Bigelows New England Fried Clams in Rockville Centre
Categories
Location on the map
Rockville Centre, Nassau County, New York, US
Payments
Site: https://www.bigelows-rvc.com/
- Monday:Closed
- Tuesday:11AM–9PM
- Wednesday:11AM–9PM
- Thursday:11AM–9PM
- Friday:11AM–10PM
- Saturday:11AM–10PM
- Sunday:Closed
Im not sure how many places can maintain stellar quality like this for 40 years & counting! This place can! I dont even know if it generationally owned, but I can tell you that memories of my Mom buying their New England clam chowder from the 80s are still carrying the same taste & quality! Of course, the prices have soared, even for pandemic times! $19 for a large size is pricey, yet somehow still worth it! Also had the calamari & onion rings, on separate visits as an accompaniment to the chowder. Excellent! Chowder also reheats beautifully the next day. Although I do takeout, place appeared extremely clean for Covid-19 measures. Excellent extension of size, allowing for great parking. Last time I went, the fellow who took my order brought my order out to my car when it was ready! Dont hesitate to run to this place!
I have traveled to many places in New England but never have I ever had Manhattan clam chowder as delicious and perfect as I had it here. The Ipswich clams were phenomenal and the batter was just perfect. I plan on spending more time there and try and pretty much everything on the menu
Courteous warm friendly staff, meets carnivorous weathered feisty appetite 😋 I will always remember the fries, the breaded shrimp, missing out on soft shell crab because I could never remember when its in season... and the lemon slices to tenderize my food and iced tap water, and the cocktail sauces to dip my fried glory finger foods into. May the maritime gods bless this fine establishment for many years to come 🙏 ❤ 💖
My family and I were very sick after eating here. The food was over priced and had no flavor.Edit the owner responded to me! I understand it’s a family owned business and I respect that. But at the same time I’m allowed to voice my opinion. I didn’t enjoy it and I was here before the pandemic and it was overpriced. Your unprofessionalism just confirmed I will never be back. Do better
A Long Island classic. The Ipswich fried clams are their signature dish and was cooked perfectly. The New England claim chowder is thick, creamy and unbelievable, as is the Manhattan claim chowder. Everything is fresh and prepared daily. The cod sandwich was cooked to perfection. Highly recommend....
I’ll add my 5 stars to the long list of happy customers here. I hadn’t been here in years and stopped by on a whim to get some Manhattan chowder and calamari. Yes, prices have gone up, but worth it for this blast from the past. I’ll be back soon for NE chowdah and clams!
When I moved to Long island after many years in London and California, I imagined I would have to venture to Connecticut or Massachusetts for good whole belly clams. I had no hope of getting that on Long island. Was I wrong! Bigelows not only has whole bellies, they also do it right!Returned to see the expanded seating area. Food was perfect. Service excellent. The best got better!
First time visiting and now I cant eat at any other seafood place!!! The hospitality was great. The waiters are super attentive and on point with service. One of the owners was there and he was so friendly and personable. Since it was our first time, he sent over some yummy onion rings on the house. The food we ordered was fried. Everything was perfectly fried and not oily or heavy at all. The cod and crab cake dishes werent fishy and tasted fresh. The seafood bisque is a must!!!! The Ipswich clam dish was a big enough plate to be shared. There was a classic vibe to this small, shack off the Sunrise Highway. Cant wait to come back!
A popular place offering fried seafood. Seeing an average of 4.7 ⭐ from over 1000 reviews, my hope was high - maybe too high. Everything was fried, no grills nor steamers. We ordered fried clams, fried calamari, crab cakes, fish and chips, and clam chowder. The batter was too thick and in my opinion underwhelmed the seafood. The condiments (tartar, cocktail, marinara sauces) were not impressive either. Theres a enclosed and heated outdoor dining room with a few tables, first come first served. Most orders were takeouts during my visit; the servers were extremely friendly and offered to deliver to your car. The service was 5 ⭐ but the food was disappointedly 3-4 ⭐ Unfortunately I cant see myself going back.
Since 1939 Bigelows has been serving up creamy bisque and chowders making this, a must visit for comfort foods. You can dine on a myriad of delectable fried foods such as oysters, clams, shrimp, fish, and scallops. Each is served with a choice of coleslaw or fries. You can also order fantastic fish, salads, shrimp and more, not fried and save those calories for a decadent slice of pie. The owners proudly welcome and serve you. It is a small place but will quickly become a big part of your gastronomic desires. Despite the crowds, service is swift, and the wait is always worth it. Do try their mouth-watering plump oysters.
