Back porch feel with good home cooking! Awesome food a bit pricey for the atmosphere but worth it!

The only reason this is not a five star rating is because it is such a great dive and did not have a very good house wine! Outside of an RV/trailer park, this place has great seafood! The clam chowder was thick, had plenty of clams and very good. On my first trip, I had dries grouper and hubby had the fried shrimp. The grouper had a wonderful batter, was light and flakey. Hubbie said his shrimp was wonderful. The next time, I had the combo platter with grouper and shrimp- fried. Oh my gosh, it was so good that I wish I has leftovers because I woke up the next morning thinking about this place and the grouper. The hush puppies were wonderful and memorable in this trip. The cloeslaw was creamy but went uneaten due to the fact there was so much other food! Once again, bubbie ordered fried shrimp and cold beer. He loved both! I can't wait to return to Dan's. But don't tell anyone how good it is- I'd hate this place to get discovered!! read more

While I have eaten here once and it was good, I am writing this review for a specific reason. My daughter was in with her family and they took their 1 and 4 year old to Dan's for a bite of lunch. The staff was SUPER nice to them and even pulled a Lobster out of the tank to "play" with my 4yo grandson. A lot of class and friendliness on display for my family. That matters! Dan's deserves that you give them a try. We will be over shortly. Cheers! read more

My meal (except the coleslaw) was great. I had fried clam strips, an oyster burger, hush puppies, and coleslaw. Clam Strips: These were great. I got the fresh strips, not the frozen one. I don't know if the up-charge was worth it, but either way the clam strips were great. (Psst, add some hot sauce to your cocktail sauce.) Oyster Burger: Why don't they just put this thing on a baguette and call it a po' boy? (That would keep the oysters from falling out of the sandwich.) Regardless, this burger was delicious. The oysters are fried to perfections. The lettuce and tomato aren't special, but I didn't care. Only thing I would change is the price; at $14ish, it's a little expensive. Hush Puppies: These were delicious, too. They're the spherical kind, not the egg-shaped kind, if you care. Everyone can make a good hush puppy, and DCS is no exception. Coleslaw: I didn't even try a bite. My tablemate mistook my coleslaw for tarter sauce -- it was that watery. They need to tone down on the mayonnaise. Overall, I loved my meal, and I would go back again. read more

A little hard to recognize the entrance ... even when looking right at it. This place is remarkably good ... and you KNOW I'm picky. The owner is from New England, and not only sports that quaint hospitality, but flies in their live lobsters. Being a "clam shack", I must have the clams ... fresh, not frozen! IF you like clams, GET THEM. I ordered whole fried, with sides of onion rings, hush puppies and a Heineken. Pricey, but worth every penny; I even violated tradition and stuffed myself. The Hush Puppies were (4) golf ball sized, but unremarkable in flavor and a bit soft in the center due to oversizing. I prefer mine with corn kernel bits, but none here. I prefer the (southern) "hush puppy" to be smaller and football shaped. The Onion Rings were outstanding, and obviously fresh cut, not frozen ... with a perfect crunch. The Whole Belly Clams were just about the best I've tasted, with only 1 of the bunch containing a little grit. The flavor was excellent, and they had the same crunchy breading as the rings. All clams were fried to perfection, providing flavorful burps throughout the evening. As others have said ... avoid the fancy riverfront places and enjoy your foods !!! I'll likely no pass this way again, but I wish y'all a Bon Appétit ! read more

So glad we stopped here. We had our little dog with us, so it was nice to be able to enjoy lunch and bring him too. Everything was really good, except the fries. The fries were not the best, was a little disappointed because I love french fries. And the only really bad thing was their very limited choice of alcoholic beverages, beer or wine. I drink neither. It would have been nice to enjoy a wine cooler with my lunch. read more

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Heard this was a great place to eat...we got there around 6pm and they were very busy...it took a long time for our server to take our order...when our food came, it was warm at best. I had heard they have great onion rings, but since they were not hot, they were very greasy. We did get gator bites and conche fritters which were the best part of the meal. They were hot and delicious. My brothers food was missing the fish and my husband told the server and his response was "well he didn't even eat everything else". HELLO that is no way to address a complaint. I was disappointed overall. I will not eat there again read more

Decided to try this place while working in Crystal River, not fancy but ok for a casual bite to eat. However I was a bit apprehensive because there is a Trump supporter sticker on the entrance doorI must admit it gave me pause but I decided to go in anyway. I had the conch fritters which were decent and I loved the lobster roll. The service was slow considering it was a weekday but everyone was nice. read more

