Features Seasonal Restaurant Seafood seafood boil Lobster Lobster Roll Clambake Homepage Guide Dining Guide Highlight 40+ Places in Connecticut for Lobster, Clambakes, + Seafood Shacks (2022 Guide) April Guilbault June 30, 2022 One fish, two fish, red fish…lobster. And seafood in all its forms. Oh yeah, baby! Get the bibs, the frosty beers and get crackin’, shuckin’ and lovin’. Nothing signals the start of summer quite like eating by the water while the sunshine sparkles on the waves. Picture, if you will, your teeth sinking into a lobster roll dripping with drawn butter, or wistfully dragging fresh steamers through (more) butter or popping hot-out-the-fryer clam strips and fritters into your mouth. Whether dining on land or by sea, seafood rules the roost this season. These simple summer pleasures make time stand still for a few blissful moments. Summer is here, and food is easy. Enjoy our guide to over 40 summertime—or anytime—spots to get buttery lobster, chow down at a clambake, and sit and eat at a seafood shack! Fjord’s Fish Market - Darien, Greenwich, New Canaan, Westport www.fjordfishmarket.comWith almost 30 years in the clambake business, Fjord continues to impress by bringing their responsibly-sourced seafood on the road. Their clambake menu is unique with a great mix of classic clambake staples and Fjord favorites: signature Fjord Dip with Ritz Crackers & pickled jalapeños, steamed Maine lobster, corn on the cob, littleneck clams, P.E.I. mussels, sausage, potato salad, coleslaw, and watermelon. And if that’s leaving you hungry for more, they also have mouth-watering add-ons to complete your Fjord experience, such as a raw bar, sushi station, Fjord-styled Hawaiian Poke Bar, along with Fjord fan favorite seafood platters, hors d’oeuvres, and foods by the tray. From lobsters to linens, Fjord has a dedicated catering team that works around the clock to make sure you’re taken care of every step of the way. Whether it’s a holiday, graduation party, rehearsal dinner, wedding or bachelorette party, Fjord continues to create meals and memories you’ll never forget.Flander’s Fish Market - East Lyme www.flandersfish.com Flanders Fish Market has been clambakin' since 1983! Called “Your best bet for a catered clambake in Southern New England" by Coastal Living Magazine, "this delightful fish market + restaurant” keeps every party fresh. With award-winning food and exceptional service (as noted on the Food Network, Rachael Ray in Season, CT Magazine, The Day + more), their catering team sources only the best ingredients and works to customize every detail to best suit your needs. From intimate dinners to extravagant events, their custom clambake wagons allow them to cater wherever you are - or you can opt to party in their beautifully renovated banquet space. For inquiries, email catering@flandersfish.com and let them show you what they've been perfecting for 40 years.Shaken and Stirred - New Haven www.shakenandstirredevents.com Shaken and Stirred Catered Events is ready to deliver you an old-fashioned clambake! Using high quality, locally sourced shellfish, corn, and vegetables, Shaken and Stirred will provide you a restaurant-level culinary experience in the comfort of your chosen venue. The base package includes clams, fresh shucked corn, potatoes, coleslaw, and fresh baked rolls with butter. All packages are customizable to your specific needs—alcoholic beverages, desserts, additional seafood options such as king crab legs, lobsters, or P.E.I. mussels, and so much more. Whether you’re looking for a simple drop-off complete with disposable plate-ware, silverware, and napkins or are in need of expert service throughout the duration of your event, Chef John and his team will ensure that your clambake is a success. Shaken and Stirred will handle the dirty-work so you can focus on creating memories and enjoying your time with friends and family. Bonfire Grille - Milford www.milfordbonfiregrille.comBonfire Grille is located in the Woodmont section of Milford, CT and has been a neighborhood favorite since it opened in 2018. Bonfire Grille is well known for its generous twin lobster rolls served with warm lobster butter and stuffed into classic New England rolls. Is your mouth watering yet? In addition to their bustling rooftop and their unique indoor-outdoor bar, they also are located across from the beach and overlook Long Island Sound. Head to Bonfire Grill and you’ll see why it is the place to be all summer long!Bridge House - Milford www.milfordbridgehouse.comBridge House Restaurant is going on its 15th year in