Bigelows hands down is the best seafood restaurant. Been coming here for 20 years and the food and service has been exceptional and amazing !! The staff has always been on point and attentive. We ordered the Famous Ipswish clams fired oysters and lobster roll which will leaving you dreaming for more when your away from Bigelows. Their homemade cocktail and tartar sauce is to die for, so good you can eat it with just white rice alone 🤣😃 Food is never greasy and the breading is on point. Their hot fudge sundae (homemade chocolate fudge) is also a must to try. It just melts everything away. Bigelows has truly mastered the art of Fried seafood food. Love this place and will be back soon.Thank you Anthony (Owner)
Nice little restaurant with limited seating. We were immediately greeted as we arrived and seated as soon as seats opened. Everyone sat at the one continuous counter. The staff was friendly, attentive, and helpful. The food was excellent. The soup was great, and definitely a must if you enjoy clam chowder. The entree was really fresh and the portion was large. During busy times, there will be a small wait, but well worth it.
Im giving it a 2 because of the lack of seasoning on the fried food. We had the fried scallops and calamari. There was NO seasoning/salt, flavoring on them. It was very bland! If they could just add some seasoning it would be Amazing. Now, the clam chowder was Delicious! Could definitely go back for that and the service. Very friendly and welcoming.
First, a restaurant thats been in the same location doing the same thing for 85 years has to be doing something right. Beyond that, this counter service restaurant has a wide variety a fish and seafood products everyone is certain to find something. We had the Ipwich clams - clam bellies and the fish and chips. The fish for the fish and chips I chose Whiting. All the food was tossed into the cornmeal crust before frying. The portions of the french fries are huge. I saw two women there who obviously had ordered too many things because half the plates were still full and they look like they were ready to quit. The food was great we will try this place again.
Ok, this is not a restaurant, is a time machine, as soon as you cross the vestibule, you are transported to the time where food was treated with mastery and love.And inside is just a bar, where people gather around with no other purpose than establish a relationship with the food.Sparkling clean, fast service, knowledgeable people behind the counter, at a moment you feel some dejavu, between what you hear, what you see and what you smell.Simple dishes, but developed with love and professionalism!!!I loved the place the moment l sat in my stool.And then, the concert of flavors came up to me, l tried, the famous original fried clams receipe, the crab cakes and the New England Clam Chowder.There is something really marvelous in every bite, this place is a must.The atmosphere is just like been in a bar next to the ocean, the prices are not low, BUT, more than fair for the quality of food you will receive.Please dont miss it!!!
Great food - seafood was so fresh, the Ipswich clams are perfectly battered and fried. The seafood bisque... Omg addicting. Loved the food so much I ordered extra orders for the family too. Staff - amazing! Everyone was super friendly and attentive! Gotta come back soon!
Everything there is to die for... the deep sea scallops left me speechless. The service is also impeccable. Cant believe I never got to this place sooner. They fry everything but none of it is greasy. The simple cornmeal batter is a perfect match for the mouthwatering seafood inside.
Maybe dining in is better, but the takeout was not good. The bisque was decent, but not worth the price. The fries were soggy and gross, and the crab cake sandwich was pretty meh, consideing the price.This place is basically fried seafood. Pretty basic stuff. In order to charge the prices they do, you better be exceptional. Spolier alert... they arent. Move along.
The food was so disgusting the lobster was chewy the bread was soggy I was so excited to dig into my lobster roll that my mouth was watering until I took a nasty chunk of soggy bread when I looked at the bottom of the bowl it was liquid floating I guess it was supposed to be butter but it taste more like water the lobster was so chewy I had to spit it out I do not recommend this place for lobster rolls and also the french fries had lent on them yes lent I don’t know how but it did.
Ive tried the fried, oysters, clams, popcorn shrimp, deep sea scallops, And I have to say that they werent well seasoned and the batter is bland/ isnt crispy. Its even hard to taste the thing youre eating. Im really disappointed with the batter. HOWEVER The one thing Ive tried so far that I love is the warm lobster roll. I highly recommend that.I think the atmosphere and the people who work there are lovely it would be a great place to go for drinks and a snack.
My favorite seafood fry place thus far - and I have visited a lot of them all over the world! We got great recommendations from the staff and even were served a generous free sample of their excellent clam strips. We had oysters and their signature Ipswich clams (highly recommended, see picture). Both were extremely fresh and fried to perfection. The shoestring fries were also yummy (and were not fried in the same fat as their seafood). The portion sizes and prices are spot-on. The home-made coleslaw was not soaked in mayo, and was delicious. The tartar sauce is nice and tangy and also appears to be home-made. Their cocktail sauce is not dominated by horse radish flavor, and there are hints of clove and other spices as well as a dash of Worcestershire sauce present. Although maybe trivial, their tap water and ice cubes are free of chlorine taste (i.e. filtered!). All too often, one gets terrible tasting chlorinated tap water at even higher-end places.The staff was very friendly and attentive, free refills of soda etc came promptly and without asking.And also probably trivial, but FINALLY a fry place that is generous with lemon slices, tartar and cocktail sauce. Considering the price of seafood vs condiments, it always strikes me as odd that some seafood places only provide those tiny plastic containers holding 2 table spoons of sauce, and charge extra for more.All in all, there is a lot of attention to detail in this business (and in this review, sorry)!
