USS Chowder Pot

If it’s a shame that I have to give a 1 star rating to write this review. Deserves a zero that’s how bad it was. The night started off by being lied to on how long it takes to be seated, then after an almost 2 hour wait after we were told 30 – 40 minutes, they jam our family of six into a tiny bump out room with another family of 6 when the room could only comfortably fit 6 total. I asked if they could move us to a nearby empty table and I was lied to again and was told they only seat parties of 8 there. Walked by later and a party of 5 was seated there. The blonde hostess made such a big deal about switching a table. Food was decent but not worth the aggravation. Who wants to pay to get insulted, aggravated and lied to. And what is up with not taking reservations? They’re obviously not smart enough to keep track of reservations that’s why they don’t do it. Place is a joke. Terrible. Never going back. You walk in and walk into a mob scene of people waiting to get seated. Wouldn’t go back if they paid me $ 1000.00. When you go there — look at everyone’s face– it’s a morbid look. Everyone’s disgusted. I’ve seen happier faces at funerals. My 8 year daughter literally stood up and screamed out «I hate this room» halfway through dinner. Place sucks.

It’s been about 10 years since the last time I took my family here. We went today and this may be one of the worst places I have ever eaten. There were 4 of us and we went for lunch, which for some reason they don’t serve on a Sunday. Not that it matters as it would have been a smaller portion of the disgusting dinner entrée’s but at least the bill would have been less which is about the only positive. Where to start? Let’s go with ambiance first. If you are looking for a truck stop with nautical theme that specializes in «seafood» (we still aren’t sure what it was we ate) then this is the place for you. I will say that our server was nice enough and no issues with her but Lets move on to the food. We ordered a couple of glasses of water and my wife said hers tasted like they scooped it out of the lobster tank in front. Next came the soup, lobster bisque, which I recalled being good from years earlier. Tasted like it came out of a can. Our entrees were bland and flavorless. My wife had a salad which was a huge bowl of iceberg lettuce, a little bit of dressing and some flavorless chicken. My daughter had the fish and chips which were also flavorless and soggy. I had mahi mahi which was ok and my son had crab cakes which he normally loves but could not even finish. I will not be going back. For the price of the food I would expect a much nicer environment and far better food.

Does not accept reservations for less than party of 8 which is ridiculous… Told the wait would be 30 – 45 mins… Waited 1 hr and 40 mins for a table, watching people who came in after us get seated… Took almost 20 mins. To get drinks and we were literally sitting next to the bar… They did not have the main course I ordered… Waitress came back to take my alternate order, asked if I was ready to order, I said yes… she then proceeded to tell me to hold on because the party behind us waived her over… That was enough for me… she came back I told her to just get my check and we left… This was my first time I’ve ever gone there to eat, and I will never go back to this place… The absolute worst service I’ve ever seen in my life… Ive see better service and customer relations at mcdonalds!

This was pretty good. It’s very hard to choose a seafood restaurant in this area because there’s so many to choose from. It’s very comparable not the best but definitely not the worst. I would deathly return here the food is good and the prices are very reasonable. It’s year-​round so you could always go. Try to make a lobster day lobsters are very cheap that.

Came for lunch around 2pm– was still pretty crowded. Got seated in the worst booth in the entire restaurant– first one when you walk into dining room– whenever the front door opens, you get hit by a draft of cold air. Asked the hostess to change our table– she wasn’t pleased about it, but did move us to an inside table away from the door. Server seemed a little overwhelmed, but she was very nice. Got the buffalo wings and cup of chowder to start– very good and tasty. Salad wasn’t very fresh– cucumbers we’re starting to rot and lettuce was getting there. Husband got the seafood imperial casserole – he loved it. I got a fried platter with clam strips– brought enough home for at least two more meals, maybe three. Food was good, but pricey.

As usual great food and terrible service at the bar for happy hour. They will take your drink order very fast then it’s all about waiting. Every time Its been the same wish they were more attentive