business, and we know exactly why! Located in the Devon section of Milford, CT, you can find everything from Mussel Pots, an amazing Lobster Diavolo Bar Pie with its New Haven-style crust, Double- Meat Lobster Rolls, Thick-Cut Bacon Clams Casino, and an extensive raw bar. The Chef prepares lobster specials every weekend and it is always exciting to see (and taste) what will be whipped up next! Donahue’s Clam Castle - Madison www.clamcastlect.comVoted “Best Chowder” in the Shoreline Times best of 2020 Annual Readers Poll, Connecticut Magazine’s Best Seafood Restaurant (experts picks), along with The Food Network and other organizations singing their praises, this shoreline institution offers a traditional New England clam shack menu with fresh seafood platters, award-winning chowders, lobster rolls, fish tacos, burgers, hot dogs and more! Hit this roadside stop for your next beach day or day trip this summer, or even just because. You’ll be happy you did. Conveniently located on Route 1, just past beautiful Hammonasset Beach. BYOB & dog friendly.Founder’s House Pub and Patio - Milford www.milfordfoundershouse.comFounders House Pub & Patio is just the place if you’re looking for super-fresh seafood. With many options from classic lobster rolls, baked stuffed lobster tails, colossal king crab legs, raw and roasted oysters, or a creamy lobster bisque, Founder’s House has it all when it comes to shellfish favorites. The brunch menu served on weekends from 11:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. is where you will find the Lobster Stack, which is like nothing you have ever seen or tasted: butter-poached lobster meat served over house-made polenta cakes and topped with garlic, spinach and roasted tomatoes, finished with two fried eggs and sweet onion cheddar fondue sauce (have you made your reservation yet?). Located on the beautiful and historic Milford Green, their extensive outdoor patio is the perfect spot to be this summer while you enjoy a traditional New England style lunch or dinner. Joey C’s Boathouse Cantina and Grill - Stratford www.joeycsboathouse.comJoey C’s Boathouse, located at the Dockside Marina overlooking the beautiful Housatonic River, is one of Connecticut’s premier outdoor dining and live music venues. One of their most popular seafood items is the buttery hot Lobster Roll which you can enjoy on their spacious deck with a signature cocktail and spectacular sunsets! Pull up with your boat to one their complimentary slips for dinner and some fun with a packed music line-up Wednesdays through Sundays! Private party room and catering available as well. The Boathouse is open year round offering a nautical on-vacation atmosphere that’s casual and relaxing. Liv’s Dockside Grill - Clinton www.livsdocksidegrill.com“NO MAYO”- What do those two words mean to you? IYKYK! Liv's Oyster Bar and their famous “No Mayo” lobster rolls are synonymous with the best hot buttered New England lobster roll on the Connecticut shoreline. It all began in the summer of 2015 when Liv’s started offering their Connecticut hot buttered lobster rolls at farmers’ markets across the state. There was quite a buzz and long lines to enjoy these amazing rolls. The staff got tired of answering the question if they were hot or cold, hence the “no mayo” tagline, and the now-famous t-shirt was born. Liv’s Shack joined the brand a year later at its current home in Harbor One Marina in Old Saybrook. The lobster roll remained the same but included menu additions that are equally as delicious and popular. In 2021, they celebrated the newest addition to the Liv's family, Liv's Dockside Grill. Located in the Clinton Town Marina, Liv's Dockside serves lunch and dinner with the same menu as the Old Saybrook location and, of course, the lobster roll is the star of the show. Also open for breakfast on the weekends featuring specials like French toast, breakfast burritos or oversized egg sandwiches. No mayo comes to Clinton! They can’t wait to see you there! Liv’s Shack - Old Saybrook www.livsshack.comIf you live in Connecticut, the simple words “No Mayo” can apply to only one thing come the summer months: sweet lobster rolls dripping with butter. The great no mayo/mayo debate rages on in New England and Liv’s has cast their vote and is a firm member of Team No Mayo! You are going to want to try theirs if you are a No Mayo lobster roll fan. Liv’s Shack joined the Liv’s Dockside family in 2016 at its current home in Harbor One Marina in Old Saybrook. Located in the Harbor One Marina, Liv's Shack is located next to The Saybrook