This place is a chip off the old "fried-seafood" block. You walk up, place your order, and have your name called a few minutes later to pick up your platter of friend goodness. While you can have your food broiled or fried, most probably opt for it fried. Nothing is chewy and the seafood quality is actually quite good. The broiled cod was flaky, but still moist. I had a hot, buttered lobster rool that was full of huge, meaty, claw chunks. It was great! It beats a lot of the CT crab shacks that serve the lobster rolls cold with mayo. they serve pretty much everything with fresh lemon wedges and you can help yourself to tarter sauce and ketchup. There wasnt any line when we were there, which can sometimes be a problem at places like this. The decor is certinaly lacking, but that being said, you can easily show up in your beach attire which is nice after a long day in the sun. The portions are generous and the variety is impressive. the down side, the (very dirty) bathroom is on the outside of the building...kind of gas-station style. i would deifnitely go back if in the area. read more

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A little disappointed. 28.00 for a handful of clams. The batter was mushy as well. I have been here before and it was great. read more

The Clam Castle - Whole belly clams! - Seafood Near Me - Madison, Connecticut

Been stopping here to eat since 1966. Our family has vacationed in Clinton Beach, CT for decades. This is the place that I personally come especially for the whole belly clams. Theirs are the best I've ever had. I also recommend their buttered lobster roll. This place is a landmark clam shack and well worth stopping in. read more

I have eaten at The Clam Castle before and have thoroughly loved their hot lobster rolls. I always thought they were some of the best on the CT Shoreline. Today, July 10, 2019, I had a totally different experience. The hot lobster roll was the worst I have ever eaten. It tasted rancid and the lobster was very fishy tasting. The lobster meat was so overcooked it was dry. It was almost like they had cooked a lot of lobster meat ahead of time for the lunch rush and they were not selling a lot of lobster rolls. It is going to be a very long time before I go back if ever. read more

This reminds me of a Clam Shack that you might see on Food Network's 'Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.' Fixed menu (see photo) with daily specials available too. Kids food options available. Whole clam bellies are here! They are hard to find so I was excited to see them on the menu. Lobster Roll (hot) is melted butter - no mayo. Seafood rolls (lobster, clam bellies, clam strips, shrimp, etc.) and platters available that come with french fries. Tarter sauce comes with all sandwiches/platters. However, if you'd like cocktail sauce, you will need to ask for it. They call your order # when ready and bring to your table. Outdoor seating is available. Easy to get here from I-95 and easy to get back on. We stopped here on our journey through CT. Bathroom is available for customers on the backside of the building. read more

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Favorite meal of our trip. We got a bowl of lobster bisque, jumbo lobster roll, scallop tacos (not on the menu but special request was granted,) took it to go, and all of it was awesome. More than enough food for 2 people, and literally everything was awesome. read more

Love this spot! We recently discovered and we're so glad we did. It's actually incredible. Some of our favorites: blackened shrimp tacos, blacked fish tacos, sweet potato fries, cauliflower bites, but everything is delicious. Definitely a local spot and super causal. You can sit outside or take out! Go there and you won't be disappointed! It's a perfect shoreline classic read more

Yum yum yum, this was worth the road trip from Milford! We enjoyed playing cornhole in their outdoor eating area during the short wait for our platters. Then we dug into clam bellies, lobster roll, clam chowder and the surprise hit, which was the broiled platter with onion strings. The cod, shrimp and scallops were fresh and well seasoned. The strings melted into the seasonings and tasted incredible. We sent pictures to the family members too lazy to join us and they are now contemplating their places in the third circle of hell. We miss you, Anthony Bourdain! read more

Great place and love visiting when in Madison. BYOB, picnic tables, and delicious seafood. If you don't like fried food (clams, calamari, etc) don't order the fried food .... they do have many other non-fried choices and I will say that while we get lobster rolls from the local "landing" place, I like the roll here better. Larger lobster pieces, a non-soggy roll, and excellent all around. I'm not knocking the landing as much as I am praising the castle with this feedback Clams are one of my favorites here since they are cooked perfectly and not overly fried. The setting could be nicer but that is not the restaurants fault and they have dressed up the picnic sitting area as well as could be. We enjoy it read more

