4. Restaurants

Gilbert’s Chowder House

92 Commercial St, Portland, ME, 04101
  • (207) 871-5636
  • Store is closed

Gilbert’s Chowder House Menu

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  • Scott G.

    Great location and service.

    (4)

  • Cindy B.

    Quaint place the food was really good and easy on the pocket book. Boiled lobster dinner and lobster roll. The lemon raspberry cheese cake was wonderful too!

    (4)

  • Jason L.

    If I could give Gilbert's 0 or negative stars I would. This was the saddest excuse for a seafood dinner I have ever had to endure. But, I guess that serves me right for trying to order something that wasnt on the menu, but I thought that "broiled scallops" wouldn't be that difficult. The menu consists largely of fried items and bacon laden chowder, and I wanted something lighter. I got lightened alright, right in my wallet. 5 of us dined on the patio in the back, surrounded by drunk 20 somethings on a saturday evening. The wafting cigarette smoke from the nearby "smokers section" was appetizing. My cohorts ordered the fried scallop special (scallops, coleslaw, fries, chowder for $18.95). My wife & I settled on "broiled scallops" which we asked if the chef could prepare. The waitress said "no problem" and asked if we wanted the special or the dinner (market price). I now know that "market price" means "bend over and take it", because it was $28/ea for the same portion as the "special". The only difference? We paid $10 more and didn't get chowder or coleslaw included. My plate came out with a gelatinous glop of butter/breadcrumb sludge covered pieces of scallop that were just this slimy off-putting texture, piled ontop of a heap of fries. It looked more like a half-assed attempt at Scallops Poutine. I ate about 4-5 bites because I was hungry and then I couldn't stomach it anymore. I reached over and sampled my daughter's clam chowder, which was anything but. NO clam flavor, no chunks of clam, just an off-white hillock of mashed potato and bacon. Then I turned to the "haddock stew" I ordered, figuring maybe I could seek solace. Wrong. The "stew" consisted of 1 big piece of haddock dunked in a bowl of cream. I questioned the waitress on the difference in price between the scallop special & dinner, and asked her what justified the $10 price difference? I got the famous, "I just work here" line... and that's when I gave up and realized that nobody gives a shit. I beg and implore anybody coming to Portland for seafood, avoid Commercial St at all costs, ESPECIALLY THIS PLACE. There is a strong reason why they have empty seats at 6pm on a Saturday night in a tourist area. I learned a hard lesson that cost me $140.

    (1)

  • Linz E.

    This place is pretty small and could easily be overlooked amongst the other dockside lobster shops. But it's worth a visit! Go in and get that chowder! The staff was personable even though we came in close to closing time. I had a bread bowl with New England clam chowder, and not only was it delicious, it was thick and chunky as chowder should be. The bread was soft, but since the crust wasn't crispy that sucker was soggy by the time I went to devour it. Still, it was very good and reasonably priced too.

    (4)

  • Jose R.

    All we had was the clam chowder. It had good flavor. Too many potatoes though. You would think that there would be more clams. Service was good and quick. The attire is casual so feel free to stop in wearing your shorts and flip flops.

    (3)

  • James L.

    Ordered clam chowder, corn with chicken chowder, lobster roll and steamed lobster. Food was mediocre not what I had imagined and clam chowder didn't have much clams in it.

    (2)

  • Carol N.

    Don't even consider this place if you want a good clam chowdah. Seriously, I think they got it out of a Campbell's soup can. The help was pleasant, for the most part, and the fries were good. The bloody mary was strong, but decent. The clam chowder is better at Gritty's.

    (2)

  • Heidi R.

    The patio is awesome here. Right on the water and covered so you don't bake in the sun. Seat yourself which is great. The service is a bit slow but I guess if you are getting fresh food, that's alright. I had the fried clams and fish and chips. Food was decent. They have ONE bathroom. Bad idea when the restaurant is full... there was always a very long line. I am not from the area so I probably won't go back and I don't know if I would if I visited Portland again. So many other options.

    (3)

  • Derek C.

    There are plenty of seafood restaurants on Commercial Street that are better than this. Haddock was dry and overcooked with WAY too much breading. Lobster was UNDERCOOKED and looked like sashimi in the middle. I asked the waitress to take it back--which she did, but only after "taking a look." As if I don't know how to tell a lobster is undercooked. The only redeeming factor of this restaurant is that the clam chowder is quite good.

    (2)

  • Chris T.

    Stopped here one night while walking around Commercial street. Didnt see a parking lot for this place so I parked at metered parking. Initially sat on the patio but after waiting & waiting & waiting for the waitress to acknowledge me..I gave up & went inside. It had rained earlier in the day & it looked like the rain made it inside as the floor was slippery, wet, & dirt had been tracked in. Ordered the lobster roll & chips. "Lobstah" roll was good, not great. Waitress & bartender inside were nice. This isnt the restaurant atmosphere. Its more diner. Wasnt exactly what I expected...

    (2)

  • Amanda M.

    I was looking to get a lobster roll before I caught my flight out of Maine, and Gilbert's had some pretty good reviews. I stopped in just after 2pm. Despite the cold, the out-of-season status, and the post-lunch lull, there were quite a few others grabbing food in here, so I can only imagine what this place looks like on a busy day. I ordered a cup of clam chowder. For the price (over $5) and based on other reviews, I expected a few more clams. My bowl seemed mostly filled with potatoes. Still, it was good, chunky, chowder, and certainly warmed me up. I also ordered the lobster roll ($14 - wasn't impressed since I got a whole lobster for that price the night before). There was minimal mayo, which I appreciated, but the lobster was so cold it was almost frozen. I had to let it sit for quite a while before it seemed warm enough to eat. The roll was buttery and perfectly toasted, albeit small. I think as some others have mentioned, it was entirely claw meat. Overall it was okay, but wish I would have ordered the whole lobster instead.

    (3)

  • Chenkai L.

    The clam chowder here was super delicious! Not disappointed for a chowder from portland maine. We had the seasonal shipyard pumpkin beer and loved it. My favorite thing was the calarmi we ordered here, one of the best calamari i ever had, super tasty, fresh and tender!

    (4)

  • selina k.

    Went here after weekend with friends n family up north in casco maine Got here sat our self. Order giblet plater of seafood ..fish fell out of when try to get it off / cut. Will everything pierce that was fried came off. Half cut scallops fried The in take veggie on that plate was less.. (Cole slaw ) was very small portion Seafood chowder ( it has bacon n a lot of potato ) Should have find a places with no bacon in chowder . Not good for people who don eat meat but eat seafood only . I prefer no bacon but all they chowder has bacon n made with bacon ( not big fan of bacon ) they put few pieces of lobster meat on top. My thing was potato. Too much.. Almost every bite has potato n had baby shrimp For price of chowder was good. Had clam bake it was ok. For price of grease was just too much..then again it deep fried They don have kid stuff... Hotdog n grill cheese really not things I serve my kid. My kid just wanted French fries n nothing else They salad only one to pick from garden salad if u wanted add stuff it extra really 5-8 bucks more No other salad to pick. I like my salad picks I think it was ok.. Could have better chowder making ways. Then add bacon only in they chowder .

    (3)

  • Amy D.

    Gilbert's was one of the first places my husband and I ate when we moved to Maine. The lobster roll served with chips in a non-pretentious style is very Maine. The fish and chips are good. The atmosphere is very casual. The food is good. The service is reasonable. And weather you are a local or an out-of-towner, sometimes everyone needs a little cold lobster in a warm, buttered bun. No frills. No fuss.

    (3)

  • Jennifer R.

    Just had dinner here - very casual atmosphere..clam chowder decent, lobster roll average. The lobster roll is very plain - in other words lobster with no adornment. Blueberry cobbler was very good. Service exceptionally friendly - solid 3 star type of place. Prices were competitive - and the lobster roll had a good amount of meat in it. Small beer list, but Allagash is on tap. Convenient walk from any of the hotels on Fore street or down in Old Port.

    (3)

  • S S.

    $80 for a family of 4. Appetizer fried calamari....12 and 16 year old would not eat, as they thought it was too greasy. Calamari was fresh and tender, but the fry was greasy and no seasonings at all. Salad not as good as bag at grocery....salad dressing served in packets that one might get in salad bag at grocery. Chowder was not worthy for Texans, though we lived in MA for a few years. Houstons or Whole food has better chowder. Big disappointment for the children. ALERT: Based on this experience, RESERVATIONS are a must in Portland for a weekend in JUNE and many places do not take reservations for 4! Waits were 1- 1.5 hours. PLAN AHEAD. There was no wait at Gilberts.

    (1)

  • Mike H.

    Just got into Maine last night. Had to try some lobster rolls. So this is my first stop. The lobster roll was amazing. Lobster was not overly dressed or greasy and the roll was toasted to perfection. The clam chowder is a must have. It was delicious. Loved it.

    (5)

  • Susan G.

    Chowder was really good but the fried fish was only ok. Would maybe go back for chowder bit that's it

    (3)

  • Aaron P.

    The perfect New England Clam Chowder. After my first taste of their clam chowder, all Gilbert's needed to do was keep from messing up in order to earn five stars from me, and I'm happy to say they succeeded. Clam chowder is a hotly-debated topic. Thick vs thin. Chunky vs less-chunky. Everybody has their preferences. But for my tastes, this was the ideal clam chowder. This was the one I imagine when I think of the food. Eating it was like living in my mind's own fantasy...of chowder. It came in a styrofoam cup with a plastic spoon and two bags of oyster crackers. This was perfect. I swear, it was so good I didn't even touch the crackers. I didn't even put pepper on it! I just ate it until I was scraping it from the rounded corners of the bottom of the styrofoam cup. With the small soup I also had a grilled cheese. This was also perfect. It came with ruffled chips, which I largely neglected, and a Kosher dill pickle spear. The dish was served in a red plastic basket with a wax paper liner. Yes. Truthfully, I haven't explored chowder in the area much, but I have a hard time imagining anything beating Gilbert's. Regardless, if you want a good cup of chowder and you like it thick and creamy, check it out. Definitely check it out.

    (5)

  • Glenn M.

    Great mom and pop level restaurant. Service was prompt. The steamers were great as were the fried clams and crab roll. Not fancy but more enjoyable to us than one of the fancy, highly rated restaurants in town.

    (4)

  • Lydia S.

    Lobster roll- disappointing:( Tasteless and mushy because it was mostly claw meat. Steamed mussels- small, overlooked and didn't have much flavor either. Fried oysters- okay. Clam Steamers- tough and gritty.

    (1)

  • Rich J.

    Great fried clams. Very good seafood chowder. Very generous serving of steamers. We also sat outside on a perfect day so that made the experience even more enjoyable. And of course why not wash it all down with an Allagash White.

    (4)

  • Morton Z.

    As the name implies the chowder here is pretty good. Had the clam chowder and you definitely get a good amount of clam. However, the lobster roll was really not that great: No taste. But the bread they used for the roll was good. Not a bad lunch but I wouldn't come back for the lobster roll.

    (3)

  • Isabel K.

    Went on a Saturday night and managed to nab the last open table. My son ordered the seafood chowder and loved it. I got the lobster stew. It was good, but not worth $14.95 - if I had known I would have ordered a chowder too. My husband got the Seafood Platter. The seafood was fried perfectly and was delicious! The portion was generous, but that could be because they charge $33.95 for a plate. Our server was just ok. There were numerous times we were looking for her to get another beer or to get the check, but she was nowhere to be found. Perhaps they need more servers especially on a weekend. She wasn't rude, but not pleasant either so we only left a 15% tip. Next time I might just get take-out and go eat by the water.

    (4)

  • Lauren K.

    Not only was this the best clam chowder I've ever had, it was the best bowl of soup I've had! Definitely coming back before we leave town.

    (4)

  • David R.

    Great chowder. I can't say whether Gilbert's is the best in town, or even the best on the waterfront, but it is damn good chowder, if perhaps light on clams. The fried haddock is also well done. The french fries and bread bowl are just so-so. Credit them also for serving a couple of local beers on draft. The atmosphere is bare bones, just one level up from "shack," but that is what you should want from a seaside chowder-and-fried-seafood joint. Those kinds of places usually have better service than we got at Gilbert's. Not only was our guy dour and lackadaisical, but he also screwed up our order. However, I observed other waitresses being quite pleasant with their customers, so perhaps it was just our bum luck to get the bad apple.

    (3)

  • Princess J.

    small place. we sat on outside patio wasnt busy so worked out. ordered full belly clams they were delicious best ive ever had and their tartar sauce is good, clam chowder best ever had so different from all places ive had chowder. steamed mussells were good. lobster roll full of lobster but lacking in flavoring the lobster. i used tartar and it was good. didnt care for the chips they came with. it was chips. service was good. if you sit outside be careful they have some unscared seagulls that will dive in for food anywhere buy mainly if u walk away from food. overall i would go again and again for chowder and deep fried full belly clams. so fresh and light crust on clams.

    (4)

  • Chad K.

    Clam Chowder was very tasty. But then, it IS a "chowder house" so you sort of expect them to get that right. Fish (Haddock) and Chips were on special. Everything was fresh and hot, but the fish was really bland. Perhaps it's suppose to be that way and you're suppose to douse it in malt vinegar to give it flavor? When I think fried fish I think of southern fried catfish and that typically has a lot of seasoning and flavor. This tasted bland by comparison. Overall, the food is good. Not great. I'll rate this place a "Like" but it's probably more of a Neutral. How they go about seating customers is a little ridiculous. If they're busy then you have to wait in the cramped entryway and a server will come get you when a table opens up. No host/hostess and no waiting list. Just chaos and annoyance. Wait staff could be a lot more friendly. They suffer that problem like many employees at popular diners do. So many customers are wanting to eat there that they don't really need to work hard for your business, so they don't. So, they can be inattentive and smiles are rare.

    (3)

  • Theresa B.

    Great bloody Mary! Huge portions! Super fresh seafood! Thick creamy chowder! Quick friendly staff! I'll come back definitely.

    (4)

  • R N.

    Their clam chowdah is the best in Maine! I used to come here all the time when I lived in Portland more than 10 years ago. I'm so glad to find out that they haven't changed a bit. The tasty chowder, friendly service, and the old-time atmosphere were all there. Can't wait to go back again!

    (5)

  • Hanna G.

    Let me start of by saying that I worked here for 12 years. Starting as a bus girl to waitress and bartender. I pretty much know this place inside and out. Next, I am now a vegan still would have a cup of chowder with a small side of frys (because it's that unreal). We use to ship this stuff to "chowderheads" around the country it's that good. You literally should go no where else unless you like chowder that is skimped out in seafood and is watered down. The owner has made the chowder EVERY SINGLE day since they started- no joke. Very impressive. Bread bowls can be too much and I use to throw a lot away because they were a waste of food. If your not into chowder it's okay because the muscles, scallops and haddock are just as good! The service is very fast paced, so don't get annoyed with the service just realize these women are running around during tourist season and they will be sure to take great care of you. Gilbert's will always have a special place in my heart.

    (5)

  • Heather W.

    Their mussels were amazing... Mmmmm! Suitably garlicky and plentiful. Their beer selection was small, but fully sufficient to wash down their tasty food. Not much for ambiance, but honestly I didn't look up enough from my gigantic bowl of mussels to care...

    (5)

  • Mike S.

    Nothing absolutely notable for chowder, good but not something I dream about. Also can get it in a bread bowl, which is great on a cold day! The fried clams were great and it's nice to sit outside. Bacon and salt make the chowder better!

    (3)

  • Christopher F.

    In all fairness, I am from Michigan, and I would imagine with all the fresh seafood, restaurants here must be spot on to stay open. Located right on the water in downtown Portland, this restaurant feels like a typical New England restaurant although locals may consider it for tourist. We ordered the clam chowder in the bread bowl, needless to the say the chowder was great but not the best I have ever had. If I came back to this place I would order what my wife ordered the seafood chowder, loaded with lobster, clams, and shrimp, a little pricey but we'll worth it. Finally we had to try the famous New England lobster roll. The lobster roll came on a toasted bun, and was loaded with lump lobster meat and the sauce did not have much mayonnaise at all. Was really satisfied with the lobster roll. The one negative of this place, was the service, seating was a free for all and the waitress looked annoyed. One would think in these times any business would be appreciated but you certainly do not feel that at this restaurant. Also try the local blueberry ale, yum!

    (4)

  • Doug S.

    Not that great. The place is located in the tourist area on the water. We did not have a clue where to go. We did not plan on any place we just winged it. The Gilbert house is set up like a shack. We got the lobster roll because that what everyone gets. Did not have much taste Or any taste. . And cost over 13 dollars. And fries cost more. You get chips. But that is the price in the wharf area. You can find cheaper if you leave that area. We did have good beer local variety. But we did not get a second one because the waitress decided we were done and brought us are check. She did not do a good job at service. Do not plain on going back did not like this place. And did not care for the wharf. We have been to much nicer cleaner places.

    (2)

  • Trevor G.

    Gilbert's seems to keep a steady crowd, even on a Sunday night. We were seated quickly, and were attended to by a friendly but prompt waitress. I had the fish and chips and the haddock stew. Unpretentiously presented on a paper plate and in a Styrofoam cup, these dishes far exceeded my expectations. Fish and chips were fresh, though the breading was a bit heavy. The creamy and buttery haddock stew was simple yet tasty.

    (4)

  • A F.

    Went into the restaurant expecting decent seafood since I saw reviews were pretty good and the location was great for fresh seafood. Got the seafood chowder and clam chowder to start. Both were bleh. I've had better before. Not much flavor in either. The staff was really unfriendly when we walked in. We were waiting to either seat ourselves or be seated (never been here before so we weren't sure how it worked) and all the waitresses just walked by us and didn't make any eye contact or even greet us at the door and say "seat yourself". It was like we were invisible. Very rude. We finally sat down and ordered from the bar. The bartender was nicer than the girls. He took our orders, we got scallops and fish n chips. Gotta say, not too good at all. Tasted very bland. Fries were greasy and tasteless as well. Barely made a dent in the plate and decided to leave. We were really looking for great seafood. Didn't find it here!

    (1)

  • Leann D.

    don't waste your time or money! first of all we should have known something was wrong as we walked in, it smelled horrible (rotten eggs) or maybe even worse. The chowder they say is award winning, (UM, I don't think so) it was too think and not a lot of flavor, as the haddock stew had plenty of fish in it, but the broth taste like pure butter, then worst of all was the "CANNED" fresh maine crabmeat, it had no flavor was very bland and soaked in water. it was terrible! I would not go back, either should you!!!

    (1)

  • Young P.

    Totally overrated. Clam chowder is good but its not amazing. Lobster roll is small and bland. Clam strip is literally just overfried dough. I am a fair food critic, not a hater. This place is mediocre at best.

    (2)

  • Martin H.

    Great service, good food. Fun place offering a variety of chowders and fresh seafood as well as several local brews. Really liked the blueberry ale. Worth a visit.

    (4)

  • Nikki A.

    Only had the clam chowder here and was a bit disappointed. Tasted more like potato soup. Very thick and hardly any clams. Good place to get some cheap beers thou

    (3)

  • Rafael A.

    On my roadtrip through Maine to Canada, we stopped at Gilbert's for a quick lunch. The lobster stew was great. It had chunks of lobster. It was a great start to 2 days of eating tons of lobster dishes.

    (4)

  • Flora F.

    My fish chowder had plenty of flavor, but I would have preferred it less thick. The scallops were excellent, broiled by special request. Onion rings were mixed: the texture was right (crispy and flaky outside, fully cooked inside for a nice clean bite), but the flavor was pretty bland (or maybe I've just been spoiled by the take-no-prisoners approach to onion rings in the South, where there would be a lot more buttermilk and pepper in the breading). The dining room is refreshingly, restfully plain, bright (but not too bright) and clean but showing no signs of a decorator's touch. Don't let the tourists scare you away: even locals can enjoy this place.

    (4)

  • L J.

    Dunno why this place has such low reviews. I felt like prices were pretty fair. We got 12 pieces of mussel for $4! Chowder is good and filling. Maybe not the best I've had but definitely worth the amount you pay for. Great location and not a rip off thus I will give it an above average rating

    (4)

  • Jeremy F.

    Walked in, sat down for 20 minutes and no one even came by to see if we were ready while every table that sat around us was served. F-

    (1)

  • Dan F.

    This place is fair at best. I had the lobster roll and it was pounded like a poodle from a bulldog with mayo. It lacked a good flavor, and yes, it's lobster!! We did get the fried clams which were very good. My wife had the chowder which was super concrete thick, we know good chowder BTW. It was around closing time, so perhaps that is why it was not that great. I don't think we would go back.

    (2)

  • Mike M.

    I ordered a medium size seafood chowder and the lobster roll. First the good: the seafood chowder was a 4 and the price was 6.95 which I thought was very reasonable. The bad: the lobster roll at $14.95 was a waste of time and money. It was a small portion of meat and was rather bland. The roll at Fishermans Grill is far superior. For a total bill of $27 and I did not get my money's worth. I can only give this place an overall 3 for the chowder.

    (3)

  • Casie P.

    Visiting Maine in march which is not peak lobster time. Ordered fries oysters and steamed lobster. AMAZING!! Great beer and staff with great prices.

    (5)

  • Jeanie B.

    Most everyone in our group ordered the seafood chowder tonight. It was tasty with lobster pieces in it and shrimp. It was perfect for a cool evening. Fried clams were not impressive. One in our group ordered a lobster roll. We had had lobster rolls the day before in York that were far superior. Our biggest issue is it is a seat yourself restaurant. The line was going out the door. There was a lot of confusion with people in line because they don't take your name while you wait. We managed to only wait 15 minutes because we timed it right. By the looks of the line, folks were in for a long wait tonight. I would have been disappointed if I had waited for almost an hour for the quality level of food we received.

    (3)

  • George K.

    Basket food. Reasonably priced considering it's touristy. Deck seating, first come first served. Nothing special.

    (3)

  • Wanda G.

    The food here was so food! I had never had chowder and it was delicious! The employees there are SO friendly! Marie was so friendly and always had smile on her face! She treated is like she had know is forever! The food and employees were all as good as it gets!! :-)

    (5)

  • Janine C.

    So so . Got the lobster stew but only consisted of cream base and lobster . No veggies no herbs nothing else. Perhaps I'll try another dish next time .

    (2)

  • Philip J.

    If you enjoy fried food in a place smelling like raw sewage, this is the place for you! Honestly, the food is OK, but the atmosphere with the stench of sewage from the sea wrecks the ambience completely! I would recommend moving on, unless cheap food is the priority.

    (2)

  • Tahnee S.

    I wasn't sure what to expect after I saw the yelp rating of 3.5 stars, but since my tour driver recommended it, I went anyway. I'm glad I did since the food was delicious. I ordered the fried clam strips with french fries and clam chowder ($14.95). This was my first taste of fried clams and they were crispy on the outside, tender on the inside. The soup was really good as well. Overall I was impressed...The only reason I didn't give it five stars was it took them awhile to come up after I sat down as they were going through a shift change.

    (4)

  • K C.

    Very disappointing. Way overpriced for the quality and quantity of food, all served on paper plates. We took our out-of-town guests there for dinner one night, and felt we paid way too much money for sub-par food. My husband ordered the scallops, was told by the waitress he'd get 7, but he really got 3 small ones cut in half. The rest of the basket was filled with bad-tasting fries. For $18!! I got a crab meat salad that was not good at all. The only reason I'm giving Gilbert's 2 stars instead of 1 is because we had a very different experience in the non-tourist season. It was really cold out, and my family and I popped in for some clam chowder, which was delicious. And much less expensive than during peak-season. Do NOT go here in the summer!

    (2)

  • Eileen M.

    Delicious there claim chowder was so hearty and refreshing. Would def eat this again! There shrimps were good there fries were amazing. The places atmosphere is great full of people.

    (5)

  • Mark A.

    The inside of Gilbert's has a local feel that hasn't been ruined with any influx of tourists. And for food, I thought it was excellent. Aside from having the first clam chowder spilled on me by the waitress, the next bowl of clam chowder was excellent. And then the lobster roll. It too was as advertised by fellow Yelpers and the buttered/toasted roll is the only way to go for me. The prices were also great as was the staff. So even if you have something spilled on you, it is good enough to forgive and still have a pleasant experience.

    (4)

  • Mohib Q.

    Gilbert's seems to be a local spot, and from impressions given to this New England visitor, I couldn't help but soak it all in. Driving in from the I-95 wasn't hard, and parking took a few times around the block. Metered parking was hard to get on a Thursday around 5:00 p.m. Garages were an option but after 10 minutes I found a spot across the street. I sat down rather quickly with my friend, and grabbed the menu from the waitress in minutes. The place had a short-order kind of feel. The place was moderately bustling, and people were definitely staring at us. I suppose they were able to tell we weren't locals. The odd stares were not comforting. But I digress, because I was here for the food. My friend ordered the apple cider and seafood chili. His verdict was that the seafood chili wasn't too tasty, given that he wasn't used to seafood in chili. I ordered the shrimp with french fries and small clam chowder. The chowder was absolutely delicious and should have been the only thing I ordered. It was indeed fresh, and not too thick (not loaded with cornstarch) with plenty of chunks. The french fries were nothing special, and the shrimp was rather crispy as well. All together the meal cost almost $30. Considering we were very full and couldn't finish our meals, this was a good buy. However, the decor was not spectacular. This wasn't a fine dining establishment, nor was it meant to be. I don't think I would come back here considering the plethora of other options in the area for visitors. Yet, the clam chowder was better than what you may find on the west coast, and by that token worth a taste.

    (3)

  • Marshall S.

    I am on the tail end of a tour of New England and Gilbert's Chowder House was the best restaurant experience our group of four tourists had for the entire trip. We wanted to stop for lunch on our way up to Freeport and a quick Google search showed Gilbert's as being pretty highly rated. It was our first chance to try real New England chowder during our trip so we went for it. The atmosphere was excellent and very authentic feeling, being right on the docks in Portland. Our experience took place in mid-October but it was warm enough to sit in their enclosed patio area. There were families, tourists, and pets occupying the seats around us. The food was incredible. The chowder was creamy and flavorful, fried clams were delicious, and one member of the group was even impressed by their grilled cheese. The staff was helpful and friendly but not overwhelming. We have tried at least four other seafood restaurants in New England and they were good, but Gilbert's was our favorite.

    (5)

  • Kelly Y.

    Fresh, delicious, very casual, love everything I have which makes me want to try more items. I hit up this spot evey time I am in town, and will continue to do so. Favorite so far: fish & chips

    (4)

  • Kristine N.

    They have a few parking spots if you get lucky. Cute restaurant with the patio right on the water. The bar behind Gilbert's had live music going on so that was a nice treat. Great service. Maine steamed lobster dinner was a little small but delicious. Corn was so so. Fries were crispy and prefect. Lobster roll was loaded between buttery toast with just the right amount of mayo. Seafood chowder had huge chunks of lobster claws in it... yummmmm.

    (4)

  • Julie F.

    This restaurant doesn't look like much from the outside and it doesn't help that there was scaffolding next to it when I went. Inside, the place looks kind of old and not real inviting, but it's definitely better to eat outside on the deck. I ordered a small clam chowder which is supposed to be award-winning. It was good but not the best I have ever tasted. The consistency was right--not too thin and not too thick. The potatoes in it were a bit salty. I also ordered a lobster roll which came with potato chips and a wedge of pickle. The lobster roll had a light coating of mayonnaise and they gave you a packet of mayonnaise if you needed more. There was also lettuce inside the roll. The roll was nicely toasted and buttered and it was definitely stuffed with lobster. I didn't eat many of the chips, but they looked like Ruffles. The server was cheerful, attentive, and very nice.

    (4)

  • J G.

    Good fries. Clam chowder was mostly potatoes and barely any clams. Pastrami sandwich had very little pastrami. $21 for a skimpy sandwich, good fries and a cup of "potato" chowder, not including tip. Pass.

    (2)

  • Candace B.

    Delicious! Ducked in here quickly to just get out of the rain, and I'm so glad we did! I had the lobster dinner. Lobster was succulent. Corn was sweet and delicious. French fries were crisp--so much better than boiled potatoes! My husband had fried scallops which he said were sweet and delicious, along with clam chowder. Cooked with bacon, can't go wrong there! This was definitely a serendipitous find. I would recommend this meal without hesitating. Our waitress was so helpful and friendly. A nice find.

    (4)

  • Greg E.

    We had Gilbert's for dinner and sat out on the back patio. It was a great place to go with our daughter and the service was great. I had a lobster roll which, I will admit, was my touristy side and thus I can't give it a good review because I've only had a few. My wife had a scallop platter which was excellent. Although the scallops were fried (not my preferred way of having them prepped) they were awesome. The clam chowder was good and the price seemed alright. Oh and my daughter loved her hotdog so I guess that counts for something.

    (4)

  • Clara L.

    If you are looking for a low key place for a good lunch, this is the place. I got a lobster roll (they toast the bun here), onion rings, and clam chowder with bacon. Definitely more food than I could handle, but I wanted to try it all. The lobster roll was good but nothing to set it apart from other places. The onion rings were battered in a corn meal batter, and was quite good. The chowder was nicely salted, and had a decent amount of potato in it. All that plus a cider is a great way to end the summer and begin the fall.

    (3)

  • Paul W.

    This was the second time we've dropped by for lunch at this place - the first time was at least 5 years ago with our friends who live in Cape Elizabeth. Nice pier location - very atmospheric if you like that kind of background. Both times we went there, it rained - maybe Mother Nature was telling us something. However, we liked the place - it has a good reputation. The Chowder was slightly spicy, but thick and creamy, and the ambiance was sort of noisy - kids running amok and falling, crying, parents yelling to get them to stop - one fell and scraped her knee - luckily no stitches required! The service was friendly and very accommodating - I had to run back to feed the meter where I parked a few more quarters a few blocks away, so the waitress made sure to hold our orders off until I returned. The servings were adequate - my wife ordered a Bread Bowl Chowder which was gigantic - she could not finish it - and nether could I, since I opted for just a non-bread bowl. Service was quick and the prices were fair. Our dog, Marco, was treated kindly with a complimentary bowl of water - we gave him some of our food so he had a good time as well. I'd go here a third time, but later in the evening when the kids are sleeping!!

    (2)

  • Morgan G.

    My friend and I had such a good experience at this restaurant. Our server was so kind and the prices aren't unreasonable. I loved my lobster roll here!

    (5)

  • Jennifer M.

    One of the cheapest steamed lobster platter around, that just gets 5 stars alone. I'm all about good prices and great food and for a 1 1/4 lobster, corn on a cob, and fries (fries or rice pilaf) ?! = $20. (If you check around, some places charge $22, $24) I really enjoyed myself here, seating was easy, food came out quickly, and it has this home-y cozy knights of columbus type feel to it, if anybody's ever had a party at Knights of Columbus halls. lol

    (5)

  • Mark S.

    My wife and I stopped in today for lunch with our 10 month old daughter. I had the mussels and she had calamari, which were both good. We both had a cup of clam chowder. Similar to one other review, we found the chowder too much like a thick cream of potato soup. They claim that their chowder is award winning, so I guess Maine style chowder is thicker and with mainly potato? We did Chowder fest in Boston a few years ago and of the 6 or 7 types we tried and loved, I don't recall any Boston style chowders tasting like that. Also, the waitress was nice but service was slow. Several tables that sat after us received their meals and were close to done eating by the time we got our food. She said she had 2 young children so I would have thought she'd understand that we'd appreciate her bringing the meal out as soon as it was ready.

    (3)

  • Maria A.

    Awesome beef stew in a bread bowl, only served in the wintertime! warm and toasty here on a very cold night!

    (5)

  • Shawn N.

    Yum! Tracy was our waitress, and she made wonderful recommendations for our party of three. Fried seafood platter (haddock, calamari, scallops, and whole belly clams), along with fried oysters and clam chowder. All was good amd I would do it all over again, but I am too full right now! :-)

    (5)

  • Sarah G.

    Back in October, I went to my favorite chowder house in the Old Port, Portland, Maine called Gilbert's gilbertschowderhouse.com… I adore this place. Going to school in Maine, it would be absolute insanity to not go out for quality sea food every so often. Lucky for me, my friend K goes to Northeastern, her parents come up for Parent's Weekend every year but never do the activities. Instead, they come up to me in Maine, and we go to this chowder house (3 years in a row now! Another foodie tradition) For such a small place, it's delicious. Just imagine: Steamed lobster with butter sauce, fried scallops, french fries, mussels, fried shrimp, and of course CLAM CHOWDER. God, their clam chowder is absolutely to die for. We're talking like I dream about it because it's so good! Hence, amazing dinner that you'll never forget.

    (5)

  • Matt G.

    Best seafood chowder I have ever had! My spoon stood straight up. Nice, thick chowder. Great lobster rolls too. Nice place for the food with laid back very casual atmosphere. Expect to wait.

    (5)

  • Michelle T.

