A friend recommended Marc Bassos, who was playing at the Main Moose. We found him playing many of our favorite songs on the patio. The outdoor restaurant has a lovely view of meadows along the Hop River. Seafood and burgers were available. Burgers were excellent, served with fries and some coleslaw. Spouse had a BBQ pulled pork sandwich she reported to be excellent. No alcohol, but a great milk bar, with many flavors of ice cream and Hosmer sodas. Visit on a nice day! read more

The Main Moose - Moose Burger - Salad Near Me - Columbia, Connecticut

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Amazing food, great customer service, plenty of seating, great music, and more. We didn't do the gem mining but wow that looked like so much fun! So many items to choose from, something for everyone. Burgers & fries were delicious, I tried my daughter's fried shrimp and it was soooo fresh and good (not one bit greasy)! And the best New England Chowda I've ever had! Definitely try the bottled soda. Lime Ricky was my favorite. All in all, Definitely recommend. **edited to add-we went back the next day. I tried the lobster roll and wow! It was soooo amazing. Perfect amount of mayo, perfectly toasted roll, and large chunks of lobster meat. They're always having some kind of event, today was the annual Truck show. We got to see the goats and chickens, trucks and campers. They had delicious BBQ, hayrides, and tons of games to play-from corn hole to volleyball to life size tic tac toe. Fun for the whole family. read more

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This is a great space with a whole host of ways to spend the time. They have outdoor seating but there are umbrellas in case it's raining. The whole area is well maintained, you can tell there's effort put in to making this friendly and welcoming. There are also pet waste dispensers and trash cans, signaling pet friendliness. If you go down by the river, there's a " fire pit" style area you can visit, and the owners said there's also some goats and chickens to be found. So why not 5-stars then? A couple reasons. I ordered a hot buttered lobster roll and some Mac and cheese bites. The lobster roll was really salty with tough meat, while the fries and bites were acceptable, the cole slaw was only one bite and done. They have plenty of other things on their menu, but my food experience was sub par. Also, when you pull in, you see the seating area, and then you see another building off in the distance with activities around it. The ordering area isn't as immediately identifiable, so you're left wondering if you should park at the seating pavilion (yes, because the ordering area is around the corner facing the street) or go to the other building (no, if you're here to eat). There's also an entire ice cream menu I didn't post, so I fully recommend checking this place out, even allot time to enjoy all it has to offer maybe, but I don't see it dethroning the current champ for best lobster roll. read more

The Main Moose - Menu 24May2025 - Salad Near Me - Columbia, Connecticut

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A group of about 30 of us rode our motorcycles here today. There's plenty of seating, both covered and uncovered. There's also plenty of parking, some on gravel and some on pavement. It's very clean, and the staff clearly have pride in the establishment. Everyone was very friendly. It was already busy when we arrived, but the staff were prompt getting our orders. I had the lobster roll, and I have to say I think it's the best one I've ever had. The lobster was very fresh and cold, and the ratio of mayonnaise was perfect. I also really enjoyed the coleslaw, which was fresh and crisp. The strawberry lemonade alone was worth the trip! So refreshing! read more

The Main Moose - Lobster roll and strawberry lemonade - Salad Near Me - Columbia, Connecticut

I came in with a LARGE group on a Saturday for lunch and everything was really top notch. Service was very friendly, there was something for everyone on the menu, and the ample parking and seating was much appreciated by our group. I got some clam bellies and also got to sample some other items from our party; there was a grilled cheese that was particularly good. We really loved taking pictures with the Moose too! read more

The Main Moose - Our group with the Moose! - Salad Near Me - Columbia, Connecticut

A few of us went on opening day the food was amazing and the owner was a very sweet lady. I was standing at the counter when a very rude man who had been waiting for his food read more

Lobster roll was 35.00 for 1 this summer so we were already there so we all bought it. My budget simply wasn't enough for lobster roll. I will come back next year for something different. C Samson read more

A quintessential new england snack bar, decent food but nothing special When I think snack shack, I'm usually thinking teens on summer break, scooping ice cream out of giant freezers. The food's pretty much out of bags or cans, but it's okay for what it is. The Main Moose is very much your standard snack shack. I will say that it was impressively busy. As one of the sole food venues in the area, it was doing fairly well for itself. If it's a hot day in the area, expect a wait. The place is animal friendly, so lots of folks had their puppers about. There's very seldom a situation that is not enhanced by happy boi's looking for treats. Food wise, not great. The shake was icy and thin even after asking for the shake to be thick. They used a vanilla base and added hot coffee into it, which makes it technically a coffee milkshake, but didn't have that strong coffee flavor one would expect. Hot dog was grilled well, but nothing out of the ordinary. Same with the fries, nothing spectactular. A snack shack isn't about the food though. Snack shacks are for the quick and functional meals. In which case, they managed to dole out the food relatively quickly given the massive amounts of crowds there. That and the venue was relatively pretty. So I give it a 4 for meeting the expectations of the location, with a pretty location and puppers. If you got a bunch of hungry kids and happen to be in the area, This is a place to go read more