Point Inn and the Saybrook Causeway. In addition to the “No Mayo” lobster roll-that Connecticut shoreline summer favorite that continues to wow lobster lovers all season long, they also offer a menu featuring tacos, burgers, Truffle fries, those delectable buttery Lobster Rolls and more. Join them for one of Connecticut's Best Lobster Rolls and enjoy outdoor seating by the water. They can't wait to see you! The Lobster Shack at Rizzuto’s - Westport www.ctlobstershack.comThe Lobster Shack at Rizzuto’s opened its doors in summer 2016, in Westport Connecticut. They serve fresh, seafood specialties and even won best lobster roll in Westport in 2021 from the Chamber of Commerce. The menu is simply delicious…lobster rolls, as well as steamed lobsters served with clams, locally sourced from Maine. Each sandwich has over a quarter pound of tail and claw meat on a butter-toasted brioche bun (they even have gluten-free buns). Score yourself lobster any way you like it from a whole lobster to a full menu of lobster rolls including: “Warm CT Style” with melted butter, “Angry,” served with hot and spicy arrabbiata sauce, “Maine-Chilled”, or “The Compo”, served with warm buttered lobster and avocado salad. They even have add-ons to amp up your roll with bacon, shack mayo or avocado. The Lobster Shack has indoor and outdoor patio seating as well as individual outdoor cabanas. The Lobster Shack is Open Monday - Friday 4 - 8 p.m., Saturday-Sunday 12 - 8 p.m. They provide catering and are the exclusive restaurant sponsor for Westport’s Levitt Pavilion. Guests can also enjoy Connecticut and Maine style lobster rolls as well as a full oyster bar at their sister restaurant, Rizzuto's Oyster Bar & Restaurant. LobsterCraft - Fairfield, Greenwich, West Harford www.lobstercraft.comCelebrating 10 years of serving Connecticut's state sandwich, the hot buttered lobster roll, LobsterCraft has expanded their original food truck concept into lobster shack eateries with locations in Greenwich, Fairfield, and West Hartford, CT, as well as Sarasota, FL and now Block Island! Customers looking for their next lobster roll fix can dine-in or take-out and enjoy a variety of lobster roll styles, clam chowder, and lobster bisque made with local lobster and clams, creamy lobster mac + cheese, lobster tacos, lobster grilled cheese, Captain Mike’s famous seasoned chips, and creative seafood and landlubber specials. The LobsterCraft Food Truck continues to be a local favorite for catered events.Nordic Fish - Fairfield www.nordicfishfairfield.comLocated in congenial downtown Fairfield, Nordic Fish is renowned throughout the Gold Coast for its expansive selection of fresh, premium seafood. Their exceptional quality comes from 35 years of hands-on ownership in the seafood business. They know their stuff! Nordic’s takeout menu features their summer-lovin’ Beach Bake, a much-loved special that can be served individual or family style. Fresh off the boat steamers and mussels, roasted potatoes, farm-fresh corn and of course, the star of the show, fully cooked, cracked and split lobsters, with all the butter your 1.5 lb. lobsters desire. The Beach Bake is as easy as it gets. Make sure to book early though, they are in hot demand on weekends! Nordic also makes delectable lobster rolls-both Connecticut and Maine style- using the freshest lobster meat that has been hand-picked daily (never frozen). In addition, their sushi chef Chris has been awarded Best Sushi on the Gold Coast for two years running, as he creates layers of flavor and fusion creations will keep you wanting more. Norwalk Seaport Association’s New England Clambakes - Norwalk www.seaport.orgImagine dining al fresco on lobster and clams on your very own private island in the shadow of a 154-year-old historic lighthouse with friends and family….well, now you can with the Seaport Association in July and August! Dine in the comfort of their festive pavilion as you watch the sunset over Long Island Sound. A roundtrip cruise to Sheffield Island is included in the price of the Seaport's New England clambake. Sheffield Island is available for rentals for parties, special occasions, weddings, and more. Have a clambake or throw a party on our private island for a night to remember. Contact the Seaport office for more information at 203-838-9444 or visit https://www.seaport.org/clambakes Abbott’s Lobster - Noankwww.abbottslobster.comFounded in 1947, this casual venue with outdoor and indoor picnic bench seating offers as much seafood as they do lobster, from stuffed clams and chowder to oysters on the half