    3.5 stars to be exact. This place was so hyped up (a local once told us this place has lines for hours outside the door during the summer!) that it was almost destined to disappoint. Seafood chowder in a bowl is definitely the way to go. The soup consistency was actually one of the thinner "chowders" i've ever had. Nothing too heavy, but full of potato and shrimp chunks. They did put a few sprinkles of lobster on top, but bring your magnifying glass. The sad part of the chowder was that I actually DIDN'T want to eat the outside of the cold bread bowl itself...which is NEVER heard of. That and the fact that the soup was indeed, lukewarm (as some other reviews have mentioned)! Taste: 3.5/5 Originality: 2 (small menu, burgers, hot dogs, 3 kinds of chowder/chili) Atmosphere: The kind of place where you can roll out of bed and come here in your PJ's! Service: 3.5/5 (Always friendly, fast, efficient)

    (3)

  • Ariel P.

    First place we ate at during our trip. Nice little lunch. My wife got the lobster roll, which was good... Not bad, or amazing. I ordered the Clam chowder on the bread bowl and it was good. Nice outside seating, where you can smell the ocean! Loved it... friendly waitress and good drink options.

    (4)

  • Brian A.

    We landed at the airport, checked into the hotel downtown and went right to Gilbert's Chowder House for a late lunch/early dinner. My girlfriend had never been to the east coast and experienced real Atlantic seafood and she was excited. We ordered the clam chowder, fish and chips and a lobster roll. The clam chowder was great but the lobster rolls and fish and chips we had were awesome. I would highly recommend this restaurant anytime.

    (4)

  • Amanda G.

    Clam chowder could have been mistaken for potatoe soup. French fries and fried scallops were greasy.

    (1)

  • Neelo S.

    Best part was the service, I felt like I was at home. Loved sitting on the deck. I had the special: fried calamari + clam chowder for $14. Prices are good. Clam chowder was great even tho it was too small. The fried calamari had too much flour, and it was too chewy. But the fries were nice and crunchy. Would I go back? Yes! But I would just order a big bowl of chowder.

    (3)

  • Alyssa F.

    I'm such a sucker for the touristy dockside chow house with lobster cages and buoys and anchors and hell yes, the ship wheels on the wall. I hate myself. So this is the place I found with a friend in Portland, and we sat with strangers and I ate a delicious buttery crumb topped broiled fish and a salad with fries, and felt far less bloated than I would have with that huge plate of fried clams that looked so good on almost every one else's plate. And then I was full of regret and walked from table to table to table begging for fried clams, the oversized, undersized, poorly breaded, burnt, soggy, not the raw but the sandy, the just plain ugly, the rejected and lonely, please, please, I pray, may I have just one of your clams, perhaps two? I'm just kidding. I didn't do that, but if I did, it would be only for strips.

    (4)

  • Tamar A.

    All we wanted was a lobster shack. We're from Boston, we're used to our water rats being marked up 400% and presented with a glass of Chardonnay. Spare us, Legal Sea Foods. Lobsters are meant to be slapped on a paper plate, adorned with a lemon wedge and a cup of melted butter, and served with a metal cracker. You're supposed to find bits of shell in your hair as the little girls from the next table look on in horror. Maine has these summer shacks of glory in spades, of course, but not so in March. All the spots highlighted on our map were closed and padlocked. We had begun to abandon all hope. UNTIL GILBERT'S THAT IS. Bless you, Gilbert's. Bless your creamy fried clams, your slightly gloopy clam chowder, your runny coleslaw. Bless your perfectly mealy-on-the-inside, crispy-on-the-outside fries. Bless the $31.99 twin lobster special we shared and the completely serviceable beer selection we quaffed at 11am. Bless the perfect simulacrum of a summery Maine meal in the first weekend of March and your welcome dismissal of anything as gauche as an "off-season."

    (5)

  • Trevor S.

    The restaurant is about as unpretentious as it gets. The lobster roll was delicious, as were the lobster dinner, fried oysters, clam chowder and lobster chowder. Actually the lobster chowder was the stand out dish. What's more, the prices were very reasonable when compared with a few of the other restaurants in the area. A solid choice for a casual dinner in Portland.

    (4)

  • Denise M.

    Be aware there is plenty of seating in the back so for seat yourself don't assume it is full from the small front room! The seafood chowder does not disappoint - full of large pieces of lobster as well as shrimp and fish. Ordered a medium cup as well as one clam cake- was a very nice small lunch.

    (4)

  • Abby M.

    I travel New England for 10 weeks straight in the fall. Oh- I also live in Rhode Island. I eat a lotta chowda in my trips but none can compare to the consistently tasty creamy warm goodness that is Gilbert's. Even if I'm not stopping in Portland- I detour for this chowda. I always take friends here when they're with me and often times they find it so good we end up sharing a second. it is served warm- not piping hot- the way it should be so you can taste all the flavors while keeping your taste buds. Now another item of debate is lobsta rolls. Theirs is dressed with the perfect amount of mayo and served with ruffle chips! Seriously, Gilbert's is perfection. I feel like a good debate is "Jay's" or "Gilbert's" and having doen both.... straight up Gilbert's, everytime, no question.

    (5)

  • Laura A.

    Normally a dark diner with styrofoam cups would send me running, but I was told Gilbert's had the best chowder in town and needed to verify this bold statement. I am so glad I did! Gilbert's chowder is phenomenal, loaded with delicious morsels of clam, lobster and other seafood goodness, not to mention easy on the wallet. I tried the clam and the seafood chowders, and wish that I could have tried all five chowders and the lobster stew, but there's only so much a girl can eat!

    (4)

  • Matt C.

    Delicious chowder and meaty fresh lobster roll! Quick service, hot, thick, chowder with goo portions of clams and potatoes. Lobster roll -- warm toasted bun and LOTS of claw meat. Highly recommend. Not fancy place - but food is great!

    (5)

  • Lee L.

    My wife and I went to Gilbert's after getting off the 4 hour whale watching tour, so we were cold, tired, and hungry. Chowder in a bread bowl was perfect for that. I had the corn and chicken chowder and she had the seafood chowder. We both were very happy with our meals. The best part is eating the bread bowl which is nice and gooey from the chowder. We also ordered onion rings and fried which were both very good and simply prepared. This place is perfect if you need something to warm you up! Great, friendly service as well.

    (5)

  • Mike T.

    I watched a number of folks walk in and turn up their noses based on the decor. Big mistake. The food is excellent especially the Seafood Chowder. Don't let the looks fool you.

    (5)

  • James W.

    Never tried the food. Was ignored for 15 minutes so we got up and left. With so many great choices in Portland skip this joint.

    (1)

  • Y V.

    This place suffers from the high prices of being on the pier. It was very busy but the waitress was able to accommodate my party of one albeit a little begrudgingly. The lobster roll was good but it wasn't great. Mine was served in a buttered hot dog bun with a side of fries. Not too bad, but I was able to find rolls with more lobster meat for less money away from this touristy area.

    (3)

  • Alex F.

    Nothing fancy, but the clam chowder and fish & chips were both excellent.

    (5)

  • Raymond I.

    We arrived exactly at 11 o'clock when they opened on a Sunday morning. The waitress promptly took our order. Two draft beers quickly appeared, cold and delicious. The clam chowder was outstanding. My wife ordered haddock, which she loved... and she really is not even a fish eater. I had fried scallops with fries. TOP NOTCH!!! I also took home a container of clam chowder. I would go out of my way to go back.

    (5)

  • Mark T.

    I've ate here on just one occasion and the food was pretty good. It's a very casual cafe atmosphere with a very friendly staff. I ate their fish and chips and overall was quite good. The chips weren't anything too amazing; however, their battered fish (haddock if I recall) was outstanding. Yes, I know, I went to a chowder house and ate fish and chips... The restaurant had a dive like feel to it, though the price was relatively cheap and service was prompt. I would go here again.

    (3)

  • Dave P.

    The chowder was the main attraction here. Creamy and full of clams and potatoes, it also has a plea sent kick. The back porch views are wonderful. The prices seemed fair, but beyond chowder most food was just fine. We had fired scallops, fried haddock, fries, and coleslaw. Solid place to eat, but nothing beyond the chowder was exceptional.

    (3)

  • Vicki S.

    When in Rome - scratch that - when in New England, you eat chowder. The clam chowder at Gilbert's is, from what I hear, among the best along the coast, and a contender among the best in Maine. Situated right on the water, eating at Gilbert's feels like eating on a boardwalk, from its dive-y setup to its weathered wood flooring. The dining room is cozy and the servers are friendly, even to southerners who may fumble their way around ordering a bowl of chowdah. It feels like the sort of place you can walk into in flip flops and a bikini top in the summer (but don't take my word on that). I ordered a small cup of clam chowder and a basket of fried clam strips. The chowder itself was unlike what I've had in the past - it was chunkier and boasted more clam with less filler than I'd had before. It should have been all I ordered (I probably ordered incorrectly) - I wasn't blown away by the clam strips and immediately wished I'd ordered whole-bellied fried clams or scallops instead. The ratio of breading to clams was out of balance and overwhelmed the teeny strips. When I'm in the area again, next time I'll go for the lobster stew - I didn't get to try it, but two of my dining companions ordered it and it looked creamy and fantastic.

    (4)

  • Megan S.

    This place has far and away the best chowder I've ever had. I tried the fish chowder and the seafood chowder and they were both outstanding. The fish chowder was like clam but with giant chunks of white fish instead of clams - same flavor, same creamy stew, potatoes, etc. The seafood chowder had a different flavor, a little kick to it. I don't know how to describe it, it wasn't spicy it just had a little something else. It was great. If you're in the area, go here and get the chowder. Portland love.

    (5)

  • Katie P.

    Great lunch spot. Casual, good service and good food.

    (3)

  • Jenny H.

    We ordered their chicken and corn chowder (since my husband doesn't like clams) in a bread bowl and I ordered their their large clam chowder. We both agreed (even though my husband doesn't like clams) that the clam chowder tasted A LOT better!!!! The chicken and corn chowder was not very good.

    (4)

  • Peter T.

    From the hardwood tables, the outside patio, and the food served in baskets with wax paper, Gilbert's screams New England authenticity. Lobster rolls have an unheard of meat to bun ratio, shrimp is nicely fried and not over done, and the shipyard root beer rounds it all off. A Portland favorite for sure.

    (5)

  • Ashley N.

    The outdoor seating is wonderful - really rustic and romantic and not to mention the smell of the ocean! I got the crab roll. It had a lot of meat in it but the taste was just a little above average. I was satisfied but not blown away. I would definitely come back here and maybe try the chowder next time! Overall thumbs up!

    (4)

  • Shirley C.

    We chose Gilbert's after checking a couple of others in the area, most of which were empty. Gilbert's was moderately busy in the front room but the deck was rocking! We ordered two beers, Shipyard IPA and Shipyard Summer, both of which were on tap and were both delicious. We ordered a twin lobster dinner, a fried haddock dinner, chicken corn chowder bread bowl and a grilled cheese. Service was excellent and our food came in a reasonable timeframe. The lobsters were perfectly cooked and sweet and tender, no tools necessary, although the butter seemed liked unsalted butter. My husband's fish was great but he thought the coleslaw was just average. My kids both loved their entrees. Overall, it was no frills dining but the food and service were excellent. We would definitely come back!

    (4)

  • Jim B.

    I've had so much crappy chowder lately; how hard is it to bet a creamy, traditional clam chowder for clam's sake? I haven't been to Gilbert's in ages, but their chowder has always been solid, creamy, and I recalled, with some bacon. I figured they'd be a safe bet for clam chowder after a day at the beach. I wasn't wrong. Me and my better half chowed down at Gilbert's late Wednesday; I had the clam chowder, with the fried oyster appetizer. Excellent! Chowder is what I was hankering for. The oysters were a pleasant surprise; cooked to perfection and yes, Gilbert's doesn't give you a minor dollop of tartar sauce, you get your own bottle! I love that! Mary went with the fried calamari, which was superb. Gilbert's fried food always is solid, mainly because they change their grease regularly (I'm guessing). Onion rings were a nice treat and a couple of cold Gritty Summers for me and a Blueberry Ale for Miss Mary were a perfect accoutrement to our post-beach dining experience at a very solid dining establishment that continues to provide reasonably-priced seafood, and great chowder.

    (4)

  • Danny H.

    Great, casual place. Food was fresh, reasonable, and served hot with a smile. Waitress was polite and attentive. Our table had the fish sandwich and a steamed lobster. Again, great value.

    (5)

  • Erin H.

    Ordered our meal to go. Friendly and fast service. The seafood chowder and fried oysters were terrific. Would like to try it one more time before giving a five star review.

    (4)

  • Scott R.

    Finding our first two restaurant choices too packed for a quick dinner on a Saturday evening, it was not encouraging to find this place near empty and not too attractive. With empty bellies and a tight schedule, we braced ourselves and went inside. FM rock, diner tables, and a hard floor tracked with wet sand. One full table and a couple of people hanging around the back. We took seats as a cheery waitress walked our way. A quick request for waters and a glance over the simple menu and the four of us were set to order: fish chowder and seafood chowder for the adults, clam chowder and hot dog for the kids. The wait wasn't too long and our server maintained a bright attitude. Food arrived in mostly disposable containers -- foam bowls, plastic cups, and paper-lined plastic baskets -- and we got to work. My fish chowder was good, a thick, creamy mix of potatoes and plenty of fish, plain but not bland. The other chowder eaters were equally pleased, though the clam had too few eponymous pieces. The hot dog was "best I ever had" and the shared fries were universally popular -- fresh, crispy, not oily, and with no off taste. We had aimed for a dining "experience" and settled for a simple supper, but we had good food at an okay price ($40 all told) with friendly service and a quick in and out. We got lucky..

    (4)

  • Rita L.

    I've been to this place twice already. Both times, I had the steamers, mussels, and the lobster roll. The lobster roll is small, but the meat is juicy and the bread is deliciously toasted to perfection. The steamers and mussels are decently huge in size and they also have three dipping sauces for the mussels. You can also dip the steamers in them if you choose as well. The waiters are friendly and helpful. My most favorable order here was the steamers and mussels, because for their price, it was worth it. Steamers were about $11.95 and the mussels (I think) was about $13.95. I'd say, if you are in for some steamers and mussels, this is the place to go to. The only thing I like about the lobster roll, was the toasted bread, as all the other Yelpers seem to rave about.

    (4)

  • Mark M.

    We were tourists from New York and Texas seeking some great local seafood. We were pleased. Two of our group ordered the hamburger (lame I know) - but they raved about it for approximately 24 hours after ("that's one of the best burgers I've had", etc). One of us had the Alaskan King Crab (prob not local) and mussels. The mussels were among the best I've ever tasted. Somehow they were able to infuse the mussel meat with brilliant garlic flavors (I've never tasted such deliciousness). One of us also had the fried seafood platter which was your very standard offering: a heap of ultra fried scallops, haddock, shrimp, and oysters. The shrimp were disappointing as they were tiny and mostly breading. The clam chowder was good. Very average. The prices were good and they local beer was even better. The decor was fitting and gave us the experience we were looking for.

    (4)

  • Kim K.

    The owner of our favorite Portland B&B (The Chadwick) recommended we go to Gilbert's in search of lobster rolls. He was dead on. Gilbert's is a total townie place where the food is served quick and delicious. I got the fried haddock sandwich special for $7.99. HUGE sandwich, freshly made, on a bed of delicious crispy, golden fries. The fish was flaky and tender. The bun was grilled on the inside which was a delightful surprise. The staff was attentive, fast, and super friendly. I wish I lived closer, I would be in here all the time.

    (4)

  • Cody C.

    delightful staff - waitress made us genuinely smile and that's always a pleasant feeling. didn't feel touristy when we went - we were surrounded by maine locals just looking for dinner out. had a lobster roll that was remarkably... unremarkable... and steamers that were fabulous and fresh. got a glass of house merlot... meh. ate outside on the patio... inside was weird.... over all - wouldn't return.

    (2)

  • Jolene H.

    My husband and I were looking for a place to get lobster in Portland and according to Yelp, this was a good decently priced place for that! We started off sitting outside but got a little chilly so we moved inside after we ordered. The better decor is definitely outside. Yikes, someone needs to makeover this place! Looks like an old folks home cafeteria or something. Nevertheless the service was great. I ordered the lobster, corn on the cob and fries and it was a really good deal - only $20!!!!! You better believe I wore the bib. Corn tasted a tad overcooked but I ate it anyway. You really can't beat that price for a lobster dinner - and it did the trick. Tasted good. Husband got the lobster roll - which he said was really good. If I lived in the area - seems like a place where I would do happy hour...outside, of course!

    (3)

  • Eva G.

    They earned the "chowder" in their name, because this chowdah is a wowza. I read a review about it being so chunky that I had to put it to the test myself; see my picture of my spoon standing upright in it. It is creamy, with substantially sized/tasty clam and potato chunks. People who are salt-phobic may want to get it in the bread-bowl ($7.25) because the chowder is a bit salty; I still love it. The small ($4.50) is about as much as 1 cup. The steamed mussels with garlic butter (market price was $9) came in a big bucket. Quite worth it. The melted butter comes on the side. Mussel juice also on the side). The fresh onion rings are good. At peak lunch time the wait was about 20 minutes. Indoor seating or outdoor umbrella/picnic-bench seating. Staff is super.

    (5)

  • Wes T.

    Pretty good lobster shack. Unpretentious and friendly, this is the type of place you bring a few friends and down a few beers with good seafood. The lobster roll was a good portion, and not a bad price. Clam chowdah was great, and comes in a bread bowl if that's your thing. Service was friendly and prompt. All around, I really liked this joint. It didn't break the bank, but still got me some Maine lobstah and a local brew to go with. Win.

    (4)

  • Jenn L.

    We had only one chance to stop by Portland, Maine for a meal on our drive home, and I was really looking forward to trying J's Oyster that Bourdain had made famous. Well... we got there and of course there was an hour wait to be seated, so I consulted my trusty Yelp app. Right around the corner from the famous J's Oyster is another spot that has a great menu and a much shorter wait time - Gilbert's Chowder House. You grab your own seating here (both indoors and outdoors), so be as fast as a ninja when you spot a table. They seem to fill up quickly. Unsure what to try? Go for the FRESH seafood here (although their clam chowder seemed to be quite the hit). The lobster roll was jaw-droppingly delish. It's not heavy at all on the mayo or butter, but still chunky enough and delicious enough that it doesn't need to be slathered. It comes with run of the mill chips that are super salty. I only ate 1/3 of mine. The steamed mussels were also an excellent choice here. Fresh and flavorful, it was totally worth it. On the other hand, the clam strips were so-so. They were more batter than anything and it was difficult to taste the clam underneath all of the fried stuff. The "famous" clam cake that Gilbert's Chowder House serves up should be avoided if you're looking for that actual clam taste. It's flavorfully all right if you want the "cake" part, but don't order it if you're expecting to find clam in the clam cake. Isn't there something wrong with that? All in all, a very enjoyable Maine lobster experience can be found here. Wont you be my lobster?* ---------------------- * "Friends" reference. Get it?

    (4)

  • Erin C.

    On a rainy day Gilbert's hit the spot. The chowder was hot and delivered to our table SUPAH FAST. Seriously, the service here is quick quick quick. My lobster roll wasn't the best I've ever had, but it certainly was yummy, fresh, and worth the visit. Don't expect a fancy place with candles lighting the joint, but do expect some great food, decent prices, and a full belly.

    (4)

  • Jennifer A.

    I highly recommend you stop by Gilbert's. Their clam chowder is so hearty and full of clams. Yum! I finished it in no time. Their twin lobster plate is great for sharing and so cheap! We made a lovely mess of ourselves...but so well worth it!

    (5)

  • Ciara L.

    Very casual. Kid friendly. Great chowder/fried seafood. Outdoor seating. Lovely staff!!!!

    (4)

  • Jocy C.

    The food was so good that I came here twice in one weekend with my friends while visiting Portland. Loved the following: - Seafood chowder - Clam chowder - 2 lobsters + fries + cole slaw = $25 (lobsters were super fresh; the fries are really crunchy) - Baked haddock (really fresh & the stuffing was great) I would definitely go back!

    (5)

  • Isabella M.

    Best clam chowder we ever had. A bread ball of clam chowder for under $9 is just great!

    (5)

  • Donna D.

    I've never had anything bad here. The chowder is fabulous, the seafood stew is nice and chunky, and the fried shrimp are done perfect. I like that I can come here and get good service and good food, and not be treated like a tourist. I've tried other seafood joints in town, and I'm voting Gilbert's my favorite!

    (4)

  • Steve C.

    Not much to say about Gilbert's. The lobster roll was pretty good, but nothing outstanding. Service was friendly and very fast. I'll have to try the chowder next time.

    (3)

  • Joey M.

    Recommended by a local. Not a huge selection and a little pricey for what you get, but it's good food. Just watch the amount of fried food you eat here and prepare for the turbo squirts.

    (3)

  • Renee G.

    Excellent food! Although service is a little on the slow side, the food more than made up for it. My husband had the Fried Clam Plate. When it came, it was piled high. He said it was the best he has had. No grit and very tasty. I had the Single Lobster. Definitely something to come back for.

    (4)

  • Boo H.

    Out of all the clam chowders I had in Maine.. This place has one of the better tasting clam chowder.

    (4)

  • AJ P.

    The fried Maine whole belly clams were pretty good. You could really taste how fresh they were. The clam chowder was good, but nothing that knocked my socks off. Probably not a place I'd go out of my way to try again, but if I were in the area, I would eat here again.

    (3)

  • Morris M.

    They have crab meat roll! That is awesome enough for this place. My friends enjoyed the lobster roll and steam twin lobster very much.

    (4)

  • Jose A.

    Solid performance for basic, by the wharfs seafood. Worth a try.

    (3)

  • Chad D.

    Disappointing. The chowders were very meh-average. Not too flavorful and pretty salty. The fish chowder was alright, though it had some big pieces of fish. The clam chowder was not so great, with a major shortage of clams; it was mostly potato. As a main course, I ordered the clam cakes. I've always been a big seafood cake fan, and I love the delicious sauces that come on top of them. These cakes, however, did not come with any sauce. Sad. As I started to dig in, I found that they were devoid of seafood. I tasted only fried breading, with maybe one or two clams total among two cakes. The rice pilaf that came with it was also loaded with salt. I liked the outdoor seating, which was located right on the harbor docks, although the view wasn't too breathtaking. Overall, there are much much better seafood places in Portland where your money would be better spent.

    (2)

  • Joe C.

    Great lobster roll, good chowder and friendly service on the water in downtown Portland. It's an institution and still great. Reasonable prices better for lunch than dinner.

    (4)

  • Renee G.

    Came here for the seafood chowder that I had ordered to go. The inside is super low key and casual. It was packed when I got there with a line forming behind me. Seemed like many locals came to eat there. I called in a few large seafood chowders to go and they were ready within 5 minutes. I ordered the amount of one gallon which I only realized when I got there. I asked the waitress if I could just switch my orders for a gallon since there was an additional 10% off if you ordered that amount & she said that I had to call one hour ahead of time to order. WHAT. . . . . . ? That didn't make any sense whatsoever, but I went on merry way. Finally had the chowder at home and it was tasty but super salty. Had to "water it down" with some cream and it was fine. Had some great chunks of lobster but was chunked up with huge amounts of potato. I would've rather more seafood, but it is what it is. Would I go back? Perhaps. The best clam chowder still remains in San Francisco!

    (3)

  • Barry M.

    Stopped in at 9pm on April 28th was seated right way. Fabulous little seafood restaurant on the Portland Waterfront that has great service, great seafood and great prices. Highly recommend!!!

    (5)

  • Tiffany T.

    I wanted to like this place. But it did not live up to my expectations. The clam chowder was good but nothing extraordinary. It's probably as good as Ivar's clam chowder... *ducks*. The lobster roll that I ordered was just okay. The bread (more like a hot dog bun) didn't offer enough crunch to compensate for the small chunks of lobster they gave me. My friends ordered a salad, fried shrimps, and fried clams. The consensus was the food was just okay. Their whole lobsters looked yummy but too expensive for me. Why bother ordering a steamed lobster for that price when you can literally walk down the street and get cheaper elsewhere? Overall, this place was boring. I'm even bored writing this review. I bet you're bored reading this review as well. Go to Fishermen's Grill for a better lobster roll.

    (2)

  • Jeff A.

    Great little neighborhood joint. Nothing fancy, food served on paper plates with plastic utensils, so don't go expecting linen table cloths, just really good food and super nice service. I started with the seafood chowder. Really tasty and LOADED with all sorts of seafood. Lobster roll is excellent, really light dressing, not at all goopy so you can really taste the lobster. Made with a purpose baked roll, not a glorified hot dog bun like some places try to get away with. I also recommend the onion rings, tasty and lightly battered, almost a tempura but with just a bit of cornmeal to give the batter some texture. Yum. Lots of good looking daily specials. Prices very reasonable across the board. Sure beats the big chains. I don't get to Maine often but, I'll definitely make Gilbert's a stop every time I am in Portland.

    (5)

  • Paul D.

    We were disappointed. Looks like my favorite kind of dive bar with old furnishings, worn lomg bar, and locals slowly sipping their beers on a Saturday afternoon. Clam chowder was lukewarm, bereft of clams and too salty. Lots of potatoes, though. Lobster rolls were so-so. The "chips" mentioned were potato chips, not chips as in fish and chips. Then I remembered the option of French fries for another $ 2.75. Must be a Maine thing. You can do better.

    (2)

  • Adrienne M.

    The famous chowder was not all that. It was pretty good, but I've had much better in Boston (Legal's, anywhere in Faneuil Hall, etc). However, the fried haddock sandwich we ordered was delicious and reasonably priced ($8) and the grilled cheese was tasty and definitely at the right price ($3, included chips). The place is definitely dive-y and not that clean, and the service is poor (she basically ignored us except to bring food and the check - no water refills, etc). But it doesn't pretend to be anything fancy and it does what it tries to do (chowder and fresh, greasy seafood) pretty well. The prices are reasonable considering the quality of the food but maybe not as dirt cheap as you'd expect based on the appearance of the place. Nonetheless, it hit the spot on this cold "spring" day in Portland.

    (3)

  • Caroline L.

    I've only been to Gilbert's once (you'll soon read why) so my rating is on the one night I visited. I can't say anything about the dining experience because I did carry-out. Came here by a recommendation from a die-hard fan. The chowder was good but it ended there. The mussels had a lot of grit. There were 5 of us sharing it so it wasn't just the mussels that I had tried. SEVERELY disappointed in that. I would come back for the chowder in a bread bowl (and that only) but it was the service that really made my decision to never come back. I had called in my order and then arrived at the time they told me to. I stood by the counter waiting for some one to acknowledge my existence but no one did... for awhile. Two girls behind the bar saw that I had come up with my wallet in my hand (clearly to show that I was ready to pay for something) but didn't say anything. There were only 2 guys sitting at the bar. Even after I had asked to be helped, I just felt like I was a nuisance to the girl. I'll take my $85 carry-out order some place else next time. Seems like Gilbert's has a lot of fans. I don't know why my experience was so different.

    (2)

  • Izzy C.

    Only tried to chowder - but all were made with beacon :( so had to try the beef stew which was pretty good. Husband said the calm chowder was very good.

    (3)

  • Jim C.

    Really nice friendly low-key place but the lobster roll didn't satisfy me as much as I would have liked. Yes, there was a good amount of lobster and the bun was nicely toasted (see pcture), but the lobster didn't taste super fresh. Looked like it had been refrigerated. When I took a peek into the kitchen, looked like the lobster pieces came out of the fridge and had been individually portioned in some saran wrap. The lobster roll came with some chips (Ruffles?) but would have prefered some hot fries like I get at other places. Bottom line: Still a decent lobster roll, but the meat could have been fresher. 3 stars for that. The lady was super nice so I'll give the service +1 star. 4 stars total. Didn't get to try the chowdah but sounds good.

    (4)

  • Ashley R.

    Had a delicious lobster roll here. So much lobster in it, I could not believe it. I wanted to try the chowder, but it had bacon in it, so I opted out. The restaurant itself is pretty casual and works very well on the harbor. If you sit outside, you can see the boats and really get the experience. That made the atmosphere for me. Really enjoyed the food here, but it was a little more touristy than I expected.

    (4)

  • Jeff P.

    Always a great spot when you're in Portland. Yes, tourists come here to get their chowder fix...but locals do too. And there is a reason everyone comes here...it's awesome. Small New England shackesque. But in summer they have a patio on the back that overlooks the boats. Delicious.

    (5)

  • H. G.

    A solid lobster roll. Outdoor seating. Great blueberry beer.

    (3)

  • Eliza M.

    Good ol' Gilberts.... Right on the Commercial Street strip for tourists, but still bustling with local flavah. I always get the clam chowdah in a bread bowl and slurp up every bit of its creamy, buttery goodness. I've been coming here for years and I'll keep going back.

    (3)

  • Brian T.

    Portland has become a foodie destination. However was traveling with my parents and we decided on simple basic seafood. The restaurant was recommended to me by a local. Everything worked out beautifully. As stated we were traveling to Nova Scotia and awaiting the arrival of the new ferry. The restaurant is unpretentious but it has a nice warm feel. Waitress was friendly and professional and attentive to all of our needs. In the past when I have ordered haddock at other restaurants the portion size has always been disappointing. I'm happy to say that the broiled haddock I ordered at Gilbert's was the perfect size and cooked beautifully. My mother got the fish chowder in a bowl and was quite pleased. My father got the fried scallops and got plenty of them. I tried both the scallops and the chowder, both were excellent. Only negative were the French fries, a little greasy and too many of them. All in all, a really good meal and exceptional service. We sat inside which on this particular night was a good thing. The weather was spectacular and the outside deck was packed.

    (4)

  • Rachel G.

    This place hits the spot. Delicious and creamy clam chowder- the perfect consistency and filled with clams. I noshed on the fried scallops and tasted some of my mom's fried shrimp- both were battered just right and fried to golden perfection. Simple casual atmosphere and solid service. I'd definitely stop here again the next time I'm in Maine!

    (4)

  • Sandra C.

    Seafood chowdah one day. Lobster roll the next. Nice deck. Good beer.

    (5)

  • Rose C.

    It was my first time in Portland, Maine and this was the first restaurant I went to. I've read so many good reviews about their clam chowder and had to try this New England Chowda, myself. And to be honest, I've HAD BETTER! The chowda was watery and there weren't much chunks in the soup. I was NOT impressed. I've had better chowder in Seattle. I thought it was a waste of money and time. And to top it off, the service was horrible! I had to wait so long to order!

    (2)

  • Alex G.

    Best steamers I ever had, loved it.

    (5)

  • Abigail C.

    I grew up in ME and recently moved back, and this is honestly the best lobster roll I have ever had. Buttered bun and lobster- no other junk. Local brews on tap, too. Perfect!

    (5)

  • John S.

    Always trust the locals. They always know. Gilbert's Chowder House, sitting unassumingly on Commercial Street, came recommended by our friendly B&B owner. I casually brought up that I was in the mood for a lobster roll, and that I wanted to try a place that wasn't Becky's (which was great) and the Portland Lobster Co (which was good). Gilbert's came up and off we went. The place has a diner feel to it, in that all due effort is put into things that are either edible or functional, and only a minimum of effort is put into making it look pretty. This is a place for locals and seafood lovers. Fresh fish, freshly breaded. Fresh lobster, freshly packed into a roll. Crispy friench fries, tangy tartar sauce (did I taste apple cider vinegar in there), all of the necessary staples. Gilbert's is absolutely what it is supposed to be - a pleasant place with a great menu. Open all year, with fish coming in all the time. Come in hungry and leave full for ten bucks.

    (4)

  • Bro H.

    The chowder was good, but I feel like I could get these fried clams in Oklahoma. Still, it's cheap, so if you're in this touristy area, you won't regret stopping in.

    (3)

  • Julie F.

    A fun place to go for lunch. I went here years ago when visiting and the waitress liked my boyfriend. She had the bus-girl pass him a note "if that's not your girifriend, call me" I thought it was hilarious and he still gets teased to this day about it. You really can't go wrong with the lobster roll. There was some inconsistencies the last time we went. Some of us had big chunks of lobster meat and some just had lobster meat/mush, like prob the bottom on the salad bowl. Fried clam strips are GREAT!!! Chowder is good. Staff is friendly. Nice selection of beers. This is a place I always visit when I go to Maine.

    (3)

  • Alan Y.

    The clam chowder was full flavored and chock full of clams. The lobster roll was ginormous. The lobster was cooked just right. Good coffee too!

    (5)

  • Robert K.

    This place was great! We left Ogunquit in the morning and stopped in Portland to do a Schooner Cruise before heading up to Freeport, but wanted to grab some lunch before we sailed. I had a bowl of chowder and a lobster roll. The chowder was excellent and the lobster roll was packed with lots of great meat! One of my kids ordered the onion rings, and I have to say they were among the best I've had. The slices were thick and sweet and the breading was very delicate. I also ordered a glass of the Allagash White beer (my first one) and truly enjoyed it. The service was great and the place was full of great folks enjoying a nice meal.

    (4)

  • Rich W.