My wife and I got take away today to try the Mexican food at this place. Not sure what they consider "authentic", but my wife who is a Latina and grew up south of the border is still scratching her head. It was $50 for 2 burritos, 1 taco and chips and guacamole - Yikes! We realize that Biden is trying his best to crush the middle-class; so, perhaps we can attribute the high price to increased food costs (?). As far as the food goes, the nachos were full of oil and very greasy - need to put those in the oil when the temp is super hot. This seems like they need to get "professionals" in the kitchen, as the failure of what we ordered in general seems like it could be a "rookie" mistake. The burritos were a bit "mushy" and the chicken wasn't marinated at all, although it was white meat. The filet on the other burrito was marinated, but there wasn't much of it, considering it cost $18.75! I can make more flavorful Mexican, and I'm an Irish kid who taught himself (with my wife's help). We'll make our own Mexican here at home and give this place another try in a month, or so. The seafood, although expensive, is a better bet here - for now. They might get away with staying the way they are to a transient "beach crowd", but we locals will want to see something better. This place deserves another chance to get its ship together. Let's wake up and turn things around, folks. The kids working the front were wonderful. read more

We absolutely love Clam Castle. While it is "quick" food to good, it certainly is not "fast food". The ingredients are always fresh and the items on the menu are all amazing. From their burgers to their fish tacos and lobster rolls. They are consistent too, which my family really appreciates - in their friendly service, quality and accommodations. We are so lucky to have this gem in our neighborhood! read more

So fresh, it's like the fish just jumped inside your taco. Both quality and quantity are present in this shack. I ll bring a bottle of dry white for my next visit, BYOB allowed. read more

The Clam Castle - Seafood Near Me - Madison, Connecticut

Traveling from Rhode Island to New York makes this the perfect stop to eat in or take out. Friday I called at 3:30 And 15 minutes later my order for 7 adults and 4 children was ready. Lobster Rolls, Clam Strips, Soup and Salads were all delicious and well received by all!!! Thank you Clam Castle!!!! read more

Best clams and seafood around. Nice area outside to eat as well as indoor dining. Delicious!

Avoid during the summer months if you're a local. Their phone order takeout system is horrible, I waited 30 minutes in the lot after I got there, which I called 15 minutes prior to so I didn't have to wait! Then a mixup with my credit card also. Took just over an hour from ordering to actually picking it up and leaving. I understand it's COVID summer season 2020 but get the takeout system correct. Once I finally got to the Hammo parking lot and under a tree to eat it my fries were cold and the tacos were only slightly warmer. Clearly when I called and said I was there the order wasn't ready. Then once it was no one brought it out and I had to call again after listing to a shortish podcast while my stomach wondering where the food was. Get it together, won't be going back anytime soon. read more

The clam castle has been phenomenal since the Donahue family took over! They have always served fresh seafood and homemade burgers! During covid they have really impressed me with their ability to keep up with guidelines and smile through it!! (Even though you can't SEE their mouths with the mask) read more

I just finished fried clams (whole belly, of course) and onion strings - they were fantastic! Beautifully crispy on the outside, tender on the inside and evenly cooked. Service was great! Very quick, accommodating, and friendly. Good job, Clam Castle! read more

Very good clam shack with the usual fried food. Always busy but fast service. Good for post beach dinner or lunch. read more

This is a fun, casual seafood place. The fried seafood platters and lobster rolls are some of the best in the area, but my personal favorite is the Rhode Island clam chowder, which is AMAZING--artfully seasoned, and they don't skimp on the clams at all! I highly recommend it! read more

Wow the best fish tacos on the shoreline Friendly and attentive staff . You must also try there clam chowder it's amazing. Real clam chunks and very flavorful . There whole clam rolls are out of this world piled high with a lot of flavor and rolls are lightly toasted and warm yum have two . read more

Be sure to share...especially the clam platter. It's HUGE! Loved the decadent dessert brownie too.

