Reliably good seafood (especially fried) restaurant?

[sfumato]

I've been picking through the board all morning to find a good fried seafood place for next week- my birthday is February 19th and I want a really good fried seafood meal! Shellfish and calamari are my main focus, but I won't pass up a good fish fillet.

It seems as though all the recommendations listed here are subject to long debates, with everyone either loving or hating the place (not surprising, given all our very different tastes!).

In this economy, I'd rather not spend money on a hit or miss place, and so I'm wondering: is there a reliably fabulous seafood place in or around Boston?

Am I stuck cooking at home (mmm fried fish smell in my kitchen for 3 days) or going with something like Legal's, which seems to be reliably good but a little too chain-ey and not always fantastic?

Generally speaking, we're willing to drive for it, and if they have beer or wine, even better. I'm also open to a trip to Newport or somewhere similar, if that is what it takes.

Anyone?

[chuck s]

Believe it or not Strip-T's in Watertown does a nice job with fried clams. I stopped in last night looking for their meatloaf. They were out of it but had several seafood offerings on their specials list including fish and chips, grilled trout, and the clams which I had. They were tasty and nicely done. The place is very friendly and it is obvious that care goes into their preparations. It was a nice surprise even though I had no intention of getting fried clams in Watertown. I'll still have to go back for their meatloaf.

[sfumato]

Checking back in (long overdue)! We had a family emergency and didn't end up doing the whole seafood weekend- Moulton's was the only place we visited. BUT it was totally worth it, and we've got the other places on our list for a later date. Mmmmmmmmmm.

[Science Chick]

Finally made our long anticipated trek over to Pescatore (there just isn't an easy way to get there from Newton!). It was marvelous. We loved the bread sampler w/bakery-style pizza, foccacia and crusty italian. Nice cured olives nestled in the dipping oil. Fishcake appetizer was crisp, with nice fish filling..not bready or gummy. We did all agree, though, that the onion strings (atop which the fishcakes were served) were far too salty. Salads were enormous and wonderful. The BF and I split the special salad: field greens, arugula, pears, blue cheese and roasted walnuts. My daughter opted for the mirabella salad...similar but w/ a nice tangy goat cheese. We split the Haddock Americano: baked w/ breading, olive oil, garlic & parsley. Served with yummy mashed potatoes and veggies. Not too much breading and the fish was super fresh and perfectly cooked. Daughter enjoyed the homemade 3 cheese ravioli. Their homemade pasta had a nice bite and we thought there might be some artichoke flour mixed in??

All that w/a glass of house chianti came to $74 including tax and tip. Great value and we were quite full!!! All in all a great evening....we'll make a point to return.

[kvn332]

Try the Red Wing on rte 1 southbound in Walpole, just before Patriotland. Sit on the bar side for that old time roadside ambiance. Has a full liquor license and plenty of parking. Clams scallops mmmm good............

[threedogs]

I've been reading this thread, and I finally gave into my clam craving (on impulse, of course). I was on Rte 1 and decided to try (again - been there a couple of times) Liberty Bell. It's in the same plaza as Johnny's Foodmaster on Main St.

It's been a few years since I've been there - but one bite and I was very, very happy. While the amount of clams is less than before (with the price of clams, that's no surprise), I wasn't a bit disappointed - they were sweet, obviously fried in clean oil. Onion rings were great, too - I made the mistake of forgetting to see if they'd substitute more onion rings for the fries. Ugh - dry, flavorless, but I didn't care. My clams were great.

Last year I went to the Porthole in Lynn (I know, I know.. it was that or no clams for me that day) and will never go there again. They tasted fine, but I could have fit the portion in a teacup - and had room left over!! (OK, that's a bit of an exaggeration).

I can't wait to try Moulton's...

[catsmeow]

What town is Liberty Bell in?

[ScubaSteve]

http://www.mylibertybell.com/

[catsmeow]

TY :-)

[Chris VR]

Hmm, that's the website for the Liberty Bell in Stoneham, but threedogs is describing the Liberty Bell in Melrose. I always assumed it was the same people, I'm surprised there's no mention of the Melrose restaurant on that site, so maybe I'm mistaken.