    The chowder was good, and while it was not the best I've ever had, it was the best I've had in Maine. My clam bellies were nicely fried, plump and juicy, and I had plenty of fries to share with the flying rat...I mean seagull, that was sitting on the railing behind me. On the negative side, the onion rings were completely undercooked--they weren't even close to being done.

    (3)

  • Nicole S.

    Eh decent. Cold beer. The menu was small and boring. Very good mussels though!

    (3)

  • Erich N.

    I really don't see how you could give this place less than 3 stars. Maybe some of the other reviewers don't have a solid understanding on how yelp works? Indeed, this is NOT a "four star" restaurant. Gilbert's rates four out of five for quality and satisfaction provided by a restaurant in this category...What is "this category" perchance? A local joynt that serves up some pretty solid lobstah and chowdah at reasonable prices. I can't speak to the whole menu; but really, if you aren't here for the seafood, why are you here? For $25, I had a 1 1/8 lb lobster, corn on the cob, a pint of the local IPA, and a sizeable basket of fries. Tasty! If you aren't looking for fancy fare, and just want a belly full of tasty seafood, Gilbert's should fit the bill.

    (4)

  • Robert F.

    Good chowder. Not as great as others but nice for a quick bite.

    (3)

  • Karl H.

    Oh, I'm effing positive that you can get the Lobstah Chowda, the Lobstah Roll and the steamed Lobstah just about any where in Maine. But, this being about the 3rd or 4th time here at Gilberts, I have to say I love their Lobstah Roll!!! Who knew it was good hangover food!

    (5)

  • Matt S.

    Four for the last time I and the wife popped in. I was super sick and couldn't take everything too well, but I also know that the clam chowder had been down near the pot for a while. The clam strips were better than previously, though, and the fish n' chips was great. It just wasn't as good as in the past, though everyone has an off day. I won't hold one bad meal out of about eight so far against 'em. The blueberry pie was awesome as always. And they serve Twisted Tea now! Can't wait to go back.

    (4)

  • Geno K.

    Good, not great. Listen - if you're a tourist and you're staying in the Old Port, sure, go. Your barometer is probably the Red Lobster so you'll dig this place. It's very low key. It's a bit overpriced because it's smack dab in the middle of Touristville. I like it... have been 3 or 4 times now. Fried shrimp portion is huge, even the lunch size. But it's not an experience that can't be had anywhere else in Maine. If you want the epic seafood experience (and it's summer), just head to The Lobster Shack.

    (3)

  • Skinny D.

    This is actually two reviews of Gilbert's about 4 years apart. I found out about Gilbert's a couple of years ago while on a Royal Caribbean cruise of New England. When the boat docked in Portland, the family bought day passes for the city bus to see the highlights. We asked the bus driver for a good local's place for Lobstah Rolls and Clam Chowdah. He said it was against company policy to recommend restaurants but that he had eaten at Gilbert's the day before and was going to have his lunch there again that day. He even suggested we split up our party to try to get a table quicker due to the crowds. Two of us went out back to the patio and two at the front door. The front door was the winner that day. The lobster rolls and clam chowder were excellent and reasonably priced. The chowder was full of clams (more than any other chowder I've eaten anywhere) and the base was very thick and creamy. Fast forward to today when I find myself in Boston for business. I take the red-eye from SFO to Boston, pick up the rental car and head north for a lobster roll and some chowder. It is much less crowded at 11:15am on a cold and dreary Sunday morning in January, but the day got warmer and brighter after a few spoonfuls of chowder. Just as good as I remembered and the lobster roll didn't disappoint either. Plenty of meat on a toasted roll, you can't ask for more.

    (5)

  • Bruce L.

    The best chowder I have had in years. We came here for a small dinner, my wife, sons and I. My youngest had gthe grilled cheese and fries which was very well made and cheap, $ 3.50. My older son and I each had the seafood chowder which was full of seafood, lobster, haddock, shrimp, clams. It was great chowder, maybe the best I ever had. My wife had the traditional clam chowder which also received high reviews from her, nice large pieces of clam in the mix and of course the Westminster Crackers which should be the only crackers served with chowder IMHO. Any way two beers, two sodas, grilled cheese and enough fries for 4 with the onw order as well as two medium chowders and a small chowder can to $ 33.00. Delicious and reasonibly priced meal for a great night out. Service was great also, quick and pleasant.

    (5)

  • Candice M.

    I was in Portland for a day and wanted to make the best of my eating experience. I asked a friend of mine, a native, where should I go and he recommended Gilbert's. Not one bad complaint about my lunch experience. The bf and I sat outside and made our orders. The chowder is soooooo good, try it.

    (5)

  • Erin M.

    Just what we were looking for on our drive back to Boston. As advised by Mark M. we ordered the mussels. SO GOOD. We will definitely be back for these alone. The sauce was so lemon garlicy delicious. The beer selection was great and reasonably priced. We also had onion rings, clam chowder and fish and chips. All exactly what you would expect - onion rings homemade, chowder of the thicker type and fish and chips very standard (yum). We brought about half of the latter home - our eyes were bigger than our stomachs. Small eco-complaint - they use disposable everything. I hate to see so much plastic and styrofoam going to waste.

    (4)

  • Daniel D.

    When I vacation, I never like to eat at the same place twice. It seems unproductive when you're in a new place to establish a "haunt". However, when my wife and I honeymooned in Portland four years ago, we ate at Gilbert's at least 3 times. Flash forward to 2010. I'm on tour with my band and we get to Portland in the afternoon looking for food that does not come from a mini-mart or drive-thru. I remembered Gilbert's from the last time I'd been in Portland, and herded all of us over there. The place was exactly the same: outdoor seating overlooking Casco Bay and a simple but effective home cooked seafood menu. I was so incredibly happy to be back at Gilbert's (and also be out of the van). Everyone ordered some kind of chowder, I had the super seafood chowder. It wasn't on the menu like it had been before, which was as an add-on to your bowl (they take your already seafood-laden chowder and throw another huge dipper full of steamed seafood on top of it). The waitress said because I knew about it, I could have it (and now you know, too). Paired with a simple red hot on a New England road and a fine Shipyard beer, it is one of the best quick and hearty meals you can get in Portland, and for a great price, too. With it being a touristy town, things can go from zero to gouge-y darn quick. But Gilbert's is still priced about the same as it was four years ago, and the quality is great. Their steamed lobster and seafood platters are also really well priced, and it feels better to eat fresh seafood on a picnic table overlooking the bay than in a fancy dining room up the street. I'm a Gilbert's man for the rest of my days now.

    (4)

  • Molly E.

    Not really impressed. We went here because a guide book told us to check out the chowder in the bread bowls. What we got were lukewarm bowls of meh chowder that could have come out of a can. Clean. Friendly and good service.

    (3)

  • Carl V.

    Very relaxed atmosphere bordering on rustic. They have a full selection of local micro brews. My first beer was the shipyard pumpkin head ale is a perfect fall beer with a hint of cinemon. Second beer was the blueberry ale from Atlantic brewing and is another one of my favorites because the blueberry is not over powering. Hardy clam chowder with just the right amount of spices and potatoes. Very tasty onion rings with a unique doughy batter. Try the onion rings dipped in the chowder. The corn on the cob is sweet and steemed fresh. Almost as good as New Jersey sweet corn. Very good lobster roll on a toasted and buttered hot dig bun. With a piece of lettuce and a hint of mayonnaise this is one for those who don't like too much on their lobster. You can't say they are masking the Flavorfull lobster.

    (4)

  • Chris L.

    Went last night with a customer and was not very impressed. Lobster roll was OK not much flavor and the clam chowder was not hot and the service was below average and the place is dirty, especially the bathroom. Would NOT go again. Much better Maine experiences to be had in the area.

    (2)

  • Suz L.

    I think we order two of everything on the menu and it was still under $100. Lobster was fresh and tasty.

    (5)

  • Jack N.

    Either's this place is past its prime, or I don't really like NE clam chowder This lazy feeling chowder house has a sit yourself policy. At nearly 10 PM, this place has about a handful of diners. There simple tables and seats don't offer much comfort, but you wouldn't expect much from a place like this. A diner is more comfortable than this. On some walls, you see pictures of random people, probably the owner, with random minor celebrities. As you can tell, I didn't pay much attention to those. We sat by the wall where they have about 10+ plaques showing all the awards that they won for the their chowder. Some dating back closed to 20 years. Here's what we ordered: Fried maine shrimps - Compared to Red's, this is atrocious. Small, tiny, unevenly fried. It was close to soggy. Clam Chowder - Ordering a 16 oz bowl (came in a Styrofoam bowl), I was struggling to find an oz worth of clams. I heard somewhere that the original recipe for the New England clam chowder doesn't have much clams. If that's true, I don't think I like NE clam chowder. It wasn't bad, but the protein to carb ratio was close to 10 to 1 (10 oz of potatoes). They should call it the NE potato chowder. I won't be back. Unless they let me in the kitchen and mess with their recipe. Decor: 3 out of 5 Service: 3 out of 5 Food 2 out of 5 (dragged down by the shrimp) Value: 4 out of 5 (cheapest meal I had in Maine)

    (3)

  • Sarah W.

    Some Damn good CHOWDAH...if you fancy it. BUT UMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM their grilled cheese is something special (extremely positive) need I say more? ??? To-go available on your lunch breaks, or if you're out-of-staters....grab it on the way home! (The portland location is a little tiny) Same hole in the wall type place, been around the block....it has a history They have a nice, bigger restaurant in Windham (Sebago lake area) too. And I believe they ship the 'ol chowdah to you, where ever that may be, for a pretty penny, of course...but it could be worth it, if you don't live around here. Excellent lunch spot, try it...you might la la la-like it! AND don't judge a book by it's cover...Portland is as safe as you can get, it may look a little run down, but it has some awesome food.

    (4)

  • Jennifer R.

    Service was good. The chowder wasn't hot. Fish cooked in cornmeal which is nice. My husband had the mussels and enjoyed them. Table wasn't clean.

    (2)

  • Mike S.

    so my buddy and i tried to go to gilbert's on fri,sat,and sun.... but the massive line outside made us move onto other establishments. but me being me i said i wanna try one of these lobster rolls everyone says i gotta try...so we go back on monday afternoon and BOOM we get a table.. so i tried a bowl of the seafood chowder and i have to say it was quite yummy .(even though im not a big fan of cream based soups) and then to the lobster roll.... ok i guess ???? LOBSTER N MAYO WOW...LOL... i mean i'm from baltimore we like some flavor up in there...but it was still ok... MAYBE I SHOULDA BROUGHT A CAN OF OLD BAY W/ ME..... i would really like to go back and try some other menu items.

    (3)

  • Lilly D.

    Best Clam Chowder I've ever had! We went just for that. Service was very good. The atmosphere is a crowded-shack/bar but it lends itself to the port atmosphere. We didn't try any of the other food - so I can't speak to that.

    (5)

  • Michelle D.

    the seafood chowder is delicious and the prices are great. stopped in with a friend mid-afternoon on a weekday, so things weren't very busy. the server was really helpful and answered all our questions (this friend of mine isn't very well acquainted with seafood). i'm certainly going back, especially with friends visiting from less coastal locations!

    (4)

  • Cammie T.

    This place is horrible. I am a local and have been eating here for years but the service and the food has gone down hill. I ate there a year ago and had a bad experience with how undercooked my food was, but I figured eh, I'll give them another try. BIG MISTAKE! My boyfriend and I ate here last week and the mussels we got were undercooked and some were even raw. When we told the waitress about it she just said "sorry" and didn't offer us something else or to take it off the bill. My boyfriend ordered the "seafood sampler" and the clams were undercooked, the batter was still wet and the clams were all stuck together. Then on top of that, when we got the bill the waitress charged us for stew we never ordered. Don't waste your money here. J's Oyster House which is truly a local joint is ten times better and where I'll be going in the future for my seafood fix.

    (1)

  • James B.

    I was told that if I wanted to eat a "local" meal that I should check this place out. This place has a very causal atmosphere and the service was great. I wanted something quick so I choose the seafood chili. The seafood chili was very flavorful and had a nice kick of spice. I would definitely go there again to try one of the Mina courses. Great Place

    (4)

  • Karmy W.

    Stepped foot in here with less than attentive service. There were flies everywhere at the table that we sat at.. Our server was terrible, she took forever to take our order and our drinks didnt even come out for 10 minutes.. When they finally came, they were wrong. The table next to us that came 10 minutes later were already eating and drinking by then. The food was mediocre, really greasy and not especially delicious. My friend had the lobster and he said it was good but my suggestion is that you should probably just go somewhere else.

    (2)

  • Mike D.

    Looks, feels and smells like a working wharf diner should. Our group of 4 all ordered something different from the menu. At the end of dinner nothing on our plates What's going on here is great food, quick service, reasonable prices and friendly staff. We would definitely eat here again.

    (5)

  • Keith M.

    Lobster Roll, Corn with Chicken Chowder. Onion rings. Nothing fancy here in the food or the decor, but you came for the food, right? A number of chowders and lobster options on the menu. I've been here twice and it's a great quick lunch spot. Priced just right.

    (3)

  • Nat R.

    My friend just got back from Maine for her best friend's wedding and recommended this place to me just before I left. It is a casual place but has the best lobster rolls. My wife had a clam chowder that she said was good (I don't recall having more than one bite, but it was very creamy). They served the loaded lobster roll with what tasted like a side of Ruffles potato chips, which was alright. The lobster roll is what mattered though, and the locally-brewed Eli's root beer was a nice complement to the roll.

    (5)

  • Hal B.

    I had the seafood chowder in bread bowl and my wife had the fried clam strips. We also had the clam dip with fresh homemade potato chips. All were excellent. A nice spot for a casual lunch with friendly service.

    (4)

  • Linda M.

    My first impression with Gilbert's is "Most everything is fried!" The chowders were OK, but I would love to have had the option of fried, grilled, or steamed with other fish or seafood orders. Is this a Maine thing? Fried? I cannot complain about the quality, but I can definitely complain about how the fish or seafood is prepared.

    (3)

  • Gayle B.

    Great New England flavor. The chowder was excellent. The place is not much to look at but the waitress was fast and friendly.

    (4)

  • Nick M.

    Ordered the seafood chowder in a bread bowl, a clam cake, lobster roll, french fries and fried oysters. 3/5 Chowder was decent, lots of small seafood in every bite and no overwhelming amount of potatoes. Bread bowl was a meal! 4/5 ALL OF THE FOOD WAS COLD TOO. Almost enough to send back everything. Really, the soup is cold?? Lame Clam cakes go in the same category as fried oysters. Do not get them. Gross. 0/5 Lobster roll was decent. 4/5 French fries were 5/5. Ate out on the patio out back. Nothing special, no view. Ambiance feels like a local townie place. Without the townies. 3/5

    (3)

  • Carol S.

    Quaint, authentic ambience with good service, cold beer, tasty lobster rolls, and hearty chowder. Located right by the harbor in historic Portland. The lobster rolls were to die for! Great chunks of fresh lobster with tangy tartar sauce were abundant and much appreciated. Well worth the price.

    (5)

  • Dave P.

    Gilbert's has the best clam chowdah, hands down. There onion rings are super great also, handmade and flakey. The servers are Mainer's and it is a great atmoshphere...miss the tourist and come here.

    (5)

  • Christi S.

    I came here on a lobster mission. Luckily I had a friend to help w/the chow. Order: -2 clam chowders -fried clam strips -1 order of 2 lobsters steamed w/rice pilaf (more like fried rice) $21 -1 lobster roll w/chips $12 -shipyard beer -soda +tax & tip = $35 each Although their lobster rolls are medium sized, it's definitely tasty. However, I didn't get full off the roll, so I would highly recommend ordering MORE! :D

    (4)

  • Megan L.

    My native Maine friend took me here when I came to visit. He'd always tell me how great this place was, so the bar was set high. I'm a huge clam chowder lover and well I wasn't the slightest disappointed. This laid back sea port resturant is by far the only place in Portland that you should go to for getting only the best clam chowder in town. Super cramy with a slight bit of sweetness to it- different from west coast chowder. I also highly reccomend getting the grilled cheese and doin the classic dip in the chowder. The service was great and friendly as well on the rainy afternoon that we went.

    (5)

  • Mark H.

    Located in the historic section of the city, along the water, this is a genuine local restaurant that provides an exceptional experience with seafood. The lobster roll is a work of perfection. The trademark chowder is also excellent. If you are looking for a fancy restaurant, don't go to Gilbert's. If you want superb execution with the food itself, this is your place.

    (4)

  • Helena B.

    At the very least, you know a place with chowder in its name will do that dish well. Gilbert's does not disappoint. Chowder in a bread bowl is more than enough for lunch. However, if chowder isn't your thing, Gilbert's offers several other dishes included a delicious lobster roll. The general atmosphere is pretty casual. The indoor dining room is part-bar, part-plastic-tables. Esthetically, not much to croon about, but it seems they've put that extra effort into the food rather than interior design. Fine by me. Had the day been sunnier, we definitely would have been enjoying our food al fresco in their outdoor seating area. Alas. Lastly, I appreciated being able to wash down my food with a local Shipyard beer. Portland has a lot of local breweries of which to be proud, so I liked seeing them featured at the restaurants in town.

    (4)

  • Kouichi K.

    The first night in Portland, my friend and I were looking for a place to eat. I was looking through Yelp and came across Gilbert's. It is a casual place, like a pizza joint, but with seafood. The blackboard on the side lists the specials. My friend had steamers which was quite good. I had the house specialty, the chowder and fried shrimp. The chowder was thick and even had bacon in it. My friend being a traditionalist did not like that there was bacon in it, but I love anything that has bacon in it. All in all a good meal on the first night in Portland.

    (4)

  • Jenna L.

    This place is located in a cute area in Portland, Maine. It's right along the water, and super good. We filled up on fried shrimp, clam chowder and seafood chowder, and a delicious crab roll. The crab roll was SO GOOD. I don't even know how many crabs were in that thing - it was HUGE! And only full of crab... :D

    (4)

  • Charles E.

    Really dissatisfied with the food. Spent nearly 80 bucks and the quality was way off. Put it this way, we watched them dump the frozen battered shrimp in the grease and they were tiny and tasted like captains D fast food.

    (1)

  • EB S.

    Walked in today randomly cuz there were lots of peeps inside. Blehh....worst service in the universe. They don't want new business it seems. Took 15 mins for a server to come by, and only cuz I walked up to the bar n asked them for some service... Ordered two chowdahs n a lobster roll n a haddock sandwich (wanted a crab roll but they ran out). Haddock Sandy was yum n a good value for $9. Lobster roll was ok but considering the small @$$ size ain't no way its worth $15. The girl sittin in nxt table was ravin about the lobster roll being "awesome!" But she musta been a sucka tourist. I ain't no local but I can tell what tastes good... $15 lobster roll the size of a $2 sabrett new york hotdog ain't ever gonna do it for me. Chowda was overly salty n watery.. it was overrated to say the least. I'll take a chunkier meatier Boston chowdah any day of the week.. to top off my already mediocre dining experience the server wouldn't come to take my money.. she musta been crappin or sleepin in the back.. after about 15 mins of futile hand waving n askin the other server to take my money I just decided to not get any change back n left. Basically left an 18% tip for a server who had no interest in serving or even gettin paid. In conclusion, if u enjoy mediocre overpriced food, nonexistent service and an overall inferior experience, this place is for u. By the way I went around 2pm after most of the lunch crowd left.. also there was a nice fresh piece of hair sittin on top of my just brought out haddock sandy which the server took only about 12 minutes to happily replace yayy.. oh btw the beer was good.. a local brew called shipyard or something export. Yayy!

    (1)

  • Brent G.

    This summer, I have traveled across the New England Seaboard in a quest to find the best Chowder. I have been to places such Newport, Boston, Gloucester, Martha's Vineyard and Hyannis. Out of all the chowders I had, I liked Gilbert's the best. Very thick and the bacon added a nice smokey flavor. Plenty of clams. It could stand on it's own as a meal. I just wish I lived closer. I also ordered the fried scallops and unfortunately they were a bit overcooked and a bit chewy. Not bad but not great. 5 stars for the chowder and three stars for the scallops. So 4 stars.

    (4)

  • Randy G.

    Best clam chowder we have eaten in Portland.

    (4)

  • Fred A.

    We were here on a Saturday afternoon and only came here because a couple of other places that looked better were closed. The chowder was thicker than we would like, but just OK. Onion rings were unremarkable. Outside seating was fun, but there were people next to us letting their *&#&^$ DOG eat from the table. Service was very good, but I don't think we'll go back.

    (2)

  • Scott H.

    Just a solid no-frills seafood house smack dab in the middle of all that is great about the Portland waterfront. I love that I can sit out back and watch the working port as I'm enjoying my bountiful chowder bowl, a giant pile of clam strips or perhaps even the very unique seafood chili (Gee, it tastes just like chili!). Friendly local staff and an old tube TV in the corner to watch whatever Boston's team is playing today. Nice little bar to belly up to if you're in the mood too.

    (4)

  • Mark P.

    Good food, decent location and friendly service. Being called a chowder house, their chowder better be darn good... and it did not disappoint. While it was not the best I ever had, it was very good. I have been there twice, and did have the chowder both times. The rest of their food is typical coastal fried eats. Clams, shrimp, etc. Nothing over the top excellent, but it was good. The steamed lobster was cooked right, and the meat was tender and tasty. Overall, the pricing is good and this is a great stop if you are in town. I love eating outside during the summer, and the deck is decent. Not really great views or smells, but the NE atmosphere was what I expected.

    (4)

  • James G.

    The clam chowder was really good, the fishermen platter on the other hand, I've had better. The clams were pretty big, I prefer smaller ones. The haddock was awesome, I would just get a haddock sandwich next time.

    (3)

  • Meg M.

    Great chowder! Quick service, right downtown! I'm craving a cup right now.

    (4)

  • Andrew N.

    I took some time out of a work day in the area to stop by after a recommendation by another local business owner. I was there during peak tourist season at lunch time and was able to find a seat without too much difficulty and the service was able to keep up with all the business. For lunch I had a cup of clam chowder, a lobster roll and an Allagash on tap. A perfect summer lunch combination. The chowder was filled with potatoes instead of clams, so not my favorite. The lobster roll was good and had lots of good claw meat and did not overload on the mayo. The Allagash topped it off nicely. If I am ever on vacation in the area, I will stop by and fit in with the rest of the tourists.

    (3)

  • S. K.

    Very casual restaurant on Commercial St. Tried the lobster roll and clam chowder and knew I had experienced better. Especially since it's Portland, ME. I felt the lobster roll did not have enough mayo and very unspectacular. The clam chowder should have just been called potato chowder where there is very little clams. Better luck at J's Oysters.

    (2)

  • Jing Y.

    Came here based on the 4 star rating on yelp but I wasn't exactly blown way by the quality of the food. Yes, the chowder was good, but we also ordered other seafood items and they taste more like fast food quality....

    (3)

  • Chrystina Z.

    This is cheap fried food (exceptionally greasy and will do more damage than a White Castle slider) and slow service. Even more upsetting is that it's not on the water. Rather, you stare at a concrete parking lot from your cheap picnic table. The bathroom is disgusting, so overall, I'd say the ambiance is about 2/10. I walked in and wanted to walk right back out, but some locals recommended this place and the reviews were high on yelp. I should have listened to my gut and left upon entering. Very disappointing. I ordered the clam cake plate (chewy and tasteless) with rice pilaf (Rice A Roni does a better job).

    (1)

  • Jessica C.

    The Clam Chowder served in their bread bowl is an absolute must! It was so good I had to order a second round :x The lobster roll was not the best I had in Portland but it was still good. I didn't really care for the chips that came with the lobster roll but I did enjoy the pickle. The fried oysters were also good. Crunchy, juicy, and salty! Personally, I could pass on everything else and just be content with the clam chowder. Kudo's for a slammin soup!

    (3)

  • Jill N.

    Amazing Clam Chowder!! One of the best I have ever had! I also had the lobster roll and the lobster meat was fresh and juicy with large chunks of lobster meat... So good! For dessert they had an ice cream parlor next door and I saw they had Blueberry ice-cream and I had to try some while I'm in Maine! The ice cream was blueberry vanilla flavored, with large chunks of blueberries. It tasted amazing and was a great way to get my fruit serving in for the day! I would definitely come back to this place the next time I'm in Portland! Check it out!

    (5)

  • Tony W.

    The curse of this place is that it has become such a popular Portland seafood destination - and as a place that's been recommended by every hotel and B&B in Portland - that it can never truly live up to its own legend. I've walked by this place a million times in be last 15 years, but I finally ventured in with my dad. And you know what? I liked it. My dad and I both got daily specials. He got a clams and chowder combo, and I got a scallops and clam chowder combo. I got this because I've rarely seen a clams/scallops/shrimps etc offered in combination with chowder...and it was great! Very well breaded and prepared, and the seafood was fresh. The chowder was very good. And both for about $17 each. To wash it down, we got $4.50 seasonal Shipyards, which is a decent non-happy hour special... especially on the waterfront. The atmosphere is very...Maine tourist? Boats and nautical thingies everywhere. Everyone eating around us seemed to be from away. But the service was friendly, efficient and prompt. The twin lobsters looked disappointingly small when they came out for another table, so I would probably get those elsewhere. Otherwise, I would come back here without reservation. Or with reservations, during the summer.

    (4)

  • Anders C.

    We were craving clam chowder, so we came here. There were clam chowder + fried calamari/shrimp/scallop dinner specials for 13/15/17.99 respectively and it seemed like good value for the money. Given that this place is right in the touristy areas of Portland, the portions are alright (instead of gigantic that one may get at other places). Clam chowder was great though.

    (4)

  • John T.

    My daughter and I went after a ferry ride in Casco Bay. Daughter wanted to try lobster so we got a lobster roll and onion rings. We also got chicken fingers just in case she didn't like the lobster. The lobster roll was bad. seemed like frozen lobster meet out of a can. The onion rings were worse.it looked like they were fried once then re- battered and fried again. The best thing was the chicken nuggets. This place is a prime location spot. Right beside the ferry terminal. I think they don't care enough about the quality of the food because they have a steady tourist business. I would find another place if you are in town.

    (2)

  • Sam P.

    Some of the best seafood in Maine. The lobster roll is great and you can choose between mayo or warm butter to put on your lobster. The clam chowder is great and is award winning for a reason. It is also one of the few reasonably priced places in the Portland area. It is a "must-have" place if you ever come to Portland. On top of that, the service is great. Its an easy five star review

    (5)

  • Jason Y.

    I ordered takeout when I was in the area because we had already eaten dinner but heard a lot of good things about the place so we had to try it. Boy was i satisfied. We ordered one order of the seafood chowder to go and it was awesome. A lot of great bold flavor and a decent amount of different types of seafood were in there as well. I would come back and try some other chowders if I visited again.

    (4)

  • Michaela K.

    Sat outside on a busy Sunday with a large group. Got seated right away, servers were fantastic, but would have been great if there were a few more. These ladies were working hard though, I appreciated all the hard work they had to do for a party of 8. Plenty of outside seating. One of us got clam stripes that was pretty burnt, that was the only draw back with the slower service. My lobster roll was delicious but could have used more lobster meat, still one of the best ones I had this weekend in Maine. Delicious draft beer too!

    (4)

  • Charlene M.

    Great food. Good service if they are not understaffed. The only real problem I had was my husband and I drove around for 15 minutes to find parking to eat here, when we finally found a spot and walked over, I was shocked to see there were only two other occupied tables, because their parking lot was full. Really should invest in someone to regulate the parking, people are clearly parking in their side of the lot and going elsewhere. This is not the first time this has happened either.

    (4)

  • Paul V.

    Portland, Maine. What else was I supposed to have? Star 1: How were the service and atmosphere? Sure, it might be a bit tourist trappy, but Gilbert's will get you seated, and they'll do it quickly even on a busy weekend. From there, service is fast and friendly, and you can't ask for much more than that. Star Granted. Star 2: How were the portions relative to the cost? I expected a bit of a premium for a place and location like Gilbert's Chowder House, and as a result set $10.00 as a price ceiling for a decent portion of chowder. Coincidently? My dish was exactly $10.00. lucky, but acceptable: yelp.com/user_local_phot… Star Granted. Stars 3 and 4: How was the food? Good chowder? Very, with a creamy consistency mixed in with some quality pieces of what I have to imagine was fresh seafood. Having said that, there was both good and bad in this equation, with the shortcoming being the bread. In this case, we clearly had a quick store-bought roll that honestly brought down the quality of the whole dish a notch. Good and bad? Single Star Granted. Star 5: Would you eat here every day if you could? The atmosphere is great, but there's comparable chowder elsewhere. No Star Granted.

    (3)

  • Alicia J.

    The clam chowder was on point, the service was good and so are the friendly staff. Couldn't leave Maine without having clam chowder. Nice place to sit indoors or the patio in the back. The steamed lobster was good too, cooked just right.

    (5)

  • Jason P.

    Love this place. Dog friendly on the back deck, the food is consistently outstanding, and my wife and I have plenty of food with two medium cups of chowder and a bucket of onion rings to split. When guests come in town we always bring them to Gilbert's.

    (5)

  • Sheila D.

    I vowed to get the chowder at every single restaurant that I go to this summer in Maine, and looking at the title, I had high expectations for Gilbert's - and the chowder didn't disappoint. This place probably served the best chowder I've had since I came to Maine in June (and trust me, I've tried lots of chowder from lots of places so far). I got the seafood chowder in a bread bowl, but I think that next time, I will probably just get a large size with oyster crackers. The amount of chowder in the bread bowl seemed smaller, and there was SO much bread that I had no idea what to do with it. The flavor of the chowder was spot on, and the chunkiness was perfect. One thing to keep in mind is that all of their chowders are flavored with bacon, so they may not be the best for vegetarians or pescetarians. My biggest complaint comes from the service. We literally had to wait over 15 minutes for our server to get our water. WATER. The food took much, much longer. I understand that the restaurant was pretty crowded, but I doubt that it is that difficult for someone to just make sure that everyone in the restaurant is hydrated. That being said, service doesn't deter from the AMAZING food at this restaurant, and I would highly recommend you go if you are ever in the Old Port area. Just be prepared to wait if you're there at a busier time.

    (4)

  • Brendan M.

    Very fresh and tasty, this quaint and cozy hole in the wall on Commercial St. has a great, if incomplete, seafood menu. (It was the morning of the dreaded NEPTUNE BLIZZARD! so obviously I could not enjoy the outdoor seating, hence the cozy vibe.) The mussels in garlic and butter broth with onions as an appetizer is a great value and a decent portion; the full order must be served in by a five gallon bucket. The fried calamari had a light, crispy batter that was quite tasty. I will be returning for myriad reasons but the corn chowder with chicken is high on the list. But the deal sealer if you will is the lobster roll. Ultra fresh and understated in it's dressing, this roll hit the spot, i'm not sure which spot but it was a good one! Also, bottomless soda and very cheery waitstaff add to the charm of Gilbert's Chowder House.

    (4)

  • Anthony V.

    We came up from Boston for a friend's birthday, which means we're those loud a-holes one table over. But in proper Maine tradition, we agreed (loudly) that all the lobster items were great, especially in chowder and soup form. Oh? Is that the front half of a lobster in my Lobster Stew? Don't mind if I do. Newbury Street classy this place is not. But we don't have /this/ much lobster simmering in cream and butter down south.

    (4)

  • Joe M.

    Sat outside on the patio. Not the greatest view on commercial but the food was good. Had the clam chowder and it was pretty awesome. Crab sandwich could have used a little something something but it was fresh tasting. Solid seafood spot!

    (4)

  • Toad M.

    Matt at the bar was great at explaining the dishes and specials. The waitresses were friendly. Some of the best clam chowder I have ever had.... pretty darn good. The place is super casual, plastic and paper along with fish served in baskets...expect easy to eat good food... nothing more.

    (4)

  • Tommy L.

    People tend to think a place has to be packed to be good. Gilbert's is great because people follow the herd. Food equals or surpasses the neighboring joints but without the crush of people shoulder to shoulder. If you have kids, you can swoop the stroller round back and chill at the large picnic tables. The team of waitresses mean your never lacking for attention. And the chowder and bread bowls have been written about enough that I don't need to expound. Finally, they don't look at you crazy if you want your lobster roll with warm drawn butter rather than cold mayo.

    (4)

  • Mike O.

    Came here with some colleagues on a weeknight in April (before tourist season) and the place was near dead. Had a beer, the clam chowder, and the lobster roll. I wanted the clam chowder to have bigger chunks of ingredients in it, but it tasted fab. The lobster roll, on the other hand, was arguably one of the best I've had in Portland. I highly recommend it. The ambiance of this place is diner casual. Has a local feel. Don't expect to be puttin on too many airs here, and frankly, you won't be putting down too many dollars either, as you will at other places with less good food just steps away.

    (4)

  • Chris H.

    We found Gilbert's via the Valet at the Hyatt Place hotel we were staying at. We were looking for an unpretentious place to grab a bite to eat and get a flavor for what Maine has to offer. We were seated on the rear patio and while the place was busy (July 4th weekend) we had prompt and friendly service. We had the twin lobster tail dinner and clam chowder. All were good. Overall the prices were fair, service was good as well as the food. We'd definitely return if we ever make it back to the area.

