Bad. Real bad. Decided to venture out of MA Saturday night. Took a look around Yelp to see if any place caught our eye in the Hartford/Manch area. Fiancee saw Elmo's and said the reviews looked ok and we should give it a whirl. So we did. First let's start off with the fact that the address on here is wrong. When I click the address to be taken to my Maps app and given directions, it brought me to an empty field. Great. After calling the place for clarification, we finally arrived. It was 8:00pm so I was still expecting a crowd. I should've known better when we walked in to find a nearly deserted restaurant. Sigh. We were seated and a waitress arrived with a "what do you want to drink" instead of a hello. Oh goody we got the crotchety old lady. Joy. Since we had just been seated, we asked for a minute to review the drink menu. Before I even finished my sentence she had taken off. She returned a minute later, making it very clear that she would rather be anywhere else but working there. I ordered a dirty martini. Since it was listed on their drink menu, it seemed to me that they would be well trained in the art of making a martini (hint: it's the easiest drink in the world). But alas, I received a shot glass amount of liquid in a full martini glass with so much olive juice, that I'm fairly certain my blood pressure was through the roof within a minute of tasting it. Horrendous. Lucky for my fiancee, his coke was perfect. We ordered the calamari, which sounded basic but promising. The garlic and peppers were nice but some of the garlic was still raw. The calamari itself was clearly frozen. Disappointing. The marinara sauce it came with tasted like Prego. Our entrees arrived quickly. His chicken parm looked good and so did my linguine with clams and red sauce. I was thoroughly underwhelmed by the dish. The pasta was stuck together in clumps (really? This still happens in restauants?!) and the red sauce lacked much taste. The clams were meh. Certainly not fresh. Across the table, my fiancee failed to finish his dish which was concerning as he is a human vacuum. Clearly a bad time had by all. I really appreciated the person who brought the dingy old vacuum out to the middle of the floor around 9:30. Thanks for letting us know we should high tail it out of there but believe me, we were already sprinting to the door, praying we got home in time for food poisoning to set in. read more

The seafood crepes gave me a stomach ache. We have been to the bar side lots of times to watch sporting events back when we did not have cable TV. The bartender is great with drinks and as a food server. We thought we would try the restaurant side and were somewhat disappointed. The parking lot was full, but the restaurant nearly empty, as most people ate in the bar. We were greeted at the door by a very pleasant maitre d', who explained the specials on the blackboard at the entrance, some of which seemed a wee overpriced. The decor is a little dated. We sat at a booth with a formica table - linen napkins, but no tablecloth. The bread was sort of warm, but stale. There were some crispy, cheesy flatbreads in the basket, though, which were quite good. Service was O.K. She brought us another bread basket, forgetting that we already had one, but that bread was stale, too. Many of the dishes had baby spinach as an ingredient, so I asked if I could substitute sauteed spinach as a substitute for the potato or rice side . It was a $4 upcharge and I got the double baked potato instead, which seemed like it had been prepared way (days) in advance. I had raw littlenecks as an appetizer, which I usually do at Elmo's because they're always small, tender and reasonably fresh. My wife had rigatoni with butternut squash and chicken; it was excellent. My seafood crepes, however, were another matter. I don't know if the lobster, shrimp or crabmeat was not fresh, but they were very fishy. Normally, I would have sent it back, but it was 8:00 and I did not feel like waiting. They were actually more like burritos than crepes, with the wrapping being very heavy and tough - not right for a delicate seafood dish. They were supposed to come in lobster "sauce," though it looked suspiciously like lobster bisque. Try the bar side, but avoid the dining room. read more

four of us went for valentines dinner ,reservations for 6:30 pm. could only order off the valentine menu, which was fine ,they had a good selection, but at 6:30 prime rib was not longer avalable. the 2 men were very disappointed . one wanted to order a cobb salad, but was told not on the special menu. how hard would it have been to make a cobb salad? other wise the seafood platters were very good, normal size portions. waitress was wonderful! nothing special went in toit being valentines day ,we probably wont rush back. read more

Food was pretty good... It reminded me of Chowder Pot... I was certainly full after the appetizer, salad, bread and my meal... The lobster bisque was AhhhhMazing... Additionally, the owner walked around making sure glasses were full and just being pleasant all around (such a nice guy). It's certainly a restaurant for the older crowd. You won't find any music blaring in this place. read more

While very cozy due to the gas fireplace and dim lighting, the atmosphere is still lackluster. The joint smells like fish (not in a nice, oceany way - in a putrid, fish rotting in the sun way). We ordered the calamari with garlic and marinara, a Bud, and a Skinny Colada, all denizens of the happy hour menu. My Colada was sickeningly sweet, flat, with no hint of the seltzer promised in the description. The calamari hadn't seen salt water since harvested by Mrs. Paul sometime last year. The Bud was fine. The true piece de resistance was having to listen to the disgruntled bartender bad mouth a co-worker. This woman made no bones about what an effing b**** her coworker was. Overall, disappointing. Boo. read more

Good seafood dishes. A little pricey for what it is. Staff was very attentive.

