One of my favorite places to go for many years never been disappointed always look forward to going

My wife and I stopped by David's Place a couple of weeks ago. My wife ordered the calamari platter. Her meal was good. I ordered the clam platter. What a disaster. The clams were small and hard like they had come out of a cheap frozen dinner box. My onion rings were underdone. What small amount of breading that was on them had come off so that they were limp pieces of half raw onions. The prices are high & I expected much better. The overflowing trash cans didn't do much for our experience. Will not return. read more

Excellent food and service. Try the clam strips or lamb gyro. The service is friendly and dining outside on a warm summer evening is becoming a family tradition. Fun place to hang out. read more

I've been here a few times over the years, the food is decent. We usually get burgers, hotdogs, fries, etc. Last week I decided to try the fish and chips. My only complaint was the fish was one huge piece and the breading was soggy. I prefer mine in smaller cut up breaded pieces. Not bad overall though. We'll stop by again. read more

Highly disappointed when I ordered a hotdog and was handed a plain hotdog. Was expecting a footlong at a stand like David Place. I would have thought they would at least have a quality hotdog at a business known for hamburgers, hotdogs etc. Don't order a hotdog unless a plain ole dog is what you crave because if your looking for a footlong, you should just go to Frankie's. read more

We stop in here at least a few times a year. Will give you the pros first, but the biggest con is basically a killer. Pros: Generous portions, fair prices, cooked quickly, food was hot. The family shared a clam strip dinner, fried shrimp, fried calamari, and one kid had a cheeseburger. Note that fried items aren't salted at all, but they desperately need to be. Make sure you grab some salt packets and do it yourself. It would be better if the restaurant salted the food while it is piping hot and right out of the fryer, but I can understand that they err on the side of caution with their customers, so I won't ding them. Still, it would be nice to be told the food isn't coming salted, so you can take care of it immediately before eating. Cons (and the first is a big one): David's Place no long makes its own french fries and has replaced them with some pre-made product that tastes an awful lot like McCain's beer battered fries. Not bad, but DEFINITELY NOT WHAT MADE THIS PLACE STAND OUT among all the other side-of-the-road-pretty-good-burgers-and-fried-seafood-places that pepper our state. HOW CAN DAVID'S STOP MAKING WHAT MADE THEM SPECIAL. So sad. Other cons are that despite a steady (but not crazy busy) crowd and a full staff, the picnic tables were filthy and needed someone to give every one of them a scrub and hose down. Staff is matter of fact - not rude but no overly friendly either. Without those hand cut, homemade fries, we can't say that this place shines any brighter than its area competitors. Doubt we'll be back, but instead will try and find another special place that still has a homemade touch. read more

Service was sporadic. Half our order came out five minutes before the other which sucked because we got it to go.... Food was really mediocre. The fries were super disappointing. Limp, didn't seem to be fried at all, not seasoned. Burgers were tasteless. It was cheap though! The milkshake wasn't terrible either. read more

Came in the other night for food cashier took my cash then proceeded to use her bare hands to grab my roll from the bag and put a piece of lettuce on top. Absolutely Gross!! read more

Awesome experience, great food and very reasonable prices...pizza, curly fries and desserts....All deliscious. read more

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We believe that the address is 1638 Hartford New London Turnpike in either Colchester or Salem, but this appears to be the right place. We ordered fish and chips, clam strips, and crab cakes. Total: $20. The fish was amazing, and huge--the 2 pieces were perfectly tender and overflowed the 12" plate we had. Fries freshly cut. The clam strips were incredible, and if we ever decide to visit the old family homestead (Olde Ransom Farm) again, will definitely try them whole too. Crab cakes? Well, I don't think these were fresh. But what do you expect at 3/$5.95? Perfectly tasty, but not the nice baseballs of fresh crab we've become accustomed to on the east coast (I know, we're spoiled). Across the street is the oddity The Dinosaur Place at Nature's Art, with full-sized replicas of your favourite giant lizards. We took some photos from behind the fence because it reminded me of being a tiny kid on road trips with the parents back in the 70's. But back to David's...the place is cute. Order outside, take a seat either inside or out, and have some of the best fried food you've ever had. They don't even mind providing you with a take away container when you've realised that you ordered way too much food. Friendly service and a Bally's Pac Man which may or may not be working. CASH ONLY, but there's an ATM inside. I could ding them a star for the crab cakes, but decided against it. The fish and chips were so good, as were the clam strips. read more

We have driven by this for years and years and never stopped. Today we decided to grabbed lunch on the way home from Rocky Neck and I'm sad we haven't gone before!! My oldest and i got bacon cheeseburgers and it was seriously one the best I have EVER had!!! Your workers were super sweet and friendly and everything was amazing. Can't wait to go back!! read more