This shoreline seafood establishment near Hammonasett State Park is simply amazing. Don't be fooled with the appearance or curb side appeal. The food and service are 5 stars. You can eat in or in the back under a pavilion or on outdoor picnic table or take it to go. My go to favorites are the seafood tacos, flour or corn tortillas, you can get fish, shrimp or scallops fried, grilled or blackened. Plater comes w Cole slaw & fries. I've had them all my favorite is blackened. Best fried clam strips in the area. You can taste the clam. Not chewy, not burned or the taste of oil. Also the lobster roll is top notch. The castle serves local brand Foxon Park soda, give it a try you won't be disappointed. read more

This place is awesome. It is under new ownership, so we had not gone in in years. Now we have visited a couple of times, and the food, service, and atmosphere is excellent. The chowder and bisque are wonderful and creamy. The lobster rolls are big and delicious, although I prefer my meat cold with mayo. The clam strips are the best I've ever had, as is their tartar sauce. I'm not sure what they do to it, but it is excellent. I also tried the shrimp tacos this time and they were beyond good. Amazingly large shrimp. My only complaint with them is the sauce, which is really spicy. I would recommend a remoulade sauce to go with them, but I used the tartar instead. Tasted awesome. It is our new go-to place for seafood. read more

The best fried clams and real nice workers . Onion rings nice and thin and crispy . I will say the combo platter is not worth the $$.

Amazing food here always a must stop best lobster roll I ever had!! I showed this place to many friends and family they agree! Very good burger and fish tacos to.friendly owner also. read more

The Clam Castle - Seafood Near Me - Madison, Connecticut

This place is nice and clean but there is nothing great about it. I've been to other better places. I gave it an extra star because the service was quick and the cashier that helped me was very nice. The food is decent but nothing to rave about especially because of the prices. I came here with a family of 4 so we got a lot of food. Lobster roll for $18 which tasted good but not enough lobster for that price. Both the clam chowder and lobster bisque. Advice is to just get the chowder. Fish tacos (We got a meal which came with fries and cold slaw) Scallop tacos which I liked much better but i could be because I love scallop Fried clam bellies were much better than I expected Coke which is allowed one refill There is both indoor and outdoor seating read more

We called in an order for Fish and Chips platter and Fish Taco platter, and specifically asked for no pico due to a tomato allergy on the Fish Tacos. We get our order and it has tomatoes on it. We call and tell them, they say they will bring out the new tacos. Then someone comes to the window of our car and tells us they want the tacos back. This was very concerning as we had opened up the container and had been handling it. This means they took a contaminated container back into the restaurant. It also felt like they might have put the old fish on the new tacos. Not very pleased with the way they are running things in a time where you have to be careful with contamination. If you are high risk for Corona or have a severe food allergy, I would wait until things are back to normal to go here. read more

I love stopping here for the occasional hamburger. I imagine they get traffic from Hammonasset at end of day. It s worth a visit when you're looking for good basic grilled fare . read more

Enormous shrimp! Nicely friend. Great fries-- crunchy on the outside, soft creamy on the inside. Coleslaw-- average. Blackened fish tacos-- not bad, but strangely sweet, and not enough fish. Yay for fresh homemade ice tea read more

Amazing blackened fish tacos. Very fresh pico de gallo, perfectly cooked fish, and two big portions. Up to San Diego standards. read more

The Clam Castle - Blackened fish tacos. Only $9. - Seafood Near Me - Madison, Connecticut

This place is unique. The locals will not even tell you about it ! The lobster roll is the best. The belly clams are great. Can't wait to go back there. Very casual and a real neighborhood place. read more

My family and I go here after a visit to the beach and absolutely love it. Very delicious food, we always get the clams.

All the hype goes to the famous place across the road and, indeed, they are good. But if you don't want to fight the summer lines The Clam Castle will do just fine. The fried seafood is just as good as the competition and, in fact, I think this is my favorite place to get a fried captain's platter- my favorite summer staple. They even allow you to combo up with only two or three fried items if you're not overly hungry. I like having that option. Plus, the onion rings set them apart from the guys across the way. All portions are definitely shareable. The hot lobster roll is pretty good. Not better than Johnny Ad's (see my review on that) but good quality. Seafood rolls good as well. Buns are grilled to perfection. The best thing at the Castle is their Rhode Island style clam chowder. This clear broth based beauty is chock full of clams and potatoes, my two favorite components of any seafood chowder. This is seriously among the best chowders I've had. It's my one requirement when I visit here. So, again, if fighting lines to get fried seafood isn't your thing, check out the nondescript place with the yellow sign and old school feel. After all, it's a clam shack, it's charm is supposed to be limited. So pull up to an outdoor picnic table. The food is what really counts. read more

