Get the fish sandwich. SO GOOD! Fast service, great food, excellent prices! read more

Went here this past weekend while driving back from Mystic. We had the fried scallop platter and the whole plate was delicious. The breading was tasty and crispy and the scallops were very fresh and tender. We also got a bowl of the clam chowder which was suprisingly disappointing. I've had good clam chowder before, but theirs seemed very watery and not thick and creamy like I expected. Maybe I got a bad batch. Overall, good experience! read more

Ordered the crab cake sandwich with peppers and the jumbo shrimp platter, comes with fries, slaw and a dinner roll. Outside seating to enjoy the summer weather. Great stop for seafood. Recommend. read more

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Johnny Ads is a reliable spot for good fresh clam shack style food. Reasonable prices, friendly help, clean and pleasant room. Recommend lobster bisque, lobster rolls, fried clams. Yum! read more

This place was not good at all. I had chowder and fritters and i only ate a bite of each. Then I ordered a crabmeat sandwich, it was lousy. I waited for20 minutes fir my food. Never ahain. This was a one and done. read more

I've been going here my whole life and the food was always good.....UNTIL a few years ago. Now the food sucks. I heard it is under new ownership, that must be why. Very sad. I no longer go here. read more

Place was clean and service was prompt. But the food just wasn't very good. It was hot but the fried outing was too much and over cooked.

Loved their lobster roll! Was worth a 40 minute drive and they had crispy crinkle fries too.

Ooooo... I wanted to like this place, but I'm so sorry, there are just far better places close by with much better seafood. First off, yes, lots of fried things, that's to be expected at a place like this, but unfortunately their items lacked seasoning, even as simple as salt and pepper. Ordered clam strips, oysters and a chowder. Nothing came out hot, though we ate there and picked it up as soon as our number was called. Chowder is literally chunks of of potatoes with a few clams here or there swimming in a thickened unseasoned broth- not a glimpse of celery, onion or any seasoning for that matter. So bland and blah. Underwhelmed across the board. read more

There were no cars there when I pulled up. Now, I know why. I wanted fried clams and the price was $26.50! Really? For a little hole-in-the-wall eatery? I walked out without ordering. What are they thinking? And remember, no customers. I should have figured as much. read more

If I could give this 0 I would. Cheap freezer bag fries, soggy and cold, 5 shrimp could only eat a couple - clearly cheap frozen. All this for $19.78, could have got an entree at the Saybrook Point for that! Dreadful - how on earth has this place stayed open for 60yrs. Must have had a bad day!! read more

Little hole in the wall place but the food is soo good! Especially the chili cheese dogs and waffle fries

Been going here my whole life. Favorite burger and fries in New England. Even in the dead of winter, it tastes like summer-time everytime. Hosmer birch beer to complete the meal is a must! read more

One of the worst places I've ever been and I used to go here all of the time at the fried clams they were the worst I've ever eaten in my life and they charge 36 bucks for a side order of burnt clams and they were so small they were disgustingI know they were new owners in this place but they should never have done any changes something so good from years ago to now terrible read more

Wife knew of the place, my first time, they practiced social distancing well, were very friendly and helpful. The lobster role was perfect so was the chowder and whole bellies, will go back soon. read more

Good food for a drive in seafood shack, but the prices are high for the quality of food... definitely better value across the shoreline, but if you're in old saybrook a pretty solid option read more

I was up in CT visiting family and was looking for a good lobster roll. My only criteria was that the place had to have picnic tables out front. My way of thinking is that places that don't focus heavily on 'looks' must be doing something right food wise to keep everyone coming back. It was between a couple places and I settled on Johnny Ad's in Old Saybrook and I feel I made the right choice. Great low key place that looks like it's been there for ages. I live in Texas now where lobster rolls are non existent, so I knew I had to have one. Also decided to get the full belly fried clams with it and both were way beyond what I expected. Lobster roll was freakin perfect with nice big chunks of all the good claw and tail meat. Lightly buttered, just enough so you can taste it but not enough where it got the bun soggy, which was very lightly toasted. The clams were insane, I haven't had clams like that for years. Big and juicy with a slight briney taste. The lobster roll came with cole slaw so it was actually a bit too much food for one person but I couldn't resist. Sat outside on the tables in the shade of an umbrella on a hot afternoon and had one of the best meals I've had in ages, washing it down with a cold Samuel Adams. There is much debate over who has the best lobster roll of fried clams or whatever. Being an out of towner, I def didn't have time to try many, but I will say Johnny Ad's was incredible in my book. I actually went back for another roll the day before I had to leave. Next time I'm up that way I'll be back!!! **Also- service was very good, just order and hang out up front till they call your number. Even with a lot of people ordering they were still super efficient. ***Prices were a little high. Summer 2012 had lobster prices at an all time low but you wouldn't have known it there. About $16 for a roll and $16 for clams. After the beer, for one person my lunch came out to almost $40. Pretty steep. Oh well, I still say it was money well spent! read more