[ScubaSteve]

sorry. i didn't know there was more than one.

[bachslunch]

ScubaSteve, for that matter there's even a Liberty Bell in South Boston on West Broadway. It is (if one can believe it) an even bigger grease dive than the ones on the North Shore, but they do a pretty decent roast beef sandwich there nonetheless. When I asked them if they were related to the place in Melrose, was told that they used to be but are no longer affiliated with them. Not that I don't like them all, incidentally -- sometimes this kind of chow really hits the sweet spot.

<laughs> And while we're on this subject, was wondering -- is there any roast beef sandwich place on the North Shore that doesn't consider itself "famous?"

[Harp00n]

As Larry Glick used to so "famously" say;
"And now for the story behind the story!"
http://www.boston.com/ae/food/article...

Harp

[threedogs]

I'm sorry - brain isn't working right... the one I went to is in Melrose, and I forgot about the one in Stoneham. I've only eaten at the Melrose location (one of my sons doesn't like the Stoneham LB - but he doesn't eat seafood, while all I've ever eaten at the Melrose location IS seafood...)

http://www.libertybellmelrose.com/

edited for poor grammar... slaps self on wrists...

[MeffaBabe]

My Bday is also 2/19 and my girlfriends wanted to take me out and I opted for Mouton's- then again I usually opt for Mouton's when we go out! All my GF's were very impressed with freshness, portions and the delicataly battered frying of their platters. We got a fried clam appetizer so all could enjoy those succulent morsels that are done better than ANYWHERE ELSE! Moultons earned 4 more loyal customers that day!

[Joanie]

I picture Moulton's as a brightly lit place with zero atmosphere, is that true?

[GretchenS]

Pretty much, although the staff are very pleasant. It's all about the fish, really.

[sablemerle]

The first time I went, I was expecting sub shop decor. It exceeded my expectations, but no, it's not an ambiance sort of place. Not the kind of place you'd pick to impress someone, unless that someone is impressed by very fresh seafood, cooked simply, but very well.

Hey, it impressed me.

[Harp00n]

I haven't met or spoke to anyone who isn't impressed with the seafood or friendly service once they've actually tried Moulton's.

Harp

[galleygirl]

Not as bright as all that. very simple and casual, but cozy bar.....

[rlh]

The bar or high tops in the bar are definitely the way to go - the dining room is kind of dark, barren, and bleak in spite of the great food, warm service, and excellent prices. It would be OK if you brought enough of a group to liven up the dining room, but I don't like it for 2-4.

[MrsCheese]

Zero atmosphere- yes; brightly lit- no. In fact, I think it's gotten darker since we first started going there.
BTW, I went to Moulton's for the first time in a long time after this thread got me in the mood, and they were out of clams at 6 pm on a Sat! I was so sad. We drove for at least 45 min to get there. Word to the wise, if you've got your tastebuds set on clams, call first to make sure they still have them!! Of course, the lobster roll I had was excellent as usual, but I was severely bummed all the same.

[skylark938]

It resembles a VFW, Sons of Italy, or Polish Falcons club in Anywhere, USA.

[Harp00n]

Your right..........
But let's not slight "my" A.O.H. with March 17th fast approaching! :-D

Harp

[skylark938]

I left out the Hibernians!!!!!

[sfumato]

Small update! We did Moulton's for lunch today (last night we went out with friends, one of whom is vegetarian, so we did something different).

Oh MAN was that fisherman's platter fresh! And beautifully fried! Mr. sfumato couldn't get enough of the sweet, tender scallops (and actually liked onion rings for the first time in his life, which is odd because otherwise he loves onions), and the clams were sooooo tender, too. Verdict: tender clams, sweet scallops, big juicy shrimp, lovely fish fillet, good crispy thin onion rings and fries (not chip fries, but I am not complaining). It was exactly what I wanted and we were both really, really satisfied.

It was fairly quiet because we went at an odd time, but the staff were really nice and it started to fill up as we left (we got home about an hour ago).