The chowder pot has been a staple in Branford for as long as I can remember, but it seems it’s due to its bar. I tried them for dinner not too long ago. We came pretty early for dinner (around 4:30). When you walk in it has an outdated rustic feel. Dark wood everywhere, specials board on the easel, and a big lobster tank. We weren’t acknowledged when we came in by the person at what appeared to be the hostess stand (to be fair she was on the phone and seemed to be taking an order) but not even a we’ll be right with you. We were seated in the dining room and our waitress was sweet and friendly. The regular menu is on what looks like a mini newspaper. We also received a specials menu and since it was lobster/​crab night cheaper prices for the lobster and crab dishes. We ordered the double stuffed clams to share, my bf got a fried seafood platter which included clam strips, fried shrimp, and I think sole. I had the lobster bisque and lobster macaroni and cheese. While we waited they brought us this round loaf of bread with some kind of sweet honey drizzle on top. Loved that :-) the double stuffed clams were also delicious with a hint of spice to them but I wasn’t particularly impressed with the lobster bisque or the lobster macaroni and cheese. The bf thought the lobster bisque was flavorful, I wasn’t feeling it. While there was plenty of lobster in the macaroni and cheese the sauce just felt like there was no real love put into it. It was just average to me. The fried clams on my bfs plate were delicious (yes I stole some) but the fries tasted like they were frozen and weren’t seasoned at all. The food had its good and bad points, our waitress was great, but the most unsettling part of the experience was the amount of dust around our booth and on the decorations around us. The dining area really needs a deep clean. Overall experience was okay, but nothing I’d go rushing back for.

The service was much better than the last time we visited. But when we ordered our usual stuff lobster 2 pounds which my husband and I always share the waiter said we had to pay a plate fee of $ 3??? That was the first time we had heard that after eating there several times. But no big deal it was just never told to us prior. The lobster was excellent as usual.
My son ordered the grill cheese which was horrible the cheese was not melted and just didn’t taste good to him.

Came here with a party of 3. I got a seafood salad that was piled high with crab, shrimp and lobster. The other two got baked salmon and stuffed Lobster. The gigantic stuffed lobster was a sight I think it was 10lbs and came with sides and about a lb of butter. One claw was about the size of my entire hand, it was definately the best meal of the table and lasted us several days once it was brought home.

We visited USS Chowder Pot on a Monday evening… we were seated quickly and courteously. Server was attentive and kind. We had New England clam chowder… delicious and we shared Fried Clam strips with fries and coleslaw. Had to give 5 stars… not one thing to complain about. Portions ample and food fresh and served hot. Will certainly visit again if traveling through.

I’m not sure what all the fuss is about. I have eaten there three times with friends and each time left disappointed.
The food is mediocre and the portion size is very inconsistent. the last time I ate there the three of us ordered the same dish and each plate looked like it was made by a different cook. Also the place has a really strange smell to it.
Expect long waits, we are on the shoreline there is plenty of good seafood around don’t stand there seriously

Food here was terrible. We ordered fish and chips and fried clam plate. The fish and chips were out of the freezer and fried clams were so over cooked in fryer, it was pretty tasteless. My baked potato had a funny taste that I just couldn’t place, but not good. The steamed vegs were good, my only recommendation! The place was busy at the lunch hour, so maybe we just chose the wrong menu items, but we will not return.

It’s ok! Nothing spectacular! The bread is good, the French dressing is unique and tasty, and the lobster bisque soup is #1! But let’s move on to the fried food! Tasteless! It looks so good when people post their photos. But when I ate here, the breading was blah! The stuffing on the king crab, should not be signature. It’s not moist at all. I felt like cracker crumbs or bread crumbs just seasoned with dried out, discolored shrimp! The same goes for the shrimp in the rice. Eeww! Our waitress was a mess. Still left her more than 20% because I assumed her day was horrible before we arrived. She couldn’t remember much that we asked for (extra napkins– cocktail sauce and the order was messed up). But not the end of the world. Of before I forget– the shrimp was butterflied so I don’t know, if the breading was too thick and those whole belly clams that I couldn’t wait to indulge, were heavily breaded and not tasty. Try as you will but it’s not for everyone.

Let me preface this review by saying I had made a previous visit here about 3 years prior to this visit. I remember the food being very good and the service was excellent as well.
On to this visit… my girlfriend and I arrived and were seated within 5 minutes, very good for a Friday night. We sat down and ordered drinks, the waiter was prompt and courteous and even had a great personality. We both ordered the Lobster Bisque and while it tasted okay, the temperature was barely warm. Thankfully the bread was a good combo with the soup and took away from how cold the soup was.
For entrées we ordered the Seafood Imperial and the Lobster Mac and Cheese. No complaints here as both dishes were excellent. The imperial was packed with nice chunks of lobster and was delicious. I stole some of my gf’s mac and cheese so I can tell you how awesome it was lol.
Overall, I would grade this experience as a B+. The service was great and I would recommend it to any seafood lovers out there.

