Flo’s Clam Shack & Raw Bar
Park Avenue, Portsmouth, RI, 02871
Flo’s Clam Shack & Raw Bar Menu
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Address :
Park Avenue
Portsmouth, RI, 02871 - Phone (401) 847-8141
- Website https://www.flosclamshack.net/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
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Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : No
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Divey
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : No
Caters : No
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Ciel D.
Great clam shack! Not sure what the health inspector expected of a place with all outdoor tent seating. My lunch, the crispy fish sandwich for $7 & change, with spicy fries and a soda, was fresh (all the fish is fresh) crispy, hot and delicious. Certainly no comparison to McDonalds!! Next time I want to try the clear chowder, usually my fav. Very friendly service! A new fav.
(4)Carm S.
It's fair to say that Flo's in Portsmouth is a clam shack, perhaps even a shanty. You know it's bound to be good when visitors and locals alike line up to get their fix. The sign says that they're only open Thursday through Sunday, from 11am-8pm. The hours are limited but it's a testament to the fresh seafood product they serve. My recommendation after ordering from here is to order the clam cakes. They are served in either 1/2 or full pint. The 1/2 pint had seven large clam cakes and I struggled to finish, even after sharing with two others. I also enjoyed a fried clam roll. The hotdog bun was jam packed with clam strips and the container was overflowing. The clams were cleaned and cooked well. (No sand. Not overly chewy.) I'm not one to leave food on my plate but there was no way I could eat the whole thing. Definitely worth the price. There's no seating on site but there's a nice little public beach across the street and you can sit on the sea wall. It's quite nice on a warm summer night because a cool breeze comes off the bay.
(4)TJ S.
Reliable summer time seafood favorite on the scenic waterfront shack. Nothing fancy but basic seafood fares, such as fried oysters, scallops, fish and clams, complimented by side orders of fries, clam cakes and onion rings. The freshness of the seafood is almost guaranteed as they do not have a big freezer to store any foods. The only way they get the seafood to serve is through daily delivery. The only drawback of this tiny joint is that the wait can be long on weekend when the weather is good, and may run out of certain popular dishes.
(4)L A.
Every time we are in the area Flos is a must stop! The lobster rolls, clam cakes an chowder are amazing and made to order! They also have good seafood platter too! A great little casual place to grab a quick but yummy bite!
(5)Cheese B.
The original Flos! The chowder is pretty mediocre - we ordered "creamy" but the broth is very potatoey and not rich or creamy, but it's passable. The clamcakes are bangin - fluffy and crispy not at all greasy And also it's just fun to eat here on a summer night- sit outside- enjoy the breeze- watch the waves roll in.
(4)weldoris b.
There's a lot of good and bad reviews on this place, but I found it middle of the road. Not amazing, but not thoroughly disappointing. Really depends on what you order. If you like fried food, the fried scallops are sweet and tasty (though mine were too greasy and heavy). The oysters were mostly tasteless, but oysters can be hit-or-miss. The ambiance was a mix too. Some of the staff were cold and borderline rude, but the bartender upstairs was nice. Remember, this place is a seafood shack, so you kind of expect it. One additional note: I'd recommend skipping the clam cakes. They sure sounded interesting, but they were big, fried balls of dough with tiny bits of clams here and there. Maybe they are good if you dunk them in the chowder (which we didn't try), but I didn't see the point otherwise.
(3)Anne P.
I love this place. Get some delicious fried clams and clam cakes and eat them on the beach across the street or on the picnic tables. Open air dining at its finest.
(5)Amber S.
Disappointing. I ordered clam chowder. I had the option of cream or broth based, so I chose cream. The chowder was like really salty broth with a consistency no thinker than milk. There were a few pieces of overcooked potatoes and maybe a few clams...really all I could taste was salt. My service at the bar is the only thing giving this place more than one star.
(2)Jeff W.
We're talking last meal on earth shit here. Had a fried clam roll and some clam cakes. I don't have the words for it. It's near bliss.
(5)Jay B.
