Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Charlie's Fresh Catch

    4.2 (73 reviews)
    Closed 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

    Charlie's Fresh Catch Photos

    CHARLIE'S FRESH CATCH ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?

    You might also consider

    More like Charlie's Fresh Catch

    Recommended Reviews - Charlie's Fresh Catch

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Outside
    Soukanya P.

    I love how fresh their seafood is and the different options. Don't like seafood? They sell chicken as well. They also serve prepared foods and grab and go like fried fish, fries, fried clams etc. Their seafood is always fresh! I got a 2+ lbs salmon for dinner tonight and I cannot wait! It's a little shop but a mom & pop shop. I love supporting local businesses and I think you should check it out. The staff is super friendly and helpful.

    One of the CT lobster rolls I got over the summer
    Scott D.

    For the #5 review of the 9 CT Lobster Rolls I tried throughout the summer of 2022, we come to a place that honestly surprised the heck out of me, Charlie's Fresh Catch, taking the #1 spot of the 6 central CT/Hartford area rolls and #3 of the total 9. Being from the area I must have driven past this place dozens of times without ever even noticing it. It sits just outside "Vernon Center" directly across from what used to be CT Golf Land. Charlie Ballard purchased this place from the previous owner and it's been open since December 2013 and I can't believe it took me almost 10 years to even know it was there. Charlies is a very unique place, like a stand-alone seafood department you'd find in a grocery store but bigger and better. Not only do they carry the basics, they also have things you won't find in a grocery store and a large variety of seafood creations all made right in the store. In fact they have an entire glass case filled with everything from seafood salad, stuffed clams, shrimp and mushrooms to hush puppies, pasta salads and other appetizers. They also have a small selection of produce and large racks of spices, seasonings, batter mixes and more. While they carry some of the major brands they also have their own blends to go along with whatever you're picking up. So much that you might even come out with more than you went in there for. They also carry some of the popular local brands like Hosmer Soda, it's good to see local businesses supporting each other, a win-win in my book. There's also a freezer stocked with soups, pot pies and other prepared seafood (and non-seafood dishes). So much variety that I stopped there at least five times and I feel like I barely made a dent in trying what they have to offer. For the lobster roll it was a tough decision but being the lowest price of all the 9 places I tried it is an incredible value. Served on a 7 inch NE-style hot dog bun they average a little over 6 oz for the whole roll with an average of a little under 3 oz of hot, buttered lobster meat. Probably the closest thing I've found to what you'd get near the shoreline though obviously not as fresh but literally the best one I had of the 6 in the Hartford/central CT area. Small-ish looking but filling and you can't beat the price for what you get They also have a number of other meals for purchase prepared in the store like fish and chips, fried shrimp/clams, fries, hot dogs, chicken tenders and more. The clam chowder is on par with the better ones I've had and has nice chunks of potatoes, clams and vegetable. I still need to go back and try some of the other soups they don't sell hot but keep frozen (lobster bisque). With the holidays approaching I think I may be back once or twice before the end of the year, maybe not for a lobster roll but to sample the great selection they seem to always have. Wish I had found this place years ago, definitely a new repeat customer. Five Stars!!

    Charlie's Fresh Catch and Seafood Market sign. Visible from the main road.
    Jacqueline F.

    Food cooked to order. I ordered the Fresh Cat fish dinner lightly battered and fried with fries and coleslaw. Excellent customer service. They serve an amazing selection of salads and seafood to go as well as a frozen food section. There is a beautiful display for deli meat and cheese to take home. Decorated as a seafood establishment should be with signs of food selections and prices. Atmosphere and ambiance is inviting and the store is stocked with lots of seafood products. I highly recommended if you want to take home. If not they have outdoor dining with inviting colorful chairs to enjoy your meal.

    Deconstructed fish tacos and lobster roll.
    G. A.

    Hubby went to Connecticut over the weekend and asked him to stop by at this place to get me their fish tacos and lobster rolls to take home with him all the way to MD. The staff recommended that we assemble everything ourselves so we can heat them up individually and appropriately vs. just taking home prepared ones that might be soggy several hours later. Very helpful and staff was right! Loved the food but a bit pricey for 60 some dlrs for 2 orders of the lobster rolls and 2 orders of the fish tacos.

    Soooo yummy! Drove up from PA and stopped to try something new! Highly recommend the clam chowder.

    Kenny & Me

    Awesome people- COFFEE is freshly ground if you want it plus it is 16 oz for $9.99! Love the smell, not stinky but like you're at the beach!! Seafood selection is fabulous and reasonably priced!!

    Menu
    Sho R.

