Let's talk about THIS lobster roll ‍ Lenny & Joe's Fish Tale did NOT come to play. That buttered lobster roll is fresh, loaded, and worth the market price--every bite hits. I've had a lot in CT... this one is top tier. So good I finished it and said "yeah, I need another one to go" Friendly staff Indoor/outdoor seating Open year-round Now don't leave without dessert. The ice cream is a MUST Oreo sundae for me, Reese's sundae for the kids... no regrets. Summer = ice cream shack outside Off-season = still inside This place is the whole experience. read more

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Food isn't very tasty. This place is great if you have a family and don't care what the food taste like. Lobster roll is bland. $30 for an experience that makes you crave biting into a lemon for flavor. My wife's fish was so dry and flavorless that you would think you are eating a fish sandwich in Arizona. Clam chowder is an insult to New England. It's soupy and not creamy. Only come here if you don't care about spending $$$ for food that genuinely makes you question your life choices. The atmosphere was nice. Service wasn't great but that was understandable given the dinner rush. Owner: i respect that you read feedback and respond. I wanted to love this place but was disappointed. Please include a lemon with your fish dishes. That little of a difference may change a lot of opinions about the food quality here. I'm only writing this because this was my first lobster roll in 2 years and I was heart broken. read more

Went here after the beach, and the kids loved it. The menu is extensive, the carousel ride is a special touch, and the ice cream is a great finisher. Bring cash for the carousel and the ice cream. I had the lobster roll and I can't tell you how much it hit the spot after the beach. For the kids, we got them fried fish, grilled vegetables, fried pickles, french fries, and onion rings. I would definitely recommend going here after a day at the beach, especially with the relaxed, kid friendly vibe that they have and the reliable food. read more

L&J’s Fish Tale - Seafood Near Me - Madison, Connecticut

We've had mixed experiences with the ice cream at Lenny & Joe's. The first time we got a Reese's concrete mixer, and it was excellent and loaded with mix-ins and definitely worth the price. The second time we ordered a large cup of soft serve with reese's and were really disappointed. It cost about the same as the concrete mixer, but the serving size was at least half as much, which didn't feel like a good value. On top of that, the service at the ice cream counter wasn't great that second time. Hoping it was just an off day because our first experience was so much better. read more

L&J’s Fish Tale - large soft serve with reese's - Seafood Near Me - Madison, Connecticut

At one time, Lenny & Joes had the most coveted and delicious fried seafood and lobster rolls around. Unfortunately , that is no longer the case. Lenny & Joes now has some of the worst fried seafood and lobster rolls based on my last few visits. My most recent visit on 9/6/2026 was the nail in the coffin for me and I will never eat at this establishment again. This place used to be an over-the-counter seafood restaurant. About a year or so after COVID they changed their service model to table service. They changed the type of service but didn't bother to upscale the table presentation to match though! Why am I paying for table service to be served on paper plates with wax drinking cups and straws? To shift the cost of having cashiers to waitresses and have the waitress work for tips instead of a full hourly wage? Not sure if that was the reason, but I can't imagine any other reason for this. We had a party of 9 and at least 7 of the party members said that their food was tasteless, ok, or just plain terrible The lobster roll was about 3 ounces of very small, chopped, lobster meat. No visible claw or knuckle to be found and if that was actual claw or knuckle meat, it was chopped up until it was unrecognizable. I was embarrassed for the 2 family members that traveled from the West Coast to enjoy a CT lobster roll and was served that mess. There are far, far better lobster rolls being served within within walking distance the Madison Lenny & Joes! The 2 family members that ordered the broiled scrod said it was tasteless and unappealing. The 3 other family members had variations of fried shrimp offerings and they said they were just "ok". Every meal ordered did not come with any lemon slices. You had to specifically ask for them. Why? I've never been to a fried seafood place that did not supply at least a single piece of sliced lemon with the order. Is the profit margin on fried food that low that you can't supply at least 1 slice of lemon per order by default? Ultimately, avoid this place at all costs! There are much better fried seafood and lobster rolls all around this part of the state. Go to them and save yourself from this once great place that has so mightly fallen. I'd give it zero stars if that was an option. read more