Me and husband took a trip down to stand up paddle board with the manatees this morning. And just decided to swing in a try a local restaurant. Dan is a fantastic owner and is working there when he isn't fishing. The restaurant was very nicely decorated your basic odds and ends on the walls. The staff made you feel like you were at home just joking and enjoying each others company. They were very knowledgable on the menu what was fresh caught and what was the best fish of the day. My husband and I shared a dozen raw oysters on the half shell. They were fresh and clean no sand or shell. With a side of lemons, cocktail sauce and real fresh horseradish. For our entree we both got a fried grouper sandwich. It was a large piece of fish on a buttered bun accompanied by lettuce, white onion and tomato. The fish was flakey perfectly cooked and just lightly breaded. We both got a side of cole slaw. It wasn't the best. A little soupy good taste just not my favorite. Our side of hush puppies were slightly dry. But Cajun fries were on point. If your in the area I recommend you come in say hey to Dan and enjoy the food and company. Also good sweet tea. I think it's something in the water. read more

Had a delicious lunch today! Clam strips were tender and very tasty, clam chowder was great! Grilled grouper was fantastic as were the cole slaw , fries and hush puppies. Cold beer and good iced tea. Will definitely go back. read more

The fried shrimp is fantastic and the burgers are great. not a fancy place but the food is always good. I don't like the fact that they have a upcharge to replace your fries with the little corn on the cob, but I still keep coming back. Roland read more

A great hole in the wall. I've been coming here since I was a kid with family. I still get the same thing, popcorn shrimp with Cajun fries. Nothing like popcorn shrimp you'd usually get, sometimes they're pretty large. Battered and fried but not all breading. The scallops were rather small the one time I tried them, but it all depends on the season and catch I suppose. Definitely upgrade to the Cajun fries too, the regular ones are just meh. The only think is it is a hole in the wall nestled with an RV park and definitely dated and could use a new coat of paint. read more

Dan's Clam Stand - Popcorn shrimp with Cajun fries. Amazing. - Seafood Near Me - Crystal River, Florida

The food and the service was excellent. Dan and his team are extremely hospitable and friendly. I would highly recommend the clam chowder, scallops and gator. Fantastic!!! The atmosphere is very kid friendly. We have a 5 and 8 year old who loved and enjoyed the shrimp, onion rings and gator. read more

I'm really not sure why anyone would go anywhere else for seafood. This is a pretty "divey" place but who cares? You're there for the food. Dan does a great job with everything on the menu and if you're not in the mood for seafood, they have the best burger around! The onion rings are homemade, the oysters are literally the cleanest you'll ever get, and there is no better place for shrimp anywhere. Do not read the so so reviews! read more

This place is great. We went there on Saturday afternoon and waited for a table outside. The service is friendly and the food is very good. We had steamed clams which were middlenecks steamed with garlic, butter etc. - delicious. Then we had fried oyster plates and the oysters were crisp and good. The slaw had too much mayo but was good. The fries rocked. My friend had a grouper sandwich. He liked it but the fish was really thin and overwhelmed by the bun. The beers were cold and we enjoyed it and will be back. read more

Grabbed lunch here after swimming with the manatees. With the name, I was expecting a take out window and picnic tables, which would have worked well since we were in our swimsuits. It was not an actual food stand, but a small rustic dated restaurant. We ordered take out, fried whole belly clams and fried scallop baskets. Food was very good though the French fries were precut. With the amount of fried baskets on the menu, homemade fries seem like they should be a given. Coleslaw very good. read more

We moved to Florida 8 months ago from Maine and was missing having a nice seafood dinner until today. We found a gem!!! Excellent Excellent Excellent!!!!! We had fried clams, scallops, shrimp and haddock. Everything was extremely tasty!!! Great service and great food!!! For a great New England meal go see Dan! read more

Great whole belly fried clams! And Cindy our server was so personable and on top of things!! I highly recommend, especially if you're a transplanted New Englander! read more

Over priced mediocre food at its best. I do remember when they first opened and everyone said, "Ya gotta go! Ya just gotta go it's awesome!".... I went and thought it was pretty good but now out of this world amazing like they were saying. However, the few times I've been back it hasn't gotten any better. In fact, it's kind of rollercoastered from ok to meh throughout the years. I guess try it if you're going with someone that loves it... Otherwise, there's better places around to get seafood with a smaller price tag and more product. read more

Amazing restaurant. Food was amazing. Best clams I have ever had. Service was outstanding as well. My wife had the fish and chips, which I had to also steal a bite of. If you're in the area, it's worth the stop. read more

A tad bit overpriced for the amount of food you get, and the food quality could be better. Its a decent place to eat, but won't be my go-to seafood restaurant for sure. read more

Dan's was an amazing little place. The food was amazing and the atmosphere even more so! We met and talked to Dan and our waitress was the best. When they heard we were down visiting for our anniversary, they brought us key lime pie with a candle and sang to us. It was so sweet! Highly recommend this place when visiting Crystal River. We may end up back there before we leave ! read more

My husband and I stopped in in a whim and were pleasantly surprised. The food was delicious the wait staff was friendly and attentive. It was our first time eating at a seafood restaurant and the waitress did an amazing job explaining the different types of food and made recommendations. read more

Dan's Clam Stand - My husband had the admirals platter I got the captains platter and it was a wonderful assortment of seafood. Amazing customer service. - Seafood Near Me - Crystal River, Florida

I'm no clam expert, but the fresh fried clam strips here are the best I've had. Perfectly friend up... We stop here every time while in the Crystal River area. read more

Delicious food with reasonable prices...Dan's is way better than any of the seafood places in town.

