Ceal’s Clam Stand

My experience here was ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE.
Customer service: BAD
Food Quality and Quantity: BAD
Price: BAD
Not Being Horrible at Everything: BAD
I had asked for a HOT lobster roll, the old woman as the cashier didn’t correct me when I said it, and when she read the order back to me she said «lobster roll» but never informed me that there was, in fact, not a hot lobster roll available (which blows my mind because it’s just lobster and hot butter). When my food came up I got a cold lobster roll, I let the young woman who gave it to me know I had asked for a hot, she said they didn’t make them hot. So I let her know I ordered it hot, maybe the lady didn’t hear me but could I at least get my money back because I didn’t want a cold one.
When the old woman who took my order came to talk to me she was automatically defensive and instead of being diplomatic, listening to ANY word that came out of my mouth and understanding that mistakes happen she yapped at me. Not quite a yell but certainly not just speaking — just YAPPED. Gah, so much of that. She had such a bad attitude (as if she owned bank of america and I asked for an unreasonable loan) and tried to blame ME ‘by saying that I should’ve listened to her repeat the order back. «SEE THAT SIGN? IT SAYS LISTEN CAREFULLY! YOU DIDN’T LISTEN TO ME READ BACK YOUR ORDER CAREFULLY! YOU SHOULD’VE LISTENED TO ME!».
What should’ve happened, was when I said «Hot Lobster Roll», she should have let me know this over priced and undersized sandwich was not available in hot form, but only cold form. I calmly told her, listen, you didn’t correct me when I ordered and when you repeated it back you didn’t specify if it was hot or cold, so how am I supposed to know that? Can I please just get my money back, this isn’t what I wanted. She goes, «Oh AND WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO WITH THAT? THIS IS YOUR FAULT NOT MINE!» Oh, I’m sorry, did this not cost you a whole dollar to make (and clearly not out of your own pocket), and it cost me 15 to toss in the trash because you suck? After this I lost it. You can’t reason with a dust cloth of a person.
…So, I got raped for $ 30.00.
Also, the cheeseburger I ordered was the most unsatisfactory cheeseburger I’ve ever had the opportunity to try. Frozen for too long, the cheese was gross, the tomato was cut by what looked like an uncoordinated child. However, Onion Rings were actually really good — so at least they’ve got that going for them. But as someone who worked in a small seafood shack like this as my first job at 14 (and later managed it for 3 years) and went on to work in high end bars and restaurants for 13 years, I can tell you that this place sucks!
To the old woman: You should absolutely STOP WORKING with people.
To the staff: I’m sorry you have to work with that woman and see me react poorly to her.
To the owners: Good luck! haha

Everything was perfect!
Fried clams.
Fried Shrimp.
Scallop Roll.
Onion Rings.
Chicken finger plate.
Homemade Iced Tea!

This place is amazing. I am real picky about my fried clams and i have never found a place anywhere that serves clams this good. I drive from Ma. 110 miles just to get there fried clams and onion rings. The only place that was even close to ceils clams was Yokens in portsmouth but they are not there anymore blah went there as a child for decades. Its nice at ceils also to be able to bring your own cooler of drinks nice to have an ice cold beer. I have no clue how some people giving a review here can leave negative reviews they must work for a different restaurant and they are sabotaging Ceils. I am heading up there in a couple days cant wait to visit Ceil’s. Oh yah and the ice cream is awesome also.

My wife wanted some clam chowder or even clam cakes but the «Clam stand» had neither. I wanted a lobster roll and they did not disappoint. It was fresh and lightly seasoned. Aside from not some essential clam products (IMHO) this is good place to get some delicious seafood.

Absolutely gross! Poor quality food. We love fried clams, but these were not good at all! If you want good clams go to Bob’s Clams in Kittery or The Clam Box.

we have been here a number of times always a great take enjoy it. very much have not found a bad thing to say all we get is clam plate, scallop plate very good since i was little nothing has changed

Seafood platter with onion rings came out in a brown paper bag which was placed in a light weight box (a good thing) with napkins, forks, knives, ketchup and tartar sauce. Opened the bag and thought does not look like much. We could not finish! Delicious onion rings, scallops, clams, shrimp and fish! Left overs for tomorrow… clams, onion rings and scallops!

I wish there was an option for 0 stars. Food is overpriced and the family that owns this business is beyond rude (see other reviews for examples). What’s worse — they steal the tips from the tip jars from the workers! I wish a TV station would do a spotlight review, this has to be illegal. All tips are collected every evening, the young workers get nothing. Around October/​November they mail a check with an arbitrary amount. This has to violate employment laws. Do not patronize such an establishment!

Fried clams, fried scallops, and onion rings are the best ever. The freshness makes the difference. The chowdahs are both delicious as well. The young ones in our family have always loved the hotdogs. Everything in this completely authentic place is made with care, and has been since 1948. It is a clam STAND, so it has outdoor picnic tables, a covered and an uncovered section. All the attention goes to the food sourcing and preparation, which makes this a place our family reveres.

Two lobster rolls for $ 27.99? I was shocked when we got them because they were tiny! Can’t be out of season! We won’t try this pricey shack again. They were… meh.

My wife and I ate here Tuesday evening 14 July 2015. Service was lousy and the attitude at front counter was terrible. We had 2 very small pieces of fish, which tasted good, and one medium fries. Total bill was $ 23.86!!! What a RIPOFF. This place was recommended by a friend, who had not been there in years. Maybe they were good once, but don’t waste your time now! Worst experience we’ve had in a long time. I couldn’t give a zero, or I would.