Service was amazing. Food was fresh and ready in minutes. I got the cold lobster roll with French fries. Fires fresh crispy and not salty and the lobster was refreshing and not drowning in mayo. My husband ordered the fried shrimp sandwich which he loved and said the shrimp was not too breaded. Cant wait to go back and try the rest of the menu.
One of the true hidden gems of the Rockville Center area. Whether you’re a local or just passing through this is a MUST STOP anytime of the year. Service is incredible and friendly and everything on the menu is amazing; however, the fried clam strips are outttt of this world!!! Must try!
This is a small clam shack kind of place not fancy at all. The portions are very big, the food comes out really fast, tastes great, and service is friendly and helpful to newcomers. Today I got seafood bisque, and whole belly clams. This place is cash only, they have an atm inside the resturant.
This seafood restaurant maybe small but the food they serve is absolutely delicious! Wife and I came here this past Sunday (our first time) and we tried their famous fried clams & cod fish with fries. Anthony and his team were awesome and they provided us with exceptional service. We will definitely be back for more!!
This place is a treasure. It might be the only place outside of New England where you can get fried Ipswich whole belly clams. They might not be all that healthy, but they are frickin delicious. Bigelows always has them and they are always well prepared. On occasion, the clams they get from their supplier have smaller bellies than usual and they tell you that so you can change your order if you want. They have a good selection of other fried seafood, as well. They also have delicious soups: Manhattan and New England Clam chowder and a pink seafood bisque that I love. The place has been in the same family for a couple of generations. The father and 2 adult brothers are always there. They are very friendly and really value their customers. I really cant say enough good things about Bigelows, a Rockville Centre landmark. The prices arent cheap, but good quality food rarely is.
I just had a fantastic lunch here today.I eat here at least once a week and am never disappointed, the portions are large, the service is great, prices are appropiate for the freshness and quality of the product they use.Always impressive!In these times, we need to support our local businesses who strive to deliver quality and a great dining experience.Thanks for doing just that Bigelows!!!!!
Bigelows consistently delivers generous portions of their fresh and delicious seafood. friendly staff always happy to go above and beyond. Always making sure their customers have an excellent dine in and takeout experience. No wonder this place has been around for decades.
When I ask my 11-year-old aspiring food critic where he would like to go out for dinner the answer is always Bigelows!! The freshest seafood, the most welcoming staff and best chowder on the planet makes this wonderful restaurant irresistible. When we dine there we feel like family because the food is made with love and a lot of hard work. Thank you Bigelows for always striving for the best!
The food is always so fresh! Tge calamari was fried to perfection; they practically melted in your mouth. The seafood bisque had so much meat in it, my cousin thought she get a FORKful of crackers. The salmon was grilled to perfection. The hot lobster roll with butter was heaven. We are never disappointed when we dine here.
I was expecting this place to be great and it turned out to be disappointing. The place is a little pricey and your food doesn’t taste good or seasoned. This place should be known for the things written on the sign and things just didn’t taste like anything. The fries were drenched in oil and soggy, shrimp had nothing but flour as seasoning not a drop of salt in my taste buds. Never going there again 🤷🏼♀️
Amazing food, A one of a kind restaurant. The soup is outrageously good. I also recommend trying their clams. I do miss sitting down at the counter. This is a local restaurant operated by the same friendly family for decades. If youre in the mood for great fried seafood, then this is that place. Put it on your bucket list
Tried this landmark seafood restaurant for the first time and was blown away! Such nice people work here and the food is amazing. Their fried clams are the best I have ever had. A bit more pricey than other places, but the portion and quality are well worth it! Its imporant to support these family owned businesses now and I am happy to do so!
This long standing CLASSIC seafood restaurant is AWESOME. The BEST clam strips I have ever eaten. The Calamari so fresh. The place smells SO GOOD! I have to try everything on the menu, because its gotta be great. Do yourself a Treat, check this place out. Keep up the great work, Bigelows! Cheers
Excellent fish. Tried the fried flounder and chips. Crispy ,tasty coating on fish. Extremely generous portion. And a huge order of fries. The fried shrimp was also great . Get 12 shrimp. Excellent homemade coleslaw. They do takeout. Also have a new dine in patio area. Avoid Bigelow s at the dinner hour. Very very busy. Go a bit earlier or later. Highly recommended.
