I love this place and I always will But I paid $21 today for this small portion of clam strips ,coleslaw and a bottled water. Come on guys. Curbside service was exceptional I must say. read more

The Clam Castle - Seafood Near Me - Madison, Connecticut

This is the BEST place for fried seafood. Food is always outstanding. Fried Whole Bellies, fried shrimp, clam strips are amazing. New England Clam Chowder is delicious, as is the lobster bisque. They have tater tots, YAY! (still a kid at heart) Everything is always cooked to perfection. Used to go to a close by restaurant for fried seafood, but once we found Clam Castle it was love at first bite. Have NEVER been back to the other place or anywhere for that matter for fried seafood. You will never go wrong at the Clam Castle. During COVID we visited often and felt more than safe. Outdoor tables distanced, masks required except while eating. Servers came to you with menus, you order and they bring it to you all while following guidelines. We HIGHLY RECOMMEND The Clam Castle. We have never been disappointed. Awesome staff. read more

The shrimp I ordered got up off the plate and began having a rave with the beer. They were discriminating against me and wouldn't let me join in. They said (and I quote), "Only shrimps are allowed in this establishment." Horrid! read more

Clam Strip roll is amazing. Probably the best clam strips I've ever had and very plentiful in the roll. The whole belly clam roll was mediocre nothing stands out, but not a bad whole belly clam. The half portion of whole belly's was very plentiful as well. Fries were decent. Coleslaw was very bland. As for service food comes out fast. Overall small shack kind of vibe, but welcoming and cleanly. read more

Our son saw an article showcasing the restaurant and he wanted to try it. We love seafood and like patronizing local restaurants. What a disappointment especially for the price we paid. My husband ordered a hamburger with tater tots, I ordered the lobster roll, and my son the blackened cod fish. We each ordered clam chowder and 2 lemonades. Well, the lobster was good but the roll was soggy from too much butter. The blackened fish was oily and the chowder, although it was good, was liquidy. My husband's hamburger was good. The tater tots were not crispy and the drinks were not chilled enough and did not have enough ice. The only good thing about the restaurant is the location; that's why I'm giving it a 1 star. We are definitely not going back. read more

The Clam Castle is a seafood lovers paradise. It isn't as big as some of the more touristy restaurants along the shore, but it's just as (if not more) delicious as any of them! I stopped in at 2pm for a late lunch after a morning on the beach. I needed to park at a next door business because the Clam Castle lot is so small. But once I was inside, there was no wait to order, and there was plenty of seating inside and outside. There are maybe a dozen booths inside, and some picnic tables under a pavilion out back. I ordered the shrimp platter and had my choice of fried, blackened, or broiled. I got the broiled option, which was a nice mix of buttery and garlicky, with cocktail sauce on the side. The platter comes with a small cup of coleslaw and fries, but I substituted tater tots. (Because I'm an adult and I do what I want.) There were only 9 shrimp on the plate and the rest of the platter was overflowing with tots. I might've preferred a couple more shrimp and fewer tots, but either way, I got my money's worth and had more than enough to eat. Kinda kicking myself that I didn't order off the day's fresh catch menu instead. Looked like it had some great options on it, including soft shell crab, but I guess that means I'll just have to go back! read more

The CT shoreline is loaded with fried seafood restaurants. The Clam Castle is definitely one of the better establishments. To start, this place is very clean. The fried cod is great, whether on a platter or in a sandwich. The shrimp is also very good. Fried whole belly clams are some of the best. The seafood here is real fresh, and it shows in the taste. You can eat inside or outside. Soft drinks are served, anything hard is BYOB. This place is very kid friendly, so bring the family. read more

The Clam Castle - Seafood Near Me - Madison, Connecticut

I've been twice and haven't been impressed. This time my order for soup and seafood platter took 45 minutes! I honestly don't know why they call it lobster bisque. It's a muddy tan color, seemed like just the flour base used for making soup and I think there was a small nibble of lobster in it. No hint of sherry. It was truly not lobster bisque. The fried clams, shrimp and scallops were good but the fish was so bad it was inedible. Unfortunately, not worth the $45 I paid. I'm sorry, wish I could give a better review. read more