I have to say, the food remains consistently good, but, unfortunately the service gets worse and worse. I’ve eaten here dozens and dozens of times and it amazes me the turn-​over of the staff. You never have that sense of «they know me there.» It is unfortunate, but it’s almost to a point where the food quality won’t be enough to bring me back.

I tried the Cajun seasoning with Swordfish (not a typo), it was alright.
Kitchen unseen, I would imagine there’s nothing wrong with this place that a visit from Chef Gordon couldn’t cure, then again, even a broken clock is right twice a day.
Service? Sucks!
However, the bread before dinner was awesome!, And the baked Potato wasn’t too bad either.

This is a comfort food place. Not a fancy restaurant. That said, the food was quite satisfying. I had a nice stuffed trout with crab meat dish, fries, and a salad. The fish was buttery and rich, just like I wanted. Bread is standard at the table and was decent. I had the lunch portion, and it was plenty of food. It’s nothing special but it gives you a warm and fuzzy feeling after your done. They’re menu is pretty extensive so there’s much to choose from. It took a little while to get seated even though it wasn’t busy but the service was fine, friendly. Plus there’s a giant lobster blow up doll on the roof of the joint, what’s not to love?

Update:
Important tip: They do not take reservations, so just call 30min ahead of your eta and put yourself on the waitlist. That way, you’ll be seated within minutes of arriving.
This is my third time at USS Chowder Pot now. Every time I visit New Haven, I make it a point to visit USS Chowder Pot. I have never had more fresh and delicious lobster! My suggestion is to not stray beyond 2.5lb lobsters. It may be enticing to order a 5lb or even the $ 99, 99lb lobster, but take heed, the larger the lobster, the tougher the meat!
For a party of 4, we ordered the following:
2 bowls of clam chowder, 1 order of mussels in size «plenty to share», and 3 2lb steamed lobsters. At first, I thought we ordered too much. When the mussels arrived, we were shocked at how many mussels there were (probably around 40 mussels). But after we finished everything, we decided we could’ve ordered more, but were actually pretty happy with the amount of food we actually got. The steamed lobsters come with 2 sides each. I highly recommend the cole slaw! Fries were okay, baked potato was okay, and the butternut squash was a little too cinnamon-​y for my taste, but that’s okay.
Hooray for USS Chowder Pot! We’ll be seeing you again soon!

I wish there was a 3.5 star option. We came here for my birthday. Like so many others, I saw the sign on I-​95 and have been dying to try this place. I read the reviews and made a plan of action!
I decided based on so many of the reviews I read on Unilocal… my goal was bread, shrimp lobster bisque and lobster.
Verdict?
Bread — tasty, but not as great as I imagined.
Peel and Eat Shrimp-​a must have. Definitely could be a whole entrée
Lobster bisque-​not a keeper. Too thick and tasted like it had powder in it
Stuffed lobster — yummy. I couldn’t finish. I really love their French fries… they remind me of Nathan’s!!!
Macaroni and cheese-​my son had it… came in a cute overflowing crock, but he was too full to eat it
Clam strips and French fries-​my daughter says it was more dough than strips
I was super aggravated that we were squeezed into a small booth supposedly because the 5 booths behind us were reserved for VERY LARGE PARTIES. I’m no longer sure what that’s comprised of because 4 of the 6 booths ended up having 3 people… we were a party of 4. Where de do dat math at?!
I’m thankful for our server Laura who was awesome, and amazing and terrific and totally earned the 25% tip I’m going to bestow. She had a rough night with the kitchen messing up, but she kept her cool and didn’t make us feel the pain. That’s how Cancers do it!!! Excellence under pressure ;)
AND…after my kids told her it was my birthday she brought me a surprise present!

Pretty Good! I would have given 5 stars, but we had to wait outside next to a garbage can that clearly needed some attention. Not to mention that the smokers area is right by the front entrance and the garbage can is the ashtray. Other than that, we only waited about 30 minutes to be seated, which was shorter than we were told. They have a speaker system to notify those waiting outside.
Our waitress took a little longer than usual to initially greet us, but one she came our service was stellar. We tried the lobster bisque, stuffed mushrooms and oysters to start… yum! For the entrees, we ordered twin lobsters (one stuffed and one steamed), Surf n Turf (with the lazy mans lobster), Fried shrimp n scallops, and an order of Penne Vodka with Shrimp… yum, yum and more YUMMMM!
Our eyes were bigger than our tummies, because we had a lot of leftovers, which did not upset anyone at our table. They also have a full bar with an open area, which is where they set up the band on specific nights. They also offer outside seating.
We have to go out of our way to go here, but it’s worth the ride. Give it a try, you will not be disappointed.