We loved this hole in the wall and it took me awhile to find it because I thought it was called Clam or Crab Shack. As much as we ought to have gotten our fisherman't platter ($19) broiled, we generally opted to have it fried; it's more than enough to overstuff 2 hungry people. Seasoned with Old Bay, never greasy. Our in-laws would complain that we were being too decadent before devouring their plates of perfectly cooked morsels. Order at the window and find a seat, and the food will be brought to your table when it's ready. The batter is thin and crisp. The interiors hot and juicy. I don't remember if there was a restroom somewhere out back, but there are tables inside and out. The female servers are attired in the shortest shorts imaginable, but my husband claimed not to notice. It's hard not to, when you're sitting at a booth having your platter served and things are at eye level. read more

When someone from Long Beach, California, makes a dedicated effort to end up at the Clam Castle in Madison, Connecticut, on the other end of the U.S., you gotta know that this shack is something special. Fried clams are my favorite food, and this place knows how to cook them! Large portions, friendly staff, and a small outside shaded area with picnic tables at which to dine (with your dogs) in the summer. As an additional note, the T-shirts advertising that this place is the antidote for "Clam-mergencies" are big hits on the Left Coast (I always bring at least 6 back with me), but I wish they had larger sizes (You're gonna need a bigger size if you eat here 3 times in a week.) at the end of the season. Since they are only open for the summer, eat as much as you can to get you through the winter. Yeah, Lenny's and Joe's across the street might be classier (and has a much better T-shirt selection), but this place is just plain ol' fun with terrific food. Nothing classy about the interior (usually decorated with kids' crayon colorings of a crab cartoon), simple booths, but it is still a hoot. read more

What's not to love about this place. The workers are courteous and pleasant. The prices are fair. The line moves quickly as well as your meal being served and of course everything myself and family have eaten here has been consistent and delicious...blackened fish tacos take the prize. read more

Clam Castle is a point of contention in my family. I'm just not crazy about it. The clams and onion rings come with thick and bland breading. That's fine when it first comes out and is hot, but it rapidly loses flavor and crispiness as it cools. The clams are clean, tasty and have great texture though. Also, I can't get down with their Rhode Island clam chowder. It tasted weird and not strongly of clams. Finally, the bathroom is just gross. read more

Best lobster roll south of ME! Maybe the best one we have had including Reds Eats! Tasty and juicy fried clam belly's. A must go if you are craving casual summer seafood! read more

The Clam Castle - Lobster Roll - Seafood Near Me - Madison, Connecticut

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This place is far better then the famous one across the street. I love the thin sliced onion rings, light crispy and so not sharing! Great heaping piles of clam strips. These are not all breading either and are fried to perfection. The decor is kindergarten classroom meets waffle house. Pictures of clams that have been colored with crayons are posted all about the place. Seating is typical of well as I mentioned a waffle house. Staff is very friendly but it was a surprise to hear a heavy Georgia twang from the pleasant college girl behind the counter. Sorta of made it difficult to drag my son out of there between that and the mountains of delicious food. read more

We were looking for a nearby seafood place after a day at the Outlets. This one came up on our radar. Boy was it excellent. I'd say it rivaled anything we ate up in Maine and the New Hampshire coast. The blackened shrimp and fish tacos are amazing! The sauce is spectacular and it did not taste or smell fishy. The New England clam chowda was terrific, just the right blend of clams and soup. Even the fries were excellent! The lobster roll, though maybe not the best I've ever had, was very good. The staff was very friendly, the food was prepared and delivered very quickly, restaurant was relatively clean and nostalgic with its 50s and 60s music playing over the speakers and the parking was plentiful. I would definitely come back to this place! read more

The Clam Castle - Blackened fish tacos, calamari, lobster roll. - Seafood Near Me - Madison, Connecticut