Freddy’s Lobster & Clams

Thankfully this place is now closed. Who saw that coming… Oh yeah, just about everybody.

Went back here, hoping it had changed for the better. Nothing has changed. Absolute disaster zone — service is HORRENDOUS.
There was almost no one there on a Saturday night. Just that should set warning lights flashing down in quality control.
We ordered a round of apps and lobster rolls. Nothing happens for 20 mins+. WTF? Then we see the waitress come running back in the restaurant from the back, and putting her apron back on, and out come our apps. And 2 mins later, our entrees.
W. T. F.
Waitress says it’s because the kitchen staff are incompetent. Honestly. To the diners, on a night when the place is like a freaking desert, she blames the kitchen.
I don’t know if it’s the kitchen’s fault, and frankly I don’t care whose fault it is. It’s just making a bad scene worse by blaming the «other department».
Even better, once she has to take back the soups and pretzels, you can hear her and the kitchen fighting and yelling at each other about the mess.
Honestly.
Holy crap, this place is a hot smoking disaster zone.
Never again.

$$$ I came here on a NFL $unday when happy hour price$ were in effect. 2 can$ of beer, a $hrimp appetizer, and a $mall $ide of frie$. Granted the fries$ were $hoe $tring frie$ which I love, everything ended up co$ting $ 40. 6 piece$ of $hrimp was decent.

I always walk by here (and it’s usually empty) and my boyfriend and I finally decided to try it. The menu is short, which I found refreshing since too many options and I find it hard to decide. There is a hostess stand, but there wasn’t a hostess. There was a guy behind the bar that pointed to the menus and told us to sit wherever. We grabbed a booth inside since all the tables outside were taken. The table was a bit odd as the wood bowed towards the middle so you had to set your drink further out.
Clam Chowder — Mainly celery and onions with a few chunks of potato. I had maybe 4 pieces of clam in it so I was disappointed. It tasted fine, but it wasn’t what I was hoping for.
Lobster Bisque — Came out with an oil blob on it that I’m hoping was butter. I only ate a spoonful of it so I can’t judge too much, but it was pretty disgusting to me. I felt like I was drinking oil. I let the boyfriend finish that one on his own.
Maine Lobster Roll (served hot with butter) — It comes in a hot dog bun. I was seriously disappointed in that alone. The lobster tasted really good though so that redeemed it a bit. We ordered two sides: potato salad and cole slaw.
Potato Salad– Maybe because I’ve been craving it all summer and maybe because it was actually good, but I really enjoyed this. Big chunks of potato lightly mixed with some mayo and little silvers of spices and onions.
Cole Slaw — Again, shockingly good! The dressing was creamy and very flavorful. I would definitely recommend it.
Pretzel Bites — Annoyed since this came out after we were halfway done with the lobster roll. The pretzels were good, but the cheese sauce wasn’t mixed very well. It was starting to separate a bit. Kind of like the soup. Hmm. pattern?
The food was okay. The portions were small for the price, but eh it’s Bethesda. The service absolutely stunk. From getting our menus, having to get up and get my own silverware, never getting asked if I wanted a refill, to having an appetizer brought out at the end of the meal it was just a bummer of an experience. I hate feeling like I’m not wanted someplace and that’s exactly how I felt. The desserts sounded good, but by then I just wanted to pay up and GTFO.

So came here for the first time after walking by so many times. Food was good portions were ok for the prize. Enjoyed the sides they were good but unfortunately what killed it was the server. Not once did she refilled our waters and my girlfriend git up to get us silverware.

First visit here after family suggestions… highly disappointed.
They were out of the whole belly clams, which according to the server, they’ve been out for over a week now! Hello? Why would you run out of your star product?
Secondly, $ 1 extra for corn? To exchange it with another side? How is that ok?
New England clam chowder it was not. The chowder was loose, with big chunks of onions, celery and spices. Flavor was alright, but it’s not New England.
Overall, not what I was hoping for.

Bad experience. Don’t know if they were having an off night, but the food was mediocre at best and the response from the manager was basically a kiss-​off. Dozens of other restaurants in Bethesda so we’ll never come back. The other lobster roll place in Bethesda Row is much better.

Decent meal. I know lobster rolls are expensive, but damn. If it wasn’t for the heaping of fries (tasty) and slaw (also tasty), I would have left hungry and out $ 20. Service was good, as was the patio. Beer menu is pretty extensive, we split a pitcher of Sierra Nevada’s Summer Ale. Be careful what you order though. Some good deals like west coast IPAs for $ 5, and some rip-​offs like local IPAs for $ 7 – 9.

Well, I mean, it’s ok.
First the beer menu. Some great beers on here, but still nothing that really wows me. Nothing I hadn’t heard of/​tried before.
Steamed clams. These were very tasty, and cooked just right, but 7 of them? For $ 10? Gimme 10, I won’t complain. $ 1 a clam.
Pretzels with beer dip. Nice snack, but not lighting my shorts on fire or anything.
So I’d head here to enjoy a good beer outside, and be careful ordering.