Very disappointing. The clam chowder was ok....only a step up from the can. The stuffed clams were spicy but was filled with breading we did not enjoy them. The crab sandwich had very much breading, it was on a roll with lettuce ....not appealing. I would not go again. We could have had a better meal at McDonald's.
(2)Happy R.
If there were as many clams in the clam cakes as the chowder I would have given them five stars. had the white chowder which was chocked full of the briny little critters. The clam cakes were very fluffy, but just a bit sparse on the clams. Took our food to the beach right across the street which only added to the campy atmosphere. Will go back.
(4)Shumai P.
Ordered pretty much everything on the menu! Fresh delicious fried seafood, how can you go wrong?!
(4)Jed C.
One star for effort; worst lobster roll ever. Toasted roll with lettuce and 3/4 dressed. Worst part is the filthy conditions. I'm a former food inspector and if it looks dirty on the outside the same is true in the kitchen. These owners are taking advantage of the paying public laughing all the way to the bank. Avoid, you were warned!
(1)David B.
On a July 4th foray to Rhode Island, we were hankering or some fried mollusks. We were told that Fl's "is the best in Rhode Island." Well, if this is the best RI can offer, time to go somewhere else. It is a quintessential clam shack experience. The clams were fresh and tasty. I think the oil was bit under temperature because they were greasy and some what limp. the further done I went into the container, the limper they got. Glad we stopped but I'll stick with my MA favorites...sorry little Rhodie!
(3)Joseph R.
Too greasy, too expensive and no way local fresh. My wife felt ill from all the grease and dough
(1)Kate W.
Great lobster rolls, clam cakes and chowder. My family is happy to eat, then play on the sand. Quality is consistent, and always good.
(4)Jaclyn P.
After a recent family discussion about our complete disappointment in Flo's I thought it was high time I wrote an update about this famed little shack across from "Portuguee Beach" in Island Park. First off, I'm happy that a few people have had good experiences here. You guys should feel very special because that is NOT the norm! Every year, for nostalgia's sake, I make a trip to Flo's for clam cakes and chowder. And so reliably like year's past, every year I vow to never go again. Yes, it's a cutey patootie little clam shack. And oh my lord, how cute are the little lobster shaped order buzzers (even though I much prefer the old school rocks). And ooh! ooh! let's go eat on the sea wall! But the food? No thank you! If you can eat these clam cakes and not have your stomach wrench on knots from the grease, then I salute you and you are a better (wo)man than me because oh my god, yuck! And the chowder? Still just as brothy, salty, and clam-less as ever before. If you choose to try Flo's for the sake of novelty then by all means go for itl! But please don't let anyone fool you into thinking this is fresh or local seafood because it is neither of those qualities. Do you have any clue what you'd pay for a bag of a dozen clam cakes if they really used local clams? Come on, use your noggin'!
(1)Renée G.
I live in Virginia now and man do I miss Flo's. Do you think they could deliver some fried scallops, chowdah, a stuffie, and several million clamcakes to me down here? Don't forget to bring cash!
(5)Mike P.
OK, I'll admit it. I have been going to Flo's for over 50 years. As a child we'd hike down from the other side of the island, grab a dozen clam cakes and a coffee cab (from Pete and Flo's next door) and sit on the sea wall.. That may have been before the numbered rocks and WAY before the vibrating lobsters! The clam cakes NEVER had that many quohog pieces, but we never felt it was a big deal. The taste and appearance has remained nearly the same over the years. How many places can say that? It was a great place for the chowder (I'm from New Jersey, I never could say chowda), which is a simple, traditional version identical to my grandmothers who made hers from scratch - of course - using quohogs I dove for in the nearby Narragansett Bay. If you want gourmet chowder go to the Clark Cook House or the Black Pearl. We also loved the fried clams . . . but even now, the cost is painful to my wallet. The "stuffies" (another RI term) were a bit dry but we had the coffee cab's to wash them down. Do not come here expecting gourmet food. Order a dozen, a cup of chowder (creamy . . . they add a little milk or plain) and sit on the sea wall to enjoy a 60 + year tradition..