What's happened? This place at one time was tried and true but over the past few years the food has gone downhill and tonight was the end for us. Just ordered and ate dinner at the restaurant with 8 family members visiting from various places. Was embarrassed by the tasteless, lackluster quality of the food. Spent what we would spend at a good eatery. We ordered various items from the menu and the only dish that anyone enjoyed was the broiled shrimp with veggies, though the rice was tasteless. The service was fine but waitress service when you serve on paper plates and wax drink cups is terrible. The atmosphere has become as dull and tasteless as the food. We will never return. read more

Great fish short 11 min wait would come! Kid in bathroom thought fan was air dryer and was sitting on the floor drying his hands with a air conditioning fan read more

L&J’s Fish Tale - Thai restaurant - Seafood Near Me - Madison, Connecticut

The lobster roll was good but we also ordered a fried platter of fish and calamari. I don't think it's my imagination that the portions have shrunk. Besides that, the calamari was room temperature, not hot. I'm guessing they precook them rather than cook to order. The fried fish was heavily breaded and quite small. We were quite disappointed with the fried seafood platter. We think this restaurant is cutting corners and don't plan on returning. This is sad to me since we've bern customers for years. read more

L&J’s Fish Tale - Lobster rolls platter, lobster bisque soup - Seafood Near Me - Madison, Connecticut

My mom and I decided to eat here after a book reading by my Favorite author released her 3rd book, The Butcher Legacy by Alaina Urquhart. We pulled up Google Maps to see what restaurants were close. We both ordered the fish tacos & the lobster bisque they were AMAZING!!!!! My only complaint was the pictures AND the menu on Google maps on from a different location then the Madison CT location. Which is REALLY MEAN because we both knew exactly what we wanted and were REALLY looking forward to it. We also were looking forward to sitting out by the water. But this one didn't have what we wanted so we wanted to eat & in order to eat by the water we had to get our food to go . But other then that, what we did get was very yummy. We asked the guy who sat us if we could sit in the back where we could see the ocean . He said yes, but when we got over there the waitress was VERY annoyed and did-NOT hide it well at all!! I think the guy we saw at the end might have been the owner...? He was very sweet and friendly. We might go back if we are that part again but we would try and go a little earlier. We went closer to closing so there were not so many people there. It was great for us. read more

We visited both Lenny & Joe's Fish Tale locations--Madison and Westbrook--to compare the experience, and you really can't go wrong with either one! We enjoyed dining outside in Madison, while Westbrook offered quick, friendly table service that made for a relaxing meal. The lobster roll was overflowing with sweet, tender lobster meat, and the lobster bisque was rich, creamy, and loaded with generous chunks of lobster. The onion rings were crispy, crackery, and absolutely delicious. And don't skip the coleslaw--it was the best we've had anywhere on our lobster roll tour! Whether you choose Madison or Westbrook, you're in for an excellent meal. We highly recommend both locations and will definitely be back! read more

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This usually is five stars all day long. First, let me say that the service was impeccable. Every one of the staff is so nice I sat out in the porch area, and placed my order for Rhode Island clam chowder, along with a meal which consisted of deep fried shrimp and sea scallops with french fries and coleslaw I also ordered the house brand of Sprite to drink. Almost immediately came the Rhode Island clam chowder, along with the soda. This Rhode Island clam chowder is on point and some of the best in the area. Barely 3 minutes went by, and I was just getting started with the chowder after letting it cool for a bit, and the meal arrived. Just poor timing. So there I was splitting time between eating the chowder and the meal The french fries were good, but not seasoned. The coleslaw was as normal as normal coleslaw could be. The sea scallops and shrimp were deep-fried in a very light batter. But the oil they were deep fried and seemed either burnt or too high of a temperature because they just didn't taste right. They were also lacking seasoning. So looking around on the picnic table, I was sitting at, there were napkins, but no salt or pepper. I looked around at the other tables, no salt or pepper. WTF this is a restaurant! Anyways, the meal the chowder and the soda came to $38 and change, I left a $10 tip. I hope you aren't slipping Lenny and Joe's, and this was just an anomaly. read more

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Food is always excellent at this place, I had the clam strip meal and my wife had a lobster roll. Everything was delicious and service couldn't be better. Thank you so much and we will return. read more

Went for lunch with a group of friends. I got the scallop roll. With Cole slaw. French fries were extra. The scallops were delicious. Service was quick. Menu was large. No alcohol at this establishment. They also have ice cream here. Was a fun time. read more

L&J’s Fish Tale - Scallop roll with coleslaw and fries. - Seafood Near Me - Madison, Connecticut

