Roadside fried seafood shacks can be dicey and, mostly, worthy of avoidance. Thusly, I have been successful in avoiding them, but the review for the Clam Castle drew me in since I was in the area visiting family and looking for something casual and good.
While I am not a connoisseur of fried food in general and less so of fried seafood, the Clam Castle’s food exceeded what I imagine the best fried seafood should be. We were 4 adults in total sampling the menu and everything was excellent. The food tasted fresh and was satisfyingly crispy without being too heavy. Some fried food comes off in oil that has been used too many times, leaving the food tasting icky, but maybe metallic is more accurate. And then, with seafood in general, time is everything where leaving the seafood on the heat too long leaves the meat tough and rubbery. All of the fried seafood we ate suffered from either mistake. There were plenty of the appropriate condiments: malted vinegar, tartar sauce, hot sauce etc. The service was very pleasant and helpful and, in ordering, the person taking orders at the counter was very patient with us indecisive fried seafood newbies. The décor and food presentation was as would be expected and I don’t know that you would want anything else as it appropriately sets the mood for what fresh fried seafood should be, casual.
We all agreed that we would definitely return again.
"A lobster roll with irresistible, abundant thin-sliced onion rings, lobster bisque, and red birch beer. The slaw is great and not too creamy. The taste of Connecticut on a tray."
Mark Kaupe
"The clam is an animal that usually doesn't have much personality; but at Clam Castle, the bivalves seem to be happy critters."
Michael Stern
"Good ol' stop from camping"
Marc
"On a nice summer day, many customers eat outdoors at picnic tables, or in their cars; but Clam Castle also has a small dining room inside. And believe that sign when it says fresh. When you dip a spoon into Clam Castle chowder, you taste the marine sweetness of the ocean."
Michael Stern
