgot the mask in the split second I barely opened my mouth I got a ROAR from behind the counter GET OUT!! I still didn't even realize I had forgot the mask. Lesson learned I now will forever wear a wide hair band around my neck! I realize her stress level must be through the roof To shout at a stranger like this. The one word mask would have made me turn and run out and apologize.the phone number was not busy it simply does not work off web site read more

New to Westminster and last night my fiancé and I went to Angler for the first time. Bottle of Malbec started us off right and was delicious! We had crab cakes, PEI mussels, and pretzel crusted halibut everything exceeded expectations! The staff including the owner were very friendly. Cannot wait to go back on a Wednesday for their steamers all you can eat special! read more

Angler Fish Market & Chowder - PEI Mussels - Seafood Markets Near Me - Westminster, Massachusetts

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Let me start out by saying I really like this place! Its very quaint inside and has an excellent wait staff but I want to address the food quality. Its not even that its bad it just isnt what i would call great for the money. For the past few times i've been there i cant seem to get my meal to all come out hot or even luke warm. They cant seem to get their timing down where you order a steak and the potatoes are not even warm. There doesnt seem to be any quality check. If you complain, the owner makes comments so you never want to complain. I've decided not to go back to this restaurant until the quality gets better. This last time i decided to get parm fries. It was like they just took them out of the refrigerator. read more

Waitress was very rude! Would not seat us even though there were two empty tables. She then asked us to wait outside! She would not even let us get a drink at the bar! We left and will never be back!! read more

ASK FOR HALEIGH!!!Food was wonderful as always but what made this experience different was how AMAZING our server was!! She is so super friendly, very attentive, extremely knowledgeable of the menu.... And makes THE BEST espresso martini!!! read more

Good is very good. Prices are way to high for the meals. Quantity of food is small, I was still hungry after my meal. I wish they would just lower prices a little as quality is good. In reply to the owner, yes, I do know the prices of food in other establishments are higher. We eat out every week. I am giving my honest opinion. I understand all that the owners are facing. $150 for two entrees and one from with no appetizers or desserts is high. read more

Great food, friendly service, nice atmosphere. Not a lot of seats, definitely recommend reservations.

Small town ambience, upscale seafood! This restaurant was on our bucket list for a while, and it did not disappoint. Enjoyed the halibut and the scallops and haddock fried combination. The dinners were cooked perfectly and the sides were good. Our server Lisa was a riot! Saw quite a few takeout orders getting picked up as well. read more

Sad to post this, my husband & I used to love the Angler, a bite over priced but always worth every penny!! Our last two visits were very disappointing, this last visit made me want to write a review. Our fish was undercooked and the staff didn't seem to care much when collecting our little picked at dishes. Haddock should be flaky ours was a piece of wet smudge. Will be taking a long break from our beloved gone south.... read more

You won't get better Seafood anywhere in New England. The menu offers a great choice of entrees and starters. On top of that, The Angler has daily specials. Chef Emily is incredible and her cooking is second to none. The staff are the friendliest around and happy to recommend dishes. I can't recommend this restaurant enough!!! read more

As someone who has to be Gluten Free, it is SO NICE to finally have a restaurant offer EXCELLENT GF food! They have an everyday selection, but MONDAYS are dedicated GF day. Anything on the menu can be ordered GF on this day. I have NEVER been cross contaminated. They take allergies, and such very seriously. (I can't say the same for other establishments) The portion sizes are HUGE. The staff are all warm, and friendly. Fast, and efficient. I love the décor, and the atmosphere.. .. It's one of the very few places that I highly recommend!! read more

*Updated* The food has been really great here in the past for me. Most likely still is. Prices I'm sure could be more friendly, but if you feel like splurging this place will deliver. On the fence about the service still, but to each their own. It is seriously insane how rude Tracey is. Just can't help herself. She's the owner and the chef and she still manages to turn customers off, even via just the phone. Called in to order takeout from the fish counter and was completely shutdown and hung up on. Sorry I wanted to enjoy your food and support your business?? The food is really good here but the customer service is the opposite. Won't be back read more

What a deal on Monday. $39.99 gets you choice of two salads or one dessert. Two entrées and a bottle wine!