shell. Don’t fritter away the summer-their countdown clock which notes when the last lobster will be served for the season continues to scroll on their website. Bill’s Seafood - Westbrookwww.billsseafood.com Grab a picnic table and take in views of the marshy Pachogue River while you enjoy live music and an extensive seafood menu (there’s plenty for the non-seafood eating diners, too). Check their website for live music and events too. It’s never a dull moment at Bill’s. Captain Scott’s Lobster Dock - New Londonwww.captscottsnl.comLocated on the docks beside one of New London’s marinas, diners enjoy their meals on summery picnic benches. Hot Lobster rolls are the most popular item on their menu (of course), but you can dive into cups of NE or RI clam chowder, homemade clam fritters, and more seaside treats. Clambakes of CT- Derbywww.clambakesofct.comServing all of Connecticut, Clambakes of CT is a full-service catering company that offers everything from classic New England lobster bakes, BBQ, pig roasts, Luaus, raw bars, and holiday parties. Clambakes of CT combines creative and delicious cooking with beautiful presentation for all your events. Costello’s Clam Shack - Noankwww.costellosclamshack.comOutdoor dining alongside the beautiful Mystic River- steamed lobsters, scallops, oysters, fish tacos, creamy chowder, clams and oysters on the half shell have never tasted so good on a summer day. Cyr BBQ - Middletownwww.cyrbbq.comCYR BBQ is a mobile catering service that offers several tempting and lip-smacking packages to choose from (BBQ, pig roast, clambake) that will fit any of your summertime catering needs. For their clambakes, they create a beach clambake but without the hassle of the sand and that pesky pit. The Food Crate www.thefoodcrate.comEveryone loves an amazing seafood boil filled with lobster, crab, shrimp, clams, mussels, corn, butter and more! Their Atlantic seafood pot is inspired by the freshest ocean seafood and timeless New England tradition. The Bayou boil steampot, full of crawfish, shrimp, sausage and vegetables will treat you to a delicious Southern experience. Enjoy these in the comfort of your home, with all of the work done for you. Pots come in multiple sizes and are fully customizable. Complimentary add-ons are also available. Check out their website for more seafood options. Ford’s Lobster - Noankwww.fordslobster.comOutdoor patio dining and take-out for their chowders and bisque, salads, jumbo crab cakes, lobster grilled cheese, blackened fish tacos or five different lobster entrees. Note: it’s first come, first served and BYOB. They also have indoor dining. Fresh Salt@ Saybrook Point Inn - Old Saybrookwww.saybrook.comWhere the Connecticut River and the Long Island Sound meet, you can also meet-and-eat a wide array of fresh seafood dishes and shoreline classics like the classic CT lobster roll on a perfectly grilled, buttery brioche bun. Lobster overlooking the Sound and a boat-filled harbor-yes, please. Guilford Lobster Pound - Guilfordwww.guilfordlobsterpound.comServing up fresh lobster since 1991, plunk down on a picnic table on the dock that overlooks Guilford Harbor and enjoy their lobster rolls, lobster grilled cheese, chowder, and hot dogs. Note: Cash only. Heibeck’s Stand - Wiltonwww.heibecksstand.comSince 1931, serving hand-crafted ice cream and fresh local takeout food, including fresh Maine lobster rolls, with lobster that has been sautéed in a house-made butter-wine sauce. Knot Norm’s - Norwalkwww.knotnorms.comA trendy seafood “shack” with a laid back vibe, Knot Norm's (which also has a location in Newport, RI) has become a Norwalk community staple. It offers a modern take on the classic buttered lobster roll and also serves local oysters, tacos and other seafood favorites in buckets, rolls and bowls. Kokomo’s Restaurant - Old Lymewww.kokomosrestaurant.comA little slice of the Caribbean in Old Lyme-who knew? Rent a beach chair or one of their cabana-or-six and kick back with hot lobster rolls, cod sandwiches, clam strip po’ boys, and Bahamian conch fritters. The Lazy Lobster - Milfordwww.thelazylobster.com This New England mainstay steps from Walnut Beach draws from classic presentations and puts a “lobster” twist on them, such as their peel-and-eat shrimp, clams and mussels by the bucket, and crab cakes. The Lazy Lobster Roll-not your standard lobster roll: this baby combines 100% sweet freshly shucked Maine lobster napped with pure butter, slightly seasoned and bedded upon our house baked-to-order B\baguette (no hot dog roll here) and served with hand cut slaw (don’t ask