    (4)

  • Erez Y.

    Small but good beer selection, good prices, solid execution, legit atmosphere. Not sure what others are whining about.

    (5)

  • Deni T.

    Gilbert's is such a staple on the waterfront and a spot I take people to as the alternative to "pricier" places. It's the sort of place that locals would go to. I love the whole belly clams and optional outdoor seating. The inside has a nice bar and some cafeteria style tables. It fills up quickly, especially when a cruise ship is in town. The seafood is fresh and I have a co-worker from out of state who demands on clam chowder every time he is around. Some of the staff is very efficient, however, the last two times I have had to track down my server to pay while I sent the others on.

    (3)

  • Benjamin D.

    I came here at 830pm on a Sunday night - we waited over twenty minutes for service but there was none. I understand that the restaurant was likely understaffed by looking at all the food left on empty tables but I didn't like the feeling of being ignored by the staff. Be prepared for a long wait to be served.

    (2)

  • Aleksey K.

    If you are visiting, you probably have mixed feelings about the reviews (tourist trap/food complaints) just like I did. I took a chance for you guys while I was vising from NY. After sampling other places around the area. This place smells. Their soda/fountain machine produces soda that indicated that the machine was not serviced in a long time. Calamari fell apart (under cooked). Chowder was OK but lacked meat. Hale & Hearty has better chowder in NY. Even Fairway soups are better deal for your money. Their lobster roll was OK but priced a little bit above the area average. Service could not make up for overpriced / bad food. Check out Rays and Street & Co. Same price and a WAY better deal.

    (1)

  • Jason H.

    This was a good dinner for us, the chowder was great and the food was our fairly quickly. It's a tourist spot, but the food is good and if the weather is good sit out back and enjoy your meal.

    (5)

  • Daniel N.

    This place was good. Yes when you walk in expect to have that smell hit you in the face. Yes this is more of a diner instead of a formal restaurant. Yes the lobster is really good. Being from Chicago, the lobster was also way cheaper than what I am used to, but still around $20. I'm not sure I would make a special pilgrimage to this place, or even hit it if I am in Maine again, but certainly a good place to go for a bite to eat.

    (3)

  • Kate C.

    Wow, I just left here and can't begin to express my disappointment in the chowder. I was skeptical because of the mixed reviews but nothing could have prepared me for being served the absolute worst clam chowder I've ever had. It was thick, which I usually like but everything about it was bad. I thought it could be doctored with some salt and pepper but it literally got worse and worse as I ate it. I cut my losses at half a medium cup and just ate oyster crackers. The blueberry beer was very good though and well priced. It was also family friendly which I appreciate. These are the only things that give it 2 stars instead of 1 from me. We did only eat the chowder so maybe other things on the menu are better but do NOT go here for chowder if you're only in town for a few days- waste of a meal.

    (2)

  • Loren H.

    Went there for the outside seating for lunch on a beautiful day in August. I had the seafood chowder and it was very good. The only drawback was the, right out of the bag. popcorn shrimp. I don't think shrimp are caught in these cold waters so they use what they have. Their pink color gave them away but really the chowder was good. We also had their salads with lobster and they were big but messy. The romaine leaves were not cut and overflowed the plates. Still we liked the place. One other thing is that everything is served on throwaway plates and utensils. Everything . Not good for the enviroment but they don't need a big dishwasher either. Service was good. I would go back again if in Portland.

    (4)

  • Leah K.

    NOTE: This is about Gilbert's new ice cream parlour, not their restaurant. I haven't tried the restaurant, but if it's anything like the ice cream place I'd go the other way! Gilbert's new ice cream parlour looks great from the outside -- lower prices, a fun atmosphere, handy location... what more could you want? But then we went inside. The girl working ignored us, choosing to talk to her shoe-less friend instead of saying anything to us. When we did finally capture her attention, the dark lighting and one option for ice cream (soft serve) were somewhat disappointing. Then we actually GOT a dish of said soft server and actually tossed it out. McDonalds ice cream is about 1000x better (and 1/3 the price). Too bad.

    (2)

  • Kendra E.

    My Orders: - Boston Clam Chowder - Seafood Chowder - Twin lobsters deal PROS: - Creamy and full of clams & seafood! There are some restaurants that overload their chowders with potatoes but this place gives a fair amount of seafood in their soups. - Limited parking available but street parking are plentiful during off-peaks. - Great, fast service. - Plenty of outdoor and indoor seating for any type of weather. CONS: - Bacon. Not enough of it! - Overpriced twin lobsters plate. Go to the local lobster farm down the street and have them steam lobsters for cheaper. Overall, I would go here for the chowders when I need to satisfy my cravings. Not so much for the fried items or lobsters on their menu. I've found much better deals than this place.

    (3)

  • Judy C.

    Gilbert's is a favorite because it is consistently good .Chowders are hot and flavorful, mussels are great and the beer is cold. We try other places is Portland, but always seem to come back to Gilbert's. Keep up the good work Gilbert's, we'll see you again next time.

    (5)

  • Victor A.

    I try to be fair in my assessment of these places. but I must say I probably won't be back for seafood anyway. I was looking for A quick seafood meal that I thought would be good. I spent 30 bucks here before the tip. My seafood chowder had what looked like a handful of tiny shrimp thrown on top of it. The shrimp were cold which tells me they were refrigerated and then added to what's probably a pot cooking or simmering all day. I ordered the baked haddock lobster sauce, which was the daily special on the blackboard. The haddock and lobster sauce were fine, but my rice had frozen peas that once again looked and tasted like they were sitting in the simmering pot and someone grabbed a spoonful and mixed them in with the rice. Low End...Sorry

    (2)

  • Jordan G.

    We always stop here when driving through Portland for our favorite clam chowder. Never disappoints!

    (4)

  • Rose H.

    I grew up in the Pacific Northwest on a pretty regular diet of fried fish and chowder. When I came to Portland to visit a friend from college, we stopped in at Gilbert's for a small late dinner. The seafood chowder specifically was the best chowder both of us had ever eaten in our lives--so much that I literally stopped in for a cup every single day of my visit. It's so stuffed with seafood that you could eat it with a fork! Their fried haddock is good, too, and you can order it ala cart. I had great service every time. After two consecutive visits, the waitresses knew me and put my order in with the same familiarity of a small, hometown diner. This place is a gem.

    (5)

  • Thomas K.

    We stopped into town via Carnival and saw the great reviews that Gilbert's had via Yelp, so we decided to give it a try. Here's how it went: Outdoor seating in the yard in a covered deck was ample, but blighted by the strange smell of hard boiled eggs in the air. This odor hung around for the duration of our meal. It wasn't us, I assure you. The Clam Chowder was flavorful, but only lukewarm. The soda from the fountain was flat. Fried Whole Belly Clams were hot out of the fryer, tender, and good. Not at all overcooked. The Lobster Roll was pretty good. The Lobster Stew needed seasoning, more substance, and less of the fatty creamy liquid. This was a strange one to me. I've not had this before, and perhaps this is how its supposed to be...but it was far too overwhelming in terms of the cream. In my eyes, a stew should be thick, loaded with potatoes, maybe veggies, and a protein. This was not the case here. It was 1/4 lb lobster meat in a lukewarm, creamy liquid. Hamburger was...well, a hamburger. Fine. The total damage, $78.00. Ouch, considering the missteps here. Service was good, though, and I tipped well to show appreciation. Far be it for me to penalize a server for the kitchen's dropping of the ball. Pass this one by.

    (2)

  • Jax L.

    While on a quick work trip, we knew we had to try Lobster while in Maine. As soon as you walk in you can smell delicious seafood. This is a sit-down no frills restaurant which also has a bar and TV. But it's more of a casual place to throw on a bib and break lobster claws than a fancy spot. We called around to get market prices of lobster and they happened to have the lower price. And high prices doesn't always reflect quality as this was probably the most delicious lobster we've ever had. The color and hue of the lobster was the most vibrant orange/red and it taste so fresh and tender. The clam chowder was also so good that we went back the following day for lunch for their clam chowder bread bowl. The only reason why I knocked off a star is because their fries were deeply fried and too crispy for my liking (something which is common in New England) and more so because they have no desserts listed in their menu. For dessert, I went elsewhere up the street.

    (4)

  • Aubree B.

    Such a great place! Our first meal in Maine and an amazing way to start. I got the whole lobster and the staff showed me how to properly crack it open. :) The chowder is the best (from what my mom and wife said. I don't eat bacon and it has bacon bits in it). The lobster roll looked so amazing I'm looking forward to going back and getting it. A must go to when in Portland, Maine!!

    (5)

  • Lisa M.

    Terrible. Bad service & lobster & crab had no flavor.

    (1)

  • Doug B.

    We went here for lunch when visiting Portland. DO NOT GO HERE. It is a tourist trap and a ripoff. The soup was mediocre and not hot (it was barely warm). The rest of the food was below average and quite expensive. The service was awful. Our waitress was a dour mess.

    (1)

  • Susie Q.

    This review is for a no-frills-seafood joint. We sat outside on patio and ended up ordering clam chowder and corn chowder. Both were great but clam was better. The corn chowder was a little bland. We also ordered the steamed mussels which came with garlic butter and a side of lemony broth. They were delicious! Huge portion, we could not finish it. We each had a bloody Mary (you can order it with or without a shrimp). My only complaint is everything comes in styrofoam containers-- it seems a little wasteful to me. Regardless, I'll definitely be back to try the lobster roll with a bottle of wine ($22 for a house bottle -- not bad).

    (4)

  • Anita D.

    I had their clam chowder because it says so in their name. I ordered a medium for $5.75. It wasn't piping hot when it came out, which is how i like it. to the point where it burns your tongue. It was just lukewarm. The pieces of clam were pretty big compared to campbells soup! haha? A lot of potatoe chunks. I can't put my finger on it, I still prefer my clam chowder down at the wharf in San Francisco instead. However, the waitress did come by and check on me several times and gave me lemon in my water.

    (3)

  • Salamander J.

    Traditional Maine fare, and has been for years. This place is always best when there are no cruise ships in the harbour - one of the first bread bowls in town. A great place in winter. Mainehigh: 1

    (4)

  • Stacie F.

    Great seafood chowder! The fried shrimp platter did not disappoint. Advice - don't order a salad with blue cheese dressing. It's not house-made but a Kraft packet.

    (3)

  • Chu Z.

    Tried their clam chowder in a bread bowl and fish & chips, both great. The bread bowl is larger than a LARGE. The fish was super fresh. Yummy.

    (4)

  • David K.

    We were behind schedule for lunch, but stopped in for a taste...we all enjoyed the chowder! Our group ordered both the scallop or shrimp special - fish, fries, and chowder. One of our group, had the white chili - he enjoyed. The highlight for me was the apple cider beer. So refreshing and different from the usual hoppy beers of the NE. All in all, a nice place for lunch. The staff was very friendly!

    (4)

  • Kate F.

    Went here for dinner based purely on yelp's advice. (I'm looking at you Jennifer A., jocy c., and Karl H.) and was just so disappointed by the mediocrity I tasted that it was hard for me to dole out even the "A-OK" three stars I (with the help of my mother and brother) decided on. The interior is lacking in a lot of things, character and cleanliness among them. Our waitress was nice though! Stuffed clams were underdone and bready, but tasty. Clam chowder was tasty but not outstanding. Nowhere near as good as our gold star against which we measure all others - Cappy's in Camden. King Crab legs were very good, but really what isn't when dipped in butter. Fried Haddock's batter was crispy although undercooked and bland, though the fish was very fresh. (Go broiled.) Fried shrimp suffered under the same batter as the haddock. Bummer. Fries were all underdone. Coleslaw was good, not over-mayoed, but nothing special. Q: What takes this from the obvious two to generous three stars you ask? A: The cold and delicious beer. Everything is better when served with a chilly glass of yum. (Additional reporting for this article by Marjorie F. and Pete F.)

    (3)

  • angela s.

    Fantastic seafood chowdah. Fast, friendly, and really fresh food ... Right on the waterfront

    (4)

  • sara p.

    Great chowder, great food overall, great staff, love it here

    (4)

  • Ernie C.

    Somewhat touristy, but on the waterfront in downtown Portland so no big deal. Wife and I both got the seafood chowder. Very nice, but we paid the extra $ for the bread bowl. In hindsight, would have just preferred a basic bowl as the bread had no real flavor, just basic white. We were not that hungry, so just had the soup and shared a huge basic green salad. No frills joint. Friendly servers. Would definately return.

    (3)

  • Angela J.

    Whilst visiting Maine with a friend about 8 years ago, I obviously wanted to sample some real New England Clam Chowder. Truthfully: we picked this place because my brother, dad, and grandpa are all named Gilbert. This place still holds the title of "Best Clam Chowder Ang Has Ever Tried".

    (5)

  • laura M.

    I would give four stars bc this place is cute and rustic and very fisherman esq. The food itself is three stars though. Lobster roll was good, but not over packed with lobster, clam chowder was very good and fresh, but the fish and chips missed the mark. Would return based on location and old world fisherman charm.

    (3)

  • Nellie B.

    Gilbert's was fantastic! While there was about a 15 minute wait to get in the service was fast and friendly once we were seated. The clam chowder was fantastic -- hot and light with great bits of clam, potato and some veggies. I had the lobster roll and there was a LOT of lobstah on it. Just make sure you leave room for the blueberry cobbler. It's one of the best I've ever had and I need the recipe please!

    (5)

  • Andrew J.

    The place is charming enough, but the chowder was very starchy and the clam cakes were very cakey. We came in looking for seafood, but felt like we were at a bakery. Although the service was fine, this might not be the best pick for true Maine seafood. But what do I know about seafood, I'm from Florida. If you're looking for great seafood, go South to Portsmouth. Hebert's seafood was our beat place in New England. On Badger Island. And no, we don't know the owner.

    (2)

  • T M.

    I paid close to $30 for clams, oysters and clam chowder. The food here is bad. The oysters were cut in half to save them money. The breading was too thick and tasteless. Clams weren't bad, but tasted similar to the frozen ones you buy at the grocery store, The Clam chowder was a disappointment. They had put 2.5 tablespoons of raw onion in my chowder, so while eating the chowder I am crunching down on raw onions. Was upset that I threw $30 away.

    (1)

  • Mari H.

    SO and I met a couple there for lunch on a sunny, warm, October Saturday. The atmosphere is very casual but the food was good. I'd definitely come back. We had to wait for a table but it was only about 20 minutes. We had onion rings for appetizers, I had a lobster roll and SO had fried clams. It was all good. The four of us sat outside at a small table with pigeons trying to mooch all around us and a big fat pole blocking our view but the food was good.

    (3)

  • Angela H.

    was recommended to eat here by a friend at home (i'm from the midwest and she goes there frequently because of family in the area) and i have to say that as a first meal on the maine coast (my husband and i were there on our honeymoon, flew into portland and were headed out to the camden/rockland area that same day but decided to grab a bite on the way out of town) it was pretty fantastic. since it was my first time on the coast, i chickened out on trying the full lobster yet (i reserved that for Cappy's in Camden) and got the chowder. it was delicious! and sitting out on the water was a great intro to our trip up the coast, and i'm really glad we stopped. this place will always hold a special place in my heart.

    (5)

  • T G.

    Lunch was awesome, dinner was better. Great location for a business lunch and also with my family while visiting for a business meeting.

    (3)

  • Melanie V.

    oh gilbert's, i had such high hopes for you. i love the look of gilberts. very down to earth looking place and right by the water. i really thought id get amazing food here just by judging the place by its look. clam chowder- it was very flavorful and delicious. but i found so much more potatoes then clams, then soup itself! lobster roll- huge chunks of lobster and on a a nicely buttered roll. too bad the lobsters were completely tasteless. definitely did not go during lobster season. but wow, it tasted like they had this lobster frozen for months and thawed it heated it up and threw it on my roll. i unfortunately had a better lobster roll in nyc then in maine. then again i know i just havent been going to the right places. ill be back to maine during lobster season.

    (2)

  • Ian D.

    Great chowder! Ordered fried clam strips. Was disappointed with it. Tasted like paper. Should have just ordered fried clams "whole", if they had it in their menu. Fried calamari and scallops were great though.

    (3)

  • Jay B.

    I can't believe this place got 4 of 5 stars. A worse seafood meal I have never had. I have never, ever said this of a restaurant before but the food here was "disgusting". I had fish and chips and couldn't finish it because it tasted so awful. The fries were limp and tasteless. Even the coleslaw was bad. My disappointment was huge since this place was in the guide book and I expected more, esp for tourists who are being conned into thinking this swill is what seafood is supposed to taste like. I am from Boston and know what good seafood is. I've had better seafood in Kansas City or Phoenix, 1000 miles from the sea than at this place. I am seriously disappointed. I gave this place one star because the staff was friendly and efficient, otherwise I wouldn't have even given it one star.

    (1)

  • christian b.

    This place was good to me when my wife and I visited in September. The chowder was good. The fried what-not was satisfying. Sometimes, that's what you want: good chowder, a heaping plate of fried seafood, a couple of beers. What can I say? They had me at hello. The lobster roll, however, was a major disappointment. That puppy wasn't even dressed! It was cold, minced lobster on a toasted roll. No flavor. Still, the service was friendly, the food wasn't real expensive, and dammit, that's what I wanted! Seafood! Lots of it!

    (4)

  • B F.

    Amazing as usual! I never visit Portland without getting a bowl of chowdah!

    (5)

  • Esther Y.

    Is it lame that I'm giving almost everything in Portland a 4? Yikes! I need to get it together! I LOVED this place. We came in for lobster rolls and fish chowder. YUM. The lobster pieces were super fresh, sweet, and the roll was filled with deliciousness. I am on the side of the less mayo the better, but the Hubs wished there was some may with the roll. Don't get me wrong, he still managed to eat the whole thing. Ha!

    (4)

  • Chester H.

    We just had two lobster tails, cole slaw, corn, fries and clam chowder for under $60. And it was "The Best" ever!!! Wish I could eat there again... Chester & Cindy from orange co. Cal.

    (5)

  • Jon W.

    I'm giving this place a 4 Star rating on the chowder alone. The chowder in a bread bowl doesn't get much better. The bread was fresh and it was packed with clams, certainly a meal of its own. I also had the Lobster roll was kind of plain and had a weird after taste. It just seemed like it wasn't as fresh as you'd expect for a place right on the water. I'll be back for the chowder though!

    (4)

  • Anannya K.

    Went to this place after local recommendation from nearby shops. The chowder was cold and the lobster roll were OK. The fish and chips was fresh but was a little less salty.

    (2)

  • Jamie V.

    Absolutely delicious seafood. Fairly priced for a decent amount of food. I would definitely recommend the clam chowder. Yumm-o!

    (5)

  • LittleAsianGirl W.

    Try a seafood chilli. The most excellent I ever had. I also ordered lobster and steamers. Everything here is very fresh here. The price is reasonable. Service is great too.

    (4)

  • Cory M.

    Award winning chowder back in the day but needs to step it up again.

    (4)

  • Big E.

    Enjoyed a delicious whole lobster here and it was reasonably priced, cute little seafood place right on the water. Also tried the clam chowder, fried clams and clam cake. All were super delightful, good service, just a really nice experience. Definitely would recommend this for a no frills meal.

    (4)

  • Roy E.

    Best clam chowder I ever had, and best muscles. I love the fact that no expense is waisted on silverware and china. You get plastic and paper. It's about the food, and they get it right.

    (4)

  • Brianna K.

    Came here after a day of biking and fun with my boyfriend, and it was perfect! We had outdoor seats, service was polite and quick (could have been friendlier but nothing to complain about). Boyfriend had haddock fry dinner and said it was juicy and crisp. The seafood chilli was "to die for" in his opinion. I had the clam chowder which was AWESOME and fried shrimp. Shrimp was ok, and fries were on point. Would reccomend with a few beers! We will come back next time we come to Maine!

    (4)

  • D S.

    Great claim chowder and shipyard IPA . Not so great fried oysters, the have no taste. Passed on drowning them in salt and opted to not finish them

    (3)

  • John V.

    Not sure how others thought the view was great. Only outside view is of the building across the way. Service was HORRIBLE. All 15 outside tables were full, so we had to eat inside. Server dropped our food off and never saw her again. Had to ask bartender to find our check and cash out. Clam cake was over cooked and nothing but bread. After 7 lobster rolls this week, I finally had a bad one. Lobster roll was the worst. Dry lobster with a leaf of wilted lettuce. Best part was the bun. No mayo, no butter. Just dry lobster. Don't be fooled by the on line menu. That is for another location. Very limited menu. Worst meal of our week long vacation in Maine.

    (1)

  • Ohhee J.

    I came here specifically for the clam chowder. The weather was nice so I was able to snag the last table in the outdoor porch area. This was around 7:30. Service wasn't quick but service wasn't awfully slow. I ordered the large clam chowder. It was surprisingly very affordable compared to the rest of the restaurants in South Port. A large clam chowder was about $8.00. It was definitely filling and was loaded with clams and potatoes. I would give a four star for the clam chowder because it was probably the first clam chowder I had that actually had a lot of clams, but the soup wasn't fresh. You could tell because the consistency was ever so slightly clumpy and not hot. The soup is served in a plastic container served with oyster crackers. I wasn't too thrill with the presentation. But if it's the reason why the soup is on the cheap side, I'll take it!

    (3)

  • R. S.

    I hate chowder but Gilbert's made me a convert; had it twice it was so good. But the lobster roll was inedible. Threw it out after two bites

    (3)

  • Craig G.

    Clam chowder in a bread bowl was delicious. Lobster stew had big juicy chunks of lobster in a broth that seemed to be about half butter. Sit on the patio if the sun's out. I knocked it down a star for the service - our waitress wasn't the most efficient at getting us our drinks or our refills.

    (3)

  • sumi c.

    We had sometime (but not too much time) before our flight back to CA. Found that Gilbert's was advertised as the best chowder house, so decided to check it out for the chowder. Very casual, you seat yourself, there is an outside patio but since it rained earlier in the day, the tables were wet. It was packed at 3:30pm (why?!!), so we had to stand and wait for like 10 min. They had specials on the board: such as a steam lobstered, fried and corn on the cobb (twin) for $34.95. Orignally going for the clam chowder in the bread bowl (the temperature dropped significantly from a super how 92 degree to like 68 degree in a day!!). They had a 'lobster stew' for $13.95 on the menu, decided to give it a try. It doesn't come in a bread bowl because it's more watery than the chowder. So, the lobster stew comes and I'm speechless: there is like 1 cm of orange butter floating on top of the creamy 'stew' below. Stew? I thought stew was supposed to be thick and hearty? Well, the cream and the butter obviously don't mix. I tried desparately mixing as fast as I can to break up the butter, but each spoon was filled with 'butter'. I just picked out the lobster. I ended up scouping out the butter, finally got to the 'stew', and well, it's creamy, but by then, my stomach was just not taking all this butter. We also tried the fried clams: first one had sand... The tartar sauce wasn't as tangy with the relish,it was more like mayo. I may have been focused on trying something different, so overlooked their staple of chowder? For the price of the lobster stew, I'll pass. Maybe next time, I'll go for the clam chowder in the bowl only. One final note: there were 3 servers working, and during our wait, no one acknowledged our presence, going to and from the bathroom, no one said hello and even looked at you. Casual, but not friendly. It's like you walk in, seat yourself, order (this is the only interaction with the staff) and the pay and leave....

    (3)

  • Diane C.

    In Portland for work. Visiting from NYC. Three different people told us to go to this place. So we did and I feel totally happy and complete with my "getting lobster in Maine" experience. The atmosphere is nothing fancy & you'll get styrofoam/paper plates/plastic spoons. But it's good enough. Okay, the chowder?? The seafood chowder is a must. I had the lobster roll too and it was just perfect--best I've ever had. Although I guess this might be only my second or third. And only $13! A total bargain compared to Luke's and Mary's Fish Camp in NYC. My co-worker got the single lobster for $19. Incredible prices for the caliber of food here. I was very happy after eating here. If you want yummy, super fresh lobster and nothing fancypants, go here!

    (4)

  • Dejia B.

    Pretty dang tasty! Had fried clams with fries and a couple of shipyard beers. Clams were plentiful, fries were even more so and the tarter was delicious. Loved the back deck too. Wish the wait staff was a bit friendlier, but hey, at least the food was good!

    (4)

  • Rachel E.

    Someone recommended this place for a lobster dinner, but it was underwhelming. It was very cheap, and you could tell immediately after stepping through the door. The docks also smelled pretty bad. My boyfriend got a whole boiled lobster and enjoyed tearing it apart and sucking out the meat bit by bit, but it was underwhelming nonetheless. Good for a quick lunch if you are in the area. Not much selection if you aren't in the mood for chowder, fish, or lobster. Head to J's for better food and a better dining experience overall.

    (3)

  • M R.

    Just got back from having a Lobster Roll and a Bowl of Chowdah at Gilbert's while traveling for business in Maine. First off, I love Maine!It's a far cry from my concrete jungle homeworld, NYC, but if I ever decide to transplant myself, this is where I would go, and Gilbert's is where I would pahk my butt to watch some football, drink a Shipyard while eating a Breadbowl of seafood chowdah which was full of lobstah, shrimp, clams and crab meat! Ive been to Beantown and New Hampshah, but this little place has them all beat in my book. Its a homely looking place with a comfy feel. It was a perfect night and sitting out by the water only added to the experience. The Lobstah Roll was overfilled with fresh sweet lobstah meat and not loaded with mayo like some NYC wannabe lobster rolls. And if you want to try, Lure's is as close as you can get!

    (4)

  • Timo W.

    If you're headed to Portland, you've got to check out a truly fantastic place in Gilbert's Chowder House. My first visit there was on a typically drizzly and chilly Maine afternoon in the fall of 2001. We were starving after a flight from Chicago and looking for something quick and tasty. When I noticed a crowded joint amongst the other half-empty places I had passed, I figured there must be something good cooking inside. I wasn't disappointed. Not in the least bit fancy, the place was packed with dock workers and other locals who know a good thing. I've been back a couple of times and all the chowders I've tried have been great. If you're after nice ambience, there are plenty of better choices in the Old Port district; but for great chowder go to Gilbert's. I can only dream there was a seafood place like this in Chicago where I live.

    (5)

  • Rebecca P.

    Not being a fan of clams, I opted for the fish chowder, and was pleasantly surprised - hot, hearty, creamy, and chock full of fish, it was a perfect meal for the chilly evening. Split the fish and chips with my friend, and while the cornmeal crust was different from the traditional beer batter I'm used to in Boston, it was a nice change - the fish was so buttery, we ended up eating it plain (no tartar sauce necessary!). A bottle of Captain Eli's root beer was a delicious complement to the meal.

    (4)

  • Paul B.

    Excellent chowder and fish & chips. Waitresses really sweet to kids.

    (5)

  • Bryan M.

    Gotta say, I LOVE bringing my friends from away here. Especially when you can eat outdoors. Good food, decent pricing. Very fun.

    (4)

  • Maureen H.

    Authentic feeling locale on the dock and not aiming to draw anybody particular, just serving up their food. That's fine and can be appealing. I wasn't crazy about the chowder, however. I like it thin, not like clam pudding. That's all I tried.

    (3)

  • Jen S.

    When I lived in Portland, I went here weekly, for beer and chowder with my friends. I love the casual environment, the local brews, and the creamy chowder. When I visit Portland again, I try to stop in. It's a great place to recover from the high-falutin' attitudes of the city (not Portland -- I mean the Boston area).

    (4)

  • Brian E.

    Classic dockside atmosphere. Weathered interior, friendly staff, fresh seafood. Casual dinning experience with the locals. Great place to grab a beer and get some " chowda!"

    (4)

  • Marcus H.

    It was ok. Everyone raves about the chowder; however, I've had better. The chowder out of Goucester, MA is outstanding. The service was slow and the wait staff was inattentive. Also, it was rather busy.

    (3)

  • A A.

    After a grueling experience of dining (but rather waiting) at another establishment--and still hungry--we came here. It was almost closing time, but the waitress was still amicable. Tried 2 chowders: the clam and corn/chicken. I actually liked the corn/chicken one better. The clam was too thick--maybe it had just simmered itself down to cream-of-wheat consistency.

    (3)

  • Catherine S.

    I was sick and needed a good bowl of something hot. My husband suggested we go over to Gilbert's for some chowder. I'm literally salivating right now as I write and think about how amazingly good that chowder was. Does that give you enough information? Oh yeah, we also had fried clams and fries that were done to perfection. It definitely put me in a better mood, and I can't wait to go back just for the chowder alone.

    (5)

  • AB C.

    I called this place to inquire what was in their chowder and if there was any shellfish or meat in it. Receiving the "correct" answer, I wandered over eager to try some out. When I arrived, I noticed their corn chowder was really chicken-corn chowder. Then I saw that all their chowder had bacon and clams in it. Bummer. I almost left since I really wanted some haddock chowdah. But I decided to try out a haddock sandwich instead. It was pretty good. The food arrived fast and was generiously portioned. Our waiter was pleasant and the place has a homey friendly feel. If you are a fish-a-tarian or are careful about ingredients, this may not be the place for you. If you are a seafood lover, it should be really appealing.

    (3)

  • Laura A.

    I'm no expert on chowder, but the bowl I had at Gilbert's after tromping through snowy streets sure hit the spot. The server couldn't have been nicer, and the atmosphere was relaxed enough that I felt completely at ease dining solo while skimming the free weekly. Great fries.

    (4)

  • Dan C.

    No nonsense chowder house right in the old part of town. It all speaks for itself. Not overly fancy but good solid chowder and other fresh seafoody kind of stuff.

    (4)

  • Angela B.

    Chowder, bread bowl, Shipyard Pumpkinhead on draft...it doesn't get much better. I don't venture from the above combo, and I'm never disappointed.

    (5)

  • Jazzy G.

    Born and raised in Portland, so I know these things. I always get a seafood chowder bread bowl when I go back home. Don't bother with the lobster roll. Go straight for the bread bowl. Gilbert's (well, all of New England, but mostly Gilbert's) has made me such a chowder snob.

    (5)

  • Niki B.

    It's cozy, it's comfy, it's laid back and it serves some mean unpretentious lobster stew and clam chowder. What's not to like? The place lives up to its reputation hands down.

    (5)

  • Elizabeth S.

    I go here often when I'm visiting my family in Maine. I always have the seafood chowder. It is classic New England chowder: milky, not heavy or gooey. It is filled with tiny Maine shrimp. My grandfather has the fish and chips. The fish is fresh and light - perfectly fried.

    (5)

  • Stella S.

    LOVE IT!! They make the best New England clam chowder!

    (5)

  • Danielle S.

    How I long for a heaping bowl of chowder from Gilbert's 360 days of the yea!e!! Thank goodness I'm leaving for Portland tomorrow. Nothing tops Gilbert's clam chowder. It's the only chowder I've ever had that you can stick a spoon in and it will stand up straight---now that's some hearty soup. I can't really speak for their other dishes; one bowl of chowder was always enough to do me in for the day. My mom, however, cannot eat cream-based soups, but was blown away by their tomato-based seafood chowder that contained huge hunks of shellfish and fish, lightly seasoned. Even though he prefers J's, my father will usually order a lobster roll because he simply has to get his fill in the limited time we have.

    (5)

  • C H.

    Get chowder (whatever kind you want, all good) in a breadbowl to go. Fast, tasty, and inexpensive.

    (4)

  • Alejandro I.

    I was vacationing in Maine and visited Portland. I went to Gilberts Chowder House with my wife. We order the new england clam chowder and I must tell you this was the best new England clam chowder I have ever eatin in my life. We shared a large bowl and destroyed it. I ordered the lobster roll and it was good but kind of bland. I had a woopie pie and loved it. My daughter went crazy for it. But be fore worned. This is not a fancy place. Paper plates and p[lastic forks only. Yes it is expensive but what the hell you live only once. (Ate here twice.) You can eat in or outside in the back by the water. Some advice. Come here after 2PM to avoid the crowds. If you come here this is what you order. (1) New England clam chowder, (2) Lobster dinner, & (3) Woopie pie. If you order these, then you will be happy with your food. Must try it at least once. By the way half of all the restaurant in Portland have no A/C.

    (4)

  • Jill k.

    one of the most memorable meals of my vacation! the chowder was superb, and the lobster delicious! on top of that, gilbert's is completely affordable ($25 for two lobster with coleslaw and fries); a great, casual place to get your lobster fix in portland!

    (5)

  • Robert F.

    Sat out on the deck last Friday afternoon enjoying they're very tasty and priced right haddock sandwich and sipping a cold one. Great Chowder, nice staff, no frills. Worth the stop. while not the best seafood around it is very consistent. Hmm, tasty.

    (4)

  • Jessica C.