The clam strips are fantastic as are the onion strips. The clams are tender and not over cooked and rubber band like. Light toasting. Tartar sauce has a nice zest. We asked for the cocktail sauce, which we didn't need and wasn't anything great. Clean location and relatively quick. read more

Love love love this place. It's our favorite spot on the shoreline. Way better than Lenny and Joes, Bill's Seafood and all the other tourist traps in the area. The food is fresh and doesn't come out greasy. The staff is so friendly and attentive and their menu is HUGE. We highly recommend the sweet potato tots, we never leave here without them. read more

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Everything they have is excellent,fresh too ! Nice competent staff ...had blackened fish tacos with sweet potato tots ..great taste ..5 stars Don read more

The Clam Castle - Shrimp taco and fish taco both blackened - Seafood Near Me - Madison, Connecticut

Was so hopeful that this place kept the quality when it changed hands. Got a lobster roll and it was not edible. The lobster meat was mostly shredded, no chunks of meat and had absolutely zero flavor. Really thinking it was frozen meat. This was attempted to be hidden with so much butter that it actually soaked through the to go container and on to my pants. The roll was saturated in butter and fell apart instantly. Totally willing to pay the price for a good roll, but to charge what they do for a flavorless, saturated roll is not good. Attempted again thinking it was an off day. The fried clams we ordered a week later were flavorless as well. These were also frozen I believe. It is a shame cause this place was so good. Really can't be serving this when Lenny and joe's is right across the street. Feel bad writing this cause I hate to post bad reviews but COME ON. read more

I stopped by just about lunch time; and found that the longest wait I had was the time it took me to decide what I wanted from the good sized menu. I finally settled on the whole belly clam roll; and, I found it to be a good choice. Served on a lightly toasted bun, with tartar on the side, this sandwich was packed to overflow with lightly breaded, flavorful, whole belly clams. The key to whole bellies not to over bread or over cook. Donahue's gets it right. At $16.00, I found the price to be very fair. The sandwich is served with a side of coleslaw; which sadly turned out to be dry and tasteless cabbage. But for that, I would have easily given Donahue's a fourth star. read more

Excellent takeout. Chicken nuggets were actually really awesome homemade kind, so the kids got a nice treat. Best chowder in the area.

First time back since they added Mexican food. Never again! Worst soft shell crab I've ever had. Breading too much and very salty. Rhode island chowder also salty and potatoes were soggy. Go across the street if you want good seafood. read more

Not a castle but plently of clams A little place right across Rt. 1 from the far more famous Lenny's and Joe's. Take out only, you put in your order at the counter and find a table inside or out. The parking lot is large enough to always find a spot. The food is quite good and reasonable priced. Of course the emphasis is on sea food and quite a large menu of the shoreline standards are available. The portions are general huge so you won't go away hungry and the service is efficient and exceptional friendly. A nice alternative to the giant across the street. read more

Drove a minute just to eat at this palace of fryer arts from the sea. Used to stop in a lot between RI and NYC. Didn't disappoint. Food was made to order, fish was fresh, the place was clean and the value is well above average(my opinion) There are a lot of choices on the CT coast but this is my first choice(my opinion again) from some fresh fried seafood.. BnB Approved! read more

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Ate here recently. Here are my ratings: Fried clam strips: A+ sweet, tender but nicely chewy, light crispy batter, served w a good tangy tartar sauce Onion threads: delicious, crispy, light Fries: didn't eat any once I saw they were BATTERED - ugh! The only fries that should be served at a seafood shack like this IMO are crinkle cut, in a little paper boat w a wooden fork. Battered fries need to be outlawed. NE Clam Chowder: inedible - thick and gelatinous w an sour bacon taste that overpowered the clam flavor. Not sure how this place gets ranked for having the best chowder in CT. read more

This place has everything. Chicken nuggets for the kiddo, lobster roll for the husband, and fried whole clam bellies for me. We were very happy with the food! We ordered online and the food came out quick! They even called us to let us know when it was ready. Probably among my favorite fried clams--plump clams bellies and not too greasy or overly battered. Really well done! read more