This place has gone way downhill. More for less seems to their new motto. Only one side when there used to be two, and the portions are less and the prices have skyrocketed. They charge a lot of money for fried food which none of us should be eating in the first place. You cant get a much unhealthier diet than what Bigalows serves...anyway, today was my last visit. I need to be more concerned about my health and fried seafood is definitely not the way to go. There are so many great restaurants in RVC and this one needs to be crossed off everyones list and move to a healthier diet.
Im a Connecticut girl and since living in NY, I cant find whole belly clams anywhere! I drove all the way from New Rochelle to Bigelows for whole belly clans. I was not disappointed! The food was delicious and the attention from our server and the owners was awesome! I will make the drive again!
Clams and service were top notch. I would definitely recommend the Ipswich clam platter was absolutely delicious. The food came out so fast I couldnt believe it. Definitely recommend this place for seafood. The New England clam chowder was top notch as we definitely fantastic. Didnt get any photos food was gone too fast. The gentleman actually offered me a cup with ice with my bottled soda I thought that was incredible. Thank you, Ill be back.
Nice venue! Spent $140+! Had a wait of 15 mins but didnt mine bc of all the activity! Menus provided outside while u wait! Host directing traffic to and fro and I loved that! Saw ppl coming and picking up their meals to eat at home! Well Organized! Staff very pleasant and went out if their way for every1 to have a gr8 experience! Appetizers good! However, Disappointed with the lack of seasoning in the batter of the scallops, flounder, shrimps and fries! Herbs that really bring out the Flav if seafood! I wanted to go back and see whos cooking! Place was very busy! Grandson, 15 said, Nana yours is better! So we bagged it all up and went for ice cream and sorbet at Coldstone a Fav! I thought maybe we picked no sodium/seasoning venue!My Son said tomorrow we can take the batter off scallops and make them like u do and add them to my lunch! I meal prep for the week . . . on Sunday (got body builders, fitness awareness and walkers we eat differently but do enjoy going out for some vittles) so I added them in and u couldnt tell the difference except size and firmness! As I think back and look back maybe thats why so many picked up and took meals home! Will I go again . . . well see! After all they say you can get anything and everything in NY! So well enjoy our stay! So in closing, I want to thank you and your staff for an experience . . . and Herb it up! Luvualwayz!
Although we had to wait to get in, the wait was worth it.This establishment has been there over 70 years,now I know why.They serve Seafood at its best,wonderful friendly service,and have parking.Prices were reasonable and they give large portions.They do not serve hard liquor,however they do serve beer and soda.This is a must for people who enjoy seafood.
We ordered the lobster roll, although it was a little pricey it was worth it. It was plentiful and absolutely delicious. We also had the New England Clam Chowder... Hmmm good size clams & delicious. We ordered take out. The food was still hot when got back home. They have an outdoor area if you like, no tents.
I think the food is good at Bigelows which I have been patronizing for years. However, I am compelled to note to the business that for the prices you charge, your portions are really getting TOO SMALL. Please think about your customers! To spend $100 for 3 people and everyone to still be hungry is ridiculous. Your good is good but you are becoming less of an option. take it for what its worth. Cheers!
Im from Maine always looking for comparable seafood, something you would think would be readily available on Long island. However I find that is not the case when youre looking for complete clams and not just clam necks that were previously frozen. This place was not only awesome with their menu but their service as well. Its owned by a family that has been in the business for over 30 years. They make you feel like part of the family and are more than accommodating. I highly recommend this place.
This is one of the best seafood restaurants on Long Island. Their food is always delicious and the quality is great. Priced right and better than some of the restaurants found on the miracle mile.Unfortunately at this time, due to covid, you can only do take out. But the old fashion counter often left standing room awaiting a spot to open.I cant wait to get back to in door dining, where I can sit around the counter and enjoy a bowl of the great seafood bisque soup.If you havent experienced them yet, your missing a LI treat.
I brought my son here for his birthday on June 23rd birthday. We had curbside service to our car; which was great. We enjoyed every bit & bite of our fish and shrimp dishes. This place remains first on my list when driving down Sunrise Hwy on N. Long Beach Rd. It is an awesome place to eat👌👌👌👌👌
Big things come in small packages!Pulling up to the restaurant I was amazed at how small the building was. I was greeted warmly and even supplied with a face mask as I didnt have one.The Seafood bisque is thick and full of bite sized fish chunks. Try the delicious homemade onion rings found no where else. The calamari is tender and crisp as well as the clam strips.I recommend this eatery to any seafood lover.
