Restaurant Features Best of CT Seafood seafood boil Lobster Lobster Roll Lobster Bake Clambake Dining Guide homepage Homepage Guide to Connecticut Lobster, Clambakes and Seafood Shacks: 2021 Edition April Guilbault July 11, 2021 It is doubtful that, when mentioning summer eats, lobster anything wouldn’t be in the Top 3 list of foods that folks love, drive miles for, yearn for during the winter months and spiritedly debate (hot? cold? with mayo? just butter?). Well, summer is here, time to strap on that bib, lick those buttery fingers and well, get crackin’. From piled-high lobster rolls and creamy bisques, to hot fried clams and fluffy fritters, seafood rules the roost when temps rise and those ocean breezes soothe the soul. Whether you are searching for a lunch by the water or hosting a party for friends (weee! finally!), these venues will add some buttery fun to your summer days. Bon appetit! Here, let me tie that bib for you….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. Not only will you enjoy this in the comfort of your home, all of the work has been done for you making this the easiest meal ever. The pot (included) arrives with perfectly layered and arranged seafood so you only need to add a steaming liquid of choice (wine, beer or water) and stick it on your stove top. These pots come in multiple sizes, are fully customizable to add exactly the type and amount of seafood you want, and can serve 2 to 6+ people depending on size and additional seafood added. Complimentary add-ons are also available. Choose from clam chowder, lobster bisque, steaks and countless other options. With over 250 items to choose from, you’ll have a home meal experience like never before! The Food Crate is an expert USDA chef-driven Connecticut gourmet kitchen allowing you to recreate unique & effortless restaurant experiences at home. Unlike other services, they are a true celebration of the best in food. They ship nationwide, so remember them when considering gifts. Food is packaged for immediate enjoyment or future occasions. Check out their website to see more!The Lazy Lobster-Milford www.thelazylobster.comThe Lazy Lobster, serving New England’s freshest seafood, is located steps from Walnut Beach at 6 Broadway in Milford. This New England mainstay draws from classic presentations and puts a “Lobster” twist on them, such as their Peel-and-Eat Shrimp in four different stylings and Crab Cakes with three types of crab and a custom blend of seasonings. There’s also the now-famous Ribby Roll and Cajun Po Boy, where everyone’s first and last reaction is OMG! Clams and Mussels by the bucket are freshly gathered the same day, and try their Street Tacos, you have never had them like this and so much more. Of course, it has to be mentioned: 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 Baguette (no hot dog roll here) and served with hand cut slaw (don’t ask for the recipe cause they ain’t telling). Come down to The Lazy Lobster, eat on the patio, walk it to the beach or bring it home…. see what it’s like to “Live the Lobster Lifestyle”. Call them at 203.283.1864, visit the website, or check them out on Instagram @lazylobsterctFlanders Fish Market-East Lyme www.flandersfish.com“Your best bet for a catered clambake in Southern New England is this delightful fish market + restaurant.” – Coastal Living Magazine. Flanders Fish keeps any party fresh - from intimate rehearsal dinners to large scale events. Their beautifully renovated on-site spaces and exclusive clambake wagon design allow them to cater to you anywhere-in their banquet room, patio or bar, at an event venue, the beach, or your own backyard. With options to cater to your budget and dietary restrictions, choose from an array of delicious menu selections, from premium hard shell Maine lobster to hand-cut steak, and everything in between. Shuck it and add an Oyster Shucker Chef or custom cooking demo to make your party stand out. For inquiries, email catering@flandersfish.com. Let them handle the fuss so you can kick back and enjoy the fresh feast. Clambakes of CT-Derby www.clambakesofct.comServing all of Connecticut, Clambakes of CT is a full-service catering company that offers everything from classic New England lobster bakes and various styles of BBQ (Southern, Texan, All-American) to pig roasts (dropped-off already cooked or cooked on site), Luaus, raw bars, and holiday parties. They offer an expansive catering menu that can be customized to suit your tastes and can provide all the assistance you need with bartending, waitstaff, and planning. Clambakes of CT combines creative and delicious cooking with beautiful presentation for all your events. Working with over 100 venues they can cater any occasion at any location! There is a reason that Clinton Kelly from ABC TV’s The Chew called Clambakes of CT “The Kings of Clambakes”!