Fabulous recommendation, and we're on to more options for the weekend (as yet undetermined)!

[Harp00n]

Thanks for the nice "small upate"! It is just as I /we would expect and looking forward to hearing about your further meanderings, :-D

Hap

[sablemerle]

The first time we ate at Moulton's, my husband asked the waiter for the "fish of the day". The reply was, "it all is". It's true, The owner shops the fish pier every day, and it shows.

Baked, broiled, or fried, these folks know how to do fish. And, no, I have no connection with this restaurant other than my own selfish desire that they survive this horrendous economy.

[BoDubya]

this might sound crazy - but the baseball tavern has amazing fried seafood, especially the clams. cheapest anywhere in the city. i think the owner's brother has a seafood company.

[Harp00n]

See, now I gotta problem......
Is it the new House of Blues or The Baseball Tavern for Opening Day?

Harp

[TomH]

I am in that same boat. I feel like I have to check out the new House of Blues though...

[Harp00n]

I probably will go the HOB first since it's brandie newie and it is, after all, a new season. The Sox will at least be tied for the lead at that time. I will have to check-out the Baseball Tavern's seafood at some point this season though.

Harp

[Andymayo99]

Courthouse in Cambridge and Yankee Lobster in the Seaport area

[Harp00n]

Both are board favorites for a reason, especially Courthouse! :-D

Harp

[jodes]

Hands-down-best-valued-always-good-seafood-that-isn't-too-touristy-or-chainy is Summer Shack... they have everything you could want in a mid-priced fish place.

[ScubaSteve]

ahhhh, yah, huh?

[Harp00n]

Steady there Big Boy, steady......

Harp

[yumyum]

Was my reaction too .... Summer Shack? "Best valued, always good" .... just doesn't jive with my experiences. Full disclosure -- I enjoy the oysters and very cold wine at the bar and they have grilled clams that are great. But for this occasion, I'd choose something else.

[Harp00n]

I like SS a lot more than some on this board but in a word, "exactly".

Harp

[rlh]

It is not best value nor mid-priced nor always good, and it frequently IS touristy - I still go there and get oysters (in spite of the occasional bad one and bits of shell recently at Alewife) sitting at the oyster bar - the service is good as are the drinks, but it is easily as pricey as Legal if not Great Bay, particularly for entrees, which disappoint more often than not. The fresh steamed shrimp appetizer special two weeks ago was amazing (and $10-$12 for not so many shrimp). Skip the desserts.

[bachslunch]

In reply to jodes's post:

"Hands-down-best-valued-always-good-seafood-that-isn't-too-touristy-or-chainy is Summer Shack... they have everything you could want in a mid-priced fish place."

nothing could be further from the truth to my way of thinking. Not "hands down best," as many other options have been mentioned on this thread, ones which I for one much prefer for this cuisine. Not "best valued," as the prices here are in my experience higher than at several seafood spots, and certainly not "mid-priced" in any way that I can construe the term. Not "always good," as I've had nothing but forgettable or worse meals in a minimum of four tries here. They do not have "everything you could want" for seafood, as I don't see (for example) she-crab soup or Manhattan clam chowder on their regular everyday menu. It is indeed "touristy," given its faux-clam-shack decor, what appears to be the clientele I've seen there, and how often the place appears in Boston travel guidebooks that seemingly don't have a clue. It is also indeed a "chain," given that there are locations in Boston, Cambridge, and Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT.

I will back jodes's assertion that Summer Shack is a "fish place." Okay, make that "almost nothing could be further from the truth" from me above. Fair's fair.

[lulu806]

My favorite fried clams/scallops/shrimp are at Billy's Roast Beef on the Melrose/Wakefield line. Their seafood is always tremendous and their roast beef is truly untouchable.

[buffet king]

Billy's Roast Beef in Wakefield is very good. It's my favorite place for a roast beef sandwich. Billy's also makes huge chargrilled burgers that are delicious. I also had the fish and chips at Billy's and it was very good. For fried seafood I would add another vote for Moulton's in Medford. Their seafood platter is fresh, lightly fried and not greasy/oily. They also have a very good clam chowder or seafood chowder.