Had a crave for some fried fish the other day and this is nearby. I couldn't be more disappointed!! We had a piece of fish that they cut up into pieces and it looked like we got fish sticks from the grocery store. We also got an order of fried clams that tasted disgusting. Within 10 minutes of ingesting I felt sick. Never again!! I think they use bad oils there! AND they charged $18 for each of those horrible dinners!! read more

If you are looking for that classic shoreline seafood fun and friendly place this is it! I was skeptical before we went but our fish and fries dinner was great! Great fish, perfect fries not greasy, nicely done and onion rings were all great! The tarter sauce was just right and the coleslaw was awesome We will definitely go back! One more point the service was friendly and attentive read more

L&J’s Fish Tale - Fish, fries, onion rings - Seafood Near Me - Madison, Connecticut

The food wasn't overly greasy which is a plus for apps such as the ones we purchased. Unfortunately, the flavor just wasn't there for us. The hot dog bread wasn't fully toasted which made it sog up. I don't know if the shoestring onion rings are usually more bland but these didn't have much flavor. It could be a preference. read more

I have been to Lenny & Joe's a few times and have always enjoyed my experience. Most of their entrees are fried, but they do have a few broiled entrees, but their fried fish is delicious. I had the fried calamari and scallop combo with fries and cole slaw. The fish was lightly battered and cooked perfectly. I am picky about cole slaw but theirs passes the test, with a nice tangy flavor. The meal was reasonably priced for what you received. Their customer service is outstanding. I arrived ahead of my party but they gave me a table (I was prepared to wait for all of my party to arrive). We were very well attended to and they gave my nephew ice cream as we were there celebrating his birthday. I am looking forward to my next visit. read more

L&J’s Fish Tale - Clam strip dinner - Seafood Near Me - Madison, Connecticut

A nice experience overall. We chose to stop after a beach day for a quick lunch. Our clam strip rolls with fries and coleslaw were delicious. They definitely had a really good special that day for $16.99 .The service was nice. I just wish the hostess would tell us The other room was also available as well as the outdoor. We thought that they were not open. Therefore, we stayed in a first room which is not the most updated one. We ended up going outside for ice cream and that's where we had a really good time. We remembered coming here with our kids when they were little and using the carousel. It's a really nice place and I will definitely return. read more

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Have been going here For many many years. One of my favorites. 4 or 5 times a month! About 2 weeks ago I ordered fish sandwich and kids fried clams. Worst I have ever had anywhere. Fish seemed to be fried in heavy old oil. Class were so tough could not eat them very small amount and mostly chips of fried batter. Like the bottom of the clam bag Anyone that filled that plate would have seen how bad it was and should never had let it go. I am very sure the owner would not he is proud of the great food they usually serve. With things being so expensive quality more important. Really hated to post this but I felt I had to and sorry but I have no desire to go back for awhile. read more

Loved the location, close to the beach. Fun casual restaurant after a day on the sand. Customer service was very friendly. We arrived 30 minutes before closing and the staff made us feel very welcome. We both ordered the Sautéed seafood plate which included lobster, scallops, and shrimp. We asked for double veggies instead of rice, they were happy to make the substitution. We really enjoyed it and would definitely order again. Next time we would try the fried zucchini sticks as opposed to the calamari. We left with Lenny and Joe t-shirts! Such fun! read more

L&J’s Fish Tale - Calamari appetizer - Seafood Near Me - Madison, Connecticut

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The cod was fresh and deliciously prepared. It was accompanied by a brown rice pilaf and a nice selection of mixed vegetables which unfortunately were a bit charred. My friend ordered a fried platter of scallops and clam strips. Perhaps it is the oil they are using, but she believed the breading and oil overpowered the taste of the scallops and clam strips which didn't seem as fresh as they used to taste. Lenny and Joe's Fishtale in Madison has definitely evolved over the years. They seemed to be shortstaffed and the food was served on paper plates. The service and ambience was pleasant but nothing like it used to be. I am sure it's a sign of the times and yet we were thankful that they are still in business. Hopefully, in time, they will return to their days of glory. read more

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I hadn't been here since I was a kid. My grandma lived in Madison and we would come here all the time. My sister & I did not like fish and still don't but we loved the fried chicken sandwich & birch beer. Had it today and it was just as good as I remember. A great step back in time to wonderful memories. read more