Great 1940s vibe. The seafood is prepared fresh for each order. My shrimp was some of the best Ive ever had. Very fresh. The breading is simple so it gets out of the way of the shrimp flavor. The same for the flounder. The sea food is so good it doesnt need to be hidden behind flavored bread crumbs. Also the fryer oil is very light. Not greasy or dripping off the food. It almost appeared dry when it was served. I had a Manhattan clam chowder that was a bit a different. I think it had bacon in it. Enjoyed that too.
Love this family owned business serving delish,un-greasy New England varieties! Such personal service.Outdoor dining only,but heated lamp on site.As a regular over the years,I can say that it always feels like home when I dine there with or without friends.The soups are thick and hearty.The onion rings...delicious.They are well known for their belly clams and strips.The shrimp,oysters, and clams are among my favorites.My girlfriend Zena and I , are frequent customers and feel like we are part of the Bigelows family!
I have been going here since 2002. I love the food, people and atmosphere. Oh! Did I say I love the food. They have the best clam chowder (beside my own) I have EVER tasted. Can get crowded on weekend so be prepared to wait a bit. Another fantastic visit to this place. Left feeling like I needed to run around the block before getting in the car..
All that can be said is this place is an institution. My Dad would bring me here and I swear there is something in the chowder that made out lunches memorable. Service is impeccable. I have even seen a customer who forgot there wallet get comped just because they knew they were good for it. I love this place. Oh, of course, the food is spectacular. I usually have a hard time with fried foods but these guys change the fry oil with such frequency Im all good.
These little perfectly fried strips of clams, and scallops...get in my mouth!Its expensive, its out of the way, but its worth it to me.Food and service is great! It is a pain getting a seat though, very small eat in space. Oh, they are known for their clam strips but the fried scallops are SO good, its a must try.Bottom line, go, eat, then unbutton that button, and sign in contentment. They arent shy about their portions.
I had the cod sandwich, very good and a large portion. They use soy oil for the frying and am told they change it several times a day. I dont usually order deep fried food, but the cod sandwich was light to the pallet and not at all heavily greasy. There was no oily aftertaste either. It is an old time counter set up, no booths or tables but well worth a visit. My friend had the fried clams and found them delicious. The staff are close by behind the counter and appear to enjoy bantering with the customers. Some parking around the outside of the restaurant, otherwise on the local street corner.2021: No longer must one pay with cash or debitcard; most credit cards accepted. They have added an enclosed seating area outside the restaurant entrance, and there appears to be added spaces for parking next to the dining area. Food still great, served very hot, friendly service as ever.
Bigelows is a nice little spot in Rockville Centre, NY. It gives you a Cheers vibes because its seems as if everyone there was a regular. The seating is bar-like, and I met two separate parties of guests who had been going there for over 20 years. The crowd was mostly seniors and I definitely felt like I was observing a family at times, because the wait staff got along with the guests so well.I ordered a New England clam chowder and it was pretty good. I loved the presentation. I sampled the clam strips and whole fried clams. They were pretty good as well. I ended up getting the popcorm shrimp with fries. Everything was decent. Just regular fried fare. Food is low sodium and it makes sense because the majority of the guests are senior citizens. You can add all the condiments youd like.Nothing about the food wowed me, but it was good. The staff was amazing and the guests were friendly. Id go back.
Its been there since 1939, so they have to be doing something right. Always seem to have a good meal here. Very casual counter service, you have to like other people to eat here. Makes it fun. Chowder, New England or Long Island is some of the best around. All quality stuff, not on the cheap side, but worth the trip.
The best fried clams I have ever tasted. It is amazing that the owners have no desire to expand. For dinnertime, there is often a line out the door of this small seafood place with great atmosphere. Sit at the counter and watch the food being made. The homemade soups are superb. The place is not cheap but it is excellent.
This was the first time my boyfriend and I have been here. I ordered the fried flounder and fries and my boyfriend ordered the Manhattan clam chowder which was good. He also ordered the fried clam strips. Those were tasty. The batter is pretty spot on. Personally, I think the batter could have had more spices and seasoning but thats my preference. The fries were amazing. The service and atmosphere was great, it was very welcoming. There are also some little nostalgic things from when the place opened and it was just a great experience! We will certainly be going back!
A wonderful friendly place. Clams are wonderful, tender and buttery. Soups are delicious, especially on a cold day. You can see everything as it is being made. There are only about 25 seats or so, but worth the effort to wait for a seat. Take out seems popular, but I dont think I could make it home before diving in...
The crabcake was delicious, but the rest of the fried food just didnt taste like much. I was disappointed and felt like I wasted my money, this place is not that affordable in the first place. The fries were ok, the onion rings werent too good, and the friend shrimp were tasteless, save for the taste of the oil it was dunked in.