    The Clam Chowder served in their bread bowl is an absolute must! It was so good I had to order a second round :x The lobster roll was not the best I had in Portland but it was still good. I didn't really care for the chips that came with the lobster roll but I did enjoy the pickle. The fried oysters were also good. Crunchy, juicy, and salty! Personally, I could pass on everything else and just be content with the clam chowder. Kudo's for a slammin soup!

    (3)

  • Jill N.

    Amazing Clam Chowder!! One of the best I have ever had! I also had the lobster roll and the lobster meat was fresh and juicy with large chunks of lobster meat... So good! For dessert they had an ice cream parlor next door and I saw they had Blueberry ice-cream and I had to try some while I'm in Maine! The ice cream was blueberry vanilla flavored, with large chunks of blueberries. It tasted amazing and was a great way to get my fruit serving in for the day! I would definitely come back to this place the next time I'm in Portland! Check it out!

    (5)

  • Tony W.

    The curse of this place is that it has become such a popular Portland seafood destination - and as a place that's been recommended by every hotel and B&B in Portland - that it can never truly live up to its own legend. I've walked by this place a million times in be last 15 years, but I finally ventured in with my dad. And you know what? I liked it. My dad and I both got daily specials. He got a clams and chowder combo, and I got a scallops and clam chowder combo. I got this because I've rarely seen a clams/scallops/shrimps etc offered in combination with chowder...and it was great! Very well breaded and prepared, and the seafood was fresh. The chowder was very good. And both for about $17 each. To wash it down, we got $4.50 seasonal Shipyards, which is a decent non-happy hour special... especially on the waterfront. The atmosphere is very...Maine tourist? Boats and nautical thingies everywhere. Everyone eating around us seemed to be from away. But the service was friendly, efficient and prompt. The twin lobsters looked disappointingly small when they came out for another table, so I would probably get those elsewhere. Otherwise, I would come back here without reservation. Or with reservations, during the summer.

    (4)

  • Anders C.

    We were craving clam chowder, so we came here. There were clam chowder + fried calamari/shrimp/scallop dinner specials for 13/15/17.99 respectively and it seemed like good value for the money. Given that this place is right in the touristy areas of Portland, the portions are alright (instead of gigantic that one may get at other places). Clam chowder was great though.

    (4)

  • John T.

    My daughter and I went after a ferry ride in Casco Bay. Daughter wanted to try lobster so we got a lobster roll and onion rings. We also got chicken fingers just in case she didn't like the lobster. The lobster roll was bad. seemed like frozen lobster meet out of a can. The onion rings were worse.it looked like they were fried once then re- battered and fried again. The best thing was the chicken nuggets. This place is a prime location spot. Right beside the ferry terminal. I think they don't care enough about the quality of the food because they have a steady tourist business. I would find another place if you are in town.

    (2)

  • Sam P.

    Some of the best seafood in Maine. The lobster roll is great and you can choose between mayo or warm butter to put on your lobster. The clam chowder is great and is award winning for a reason. It is also one of the few reasonably priced places in the Portland area. It is a "must-have" place if you ever come to Portland. On top of that, the service is great. Its an easy five star review

    (5)

  • Jason Y.

    I ordered takeout when I was in the area because we had already eaten dinner but heard a lot of good things about the place so we had to try it. Boy was i satisfied. We ordered one order of the seafood chowder to go and it was awesome. A lot of great bold flavor and a decent amount of different types of seafood were in there as well. I would come back and try some other chowders if I visited again.

    (4)

  • Michaela K.

    Sat outside on a busy Sunday with a large group. Got seated right away, servers were fantastic, but would have been great if there were a few more. These ladies were working hard though, I appreciated all the hard work they had to do for a party of 8. Plenty of outside seating. One of us got clam stripes that was pretty burnt, that was the only draw back with the slower service. My lobster roll was delicious but could have used more lobster meat, still one of the best ones I had this weekend in Maine. Delicious draft beer too!

    (4)

  • Charlene M.

    Great food. Good service if they are not understaffed. The only real problem I had was my husband and I drove around for 15 minutes to find parking to eat here, when we finally found a spot and walked over, I was shocked to see there were only two other occupied tables, because their parking lot was full. Really should invest in someone to regulate the parking, people are clearly parking in their side of the lot and going elsewhere. This is not the first time this has happened either.

    (4)

  • Paul V.

    Portland, Maine. What else was I supposed to have? Star 1: How were the service and atmosphere? Sure, it might be a bit tourist trappy, but Gilbert's will get you seated, and they'll do it quickly even on a busy weekend. From there, service is fast and friendly, and you can't ask for much more than that. Star Granted. Star 2: How were the portions relative to the cost? I expected a bit of a premium for a place and location like Gilbert's Chowder House, and as a result set $10.00 as a price ceiling for a decent portion of chowder. Coincidently? My dish was exactly $10.00. lucky, but acceptable: yelp.com/user_local_phot… Star Granted. Stars 3 and 4: How was the food? Good chowder? Very, with a creamy consistency mixed in with some quality pieces of what I have to imagine was fresh seafood. Having said that, there was both good and bad in this equation, with the shortcoming being the bread. In this case, we clearly had a quick store-bought roll that honestly brought down the quality of the whole dish a notch. Good and bad? Single Star Granted. Star 5: Would you eat here every day if you could? The atmosphere is great, but there's comparable chowder elsewhere. No Star Granted.

    (3)

  • Alicia J.

    The clam chowder was on point, the service was good and so are the friendly staff. Couldn't leave Maine without having clam chowder. Nice place to sit indoors or the patio in the back. The steamed lobster was good too, cooked just right.

    (5)

  • Jason P.

    Love this place. Dog friendly on the back deck, the food is consistently outstanding, and my wife and I have plenty of food with two medium cups of chowder and a bucket of onion rings to split. When guests come in town we always bring them to Gilbert's.

    (5)

  • Sheila D.

    I vowed to get the chowder at every single restaurant that I go to this summer in Maine, and looking at the title, I had high expectations for Gilbert's - and the chowder didn't disappoint. This place probably served the best chowder I've had since I came to Maine in June (and trust me, I've tried lots of chowder from lots of places so far). I got the seafood chowder in a bread bowl, but I think that next time, I will probably just get a large size with oyster crackers. The amount of chowder in the bread bowl seemed smaller, and there was SO much bread that I had no idea what to do with it. The flavor of the chowder was spot on, and the chunkiness was perfect. One thing to keep in mind is that all of their chowders are flavored with bacon, so they may not be the best for vegetarians or pescetarians. My biggest complaint comes from the service. We literally had to wait over 15 minutes for our server to get our water. WATER. The food took much, much longer. I understand that the restaurant was pretty crowded, but I doubt that it is that difficult for someone to just make sure that everyone in the restaurant is hydrated. That being said, service doesn't deter from the AMAZING food at this restaurant, and I would highly recommend you go if you are ever in the Old Port area. Just be prepared to wait if you're there at a busier time.

    (4)

  • Brendan M.

    Very fresh and tasty, this quaint and cozy hole in the wall on Commercial St. has a great, if incomplete, seafood menu. (It was the morning of the dreaded NEPTUNE BLIZZARD! so obviously I could not enjoy the outdoor seating, hence the cozy vibe.) The mussels in garlic and butter broth with onions as an appetizer is a great value and a decent portion; the full order must be served in by a five gallon bucket. The fried calamari had a light, crispy batter that was quite tasty. I will be returning for myriad reasons but the corn chowder with chicken is high on the list. But the deal sealer if you will is the lobster roll. Ultra fresh and understated in it's dressing, this roll hit the spot, i'm not sure which spot but it was a good one! Also, bottomless soda and very cheery waitstaff add to the charm of Gilbert's Chowder House.

    (4)

  • Anthony V.

    We came up from Boston for a friend's birthday, which means we're those loud a-holes one table over. But in proper Maine tradition, we agreed (loudly) that all the lobster items were great, especially in chowder and soup form. Oh? Is that the front half of a lobster in my Lobster Stew? Don't mind if I do. Newbury Street classy this place is not. But we don't have /this/ much lobster simmering in cream and butter down south.

    (4)

  • Joe M.

    Sat outside on the patio. Not the greatest view on commercial but the food was good. Had the clam chowder and it was pretty awesome. Crab sandwich could have used a little something something but it was fresh tasting. Solid seafood spot!

    (4)

  • Toad M.

    Matt at the bar was great at explaining the dishes and specials. The waitresses were friendly. Some of the best clam chowder I have ever had.... pretty darn good. The place is super casual, plastic and paper along with fish served in baskets...expect easy to eat good food... nothing more.

    (4)

  • Tommy L.

    People tend to think a place has to be packed to be good. Gilbert's is great because people follow the herd. Food equals or surpasses the neighboring joints but without the crush of people shoulder to shoulder. If you have kids, you can swoop the stroller round back and chill at the large picnic tables. The team of waitresses mean your never lacking for attention. And the chowder and bread bowls have been written about enough that I don't need to expound. Finally, they don't look at you crazy if you want your lobster roll with warm drawn butter rather than cold mayo.

    (4)

  • Mike O.

    Came here with some colleagues on a weeknight in April (before tourist season) and the place was near dead. Had a beer, the clam chowder, and the lobster roll. I wanted the clam chowder to have bigger chunks of ingredients in it, but it tasted fab. The lobster roll, on the other hand, was arguably one of the best I've had in Portland. I highly recommend it. The ambiance of this place is diner casual. Has a local feel. Don't expect to be puttin on too many airs here, and frankly, you won't be putting down too many dollars either, as you will at other places with less good food just steps away.

    (4)

  • Chris H.

    We found Gilbert's via the Valet at the Hyatt Place hotel we were staying at. We were looking for an unpretentious place to grab a bite to eat and get a flavor for what Maine has to offer. We were seated on the rear patio and while the place was busy (July 4th weekend) we had prompt and friendly service. We had the twin lobster tail dinner and clam chowder. All were good. Overall the prices were fair, service was good as well as the food. We'd definitely return if we ever make it back to the area.

    (4)

  • Erez Y.

    Small but good beer selection, good prices, solid execution, legit atmosphere. Not sure what others are whining about.

    (5)

  • Deni T.

    Gilbert's is such a staple on the waterfront and a spot I take people to as the alternative to "pricier" places. It's the sort of place that locals would go to. I love the whole belly clams and optional outdoor seating. The inside has a nice bar and some cafeteria style tables. It fills up quickly, especially when a cruise ship is in town. The seafood is fresh and I have a co-worker from out of state who demands on clam chowder every time he is around. Some of the staff is very efficient, however, the last two times I have had to track down my server to pay while I sent the others on.

    (3)

  • Benjamin D.

    I came here at 830pm on a Sunday night - we waited over twenty minutes for service but there was none. I understand that the restaurant was likely understaffed by looking at all the food left on empty tables but I didn't like the feeling of being ignored by the staff. Be prepared for a long wait to be served.

    (2)

  • Aleksey K.

    If you are visiting, you probably have mixed feelings about the reviews (tourist trap/food complaints) just like I did. I took a chance for you guys while I was vising from NY. After sampling other places around the area. This place smells. Their soda/fountain machine produces soda that indicated that the machine was not serviced in a long time. Calamari fell apart (under cooked). Chowder was OK but lacked meat. Hale & Hearty has better chowder in NY. Even Fairway soups are better deal for your money. Their lobster roll was OK but priced a little bit above the area average. Service could not make up for overpriced / bad food. Check out Rays and Street & Co. Same price and a WAY better deal.

    (1)

  • Jason H.

    This was a good dinner for us, the chowder was great and the food was our fairly quickly. It's a tourist spot, but the food is good and if the weather is good sit out back and enjoy your meal.

    (5)

  • Daniel N.

    This place was good. Yes when you walk in expect to have that smell hit you in the face. Yes this is more of a diner instead of a formal restaurant. Yes the lobster is really good. Being from Chicago, the lobster was also way cheaper than what I am used to, but still around $20. I'm not sure I would make a special pilgrimage to this place, or even hit it if I am in Maine again, but certainly a good place to go for a bite to eat.

    (3)

  • Kate C.

    Wow, I just left here and can't begin to express my disappointment in the chowder. I was skeptical because of the mixed reviews but nothing could have prepared me for being served the absolute worst clam chowder I've ever had. It was thick, which I usually like but everything about it was bad. I thought it could be doctored with some salt and pepper but it literally got worse and worse as I ate it. I cut my losses at half a medium cup and just ate oyster crackers. The blueberry beer was very good though and well priced. It was also family friendly which I appreciate. These are the only things that give it 2 stars instead of 1 from me. We did only eat the chowder so maybe other things on the menu are better but do NOT go here for chowder if you're only in town for a few days- waste of a meal.

    (2)

  • Loren H.

    Went there for the outside seating for lunch on a beautiful day in August. I had the seafood chowder and it was very good. The only drawback was the, right out of the bag. popcorn shrimp. I don't think shrimp are caught in these cold waters so they use what they have. Their pink color gave them away but really the chowder was good. We also had their salads with lobster and they were big but messy. The romaine leaves were not cut and overflowed the plates. Still we liked the place. One other thing is that everything is served on throwaway plates and utensils. Everything . Not good for the enviroment but they don't need a big dishwasher either. Service was good. I would go back again if in Portland.

    (4)

  • Leah K.

    NOTE: This is about Gilbert's new ice cream parlour, not their restaurant. I haven't tried the restaurant, but if it's anything like the ice cream place I'd go the other way! Gilbert's new ice cream parlour looks great from the outside -- lower prices, a fun atmosphere, handy location... what more could you want? But then we went inside. The girl working ignored us, choosing to talk to her shoe-less friend instead of saying anything to us. When we did finally capture her attention, the dark lighting and one option for ice cream (soft serve) were somewhat disappointing. Then we actually GOT a dish of said soft server and actually tossed it out. McDonalds ice cream is about 1000x better (and 1/3 the price). Too bad.

    (2)

  • Kendra E.

    My Orders: - Boston Clam Chowder - Seafood Chowder - Twin lobsters deal PROS: - Creamy and full of clams & seafood! There are some restaurants that overload their chowders with potatoes but this place gives a fair amount of seafood in their soups. - Limited parking available but street parking are plentiful during off-peaks. - Great, fast service. - Plenty of outdoor and indoor seating for any type of weather. CONS: - Bacon. Not enough of it! - Overpriced twin lobsters plate. Go to the local lobster farm down the street and have them steam lobsters for cheaper. Overall, I would go here for the chowders when I need to satisfy my cravings. Not so much for the fried items or lobsters on their menu. I've found much better deals than this place.

    (3)

  • Judy C.

    Gilbert's is a favorite because it is consistently good .Chowders are hot and flavorful, mussels are great and the beer is cold. We try other places is Portland, but always seem to come back to Gilbert's. Keep up the good work Gilbert's, we'll see you again next time.

    (5)

  • Victor A.

    I try to be fair in my assessment of these places. but I must say I probably won't be back for seafood anyway. I was looking for A quick seafood meal that I thought would be good. I spent 30 bucks here before the tip. My seafood chowder had what looked like a handful of tiny shrimp thrown on top of it. The shrimp were cold which tells me they were refrigerated and then added to what's probably a pot cooking or simmering all day. I ordered the baked haddock lobster sauce, which was the daily special on the blackboard. The haddock and lobster sauce were fine, but my rice had frozen peas that once again looked and tasted like they were sitting in the simmering pot and someone grabbed a spoonful and mixed them in with the rice. Low End...Sorry

    (2)

  • Jordan G.

    We always stop here when driving through Portland for our favorite clam chowder. Never disappoints!

    (4)

  • Rose H.

    I grew up in the Pacific Northwest on a pretty regular diet of fried fish and chowder. When I came to Portland to visit a friend from college, we stopped in at Gilbert's for a small late dinner. The seafood chowder specifically was the best chowder both of us had ever eaten in our lives--so much that I literally stopped in for a cup every single day of my visit. It's so stuffed with seafood that you could eat it with a fork! Their fried haddock is good, too, and you can order it ala cart. I had great service every time. After two consecutive visits, the waitresses knew me and put my order in with the same familiarity of a small, hometown diner. This place is a gem.

    (5)

  • Thomas K.

    We stopped into town via Carnival and saw the great reviews that Gilbert's had via Yelp, so we decided to give it a try. Here's how it went: Outdoor seating in the yard in a covered deck was ample, but blighted by the strange smell of hard boiled eggs in the air. This odor hung around for the duration of our meal. It wasn't us, I assure you. The Clam Chowder was flavorful, but only lukewarm. The soda from the fountain was flat. Fried Whole Belly Clams were hot out of the fryer, tender, and good. Not at all overcooked. The Lobster Roll was pretty good. The Lobster Stew needed seasoning, more substance, and less of the fatty creamy liquid. This was a strange one to me. I've not had this before, and perhaps this is how its supposed to be...but it was far too overwhelming in terms of the cream. In my eyes, a stew should be thick, loaded with potatoes, maybe veggies, and a protein. This was not the case here. It was 1/4 lb lobster meat in a lukewarm, creamy liquid. Hamburger was...well, a hamburger. Fine. The total damage, $78.00. Ouch, considering the missteps here. Service was good, though, and I tipped well to show appreciation. Far be it for me to penalize a server for the kitchen's dropping of the ball. Pass this one by.

    (2)

  • Jax L.

    While on a quick work trip, we knew we had to try Lobster while in Maine. As soon as you walk in you can smell delicious seafood. This is a sit-down no frills restaurant which also has a bar and TV. But it's more of a casual place to throw on a bib and break lobster claws than a fancy spot. We called around to get market prices of lobster and they happened to have the lower price. And high prices doesn't always reflect quality as this was probably the most delicious lobster we've ever had. The color and hue of the lobster was the most vibrant orange/red and it taste so fresh and tender. The clam chowder was also so good that we went back the following day for lunch for their clam chowder bread bowl. The only reason why I knocked off a star is because their fries were deeply fried and too crispy for my liking (something which is common in New England) and more so because they have no desserts listed in their menu. For dessert, I went elsewhere up the street.

    (4)

  • Flora F.

    My fish chowder had plenty of flavor, but I would have preferred it less thick. The scallops were excellent, broiled by special request. Onion rings were mixed: the texture was right (crispy and flaky outside, fully cooked inside for a nice clean bite), but the flavor was pretty bland (or maybe I've just been spoiled by the take-no-prisoners approach to onion rings in the South, where there would be a lot more buttermilk and pepper in the breading). The dining room is refreshingly, restfully plain, bright (but not too bright) and clean but showing no signs of a decorator's touch. Don't let the tourists scare you away: even locals can enjoy this place.

    (4)

  • L J.

    Dunno why this place has such low reviews. I felt like prices were pretty fair. We got 12 pieces of mussel for $4! Chowder is good and filling. Maybe not the best I've had but definitely worth the amount you pay for. Great location and not a rip off thus I will give it an above average rating

    (4)

  • Jeremy F.

    Walked in, sat down for 20 minutes and no one even came by to see if we were ready while every table that sat around us was served. F-

    (1)

  • Dan F.

    This place is fair at best. I had the lobster roll and it was pounded like a poodle from a bulldog with mayo. It lacked a good flavor, and yes, it's lobster!! We did get the fried clams which were very good. My wife had the chowder which was super concrete thick, we know good chowder BTW. It was around closing time, so perhaps that is why it was not that great. I don't think we would go back.

    (2)

  • Mike M.

    I ordered a medium size seafood chowder and the lobster roll. First the good: the seafood chowder was a 4 and the price was 6.95 which I thought was very reasonable. The bad: the lobster roll at $14.95 was a waste of time and money. It was a small portion of meat and was rather bland. The roll at Fishermans Grill is far superior. For a total bill of $27 and I did not get my money's worth. I can only give this place an overall 3 for the chowder.

    (3)

  • Casie P.

    Visiting Maine in march which is not peak lobster time. Ordered fries oysters and steamed lobster. AMAZING!! Great beer and staff with great prices.

    (5)

  • Jeanie B.

    Most everyone in our group ordered the seafood chowder tonight. It was tasty with lobster pieces in it and shrimp. It was perfect for a cool evening. Fried clams were not impressive. One in our group ordered a lobster roll. We had had lobster rolls the day before in York that were far superior. Our biggest issue is it is a seat yourself restaurant. The line was going out the door. There was a lot of confusion with people in line because they don't take your name while you wait. We managed to only wait 15 minutes because we timed it right. By the looks of the line, folks were in for a long wait tonight. I would have been disappointed if I had waited for almost an hour for the quality level of food we received.

    (3)

  • George K.

    Basket food. Reasonably priced considering it's touristy. Deck seating, first come first served. Nothing special.

    (3)

  • Wanda G.

    The food here was so food! I had never had chowder and it was delicious! The employees there are SO friendly! Marie was so friendly and always had smile on her face! She treated is like she had know is forever! The food and employees were all as good as it gets!! :-)

    (5)

  • Janine C.

    So so . Got the lobster stew but only consisted of cream base and lobster . No veggies no herbs nothing else. Perhaps I'll try another dish next time .

    (2)

  • Philip J.

    If you enjoy fried food in a place smelling like raw sewage, this is the place for you! Honestly, the food is OK, but the atmosphere with the stench of sewage from the sea wrecks the ambience completely! I would recommend moving on, unless cheap food is the priority.

    (2)

  • Tahnee S.

    I wasn't sure what to expect after I saw the yelp rating of 3.5 stars, but since my tour driver recommended it, I went anyway. I'm glad I did since the food was delicious. I ordered the fried clam strips with french fries and clam chowder ($14.95). This was my first taste of fried clams and they were crispy on the outside, tender on the inside. The soup was really good as well. Overall I was impressed...The only reason I didn't give it five stars was it took them awhile to come up after I sat down as they were going through a shift change.

    (4)

  • K C.

    Very disappointing. Way overpriced for the quality and quantity of food, all served on paper plates. We took our out-of-town guests there for dinner one night, and felt we paid way too much money for sub-par food. My husband ordered the scallops, was told by the waitress he'd get 7, but he really got 3 small ones cut in half. The rest of the basket was filled with bad-tasting fries. For $18!! I got a crab meat salad that was not good at all. The only reason I'm giving Gilbert's 2 stars instead of 1 is because we had a very different experience in the non-tourist season. It was really cold out, and my family and I popped in for some clam chowder, which was delicious. And much less expensive than during peak-season. Do NOT go here in the summer!

    (2)

  • Eileen M.

    Delicious there claim chowder was so hearty and refreshing. Would def eat this again! There shrimps were good there fries were amazing. The places atmosphere is great full of people.

    (5)

  • Mark A.

    The inside of Gilbert's has a local feel that hasn't been ruined with any influx of tourists. And for food, I thought it was excellent. Aside from having the first clam chowder spilled on me by the waitress, the next bowl of clam chowder was excellent. And then the lobster roll. It too was as advertised by fellow Yelpers and the buttered/toasted roll is the only way to go for me. The prices were also great as was the staff. So even if you have something spilled on you, it is good enough to forgive and still have a pleasant experience.

    (4)

  • Mohib Q.

    Gilbert's seems to be a local spot, and from impressions given to this New England visitor, I couldn't help but soak it all in. Driving in from the I-95 wasn't hard, and parking took a few times around the block. Metered parking was hard to get on a Thursday around 5:00 p.m. Garages were an option but after 10 minutes I found a spot across the street. I sat down rather quickly with my friend, and grabbed the menu from the waitress in minutes. The place had a short-order kind of feel. The place was moderately bustling, and people were definitely staring at us. I suppose they were able to tell we weren't locals. The odd stares were not comforting. But I digress, because I was here for the food. My friend ordered the apple cider and seafood chili. His verdict was that the seafood chili wasn't too tasty, given that he wasn't used to seafood in chili. I ordered the shrimp with french fries and small clam chowder. The chowder was absolutely delicious and should have been the only thing I ordered. It was indeed fresh, and not too thick (not loaded with cornstarch) with plenty of chunks. The french fries were nothing special, and the shrimp was rather crispy as well. All together the meal cost almost $30. Considering we were very full and couldn't finish our meals, this was a good buy. However, the decor was not spectacular. This wasn't a fine dining establishment, nor was it meant to be. I don't think I would come back here considering the plethora of other options in the area for visitors. Yet, the clam chowder was better than what you may find on the west coast, and by that token worth a taste.

    (3)

  • Marshall S.

    I am on the tail end of a tour of New England and Gilbert's Chowder House was the best restaurant experience our group of four tourists had for the entire trip. We wanted to stop for lunch on our way up to Freeport and a quick Google search showed Gilbert's as being pretty highly rated. It was our first chance to try real New England chowder during our trip so we went for it. The atmosphere was excellent and very authentic feeling, being right on the docks in Portland. Our experience took place in mid-October but it was warm enough to sit in their enclosed patio area. There were families, tourists, and pets occupying the seats around us. The food was incredible. The chowder was creamy and flavorful, fried clams were delicious, and one member of the group was even impressed by their grilled cheese. The staff was helpful and friendly but not overwhelming. We have tried at least four other seafood restaurants in New England and they were good, but Gilbert's was our favorite.

    (5)

  • Kelly Y.

    Fresh, delicious, very casual, love everything I have which makes me want to try more items. I hit up this spot evey time I am in town, and will continue to do so. Favorite so far: fish & chips

    (4)

  • Neelo S.

    Best part was the service, I felt like I was at home. Loved sitting on the deck. I had the special: fried calamari + clam chowder for $14. Prices are good. Clam chowder was great even tho it was too small. The fried calamari had too much flour, and it was too chewy. But the fries were nice and crunchy. Would I go back? Yes! But I would just order a big bowl of chowder.

    (3)

  • Julie F.

    This restaurant doesn't look like much from the outside and it doesn't help that there was scaffolding next to it when I went. Inside, the place looks kind of old and not real inviting, but it's definitely better to eat outside on the deck. I ordered a small clam chowder which is supposed to be award-winning. It was good but not the best I have ever tasted. The consistency was right--not too thin and not too thick. The potatoes in it were a bit salty. I also ordered a lobster roll which came with potato chips and a wedge of pickle. The lobster roll had a light coating of mayonnaise and they gave you a packet of mayonnaise if you needed more. There was also lettuce inside the roll. The roll was nicely toasted and buttered and it was definitely stuffed with lobster. I didn't eat many of the chips, but they looked like Ruffles. The server was cheerful, attentive, and very nice.

    (4)

  • J G.

    Good fries. Clam chowder was mostly potatoes and barely any clams. Pastrami sandwich had very little pastrami. $21 for a skimpy sandwich, good fries and a cup of "potato" chowder, not including tip. Pass.

    (2)

  • Candace B.

    Delicious! Ducked in here quickly to just get out of the rain, and I'm so glad we did! I had the lobster dinner. Lobster was succulent. Corn was sweet and delicious. French fries were crisp--so much better than boiled potatoes! My husband had fried scallops which he said were sweet and delicious, along with clam chowder. Cooked with bacon, can't go wrong there! This was definitely a serendipitous find. I would recommend this meal without hesitating. Our waitress was so helpful and friendly. A nice find.

    (4)

  • Greg E.

    We had Gilbert's for dinner and sat out on the back patio. It was a great place to go with our daughter and the service was great. I had a lobster roll which, I will admit, was my touristy side and thus I can't give it a good review because I've only had a few. My wife had a scallop platter which was excellent. Although the scallops were fried (not my preferred way of having them prepped) they were awesome. The clam chowder was good and the price seemed alright. Oh and my daughter loved her hotdog so I guess that counts for something.

    (4)

  • Kristine N.

    They have a few parking spots if you get lucky. Cute restaurant with the patio right on the water. The bar behind Gilbert's had live music going on so that was a nice treat. Great service. Maine steamed lobster dinner was a little small but delicious. Corn was so so. Fries were crispy and prefect. Lobster roll was loaded between buttery toast with just the right amount of mayo. Seafood chowder had huge chunks of lobster claws in it... yummmmm.

    (4)

  • Clara L.

    If you are looking for a low key place for a good lunch, this is the place. I got a lobster roll (they toast the bun here), onion rings, and clam chowder with bacon. Definitely more food than I could handle, but I wanted to try it all. The lobster roll was good but nothing to set it apart from other places. The onion rings were battered in a corn meal batter, and was quite good. The chowder was nicely salted, and had a decent amount of potato in it. All that plus a cider is a great way to end the summer and begin the fall.

    (3)

  • Paul W.

    This was the second time we've dropped by for lunch at this place - the first time was at least 5 years ago with our friends who live in Cape Elizabeth. Nice pier location - very atmospheric if you like that kind of background. Both times we went there, it rained - maybe Mother Nature was telling us something. However, we liked the place - it has a good reputation. The Chowder was slightly spicy, but thick and creamy, and the ambiance was sort of noisy - kids running amok and falling, crying, parents yelling to get them to stop - one fell and scraped her knee - luckily no stitches required! The service was friendly and very accommodating - I had to run back to feed the meter where I parked a few more quarters a few blocks away, so the waitress made sure to hold our orders off until I returned. The servings were adequate - my wife ordered a Bread Bowl Chowder which was gigantic - she could not finish it - and nether could I, since I opted for just a non-bread bowl. Service was quick and the prices were fair. Our dog, Marco, was treated kindly with a complimentary bowl of water - we gave him some of our food so he had a good time as well. I'd go here a third time, but later in the evening when the kids are sleeping!!

    (2)

  • Morgan G.

    My friend and I had such a good experience at this restaurant. Our server was so kind and the prices aren't unreasonable. I loved my lobster roll here!

    (5)

  • Jennifer M.

    One of the cheapest steamed lobster platter around, that just gets 5 stars alone. I'm all about good prices and great food and for a 1 1/4 lobster, corn on a cob, and fries (fries or rice pilaf) ?! = $20. (If you check around, some places charge $22, $24) I really enjoyed myself here, seating was easy, food came out quickly, and it has this home-y cozy knights of columbus type feel to it, if anybody's ever had a party at Knights of Columbus halls. lol

    (5)

  • Mark S.

    My wife and I stopped in today for lunch with our 10 month old daughter. I had the mussels and she had calamari, which were both good. We both had a cup of clam chowder. Similar to one other review, we found the chowder too much like a thick cream of potato soup. They claim that their chowder is award winning, so I guess Maine style chowder is thicker and with mainly potato? We did Chowder fest in Boston a few years ago and of the 6 or 7 types we tried and loved, I don't recall any Boston style chowders tasting like that. Also, the waitress was nice but service was slow. Several tables that sat after us received their meals and were close to done eating by the time we got our food. She said she had 2 young children so I would have thought she'd understand that we'd appreciate her bringing the meal out as soon as it was ready.

    (3)

  • Maria A.

    Awesome beef stew in a bread bowl, only served in the wintertime! warm and toasty here on a very cold night!

    (5)

  • Shawn N.

    Yum! Tracy was our waitress, and she made wonderful recommendations for our party of three. Fried seafood platter (haddock, calamari, scallops, and whole belly clams), along with fried oysters and clam chowder. All was good amd I would do it all over again, but I am too full right now! :-)

    (5)

  • Sarah G.

    Back in October, I went to my favorite chowder house in the Old Port, Portland, Maine called Gilbert's gilbertschowderhouse.com… I adore this place. Going to school in Maine, it would be absolute insanity to not go out for quality sea food every so often. Lucky for me, my friend K goes to Northeastern, her parents come up for Parent's Weekend every year but never do the activities. Instead, they come up to me in Maine, and we go to this chowder house (3 years in a row now! Another foodie tradition) For such a small place, it's delicious. Just imagine: Steamed lobster with butter sauce, fried scallops, french fries, mussels, fried shrimp, and of course CLAM CHOWDER. God, their clam chowder is absolutely to die for. We're talking like I dream about it because it's so good! Hence, amazing dinner that you'll never forget.

    (5)

  • Matt G.

    Best seafood chowder I have ever had! My spoon stood straight up. Nice, thick chowder. Great lobster rolls too. Nice place for the food with laid back very casual atmosphere. Expect to wait.

    (5)

  • Michelle T.

    3.5 stars to be exact. This place was so hyped up (a local once told us this place has lines for hours outside the door during the summer!) that it was almost destined to disappoint. Seafood chowder in a bowl is definitely the way to go. The soup consistency was actually one of the thinner "chowders" i've ever had. Nothing too heavy, but full of potato and shrimp chunks. They did put a few sprinkles of lobster on top, but bring your magnifying glass. The sad part of the chowder was that I actually DIDN'T want to eat the outside of the cold bread bowl itself...which is NEVER heard of. That and the fact that the soup was indeed, lukewarm (as some other reviews have mentioned)! Taste: 3.5/5 Originality: 2 (small menu, burgers, hot dogs, 3 kinds of chowder/chili) Atmosphere: The kind of place where you can roll out of bed and come here in your PJ's! Service: 3.5/5 (Always friendly, fast, efficient)

    (3)

  • Ariel P.

    First place we ate at during our trip. Nice little lunch. My wife got the lobster roll, which was good... Not bad, or amazing. I ordered the Clam chowder on the bread bowl and it was good. Nice outside seating, where you can smell the ocean! Loved it... friendly waitress and good drink options.

    (4)

  • Brian A.

