Allen's Clam Bar

We stopped in for dinner tonight (family of5). The hostess, Karen, & our waitress, Erica, were SO friendly, attentive, & caring! It was our first time there & we loved it! The food was unbelievable!!! Seriously, the best lobster roll I’ve ever had! I had an urgent call that I had to take just after our entrees came out. I stepped outside to take the call & when I came back in I found out that the waitress & hostess felt so badly that my food was getting cold, that they covered it in foil for me. I really appreciated that! So sweet of them! The food really was amazing & we can’t wait to go back! Also, it’s very clean in there & decorated really cute!

Time to revert back to the paper plates, a menu on the placemat, free oyster crackers & horseradish for starters. This is our second time since 5/2023 giving what once was a weekly stop a second chance, there won’t be a third visit. I have no issue with paying for good food, but whomever is running the kitchen seems to be unaware of this once beloved restaurant. When reviewed by Coastal Living in 2003 as a place to get a fantastic crab cake or fried shrimp, the very basic, casual vibe was also noted as a +. Yes that was 20 years ago but for many it was exactly what we enjoyed. The place had only 2 other tables occupied when we entered, something never seen during the first week in September, but a warning sign we should not have ignored. While there a party of 4 entered, obviously not rookies(came prepared with their cooler of alcohol), more annual visitors. It was hard not to hear their comments on the menu and all the missing options they have annually driven from Western Pennsylvania for. They too pieced together an order but like us their disappointment in both the removal of the aged to perfection menu offerings, new items and China plates was visible and audible. Dinner for two, no appetizers, 2 ice teas and 2 entrees was $75 before tip. We will now reminisce about what was but is no more.

Foods always good quality is excellent. Had the crab Imperial and lobster roll prepared with butter and lemon. They don't make their lobster roll with mayonnaise and that's a plus for me. We've hit this place 5 times in the past 18 months. If we get anywhere near New Gretna we go. Rt 9 right off the NJ Parkway. If you're there afterwards take a ride right up the street to Viking Yachts. Smithville is close and that's a good stop too. NJ is beautiful