(4)Cyndy K.
Great fried clams roll. The clams were fried to perfection! The split top bun was soft and grilled lightly. The creamy clam chowder was hearty and delicious with a good amount of clams and it was served piping hot! Great on a cold New England day. The stuffed quahog is stuffed with a mixture of breadcrumbs, herbs and seasoning. I had to try a quahog where else can you find it. My hubby had the fried cod sandwich which was moist and lightly battered and delicious.
(3)Bethany H.
Sorry! No clams in the heavy, gross clam cakes fried in dirty oil. Seafood is from your typical large commercial vendor even when they have the perfect situation to buy fresh. Worst lobster roll ever for a high price. Just greasy and heavy and food hang over resulting. I've lived in IP for 9 yrs and I finally give up. It continues to get worse instead of better.
(1)Kay M.
Waited in a line that wrapped around the building and extended into the parking lot. Discovered they don't take credit cards. Ordered clam chowder, fish, RI clam cakes, and beverages. Price was reasonable and everyone in our party enjoyed a "beachy" meal that wasn't really worth the long wait.
(3)Karen P.
We are staying in Portsmouth and saw the line at the window so we thought it would worth a try. Wrong! I agree with the other folks in their disappointment with the coating, the greasiness and tossing it after a few bites. The oil was old, the paper bags were soaked in it. The tartar sauce was a packet of Ken's. And no steamers or anything raw, which was probably a good thing.
(1)Stephen G.
I realize that Flow's has been a praised local institution for decades. It's with that encouraging insight that I recently visited Flo's after many years. My experience? Unforgettable. Life altering even. I've heard horrors about food poisoning but never experienced to "appreciate". Thank you Flow's for providing me such acute knowledge. After eating just a few fried oysters I noticed they didn't seem cooked enough. Still raw. I stopped eating, threw the rest out but the damage was regrettably done. A few hours later I began to sweat, hands became clammy and I felt car sick. Shortly after I barely made the toilet before my stomach exploded. Exploded? Yes, violently into the bowl. Eruption after unforgiving eruption the retching didn't cease for another 20 minutes. During this time I remember thinking, where is all this content coming from? Surely there must be portions of my intestines and organs heaved from my body. I may just die today...what an awful way to go. By the time my body's rage ceased I was pale and had broken blood vessels surrounding my eyes. I looked dead not long after speculating and almost wishing I was. My throat was acid scorched and ribs hurt every time I breathed for days. Flow's? Never again will I entrust proper precautions are taken by some high school summer help in 90 degree weather in some seafood shack. Protect your livelihood.
(1)Bob W.
Last week I got a small clam and fries order. Brought them home (5 minutes drive) and they were great. I use Legal Sea Food tartar sauce; much better than Ken's offered at Flo's.
(5)Janice H.
Had a wonderful Mothers' Day lunch at Flo's in Island Park yesterday with a nice surprise of a lovely pink carnation to all the ladies! I thought this very kind, caring gesture was an awesome way for a business to honor all Mothers!!
(5)Jeffrey R.
Always a 5 Star joint. A vacation by the Sakonnet River wouldn't be a vacation without starting it here. Special places like Flo's are special for a reason. Great food, awesome views and real hard working Rhode Islanders. Make this a part of your summer. Who needs the Cape!
(5)Lynette K.
Fried clamcakes and clams were amazing! Parking was tough and waiting in line for 30plus minutes to order was a bit annoying.
(4)John W.
Every time we come to visit the family here in Rhode Island, Flo's is a must do. Located right on the water when's its nice its beautiful. If its cold and rainy you'll eat in your car but still worth the stop. As a heads up there's only picnic benches outside. The fried clams($15), stuffies($3), and the fish and chips($9) are all reasonably priced and generous in portions. The cod is always fresh. For some in the group it was a little greasy, but hey if you're not aware fried fish and fried clams is fried in oil then you have bigger problems. This is not a stop for those who want a salad or who are on a diet. We've always had okay service there. Its just a order counter so there's not a lot of interaction to judge them by. I order and pay and they give me my food. Nuff said. Its worth the stop if you're ever in Rhode Island
(4)Tom R.