Stopped here this afternoon on the way back from the shore... A clam shack seemed an appropriate stop for a snack. The good: cute, clean, ample seating. Burgers are hand formed and quite good. Skin-on fries are not too greasy. They don't take cc, but ATM is located inside. The bad: first negative indication might be the signs on the napkin dispensers limiting patrons to 2 napkins each! There is a $.75 charge to refill soda! Staff is disinterested in their job. There are no lobster rolls on the menu - unacceptable! Crab cakes are VERY poor! Obviously purchased frozen, they gave a hard shell-like crust and contain an odd mixture of what looks like rice? It must contain crab, but I couldn't see any. Maybe 5% of some shredded frozen stuff mixed with 95% filler. The "homemade" clam chowder is gummy and flavorful. There must be other choices in the area - find them instead! read more

Did not enjoy: Clam fritters. Tasteless and overcooked Whole bellies on a roll. Greasy Onion rings. Bland Curly fries. Surprisingly good Cheeseburger. Not bad. Choc milk and iced tea. $26 total. Fairly cheap. Vet behind us claims they charged him for a cup of water. Wouldn't doubt it. Seems a nickel and dime you type joint. Only went figuring it would be better than what was at the dinosaur place. Should have hit subway on the way in like others did. read more

If this is the same restaurant that I have been visiting since 1986, then it is almost as good as Bob's in Maine. Go for the clams, or the burger. The seafood is all fresh, and breaded right then and there, not frozen and thawed, and in canola oil. The onion rings are great! Save room for dessert. Across the street is a fun place for kids with dinosaurs. read more

Home of the overpriced 20 minute hot dog! I work down the road and have gave this place a try a few times trying to get a quick bite on my 30 minute break. Every single time I've been I can barely get back on time and I'm eating on the ride back just to be able to have lunch this place is extremely slow and overpriced read more

I enjoy this place for its food, not just its name. Don't waste your time getting the clam strip roll; go straight for the whole belly clam roll. They are small, sweet & tasty. Also, do yourself a favor and get a side of onion rings. They are always cooked to perfection & the batter is light and tasty. read more

David's Place - Whole belly clam roll with a side of onion rings. Yum! - Seafood Near Me - Oakdale, Connecticut

Our experience here started off good. The girl who took our order, she was the blonde girl, was polite, funny, informative. The only thing I didn't like really was that they grab the bun with their bare hands. They are also touching everything else, money, food items, etc...anyways, she was so kind. Our food came out quickly and the clam chowder was actually amazing. One of the best I'd ever had. I wish I could've given more stars! But it all went downhill when my husband, my daughter and I went to get icecream. My child ordered hers and she's 6, so she didn't think to ask if they had whipped cream. It wasn't labeled any where so she couldn't have read it. After she was handed her icecream, I asked if there was whipped cream and if so, nay she have some one hers. I was very polite. I've worked in customer service/the food industry my entire life so I know what it's like to be in the other end so I always try to be really kind and tip well, etc. any way, she grabs the ice cream back with a heavy sigh and ROLLS HER EYES. It wasn't even busy! I think it was us and one other person. She then comes back super annoyed to take the rest of the orders. It was like a light switch over a question. It really rubbed me the wrong way because it's not like my family and I were difficult. She then proceeded to say to her coworker..."I need to go into the dining room area after this because I can't do this anymore tonight" meaning waiting on the customers. I really will not be back due to that service. Which is unfortunate. read more

Nice place , decent food. I gave one star for 1 reason. The day my wife and I are there, iwas in line waiting for seafood, some other customer ordered hot dog and hamburgers. The owners wife who takes the orders place all the buns on plates with no gloves on after handling filthy dirty money from other customers. This is not the first time I noticed this. I have been there on 2 other occasions, and witnessed the same thing. It's a disgusting habit they need to correct, or a lot of people are going to get sick. read more

Fish n Chips are the Best I have had for this area. The batter is light and Cod is more than enough. Curly fries is a Must read more

The lobster rolls are always stuffed to the max, the whole belly clams taste like they are right off the boat, and the fries are super on point. We always make it a point to stop here when passing by. You need to try this place if you haven't. read more

Food was lousy... My daughter ordered a fried chicken sandwich, which was tasteless, as were the curly fries... My hot dog was meh... The only good thing is it's cheap... read more

Stopped here for lunch after visiting The Dinosaur Place. The food was really tasty & fresh, staff were lovely, and the food came out quickly. The prices were reasonable as well! read more

Food was good, what I expected for a roadside place. Was kind of grossed out that the girl working the cash register was writing you order on the styrofoam plate, which your food was going to be placed on, but even worse was that she was taking your money without gloves, then she putting the rolls on the plates and didn't wash her hands. Can't say I will go back. read more

Stopping at this place is probably my biggest regret in life. My girlfriend and I stopped here one afternoon after running errands. While standing in line, we could hear the staff members being snooty with one another, bickering over work related responsibilities. This was not surprising, considering both staff members were extremely young. The bickering lasted the whole time we were there. Staff then accused my gf of taking the wrong meal, even though they confirmed with her that she was taking the right meal initially. The tone and dialogue by that particular staff member was rude, unprofessional, and down right immature. After my gf apologized, she asked if her order could be corrected. Staff member said she'd have to purchase her meal again for the correction to occur. I'm trying to remain professional, so this review is considered by future readers. My true feelings: ***k this place. It's that simple. Go to Harry's or the Pilot House in Haddam. read more