My wife and I had an impromptu dinner in May at Bigelows Fried Clams in RVC, after several hours of car-shopping, and it really hit the spot. The place is a bit of a throwback to bygone times, reminiscent of a Cape Cod seafood shack. There are about 20 food bar seats, all around the cooks and servers - no tables. We lucked out and had only a 5 minute wait for 2 seats at around 8:15 pm on a Saturday evening (I would not recommend going there with a group of more than 4, due to the seating configuration). The food is simple (mostly seafood, but there are a few other selections) and good, although mostly fried. We shared a shrimp cocktail, a salad, Ipswich clams, and fried shrimp - all fresh, well-prepared, and tasty. Ambiance is rustic, the prices are appropriate (the bill was under $70 before tip for a lot of food), and service was courteous and very prompt - we were in and out in well under 40 minutes, which was exactly what we were looking for last evening (its not a place to linger). Theres a reason its been in business for so many decades. It aint fancy, but it is very good. Two thumbs up, if thats what suits your mood.
I will drive out of my way to get the New England clam chowder here. It’s undoubtably my favorite chowder that I have ever had on Long Island. It’s nice and creamy and has such a nice simple flavor. I’ll go on to mention that the fried clam strips here are bang bang ! They change their oil daily and seafood is always FRESH. 💰Cash only !! Small seating area but worth the wait. The staff is friendly and it’s no wonder this place has been around for years and years it’s so good.
This place is awesome, just know what to expect before you go. The seating us a U shaped counter around the kitchen, everything open and has maybe 20 stools. Your getting messy food on paper plates, enjoy it. Its a clam shack, the food is amazing if your in the mood for clam shack food; fried clams, fish and chips, chowder. Its not cheap, but its not expensive either, and your not going to leave hungry. Lastly the staff is great, super friendly, clean, efficient.
A longtime family favorite. Super delicious fried clams, fried oysters, fried shrimps, fried soft shell crab, fried fish--you get the idea! Fresh made soups and homemade coleslaw complete this unique 1939 establishment. For health reasons, I only indulge once a year but ohhh how much I do love this place.
This place is one of a kind... Its a piece of history. It really belongs on the docks somewhere nautical. The staff is all very friendly. You sit around a low counter top and 99% of the menu is fried (calamari and shrimp are my fav) made to order right in front of you. Also the soups are delicious. So fresh and good.
I have been eating at Bigelows for a number of years. Although expensive, the fish preparation was a craving of mine. This time I was very disappointed. The Manhattan Clam Chowder was creamy as usual, but there was a different ingredient in the soup that had the consistency of a fish blubber. The sea scallops were always a favorite of mine, but were not what they used to be. The coating was heavy, and tasteless, and the scallops were a bit overcooked and chewy, as opposed to the delicate texture Ive come to enjoy. Bigelows is a casual eating establisment with only counter service. It has always been pricey but in the past, the quality somewhat justified the expense. This is no longer true, in my opinion, and for this reason I have eaten my last meal at Bigelows.
First time here, after asking the friendly waiter what I should try he responded very politely and enthusiastic. He recommended the New England chowder and the Famous Ipswich clams. Which I complied with. He gave me a sample of the delicious fried whole belly clams which is the original recipe since 1939. And the clam strips. I decided the original for its earthy wholesome flavor. I then got a half order of the Deep sea scallops with coleslaw. The scallops were juicy and big. The coleslaw was natural and freshly made.The fresh brew ice tea was a good compliment to the whole food.I recommend this place for continuing a tradition of seafood and its very friendly service. The place is small but is worth the wait!!!!!!
The place is a throwback to the early 50s and it looks it inside. But the food was really good and the prices were quite reasonable. It used to be well worth the stop for really good seafood.1/03/2015. I went in there tonight for the usual fried clam strips , and also decided to get an order of the crab cakes. Now I dont know if this was just an off night, or if the people working at night just dont care how they prepare the food. But let me tell you, the food was not all that good . So instead of the usual 5 stars, I dropped it down to 4.11/12/2015. The New England clam chowder was over spiced with something, not sure what but it really ruined the flavor. The clam strips were not all that good as well. 3 stars now.1/12/2019. I just dropped $68.35 here for two orders of fried clams and one order of crab cakes.The food was Cold, Soggy, and Absolutely Tasteless!The prices constantly going up..... and the food quality constantly going down....... This will be my last time posting about Bigelows! As I will never eat there again........
Absolutely the best fried clams!! I was in town for work, and ate at this place at least 3 times during the week while I was there!Service is awesome as well!!Im going to travel back just to have that delicious seafood chowder , and fried clams!!! We dont have any place in Washington, DC that serves fried claims as delicious as this!!
THE BEST SEAFOOD Bisque and MANHATTAN CLAM chowder EVER! Fresh, perfectly Fried Bay Scallops. I called in my order and by the time I arrived (only 15 mins later) my order was waiting for me. Fast service and the most delicious food, I see why theyve been around since 1939. Looking forward to sampling their menu.