    We landed at the airport, checked into the hotel downtown and went right to Gilbert's Chowder House for a late lunch/early dinner. My girlfriend had never been to the east coast and experienced real Atlantic seafood and she was excited. We ordered the clam chowder, fish and chips and a lobster roll. The clam chowder was great but the lobster rolls and fish and chips we had were awesome. I would highly recommend this restaurant anytime.

    (4)

  • Amanda G.

    Clam chowder could have been mistaken for potatoe soup. French fries and fried scallops were greasy.

    (1)

  • Alyssa F.

    I'm such a sucker for the touristy dockside chow house with lobster cages and buoys and anchors and hell yes, the ship wheels on the wall. I hate myself. So this is the place I found with a friend in Portland, and we sat with strangers and I ate a delicious buttery crumb topped broiled fish and a salad with fries, and felt far less bloated than I would have with that huge plate of fried clams that looked so good on almost every one else's plate. And then I was full of regret and walked from table to table to table begging for fried clams, the oversized, undersized, poorly breaded, burnt, soggy, not the raw but the sandy, the just plain ugly, the rejected and lonely, please, please, I pray, may I have just one of your clams, perhaps two? I'm just kidding. I didn't do that, but if I did, it would be only for strips.

    (4)

  • Tamar A.

    All we wanted was a lobster shack. We're from Boston, we're used to our water rats being marked up 400% and presented with a glass of Chardonnay. Spare us, Legal Sea Foods. Lobsters are meant to be slapped on a paper plate, adorned with a lemon wedge and a cup of melted butter, and served with a metal cracker. You're supposed to find bits of shell in your hair as the little girls from the next table look on in horror. Maine has these summer shacks of glory in spades, of course, but not so in March. All the spots highlighted on our map were closed and padlocked. We had begun to abandon all hope. UNTIL GILBERT'S THAT IS. Bless you, Gilbert's. Bless your creamy fried clams, your slightly gloopy clam chowder, your runny coleslaw. Bless your perfectly mealy-on-the-inside, crispy-on-the-outside fries. Bless the $31.99 twin lobster special we shared and the completely serviceable beer selection we quaffed at 11am. Bless the perfect simulacrum of a summery Maine meal in the first weekend of March and your welcome dismissal of anything as gauche as an "off-season."

    (5)

  • Trevor S.

    The restaurant is about as unpretentious as it gets. The lobster roll was delicious, as were the lobster dinner, fried oysters, clam chowder and lobster chowder. Actually the lobster chowder was the stand out dish. What's more, the prices were very reasonable when compared with a few of the other restaurants in the area. A solid choice for a casual dinner in Portland.

    (4)

  • Abby M.

    I travel New England for 10 weeks straight in the fall. Oh- I also live in Rhode Island. I eat a lotta chowda in my trips but none can compare to the consistently tasty creamy warm goodness that is Gilbert's. Even if I'm not stopping in Portland- I detour for this chowda. I always take friends here when they're with me and often times they find it so good we end up sharing a second. it is served warm- not piping hot- the way it should be so you can taste all the flavors while keeping your taste buds. Now another item of debate is lobsta rolls. Theirs is dressed with the perfect amount of mayo and served with ruffle chips! Seriously, Gilbert's is perfection. I feel like a good debate is "Jay's" or "Gilbert's" and having doen both.... straight up Gilbert's, everytime, no question.

    (5)

  • Laura A.

    Normally a dark diner with styrofoam cups would send me running, but I was told Gilbert's had the best chowder in town and needed to verify this bold statement. I am so glad I did! Gilbert's chowder is phenomenal, loaded with delicious morsels of clam, lobster and other seafood goodness, not to mention easy on the wallet. I tried the clam and the seafood chowders, and wish that I could have tried all five chowders and the lobster stew, but there's only so much a girl can eat!

    (4)

  • Matt C.

    Delicious chowder and meaty fresh lobster roll! Quick service, hot, thick, chowder with goo portions of clams and potatoes. Lobster roll -- warm toasted bun and LOTS of claw meat. Highly recommend. Not fancy place - but food is great!

    (5)

  • Lee L.

    My wife and I went to Gilbert's after getting off the 4 hour whale watching tour, so we were cold, tired, and hungry. Chowder in a bread bowl was perfect for that. I had the corn and chicken chowder and she had the seafood chowder. We both were very happy with our meals. The best part is eating the bread bowl which is nice and gooey from the chowder. We also ordered onion rings and fried which were both very good and simply prepared. This place is perfect if you need something to warm you up! Great, friendly service as well.

    (5)

  • Mike T.

    I watched a number of folks walk in and turn up their noses based on the decor. Big mistake. The food is excellent especially the Seafood Chowder. Don't let the looks fool you.

    (5)

  • James W.

    Never tried the food. Was ignored for 15 minutes so we got up and left. With so many great choices in Portland skip this joint.

    (1)

  • Y V.

    This place suffers from the high prices of being on the pier. It was very busy but the waitress was able to accommodate my party of one albeit a little begrudgingly. The lobster roll was good but it wasn't great. Mine was served in a buttered hot dog bun with a side of fries. Not too bad, but I was able to find rolls with more lobster meat for less money away from this touristy area.

    (3)

  • Alex F.

    Nothing fancy, but the clam chowder and fish & chips were both excellent.

    (5)

  • Denise M.

    Be aware there is plenty of seating in the back so for seat yourself don't assume it is full from the small front room! The seafood chowder does not disappoint - full of large pieces of lobster as well as shrimp and fish. Ordered a medium cup as well as one clam cake- was a very nice small lunch.

    (4)

  • Raymond I.

    We arrived exactly at 11 o'clock when they opened on a Sunday morning. The waitress promptly took our order. Two draft beers quickly appeared, cold and delicious. The clam chowder was outstanding. My wife ordered haddock, which she loved... and she really is not even a fish eater. I had fried scallops with fries. TOP NOTCH!!! I also took home a container of clam chowder. I would go out of my way to go back.

    (5)

  • Mark T.

    I've ate here on just one occasion and the food was pretty good. It's a very casual cafe atmosphere with a very friendly staff. I ate their fish and chips and overall was quite good. The chips weren't anything too amazing; however, their battered fish (haddock if I recall) was outstanding. Yes, I know, I went to a chowder house and ate fish and chips... The restaurant had a dive like feel to it, though the price was relatively cheap and service was prompt. I would go here again.

    (3)

  • Dave P.

    The chowder was the main attraction here. Creamy and full of clams and potatoes, it also has a plea sent kick. The back porch views are wonderful. The prices seemed fair, but beyond chowder most food was just fine. We had fired scallops, fried haddock, fries, and coleslaw. Solid place to eat, but nothing beyond the chowder was exceptional.

    (3)

  • Vicki S.

    When in Rome - scratch that - when in New England, you eat chowder. The clam chowder at Gilbert's is, from what I hear, among the best along the coast, and a contender among the best in Maine. Situated right on the water, eating at Gilbert's feels like eating on a boardwalk, from its dive-y setup to its weathered wood flooring. The dining room is cozy and the servers are friendly, even to southerners who may fumble their way around ordering a bowl of chowdah. It feels like the sort of place you can walk into in flip flops and a bikini top in the summer (but don't take my word on that). I ordered a small cup of clam chowder and a basket of fried clam strips. The chowder itself was unlike what I've had in the past - it was chunkier and boasted more clam with less filler than I'd had before. It should have been all I ordered (I probably ordered incorrectly) - I wasn't blown away by the clam strips and immediately wished I'd ordered whole-bellied fried clams or scallops instead. The ratio of breading to clams was out of balance and overwhelmed the teeny strips. When I'm in the area again, next time I'll go for the lobster stew - I didn't get to try it, but two of my dining companions ordered it and it looked creamy and fantastic.

    (4)

  • Megan S.

    This place has far and away the best chowder I've ever had. I tried the fish chowder and the seafood chowder and they were both outstanding. The fish chowder was like clam but with giant chunks of white fish instead of clams - same flavor, same creamy stew, potatoes, etc. The seafood chowder had a different flavor, a little kick to it. I don't know how to describe it, it wasn't spicy it just had a little something else. It was great. If you're in the area, go here and get the chowder. Portland love.

    (5)

  • Jenny H.

    We ordered their chicken and corn chowder (since my husband doesn't like clams) in a bread bowl and I ordered their their large clam chowder. We both agreed (even though my husband doesn't like clams) that the clam chowder tasted A LOT better!!!! The chicken and corn chowder was not very good.

    (4)

  • Peter T.

    From the hardwood tables, the outside patio, and the food served in baskets with wax paper, Gilbert's screams New England authenticity. Lobster rolls have an unheard of meat to bun ratio, shrimp is nicely fried and not over done, and the shipyard root beer rounds it all off. A Portland favorite for sure.

    (5)

  • Ashley N.

    The outdoor seating is wonderful - really rustic and romantic and not to mention the smell of the ocean! I got the crab roll. It had a lot of meat in it but the taste was just a little above average. I was satisfied but not blown away. I would definitely come back here and maybe try the chowder next time! Overall thumbs up!

    (4)

  • Shirley C.

    We chose Gilbert's after checking a couple of others in the area, most of which were empty. Gilbert's was moderately busy in the front room but the deck was rocking! We ordered two beers, Shipyard IPA and Shipyard Summer, both of which were on tap and were both delicious. We ordered a twin lobster dinner, a fried haddock dinner, chicken corn chowder bread bowl and a grilled cheese. Service was excellent and our food came in a reasonable timeframe. The lobsters were perfectly cooked and sweet and tender, no tools necessary, although the butter seemed liked unsalted butter. My husband's fish was great but he thought the coleslaw was just average. My kids both loved their entrees. Overall, it was no frills dining but the food and service were excellent. We would definitely come back!

    (4)

  • Jim B.

    I've had so much crappy chowder lately; how hard is it to bet a creamy, traditional clam chowder for clam's sake? I haven't been to Gilbert's in ages, but their chowder has always been solid, creamy, and I recalled, with some bacon. I figured they'd be a safe bet for clam chowder after a day at the beach. I wasn't wrong. Me and my better half chowed down at Gilbert's late Wednesday; I had the clam chowder, with the fried oyster appetizer. Excellent! Chowder is what I was hankering for. The oysters were a pleasant surprise; cooked to perfection and yes, Gilbert's doesn't give you a minor dollop of tartar sauce, you get your own bottle! I love that! Mary went with the fried calamari, which was superb. Gilbert's fried food always is solid, mainly because they change their grease regularly (I'm guessing). Onion rings were a nice treat and a couple of cold Gritty Summers for me and a Blueberry Ale for Miss Mary were a perfect accoutrement to our post-beach dining experience at a very solid dining establishment that continues to provide reasonably-priced seafood, and great chowder.

    (4)

  • Danny H.

    Great, casual place. Food was fresh, reasonable, and served hot with a smile. Waitress was polite and attentive. Our table had the fish sandwich and a steamed lobster. Again, great value.

    (5)

  • Katie P.

    Great lunch spot. Casual, good service and good food.

    (3)

  • Erin H.

    Ordered our meal to go. Friendly and fast service. The seafood chowder and fried oysters were terrific. Would like to try it one more time before giving a five star review.

    (4)

  • Scott R.

    Finding our first two restaurant choices too packed for a quick dinner on a Saturday evening, it was not encouraging to find this place near empty and not too attractive. With empty bellies and a tight schedule, we braced ourselves and went inside. FM rock, diner tables, and a hard floor tracked with wet sand. One full table and a couple of people hanging around the back. We took seats as a cheery waitress walked our way. A quick request for waters and a glance over the simple menu and the four of us were set to order: fish chowder and seafood chowder for the adults, clam chowder and hot dog for the kids. The wait wasn't too long and our server maintained a bright attitude. Food arrived in mostly disposable containers -- foam bowls, plastic cups, and paper-lined plastic baskets -- and we got to work. My fish chowder was good, a thick, creamy mix of potatoes and plenty of fish, plain but not bland. The other chowder eaters were equally pleased, though the clam had too few eponymous pieces. The hot dog was "best I ever had" and the shared fries were universally popular -- fresh, crispy, not oily, and with no off taste. We had aimed for a dining "experience" and settled for a simple supper, but we had good food at an okay price ($40 all told) with friendly service and a quick in and out. We got lucky..

    (4)

  • Rita L.

    I've been to this place twice already. Both times, I had the steamers, mussels, and the lobster roll. The lobster roll is small, but the meat is juicy and the bread is deliciously toasted to perfection. The steamers and mussels are decently huge in size and they also have three dipping sauces for the mussels. You can also dip the steamers in them if you choose as well. The waiters are friendly and helpful. My most favorable order here was the steamers and mussels, because for their price, it was worth it. Steamers were about $11.95 and the mussels (I think) was about $13.95. I'd say, if you are in for some steamers and mussels, this is the place to go to. The only thing I like about the lobster roll, was the toasted bread, as all the other Yelpers seem to rave about.

    (4)

  • Mark M.

    We were tourists from New York and Texas seeking some great local seafood. We were pleased. Two of our group ordered the hamburger (lame I know) - but they raved about it for approximately 24 hours after ("that's one of the best burgers I've had", etc). One of us had the Alaskan King Crab (prob not local) and mussels. The mussels were among the best I've ever tasted. Somehow they were able to infuse the mussel meat with brilliant garlic flavors (I've never tasted such deliciousness). One of us also had the fried seafood platter which was your very standard offering: a heap of ultra fried scallops, haddock, shrimp, and oysters. The shrimp were disappointing as they were tiny and mostly breading. The clam chowder was good. Very average. The prices were good and they local beer was even better. The decor was fitting and gave us the experience we were looking for.

    (4)

  • Kim K.

    The owner of our favorite Portland B&B (The Chadwick) recommended we go to Gilbert's in search of lobster rolls. He was dead on. Gilbert's is a total townie place where the food is served quick and delicious. I got the fried haddock sandwich special for $7.99. HUGE sandwich, freshly made, on a bed of delicious crispy, golden fries. The fish was flaky and tender. The bun was grilled on the inside which was a delightful surprise. The staff was attentive, fast, and super friendly. I wish I lived closer, I would be in here all the time.

    (4)

  • Cody C.

    delightful staff - waitress made us genuinely smile and that's always a pleasant feeling. didn't feel touristy when we went - we were surrounded by maine locals just looking for dinner out. had a lobster roll that was remarkably... unremarkable... and steamers that were fabulous and fresh. got a glass of house merlot... meh. ate outside on the patio... inside was weird.... over all - wouldn't return.

    (2)

  • Jolene H.

    My husband and I were looking for a place to get lobster in Portland and according to Yelp, this was a good decently priced place for that! We started off sitting outside but got a little chilly so we moved inside after we ordered. The better decor is definitely outside. Yikes, someone needs to makeover this place! Looks like an old folks home cafeteria or something. Nevertheless the service was great. I ordered the lobster, corn on the cob and fries and it was a really good deal - only $20!!!!! You better believe I wore the bib. Corn tasted a tad overcooked but I ate it anyway. You really can't beat that price for a lobster dinner - and it did the trick. Tasted good. Husband got the lobster roll - which he said was really good. If I lived in the area - seems like a place where I would do happy hour...outside, of course!

    (3)

  • Eva G.

    They earned the "chowder" in their name, because this chowdah is a wowza. I read a review about it being so chunky that I had to put it to the test myself; see my picture of my spoon standing upright in it. It is creamy, with substantially sized/tasty clam and potato chunks. People who are salt-phobic may want to get it in the bread-bowl ($7.25) because the chowder is a bit salty; I still love it. The small ($4.50) is about as much as 1 cup. The steamed mussels with garlic butter (market price was $9) came in a big bucket. Quite worth it. The melted butter comes on the side. Mussel juice also on the side). The fresh onion rings are good. At peak lunch time the wait was about 20 minutes. Indoor seating or outdoor umbrella/picnic-bench seating. Staff is super.

    (5)

  • Wes T.

    Pretty good lobster shack. Unpretentious and friendly, this is the type of place you bring a few friends and down a few beers with good seafood. The lobster roll was a good portion, and not a bad price. Clam chowdah was great, and comes in a bread bowl if that's your thing. Service was friendly and prompt. All around, I really liked this joint. It didn't break the bank, but still got me some Maine lobstah and a local brew to go with. Win.

    (4)

  • Jenn L.

    We had only one chance to stop by Portland, Maine for a meal on our drive home, and I was really looking forward to trying J's Oyster that Bourdain had made famous. Well... we got there and of course there was an hour wait to be seated, so I consulted my trusty Yelp app. Right around the corner from the famous J's Oyster is another spot that has a great menu and a much shorter wait time - Gilbert's Chowder House. You grab your own seating here (both indoors and outdoors), so be as fast as a ninja when you spot a table. They seem to fill up quickly. Unsure what to try? Go for the FRESH seafood here (although their clam chowder seemed to be quite the hit). The lobster roll was jaw-droppingly delish. It's not heavy at all on the mayo or butter, but still chunky enough and delicious enough that it doesn't need to be slathered. It comes with run of the mill chips that are super salty. I only ate 1/3 of mine. The steamed mussels were also an excellent choice here. Fresh and flavorful, it was totally worth it. On the other hand, the clam strips were so-so. They were more batter than anything and it was difficult to taste the clam underneath all of the fried stuff. The "famous" clam cake that Gilbert's Chowder House serves up should be avoided if you're looking for that actual clam taste. It's flavorfully all right if you want the "cake" part, but don't order it if you're expecting to find clam in the clam cake. Isn't there something wrong with that? All in all, a very enjoyable Maine lobster experience can be found here. Wont you be my lobster?* ---------------------- * "Friends" reference. Get it?

    (4)

  • Erin C.

    On a rainy day Gilbert's hit the spot. The chowder was hot and delivered to our table SUPAH FAST. Seriously, the service here is quick quick quick. My lobster roll wasn't the best I've ever had, but it certainly was yummy, fresh, and worth the visit. Don't expect a fancy place with candles lighting the joint, but do expect some great food, decent prices, and a full belly.

    (4)

  • Jennifer A.

    I highly recommend you stop by Gilbert's. Their clam chowder is so hearty and full of clams. Yum! I finished it in no time. Their twin lobster plate is great for sharing and so cheap! We made a lovely mess of ourselves...but so well worth it!

    (5)

  • Ciara L.

    Very casual. Kid friendly. Great chowder/fried seafood. Outdoor seating. Lovely staff!!!!

    (4)

  • Jocy C.

    The food was so good that I came here twice in one weekend with my friends while visiting Portland. Loved the following: - Seafood chowder - Clam chowder - 2 lobsters + fries + cole slaw = $25 (lobsters were super fresh; the fries are really crunchy) - Baked haddock (really fresh & the stuffing was great) I would definitely go back!

    (5)

  • Isabella M.

    Best clam chowder we ever had. A bread ball of clam chowder for under $9 is just great!

    (5)

  • Donna D.

    I've never had anything bad here. The chowder is fabulous, the seafood stew is nice and chunky, and the fried shrimp are done perfect. I like that I can come here and get good service and good food, and not be treated like a tourist. I've tried other seafood joints in town, and I'm voting Gilbert's my favorite!

    (4)

  • Steve C.

    Not much to say about Gilbert's. The lobster roll was pretty good, but nothing outstanding. Service was friendly and very fast. I'll have to try the chowder next time.

    (3)

  • Joey M.

    Recommended by a local. Not a huge selection and a little pricey for what you get, but it's good food. Just watch the amount of fried food you eat here and prepare for the turbo squirts.

    (3)

  • Renee G.

    Excellent food! Although service is a little on the slow side, the food more than made up for it. My husband had the Fried Clam Plate. When it came, it was piled high. He said it was the best he has had. No grit and very tasty. I had the Single Lobster. Definitely something to come back for.

    (4)

  • Boo H.

    Out of all the clam chowders I had in Maine.. This place has one of the better tasting clam chowder.

    (4)

  • AJ P.

    The fried Maine whole belly clams were pretty good. You could really taste how fresh they were. The clam chowder was good, but nothing that knocked my socks off. Probably not a place I'd go out of my way to try again, but if I were in the area, I would eat here again.

    (3)

  • Morris M.

    They have crab meat roll! That is awesome enough for this place. My friends enjoyed the lobster roll and steam twin lobster very much.

    (4)

  • Jose A.

    Solid performance for basic, by the wharfs seafood. Worth a try.

    (3)

  • Chad D.

    Disappointing. The chowders were very meh-average. Not too flavorful and pretty salty. The fish chowder was alright, though it had some big pieces of fish. The clam chowder was not so great, with a major shortage of clams; it was mostly potato. As a main course, I ordered the clam cakes. I've always been a big seafood cake fan, and I love the delicious sauces that come on top of them. These cakes, however, did not come with any sauce. Sad. As I started to dig in, I found that they were devoid of seafood. I tasted only fried breading, with maybe one or two clams total among two cakes. The rice pilaf that came with it was also loaded with salt. I liked the outdoor seating, which was located right on the harbor docks, although the view wasn't too breathtaking. Overall, there are much much better seafood places in Portland where your money would be better spent.

    (2)

  • Joe C.

    Great lobster roll, good chowder and friendly service on the water in downtown Portland. It's an institution and still great. Reasonable prices better for lunch than dinner.

    (4)

  • Renee G.

    Came here for the seafood chowder that I had ordered to go. The inside is super low key and casual. It was packed when I got there with a line forming behind me. Seemed like many locals came to eat there. I called in a few large seafood chowders to go and they were ready within 5 minutes. I ordered the amount of one gallon which I only realized when I got there. I asked the waitress if I could just switch my orders for a gallon since there was an additional 10% off if you ordered that amount & she said that I had to call one hour ahead of time to order. WHAT. . . . . . ? That didn't make any sense whatsoever, but I went on merry way. Finally had the chowder at home and it was tasty but super salty. Had to "water it down" with some cream and it was fine. Had some great chunks of lobster but was chunked up with huge amounts of potato. I would've rather more seafood, but it is what it is. Would I go back? Perhaps. The best clam chowder still remains in San Francisco!

    (3)

  • Barry M.

    Stopped in at 9pm on April 28th was seated right way. Fabulous little seafood restaurant on the Portland Waterfront that has great service, great seafood and great prices. Highly recommend!!!

    (5)

  • Tiffany T.

    I wanted to like this place. But it did not live up to my expectations. The clam chowder was good but nothing extraordinary. It's probably as good as Ivar's clam chowder... *ducks*. The lobster roll that I ordered was just okay. The bread (more like a hot dog bun) didn't offer enough crunch to compensate for the small chunks of lobster they gave me. My friends ordered a salad, fried shrimps, and fried clams. The consensus was the food was just okay. Their whole lobsters looked yummy but too expensive for me. Why bother ordering a steamed lobster for that price when you can literally walk down the street and get cheaper elsewhere? Overall, this place was boring. I'm even bored writing this review. I bet you're bored reading this review as well. Go to Fishermen's Grill for a better lobster roll.

    (2)

  • Jeff A.

    Great little neighborhood joint. Nothing fancy, food served on paper plates with plastic utensils, so don't go expecting linen table cloths, just really good food and super nice service. I started with the seafood chowder. Really tasty and LOADED with all sorts of seafood. Lobster roll is excellent, really light dressing, not at all goopy so you can really taste the lobster. Made with a purpose baked roll, not a glorified hot dog bun like some places try to get away with. I also recommend the onion rings, tasty and lightly battered, almost a tempura but with just a bit of cornmeal to give the batter some texture. Yum. Lots of good looking daily specials. Prices very reasonable across the board. Sure beats the big chains. I don't get to Maine often but, I'll definitely make Gilbert's a stop every time I am in Portland.

    (5)

  • Paul D.

    We were disappointed. Looks like my favorite kind of dive bar with old furnishings, worn lomg bar, and locals slowly sipping their beers on a Saturday afternoon. Clam chowder was lukewarm, bereft of clams and too salty. Lots of potatoes, though. Lobster rolls were so-so. The "chips" mentioned were potato chips, not chips as in fish and chips. Then I remembered the option of French fries for another $ 2.75. Must be a Maine thing. You can do better.

    (2)

  • Adrienne M.

    The famous chowder was not all that. It was pretty good, but I've had much better in Boston (Legal's, anywhere in Faneuil Hall, etc). However, the fried haddock sandwich we ordered was delicious and reasonably priced ($8) and the grilled cheese was tasty and definitely at the right price ($3, included chips). The place is definitely dive-y and not that clean, and the service is poor (she basically ignored us except to bring food and the check - no water refills, etc). But it doesn't pretend to be anything fancy and it does what it tries to do (chowder and fresh, greasy seafood) pretty well. The prices are reasonable considering the quality of the food but maybe not as dirt cheap as you'd expect based on the appearance of the place. Nonetheless, it hit the spot on this cold "spring" day in Portland.

    (3)

  • Caroline L.

    I've only been to Gilbert's once (you'll soon read why) so my rating is on the one night I visited. I can't say anything about the dining experience because I did carry-out. Came here by a recommendation from a die-hard fan. The chowder was good but it ended there. The mussels had a lot of grit. There were 5 of us sharing it so it wasn't just the mussels that I had tried. SEVERELY disappointed in that. I would come back for the chowder in a bread bowl (and that only) but it was the service that really made my decision to never come back. I had called in my order and then arrived at the time they told me to. I stood by the counter waiting for some one to acknowledge my existence but no one did... for awhile. Two girls behind the bar saw that I had come up with my wallet in my hand (clearly to show that I was ready to pay for something) but didn't say anything. There were only 2 guys sitting at the bar. Even after I had asked to be helped, I just felt like I was a nuisance to the girl. I'll take my $85 carry-out order some place else next time. Seems like Gilbert's has a lot of fans. I don't know why my experience was so different.

    (2)

  • Izzy C.

    Only tried to chowder - but all were made with beacon :( so had to try the beef stew which was pretty good. Husband said the calm chowder was very good.

    (3)

  • Jim C.

    Really nice friendly low-key place but the lobster roll didn't satisfy me as much as I would have liked. Yes, there was a good amount of lobster and the bun was nicely toasted (see pcture), but the lobster didn't taste super fresh. Looked like it had been refrigerated. When I took a peek into the kitchen, looked like the lobster pieces came out of the fridge and had been individually portioned in some saran wrap. The lobster roll came with some chips (Ruffles?) but would have prefered some hot fries like I get at other places. Bottom line: Still a decent lobster roll, but the meat could have been fresher. 3 stars for that. The lady was super nice so I'll give the service +1 star. 4 stars total. Didn't get to try the chowdah but sounds good.

    (4)

  • Ashley R.

    Had a delicious lobster roll here. So much lobster in it, I could not believe it. I wanted to try the chowder, but it had bacon in it, so I opted out. The restaurant itself is pretty casual and works very well on the harbor. If you sit outside, you can see the boats and really get the experience. That made the atmosphere for me. Really enjoyed the food here, but it was a little more touristy than I expected.

    (4)

  • Jeff P.

    Always a great spot when you're in Portland. Yes, tourists come here to get their chowder fix...but locals do too. And there is a reason everyone comes here...it's awesome. Small New England shackesque. But in summer they have a patio on the back that overlooks the boats. Delicious.

    (5)

  • H. G.

    A solid lobster roll. Outdoor seating. Great blueberry beer.

    (3)

  • Eliza M.

    Good ol' Gilberts.... Right on the Commercial Street strip for tourists, but still bustling with local flavah. I always get the clam chowdah in a bread bowl and slurp up every bit of its creamy, buttery goodness. I've been coming here for years and I'll keep going back.

    (3)

  • Brian T.

    Portland has become a foodie destination. However was traveling with my parents and we decided on simple basic seafood. The restaurant was recommended to me by a local. Everything worked out beautifully. As stated we were traveling to Nova Scotia and awaiting the arrival of the new ferry. The restaurant is unpretentious but it has a nice warm feel. Waitress was friendly and professional and attentive to all of our needs. In the past when I have ordered haddock at other restaurants the portion size has always been disappointing. I'm happy to say that the broiled haddock I ordered at Gilbert's was the perfect size and cooked beautifully. My mother got the fish chowder in a bowl and was quite pleased. My father got the fried scallops and got plenty of them. I tried both the scallops and the chowder, both were excellent. Only negative were the French fries, a little greasy and too many of them. All in all, a really good meal and exceptional service. We sat inside which on this particular night was a good thing. The weather was spectacular and the outside deck was packed.

    (4)

  • Rachel G.

    This place hits the spot. Delicious and creamy clam chowder- the perfect consistency and filled with clams. I noshed on the fried scallops and tasted some of my mom's fried shrimp- both were battered just right and fried to golden perfection. Simple casual atmosphere and solid service. I'd definitely stop here again the next time I'm in Maine!

    (4)

  • Sandra C.

    Seafood chowdah one day. Lobster roll the next. Nice deck. Good beer.

    (5)

  • Rose C.

    It was my first time in Portland, Maine and this was the first restaurant I went to. I've read so many good reviews about their clam chowder and had to try this New England Chowda, myself. And to be honest, I've HAD BETTER! The chowda was watery and there weren't much chunks in the soup. I was NOT impressed. I've had better chowder in Seattle. I thought it was a waste of money and time. And to top it off, the service was horrible! I had to wait so long to order!

    (2)

  • Alex G.

    Best steamers I ever had, loved it.

    (5)

  • Abigail C.

    I grew up in ME and recently moved back, and this is honestly the best lobster roll I have ever had. Buttered bun and lobster- no other junk. Local brews on tap, too. Perfect!

    (5)

  • John S.

    Always trust the locals. They always know. Gilbert's Chowder House, sitting unassumingly on Commercial Street, came recommended by our friendly B&B owner. I casually brought up that I was in the mood for a lobster roll, and that I wanted to try a place that wasn't Becky's (which was great) and the Portland Lobster Co (which was good). Gilbert's came up and off we went. The place has a diner feel to it, in that all due effort is put into things that are either edible or functional, and only a minimum of effort is put into making it look pretty. This is a place for locals and seafood lovers. Fresh fish, freshly breaded. Fresh lobster, freshly packed into a roll. Crispy friench fries, tangy tartar sauce (did I taste apple cider vinegar in there), all of the necessary staples. Gilbert's is absolutely what it is supposed to be - a pleasant place with a great menu. Open all year, with fish coming in all the time. Come in hungry and leave full for ten bucks.

    (4)

  • Bro H.

    The chowder was good, but I feel like I could get these fried clams in Oklahoma. Still, it's cheap, so if you're in this touristy area, you won't regret stopping in.

    (3)

  • Julie F.

    A fun place to go for lunch. I went here years ago when visiting and the waitress liked my boyfriend. She had the bus-girl pass him a note "if that's not your girifriend, call me" I thought it was hilarious and he still gets teased to this day about it. You really can't go wrong with the lobster roll. There was some inconsistencies the last time we went. Some of us had big chunks of lobster meat and some just had lobster meat/mush, like prob the bottom on the salad bowl. Fried clam strips are GREAT!!! Chowder is good. Staff is friendly. Nice selection of beers. This is a place I always visit when I go to Maine.

    (3)

  • Alan Y.

    The clam chowder was full flavored and chock full of clams. The lobster roll was ginormous. The lobster was cooked just right. Good coffee too!

    (5)

  • Robert K.

    This place was great! We left Ogunquit in the morning and stopped in Portland to do a Schooner Cruise before heading up to Freeport, but wanted to grab some lunch before we sailed. I had a bowl of chowder and a lobster roll. The chowder was excellent and the lobster roll was packed with lots of great meat! One of my kids ordered the onion rings, and I have to say they were among the best I've had. The slices were thick and sweet and the breading was very delicate. I also ordered a glass of the Allagash White beer (my first one) and truly enjoyed it. The service was great and the place was full of great folks enjoying a nice meal.

    (4)

  • Rich W.

    The chowder was good, and while it was not the best I've ever had, it was the best I've had in Maine. My clam bellies were nicely fried, plump and juicy, and I had plenty of fries to share with the flying rat...I mean seagull, that was sitting on the railing behind me. On the negative side, the onion rings were completely undercooked--they weren't even close to being done.

    (3)

  • Nicole S.

    Eh decent. Cold beer. The menu was small and boring. Very good mussels though!

    (3)

  • Erich N.

    I really don't see how you could give this place less than 3 stars. Maybe some of the other reviewers don't have a solid understanding on how yelp works? Indeed, this is NOT a "four star" restaurant. Gilbert's rates four out of five for quality and satisfaction provided by a restaurant in this category...What is "this category" perchance? A local joynt that serves up some pretty solid lobstah and chowdah at reasonable prices. I can't speak to the whole menu; but really, if you aren't here for the seafood, why are you here? For $25, I had a 1 1/8 lb lobster, corn on the cob, a pint of the local IPA, and a sizeable basket of fries. Tasty! If you aren't looking for fancy fare, and just want a belly full of tasty seafood, Gilbert's should fit the bill.

    (4)

  • Robert F.

    Good chowder. Not as great as others but nice for a quick bite.

    (3)

  • Karl H.

    Oh, I'm effing positive that you can get the Lobstah Chowda, the Lobstah Roll and the steamed Lobstah just about any where in Maine. But, this being about the 3rd or 4th time here at Gilberts, I have to say I love their Lobstah Roll!!! Who knew it was good hangover food!