I made my annual trip to Flo's in Island Park (Portsmouth) today and boy, was I disappointed. While I was willing to pay the $15 for the small order of fried clams, I wasn't prepared to actually throw out about two-thirds of the order. The clams were barely cooked(if they were actually cooked all the way thru) and instead of having the expected crunchy batter, they has a slimy/greasy coating. I don't plan to visit again.
(1)Marianna K.
Exactly what I expected and wanted from a clam shack. The food was fresh and properly prepared without any unnecessary frills. Order your fried food and wait for it right by the ocean - then watch the sun set as you chow down.
(4)J. R. H.
Don't forget, this is the original Flo's from '32--a clam shack, so expect to eat outside or else in your own ride. Although I've been eating at both locations since '95, I also like the Middletown location when I want to eat and drink indoors. Others may think the quality standards might have slipped recently, but I say you might want to get back in touch with your inner little neck--especially Sushi X. Remember patrons come because it's good, and they come in all sizes, just like the real world. Sleazy this place is not, delicious greasy it is--that's why it makes Food Network episodes. The chowder combo is a great one-two punch for under $5 -- the chowder is always hot, full of spuds, clams, and seasoned clam broth, while the clam cakes are always crispy outside and done yet almost doughy inside. And you get three of those dumplings in the combo, with a can of soda. Great choice for newbies and old-timers alike, but get in line here before 8pm or go hungry. Remember to turn in your order number rock--no rock, no food.
(4)Bill O.
I will start this review by admitting that I'm totally biased. Flo's has been a Friday night institution in my family for years. The upstairs staff are truly great people and handle the chaos of weekend nights better than any human should. The location - right off First Beach in Newport is great. Downstairs will satisfy all your fried food cravings - w/ some of the island's best fried clams, clam cakes and fish & chips. Don't forget upstairs - where the straightforward grilled/broiled fish dishes are a welcome alternative. The Friday night Prime Rib is a great deal (just make sure you like your P. Rib rare - as it should be.) Its Flo's - you owe it to yourself to go there. And contrary to some of the other reviews - locals DO go there. So there.
(4)Andrew U.
This review is for the Flo's Clam Shack in Portsmouth. This place gets 2 stars because of the memories I have from when I was younger. Sadly you can't make the current food any better with memories. The Good: Flows is located right on the water and there are great places to sit on the storm wall. The Bad: Flows clam cakes and chowder are severely lacking and boarder line terrible. The clam chowder's broth has little taste and there are barfly any clams. The clam cakes were greasy and had no clams what so ever. Conclusion: If you are looking for true New England clam cakes and chowder this is not the place. There are so many places that serve amazing clam cakes and chowder, such as Iggy's in Warwick or Providence Oyster Bar. There is also a Flo's Clam Shack in Newport near the beach that is not as bad as this one and I would give that location 4 stars.
(2)Alan L.
The food is pretty good and we got our food in a reasonable amount of time. They only have outdoor sitting for this location and it was ok, if it is not a windy day. We had fried.clams, fish and chips, clam cakes, and 2 chodaw for 32 dollars. Worth coming back for the food.
(3)Rob F.
In previous years, I've been pretty happy here, but I have to say that the last visit left me cold. Perhaps that it is because I just visited the sublime Clam Box in Ipswich, MA a couple weeks ago, but more likely it is just that Flo's is not up to its previous 73 years standards. We had the Fisherman's Plate - Fried Calamari, Whole Clams, Strip Clams, Scallops, Fish, Clam Fritter and French Fries. We also ordered the fried calamari "Italian Style," meaning with banana peppers, and Clam Chowder. They were out of Quahogs at 7PM on a Thursday night. It was only after we picked up our order and went back to the window that they told us they had no peppers. What? No peppers for calamari in Rhode Island? That would be tantamount to Brigham's telling you there were no "jimmies" for your ice cream! They come out of a jar fergawdsakes. Just have enough. No excuses. Snow's Canned Clam Chowder is thicker, creamier, more flavorful and contains more clams. Don't buy this soup! The fried food was soggy and not hot. We could see that it was fried to order, and the seafood did taste fresh, so I don't know what the problem was. But, when your stock in trade is fried seafood you have to serve it hot, crispy and not greasy. Flo's did not do it for us at all this time.