What a cool place. Dan came out and had a sincere conversation before the food which was the real deal from New England. Delicious, great portions, and the service was fantastic. Hard to find the Trifecta, but Dan's Clam Stand has it all. I highly recommend it. This will be where we become regulars. read more

If you are looking for hometown good food with friendly staff then you need to experience Dan's Clam Stand. We enjoy the family friendly atmosphere with outdoor seating and the food is wonderful. We especially love the fried shrip. We always order the 10-15 count and are never disappointed. Dan is right there talking to his customers and making sure everyone is having a good time. There are two locations, one in Homosassa and one in Crystal River. Next time in the area stop by and say hi to Dan in Crystal River............you will be glad you did. read more

My wife came here last October while I was out fishing and loved the place. We were going to come back next day but they are closed Sunday and Monday. So we made a special day trip down from Jacksonville , FL just to eat here. She raved about the whole belly clams. Never had them before. We started with those and they were fantastic, very sweet by themselves. No sauces needed. Then I had the grouper fingers with Cajun fries and my wife had the fried shrimp. Again both was exceptional. Nothing over cooked or greasy. Both sauces are exceptional. The cocktail doesn't skimp on the horseradish and the tarter sauce is not just mayonnaise. Make sure you look them up and make a stop. It is off the beaten path slightly. Definitely worth the road trip. Will do it again. read more

Dan's Clam Stand - Draft Samuel Adams ! - Seafood Near Me - Crystal River, Florida

Great go to place for fried food. Grouper burger is excellent. Hamburgers are very good, but you will get a heavy stomach feeling after eating, higher fat content.. Overall good. One time in the dead of summer wife and I stopped in, only folks in the place. We overheard the kitchen cooks talking how some worker dropped a pan of cold slaw, but managed to scoop up half of it. A bit disturbing.. So when we do go, from now on the only food I order is not subjected to frying or heat.. And never touch the cold slaw... read more

The clam breading was light and crunchy and the clams were heavy and tender. The French fries and coleslaw were fresh tasting and the cooking grease was clean, just the way I like it. Thanks for a perfect lunch on a beautiful day! read more

I really enjoy the onion rings! The fried fish and seafood are spotty. Sometimes great, other times meh. My fried whitefish had a big mushy area last time I was there. I am not sure what causes that but it sure stopped me eating it. The service at the Grover Cleveland location is not very friendly. Have I mentioned they rock the onion rings? read more

The food here is incredible. For a little taste of the northeast, they have steamers, (piss clams) the only place in a broad area who has them. Their claim chowders are to die for. The NE chowder is so creamy, delicious. Yes, it's a whole in the wall, but you won't be disappointed. Dan the owner is a nice guy, and goes above and beyond to guarantee your satisfaction. Been a steady customer for 3 years, I've NEVER had a bad meal or a complaint. If you've never been here, boy are you missing out. read more

Clams? Fresh fish? 4 miles from the water in c.r and 10 from other location! If u like your food fried if not this is a shack...won't be back read more

We ordered the pick 4 for $19.00 then orded the mushrooms. Appetizer .omg absolutely everything came out of a bag and dumped into old corn oil or old Crisco. We were starving and ate it. Thank God I ordered only one dinner and we split it. never again. Our waitress was excellent and should look for a better place. I wonder what people order there because this was bad no lie. We ate there years ago and it wasn't great but it was much better then this. read more

My husband and I are new to the area. We have been trying different local eateries. This afternoon around 4:45pm we decided to go to Dan's Clam Stand based on the positive reviews. We were not disappointed. The service and food was very good. The clam chowder is outstanding. The dining areas and restrooms were very clean. We will sit inside next time to avoid the smokers. We will be back. Food is fresh and top quality. read more

This place is one of our favorites. A true cross section of Florida. Place looks dumpy from outside (Probably by design) but interior is comfy and very clean. Food is excellent--clams, shrimp, fish, etc are always fresh and well prepared. Friendly efficient waitresses and great prices. read more

One of my faves. One person commented on the Trump sticker on the door. Not sure what that has to do with the food...smh. The food is always fresh and Cindy is our favorite server. Everyone is always friendly and you can't beat the freshness or taste. Prices are very reasonable also. read more

I give this place five stars for its unique characteristics, good service, and easy to find location. We didn't have to search all over to get away from the crowds. read more

This place is a gem. Ordered steamed clams and clam strip basket- the fresh (not frozen) kind, per our server's recommendation. Everything was delicious-and came out fast, too. Definitely stop in if you're nearby! read more

Great food and Service at the restaurant ! If you ever go to festivals around Citrus County skip the rest and find Dan's ! read more