I ordered a chillidog here and I swear it was just Alpo on a hotdog. It's not that good. Go to Harry's instead. You'll wait a little longer but the food is much better. read more

Apparently, I'm the only one who has ever complained about the Lobster Roll! So says the manager/owner. I've been here a handful of times. Always consistent, roadside summer fare. This time I ordered the Lobster roll- tasted like a tin can, and so much butter that the roll disintegrated. I hesitated to tell the manager, but at $12.99, I thought I should. I simply asked for a clam roll and chowder in exchange. He was very hesitant to comply, and went on to tell me that I was the only one who has ever complained! I told him not to take it personally, it's just lobster! We won't be back anytime soon. read more

I ordered two cheeseburgers and both came out three minutes later completely raw. gross.

Made my yearly stop to Dave's place. We had burgers fries and a chocolate shake. Awesome way trend a great day at bluffs point with the dogs! You can't go wrong. Remember...CASH ONLY! read more

I do not eat shellfish. This fry shack (not clam shack) is reliably good. Hand made fries and onion rings, good fish portions and great greek gyros. Hard to blame a restaurant for attempting to be less wasteful with napkins etc, and we all know that you don't need that refill on soda. read more

Omg I just ate there and it was almost the best food I have ever eaten! The chicken sandwich was Good but could have been better. The staff was amazing! Would go there again if I had time. Stop there now! read more

Was driving down the 85, and decided to stop in for lunch at a friends insistance. Best decision ever!!! I had a Gyro at the suggestion of the waitress, and she was right on the money!! Staff is friendly and helpful, and the food is delicious! read more

Good burger and ice cream. Excellent fries. Great value and nice people. The place is clean and a nice place to stop.

I go to Davids a few times each season.Stopped today,and got a chili-kraut dog,which I loaded with their spicy relish,and also got a cup of chowder. Both items were top notch,and only cost $6.Cant beat that. I didnt get them this time,but Davids hand cut fries are some of the best.The steak grinder is also a keeper.It is a bit much if your by yourself though.(I`m not complaining.) read more

This restaurant is one of my second homes. I often go here with friends after biking on the grassy hill trails or spending the day at the dinosaur place. I love their hot dogs, cheeseburgers, and milkshakes. read more

This place is great! Old school style, order at the window and grab a table. They have outdoor and indoor seating available. Indoors has shoreline decor, restrooms and an old school pac-man machine! Staff is fast, friendly and to the point. Located across the street from 3 museums, this place is the perfect afternoon and/ or early evening stop! Oh and the food is delicious. read more

Our go to place for grilled hot dogs and onion rings. Always tasty and never a disappointing meal. Only bad thing is that they close for the winter months. read more

Disappointing. Hadn't been here in years. Fries excellent but other meals not as good as We hremember.

We had the fish and chips and they were delicious. The cod was fresh and thick. Great service. Not much to look at but the food was worth a trip. read more

I'm not sure what the other poster meant but they do serve Lobsters rolls. They also serve seafood rolls. I've had both of them. I prefer my lobster rolls cold but their hot buttered lobster rolls are great. There is also no sign limiting napkins or anything. When I dropped an entire tray at the counter one time the owner quickly cooked me another meal at no charge. They go the extra mile for their patrons and the evidence is seen by the continuos flow of customers throughtout the summer season. Prices are good to average. You can easily walk away stuffed for $10. My family of three cant eat more than $20 worth of their food as the portions are generous. The owner does a great job at keeping the entire facility clean and in top shape each year by updating things as needed. I haven't had one bad thing on the menu and I've been going there two Weekends a month for the past ten years. Their gyros are excellent and one of their specialties. Their fried seafood rivals Bob's in Maine. Their burgers are moist but not overly greasy like Harry's in colchester. Harry's burgers taste great but for the grease and fat that drips down your arms. A fried favorite is their fried broccoli. A heaping plate that tastes delicious. Their chili dogs, one of my favorites, are just right. Great dogs cooked to perfection with a ground beef chili sauce that is just the right side of hot. The staff does a great job especially during the busy periods. The wait is rarely long even though there is almost always a line. The staff even recognizes regular customers and often has their order started before they reach the window. That personal touch is what makes restaurants like this stand out. The season starts early March and they close for the winter October 31st. It's always a sad day when the Open flag comes down for the winter. read more

The ladies at the window are friendly though busy calling out orders. Lots of communication among cook staff. I'd stick to the hot dogs and sandwiches as the locals were ordering. The crab belly (whole) is half the size of what you get from those known seafood shacks in New London and the technique of onion ring is not good where the batter comes off, although it's served fresh. Fish sandwich wasn't too much to talk about. I'd say a solid place to order for passing through when you're hungry but don't count on over the top or average food as a foodie. read more