We're from Colorado and using Yelp, we decided to stop here for lunch. I'm so happy with the hot lobster roll. My husband got the cold lobster roll and liked it but he prefers the hot one. We ordered another hot lobster roll and shared it. It was so good! By the way, to clarify, the hot lobster roll is not spicy at all, I meant the temperature. With butter and lemon juice, every bite of the lobster was delicious. I never ate lobster with bread before so it was interesting and yummy! This place is very casual and clean. The staff was friendly and attentive, making us feel welcomed here. Thanks! :) read more

In an age where everything seems so "faux authentic" it is nice to know that there is SOMETHING left from a childhood before big box stores, chain restaurants and fast food. Johnny Ads is, simply, my idea of what a true "clam shack" is. They are a dying breed but those that are left always put a smile on anyone's face who comes in the door and leaves happy they did. I always come here as a "must stop" when visiting family and reliving my shoreline childhood. The crinkle fries are perfection as are the grilled hot dogs on buttered "square" rolls. You just can't get better anywhere as far as i know. I also get a clam strip roll and a birch beer.....heaven! Run, don't walk. This is a step back into 1950's Ct shoreline history the way it should be! read more

Ask for the hot lobster roll without the bun. 16 ounce container of claws and big lumps! Cole Slaw has great flavor that stays with you the next morning. clam chowder is brothey, and simple - clams and potatoes. don't get the whole belly fried clams to go - such deliciousness should be eaten as soon as it's handed to you when it's hot and crispy. jalopena poppers had a great cheese blend! if your kid is cute they get free refills of birch beer while you wait for your order! read more

This experience was so disappointing that I have decided to make this my first review. We ordered the seafood platter, cheese burger, onion rings and birch beer. For 27.99 we got very little seafood. More importantly the filet of fish looked like something bought frozen and in bulk. The burger looked like something out of a school cafeteria - bland and more bun than burger. The sodas were watered down and the coleslaw was pre-made and gross. For the ridiculous amount of money we spent on this meal (close to 45 dollars) I could have gone to Lennys and Joes in Madison and gotten double the seafood (all fresh and well fried) homemade coleslaw and delicious fresh sides. Save your money and go to Lennys and Joes for real authentic New England sea food that will make it worth the time and money. read more

My husband and I just stumbled upon this place and it's now one of my all time favorites. Must have the hot lobster roll with butter; EXCELLENT! Price was as expected for lobster, especially when all the hard work is done for you! read more

I always love it here... it is a great little dive seafood stop that is a lot more low key than the bigger places up the street but they make up for it with great food and large portions of it. it is great to just go outside and sit at the picnic tables and enjoy a clam strips platter with a cold beer. They do not take credit cards but there is an ATM inside the restaurant. read more

Best whole belly fried clams Ive ever had. The lobster rolls are great too but this is the place to go if you like deep fried whole belly clams. read more

We did a trip up on the shoreline yesterday for my partner's birthday and this was our lunch stop. We got chili and cheese dogs and one order of onion rings. We enjoyed them both. The chili is mild just like I like it. We sat outside under the umbrellas but noticed at the end of the parking lot there are tables under the trees and maybe next time we will sit there. There is also a sitting area inside that was air conditioned. read more

Gave this a try after their appearance on local news. Lobster roll was meh -- no tail meat (all small claw pieces), no seasoning, and pricey ($18 for lobster roll + small coleslaw side? You could have had a whole lobster!) On the upside, staff was very friendly. (Far better than the crew @ Lenny & Joe's) And, there is ample outdoor seating. read more