I debated between giving Freddy’s 3 stars or 4. I have only had the lobster roll special (comes with two sides) — several times — and every time it has been excellent. And it is well priced for a lobster roll. (My husband has tried some other dishes and enjoyed them). The atmosphere is fun, the service very good and the lobster roll rock solid (FAR better than Luke’s Lobster, that is for sure). I would say it is almost as good as the lobster roll from the Red Hook Lobster Pound. I cannot figure out what has driven the negative reviews or comments about the pricing — it is well priced for seafood.
I recommend giving it a try — I think you will be pleasantly surprised!

Beer selection is great but it’s pricey. The food is just so so and it’s expensive. Lobster bisque? No lobster in it, just made from lobster stock. The lobster stew? 2 oz crab meat in a watery broth. Neither are worth trying. The crabby fries are just fries with old bay ($ 1 up charge for seasoning?). Lobster poutine is tasty but not worth it for $ 15.
Outdoor patio is a huge plus if you can get a table. The bar area is cozy and well lit by the front door but the dining area can feel crowded. Also the bar area in the dining room can make you feel like you are being neglected.
The bartenders are friendly and the place seems clean.
But seriously…
Why aren’t there a bit more reasonably priced things to eat on the menu? I realize your rent is expensive but you would probably make more money with a few more reasonably priced items.

Yum!
I only visited the bar area, and it was pretty awesome. The service was prompt and courteous. I ordered the spicy calamari and maple black pepper wings. Both were very very delicious (please note the use of double very). A buddy also ordered clams — yes, all fried foods, but still very yummy! They had a $ 20 bucket for 5 bottles of beer and an order of appetizer. I need to check out more spots in Bethesda…

We went here for lunch today with a Groupon. I’m glad we had the discount because it was pretty bad. The service was good and the décor is cute, but the food is sub-​par. It’s a shame, really, because it’s in a great location and there isn’t another place like it in Bethesda. But maybe that’s why they can serve crap food and still survive. Anyway, we got the mushroom flatbread and the fish and chips platter. The flatbread was ok. The mushrooms were good, but that’s about it. It was really garlicky and the flatbread itself wasn’t great. The fish and chips platter was a disappointment, too. It comes with fried haddock and two sides. I chose coleslaw and mixed greens. The fish was sitting in a puddle of grease. I had to peel the breading off to be able to eat the fish because the breading was so greasy — gross. The coleslaw was drenched in dressing. I wished I had a strainer to get rid of some of it. The greens were fine, I guess because they were the only thing not prepared by the chef. I think I’m being generous giving this place two stars. I’d give it one star if it weren’t for the decent service and charming décor. But I definitely won’t be back.

I gave Freddy’s a shot to redeem themselves before posting this… seriously, I did. Went out of my way to e-​mail the owner first and offer an explanation of the horrible customer service. Nothing returned in a week.
So I’ll just leave my two cents here:
First the place looks like a damn tourist trap. I get it, your trying to be kitch and have a cute NE vibe. Second, your prices are absurd for sandwiches. I get the high price for lobster, seafood, and more. but $ 14.00 for a non sea-​food sandwich at lunch? Jesus. You could easily drop $ 30 on a sandwich, soup, and a drink.
On to my pleasant experience:
Since I am extremely limited on time, I stay around my office to eat lunch. Freddy’s, is conveniently by my office. I stumbled in here as it was the last place on my list to try out. Long story short, I sat at the bar waiting for 5 minutes to be acknowledged, was brought water, then waited another 15 minutes without service or having my order taken by anyone. All this at 1:30PM in the afternoon and only 5 other tables filled. Ended up walking out and having to skip my lunch.
I should also mention the restaurant had a foul odor. Not necessarily rotten seafood, but not a smell you’d expect from someone toughting high quality items from the sea.
In summary:
Come here if you want to have your pocket fleeced, wish to waste time waiting for someone to serve you, and enjoy the fowl smells of Cordell street.
Cheer’s to you Freddy’s, I will never return, nor will my coworkers.

I was irritated when Cava opened up, irked when Mussel Bar was added, and ruffled when Taylor Gourmet joined the bunch, but REALLY, Bethesda? You get a craft beer bar featuring lobster rolls after I move away? Friends off.
Once again, Scoutmob lured me to a place I might not have otherwise heard mentioned during my short weekend stay in the DMV. I brought my best friend, Lizzie, along for a short pre-​gaming dinner Saturday night, and I’m so glad/​annoyed that I did.
1. Staff are super friendly and entertaining
2. Cool crowd of customers; young and outgoing
3. Weekly and nightly drink specials
4. Anderson Valley Summer Solstice on tap!
Not to sound like a total Boston snoot, but the lobster roll was just okay. I’m not sure what kind of butter they picked to put on the hot roll, but the lobster flavor was kind of missing from the whole equation. I’m tempted to say that I may have had the bar raised too high by Neptune Oyster, but Lizzie said it just tasted vaguely like lemon to her, too.
Oh well. Still vexed. You better not add any more awesome joints, Bethesda. I’m keeping my eye on you.