-----
Moulton's Seafood Restaurant
178 Winthrop St, Medford, MA 02155

Billy's Roast Beef & Seafood
1291 Main St, Wakefield, MA 01880

[MrsCheese]

Another Moulton's devotee here. You've reminded me that it's been too long since I've had their fried clams. Yum. My husband loves their platter with fried fish, scallops, and shrimp. We used to go there all the time when we lived closer. Never had a bad meal (tho the service is sometimes slow but friendly - sometimes it's just David working the whole room).

[galleygirl]

"(tho the service is sometimes slow but friendly - sometimes it's just David working the whole room).
Yeah, that's why I like the bar, moral support!

[rlh]

Agreed - we always go for the bar when it's available, but David is really awesome (he is not slow - just doing a LOT) - and he had a helper last Friday night that kept things moving along. He will also give you real opinions of what he thinks is good or not as ideal that night if you ask.

[purple bot]

In Boston, Neptune Oyster has some of the best fried clams ever (full belly, of course). Light and crispy, not at all greasy and heavy. They offer it as an appetizer. Yum!

[stradacouple]

Oceanaire does a great fried seafood platter (big enough to share)

[Harp00n]

sfumato, if you're willing to travel to Newport then how about a shorter drive to Cape Ann? Specifically Essex, and even more specifically The Vilage Restaurant. I don't believe in the concept of 'hands down" but if I did this place is certainly a contender. You don't say whether you packin' kids on this trip but a nice tour around Cape Ann will offer you lots of sights to see and shops to, well, shop! Followed by any kind of pescatorial plunder your tummy could desire at the best year 'round, full service seafooder on Cape Ann, IMO.

We prefer to sit at the bar in the lively Headway Cafe but there are also a few comfy booths and scattered tables here as well. If you had to sit in one of their dining rooms the food would be just as good but the ambiance is just a little too blue-hair tinged for us. They do a wicked good calamari but alas, and no matter how many times I've wined, I can't convince the Ricci Clan to offer mussels. Citing that their not convinced they can get a continuosly reliable safe source. Great steamers they've got - no mussels! :-(

Here's their website;http://www.wedigclams.com/menu.htm

Have a happy B-Day where ever you decide,

Harp

BTW, I couldn't agree more with yumyum on Kelly's or rlh's on Moulton's.

-----
Village Restaurant
55 Main St, Essex, MA

[CoryKatherine]

I agree, if you're willing to travel, go to Essex- I'd go to Farnhams over the Village, but it's closed in the winter :( The Village is great though, and I'd say Essex is the best, most authentic spot in the state for great fried seafood. I also happen to be from that area so maybe I'm biased.

Also just wanted to mention JP Seafood Cafe in Jamaica Plain. I really really like their calamari, and it is a really sweet little spot, nice restaurant, with a ton of variety on the menu. Anyone else tried it out?

[ScubaSteve]

and i'd reccommend the Clam Box over all of these.
they're open year round now.

[CoryKatherine]

Can't believe I didn't know that. I actually prefer Farnhams over the Clam Box (I can't actually say why), but I didn't know the Clam Box was open year around and I'd put that over the Village as well.

[Harp00n]

One problemo SS .....OP requested beer & wine which is the only reason i didn't mention the Clam Box. No one is going to challenge the supremacy of CB's clams, leastwise I'm not. But as a sitdown all-around full service, fully licensed restaurant The Village is the better take, IMO.

Harp

[sfumato]

Nope, we don't have kids! Just the two of us and a responsibility- free weekend. We are absolutely willing to drive to Cape Ann- very good to know!

As for the beer & wine, I feel like I'd rather have one glass/bottle with a meal than, say, go somewhere for something like cocktails later, since one of us has to drive. But maybe the Clam Box could be a lunch option? I think this IS turning into a seafood-tasting weekend!

Is the Clam Box a beachside-type place where you're meant to sit outside (i.e. will we freeze our asses off)?