I paid $7.50 for a dried hot dog that tasted like old cardboard. The calm chowder was extremely thick and had a resemblance of old canned soup that was in a basement for a few years. The scallops. I never had scallops where the batter fell off. Every time I grabbed one it fell off, it also tasted like it was frozen for a while. It wasnt fresh and didnt taste real. Maybe it was an off night and I was just unlucky so if Im in OS again, Ill give it another shot...but honestly that stuff was terrible. Nice looking place though and the staff was friendly.
This is the best fish fry spot in Nassau county possibly all of long island. Everything comes fresh right out of the fryer. Its a small spot but service is quick. So your in and out. Pricing is fair and you get good portions. Its cash only but they have an atm on location.
Great place if you want fresh, fried food. Yes, they have burgers and chicken... And even lettuce and tomato salad. But lets be honest... Youre there for the seafood and clam chowder soups! Had the clam strips, fries, new England clam chowder, and onion rings. All the fried food was hand-battered and fried fresh to order. (Onion rings were whole, hand-battered Vidalia onion rings. Beautiful!) Very good and tasty!!!
Drove by this place randomly and was intrigued by the fried clams sign stopped in and its a small space with U shaped counter facing staff/cooks. They were extremely hospitable. My first time having ipswich clams they were amazing and fresh so glad we came in. Will definitely be back!
Just started going here within the past few weeks. I was craving hot soup and was driving by. I decided to stop and give it a try. I was pleasantly surprised by the friendly atmosphere, quick service and the taste? Delicious!!! This place has now been a weekly visit!
Place has a cool charm. Like going back in time when you step on. Its bar seating only and they cook right in front of you so the service is quick. First time going so i cant really complain much about the food. Had clam strips and n.e. clam chowder The clam strips were good but were lacking seasoning. Salt must be added to fried foods either in batter or directly out of fryer when food is still warm/oily. After that seasoning will not stick to food. The chowder on the other hand was good. It also suffered from lack of seasonings though. A little salt and pepper couldnt hurt. The 3rd thing I wasnt impressed with is the prices.Very pricey for what you get. I would definitely return but cant say I was super impressed.
Expensive but worth every $1..! Family run, brothers & dad operation. Staff so friendly and helpful. Everyone waits on everyone, so no delays. Fighting with myself ov which Clam Chowder is best, Red or white..! Clams & oysters so, so delicious. One entree more than enough if you have a cup or bowl of the Clam Chowder. Doesnt matter how you order clams, they are so darn delicious in anywsy served. And the Blackout cake.... Is better than Blackout Cake from the best at Walls Bakery, yes better...! Give them a try, but be warned you cannot just go once... You will return, and return and... You get the point...! Say high to any/each of the Brothers...!
The absolute best fried shrimp and seafood on Long Island. I come here at least once a week, every single person that works here from the owners to the prep guys in the back are all extremely friendly and the service is second to none. If you havent tried this place yet you are out of your mind.
Pass this place all the time, glad we stopped in today. Small counter service only place. Great seafood restaurant. I really liked the New England clam chowder. The fried clam strips were just right and cooked to order. Very polite and attentive staff. Cash only so come prepared (they do have an ATM on site, so if youre ok with the fee...). Worth a trip back.
A family favorite for years where nothing changes but the prices!Its a small u shaped counter that does fried New England style seafood right. They serve clams, oysters, shrimp, fish, etc - each order is battered when you order it and fried fresh in front of you by the talented crew. The french fries are thin shoe strings that are fried and then shaken in a cloth dish towel to absorb any excess oil They are crisp, hot and delicious!The white New England clam chowder is thick and brimming with stuff and generally the bowl is so full it drips down the side.There is always an owner on site - very friendly and fast service and delicious food. Its not cheap but its worth it.The clam strips are great - so are the clam bellies but my favorite are the fried oysters.You get a pretty big portion even if you order a sandwich but we often split a regular order and they happily put it on two plates.
I don’t know how to say how much I love this place. I will always dream of another bowl of clam chowder and another plate or fried clams and oysters and shrimp and fish cakes and basically everything they have on the menu. I always eat too much and I never regret it.
We met with friends at this place for dinner. my friend recommended this place. Well, it was very successful. the staff members were so friendly and we had an excellent feeling. The meal was yummy. We loved this place very much and we will visit this place again. Keep it up.