What a great seafood spot! It was packed on a hot Saturday when we went in. I of course got the lobster roll which was buttery and delicious. I also got the lobster bisque which I enjoyed though it wasn't as good as the NE clam chowder. I usually hate this soup but this version blew my socks off. It was on the lighter side, citrus-y and delicious. My aunt got the whole belly fried clams which were super tender with a great breading. Overall really loved everything I had here! Very happy bellys. read more

The Clam Castle - Lobster roll! - Seafood Near Me - Madison, Connecticut

Clam chowdah at a place called "The Clam Castle"? YES. TRUST the name. I feel like a princess in this castle, happily gobbling up her clam chowdah. (Note: I am incapable of saying "chowder," especially when it is an absolutely delicious clam chowdah.) No shame, no guilt. I am only happy as a clam at this castle--a happy princess of clam chowdah. By its name, you would think of a bigger establishment, but what you have at The Clam Castle is a comfortable, quaint, and beachy restaurant. I absolutely love every square foot of it, with fat-L shaped plastic seat tables inside and picnic tables outside with fun nautical decor. It has an ambiance all its own. The setting, the service, and the food really make for a fun place to eat. The servers are all very good, from taking orders at the main counter to making the deliciousness, to running it out to your table. The servers call out your number and walk it right out to you, even walking outside and around the building to make sure you have your food. Compared to the time you wait to order, you receive your food in a very good amount of time, within ten to fifteen minutes, and if you have a lot of food (which you probably will because it is all so good) then it is brought out on a huge tray, giving food photographers a fantastic photo. That food, though. Everything that my friends and I had [on our first of many visits to come] was spectacular. I got my classic New England style clam chowder; size: bowl, choice verdict: excellent call. It was so perfectly seasoned and had huge clams in it, no bite taken without one in it. It was one of the best clam chowdahs I have ever had, the other best ones being in Cape Cod. I also tried the Rhode Island style clam chowdah, which is a clear broth instead of cream or milk like the New England style, and it was also wonderfully seasoned and full of yummy sea critters. From clam strips to onion rings to cheese steak sandwiches, my friends and I dined on extremely delicious food. Also a pleasant surprise--the lemonade with a refreshing punch of flavor. The only drawback of this castle is that it takes quite some time to order as each transaction is very slow. The servers do their best taking the order, but the system is very slow and each purchase with a credit card requires a signature. With the number of people that stop in, it is undoubtedly going to take a little time to place your order. I decided to get a bowl of chowdah to go, and ended up waiting a solid 10 minutes to place my order with only two people ahead of me. (Lesson: Try to stop in at an off-time, if you are able to and hungry then.) The Clam Castle is definitely a place you need to visit. This princess grants you access to her castle. When you visit, I request your order include a bowl of clam chowdah, one to enjoy in the castle and one to go to your own home castle (there is also a quart if you would like), and you are set. You are very welcome. read more

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Great clams as always. And right by Hammonasset, so it's perfect when on a beach day.

This place was a go to everytime we went to the shoreline, but it changed owners and the service and food is just not good....period. Not sure why anyone would have a better idea for what has been an iconic seafood place for decades, but that better idea is not working. Especially at those inflated prices. Time to move on. Best of luck. You're gonna need it. read more

Be careful eating here. We witnessed a guy working here "sample" food right out of our clam basket and take some of our whole belly clams and place them on someone else's platter before it reached us. In spite of that they did remake our order and it tastes great. 5 stars for food 2 deducted for sampling our order when they thought we weren't looking. read more

The Clam Castle - Well worth the wait in line - Seafood Near Me - Madison, Connecticut

Forgot what the price was but the Blackened Fish Taco's really hit the spot ! Stopped in after walking in and out of the Nike Outlet (way too many people of all ages shapes and sizes squeezed into the store). Anyway stopped off @ The Clam Castle with my favorite co pilot (The Wife) for a quick lunch and as always was pleasantly surprised. In my opinion the seafood there reminds me of Aunt Carries in Point Judith RI, that being said the taco's and my wife's fried seafood platter made the traffic on 95 back home bearable. read more

