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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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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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

Tried their food a few times while camping, it was pretty good! The New England clam chowder, fried clams strips and whole belly clams were particularly good. You probably won't compare with a New Hampshire or Maine lobster roll, but I still give them 5 stars!! Will come back again soon!! read more

The Clam Castle - Seafood Near Me - Madison, Connecticut

Normally good, today not so. If you get the fried fish filet with anything or alone SMELL it. Today ours smelled like ammonia letting us know it was bad. They did replace with new, but after mixing up the order from the beginning it didn't help. I've been coming here for over 15 years but have never had a problem like this. I'm guessing new owners or close to end of season trying to use what they have up read more

The Clam Castle - 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

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

Over the top in this genre it's very difficult to find a place that provides this very simple food at gourmet quality I think the "sophisticated gourmands" out there look down their noses at ordering this type of food and wouldn't do it because there isn't a truffle or two in the recipe I think they are totally missing out on many subtle tastes that they look for but that is a loss for themselves. I would give this place 6 stars if it were an option. 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

Had dinner ..very casual..ate at picnic table outside. My blackened cod was fresh and a decent portion BUT husband had a soft shell crab sandwich..crab size was 2" by 2"..so tiny. If they had put 2 crabs on the roll, it would have been more acceptable! read more

Excellent fried clams scallops shrimp and a delicious flavorful NE Clam Chowder. Would have been 5 stars except for a disappointing lobster roll not on a par with nearby standouts. 4.5 stars and will definitely return! read more

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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

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

This was my favorite place for 5 years now to stop and get amazing seafood after the beach. Well my husband and I made a stop on June 20th to get food for Father's Day. My husband ordered golden fried shrimp, Combo fried platter, lobster Caesar salad, New England clam Chowder and two iced teas. Yes we Love to eat. My shrimp was very good but on the other hand My Clam Chowder was cold. My husbands food looked amazing until he had a piece of the fried cod. Literally the cod was gray color inside and it was rubbery. It was not edible. I felt so disappointed because that all my husband wanted. read more

The Clam Castle is a landmark institution in Madison. They have been the leaders in the friolater arts for decades. Best fried clams ever. Doesn't matter if they're strips or whole, they are always fried to perfection. On this trip, I was in search of a CT style lobster roll. The Clam Castle delivered. It was a beautiful day for lunch at this roadside establishment. The lobster chunks were a good size. Not too big or small. The lobster meat was nice and tender. Obviously prepared by a pro or someone who was working under the watchful eye of a pro. The bun was lightly toasted. This is a key ingredient. For me, the bun was a little light on the toast. I can't complain though because the bun had a good taste and held up to the small amount of clarified butter I drizzled over the lobster filling. There was no fancy flavor infusion in the butter. Although this is a really basic item with 3 ingredients, they were expertly prepared and I really enjoyed the fact that the Clam Castle isn't gouging me on the price this year like some other shoreline establishments are. Thank you Clam Castle for a delicious lobster roll!! read more

under new ownership. Looks a lot cleaner and the menu is great! Liked their Rhode Island Clam Chowder, LOVED their fish tacos, LOVED the fish and chips. Didn't love their cold lobster roll. It was okay. Liked the hot lobster roll, though. Also the clam fritters are pretty good. Great fries- the double fried kind. YUMMY! read more

Made the mistake of leaving at noon from NYC on a Friday of a Peak summer weekend trip to Saybrook, CT. Even though it took FOUR HOURS to reach this spot, it was damn worth every painstaking minute. We both ordered fried clams; for me, the whole bellies, for my husband, just the strips. Simple, FRESH, not greasy and delicious. The sweet onion straws were an amazing accompaniment, as was the crisp and crunchy cole slaw. My family was known for "destination dining" when I was growing up. This place is definitely on the top of my list....just not on a Friday during the summer. read more

They thought of everything..... Driving east on Rt 1, we happened upon this quite roadside cafe for quite another reason... To use the restroom! My wife was very impressed with its cleanliness - and trust me - that says alot! At that time she bought an iced tea and we moved along, and while we drove she told me about how nice it was inside and how friendly the staff were. She also gave be the broad strokes of the menu, and suggested that we eat there sometime. Well - that time was about an hour later. I ordered the Lobster Roll (hot and buttered!) with a large order of French Fries, and my wife the Fried Shrimp platter. I ordered the Limeade, and she the sun-brewed iced tea. The menu has the requisite assortment of fried seafood and conventional fare - hod dogs (Hummels!), fries burgers... You get the idea. The Lobster roll was good. I will say that I have had better, but this was good. The fries were outstanding, and the shrimp were tasty with a slight amount of spice. The order came with a delicious cole-slaw, cocktail sauce, and tartar sauce. The helpings were generous, IMHO, enough so that some of the shrimp and fries were saved for later. We ate outdoors on very clean and well maintained benches under the shade of an umbrella. A larger area under a permanent roof is also available.... They are thoughtful enough to provide plastic containers at the roofed area so you an pack your own doggie bag right there without having to go back inside.... Like I said they thought of everything.... read more

I have been here 4 times and the seafood and the clam chowder are the best that I have had in many years. I do enjoy Lenny And Joes too but clan castle is a better Quality of freshness and cooking. Fish tacos were beyond good. Chicken in a bag was Delicious too! read more

Visited here after a full day at Hammonasset Beach/Park after seeing great reviews. We arrived at around 4PM on the Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend and the place was surprisingly empty. There is seating outside under a canopy (shaded) near the parking lot. Lots of seating inside. If it was this empty on a Saturday afternoon of a holiday weekend, I cannot seeing someone ever not being able to get a table at any given time. We sat down and grabbed a menu. The menu had lots of seafood options as the name suggests. We got the fried platter, which included fried cod, clam strips, shrimp and scallops. We got the blackened fish tacos and a grilled cheese with bacon for the little guy. Everything was good, but as the case with most seafood places of this level that I have been to, the fried foods seem to be made using the same batter. So after eating away at the platter, things seems to taste very similar after a while. The tacos, as others mentioned, were great. Grilled cheese with bacon was also excellent. We got two large drinks with our meal and the total was $47. We ended up taking a lot home. The staff couldn't be nicer. Smiles from entry to exit. Everyone was very helpful and made sure everything was okay throughout our short meal there. I regret not getting the lobster roll, maybe next time. I will definitely be returning when I am in the area again. I recommend this place for anyone in the area looking for a seafood fix at a reasonable price. read more

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