I go here every time I go to my aunt's cottage. They have the best fish and chips and my aunt swears they're the best hot dogs she's ever had. The outdoor seating and indoor air conditioning is perfect for everyone. Prices are reasonable and they have Krinkle cut fries. Perfect for the whole family. read more

I've eaten here numerous times but it's usually out of convenience. There are better seafood options but a greater distance from where I lived so Johnny Ads certainly worked. I was regularlyvpleased with the clam fritters but they were a bit sour tasting the last time I was there. Calamari is above average as is the RI chowder. Scallops have let me down in the past, most other fried seafood selections are generally ok. If you live in Saybrook, you need your seafood fix and you don't feel like driving it will certainly fill the void but there are better options up and down the coast so don't be lazy like me! read more

We'll be back. We had the salmon and fish tacos. Delish, with a great chipolte sauce. The salmon taco was huge! Well prepared and fresh. Add a cold beer and you will be delighted. Couldn't pass up the hot dogs either. If you are looking for a fun, shoreline dining experience, this is the place to go. read more

I've been going here my entire life. Best in town. 10/10. It's one of those places you will always be craving. Even if you don't like seafood, the burgers, hot dogs, fries and shakes are great. Nice place to sit outside in the summer time and bring your dog too. read more

Any Clam Shack in Old Saybrook is good. This nostalgic drive-up and eat-on-picnic-tables joint is great. Tried the fish & chips and soft shell crab sandwich with good ol' canned summer shandys. It's cash only but, there's an ATM inside. Place your order, take a number, then take it inside or outside to eat. A must-do when at the shore in CT. read more

Came here after seeing all the great reviews on yelp and we were excited for some good fresh seafood. Ordered the hot lobster roll and Johnny ads platter which came with cod, calamari, clams, etc. Cost was about $55 which isn't cheap for this type of order at the counter place. When we got the food we were pretty disappointed to find that everything in the platter was fried and nothing was fresh. The hot lobster roll was ok but it was pretty bland and nothing special. Would not come back here read more

WOW the seafood here is awesome. We had the Johnny's Platter (Fishermans platter) whole belly clams, quarter sized scallops, 2 large fried shrimp, 1 fish filet and a cup of lobster salad with of course fries. We also go a 1/2 dozen fritters. We were impressed with all of it. I'm upset I just found this place after it's been there all these years and I never knew about it LOL read more

Was driving in CT and craving seafood. Thanks Yelp for the suggestion. Lobster roll was awesome and very well priced. Nice big pieces of meat, yummm. read more

Incredible soft shell crab sandwich and fried clam strips. Lots of picnic tables outside, very quaint.

A typical New England style seafood drive in. Nice location with plenty of indoor or outdoor seating. Staff was very freindly BUT, they (in my opinion) cheat with regards to the whole belly fried clams. They use whole belly steamer clams and not the little neck or cherry stone style clams. Steamers are a traditional classic meal which is steamed along with corn on the cobb and drenched in butter and typically served with a cup of chowda'. These clams today were breaded and fried steamer clams which are cheaper to buy wholesale and more abundant. They were OK, but NOT the real thing. read more

I think I might be biased because I'm from New Orleans where fried seafood and fried food in general are of a different caliber. This place is straight up mediocre. It seems they use a mixture of pre made frozen stuff and some prepped on site stuff. Meeeeeeeeh, what a disappointment. read more

Great lobster rolls with a yummy side of cole slaw at the standard shoreline price of $15. I will return for the soft shells and the fried clams. No atmosphere but who cares! read more

Ho hum. Neither good nor bad. We stopped here for some road food. There were few customers, but we were here in the winter. The facilites are old and the service was with a frown. I don't think the young lady taking my order wanted to be there. The hot buttered lobster roll was so so. The texture of the meat was overdone and the taste was on the salty and fishy side. The fried calamari roll was also just OK. Slightly overcooked. The kids dishes were standard hot dog, chicken nuggets, and fries. Perhaps the lobster roll is tastier in the summer time when the turnover is better. read more

Great lobster roll! Fish tacos were very good, spicy sauce! Fast service and CASH ONLY