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Forgot to share a post of my lunch a while ago! Not sure how I forgot. The service was prompt and friendly! Food and ambiance was excellent! Definitely recommend you stop in to the Main Moose even if it just for an ice cream or milkshake. I'm sure you'll be back! read more

The Main Moose - Orange cream milkshake - Salad Near Me - Columbia, Connecticut

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I came here recently and noticed that no one wears gloves when handling food. I ordered an ice cream cone, and the same girl who handled my dirty payment handed me my ice cream with no napkin or gloves. Just dirty fingers on my cone. With all the diseases out there, I think it's unsanitary for people to handle money and credit cards and then subsequently handle other's food. This is how stomach bugs and other diseases spread. read more

The food, atmosphere, service was wonderful... luckily the weather was also beautiful. I had the lobster roll (hot) & needless to say they do NOT skimp on how much lobster they give you! Very generous portion. read more

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We randomly passed this place while staying at a lake nearby and my wife, who is obsessed with moose, insisted we had to go. We were expecting a normal "roadside burger stand" but this place was so much more. We got there right after a large group so the wait was a little long, but I suppose not any different than if a bunch of small groups were in front of us. It was obviously recently built and very nice and well decorated with a lot of "fun"things to do while you waited. All of the food was very good. I got a fried seafood platter which was significantly better than the one I got at an Oceanside restaurant a few weeks prior. My only issue was all the seafood was piled on top of the fries so they got really soggy. After dinner we of course had to get the ice cream. At my normal spot, I get three scoops so that's what I ordered. Thing is their scoops are massive and cones were smallish so everyone of us needed to get a cup to put it in. Ice cream was all Hersehey's brand - not bad but felt the flavors missed the mark from the descriptions. read more

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The food was ok. They do have a lot of offerings including specialty teas and a wide range of things for most diets. The fries were really good, but the burgers seemed like they were frozen patties and for the price that is a let down. The ice cream is VERY good. I had a chocolate with fudge in it, can't remember the name. There is a lot of out door seating. They have handicapped parking, but it is limited. It is difficult to maneuver around all the tables with a cane as they are a bit close together. Wheelchairs would be VERY hard barring moving tables and chairs. They have play areas for kids and they allow leashed dogs that BEHAVE. The service was PHENOMENAL. They were super nice and they have those disc things to let you know when your order is read so you don't have to stand around. They were helpful as I am disabled and had my grandson for lunch with a friend. 100% recommend to anyone. read more

This place is awful! The lobster was cold (supposed to be warm with butter) and bread was stale. When I said something the owner JACKIE was rude. She doesnt know how to treat her amazing staff. Treating them the way she does is awful! These kids work hard and she degrade them and talks bad about them to other workers! she doesnt teach them how to do stuff and fire them over it! Its only a matter of time... and pay them the CASH tips they earned and are owed or she is being reported! she didn't pay some workers the cash tips they earned almost two weeks ago! Jackie the owner is a real piece of work!! Dont give your business to this place!! read more

I am leaving a 1 star review due to a lack of communication by this restaurant. This Thursday my family and I went for dinner at 5:30 (some of us traveling an hour to get here). We were excited to try the gem mining out with my 7 year old who was so excited only to be really let down. The day before my mom even called the restaurant and spoke with somone who gave her the details and said they'd see her the following day. There was no mention of any closure. I also went on their website and Facebook page the day before to ensure they were opened and there was no mention of them being closed. It said closed Tuesdays but we were going on Thursday. Well we showed up to everything be closed up. My 7 year old was so disappointed. Unless there was an emergency shame on them for not properly notifying on their page or website that they would be closed. Not a good way to run a business. Poor communication. read more

Beautiful location by a river walk. Food was delicious Pet Friendly Staff are super friendly which increased the enjoyment of our visit. read more

Mother's Day extremely busy day and well. the line was extremely long and we had to wait over two hours to eat.. I would still strongly suggest this place. Food was good. The busy workers were polite and did their ex extreme best and there was plenty for the children to do the Mining the kids enjoyed the bounce house was fun. They even enjoyed a tractor ride and then there was a few games set up and they enjoyed playing that with their parents so it was extremely a family friendly day. weather was great so it was a wonderful Mother's Day spending time with family and enjoying the children. read more