    (5)

  • Matt S.

    Four for the last time I and the wife popped in. I was super sick and couldn't take everything too well, but I also know that the clam chowder had been down near the pot for a while. The clam strips were better than previously, though, and the fish n' chips was great. It just wasn't as good as in the past, though everyone has an off day. I won't hold one bad meal out of about eight so far against 'em. The blueberry pie was awesome as always. And they serve Twisted Tea now! Can't wait to go back.

    (4)

  • Geno K.

    Good, not great. Listen - if you're a tourist and you're staying in the Old Port, sure, go. Your barometer is probably the Red Lobster so you'll dig this place. It's very low key. It's a bit overpriced because it's smack dab in the middle of Touristville. I like it... have been 3 or 4 times now. Fried shrimp portion is huge, even the lunch size. But it's not an experience that can't be had anywhere else in Maine. If you want the epic seafood experience (and it's summer), just head to The Lobster Shack.

    (3)

  • Skinny D.

    This is actually two reviews of Gilbert's about 4 years apart. I found out about Gilbert's a couple of years ago while on a Royal Caribbean cruise of New England. When the boat docked in Portland, the family bought day passes for the city bus to see the highlights. We asked the bus driver for a good local's place for Lobstah Rolls and Clam Chowdah. He said it was against company policy to recommend restaurants but that he had eaten at Gilbert's the day before and was going to have his lunch there again that day. He even suggested we split up our party to try to get a table quicker due to the crowds. Two of us went out back to the patio and two at the front door. The front door was the winner that day. The lobster rolls and clam chowder were excellent and reasonably priced. The chowder was full of clams (more than any other chowder I've eaten anywhere) and the base was very thick and creamy. Fast forward to today when I find myself in Boston for business. I take the red-eye from SFO to Boston, pick up the rental car and head north for a lobster roll and some chowder. It is much less crowded at 11:15am on a cold and dreary Sunday morning in January, but the day got warmer and brighter after a few spoonfuls of chowder. Just as good as I remembered and the lobster roll didn't disappoint either. Plenty of meat on a toasted roll, you can't ask for more.

    (5)

  • Bruce L.

    The best chowder I have had in years. We came here for a small dinner, my wife, sons and I. My youngest had gthe grilled cheese and fries which was very well made and cheap, $ 3.50. My older son and I each had the seafood chowder which was full of seafood, lobster, haddock, shrimp, clams. It was great chowder, maybe the best I ever had. My wife had the traditional clam chowder which also received high reviews from her, nice large pieces of clam in the mix and of course the Westminster Crackers which should be the only crackers served with chowder IMHO. Any way two beers, two sodas, grilled cheese and enough fries for 4 with the onw order as well as two medium chowders and a small chowder can to $ 33.00. Delicious and reasonibly priced meal for a great night out. Service was great also, quick and pleasant.

    (5)

  • Candice M.

    I was in Portland for a day and wanted to make the best of my eating experience. I asked a friend of mine, a native, where should I go and he recommended Gilbert's. Not one bad complaint about my lunch experience. The bf and I sat outside and made our orders. The chowder is soooooo good, try it.

    (5)

  • Erin M.

    Just what we were looking for on our drive back to Boston. As advised by Mark M. we ordered the mussels. SO GOOD. We will definitely be back for these alone. The sauce was so lemon garlicy delicious. The beer selection was great and reasonably priced. We also had onion rings, clam chowder and fish and chips. All exactly what you would expect - onion rings homemade, chowder of the thicker type and fish and chips very standard (yum). We brought about half of the latter home - our eyes were bigger than our stomachs. Small eco-complaint - they use disposable everything. I hate to see so much plastic and styrofoam going to waste.

    (4)

  • Daniel D.

    When I vacation, I never like to eat at the same place twice. It seems unproductive when you're in a new place to establish a "haunt". However, when my wife and I honeymooned in Portland four years ago, we ate at Gilbert's at least 3 times. Flash forward to 2010. I'm on tour with my band and we get to Portland in the afternoon looking for food that does not come from a mini-mart or drive-thru. I remembered Gilbert's from the last time I'd been in Portland, and herded all of us over there. The place was exactly the same: outdoor seating overlooking Casco Bay and a simple but effective home cooked seafood menu. I was so incredibly happy to be back at Gilbert's (and also be out of the van). Everyone ordered some kind of chowder, I had the super seafood chowder. It wasn't on the menu like it had been before, which was as an add-on to your bowl (they take your already seafood-laden chowder and throw another huge dipper full of steamed seafood on top of it). The waitress said because I knew about it, I could have it (and now you know, too). Paired with a simple red hot on a New England road and a fine Shipyard beer, it is one of the best quick and hearty meals you can get in Portland, and for a great price, too. With it being a touristy town, things can go from zero to gouge-y darn quick. But Gilbert's is still priced about the same as it was four years ago, and the quality is great. Their steamed lobster and seafood platters are also really well priced, and it feels better to eat fresh seafood on a picnic table overlooking the bay than in a fancy dining room up the street. I'm a Gilbert's man for the rest of my days now.

    (4)

  • Molly E.

    Not really impressed. We went here because a guide book told us to check out the chowder in the bread bowls. What we got were lukewarm bowls of meh chowder that could have come out of a can. Clean. Friendly and good service.

    (3)

  • Carl V.

    Very relaxed atmosphere bordering on rustic. They have a full selection of local micro brews. My first beer was the shipyard pumpkin head ale is a perfect fall beer with a hint of cinemon. Second beer was the blueberry ale from Atlantic brewing and is another one of my favorites because the blueberry is not over powering. Hardy clam chowder with just the right amount of spices and potatoes. Very tasty onion rings with a unique doughy batter. Try the onion rings dipped in the chowder. The corn on the cob is sweet and steemed fresh. Almost as good as New Jersey sweet corn. Very good lobster roll on a toasted and buttered hot dig bun. With a piece of lettuce and a hint of mayonnaise this is one for those who don't like too much on their lobster. You can't say they are masking the Flavorfull lobster.

    (4)

  • Chris L.

    Went last night with a customer and was not very impressed. Lobster roll was OK not much flavor and the clam chowder was not hot and the service was below average and the place is dirty, especially the bathroom. Would NOT go again. Much better Maine experiences to be had in the area.

    (2)

  • Suz L.

    I think we order two of everything on the menu and it was still under $100. Lobster was fresh and tasty.

    (5)

  • Jack N.

    Either's this place is past its prime, or I don't really like NE clam chowder This lazy feeling chowder house has a sit yourself policy. At nearly 10 PM, this place has about a handful of diners. There simple tables and seats don't offer much comfort, but you wouldn't expect much from a place like this. A diner is more comfortable than this. On some walls, you see pictures of random people, probably the owner, with random minor celebrities. As you can tell, I didn't pay much attention to those. We sat by the wall where they have about 10+ plaques showing all the awards that they won for the their chowder. Some dating back closed to 20 years. Here's what we ordered: Fried maine shrimps - Compared to Red's, this is atrocious. Small, tiny, unevenly fried. It was close to soggy. Clam Chowder - Ordering a 16 oz bowl (came in a Styrofoam bowl), I was struggling to find an oz worth of clams. I heard somewhere that the original recipe for the New England clam chowder doesn't have much clams. If that's true, I don't think I like NE clam chowder. It wasn't bad, but the protein to carb ratio was close to 10 to 1 (10 oz of potatoes). They should call it the NE potato chowder. I won't be back. Unless they let me in the kitchen and mess with their recipe. Decor: 3 out of 5 Service: 3 out of 5 Food 2 out of 5 (dragged down by the shrimp) Value: 4 out of 5 (cheapest meal I had in Maine)

    (3)

  • Sarah W.

    Some Damn good CHOWDAH...if you fancy it. BUT UMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM their grilled cheese is something special (extremely positive) need I say more? ??? To-go available on your lunch breaks, or if you're out-of-staters....grab it on the way home! (The portland location is a little tiny) Same hole in the wall type place, been around the block....it has a history They have a nice, bigger restaurant in Windham (Sebago lake area) too. And I believe they ship the 'ol chowdah to you, where ever that may be, for a pretty penny, of course...but it could be worth it, if you don't live around here. Excellent lunch spot, try it...you might la la la-like it! AND don't judge a book by it's cover...Portland is as safe as you can get, it may look a little run down, but it has some awesome food.

    (4)

  • Jennifer R.

    Service was good. The chowder wasn't hot. Fish cooked in cornmeal which is nice. My husband had the mussels and enjoyed them. Table wasn't clean.

    (2)

  • Mike S.

    so my buddy and i tried to go to gilbert's on fri,sat,and sun.... but the massive line outside made us move onto other establishments. but me being me i said i wanna try one of these lobster rolls everyone says i gotta try...so we go back on monday afternoon and BOOM we get a table.. so i tried a bowl of the seafood chowder and i have to say it was quite yummy .(even though im not a big fan of cream based soups) and then to the lobster roll.... ok i guess ???? LOBSTER N MAYO WOW...LOL... i mean i'm from baltimore we like some flavor up in there...but it was still ok... MAYBE I SHOULDA BROUGHT A CAN OF OLD BAY W/ ME..... i would really like to go back and try some other menu items.

    (3)

  • Lilly D.

    Best Clam Chowder I've ever had! We went just for that. Service was very good. The atmosphere is a crowded-shack/bar but it lends itself to the port atmosphere. We didn't try any of the other food - so I can't speak to that.

    (5)

  • Michelle D.

    the seafood chowder is delicious and the prices are great. stopped in with a friend mid-afternoon on a weekday, so things weren't very busy. the server was really helpful and answered all our questions (this friend of mine isn't very well acquainted with seafood). i'm certainly going back, especially with friends visiting from less coastal locations!

    (4)

  • Cammie T.

    This place is horrible. I am a local and have been eating here for years but the service and the food has gone down hill. I ate there a year ago and had a bad experience with how undercooked my food was, but I figured eh, I'll give them another try. BIG MISTAKE! My boyfriend and I ate here last week and the mussels we got were undercooked and some were even raw. When we told the waitress about it she just said "sorry" and didn't offer us something else or to take it off the bill. My boyfriend ordered the "seafood sampler" and the clams were undercooked, the batter was still wet and the clams were all stuck together. Then on top of that, when we got the bill the waitress charged us for stew we never ordered. Don't waste your money here. J's Oyster House which is truly a local joint is ten times better and where I'll be going in the future for my seafood fix.

    (1)

  • James B.

    I was told that if I wanted to eat a "local" meal that I should check this place out. This place has a very causal atmosphere and the service was great. I wanted something quick so I choose the seafood chili. The seafood chili was very flavorful and had a nice kick of spice. I would definitely go there again to try one of the Mina courses. Great Place

    (4)

  • Karmy W.

    Stepped foot in here with less than attentive service. There were flies everywhere at the table that we sat at.. Our server was terrible, she took forever to take our order and our drinks didnt even come out for 10 minutes.. When they finally came, they were wrong. The table next to us that came 10 minutes later were already eating and drinking by then. The food was mediocre, really greasy and not especially delicious. My friend had the lobster and he said it was good but my suggestion is that you should probably just go somewhere else.

    (2)

  • Mike D.

    Looks, feels and smells like a working wharf diner should. Our group of 4 all ordered something different from the menu. At the end of dinner nothing on our plates What's going on here is great food, quick service, reasonable prices and friendly staff. We would definitely eat here again.

    (5)

  • Keith M.

    Lobster Roll, Corn with Chicken Chowder. Onion rings. Nothing fancy here in the food or the decor, but you came for the food, right? A number of chowders and lobster options on the menu. I've been here twice and it's a great quick lunch spot. Priced just right.

    (3)

  • Nat R.

    My friend just got back from Maine for her best friend's wedding and recommended this place to me just before I left. It is a casual place but has the best lobster rolls. My wife had a clam chowder that she said was good (I don't recall having more than one bite, but it was very creamy). They served the loaded lobster roll with what tasted like a side of Ruffles potato chips, which was alright. The lobster roll is what mattered though, and the locally-brewed Eli's root beer was a nice complement to the roll.

    (5)

  • Hal B.

    I had the seafood chowder in bread bowl and my wife had the fried clam strips. We also had the clam dip with fresh homemade potato chips. All were excellent. A nice spot for a casual lunch with friendly service.

    (4)

  • Linda M.

    My first impression with Gilbert's is "Most everything is fried!" The chowders were OK, but I would love to have had the option of fried, grilled, or steamed with other fish or seafood orders. Is this a Maine thing? Fried? I cannot complain about the quality, but I can definitely complain about how the fish or seafood is prepared.

    (3)

  • Gayle B.

    Great New England flavor. The chowder was excellent. The place is not much to look at but the waitress was fast and friendly.

    (4)

  • Nick M.

    Ordered the seafood chowder in a bread bowl, a clam cake, lobster roll, french fries and fried oysters. 3/5 Chowder was decent, lots of small seafood in every bite and no overwhelming amount of potatoes. Bread bowl was a meal! 4/5 ALL OF THE FOOD WAS COLD TOO. Almost enough to send back everything. Really, the soup is cold?? Lame Clam cakes go in the same category as fried oysters. Do not get them. Gross. 0/5 Lobster roll was decent. 4/5 French fries were 5/5. Ate out on the patio out back. Nothing special, no view. Ambiance feels like a local townie place. Without the townies. 3/5

    (3)

  • Carol S.

    Quaint, authentic ambience with good service, cold beer, tasty lobster rolls, and hearty chowder. Located right by the harbor in historic Portland. The lobster rolls were to die for! Great chunks of fresh lobster with tangy tartar sauce were abundant and much appreciated. Well worth the price.

    (5)

  • Dave P.

    Gilbert's has the best clam chowdah, hands down. There onion rings are super great also, handmade and flakey. The servers are Mainer's and it is a great atmoshphere...miss the tourist and come here.

    (5)

  • Christi S.

    I came here on a lobster mission. Luckily I had a friend to help w/the chow. Order: -2 clam chowders -fried clam strips -1 order of 2 lobsters steamed w/rice pilaf (more like fried rice) $21 -1 lobster roll w/chips $12 -shipyard beer -soda +tax & tip = $35 each Although their lobster rolls are medium sized, it's definitely tasty. However, I didn't get full off the roll, so I would highly recommend ordering MORE! :D

    (4)

  • Megan L.

    My native Maine friend took me here when I came to visit. He'd always tell me how great this place was, so the bar was set high. I'm a huge clam chowder lover and well I wasn't the slightest disappointed. This laid back sea port resturant is by far the only place in Portland that you should go to for getting only the best clam chowder in town. Super cramy with a slight bit of sweetness to it- different from west coast chowder. I also highly reccomend getting the grilled cheese and doin the classic dip in the chowder. The service was great and friendly as well on the rainy afternoon that we went.

    (5)

  • Mark H.

    Located in the historic section of the city, along the water, this is a genuine local restaurant that provides an exceptional experience with seafood. The lobster roll is a work of perfection. The trademark chowder is also excellent. If you are looking for a fancy restaurant, don't go to Gilbert's. If you want superb execution with the food itself, this is your place.

    (4)

  • Helena B.

    At the very least, you know a place with chowder in its name will do that dish well. Gilbert's does not disappoint. Chowder in a bread bowl is more than enough for lunch. However, if chowder isn't your thing, Gilbert's offers several other dishes included a delicious lobster roll. The general atmosphere is pretty casual. The indoor dining room is part-bar, part-plastic-tables. Esthetically, not much to croon about, but it seems they've put that extra effort into the food rather than interior design. Fine by me. Had the day been sunnier, we definitely would have been enjoying our food al fresco in their outdoor seating area. Alas. Lastly, I appreciated being able to wash down my food with a local Shipyard beer. Portland has a lot of local breweries of which to be proud, so I liked seeing them featured at the restaurants in town.

    (4)

  • Kouichi K.

    The first night in Portland, my friend and I were looking for a place to eat. I was looking through Yelp and came across Gilbert's. It is a casual place, like a pizza joint, but with seafood. The blackboard on the side lists the specials. My friend had steamers which was quite good. I had the house specialty, the chowder and fried shrimp. The chowder was thick and even had bacon in it. My friend being a traditionalist did not like that there was bacon in it, but I love anything that has bacon in it. All in all a good meal on the first night in Portland.

    (4)

  • Jenna L.

    This place is located in a cute area in Portland, Maine. It's right along the water, and super good. We filled up on fried shrimp, clam chowder and seafood chowder, and a delicious crab roll. The crab roll was SO GOOD. I don't even know how many crabs were in that thing - it was HUGE! And only full of crab... :D

    (4)

  • Charles E.

    Really dissatisfied with the food. Spent nearly 80 bucks and the quality was way off. Put it this way, we watched them dump the frozen battered shrimp in the grease and they were tiny and tasted like captains D fast food.

    (1)

  • EB S.

    Walked in today randomly cuz there were lots of peeps inside. Blehh....worst service in the universe. They don't want new business it seems. Took 15 mins for a server to come by, and only cuz I walked up to the bar n asked them for some service... Ordered two chowdahs n a lobster roll n a haddock sandwich (wanted a crab roll but they ran out). Haddock Sandy was yum n a good value for $9. Lobster roll was ok but considering the small @$$ size ain't no way its worth $15. The girl sittin in nxt table was ravin about the lobster roll being "awesome!" But she musta been a sucka tourist. I ain't no local but I can tell what tastes good... $15 lobster roll the size of a $2 sabrett new york hotdog ain't ever gonna do it for me. Chowda was overly salty n watery.. it was overrated to say the least. I'll take a chunkier meatier Boston chowdah any day of the week.. to top off my already mediocre dining experience the server wouldn't come to take my money.. she musta been crappin or sleepin in the back.. after about 15 mins of futile hand waving n askin the other server to take my money I just decided to not get any change back n left. Basically left an 18% tip for a server who had no interest in serving or even gettin paid. In conclusion, if u enjoy mediocre overpriced food, nonexistent service and an overall inferior experience, this place is for u. By the way I went around 2pm after most of the lunch crowd left.. also there was a nice fresh piece of hair sittin on top of my just brought out haddock sandy which the server took only about 12 minutes to happily replace yayy.. oh btw the beer was good.. a local brew called shipyard or something export. Yayy!

    (1)

  • Brent G.

    This summer, I have traveled across the New England Seaboard in a quest to find the best Chowder. I have been to places such Newport, Boston, Gloucester, Martha's Vineyard and Hyannis. Out of all the chowders I had, I liked Gilbert's the best. Very thick and the bacon added a nice smokey flavor. Plenty of clams. It could stand on it's own as a meal. I just wish I lived closer. I also ordered the fried scallops and unfortunately they were a bit overcooked and a bit chewy. Not bad but not great. 5 stars for the chowder and three stars for the scallops. So 4 stars.

    (4)

  • Randy G.

    Best clam chowder we have eaten in Portland.

    (4)

  • Fred A.

    We were here on a Saturday afternoon and only came here because a couple of other places that looked better were closed. The chowder was thicker than we would like, but just OK. Onion rings were unremarkable. Outside seating was fun, but there were people next to us letting their *&#&^$ DOG eat from the table. Service was very good, but I don't think we'll go back.

    (2)

  • Scott H.

    Just a solid no-frills seafood house smack dab in the middle of all that is great about the Portland waterfront. I love that I can sit out back and watch the working port as I'm enjoying my bountiful chowder bowl, a giant pile of clam strips or perhaps even the very unique seafood chili (Gee, it tastes just like chili!). Friendly local staff and an old tube TV in the corner to watch whatever Boston's team is playing today. Nice little bar to belly up to if you're in the mood too.

    (4)

  • Mark P.

    Good food, decent location and friendly service. Being called a chowder house, their chowder better be darn good... and it did not disappoint. While it was not the best I ever had, it was very good. I have been there twice, and did have the chowder both times. The rest of their food is typical coastal fried eats. Clams, shrimp, etc. Nothing over the top excellent, but it was good. The steamed lobster was cooked right, and the meat was tender and tasty. Overall, the pricing is good and this is a great stop if you are in town. I love eating outside during the summer, and the deck is decent. Not really great views or smells, but the NE atmosphere was what I expected.

    (4)

  • James G.

    The clam chowder was really good, the fishermen platter on the other hand, I've had better. The clams were pretty big, I prefer smaller ones. The haddock was awesome, I would just get a haddock sandwich next time.

    (3)

  • Meg M.

    Great chowder! Quick service, right downtown! I'm craving a cup right now.

    (4)

  • Andrew N.

    I took some time out of a work day in the area to stop by after a recommendation by another local business owner. I was there during peak tourist season at lunch time and was able to find a seat without too much difficulty and the service was able to keep up with all the business. For lunch I had a cup of clam chowder, a lobster roll and an Allagash on tap. A perfect summer lunch combination. The chowder was filled with potatoes instead of clams, so not my favorite. The lobster roll was good and had lots of good claw meat and did not overload on the mayo. The Allagash topped it off nicely. If I am ever on vacation in the area, I will stop by and fit in with the rest of the tourists.

    (3)

  • S. K.

    Very casual restaurant on Commercial St. Tried the lobster roll and clam chowder and knew I had experienced better. Especially since it's Portland, ME. I felt the lobster roll did not have enough mayo and very unspectacular. The clam chowder should have just been called potato chowder where there is very little clams. Better luck at J's Oysters.

    (2)

  • Jing Y.

    Came here based on the 4 star rating on yelp but I wasn't exactly blown way by the quality of the food. Yes, the chowder was good, but we also ordered other seafood items and they taste more like fast food quality....

    (3)

  • Chrystina Z.

    This is cheap fried food (exceptionally greasy and will do more damage than a White Castle slider) and slow service. Even more upsetting is that it's not on the water. Rather, you stare at a concrete parking lot from your cheap picnic table. The bathroom is disgusting, so overall, I'd say the ambiance is about 2/10. I walked in and wanted to walk right back out, but some locals recommended this place and the reviews were high on yelp. I should have listened to my gut and left upon entering. Very disappointing. I ordered the clam cake plate (chewy and tasteless) with rice pilaf (Rice A Roni does a better job).

    (1)

  • Lisa M.

    Terrible. Bad service & lobster & crab had no flavor.

    (1)

  • Doug B.

    We went here for lunch when visiting Portland. DO NOT GO HERE. It is a tourist trap and a ripoff. The soup was mediocre and not hot (it was barely warm). The rest of the food was below average and quite expensive. The service was awful. Our waitress was a dour mess.

    (1)

  • Susie Q.

    This review is for a no-frills-seafood joint. We sat outside on patio and ended up ordering clam chowder and corn chowder. Both were great but clam was better. The corn chowder was a little bland. We also ordered the steamed mussels which came with garlic butter and a side of lemony broth. They were delicious! Huge portion, we could not finish it. We each had a bloody Mary (you can order it with or without a shrimp). My only complaint is everything comes in styrofoam containers-- it seems a little wasteful to me. Regardless, I'll definitely be back to try the lobster roll with a bottle of wine ($22 for a house bottle -- not bad).

    (4)

  • Anita D.

    I had their clam chowder because it says so in their name. I ordered a medium for $5.75. It wasn't piping hot when it came out, which is how i like it. to the point where it burns your tongue. It was just lukewarm. The pieces of clam were pretty big compared to campbells soup! haha? A lot of potatoe chunks. I can't put my finger on it, I still prefer my clam chowder down at the wharf in San Francisco instead. However, the waitress did come by and check on me several times and gave me lemon in my water.

    (3)

  • Salamander J.

    Traditional Maine fare, and has been for years. This place is always best when there are no cruise ships in the harbour - one of the first bread bowls in town. A great place in winter. Mainehigh: 1

    (4)

  • Stacie F.

    Great seafood chowder! The fried shrimp platter did not disappoint. Advice - don't order a salad with blue cheese dressing. It's not house-made but a Kraft packet.

    (3)

  • Chu Z.

    Tried their clam chowder in a bread bowl and fish & chips, both great. The bread bowl is larger than a LARGE. The fish was super fresh. Yummy.

    (4)

  • David K.

    We were behind schedule for lunch, but stopped in for a taste...we all enjoyed the chowder! Our group ordered both the scallop or shrimp special - fish, fries, and chowder. One of our group, had the white chili - he enjoyed. The highlight for me was the apple cider beer. So refreshing and different from the usual hoppy beers of the NE. All in all, a nice place for lunch. The staff was very friendly!

    (4)

  • Kate F.

    Went here for dinner based purely on yelp's advice. (I'm looking at you Jennifer A., jocy c., and Karl H.) and was just so disappointed by the mediocrity I tasted that it was hard for me to dole out even the "A-OK" three stars I (with the help of my mother and brother) decided on. The interior is lacking in a lot of things, character and cleanliness among them. Our waitress was nice though! Stuffed clams were underdone and bready, but tasty. Clam chowder was tasty but not outstanding. Nowhere near as good as our gold star against which we measure all others - Cappy's in Camden. King Crab legs were very good, but really what isn't when dipped in butter. Fried Haddock's batter was crispy although undercooked and bland, though the fish was very fresh. (Go broiled.) Fried shrimp suffered under the same batter as the haddock. Bummer. Fries were all underdone. Coleslaw was good, not over-mayoed, but nothing special. Q: What takes this from the obvious two to generous three stars you ask? A: The cold and delicious beer. Everything is better when served with a chilly glass of yum. (Additional reporting for this article by Marjorie F. and Pete F.)

    (3)

  • angela s.

    Fantastic seafood chowdah. Fast, friendly, and really fresh food ... Right on the waterfront

    (4)

  • sara p.

    Great chowder, great food overall, great staff, love it here

    (4)

  • Ernie C.

    Somewhat touristy, but on the waterfront in downtown Portland so no big deal. Wife and I both got the seafood chowder. Very nice, but we paid the extra $ for the bread bowl. In hindsight, would have just preferred a basic bowl as the bread had no real flavor, just basic white. We were not that hungry, so just had the soup and shared a huge basic green salad. No frills joint. Friendly servers. Would definately return.

    (3)

  • Angela J.

    Whilst visiting Maine with a friend about 8 years ago, I obviously wanted to sample some real New England Clam Chowder. Truthfully: we picked this place because my brother, dad, and grandpa are all named Gilbert. This place still holds the title of "Best Clam Chowder Ang Has Ever Tried".

    (5)

  • laura M.

    I would give four stars bc this place is cute and rustic and very fisherman esq. The food itself is three stars though. Lobster roll was good, but not over packed with lobster, clam chowder was very good and fresh, but the fish and chips missed the mark. Would return based on location and old world fisherman charm.

    (3)

  • Nellie B.

    Gilbert's was fantastic! While there was about a 15 minute wait to get in the service was fast and friendly once we were seated. The clam chowder was fantastic -- hot and light with great bits of clam, potato and some veggies. I had the lobster roll and there was a LOT of lobstah on it. Just make sure you leave room for the blueberry cobbler. It's one of the best I've ever had and I need the recipe please!

    (5)

  • Andrew J.

    The place is charming enough, but the chowder was very starchy and the clam cakes were very cakey. We came in looking for seafood, but felt like we were at a bakery. Although the service was fine, this might not be the best pick for true Maine seafood. But what do I know about seafood, I'm from Florida. If you're looking for great seafood, go South to Portsmouth. Hebert's seafood was our beat place in New England. On Badger Island. And no, we don't know the owner.

    (2)

  • T M.

    I paid close to $30 for clams, oysters and clam chowder. The food here is bad. The oysters were cut in half to save them money. The breading was too thick and tasteless. Clams weren't bad, but tasted similar to the frozen ones you buy at the grocery store, The Clam chowder was a disappointment. They had put 2.5 tablespoons of raw onion in my chowder, so while eating the chowder I am crunching down on raw onions. Was upset that I threw $30 away.

    (1)

  • Mari H.

    SO and I met a couple there for lunch on a sunny, warm, October Saturday. The atmosphere is very casual but the food was good. I'd definitely come back. We had to wait for a table but it was only about 20 minutes. We had onion rings for appetizers, I had a lobster roll and SO had fried clams. It was all good. The four of us sat outside at a small table with pigeons trying to mooch all around us and a big fat pole blocking our view but the food was good.

    (3)

  • Angela H.

    was recommended to eat here by a friend at home (i'm from the midwest and she goes there frequently because of family in the area) and i have to say that as a first meal on the maine coast (my husband and i were there on our honeymoon, flew into portland and were headed out to the camden/rockland area that same day but decided to grab a bite on the way out of town) it was pretty fantastic. since it was my first time on the coast, i chickened out on trying the full lobster yet (i reserved that for Cappy's in Camden) and got the chowder. it was delicious! and sitting out on the water was a great intro to our trip up the coast, and i'm really glad we stopped. this place will always hold a special place in my heart.

    (5)

  • T G.

    Lunch was awesome, dinner was better. Great location for a business lunch and also with my family while visiting for a business meeting.

    (3)

  • Melanie V.

    oh gilbert's, i had such high hopes for you. i love the look of gilberts. very down to earth looking place and right by the water. i really thought id get amazing food here just by judging the place by its look. clam chowder- it was very flavorful and delicious. but i found so much more potatoes then clams, then soup itself! lobster roll- huge chunks of lobster and on a a nicely buttered roll. too bad the lobsters were completely tasteless. definitely did not go during lobster season. but wow, it tasted like they had this lobster frozen for months and thawed it heated it up and threw it on my roll. i unfortunately had a better lobster roll in nyc then in maine. then again i know i just havent been going to the right places. ill be back to maine during lobster season.

    (2)

  • Ian D.

    Great chowder! Ordered fried clam strips. Was disappointed with it. Tasted like paper. Should have just ordered fried clams "whole", if they had it in their menu. Fried calamari and scallops were great though.

    (3)

  • Jay B.

    I can't believe this place got 4 of 5 stars. A worse seafood meal I have never had. I have never, ever said this of a restaurant before but the food here was "disgusting". I had fish and chips and couldn't finish it because it tasted so awful. The fries were limp and tasteless. Even the coleslaw was bad. My disappointment was huge since this place was in the guide book and I expected more, esp for tourists who are being conned into thinking this swill is what seafood is supposed to taste like. I am from Boston and know what good seafood is. I've had better seafood in Kansas City or Phoenix, 1000 miles from the sea than at this place. I am seriously disappointed. I gave this place one star because the staff was friendly and efficient, otherwise I wouldn't have even given it one star.

    (1)

  • christian b.

    This place was good to me when my wife and I visited in September. The chowder was good. The fried what-not was satisfying. Sometimes, that's what you want: good chowder, a heaping plate of fried seafood, a couple of beers. What can I say? They had me at hello. The lobster roll, however, was a major disappointment. That puppy wasn't even dressed! It was cold, minced lobster on a toasted roll. No flavor. Still, the service was friendly, the food wasn't real expensive, and dammit, that's what I wanted! Seafood! Lots of it!

    (4)

  • B F.

    Amazing as usual! I never visit Portland without getting a bowl of chowdah!

    (5)

  • Esther Y.

    Is it lame that I'm giving almost everything in Portland a 4? Yikes! I need to get it together! I LOVED this place. We came in for lobster rolls and fish chowder. YUM. The lobster pieces were super fresh, sweet, and the roll was filled with deliciousness. I am on the side of the less mayo the better, but the Hubs wished there was some may with the roll. Don't get me wrong, he still managed to eat the whole thing. Ha!

    (4)

  • Chester H.

    We just had two lobster tails, cole slaw, corn, fries and clam chowder for under $60. And it was "The Best" ever!!! Wish I could eat there again... Chester & Cindy from orange co. Cal.

    (5)

  • Jon W.

    I'm giving this place a 4 Star rating on the chowder alone. The chowder in a bread bowl doesn't get much better. The bread was fresh and it was packed with clams, certainly a meal of its own. I also had the Lobster roll was kind of plain and had a weird after taste. It just seemed like it wasn't as fresh as you'd expect for a place right on the water. I'll be back for the chowder though!

    (4)

  • Anannya K.

    Went to this place after local recommendation from nearby shops. The chowder was cold and the lobster roll were OK. The fish and chips was fresh but was a little less salty.

    (2)

  • Jamie V.

    Absolutely delicious seafood. Fairly priced for a decent amount of food. I would definitely recommend the clam chowder. Yumm-o!

    (5)

  • LittleAsianGirl W.

    Try a seafood chilli. The most excellent I ever had. I also ordered lobster and steamers. Everything here is very fresh here. The price is reasonable. Service is great too.

    (4)

  • Cory M.

    Award winning chowder back in the day but needs to step it up again.

    (4)

  • Big E.

    Enjoyed a delicious whole lobster here and it was reasonably priced, cute little seafood place right on the water. Also tried the clam chowder, fried clams and clam cake. All were super delightful, good service, just a really nice experience. Definitely would recommend this for a no frills meal.

    (4)

  • Roy E.

    Best clam chowder I ever had, and best muscles. I love the fact that no expense is waisted on silverware and china. You get plastic and paper. It's about the food, and they get it right.

    (4)

  • R. S.

    I hate chowder but Gilbert's made me a convert; had it twice it was so good. But the lobster roll was inedible. Threw it out after two bites

    (3)

  • Craig G.