L&J’s Fish Tale - Seafood Near Me - Madison, Connecticut

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We have eaten here several times over the years and always enjoyed it. This year I was very disappointed. We ate there with our kids and grandkids so there were 9 of us. The portion sizes were a lot smaller than even last year. Our double onion rings were more like a single order and our Large drinks were more like a Small size. The food was still good but the portion sizes were much smaller than usual. read more

If you're looking for good seafood, drive on. We were headed down the road to a different seafood restaurant after taking a walk at the beach but we passed this place and turned around to try it. We like to try new places but we sort of wish we hadn't. The restaurant is half seafood market and half restaurant. While it is very informal they did have a sectioned off side area with a separate door for entry if you have a large party. Wood booths for seating and tile floors. When we came their co2 machine was broken so we couldn't get anything carbonated so we asked for iced tea instead but they only had unsweetened. Why any restaurant does that is beyond me. We ordered clam chowder, a scallop roll, a lobster roll and onion rings. I wish I had taken a picture of the chowder. It was nothing more than brother with 1 clam and some diced potato's. And I'm not exaggerating one bit. The scallop roll was good but dry. It was just fried scallops on bread. No tomato, no cabbage slaw, no nothing. The lobster roll was very good but it was the same sort of texture- dry. The onion rings were mediocre. They were hand made but unless you know how to make a good batter it's even worse. And the batter too was bland. I hate to sound like such a negative person with this review but it's just honestly what we experienced. read more

I've been to Lenny and Joe's in Madison twice this summer. So this review is a composite of both reviews. Actual rating: 4.5. First visit: The food could not have been better. My fried scallops were perfectly cooked and not greasy at all. The fries were also perfection and (yay!) unsalted. Attention All Restaurants in the Universe: Please serve your fries unsalted and let your patrons salt to taste. Cole slaw was tasty. Also, the ambiance of outdoor picnic tables out back was just perfect. BTW, attached photo is from this visit. Second visit: Same meal. Slightly disappointing, as the scallops were slightly greasy. Also, I noticed that a lot of the scallops this time were whole scallops cut in half. So a lot of the flavor was lost. Please don't do this. Also, the fries were slightly greasy, requiring napkins to blot off. read more

L&J’s Fish Tale - Fried Scallop dinner. - Seafood Near Me - Madison, Connecticut

Solid seafood restaurant very close to Hamonasett Beach. Plenty of seating indoors or outdoors. Ice cream. Activities for children. A real family friendly spot. Average and decent for seafood these days. Nothing about my lobster roll meal wowed me but it was decent and fresh. I think it was the special for $26 on my visit. A ok spot. read more

L&J’s Fish Tale - Seafood Near Me - Madison, Connecticut

Stopped here for lunch after spending the morning at the beach. It was a good stop to bring my family from out of state! They enjoyed the experience and food here. We sat outside so we ordered at the booth and then went inside to grab our food. We got the fried calamari, salmon dinner & chicken teriyaki dinner. Everything was good and everyone was happy with a full tummy! read more

L&J’s Fish Tale - Fries calamari dinner - Seafood Near Me - Madison, Connecticut

Food and ambience is worth a 5 star. Eating outside is where it's at. Place your order at the little shacks by the menu on the wall. Pickup inside when they call your name. Drink refills cost $. Midafternoon wasn't as busy as it looks like it can get. Enjoy! We sure did. read more

L&J’s Fish Tale - Lobster roll with onion ring upgrade. Onion rings are the bomb!! - Seafood Near Me - Madison, Connecticut

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Came here after a few months, and found it more disappointing than in the past. As someone who has loved this place since I was a child, I was left disappointed by the dinner. The food here has gone downhill for sure. I got the scrod dinner for $20, and expected more. The batter was bland and tasteless, and the fish was flaky and bitter; overall just tasted flavorless without any sauce. The sauce they do give you is in these very small cups (~1 tablespoon of ketchup and tartar sauce), and had to ask for more. Party member got a scrod sandwhich and got a small sandwich smaller than their hand with no sides. Need to improve their food for sure. The service was nice, very friendly and helpful. They were very good at getting food and checking in on my party. Great locals, amazing staff and good conversations. The ambiance was always very nice. Very nice atmosphere and reminds you of a true fish restaurant on the water. Doesn't get better. Other than the food, this place is a great stop. However, due to the quality of the food, I'll be lessening my trips here. read more