The place has been in exsistance for a long long time. So, obviously they are doing something right. You should know that they are not an inexpensive restaurant by any means... But you get what you pay for. The only problem with the food is that its too good! You should have to pass some kind of a test to see if you would qualify to eat it. Relax...kidding.They make their own condiments in many cases and its easy to tell the difference between theirs and store bought. They pay a great deal of attention to details.I usually get take out for myself and my bill is right around $30The layout of the restaurant harkens back to another time and you might want to consider going on a week day if you have any issues with lots of people in tight spaces. In the summer time... forget about it! Wall to wall clam addicts. All run by a great group of guys that really get to know their customers.Hope you enjoy your vist and hey... tell em Ryan sent Ya!
Been coming here since the 90s; recently re-located to Florida and now planning a trip back up North. First thing on the list? BIGELOWs. Been up and down the east coast looking for something even half as good. The New England clam chowder, the clams, the scallops, really anything you get here is the best. Very clean and very affable staff. And we love how they stay true to the original decor! Charming all the way around.
Total reviews rating 4.7
199 Reviews for Bigelows New England Fried Clams 2023:
Review №1
2022-06-14Very pleased with this restaurant. The fried clams were to die for! On top of we also had the shrimp roll, crab cake burger, Onion rings! Super pleased. Will definitely be coming back the next time I’m in the mood for fried seafood and rolls!
Review №2
2022-01-18My 5-Star rating is based on taste and freshness of the food, cleanliness of the restaurant, and above average staff/service. Ive driven by Bigelows quite a few times and decided to make a stop for some fresh seafood. I am huge on customer service and staff are extremely friendly, which made it even more enjoyable. Thanks Anthony! I felt like family. I ordered the grilled salmon sandwich with lettuce, tomato and grilled onions with a side of cole slaw. It was a nice portion of fresh fish, beautifully grilled and juicy. Cole slaw was okay, but it was all about the seafood for me. Definitely coming back for more. The only thing I would do different is dine-in, instead of takeout. I had a long drive home!
Review №3
2021-09-11My wife and I just ate here for the first time. We had the fried clam strips (of course), the onion rings and the calamari. Everything was super fresh, and though fried nothing was greasy. Big portions and excellent service. Well definitely be back!!Also, though there is only indoor seating, all the windows are wide open and plenty of ventilation, so we fealt very safe eating indoors.
Review №4
2021-09-02I had read about this place in a few different places and have been meaning to check out a place renown for its fried offerings. I came with my son and since the portions are large, we could only try a few things. We ordered the New England Clam Chowder, the fried clam strips, fried oysters (more for my son), and the onion rings. First, we ordered a cup and it must be a large serving since they generously offered to split it for us and we ended up with a good sized portion cup each! The soup was thick and hearty and chock full of clam meat and potatoes. The clams and oysters were perfectly fried with just enough breading to balance against the meat. But if we’re being honest, the onion rings were simply amazing. My son is particular about food and he was talking about the o-rings for days afterwards. The onions were crispy as well as the crispy breading. And for all the frying - nothing was oily. Amazing! The service was good and there appeared to be rigorous cleaning of tables as people left. Yes, the decor is … cozy but, hey, it’s a fried food shack. Yes, it’s a bit pricy for what it is, but as a guilty treat, wonderful.
Review №5
2022-01-30Absolute legend of RVC.Place has been here for a long time and once you try their food, you understand why.Easily the best chowder you can get near anywhere.Sure, the prices are high but when you get such high quality, you have no issue paying it. Its a world different than any can and most restaurants in quality
Review №6
2022-06-28Always a treat visiting Bigelows!Today we dined on fried clams and shrimp cocktail! Good is always freshly prepared and I jus Love the new dining area, you wouldnt know your sitting just off sunrise highway till you hear the horns honk!
Review №7
2022-03-02Love Bigelows cold lobster rolls and clam chowder! Very fresh and delicious🫕🍽☺️Lovely atmosphere❣️
Review №8
2022-04-14First time here, took food to go...extremely impressed on how fresh the food is. Real seafood for sure. Friendly staff and clean restaurant. Looking to dine in next time. Keep up the great work! Oh and food portions are amazing. You get a whole lot for your buck who doesnt love that?! Be back soon!
Review №9
2022-05-02Not sure why this place gets so many steller reviews. I was brought here for lunch for a special occasion and the food was nothing special. We were a group of 6 and decided to share a lot of food since it was so highly recommended. New England clam chowder was a salt lick. The bay scallops, fried shrimp, calamari and fish were flavorless. They might have put all the salt and seasoning into the chowder and forgot about the rest. If you like your onion rings dripping in oil, this is your place!Dont waste your money here with so many better options in Island park and Long Beach.The service is what gave this place 3 stars.
Review №10
2022-06-17It had been many years since my last visit to Bigelows. It was a special occasion with dear family. We had a great time and enjoyed delicious food. The best onion rings Ive ever had and lots of similar comments. Thank you for bringing back old memories while making new ones. The best fried clams ANYWHERE!!!