I spent $75 on (4) hot dogs and a kids meal. The food took almost 40 mins to make. At least 10 other customer ordered and received their food before our order which I can understand a few. When I mentioned it was almost 40 min wait at the window the main Lady got very rude with me and said " it has barely been 20 min... " in a very snarky voice. I explained I have the receipt time stamped 7:01PM and it was currently 7:38PM. I didn't really even have the chance to inquire why it took almost 40 min for some hot dogs and a chicken kids meal because the rudeness I was met with right away just made me angry and I wanted to take the food and go. The food was good, but fast it was not. Overpriced for terrible service and rude employees. Apparently this establishment does not like scrutiny or they will return immediately with rudeness. I would not return. read more

I really really wanted to love this place- but my expectations were immediately crushed. I ordered the fish tacos - presentation was beautiful for a small side of road hamburger joint. They would have been a score had the cod not been so overly fishy tasting that it left you with a horrible taste in your mouth. My daughter ordered the hot lobster roll with the same issue. Now I get we are not by the water but people raved about these specific items and we were very disappointed. On the plus side my mother loved her Reuben and needed to bring 1/2 home. We had to go up several times to ask for items in our order that they forgot- the clam chowder ( which was ok, but not much to write about) as well as the coleslaw and pickles that were supposed to go with meals. The employee stated you need to ask fir them since most people do t want it?! Hmmm?? Ok that's a bew one for me. We also ordered ice cream afterwards- to say the employee couldn't find her way out of a paper bag would be putting it lightly. Simple asks were a challenge for her- small Reg with strawberry cheesecake ice cream- not rocket science- hood was main brand and I can't remember the other - portions were good but for 3 one scoop cones of hood ice cream at almost $14 - no thank you. So for a small dude if the road joint with ok'd food and $100 later for 3 adults im not a fan. read more

The Main Moose - Fish tacos - Salad Near Me - Columbia, Connecticut

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Super fun crew, extremely attentive and helpful. Couldn't have asked for a better first-time experience. I had the bacon cheeseburger, substituted fries for house onion rings (+2.00) and the coleslaw side with a house strawberry lemonade. Didnt get ice cream, but am super excited to return for their mint moosetracks and PB&J Milkshake! Thanks, Linda!! read more

The Main Moose - Salad Near Me - Columbia, Connecticut

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Great food, cute area! Really enjoy going here! Plenty of options and gluten free! Ice cream is yummy too! Staff is kind and helpful! Definitely recommend! read more

Outside eating. Plenty of tables I had the BLT on white with fries, she had the cheeseburger on a gluten free bun with fries. She also got the homemade strawberry lemonade I got the Del's lemonade. The sandwich was good lots of crispy bacon on it. She wasn't thrilled with her bun had to many seeds on it. They also have a ice cream bar for desert. There are fun activities for kids. It's a little pricey but it was a nice change from the usual places. We will definitely come back and try something else on the menu. So if your hungry and in the Columbia area stop in. read more

The Main Moose - Blt on white with fries a pickle and cole slaw. It's pretty good. - Salad Near Me - Columbia, Connecticut

Was a little disappointed because good friends of ours recommended this place. Unfortunately there was no indoor dining which I anticipated there was. We had to sit outside under a very nice structure unfortunately wherever we saw the sun was in our eyes. The food wasn't bad I ordered a Swiss onion mushroom burger. My wife enjoyed her pulled pork sandwich. Afterwards we wanted to get ice cream but it was around six dollars for one scoop (Hersey Ice ream) which we thought was pricey. read more

After our neighbors suggested this spot and seeing it on t.v, we had to give it a try. I ordered the pork sandwich with sauce and onion ring. It was very tasty but could have used a little more BQ sauce, but it had plenty of pulled pork on the bun. I also enjoyed the solid French fries not like the soggy ones sold at McDonald's. My wife had the fish and chips and the size of the fish was more than you usually get at other restaurants. As a rap up to the evening we enjoyed a couple of cups of ice cream by Hershey which was a welcome treat to end the evening. Will certainly return. read more

Great food but a bit pricey for some items. Live music sometimes and fun atmosphere. Ice cream is delicious

Nice find on a drive through CT. Two in our party, we each chose the Columbia Cobb salad. Very fresh, hubby added grilled chicken and it was delicious!! Treat for me of Birch Beer - yummy! Worth the stop!! read more

Love the main moose! they have a veggie burger which is vegan, the food was delicious and such a cute atmosphere!

This place is a true gem, first time going and we'll definitely be going again. Fresh seafood with a light batter was cooked perfectly, fries are fresh cut and amazing. Atmosphere and cleanliness is above and beyond expectations. My 3 year old was loving the games, tractors and of course the ice cream ( which was amazing as well) read more

I would highly recommend going here. They have a gorgeous outdoor patio and the food was really good. I decided to get The Moose Burger. It's topped with tomatoes, lettuce, bacon, onions rings, pickles, cheddar cheese and house-made moose sauce. Served with your choice of fries or coleslaw. I decided to get the fries and they are really additive so consume at your own risk. The server was great! I would definitely come back again. It has excellent wheelchair accessibility. read more

The Main Moose - a burger and french fries - Salad Near Me - Columbia, Connecticut

So sad. Food had no taste to it. And was Very expensive. Won't go back there. They can do better.