Had the worst experience! Went for lunch with a friend and spent $140. I was told that the table was reserved for a certain time which I respected and understood but was trying to finish my meal and drink and had been told again but this time by the "owner" so I expressed my frustration on how rude she was being she told me she didn't care and to get out of her restaurant I wouldn't recommend this place they are rude and disrespectful. *Update* This pandemic Is no excuse for rude staff it's actually the complete opposite you guys should be thankful people are coming out to support your business. The CDC has guidelines yes but telling people to get out of your restaurant is not excused ever especially if you want business. read more

Everything was perfect. We ordered take out and they had everything in the to go bag. No mistakes and food was delicious and hot!

Moving to the country (or Northern Central Mass for those of you in Boston and think anything west of 95 is Ohio) is bittersweet. The calm and quiet replaces the loud humdrum of the city. However the price paid for peace and quiet, often incurs the fate of having nothing around with good eats... especially seafood. Having recently planted myself in the area, and after a long week of daunting tasks, I had 2 cravings: 1 - Fresh seafood to stuff myself with 2 - a Stiff drink to chase it down. I had actually been trying to visit Angler's due to the positive reviews and personal recommendations but for some reason I always kept showing up on a Monday night when they were closed the only day of the week! 3rd time was a charm and I happened in for a Thursday night dinner with my boyfriend. Upon arrival we both noted how busy it was - a good sign in a small town. I truly though the fish market was just in the name, but they do indeed have a (pricey) fish market with some excellent selections. I will make sure I stop back to try some for my grilling adventures. though there is a fish market here, you don't get that awful fishy smell like any other place- also a great sign.. its actually fresh! There isn't a hostess podium or a sign that says "Please wait to be seated" so we were a little confused upon entering. A nice gentleman at the market counter obliged to get a hostess for us. It was a little bit of a wait on a Thursday at 7 to get a table but we couldn't have waited more than 10 mins. The bar is also an option for dinner, but be warned, this place is not that big and sort of narrow, the bar also being small in size and may not be too comfy to eat when its full. Very very cute though! The decor and style in here is what you'd expect a seafood restaurant - nautical! But I do appreciate that its done modestly and tastefully so its not really shoved in your face. .. well except maybe for the big hand painted lobster table top. The drink I so required appeared in a matter of moments from being seated - I had ordered a Rum concoction of the menu and my date had one with pineapple vodka,- can't recall the name of those drinks but lets insert a cute generic name here like "Blue Cadillac" or "Bay Breeze" They were delicious and a little heavier handed than most. A plus. Multiple rounds may have been ordered... I couldn't resist the clam chowder - it looked so great - and I was not at all dissapointed. See I'm one of those weirdos that really hates clams, but clam chowder is the only exception.. If you are seeking a meaty, chunky clam chowder loaded with large pieces of clams and taters, this is NOT the place. It is very thick, creamy, and indulgent .. I felt like I had just eaten an entire cheesecake.. yes THAT guilty. Super fresh, and certainly didn't taste like it was sitting around in a giant crock all afternoon.. with a buttery finish I can still taste. I may venture to say this soup didn't even need the added crunch or delight of the oyster crackers.. a first for me. My words after finishing this chowda were "Well I understand why its $9 !" Took a little longer for our food to come out, but they were very busy with 2 servers and 1 hostess that were keeping up pretty well, He had the Fisherman's platter - I must say the star dish of the evening- It was a good chance for us to see the variety, portions and quality of the seafood. After he had cleared through the clams, half the shrimp and I stole one of the HUGE, tender, buttery and slightly sweet scallops, we were both shocked to see an entire fried haddock filet underneath the perfectly battered goodness atop a bed of french fries. Its probably one of the higher cost items on the menu but my goodness is it worth it. I had the swordfish chunks as I am a sucker for swords. If its on the menu , I usually order it. Though it was very flavorful and my sweet potato fries rivaled those of the Red Arrow (see review for red Arrow in Manchester) I was sorta surprised that the fish was a tad overcooked. Nonetheless I had no real complaints on the quality, portions or preparation of my dish. I had it with spinach that i really didnt expect to be anything special, but I must again comment on the freshness,.. so simple but really divine when the rest of the meal was almost perfect. The bill was more than one would expect from a walk up window seafood joint, but believe me I've paid more and gotten far less from a place as nice as this one. Keep away from their delicious drinks and your wallet will be happier overall, but by no means is it not worth it. I am both stoked and slightly concerned this place is so close ! read more

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