for the recipe cause they ain’t telling). Lenny and Joe’s Fish Tale - Madison, Westbrookwww.ljfishtale.comSince 1979, this family friendly shoreline institution has been serving seafood and shellfish baked, broiled, fried, steamed and charbroiled. Takeout always available so go have a picnic! Liberty Rock Food Truck - Milfordwww.libertyrocktavern.comCreative and delicious food served at the The Liberty Rock Tavern for your upcoming parties, but in their food truck! One of which is their lobster bake package which includes shrimp cocktail, steamed lobster and clams, steak, chicken, roasted potatoes and corn. Lobster Landing - ClintonFB @Lobster LandingA teeny shack snuggled up to the shore…and teeming with ladles full of warmed butter for these special lobster rolls. Also available is NE clam chowder, hot dogs, sausage subs and sides. No frills just great seaside food. Special prices for the 60+ crowd on Wednesdays. Outdoor Cookers Catering and Events - Norwalkwww.outdoor-cookers.comBoutique catering company serving Fairfield and Westchester Counties for your summer celebrations; Luaus, BBQs and the forever popular, lobster and clam bakes, will all the classic accompaniments. Overton’s Seafood - Norwalkwww.overtonsct.comOverlooking the harbor in East Norwalk, boat or stroll up to get your burgers, lobster rolls, clam bellies and strips. Folks have been enjoying this all since 1948! A Norwalk institution. Pagano’s Seafood - Norwalkwww.paganosseafood.comSimple, fresh, classic clambakes to go! Call in advance and Pagano’s will have it all ready for you. Pick the size lobsters you want (ranging from 1/4 lb to 2 lb) and a tasty summery dinner will be yours in a flash. Note: Closed Sundays. Rowayton Seafood Market - Rowaytonwww.rowaytonseafood.comResiding in an old fishing shack that was once the oldest operating lobster co-op on the Long Island Sound (how cool is that?), get your lobster bakes, fried faves, steamed and raw seafood. Sandpiper Restaurant - East Havenwww.sandpipereasthaven.comNautical from head to toe, this shoreline restaurant serves Maine lobsters, hot lobster rolls, steamers, chowders, classic fried seafoods. Indoor or patio dining that, happily, overlooks the Sound. SeaHouse Clambakes - Fairfieldwww.seahouseclambakes.comAffordable super-duper fresh seafood. These guys love local, organic and high-quality food. Chow down on raw bar items, sides and the main events which span lobster to veggie kabobs. Sea View Snack Bar - Mysticwww.seaviewsnackbar.comSince 1976, this good ol’ snack bar with picnic tables and great views of Mystic Seaport and the Mystic River has been treating summer folks to faves like lobster rolls, chowder, hot dogs and clam fritters. Shank’s Waterfront Dining - Clintonwww.shanksclinton.comIt’s not a plane, it’s not a bird, it’s a food BOAT! This decommissioned lobster boat is where the food is made and ordered and then you can sit by the sound and enjoy seaside classics such as NE clam chowder, fried calamari, fish sandwiches, shrimp and clam rolls and of course, lobster everything from bisque and rolls to nachos and BLTs. Simply Delicious Catering - Norwalkwww.simplydeliciousct.comLet Simply Delicious Catering help you celebrate the season by savoring the unforgettable flavors of summer. Book a classic clambake with all of the essentials: local clams, jumbo shrimp, Emerald Isle mussels, corn on the cob, and red potatoes. Clambakes can be accompanied by a buffet of signature picnic sides. SoNo Seaport Seafood - Norwalkwww.sonoseaportseafood.comGrab a drink and plunk down on their giant deck (with outdoor bar) to eat your seafood al fresco with views of Norwalk harbor. Lobster dinners, rolls (both hot and cold) along with a large menu of seafood plates. Stowe’s Seafood - West Havenwww.stowesseafoodct.comWhile they sell fresh fish and lobsters which are delivered each day, folks mostly go to this seafood shack that is across from the West Haven beach for their beachy fried foods. Note: Cash only. Westbrook Lobster Restaurant and Bar - Clinton, Wallingfordwww.westbrooklobster.comWhat began as a seafood market has now bloomed into a full-on restaurant with 2 locations and now serves up a long menu of seafood and lobster-centric dishes. They even have a little lobster roll on the kids’ menu-how cute is that? Westfair Fish and Chips - Westportwww.westfairfishandchip.comWestfair offers the traditional clambake spread (Maine lobster and steamers with broth and butter, steamed mussels, salad, rolls, corn, baked potato, watermelon) but substitutions of other entrees can happily be made.