I went there last week for the first time and the place was great. The food was awesome and we sat outside under a big pavilion and enjoyed our food with our family. They also serve ice cream which we all enjoyed after dinner. The scenery there is beautiful and we enjoyed waking around. Our kids hiked around the property for a bit because there is a lot to explore there. There was even some guy name Al playing his guitar while we ate dinner and he sounded amazing. I hope to go back there soon because the atmosphere there couldn't have been better. I highly recommend this place for families looking for fun and groups of people looking to gather around a big table while they eat and drink. The pavilion there is so big, you even go there when it rains. A guaranteed good time in my opinion. read more

6/19. Ate lunch. Fish and chips and chowder. Way excellent. Best chowder in a while. Service excellent. Kudos to kid at window. So nice. Had guitarist playing. Nice touch. Will be back. read more

I'm a connoisseur of whole belly fried clams and The Maine Moose has some of the best whole belly fried clams I've had.

Beautiful outdoor seating area, great staff and Amazing Food! Haven't had fried clam strips in years! SO good! (Oh - and clean restrooms!) I don't get back this way often... But I'll be back! read more

A perfect place to eat . The outdoor dining felt safe as we all socially distanced and enjoyed our lunch. The taco salad had ample chili and a variety of fixings in a delicious taco bowl. My husband got a pulled pork sandwich which was very fresh and served with crispy flavorful fries. It was not busy because we went on an overcast day but I am sure it must be popular on a sunny afternoon. We will be back read more

Visited today. Honestly, the food was terrible. The burger was a typical frozen patty with no flavor. The rib sandwich was supposed to have sauce and coleslaw but it was so dry and over cooked it was hard to eat. The clam chowder desperately needed salt and the French fries were the worst! I hate that everyone is serving those awful frozen fires with a weird batter coating on it. $37 worth of disappointment. read more

Overall good food although healthy choices are not their forte. Having said that, the clam chowder is among the best. Love that substitutions are allowed for sides. that their Mac and cheese side is gone, a tasty guilty pleasure. Much wider menu than fast food chains and care is taken in meal preparation. Fried fish meals are very good with the exception of whole belly clams - they're over cooked. A good choice for a summer time treat. read more

Stopped in to try out the new place. Was very impressed at the cleanliness of the facility and that the made every effort to keep it that way. Ordered the Moose burger with the special moose sauce and French fries. My fiancée ordered the cheese steak sandwich with French fries. The burger had all the fixes which made it quite large and almost impossible to bite into it but found a way to do it. The burger was cooked perfectly and very juicy. The moose sauce had a bite to it so if you don't like you food spicy then I'd recommend you go without. It was a surprise but very enjoyable. And add the burger and bun very moist. The steak sandwich was good sized and loaded with plenty shaved prime rib. Very tasty and enjoyable. French fries were crispy and stayed hot for some time. The only thing that I would have liked is if they were made to order rather than made and sitting under the heat lamps till they were needed. Offering coleslaw, which was good, and a pickle is a very nice touch. And it didn't hurt that they have the ice cream bar so you could enjoy dessert before leaving. Will be going back again to try some of their other menu items. And it's also great knowing it's a family run organization with family members there and ready to help you if needed. A very nice addition to the town. UPDATE August 6th Got tired of not having lights, water, or air circulation so decided it was time to eat out. Fortunately the power just came back on at the 'Moose' this afternoon. Place was very busy but our order was taken fairly quickly. Took a little time for it to be ready but well worth the wait. The Moose burger was cooked to perfection and was loaded with bacon, onion rings, pickles, and very crunchy lettuce. The fries were amazing as well, hot and crispy. The cheese steak sandwich, also came with amazing fries, was very tasty as well. Social distancing and face mask requirements were enforced as evidenced by the person that went to pick up their order and was told 'no face mask no order' politely of course. Trays were to be left on the table for staff to buss while at the same time sanitizing the table and chairs. Very impressed with the cleanliness of the facility as well. Even though they were extremely busy the staff was pleasant and very helpful. Will be going back again soon and so should you! read more

I believe this is one of the better outside places to go and enjoy a great day outside eating one of your favorite foods. Service is very nice and helpful. Ambitious is nice overlooking blue skys and big trees in the distance. I would add some speakers playing music to shut down the noise from vehicles in and out and bikes starting up. read more

Very disappointed over priced and overcooked orders whole clams and and fried shrimp. Don't mind paying for it if it was good it wasn't