**** AIRING DIRTY LAUNDRY ****
This is a busy week for both me and the boy, we both have deadlines due in addition to our long hours of work and we both fall victim to procrastination (CRUNCH TIME). But even with our busy schedule, we decided to go forth with date night to spend some time together but it has to be «quick». We ate at most of the places in Bethesda so we wanted to at least try something new for date night if it has to be «quick». I brought up Freddy’s as an option. I saw them mentioned in the Washingtonian and was always curious about it but the reviews on Unilocal aren’t great and though not far it’s not in the happening part of town. I did catch that Freddy’s has a great beer selection and this just happens to be one of those nights where a good beer is needed.
**** THE REVIEW ****
The décor was wonderfully tacky, I mean it. I love this kind of stuff. It was surprisingly busy considering the reviews, a good group of (older) guys at the bar talking up the bartender, a few family tables in the restaurant part. The beer selection? In a frickin binder!!! A good selection on draft, and even more in cans and bottles. All very cheap compared to other places. I ordered the warm lobster roll (who can say no to butter!!!) with the fries and coleslaw (again guided by the fact that everybody said it was small so I was prepared to need more).
The roll was not laughably small and it was loaded with warm, buttery, lobster. I had trouble managing it, couldn’t put it all in my mouth, chunks of lobster escaped my skillful maneuvers. It tasted fresh enough to remind me of the live lobster my family routinely gets in Redondo Beach, CA.
The rest of the stuff was alright but who goes to a restaurant for their fries or coleslaw anyway!!! I was full enough and I didn’t finish either side. Take that for too small!!!
«Yay! I’m a fan»
**** MORAL OF THE STORY ****
Give a business a try and form your own opinion. What’s the worse that can happen? Seriously, we all lived through bad experiences and have great stories for them.. . Things go unsaid for unexpected good experiences :-)

I spent a rainy afternoon sipping a Boddington’s from a can (not exactly a New England, but an England kind of thing) and devouring a warm, buttery lobster roll.
$ 5 for a 16 oz can is a pretty good deal in Restaurant Land. The lobster roll for $ 16 (no fries and slaw) isn’t a bad price either. Mine looked smaller than the pictures posted here, but after all, they say the camera puts on ten pounds. Never the less it was pretty darn tasty. All eight mouthfuls of it. I was still hungry afterward, but this little piggy did make it all the home and had a special sweet treat to sate her.
I am glad I tried this place. It was the Google Deal that lured me here. (Yes people, Google’s on the bandwagon too.) I will return, deal or no deal. Good fun and excellent Sunday service (Me likey no crowds… rain is good).

Lobster poutine, the reason for our trip. As a French-​Canadian expat, it’s my duty to search for the best variations of our wonderful dish as it spreads (and it does!) through the US. Poutine, traditionally and at its best, is a mind-​blowing mix of crispy fries, homemade thick chicken gravy, and unpasteurized unrefrigerated cheddar cheese curds. The gravy is poured on the the fries sprinkled with the curds, which slowly melt and create an exploding mix of salty and fat.
I’m guessing the owners watched Chuck Hugues win Iron Chef with Lobster poutine (Yeah!) and tried to give it a shot. Freddy’s picked waffle fries, a thick white sauce, tiny lobster strips, and fontina cheese.
Sorry guys, but Freddy isn’t Chuck Hugues. This isn’t a winner.
The fontina is a decent cheese choice if you don’t have the curds, as its high fat content and it’s softness allows it to melt easily. That said it’s not like I was expecting big lobster chunks, but it’s still $ 14 for a poutine. You wouldn’t even taste the lobster as it was overpowered by the gravy/​sauce which wasn’t hot enough to make the cheese melt. The size was good (enough for 2) and it was an interesting taste, but once was enough. Definitely not worth the special trip from McLean.
Add to this the first impression given by the hostess (clearly bored out of her mind), and the slowest waiter ever (brings the fried calamari, waits ten minutes, comes back with marinara sauce), I won’t be back.

Yum!
I was wondering how this compares to the lobster rolls I have had on Martha’s Vineyard and the Lobster truck and it’s a top contender. Staff was very helpful. Had the hot lobster roll and was in heaven. We also split an order of the fried clam bellys… LOVED them! I will definitely be back!!!

Came here Saturday afternoon for lunch. It wasn’t that crowded. We ordered the fried calamari, Rhode Island Island style for appetizer. That had to be the worst calamari I’ve eaten. The fried calamari was in a soup of grease and hot peppers. When you tried to pick up one piece, it just fell apart from all the grease it was sitting in. I was so disappointed, but thankfully the lobster roll with butter and the fries was pretty good. My brother had the whole belly fried clams platter. The clams was very juicy and satisfying. My wife got the lobster stew — if you love butter then this is the stew for you. They must of put a stick of butter for a cup of stew. I couldn’t take more then two spoonfuls, but the lobster was good.
I gave this place two stars because of the food and the service. I know the place is new, but it took forever to get our beers and ice tea. By the time our drinks came out, we were done with our food already. Also, I don’t think the wait staff is properly trained. They couldn’t locate the beer we ordered from their refrigerator.