    I generally go to City Fish Market to get fish. So my review is mostly comparing these 2. If you are ordering lobster roll take the large one. Both large and small are of the same size except that small has 3oz lobster and large has a quarter pound. Even with a quarter pound lobster meat, I felt the amount of lobster was slightly less. The lobster roll here isn't as good as the one in City Fish Market. Coconut shrimp was really good. Cole slaw also tasted fresh. I bought some salmon from here. It was good, even though not as good as the one I get from City Fish Market. Overall City Fish Market is better than this place in many respects. But if you stay around Vernon and want to get some fresh sea food, then this place is good. One interesting thing I noticed is they have Alligator tail meat in their freezer. I never noticed it anywhere else.

    Fish sandwich

    See all

    5 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    25 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Fresh and delicious food! Prices are amazing! Staff is friendly and helpful- Joel went above and beyond to help us!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Fresh, take out only. Tables outside, efficient, can buy fresh fish as well. It's hot when served, for take out.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of G. A.
    2
    114
    160

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Ordered clam strips they were good been going here for a while prices on seafood high

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Bob L.
    2
    70
    0

    2 years ago

    Great food. Great service. Fresh fish. Take out meals. Some deli items. Some meal additions. Can't ever go wrong here.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sho R.
    105
    1778
    7676

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Bob M.
    0
    81
    0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Brett R.
    122
    59
    45

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of MJ F.
    0
    12
    0

    2 years ago

    Love the food, always hot and fresh when ordering. On top of it, the staff/owners are so warm-hearted. It's definitely my monthly treat!!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Can't be more satisfied with this establishment. we are so glad they are a part of the community..

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of L T.
    1
    185
    90

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mo M.
    3
    11
    0

    4 years ago

    Fantistic spot for fresh seafood and great for their lobster rolls to go. Highly recommend!!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Paul M.
    42
    11
    7

    7 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    5 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of K S.
    0
    13
    0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of John P.
    1
    206
    296

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Fat R.
    0
    17
    0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of David R.
    0
    124
    197

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Charlie's is the best local spot for everything from seafood to deli meats to prepared food. Great prices and service!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Charlie's Fresh Catch

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Seafood Markets 2,814 times last month within 10 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Cold Harbor Seafood & Market - Best lobster roll. Evah.

    Cold Harbor Seafood & Market

    4.8(105 reviews)
    12.5 mi
    $$

    Warm, friendly service, great use of limited space, took home and prepared: shrimp, smelts, smoked…read moresalmon, crab cakes, stuffed clams, calamari, more shrimp...everything was of excellent quality, worth the price and will revisit and recommend to anyone looking for good quality seafood in the area. Interior was clean and well lit.

    I thought I'd stop in here right when they advertised opening at 11am. On a Friday. Apparently,…read morethey were already open and VERY busy. Available parking is pretty sparse, be prepared to either wait or park on the grass. Customers all over the place, the shop is very small. Folks in line out the door. They have a nice little prepared foods fridge and a small freezer with assorted items. After a short wait I made it to the seafood case. Bob the owner was extremely polite and very helpful, offering help and suggestions for my selections. I picked up large sea scallops, ahi tuna, Scottish salmon, blue crab salad and some smoked salmon. All very tasty and as fresh as it gets unless you catch it yourself. But, be prepared to pay a premium price for any seafood bought from Cold Harbor. The nice lady at the register noticed that I was a Veteran and said they give a 15% Veterans discount on some, not all items with proof of service. VFW card, VA medical card, etc. which was awesome and made my overall experience even better! Bottom line is I'll be back to Cold Harbor for all my seafood needs. The quality of their products and great service is definitely worth the price!

    Photos
    Cold Harbor Seafood & Market
    Cold Harbor Seafood & Market - Awesome Ahi Tuna

    Awesome Ahi Tuna

    Cold Harbor Seafood & Market - Storefront

    See all

    Storefront

    Valley Fish Co - Front of Building

    Valley Fish Co

    4.1(14 reviews)
    16.2 mi
    $$$

    Easy to find, ample parking, pretty good selection of fish and shellfish…read more The sales room was clean, and this reminded me of a 70s type store. Service was good, not great I really needed cherry stones and I saw they had them stated online, so I drove a little bit to get here and they did not have them Other shellfish was quite pricey, but the quality looked good I ended up buying 10 little neck clams at $.79 each, and 3 pounds of mussels. I spent just under 20 bucks. I thought it was a lot of money for what I got. I think this will be a one and done for me