[galleygirl]

There is indoor seating, an informal restaurant....But you still order at the window, and get it yourself...

[sfumato]

Gotcha. I've always heard people rave about them- it's going on the list!

[galleygirl]

I'd put in another vote for Moulton's. I haven't had their fried seafood, but I have seen it go by and considered tripping the waiter. Love the ambiance of the place; it would be fun to sit at the bar, and go thru the fried options on the menu..

[Harp00n]

Would you atleast give a nice tip after said same trip???

Harp

[Harp00n]

You could most definitely do TCB for lunch and the Village for din, din. Be warned, TCB's portions are huge so keep that in mind if you want dinner on "The Real Cape" afterwards. Don't forget to get a side of TCB's beautiful onion rings, btw. As galleygirl replied, it is beach-side type place but it's not a sea-side shack. If the winds blowing right you'll get a wiff of the briny air though. My inner Cliff Clavin demands that I tell you also that The Village isn't sea-side either. It's across the road from the relatively broad & tidal Essex River but I'd wager atleast half the tourist think they're gazing at the Atlantic Ocean.

Harp

-----
Clam Box of Ipswich
246 High St, Ipswich, MA 01938

[BostonZest]

There was a great Klam Krawl report last summer that lead us to the Clam Box.

Here is that link
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/543497

And here's our report with photos:
http://www.bostonzest.com/2008/10/cla...

[ScubaSteve]

awesome photos!
now i want to go to there.

[MrsCheese]

Love the Clam Box!!!

[sfumato]

I think the mussel issue speaks volumes about the quality of their shellfish. Very good to know!

[Harp00n]

Yes it does and that's precisely why, lol, I have a love-hate relationship with the Riccis! It's all incremental and opinionated but my order for the fried clams, and the clams alone, are: The Clam Shack, The Village & Farnham's. I stand to be corrected but in SS & company's last Clam Safari the Village wasn't included in the contestants which is strange. Unless you have to be, atleast loosely, described as a "shack".

Harp

[VillageRest]

A couple of comments from the Village in Essex. Lots of talk about the "big belly clams". Locals tend to favor small to medium sized clams, and normally we pay a premium price to get them. Very large clams we send back as unacceptable. The too tiny clams you see are most often Canadian and do lack flavor. We have lately been running mussels on special. We buy them Fri and Sat, and anything left Sunday night we toss. On the subject of older patrons, many have been dining with us since they were 30. We now happily see their children grandchildren and great grandchildren. We also have a casual bar where you could have clams or dinner with a nice glass of wine. Thanks to all.

[ScubaSteve]

we didn't include or exclude the Village for any reason other than an oversight. but then it would of stretched the Krawl out so that given our start time The Clam Box would of been closed. as it was we were dining at The Clam Box as they were closing.

[rlh]

Hand down, go to Moulton's in Medford - it will be fresh, perfectly fried, reasonably priced, and served in an efficient, friendly way. It never disappoints us, whether it's fried, broiled, or scampi (the lobster version is an amazing value and incredibly good - more lobster than pasta and easily serves two hungry folks).

I also like Kelly's but it has no atmosphere, little service, and is not 100% consistent in my experience - and the prices at Moulton's are comparable or slightly lower. No, I don't work at or have relatives there - just think it's a local, unique treasure.

[phatchris]

Courthouse Seafood in East Cambridge has really good fried food, also on Fridays Neptune's special is Fritto Misto.

[heathermb]

I'll add that my dear Grandpa declared the fried clams at Moulton's to be the best he'd ever eaten. Considering he had 93 years of eating to look back on I'd say it's a pretty strong endorsement (and I totally trust his opinion - all my chowishness is inherited from him, no doubt)

[sablemerle]

Oh, seriously! Moultons. We've ordered many manner of fried, broiled, baked, finned, and shelled fish-foods there, and all have been consistently fresh and delicious.

[yumyum]

Aww. Great post and a great reminder to support Moultons. Thanks.