    Clam chowder in a bread bowl was delicious. Lobster stew had big juicy chunks of lobster in a broth that seemed to be about half butter. Sit on the patio if the sun's out. I knocked it down a star for the service - our waitress wasn't the most efficient at getting us our drinks or our refills.

    (3)

  • Rachel E.

    Someone recommended this place for a lobster dinner, but it was underwhelming. It was very cheap, and you could tell immediately after stepping through the door. The docks also smelled pretty bad. My boyfriend got a whole boiled lobster and enjoyed tearing it apart and sucking out the meat bit by bit, but it was underwhelming nonetheless. Good for a quick lunch if you are in the area. Not much selection if you aren't in the mood for chowder, fish, or lobster. Head to J's for better food and a better dining experience overall.

    (3)

  • M R.

    Just got back from having a Lobster Roll and a Bowl of Chowdah at Gilbert's while traveling for business in Maine. First off, I love Maine!It's a far cry from my concrete jungle homeworld, NYC, but if I ever decide to transplant myself, this is where I would go, and Gilbert's is where I would pahk my butt to watch some football, drink a Shipyard while eating a Breadbowl of seafood chowdah which was full of lobstah, shrimp, clams and crab meat! Ive been to Beantown and New Hampshah, but this little place has them all beat in my book. Its a homely looking place with a comfy feel. It was a perfect night and sitting out by the water only added to the experience. The Lobstah Roll was overfilled with fresh sweet lobstah meat and not loaded with mayo like some NYC wannabe lobster rolls. And if you want to try, Lure's is as close as you can get!

    (4)

  • sumi c.

    We had sometime (but not too much time) before our flight back to CA. Found that Gilbert's was advertised as the best chowder house, so decided to check it out for the chowder. Very casual, you seat yourself, there is an outside patio but since it rained earlier in the day, the tables were wet. It was packed at 3:30pm (why?!!), so we had to stand and wait for like 10 min. They had specials on the board: such as a steam lobstered, fried and corn on the cobb (twin) for $34.95. Orignally going for the clam chowder in the bread bowl (the temperature dropped significantly from a super how 92 degree to like 68 degree in a day!!). They had a 'lobster stew' for $13.95 on the menu, decided to give it a try. It doesn't come in a bread bowl because it's more watery than the chowder. So, the lobster stew comes and I'm speechless: there is like 1 cm of orange butter floating on top of the creamy 'stew' below. Stew? I thought stew was supposed to be thick and hearty? Well, the cream and the butter obviously don't mix. I tried desparately mixing as fast as I can to break up the butter, but each spoon was filled with 'butter'. I just picked out the lobster. I ended up scouping out the butter, finally got to the 'stew', and well, it's creamy, but by then, my stomach was just not taking all this butter. We also tried the fried clams: first one had sand... The tartar sauce wasn't as tangy with the relish,it was more like mayo. I may have been focused on trying something different, so overlooked their staple of chowder? For the price of the lobster stew, I'll pass. Maybe next time, I'll go for the clam chowder in the bowl only. One final note: there were 3 servers working, and during our wait, no one acknowledged our presence, going to and from the bathroom, no one said hello and even looked at you. Casual, but not friendly. It's like you walk in, seat yourself, order (this is the only interaction with the staff) and the pay and leave....

    (3)

  • Diane C.

    In Portland for work. Visiting from NYC. Three different people told us to go to this place. So we did and I feel totally happy and complete with my "getting lobster in Maine" experience. The atmosphere is nothing fancy & you'll get styrofoam/paper plates/plastic spoons. But it's good enough. Okay, the chowder?? The seafood chowder is a must. I had the lobster roll too and it was just perfect--best I've ever had. Although I guess this might be only my second or third. And only $13! A total bargain compared to Luke's and Mary's Fish Camp in NYC. My co-worker got the single lobster for $19. Incredible prices for the caliber of food here. I was very happy after eating here. If you want yummy, super fresh lobster and nothing fancypants, go here!

    (4)

  • Dejia B.

    Pretty dang tasty! Had fried clams with fries and a couple of shipyard beers. Clams were plentiful, fries were even more so and the tarter was delicious. Loved the back deck too. Wish the wait staff was a bit friendlier, but hey, at least the food was good!

    (4)

  • Timo W.

    If you're headed to Portland, you've got to check out a truly fantastic place in Gilbert's Chowder House. My first visit there was on a typically drizzly and chilly Maine afternoon in the fall of 2001. We were starving after a flight from Chicago and looking for something quick and tasty. When I noticed a crowded joint amongst the other half-empty places I had passed, I figured there must be something good cooking inside. I wasn't disappointed. Not in the least bit fancy, the place was packed with dock workers and other locals who know a good thing. I've been back a couple of times and all the chowders I've tried have been great. If you're after nice ambience, there are plenty of better choices in the Old Port district; but for great chowder go to Gilbert's. I can only dream there was a seafood place like this in Chicago where I live.

    (5)

  • Rebecca P.

    Not being a fan of clams, I opted for the fish chowder, and was pleasantly surprised - hot, hearty, creamy, and chock full of fish, it was a perfect meal for the chilly evening. Split the fish and chips with my friend, and while the cornmeal crust was different from the traditional beer batter I'm used to in Boston, it was a nice change - the fish was so buttery, we ended up eating it plain (no tartar sauce necessary!). A bottle of Captain Eli's root beer was a delicious complement to the meal.

    (4)

  • Paul B.

    Excellent chowder and fish & chips. Waitresses really sweet to kids.

    (5)

  • Bryan M.

    Gotta say, I LOVE bringing my friends from away here. Especially when you can eat outdoors. Good food, decent pricing. Very fun.

    (4)

  • Maureen H.

    Authentic feeling locale on the dock and not aiming to draw anybody particular, just serving up their food. That's fine and can be appealing. I wasn't crazy about the chowder, however. I like it thin, not like clam pudding. That's all I tried.

    (3)

  • Jen S.

    When I lived in Portland, I went here weekly, for beer and chowder with my friends. I love the casual environment, the local brews, and the creamy chowder. When I visit Portland again, I try to stop in. It's a great place to recover from the high-falutin' attitudes of the city (not Portland -- I mean the Boston area).

    (4)

  • Brian E.

    Classic dockside atmosphere. Weathered interior, friendly staff, fresh seafood. Casual dinning experience with the locals. Great place to grab a beer and get some " chowda!"

    (4)

  • Marcus H.

    It was ok. Everyone raves about the chowder; however, I've had better. The chowder out of Goucester, MA is outstanding. The service was slow and the wait staff was inattentive. Also, it was rather busy.

    (3)

  • A A.

    After a grueling experience of dining (but rather waiting) at another establishment--and still hungry--we came here. It was almost closing time, but the waitress was still amicable. Tried 2 chowders: the clam and corn/chicken. I actually liked the corn/chicken one better. The clam was too thick--maybe it had just simmered itself down to cream-of-wheat consistency.

    (3)

  • Catherine S.

    I was sick and needed a good bowl of something hot. My husband suggested we go over to Gilbert's for some chowder. I'm literally salivating right now as I write and think about how amazingly good that chowder was. Does that give you enough information? Oh yeah, we also had fried clams and fries that were done to perfection. It definitely put me in a better mood, and I can't wait to go back just for the chowder alone.

    (5)

  • AB C.

    I called this place to inquire what was in their chowder and if there was any shellfish or meat in it. Receiving the "correct" answer, I wandered over eager to try some out. When I arrived, I noticed their corn chowder was really chicken-corn chowder. Then I saw that all their chowder had bacon and clams in it. Bummer. I almost left since I really wanted some haddock chowdah. But I decided to try out a haddock sandwich instead. It was pretty good. The food arrived fast and was generiously portioned. Our waiter was pleasant and the place has a homey friendly feel. If you are a fish-a-tarian or are careful about ingredients, this may not be the place for you. If you are a seafood lover, it should be really appealing.

    (3)

  • Laura A.

    I'm no expert on chowder, but the bowl I had at Gilbert's after tromping through snowy streets sure hit the spot. The server couldn't have been nicer, and the atmosphere was relaxed enough that I felt completely at ease dining solo while skimming the free weekly. Great fries.

    (4)

  • Dan C.

    No nonsense chowder house right in the old part of town. It all speaks for itself. Not overly fancy but good solid chowder and other fresh seafoody kind of stuff.

    (4)

  • Angela B.

    Chowder, bread bowl, Shipyard Pumpkinhead on draft...it doesn't get much better. I don't venture from the above combo, and I'm never disappointed.

    (5)

  • Jazzy G.

    Born and raised in Portland, so I know these things. I always get a seafood chowder bread bowl when I go back home. Don't bother with the lobster roll. Go straight for the bread bowl. Gilbert's (well, all of New England, but mostly Gilbert's) has made me such a chowder snob.

    (5)

  • Niki B.

    It's cozy, it's comfy, it's laid back and it serves some mean unpretentious lobster stew and clam chowder. What's not to like? The place lives up to its reputation hands down.

    (5)

  • Elizabeth S.

    I go here often when I'm visiting my family in Maine. I always have the seafood chowder. It is classic New England chowder: milky, not heavy or gooey. It is filled with tiny Maine shrimp. My grandfather has the fish and chips. The fish is fresh and light - perfectly fried.

    (5)

  • Stella S.

    LOVE IT!! They make the best New England clam chowder!

    (5)

  • Danielle S.

    How I long for a heaping bowl of chowder from Gilbert's 360 days of the yea!e!! Thank goodness I'm leaving for Portland tomorrow. Nothing tops Gilbert's clam chowder. It's the only chowder I've ever had that you can stick a spoon in and it will stand up straight---now that's some hearty soup. I can't really speak for their other dishes; one bowl of chowder was always enough to do me in for the day. My mom, however, cannot eat cream-based soups, but was blown away by their tomato-based seafood chowder that contained huge hunks of shellfish and fish, lightly seasoned. Even though he prefers J's, my father will usually order a lobster roll because he simply has to get his fill in the limited time we have.

    (5)

  • C H.

    Get chowder (whatever kind you want, all good) in a breadbowl to go. Fast, tasty, and inexpensive.

    (4)

  • Alejandro I.

    I was vacationing in Maine and visited Portland. I went to Gilberts Chowder House with my wife. We order the new england clam chowder and I must tell you this was the best new England clam chowder I have ever eatin in my life. We shared a large bowl and destroyed it. I ordered the lobster roll and it was good but kind of bland. I had a woopie pie and loved it. My daughter went crazy for it. But be fore worned. This is not a fancy place. Paper plates and p[lastic forks only. Yes it is expensive but what the hell you live only once. (Ate here twice.) You can eat in or outside in the back by the water. Some advice. Come here after 2PM to avoid the crowds. If you come here this is what you order. (1) New England clam chowder, (2) Lobster dinner, & (3) Woopie pie. If you order these, then you will be happy with your food. Must try it at least once. By the way half of all the restaurant in Portland have no A/C.

    (4)

  • Jill k.

    one of the most memorable meals of my vacation! the chowder was superb, and the lobster delicious! on top of that, gilbert's is completely affordable ($25 for two lobster with coleslaw and fries); a great, casual place to get your lobster fix in portland!

    (5)

  • Robert F.

    Sat out on the deck last Friday afternoon enjoying they're very tasty and priced right haddock sandwich and sipping a cold one. Great Chowder, nice staff, no frills. Worth the stop. while not the best seafood around it is very consistent. Hmm, tasty.

    (4)

  • Brianna K.

    Came here after a day of biking and fun with my boyfriend, and it was perfect! We had outdoor seats, service was polite and quick (could have been friendlier but nothing to complain about). Boyfriend had haddock fry dinner and said it was juicy and crisp. The seafood chilli was "to die for" in his opinion. I had the clam chowder which was AWESOME and fried shrimp. Shrimp was ok, and fries were on point. Would reccomend with a few beers! We will come back next time we come to Maine!

    (4)

  • D S.

    Great claim chowder and shipyard IPA . Not so great fried oysters, the have no taste. Passed on drowning them in salt and opted to not finish them

    (3)

  • John V.

    Not sure how others thought the view was great. Only outside view is of the building across the way. Service was HORRIBLE. All 15 outside tables were full, so we had to eat inside. Server dropped our food off and never saw her again. Had to ask bartender to find our check and cash out. Clam cake was over cooked and nothing but bread. After 7 lobster rolls this week, I finally had a bad one. Lobster roll was the worst. Dry lobster with a leaf of wilted lettuce. Best part was the bun. No mayo, no butter. Just dry lobster. Don't be fooled by the on line menu. That is for another location. Very limited menu. Worst meal of our week long vacation in Maine.

    (1)

  • Ohhee J.

    I came here specifically for the clam chowder. The weather was nice so I was able to snag the last table in the outdoor porch area. This was around 7:30. Service wasn't quick but service wasn't awfully slow. I ordered the large clam chowder. It was surprisingly very affordable compared to the rest of the restaurants in South Port. A large clam chowder was about $8.00. It was definitely filling and was loaded with clams and potatoes. I would give a four star for the clam chowder because it was probably the first clam chowder I had that actually had a lot of clams, but the soup wasn't fresh. You could tell because the consistency was ever so slightly clumpy and not hot. The soup is served in a plastic container served with oyster crackers. I wasn't too thrill with the presentation. But if it's the reason why the soup is on the cheap side, I'll take it!

    (3)

  • Aubree B.

    Such a great place! Our first meal in Maine and an amazing way to start. I got the whole lobster and the staff showed me how to properly crack it open. :) The chowder is the best (from what my mom and wife said. I don't eat bacon and it has bacon bits in it). The lobster roll looked so amazing I'm looking forward to going back and getting it. A must go to when in Portland, Maine!!

    (5)

  • Carol N.

    Don't even consider this place if you want a good clam chowdah. Seriously, I think they got it out of a Campbell's soup can. The help was pleasant, for the most part, and the fries were good. The bloody mary was strong, but decent. The clam chowder is better at Gritty's.

    (2)

  • Heidi R.

    The patio is awesome here. Right on the water and covered so you don't bake in the sun. Seat yourself which is great. The service is a bit slow but I guess if you are getting fresh food, that's alright. I had the fried clams and fish and chips. Food was decent. They have ONE bathroom. Bad idea when the restaurant is full... there was always a very long line. I am not from the area so I probably won't go back and I don't know if I would if I visited Portland again. So many other options.

    (3)

  • Jason L.

    If I could give Gilbert's 0 or negative stars I would. This was the saddest excuse for a seafood dinner I have ever had to endure. But, I guess that serves me right for trying to order something that wasnt on the menu, but I thought that "broiled scallops" wouldn't be that difficult. The menu consists largely of fried items and bacon laden chowder, and I wanted something lighter. I got lightened alright, right in my wallet. 5 of us dined on the patio in the back, surrounded by drunk 20 somethings on a saturday evening. The wafting cigarette smoke from the nearby "smokers section" was appetizing. My cohorts ordered the fried scallop special (scallops, coleslaw, fries, chowder for $18.95). My wife & I settled on "broiled scallops" which we asked if the chef could prepare. The waitress said "no problem" and asked if we wanted the special or the dinner (market price). I now know that "market price" means "bend over and take it", because it was $28/ea for the same portion as the "special". The only difference? We paid $10 more and didn't get chowder or coleslaw included. My plate came out with a gelatinous glop of butter/breadcrumb sludge covered pieces of scallop that were just this slimy off-putting texture, piled ontop of a heap of fries. It looked more like a half-assed attempt at Scallops Poutine. I ate about 4-5 bites because I was hungry and then I couldn't stomach it anymore. I reached over and sampled my daughter's clam chowder, which was anything but. NO clam flavor, no chunks of clam, just an off-white hillock of mashed potato and bacon. Then I turned to the "haddock stew" I ordered, figuring maybe I could seek solace. Wrong. The "stew" consisted of 1 big piece of haddock dunked in a bowl of cream. I questioned the waitress on the difference in price between the scallop special & dinner, and asked her what justified the $10 price difference? I got the famous, "I just work here" line... and that's when I gave up and realized that nobody gives a shit. I beg and implore anybody coming to Portland for seafood, avoid Commercial St at all costs, ESPECIALLY THIS PLACE. There is a strong reason why they have empty seats at 6pm on a Saturday night in a tourist area. I learned a hard lesson that cost me $140.

    (1)

  • Linz E.

    This place is pretty small and could easily be overlooked amongst the other dockside lobster shops. But it's worth a visit! Go in and get that chowder! The staff was personable even though we came in close to closing time. I had a bread bowl with New England clam chowder, and not only was it delicious, it was thick and chunky as chowder should be. The bread was soft, but since the crust wasn't crispy that sucker was soggy by the time I went to devour it. Still, it was very good and reasonably priced too.

    (4)

  • Jose R.

    All we had was the clam chowder. It had good flavor. Too many potatoes though. You would think that there would be more clams. Service was good and quick. The attire is casual so feel free to stop in wearing your shorts and flip flops.

    (3)

  • James L.

    Ordered clam chowder, corn with chicken chowder, lobster roll and steamed lobster. Food was mediocre not what I had imagined and clam chowder didn't have much clams in it.

    (2)

  • Derek C.

    There are plenty of seafood restaurants on Commercial Street that are better than this. Haddock was dry and overcooked with WAY too much breading. Lobster was UNDERCOOKED and looked like sashimi in the middle. I asked the waitress to take it back--which she did, but only after "taking a look." As if I don't know how to tell a lobster is undercooked. The only redeeming factor of this restaurant is that the clam chowder is quite good.

    (2)

  • Chris T.

    Stopped here one night while walking around Commercial street. Didnt see a parking lot for this place so I parked at metered parking. Initially sat on the patio but after waiting & waiting & waiting for the waitress to acknowledge me..I gave up & went inside. It had rained earlier in the day & it looked like the rain made it inside as the floor was slippery, wet, & dirt had been tracked in. Ordered the lobster roll & chips. "Lobstah" roll was good, not great. Waitress & bartender inside were nice. This isnt the restaurant atmosphere. Its more diner. Wasnt exactly what I expected...

    (2)

  • Amanda M.

    I was looking to get a lobster roll before I caught my flight out of Maine, and Gilbert's had some pretty good reviews. I stopped in just after 2pm. Despite the cold, the out-of-season status, and the post-lunch lull, there were quite a few others grabbing food in here, so I can only imagine what this place looks like on a busy day. I ordered a cup of clam chowder. For the price (over $5) and based on other reviews, I expected a few more clams. My bowl seemed mostly filled with potatoes. Still, it was good, chunky, chowder, and certainly warmed me up. I also ordered the lobster roll ($14 - wasn't impressed since I got a whole lobster for that price the night before). There was minimal mayo, which I appreciated, but the lobster was so cold it was almost frozen. I had to let it sit for quite a while before it seemed warm enough to eat. The roll was buttery and perfectly toasted, albeit small. I think as some others have mentioned, it was entirely claw meat. Overall it was okay, but wish I would have ordered the whole lobster instead.

    (3)

  • Chenkai L.

    The clam chowder here was super delicious! Not disappointed for a chowder from portland maine. We had the seasonal shipyard pumpkin beer and loved it. My favorite thing was the calarmi we ordered here, one of the best calamari i ever had, super tasty, fresh and tender!

    (4)

  • Scott G.

    Great location and service.

    (4)

  • Cindy B.

    Quaint place the food was really good and easy on the pocket book. Boiled lobster dinner and lobster roll. The lemon raspberry cheese cake was wonderful too!

    (4)

  • selina k.

    Went here after weekend with friends n family up north in casco maine Got here sat our self. Order giblet plater of seafood ..fish fell out of when try to get it off / cut. Will everything pierce that was fried came off. Half cut scallops fried The in take veggie on that plate was less.. (Cole slaw ) was very small portion Seafood chowder ( it has bacon n a lot of potato ) Should have find a places with no bacon in chowder . Not good for people who don eat meat but eat seafood only . I prefer no bacon but all they chowder has bacon n made with bacon ( not big fan of bacon ) they put few pieces of lobster meat on top. My thing was potato. Too much.. Almost every bite has potato n had baby shrimp For price of chowder was good. Had clam bake it was ok. For price of grease was just too much..then again it deep fried They don have kid stuff... Hotdog n grill cheese really not things I serve my kid. My kid just wanted French fries n nothing else They salad only one to pick from garden salad if u wanted add stuff it extra really 5-8 bucks more No other salad to pick. I like my salad picks I think it was ok.. Could have better chowder making ways. Then add bacon only in they chowder .

    (3)

  • Amy D.

    Gilbert's was one of the first places my husband and I ate when we moved to Maine. The lobster roll served with chips in a non-pretentious style is very Maine. The fish and chips are good. The atmosphere is very casual. The food is good. The service is reasonable. And weather you are a local or an out-of-towner, sometimes everyone needs a little cold lobster in a warm, buttered bun. No frills. No fuss.

    (3)

  • Jennifer R.

    Just had dinner here - very casual atmosphere..clam chowder decent, lobster roll average. The lobster roll is very plain - in other words lobster with no adornment. Blueberry cobbler was very good. Service exceptionally friendly - solid 3 star type of place. Prices were competitive - and the lobster roll had a good amount of meat in it. Small beer list, but Allagash is on tap. Convenient walk from any of the hotels on Fore street or down in Old Port.

    (3)

  • S S.

    $80 for a family of 4. Appetizer fried calamari....12 and 16 year old would not eat, as they thought it was too greasy. Calamari was fresh and tender, but the fry was greasy and no seasonings at all. Salad not as good as bag at grocery....salad dressing served in packets that one might get in salad bag at grocery. Chowder was not worthy for Texans, though we lived in MA for a few years. Houstons or Whole food has better chowder. Big disappointment for the children. ALERT: Based on this experience, RESERVATIONS are a must in Portland for a weekend in JUNE and many places do not take reservations for 4! Waits were 1- 1.5 hours. PLAN AHEAD. There was no wait at Gilberts.

    (1)

  • Mike H.

    Just got into Maine last night. Had to try some lobster rolls. So this is my first stop. The lobster roll was amazing. Lobster was not overly dressed or greasy and the roll was toasted to perfection. The clam chowder is a must have. It was delicious. Loved it.

    (5)

  • Susan G.

    Chowder was really good but the fried fish was only ok. Would maybe go back for chowder bit that's it

    (3)

  • Aaron P.

    The perfect New England Clam Chowder. After my first taste of their clam chowder, all Gilbert's needed to do was keep from messing up in order to earn five stars from me, and I'm happy to say they succeeded. Clam chowder is a hotly-debated topic. Thick vs thin. Chunky vs less-chunky. Everybody has their preferences. But for my tastes, this was the ideal clam chowder. This was the one I imagine when I think of the food. Eating it was like living in my mind's own fantasy...of chowder. It came in a styrofoam cup with a plastic spoon and two bags of oyster crackers. This was perfect. I swear, it was so good I didn't even touch the crackers. I didn't even put pepper on it! I just ate it until I was scraping it from the rounded corners of the bottom of the styrofoam cup. With the small soup I also had a grilled cheese. This was also perfect. It came with ruffled chips, which I largely neglected, and a Kosher dill pickle spear. The dish was served in a red plastic basket with a wax paper liner. Yes. Truthfully, I haven't explored chowder in the area much, but I have a hard time imagining anything beating Gilbert's. Regardless, if you want a good cup of chowder and you like it thick and creamy, check it out. Definitely check it out.

    (5)

  • Glenn M.

    Great mom and pop level restaurant. Service was prompt. The steamers were great as were the fried clams and crab roll. Not fancy but more enjoyable to us than one of the fancy, highly rated restaurants in town.

    (4)

  • Lydia S.

    Lobster roll- disappointing:( Tasteless and mushy because it was mostly claw meat. Steamed mussels- small, overlooked and didn't have much flavor either. Fried oysters- okay. Clam Steamers- tough and gritty.

    (1)

  • Rich J.

    Great fried clams. Very good seafood chowder. Very generous serving of steamers. We also sat outside on a perfect day so that made the experience even more enjoyable. And of course why not wash it all down with an Allagash White.

    (4)

  • Morton Z.

    As the name implies the chowder here is pretty good. Had the clam chowder and you definitely get a good amount of clam. However, the lobster roll was really not that great: No taste. But the bread they used for the roll was good. Not a bad lunch but I wouldn't come back for the lobster roll.

    (3)

  • Isabel K.

    Went on a Saturday night and managed to nab the last open table. My son ordered the seafood chowder and loved it. I got the lobster stew. It was good, but not worth $14.95 - if I had known I would have ordered a chowder too. My husband got the Seafood Platter. The seafood was fried perfectly and was delicious! The portion was generous, but that could be because they charge $33.95 for a plate. Our server was just ok. There were numerous times we were looking for her to get another beer or to get the check, but she was nowhere to be found. Perhaps they need more servers especially on a weekend. She wasn't rude, but not pleasant either so we only left a 15% tip. Next time I might just get take-out and go eat by the water.

    (4)

  • Lauren K.

    Not only was this the best clam chowder I've ever had, it was the best bowl of soup I've had! Definitely coming back before we leave town.

    (4)

  • David R.

    Great chowder. I can't say whether Gilbert's is the best in town, or even the best on the waterfront, but it is damn good chowder, if perhaps light on clams. The fried haddock is also well done. The french fries and bread bowl are just so-so. Credit them also for serving a couple of local beers on draft. The atmosphere is bare bones, just one level up from "shack," but that is what you should want from a seaside chowder-and-fried-seafood joint. Those kinds of places usually have better service than we got at Gilbert's. Not only was our guy dour and lackadaisical, but he also screwed up our order. However, I observed other waitresses being quite pleasant with their customers, so perhaps it was just our bum luck to get the bad apple.

    (3)

  • Princess J.

    small place. we sat on outside patio wasnt busy so worked out. ordered full belly clams they were delicious best ive ever had and their tartar sauce is good, clam chowder best ever had so different from all places ive had chowder. steamed mussells were good. lobster roll full of lobster but lacking in flavoring the lobster. i used tartar and it was good. didnt care for the chips they came with. it was chips. service was good. if you sit outside be careful they have some unscared seagulls that will dive in for food anywhere buy mainly if u walk away from food. overall i would go again and again for chowder and deep fried full belly clams. so fresh and light crust on clams.

    (4)

  • Chad K.

    Clam Chowder was very tasty. But then, it IS a "chowder house" so you sort of expect them to get that right. Fish (Haddock) and Chips were on special. Everything was fresh and hot, but the fish was really bland. Perhaps it's suppose to be that way and you're suppose to douse it in malt vinegar to give it flavor? When I think fried fish I think of southern fried catfish and that typically has a lot of seasoning and flavor. This tasted bland by comparison. Overall, the food is good. Not great. I'll rate this place a "Like" but it's probably more of a Neutral. How they go about seating customers is a little ridiculous. If they're busy then you have to wait in the cramped entryway and a server will come get you when a table opens up. No host/hostess and no waiting list. Just chaos and annoyance. Wait staff could be a lot more friendly. They suffer that problem like many employees at popular diners do. So many customers are wanting to eat there that they don't really need to work hard for your business, so they don't. So, they can be inattentive and smiles are rare.

    (3)

  • Theresa B.

    Great bloody Mary! Huge portions! Super fresh seafood! Thick creamy chowder! Quick friendly staff! I'll come back definitely.

    (4)

  • R N.

    Their clam chowdah is the best in Maine! I used to come here all the time when I lived in Portland more than 10 years ago. I'm so glad to find out that they haven't changed a bit. The tasty chowder, friendly service, and the old-time atmosphere were all there. Can't wait to go back again!

    (5)

  • Hanna G.

    Let me start of by saying that I worked here for 12 years. Starting as a bus girl to waitress and bartender. I pretty much know this place inside and out. Next, I am now a vegan still would have a cup of chowder with a small side of frys (because it's that unreal). We use to ship this stuff to "chowderheads" around the country it's that good. You literally should go no where else unless you like chowder that is skimped out in seafood and is watered down. The owner has made the chowder EVERY SINGLE day since they started- no joke. Very impressive. Bread bowls can be too much and I use to throw a lot away because they were a waste of food. If your not into chowder it's okay because the muscles, scallops and haddock are just as good! The service is very fast paced, so don't get annoyed with the service just realize these women are running around during tourist season and they will be sure to take great care of you. Gilbert's will always have a special place in my heart.

    (5)

  • Heather W.

    Their mussels were amazing... Mmmmm! Suitably garlicky and plentiful. Their beer selection was small, but fully sufficient to wash down their tasty food. Not much for ambiance, but honestly I didn't look up enough from my gigantic bowl of mussels to care...

    (5)

  • Mike S.

    Nothing absolutely notable for chowder, good but not something I dream about. Also can get it in a bread bowl, which is great on a cold day! The fried clams were great and it's nice to sit outside. Bacon and salt make the chowder better!

    (3)

  • Christopher F.

    In all fairness, I am from Michigan, and I would imagine with all the fresh seafood, restaurants here must be spot on to stay open. Located right on the water in downtown Portland, this restaurant feels like a typical New England restaurant although locals may consider it for tourist. We ordered the clam chowder in the bread bowl, needless to the say the chowder was great but not the best I have ever had. If I came back to this place I would order what my wife ordered the seafood chowder, loaded with lobster, clams, and shrimp, a little pricey but we'll worth it. Finally we had to try the famous New England lobster roll. The lobster roll came on a toasted bun, and was loaded with lump lobster meat and the sauce did not have much mayonnaise at all. Was really satisfied with the lobster roll. The one negative of this place, was the service, seating was a free for all and the waitress looked annoyed. One would think in these times any business would be appreciated but you certainly do not feel that at this restaurant. Also try the local blueberry ale, yum!

    (4)

  • Doug S.

    Not that great. The place is located in the tourist area on the water. We did not have a clue where to go. We did not plan on any place we just winged it. The Gilbert house is set up like a shack. We got the lobster roll because that what everyone gets. Did not have much taste Or any taste. . And cost over 13 dollars. And fries cost more. You get chips. But that is the price in the wharf area. You can find cheaper if you leave that area. We did have good beer local variety. But we did not get a second one because the waitress decided we were done and brought us are check. She did not do a good job at service. Do not plain on going back did not like this place. And did not care for the wharf. We have been to much nicer cleaner places.

    (2)

  • Trevor G.

    Gilbert's seems to keep a steady crowd, even on a Sunday night. We were seated quickly, and were attended to by a friendly but prompt waitress. I had the fish and chips and the haddock stew. Unpretentiously presented on a paper plate and in a Styrofoam cup, these dishes far exceeded my expectations. Fish and chips were fresh, though the breading was a bit heavy. The creamy and buttery haddock stew was simple yet tasty.

    (4)

  • A F.

    Went into the restaurant expecting decent seafood since I saw reviews were pretty good and the location was great for fresh seafood. Got the seafood chowder and clam chowder to start. Both were bleh. I've had better before. Not much flavor in either. The staff was really unfriendly when we walked in. We were waiting to either seat ourselves or be seated (never been here before so we weren't sure how it worked) and all the waitresses just walked by us and didn't make any eye contact or even greet us at the door and say "seat yourself". It was like we were invisible. Very rude. We finally sat down and ordered from the bar. The bartender was nicer than the girls. He took our orders, we got scallops and fish n chips. Gotta say, not too good at all. Tasted very bland. Fries were greasy and tasteless as well. Barely made a dent in the plate and decided to leave. We were really looking for great seafood. Didn't find it here!

    (1)

  • Leann D.

    don't waste your time or money! first of all we should have known something was wrong as we walked in, it smelled horrible (rotten eggs) or maybe even worse. The chowder they say is award winning, (UM, I don't think so) it was too think and not a lot of flavor, as the haddock stew had plenty of fish in it, but the broth taste like pure butter, then worst of all was the "CANNED" fresh maine crabmeat, it had no flavor was very bland and soaked in water. it was terrible! I would not go back, either should you!!!

    (1)

  • Young P.

    Totally overrated. Clam chowder is good but its not amazing. Lobster roll is small and bland. Clam strip is literally just overfried dough. I am a fair food critic, not a hater. This place is mediocre at best.

    (2)

  • Martin H.

    Great service, good food. Fun place offering a variety of chowders and fresh seafood as well as several local brews. Really liked the blueberry ale. Worth a visit.

    (4)

  • Nikki A.

    Only had the clam chowder here and was a bit disappointed. Tasted more like potato soup. Very thick and hardly any clams. Good place to get some cheap beers thou

    (3)

  • Rafael A.

    On my roadtrip through Maine to Canada, we stopped at Gilbert's for a quick lunch. The lobster stew was great. It had chunks of lobster. It was a great start to 2 days of eating tons of lobster dishes.

    (4)

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Map

Opening Hours

  • Mon :11:00 am - 9:00pm

Specialities

  • Takes Reservations : No
    Delivery : No
    Take-out : Yes
    Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
    Good For : Lunch
    Parking : Street
    Bike Parking : Yes
    Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
    Good for Kids : Yes
    Good for Groups : Yes
    Attire : Casual
    Ambience : Casual
    Noise Level : Average
    Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
    Outdoor Seating : Yes
    Wi-Fi : No
    Has TV : Yes
    Waiter Service : Yes
    Caters : No

Gilbert’s Chowder House

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