Gilberts Chowder House in Portland, Maine

Gilberts Chowder House sits right on Custom House Wharf with a no-frills diner vibe and a patio that overlooks the working waterfront. They're known for chowders (clam, seafood, haddock, cod) and lobster rolls, plus fish and chips and onion rings. Regulars treat it as their first stop when they hit Portland, and the kitchen moves fast even when the room fills up.

• Half sandwich and chowder portions suit big appetites or light eaters alike.
• Lobster caught and delivered that morning; visible in every bite.
• Chowders available in bread bowls; haddock and super seafood win praise.
• Fish and chips and onion rings rival the chowder in quality.

Start with a chowder, ideally in a bread bowl. The Lobster BLT pairs toasted bread, crispy bacon, and hefty lobster portions. The Haddock Chowder tastes rich and homemade. Kids' meals (seafood chowder with crisp fries) hold their own. Finish with blueberry pie if there's room.

Diner-style interior with booth and counter seating overlooking the wharf. Casual, brisk, and loud when packed, especially at dinner.

Guests rave about portion control, seafood freshness, and speed. The clam chowder's balance of richness and restraint comes up often. One recent visitor said the lobster was so fresh it 'absolutely showed in every bite.' Service from staff like Amanda draws consistent praise for attentiveness and warmth.