Conveniently located right down the block from the park and beach. The $7 Lobster Bisque had chunks of lobster meat in it and the $13 Fried fish with Panko bread crumbs was large and tasted fresh. Made with fresh wild haddock, it comes with a side of cole slaw. All for $20 bucks. Service was super quick and the outside picnic benches were perfect to enjoy eat at and enjoy the comfortable weather. Would definitely go here again. Fried Cod and Lobster Bisque read more

Absolutely the best seafood restaurant in New England! We are huge fans and try to bring all our guests visiting from out-of-state here. Everything we have tried on their menu is scrumptious. The staff is extremely friendly and the owner is wonderful. We will continue to be loyal customers. read more

The Clam Castle - Fried Seafood platter - Seafood Near Me - Madison, Connecticut

This place is a must stop!!! Hit it for lunch on the way up to cape cod and we had GREAT lobster rolls and fried whole belly clams. They gave us a good amount of clams for our order and served the lobster with a cup of hot butter! read more

Went back two days in a row and even ordered a platter for takeout. Their chowder, fish tacos and jumbo lobster roll were my favorite. The platter that includes clam strips, fries, scallops, cod and shrimp was really good! Plenty of chairs and tables to dine in. Very friendly staff and good for groups and families. read more

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Driving from Rhode Island to California and this was a perfect seafood restaurant to stop at for a fresh lobster roll. Service was quick and accurate and food came out fresh and hot. Definitely a cross country must go to location. read more

The Clam Castle - Seafood Near Me - Madison, Connecticut

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Had looked so forward to going as it's always been a favorite. Always left full and loved the service and tasty food. BUT NOW...service still friendly, but a lot of money for a little food. Clam "strips" were a pile of fried crumbs and 8 strips. Two fish tacos at 17.00 contained a small morsel of fish. Left hungry and $68 poorer. And of course one of these "tip before you eat" places. Understand it has new owner and prices have gone up all over, but not sure it's worth giving it a second chance with so many other options for reasonably priced seafood nearby. read more

This restaurant was under new ownership starting summer of 2014... We didn't care for it before but thought we'd give it another try... The fish taco supreme! I had it with broiled cod and it was perfect. My husband had the Fried shrimp platter, The shrimp was tasty & fresh, the batter good- he only got 8 shrimp with his meal, which was disappointing, but as I said they were tasty. Friendly staff, clean place. Edit: we went back and instead of the french fries I got the German potato salad, which was on special.... It was awesome! (and I'm picky about my potato salad) read more

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My wife comes from Cape Cod so we're always disappointed ordering seafood in CT! You'd think CT was on the other side of the world from Massachusetts l! Sheesh! We were on an excursion today and wound up here at the Clam Castle. It's a very clean spot with a very friendly staff! And the seafood was very decent, even for folks who are used to Cape Cod fare. read more

The burgers are very good here underrated fish tacos are tasty lobster roll isnt bad either . i have a question are the fries handcut? read more

Wow - the blackened fish and shrimp were delish! Definitely a "shacky" establishment, but clean and great food. Excited to explore the rest of the menu over the summer! Only downside is seems like they close on the early end 7/7:30. read more

This place had the freshest,crispiest.and juiciest whole belly clam platter I have had in years. The Rhode Island chowder was packed with flavor and the warm lobster roll my wife had was packed. Not much for atmosphere but the seafood was really great. read more

Perfect for fried seafood! The service was friendly. They came to the car quickly (wearing mask) to take our order. There are picnic tables outside set up at a good spacing for social distancing. I was torn between a 3 star or 4. The clam strips were perfect, the fish and chips was good and the clam chowder was awesome! We enjoyed our meal. read more

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Great food. Best seafood I ever had! Lobster rolls just melts in mouth. Calamari and clam are best in here as well! read more

The Clam Castle - Seafood Near Me - Madison, Connecticut

When I bit into the lobster roll ($30.00 for what was definitely less than 6oz.), I thought I had COVID because I tasted nothing. Also got a few pieces of shell in my bite, which made me optimistic that it was real lobster. Overall, a big disappointment. Fish tacos were okay with the remoulade. read more

Love Love Love this place! Best fish tacos on the CT shoreline! Highly recommend it. Great service, too!