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.Knot Norm’s-Norwalk www.knotnorms.comA trendy seafood "shack," 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. Rolls and Bowls! Lobster, Copps Island oysters, BLT, Steak & Cheese and more, all served with a side of Cape Cod chips and house-made slaw and pickles. Pure summer on a plate! Then the Bowls: Lobster (can you ever have enough?), Fried Chicken, Pork Belly or Brisket served over sushi rice with delicious toppings. Chowders, bisques, fries (with yuzu aioli sauce!-yum) and more round out their menu which has a little of everything for every taste. Beer and wine are also served at this cozy eatery and there are a few outdoor tables lining the sidewalk for dining on beautiful summer days.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” tag line, 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. On June 21st, they celebrated the newest addition to the Liv's family, Liv's Dockside Grill. Located in the Clinton Town Marina, Liv's Dockside is open seven days a week serving lunch and dinner with the same menu as the Old Saybrook location and, of course, the Lobster Roll is the star of the show. NO MAYO COMES TO CLINTON! They can’t wait to see you there!Shaken and Stirred-New Haven www.shakenandstirredevents.com At Shaken and Stirred Catered Events, they believe in using only the highest-quality ingredients, many of which are locally sourced from right here in Connecticut! That’s why when you book a New England Clambake with them, you and your guests can expect the best clams, lobsters, fresh veggies, and more that the region has to offer. Chef John and his team will set up your clambake and execute it from start to finish with expert precision. You’ll receive a restaurant-level culinary experience right in the comfort of your chosen venue! The base package includes lobster, steamers, shrimp, fresh shucked corn, New England-grown potatoes, special Shaken and Stirred coleslaw, garden salad, and fresh-baked rolls with butter. All packages are customizable, so feel free to ask for specialty add-ons that could include king crab legs, mussels, raw bar, cocktails and bar packages, or even a delectable fresh-made dessert to cap off this meal perfectly.Shank’s Waterfront Dining-Clinton www.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 cream NE Clam Chowder, Fried Calamari, fish sandwiches, shrimp and clam rolls and of course, lobster everything from bisque and rolls to nachos and BLTs. They also branch out from the typical lobster shack with Fried Avocado Fingers and Fried Cauliflower, Grilled Veggie Burgers, Maple BBQ Sweet Potato Fries and Sesame Tuna. Check the schedule for their live music, BYOB and pets are also welcome-let the party begin!Simply Delicious Catering-Norwalk www.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, chorizo, corn on the cob, and red potatoes. Don't forget to add lobster! Clambakes are accompanied by a buffet of signature picnic sides. Contact Simply Delicious for the full New England clambake experience. 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 PM, Saturday-Sunday 12 - 8 PM. 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. 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.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. 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 can enjoy their meal on picnic benches-Hot Lobster rolls are the most popular item on their menu, but there’s also NE or RI clam chowder, clam fritters and more.Clambake Connection-Stamfordwww.clambakeconnection.comClambake Connection also happily caters events and can help you round out all aspects of your event, from entertainment to rentals of linens, plates and tents. Their menus offer a variety of sides and cover various dietary preferences.Clam Box-New Britainwww.clamboxnewbritain.comThe famed Clam Box is back again, this time with the address of New Britain. “Old school” seafood (and more) favorites like Clams on the Half Shell, Fish & Chips or Clam Strips baskets, and lobster rolls.Costello’s Clam Shack-Noankwww.costellosclamshack.comOutdoor dining alongside the Mystic River with steamed lobsters, scallops, oysters, fish tacos, soups and everything to make it a perfect 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.Ford’s Lobster, Noankwww.fordslobster.comOutdoor patio dining and take out for their chowders, salads, Jumbo Crab Cakes, Lobster Grilled Cheese, Blackened Fish Tacos or 5 different lobster entrees. Note: it’s first come, first served and BYOB.Fjord’s Fishmarket-Fairfieldwww.fjordfishmarket.comIn the clambake game for over 25 years in Fairfield County. Serving up responsibly sourced ingredients to recreate a top-notch traditional clambake. Three options to choose from, each including steamed Maine Lobster, Littleneck Clams, PEI mussels, corn on the cob, potatoes, and sliced watermelon.