(2)Beverly S.
Flo's Clam Shack (Portsmouth) has the best fried clams EVER. I do not understand why some Yelpers are giving this delightful, moment in time, authentic New England clam shack any less than 5 stars!! For the Yelper who wrote - "it's really greasy - all of its clientele are obese" - this is so banal. If someone eats fried food all the time, of course they're gonna get pudgy. Duh! This place is for a greasy fried whole belly clam once in while treat. It's not a basic on the food pyramid. No one in the entire country serves fried clams as good as these. These are as good as they get. The other food there is also delicious, but I could write a symphony to the fried clams. Yes, to the Yelper who wrote that there were a lot of cars with MA plates there - of course - this is Rhode Island! RI and MA share a border! Flo's is about 15 minutes from Fall River, MA - so of course the Massachusetts folks pour into Portsmouth to dine on the best fried clams in the world!! This clam shack is across the stree from the water. A beautiful sight. I have been eating fried clams from Flo's since I discovered it when I was in college, and visiting a friend from Portsmouth. My son has driven from Washington, DC and Manhattan to get his Flo's fix. (And we are not obese!) Need I say more? Well, I won't. Just try Flo's fried clams and I guarantee, unless you are allergic to shellfish, or your MD has forbidden you from eating deep fried food, you will not regret it. :-)
(5)Jay K.
Well I must say, I haven't rocked the Portsmouth location in years but the Newport location represents. Whole belly clams are the way to go here. Always excellent to me.. I give the food 4 stars but the fact it's a bit overpriced brings it to 3
(3)Chris S.
Clamshack, baby Clamshack! Mmmm ... the original Flo's Clamshack. I hit this joint like a sailor on shore leave. Awesome whole bellied fried clams, stuffed quahogs, and clamcakes on the cheap. If bivalves aren't your thing, they have fried scallops, fish and chips, lobster and crab. But c'mon now ... it's a Clamshack people. They also have Moet and 2 hot dogs for $50 bucks ... how romantic! Want to know how good this place is? Since opening in 1936, it has been wiped out by 4 hurricanes: The Great Hurricane of '38 (predates names), Hurricane Carol in '54, Hurricane Donna in '60, and Hurricane Bob in '91. Not only did it come back, but it expanded to a Newport/Middletown location in '92. You just cant keep a good thing down. Can't be topped for local Rhode Island flavor. Check out the high water marks, and watch for stormy skies. On a personal note ... my family has property in Island Park and my great-grandfather, if still alive, could personally attest to the validity of the high water marks. He was rescued by firemen while trapped by rising water atop a fridge during Carol.
(5)Chad E.
This is the original location of Flo's Clam Shack. There's another one in Newport, but it's bigger and has none of the funkiness of this location. I can't speak to the food, as I haven't actually eaten there - I'm sure it's pretty similar. The "stuffy" is a sort of deviled clam, the "clam cakes" are a sort of hush puppy with pieces of clam in them and you can pretty well figure out everything else. The food is fresh, comes up quick and is priced well.
(3)Ricardo C.
Simply the best! No vacation would be complete without Flo's. Whole Belly Clams are hands down, the best you can get.
(5)Laila N.
A bit over priced for not very great food. I was expecting the fried clams to be amazing but they tasted a bit fishy. The ambiance is wonderful... For that alone it may be worth going to.
(2)Sushi X.