Possibly the worst service ever, bad attitude, BAD!!!
Got here 10 min before closing and the girl working counter was just awful, considering there were other people waiting still for food her actions were unacceptable! And the food wasn’t even worth it ! Thumbs down for me!!! I rather go see here where the staff is happy your there and the food is great!

2 stars at best. If you enjoy chowder that is consistent of water and butter then this is the chowder for you. Not what we had in mind when you think about chowder… The price was outrageous for sure mediocre food. Service was okay.

I was looking seriously forward to coming to Ceal’s for some superb clams from what I had seen on a National TV review! Don’t recall if it was the Food Channel or the Travel channel. While some have complained about the service, etc, I found that quite good and friendly. What I did NOT find, was even GOOD quality clams. Guess I’ve gotten spoiled by the real deal on up the coast a ways, or my standards have become too high, but I was terribly disappointed in the clams here! Thanks but no thanks! I’ll stick with the walkup in Kittery on Rt 1 north.

They called me a «f**king psycho» in front of other customers.
I asked for a chocolate frozen yogurt with Oreos mixed in. I took one bite and it wasn’t flavorful at all. I felt bad but walked back in to ask to exchange it for chocolate ice cream instead. The high school girl working the counter rudely told me she would not give me something in exchange for free just because I didn’t like the taste. I was surprised but decided it was due to inexperience with customer service and thought I could ask for a manager at the related clam stand. When I approached the window at the clam stand, I asked for a manager and and older woman decided to speak with me. I asked If I’d be able to switch my chocolate yogurt for chocolate ice cream and she also told me it wasn’t her problem I didn’t like the taste. She asked what was wrong with it and began disparaging me to other workers inside the stand. She told me she wanted to see the product I bought and to determine if it was bad on her own. I told her there wasn’t anything bad about the yogurt, it just wasn’t what I was expecting. She made me pick it out of the trash, she inspected it and then told me I had to Put it back into the trash to receive 2 dollars back (wouldn’t it have been better to just make me happy with a chocolate ice cream?) when I was walking back from the trash can, another worker (blonde) helping another customer told the customer that I was a «f**cking psycho» (out loud and very deliberately) for thinking I deserved another flavor for free.
Horrible customer service. My family owns a beach house across the street and we have many guests all summer long– we won’t be encouraging anyone to come here after this poor treatment.

Juicy, plump, clean, and amazingly sweet fried clams. Best I’ve ever had. They are sold market price. This weekend was about $ 12 for a small which is enough for one person if you have some sides. Earlier in the day I had whole belly fried clams at one of the stands on the boardwalk and it was far inferior and $ 3 more expensive for the same size. If you want to take a long walk or get it on your way in/​out of the main beach area, it is definitely worth it!
They take credit card. The service wasn’t super but whatever. They have picnic tables.

Fried clams — YES! Fried scallops, shrimp, haddock, onion rings, fries, slaw. amazing. It is what it is. This is a fried seafood shack. If you embrace that and overlook that it’s a tad pricey, you will LOVE it. You can split a plate for sure — in my opinion especially if you get a side of their home-​made potato salad. I’m picky about anyone else’s tater salad; this one is really good. I’m going to give a shout out to the fresh brewed iced tea as well. I really like theirs; tea flavor is just right.
Chowder is middle of the road. Let me reiterate that the whole belly fried clams are clean, sweet, and yumma-​licious. This is the best clam shack I’ve encountered thus far.
Outdoor picnic tables both covered and open. If you take out and head to a picnic table overlooking the ocean or a spot of grassy knoll with a view, better still.

I have been going to Ceal’s since birth lol Now that I live in Miami, my visits are less frequent. I make sure I get in at least 2 visits to Ceal’s every year. It is expensive, but worth every penny to me. I only get the fried shrimp, onion rings, fries, cole slaw, and sometimes a little fried haddock. All of it is amazing. I end up stuffing myself every time. I personally don’t like fried clams or scallops, but my family loves the ones at Ceal’s. The only other thing I’ve had from the menu is their chowder. That’s the only thing I would skip. Stick to the fried stuff!!! They open for the 2013 season on May 5^th: D I’ll be there Memorial weekend and I can’t wait for my shrimp!!!

Ceal’s is the best fried clam between the Cape and Maine. They are very clean, NEVER SANDY, which you cannot say the same about a lot of places. The batter is just enough and is light and fluffy. As with Lobster Rolls we have samples Fried Clams from the spots down in Boston, Harwich Port, S. Yarmouth, Matha’s Vineyard, Methuen, Newburyport MA; Seabrook, Hampton, Rye, Portsmouth, New Hampshire; Kittery, and Ogunquit Maine, and we like Ceal’s the best.
We recently stopped there with some friends, who are from Ipswich, after going on a party boat fishing, and they even admitted they are so in love with the Clam Box, but Ceal’s is equal if not better.

Love the seafood here… Love, Love, Love the scallops… In all my years of Hampton trips, never really stopped in here much until 1 time last year & now have been back about 3 – 4 this summer so far… The food is soo good…
The ordering process & the wait — Not so much, but I guess you have to wait for fresh cooked, good food… it just seems like an eternity…
And the prices are a little steep… But Ill continue to go, wait a long time & over pay because they are just that good!