L&J’s Fish Tale - Scrod Dinner - Seafood Near Me - Madison, Connecticut

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Was on my way to a job that didn't start for several hours so I was looking for a place to stop for lunch. Having heard about this place I figured I would give it a try. The place was fairly empty upon arrival but I received the warmest welcome from the staff. The place itself didn't actually impress me. Pretty plain inside nothing spectacular but very clean. I looked over the menu and saw several things that looked very good but I didn't want to over indulge so I was excited when I saw the steamer clams because not a lot of places serve them. While waiting they give you delicious bread and butter. Steamers arrived in nice net bag with fresh broth and hot butter. They were very clean. Only one or two with some sandy feel to them. I would say my experience between the food and the warm waitstaff was a very pleasant one. read more

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Food and service was excellent. Thank you Jim for the treat of ice cream. My son, John and I enjoyed your place everything about the Fish Tale in Madison. read more

I love fresh seafood l, and when I want some this is where I go. The great service coupled with a wonderful sea side ambiance, complete the great experience read more

There isn't much I can add to the words of praise already said about this CT seafood landmark. We stopped in during early April, they must've just opened for the season, and as usual the restaurant operated like a well oiled machine that it is. Although they were already starting to get busy at 11:30am, ordering was quick. Wait time for our food was short! The seafood was fresh, the chicken was moist and cooked perfectly. We were very happy and always love the festive outdoor seating. My only complaint, which I'm sure was an oversight that's already been corrected, is there were no hand sanitizers near the condiment pumps. Yes most of us carry our own these days, but I left mine in the car and was uneasy after filling my ketchup cups (and actually came down with a terrible cold the next day... coincidence? I don't blame them! I am at fault for throwing caution to the wind.). We really enjoyed our lunch at Lenny's and will definitely be back. I tend to visit Lenny's at least once or twice a year and have never been unhappy. read more

L&J’s Fish Tale - Seafood Near Me - Madison, Connecticut

Stopped by with a friend for dinner after an afternoon of shopping at the outlets and the seafood did not disappoint! We ordered the fried shrimp, lobster roll, and Rhode Island clam chowder. I really enjoyed the chowder - it's thinner than the classic New England style chowder, which I actually preferred. The fried shrimp were excellent - they were so big and perfectly fried, not overcooked at all. The lobster roll tasted great but I thought the bread to lobster ratio was a little off - too much bread for my taste. We both really liked the coleslaw too - crisp, tangy, and refreshing! The workers were very nice and knowledgeable about the menu - our waitress was the one who recommended the shrimp and I'm glad we went with it! The service was attentive and efficient. Overall vibe was beachy, no frills and very family friendly. Overall a great place for seafood. Would definitely stop by again if I'm in the area! read more

L&J’s Fish Tale - Fried shrimp - Seafood Near Me - Madison, Connecticut

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Many reviews many visits, just a good place to enjoy great seafood in a relaxing atmosphere. The ice cream hut is and added bonus! read more

Very very small servings . Very expensive. I got the fried fish sandwich. Less than 3 oz of fish . Onion rings tasty but soggy and greasy. read more

L&J’s Fish Tale - Onions wet with oil - Seafood Near Me - Madison, Connecticut

I've been here several times over the years. They are definitely consistent in their efficiency, friendly service, and quality of food. I usually get the sauteed shrimp or scallop meals, which are delicious. I've tried the fries too, which are very tasty. They're always fast and efficient, even if they have a lot of customers, like they did today. Yelp is asking me about ambiance and of course, it's wonderful. You can sit inside or outside, where there's a carousel. read more

L&J’s Fish Tale - Sautéed Scallop meal - Seafood Near Me - Madison, Connecticut

Excellent lobster roll. These come on a heavily buttered split top bun full of flavorful lobster served with a side of tasty coleslaw. We also ordered both whole belly clams and clam strips that were served with a tartar sauce. Staff was friendly and food came out quickly. read more

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Lets start with the clam chowder. Terrible at best. A can of Campbells soup would be a major upgrade. The fish sandwich was a serious disappointment. A small chunk of fish in a bun. You would be better off at McDonalds. For everything else portions are small and greasy. Find a better place to spend your money. read more

Great simple place to enjoy simple seafood dishes with family after visiting beach. Very friendly service and kids are welcome. There is even real carousel in the backyard. read more