Not very good at all. Let me give ya the low down on this sleezy place: 1) Few Rhode Islanders actually eat there. Drive by sometime during the summer and you'll find MA license plates (read: Fall River). The same people who think the seawall right out in front is a beautiful and great place to swim. 2) The clientele who eat there are usually VERY obese. Who wants to eat greasy fried food and be reminded that if you go back just once more you'll end up looking like them? 3) Did I mention this is really, really greasy and fried? 4) I've eaten there twice in the few years I've graced RI with my existence and both times my order was messed up. Thankfully they fixed it quick and were nice! That's about the only positive about this place. 5) Their clam chowder doesn't, um, actually have too many clams. I counted maybe 8 small pieces of clam in my pint sized clam chowder. Give me a break.
(1)Patriots F.
It is so disappointing, I remember as a kid coming here with my parents for clam cakes, but the clam cakes they make today are a stark contrast to what I had 25 years ago. Barely any clams and they are very greasy. It's a shame. Same thing with their fried clams, too greasy.
(1)AJ M.
We are tourist that happened to see the long lines in front of the seawall and couldn't understand what the fuss was all about. Talking to some of the folks standing in line, they said it was all fresh and "the real McCoy". Well we were sorely disappointed to be suckered into this tourist trap. We have traveled all over the world and have never seen such ridiculous small servings of deep fried and greasy food. Stay away from Flo's and hold on to your wallet.
(1)Cheryl B.
Although this place is the original Flo's I don't believe they have a raw bar as does the Middletown/Newport location as mentioned in another reviewer's post. I have been eating here since I was a child and nothing much has changed about the place which is a good thing! :) Go here for great fresh seafood such as fried clams, fried oysters and the like. I popped in yesterday for a bite and was not disappointed.....never have been through all the years! The place is very small and rustic...outdoor seating with picnic tables beside a tiny building. As ever, there was a long line of people waiting patiently from across the beach to place their order. A neat little touch is that when you place your order you are given a stone with a painted number which is called when your order is ready. I must mention that there is no shaded area here besides the small overhang from the building when placing your order. The freshly painted picnic tables alongside the building would be great with some umbrellas. Still, people flock here even in the most unbearable heat whether out for a weekend drive or just hopping across the street from the beach. Sadly, Flo's is open only from Thursday through Sunday and only during the summer months. I believe Flo's closes after Labor Day or shortly thereafter so GO and get your delicious fried fare while you still can :)
(5)Elly L.
Good bye Woodman's in Essex, hello Flo'!. Stopped in after visiting the Newport Boat Show. 5 stars if the locale was oceanfront. A cute little place, rustic-looking as you'd imagine how a clam shack out to be but with great view. Prices was comparatively lower than any clam shack in MA, ahem, Woodman's. The clam cakes was soft and chewy without the taste of grease, and you can taste the clams, and best of all was under $4 for half a dozen. And lobster roll for around $14! Definitely a revisit!
(4)Dave R.
A good place, the three stars are mostly due to the fact that I'm not so much into fried food or bivalves, but hey. I had the Calamari Rings which where delish and the 'oystas' were also yummy. The view from the balcony above is amazing, so make sure you make it there in time to catch the sunset - and be prepared to stand in line. The system is somewhat mysterious, as you can send one person in to reserve a table by sitting at it while you are standing in line to place the order, which is later called out. We stayed at Flo's, but taking the food down to the beach also sounds like a brilliant plan.
(3)ann p.
I would give four stars but I do think there are pros and cons on the menu -- the pros are excellent though! and the absolute best are the clamcakes...not since Rocky Point (yes I am a true Rhode Islander) have I experienced clamcakes that were crispy on the outside and moist without being undercooked on the inside - and mine had plenty of clams as well. I have to say the white chowder was meza-mez because it was really clear chowder with some milk in it - not actually creamy in any way, shape, or form...but it was very tasty and full of clams...so if you like non-creamy white chowder, you'll love it. The fried clams were very good - and I think we have tasted the fried clams in almost every restaurant in RI and Southeast MA - not overly breaded and full bellies that burst in your mouth... I myself prefer a bit more coating, but if you like them lightly coated - this is your place...We are going back to try the fish and chips soon - and those who make fun of the setting (that storm wall across the street) really shouldn't, it's a refreshing spot for a "picnic" in your car to watch the sun set...
(3)