[trufflehound]

My brother's bday is also Feb 19 and he LOVES fried seafood. That said, there are many reliable places, depending on where you are. Just befor Christmas I had the best fried calamari at Mcormack and Schmick's in Fanueil Hall. Great fish and chips, Stones Public House Ashland. Agree with Kelly's and Dolphin. Pleasant Cafe also has excellent fried clams. Grumpy Whites is good too. Of course, if you have an ocean view it will taste better.

[BarmyFotheringayPhipps]

Third on Dolphin. It's one of those restaurants that's so unpretentious and so reliably solid that I tend to forget how much I like it.

[galleygirl]

I would go to Peach Farm, in Chinatown, which has a dab hand with a fryer.....

[yumyum]

Second Peach Farm if you want to go an Asian-y route.

[Allstonian]

I continue to find Dolphin Seafood, on Mass. Ave. just outside of Harvard Square, reliably good for basic fried seafood. And they do serve beer & wine.

[sfumato]

Too funny- Dolphin is on my shortlist! I was introduced to it by an older friend who grew up on the coast of France and really knows his seafood.

Thanks to everyone for the replies so far- I am compiling my list as we speak! I think a lunch AND dinner are in order.

[BobB]

I've enjoyed the Dolphin for decades, but was disappointed the last time I was there, about a year ago, by a very so-so fried fisherman's platter. The clams in particular were overbreaded with what appeared to be a cornmeal-based batter and lacking in flavor. But maybe that was just an off night.

[yumyum]

You are right -- this is a tricky topic on this board. I like Mouton's in Medford and others have commented favorably on Pescatore in Somerville lately ( my one visit there was so-so). You can get beer and wine at either.

Let me offer another idea, one that will surely get some boo-hiss reaction as would Legal's. I think the fried clams and/or scallops at Kelly's cannot be beat. Had a clam plate last week that was simply perfect. No beer and wine, but you could treat yourself to some good old fried seafood at Kelly's for lunch and then gild the lily with more seafood for dinner.

[yumyum]

Best calamari in town are at the Daily Catch, in my opinion. North End location.

[sfumato]

That's where I had my first fried calamari and totally fell in love. I think I was something like 6.

Oh man, we might need to do a fried seafood weekend! If we do it, I'll definitely come back with a report.

[yumyum]

Fried seafood weekend! Nothing better. (This from an Aquarius btw) Above all, enjoy your birthday weekend!

[sfumato]

The mr.'s family loves Kelly's (and has for decades), so it's really good to know that their clams are excellent.

I am getting hungry reading all these good recommendations.

[Bob Dobalina]

Yumyum, when was your visit to Pescatore? I also had one visit in the distant past that was just ok - a recent re-visit was much better and a delight.

[yumyum]

Well over a year ago -- had the home-made pasta with mixed seafood in red sauce and it was really meh, with the scallops being notably bad. Haven't had an urge to return, but recent posts have made me reconsider.

[Bob Dobalina]

Yum, had exactly that dish couple of weeks ago and the scallops were the best part of it - perfectly cooked I thought. Again, nothing groundbreaking, but solid. Not worth driving miles for but certainly if you're in da 'Ville, go for it.

[heathermb]

Lissy and I popped in on Friday night and also had the mixed seafood with homemade pasta. We opted for the garlic and olive oil rather than red sauce. It was delicious - I'd definitely order it again. Crab cakes were also great and a very generous portion. We split these two and a side order of sauteed spinach. I'll definitely go back - glad to have this place just down the road.