    We went to Valley Fish for two specific reasons:…read more 1) We want to work more fish into our diet, so we wanted to use our air fryer to make some fish fillets which we needed to buy. 2) We saw that Valley Fish's website listed some outrageous good looking "Valley Fish To Go" items like "Grilled Faroe Island Salmon with a Maple Bourbon Glaze" for $11. We asked the counter folks what fish would best for fish and chips, and both suggested Cod. We ordered a gorgeous slab of Cod that weighed about a pound and a quarter and cost us a little over $20, so I'm guessing it cost around $16 per pound. We cut it into eight pieces, dressed it in panko and eggs, then popped it into the air fryer. Let me tell you, the fish came out GREAT. Now $16 a pound is pricey, and we all know you can do better out there in the marketplace, but I have to say the quality was great- super meaty without one milligram of waste. Now as for the "Valley Fish To Go", we expected to see a showcase or refrigerated case or a freezer case filled with these entrees to go. But there were none, and when we asked about the "Grilled Faroe Island Salmon with a Maple Bourbon Glaze" we hoped to pick up, we were told that it isn't stocked and in fact you have to order that in advance. If that's the case -fine, I understand, but there is no reference to that process anywhere on the website. I think that should have been clarified on their web page. So Instead of spending the $40 we were totally prepared to spend here, we just spent $20.

    Photos
    Valley Fish Co - Outside

    Outside

    Valley Fish Co - Fish co and parking

    Fish co and parking

    Valley Fish Co - Lobster Roll

    See all

    Lobster Roll

    City Fish Market - Whole Belly & Chipd

    City Fish Market

    3.4(226 reviews)
    11.5 mi
    $$

    City Fish Market has become my absolute go-to for fish and chips. It used to be Johnson Fish…read moreMarket, but this spot has taken the lead for consistency and quality. While it can be a little pricey at times, you get exactly what you pay for--freshness that most "fast" options can't touch. The real advantage here is the ability to kill two birds with one stone. I can grab a high-caliber prepared meal for lunch and pick up my raw seafood in the same trip. While I know spots like Apple Tree and A Dong Supermarket are good, they just don't carry the variety of seafood that I actually eat. City Fish Market fills that gap perfectly with a selection that meets my specific standards. Pro Tip: Call ahead for your order. The lunchtime line can get crazy, and you don't want to be caught waiting when you're just looking to get in and out.

    We stopped by for a quick bite to eat…read more What was ordered was Fried Whole Belly Clams, Clam Chowder and a Fried Shrimp Dinner. The Whole Belly Clams were cooked to perfection. Moist and delicious. My Shrimp was lightly battered seasoned well. Just like I remembered it to be. The Clam Chowder was lack luster. To me it seemed to be pre made from a bag. The broth was on the beige/tan in color. The concept to order cooked food whether it is to go or here you would get in line. Order and wait to be called by number. We opted to stay. Ample amount of seating. Friendly and helpful staff

    Photos
    City Fish Market - Fish stall

    Fish stall

    City Fish Market - Hot Lobster Roll

    Hot Lobster Roll

    City Fish Market

    See all

    Lobster Landing - lobster roll with a view

    Lobster Landing

    4.3(670 reviews)
    38.0 mi
    $$$

    We ended up coming to Lobster Landing twice during our trip -- once on the way to Mystic and again…read moreon the way back -- which probably says everything you need to know. It's definitely a little more expensive than some of the other lobster spots we tried, but I honestly liked the food here the most. The lobster meat is lightly seasoned with what tasted like butter and lemon, and it all worked perfectly together without overpowering the lobster. The bun was incredibly soft and loaded with so much meat that it was practically falling apart in the middle. We got the half-pound lobster roll both times and would absolutely order it again, but it is $60. The clam chowder was also excellent. It's creamy without being too thick, and you can really taste all the ingredients. The hot dogs seem to be really popular -- almost everyone was ordering a lobster roll and a hot dog combo. My son loved them so much he had two the first visit! The outdoor seating and water views make it such a relaxing place to sit and eat, and there's also a market on-site where you can buy lobster and shellfish. Definitely one of our favorite stops and somewhere we'd happily return to.

    Great stop off of the highway for lunch! The views were picturesque while waiting in line. The line…read moresnaked down the sidewalk on Labor Day, but moved quickly. After ordering, our food was bagged and ready to go in no time. The lobster roll was very meaty and buttery-- probably one of the best I had on my weekend trip through CT/RI/MA. The surprisingly tasty item was the sausage and peppers sandwich. For a place known for lobster, this sausage sandwich was very flavorful and loaded with peppers and

    Photos
    Lobster Landing
    Lobster Landing
    Lobster Landing - Overcast in Connecticut - 4/19/2026

    See all

    Overcast in Connecticut - 4/19/2026

    Charlie's Fresh Catch - seafoodmarkets - Updated June 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...