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 CT Lobster Roll on a grilled Brioche bun.Guilford Lobster Pound-Guilfordwww.guilfordlobsterpound.comSelling fresh caught lobster daily by its owner Capt. Bart Mansi with a deck overlooking the beautiful Guilford Harbor & Faulkner Island. Enjoy lobster rolls, fresh lobster, hot dogs, clams and chowder or hire them for clam bakes & catering! You can also do a 1 Hr. Scenic Shore & River CruiseAboard the CHARLEY MORE.Lenny and Joe’s Fish Tale-Madison, Westbrookwww.ljfishtale.comSince 1979, this family friendly shoreline institution has been serving seafood baked, broiled, fried, steamed and charbroiled. Takeout always available so go have a picnic!Liberty Rock Food Truck-Milfordwww.libertyrocktavern.comCreative and delicious food items from the The Liberty Rock Tavern for your upcoming parties, but in their food truck! One of which is their Lobster Bake (shrimp cocktail, steamed lobster and clams, stead, chicken, roasted potatoes and corn).Liv’s Shack-Old Saybrookwww.livsshack.comLobster rolls, chowder, burgers, lobster grilled cheese and more. Picnic tables and the water within reach, there’s no better way to enjoy summer.LobsterCraft-Greenwichwww.lobstercraft.comRetail doors are now open in Greenwich! Dig into a variety of hot buttered lobster rolls (Coastal, Heat Wave, LBLT, California, Surf n Turf and more).Locations coming soon to Fairfield and West Hartford. Go to their website to find their food truck!Lobster Landing-ClintonFB: Lobster LandingLots of warmed butter being slathered on these lobster rolls! Lobster rolls on toasted buns (gluten-free available), NE Clam Chowder, hot dogs, sausage subs and sides. No frills just great seaside food. Special prices for the 60+ crowd on Wednesdays.MATCH Burger Lobster -Westportwww.matchburgerlobster.comFrom the owners of Match in SoNo comes a fun casual elevated CT road shack. The delicious Match burger & lobster roll come together on a whimsical menu that will please everyone from age 2 to 102! Delicious lobsters, lobster rolls, oysters, burgers, and more can be found at this “almost” waterside eatery. Nordic Fish-Fairfieldwww.nordicfishfairfield.comFish market serving seafood, prepared foods and excellent sushi. All of their purveyors meet strict requirements, and are sustainably sourced. They also do catered events. Outdoor Cookers Catering and Events-Norwalkwww.outdoor-cookers.comBoutique catering company serving Fairfield and Westchester Counties also serves up an array of festivities; Luaus, BBQs and the forever popular, Lobster and Clam Bakes, will all the classic dishes.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.The Lobster Shack at Rizzuto’s-Westportwww.ctlobstershack.comSix different lobster rolls, including The King which packs 1/2 lb. of meat onto that toasted Brioche roll. Or top them with your choice of add-ons or just go old school nd opted for wrestling with a steamed 1.5 lb. Maine lobster. They also cater New England style lobster bakes for casual backyard gatherings, weddings, and events. They recently won ”best lobster roll” in Westport by the Chamber of Commerce. 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?), lobster bakes, fried faves, steamed and raw seafood. New item next door at the restaurant? Beach Bucket Family meal for takeout with Fish & Chips or Fried Shrimp.SeaHouse Clambakes-Fairfieldwww.seahouseclambakes.comAffordable super-duper fresh seafood. These guys love local, organic and high-quality food that will be served at your next gathering. 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 has been treating summer folks to faves like Lobster rolls, chowder, hot dogs and clam fritters.Sheffield Island Clambakes-Norwalkwww.seaport.orgIf it’s a Thursday evening from late June to early September, that means that Lobster bakes and boat rides are the on the horizon. Cruise on the Seaport Ferry through picturesque Norwalk Harbor to your destination: Sheffield Island for a New England clambake! Tour the lighthouse (included in cost) and crack open some shellfish under a tent on a beautiful night.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.Szabo’s Seafood-Sheltonwww.szabosseafood.comSmall, family-run business has been serving the community for over 60 years. Pick up at their store or rent their Little Red Seafood Truck for your next event with several lobster-y variations to choose.The Reef Shack-Fairfieldwww.reefshackffld.comFind Fish & Chips, Lobster Rolls and Clam Strips at this popular shack, alongside a family friendly all day comfort food menu. 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.West Shore Seafood- Bantamwww.westshoreseafood.comWest Shore Seafood provides gourmet quality seafood and scratch made meals in a relaxed, Cape Cod inspired environment. They offer outdoor seating in our seasonal tent or our garden area, where we welcome well behaved, leashed dogs. The full menu is also available for take out by calling 860-567-8000. Don’t forget to visit their Retail Seafood Market hosts a variety of fresh fish & shellfish, gourmet ingredients and seaside inspired gift items.