[Small Plates]

We had dinner at Pescatore last night. It was a delightful experience from start to finish. Bread with great olive oil with the meatiest Gaeta olives to start with a decent Cab ($7) while we looked at the menu. Shared a (giant!) Caesar salad to start that was crisp and fresh and dressed perfectly (nice garlic and anchovy flavors) - DH said the anchovies were great. Then we shared the house made ricotta gnocchi with fresh buffala mozzarella - we asked for an app portion - which they were happy to do. These were light and delicious with a nice creamy (from the mozz) red sauce. I had a very fresh tasting piece of haddock prepared "Americano" which had a light (very light - in a good way) crumb topping with lemon and parsley. Came with some grilled veg - carrots, zucch and mushrooms that were really nice and mashed potatoes - all good. I was very happy with my dish - DH had the whole roasted red snapper with capers and lemon butter - which I thought was delicious - his came with asparagus and mashed as well (? not sure). To stuffed for dessert, but the house-made options sounded great - Tira Misu and an Amaretto cake. Wish we could have tried them. Instead our lovely server brought us two apertifs of limoncello. Fab way to end a spectacular meal - I can't wait to go back. It was our first time (crazy since we are blocks away). Very positive experience and good, fresh food.

[litchick]

Jumping in here because MrLit and I just made our 1st visit to Pescatore the other night (have been trying to go for ages), and LOVED it. I had the seafood amalfi pasta -- it had homemade fusili, lobster claws, shrimp, and scallops. Delicious. MrLit had the fried shrimp platter and was equally pleased -- big plump shrimp, excellent onion straws. Generous pours on the wine by the glass. I was charmed by the place, and will probably go back later this week. A great chowhound find.

[litchick]

Harp: Sort of funny the mods deleted our whole sub-conversation, but left your post hanging there.

Anyway, as promised in a post which is now deleted, we went back tonight to Pescatore -- as expected, it was awesome. We brought along some pals who had never been before, and everyone wound up stuffed full and happy. I asked the kitchen to make me a kind of fusili primavera with fra diavolo (not on the menu, but I needed vegetables) and they were very accommodating -- it was delish. The chicken parm, seafood pasta amalfi, and the pasta bolognese also got very high marks. I spent half of dinner ogling the giant pile of fried calimari at the next table, which smelled and looked delicious. Next time, next time.

I was pleased to see the bottles of wine were so affordable ($21 for a good Montepulciano). Extra bonus: the decaf espresso was terrific, as was the limoncello. The limoncello was so nice, actually, we went next door to the liquor store afterwards (owned by the same couple who owns Pescatore) and picked up a bottle.

Had a chance to meet the owner/chef, and she was great. She and her husband (at the liquor store) were so nice. This is definitely going into the regular rotation -- homemade pasta plus fried seafood! What took me so long?

[Harp00n]

Oops, it's even funnier now that it looks like you're addressing someone who's MIA. But at least you have a very nice follow-up Moulton's report to keep you hangin' on to this thread as the Supreme's might say. Or like a stalactite as ScienceChick might also say! :-D

Harp

[Science Chick]

Quick note: Tried to go to Moulton's for the first time on Sunday. They're closed!!! Big bummer.....we took a road trip during the day and I was sooooo looking forward to their seafood. Going to Pescatore this weekend for the BF's bday. At least I can look forward to that........

[buffet king]

FYI- Moulton's is closed on Sunday and Monday.

[Harp00n]

That's too bad!
There is no website for Moulton's but I just updated their link with the complete hours. Also, it's beer & wine only while I'm thinking about it.

Harp

[Bob Dobalina]

That's awesome - thanks for the reports back.

[chuck s]

If you're willing to drive the Clam Box in Ipswich is open and it's BYOB. Great clams and the seafood platter could feed a family of four. Sorry yumyum, I eat Kelley's regularly not because I think they are good but I frequently find my self on Revere Beach. My daughter likes the roast beef. I get the clams by elimination and they are okay for the first few bites but I wouldn't rate them highly.

I've had a couple of good experiences at Yankee Seafood. Though not a place for a birthday dinner, but their lobster specials can't be beat. Only open till 8.

[ScubaSteve]

i've never seen anyone BYO at TCB. are you speaking about actually IN the resto or out at the picnic tables?

[chuck s]

Yes. I brought a group of friends there in March of 06 for my 60th. I called ahead and I pre-ordered for a group of 12. They even had a long table complete with table cloths for us. It happened to be a very warm day for March so we had to wait but once we were in they took great care of us. I had brought a cooler of beer and they were fine with that.

[ScubaSteve]

wow. good to know.
thanks.