I'd driven by this place a million times but never went in until recently. It was good but not sure if it's worth the price. Normally a seafood eater, I opted for a chicken dish when we went. No complaints. The calamari was great (but how can you screw up calamari) as were the raw oysters. The staff was incredibly friendly and made you feel at home. I may try this place again sometime to give the seafood a shot. read more

I like Elmo's! Everything fresh, well run, and competent. Been here a dozen times, and every time a winner. No "dockside" but who cares, when you can serve pork chops like Elmo's can! read more

Sandy is a fabulous waitress! The clam chowder is creamy and has many clams in it. Yum! The prime rib is excellent in cut and cooking. Only served on fri and sat. Go early otherwise they are out of it. HUGE cuts. The clam strips are tasty cooked in clean oil. Rare in these parts of CT. read more

Date night awesome food was great and the staff was attentive owner very hands on. I had the veal parm and the wife had the seafood crepes. The sweet potato fries were made by had and out of this world. read more

I stopped at Elmo's while on my way to Taco Bell (sudden change of heart) :P. I hadn't been here in years and had a sudden craving for seafood as I was driving by. I ordered the calamari ceasar and oysters from the raw bar. The oysters tasted fresh, though the cocktail sauce was nothing to write home about. The ceasar dressing was tasty and I was given a generous portion of calamari. read more

Splendid meal. Portions were large. Stuffed sole was succulent. Crapes were very well prepared, almost like a mini seafood chimichanga.

This restaurant isn't bad, especially for a seafood place far from the coast. Quiet. Service was okay, not great. I'd go back.

Came here because of a referral and i've never been so humiliated by the service upon entering through the door. Waitress was rude and treated my husband and myself as if we weren't good enough to be there. I felt so awful that i just walked out. Don't know if ill ever return. read more

I have dined here many times and will continue to as long as they stay in busines. As I have only eaten on the bar side the service is amazing! The lobster bisque is full of chunks, the clams on the half shell are always fresh. All in all this place is a must if your in the area. read more

Good prime rib and specials. A bit pricey but good seafood. Place can get pretty busy and service can take a hit. We waited 25 minutes for our waitress to take our drinks and another 20 for her to take our order. But the food was solid and good atmosphere. read more

Had dinner on a Thursday night. This used to be my favorite place to go. I don't know what happened in the last 2 years but I've tried this place a few times and I'm not happy at all. I ordered the shrimp scampi and my date ordered the baked stuffed shrimp. My scampi had no flavor and the shrimp was over cooked in both dishes. The clam chowder looked good, salad was ok and the bread/chips were old, not warm at all. The whole belly clams were good, but again, 3 stuffed mushrooms for 7.95. I would've passed. The table across from us was piled with dishes the whole time we were there. My left overs had 2 shrimps and some noodles. I checked when I got home and there was only a cup of noodles,no shrimp, thats not cool. The staff was friendly but I'm sorry it was a waste of my money. read more

Visited with 2 guests 2/11/2012. Moderate crowd, clean facility, spare decor, but friendly enough. Friendly wait staff Significantly high prices. Stunningly so. Had 1 cup of lobster bisque, 1 cup of chowder, 2 Po' Boy sandwiches and 1 fish and chips. 6 glasses of wine. Mainly everything tasted fine, but not exceptional - which is what the price suggests you should be getting. Fish and chips pieces seemed a lot like Gorton's. Nothing special for 18.00. Po' Boy sandwiches were, each, 5 small fried oysters dwarfed on shredded lettuce and a large torpedo style sandwich bun. One of the oysters even had 2 pieces of oyster shell the size of green peas attached and fried into it. Not being one to make a scene, and since I certainly did not hurt myself when I found the shell bits in my mouth, I was very discrete in letting the waitress know. She took the pieces away; when she returned, she let me know that the chef was happy I had not hurt myself. Instead of comping the sandwich, or perhaps comping the wine, or perhaps offering another round of glasses, or perhaps offering a dessert, he instead offered that the shell bits were just "...a natural product..." I certainly concur with that assessment, however, oyster shells are one natural product that just I choose not to eat. Call me fussy. I would not go back. I would just not go back read more

I am very dissatisfied with this place we start off with my girlfriend get in a sangria the fact that Olive Garden makes better drinks is disgusting then we order appetizers stuffed mushrooms it was undercooked in the stuffing part was disgusting no we ordered our meals we ordered the $10 Burger and a surf and turf the burgers were discussing they're leaving pick up item that I did not want to eat it the surf and turf steak was alright if shrimp was cooked with the stuffing that they used was disgusting they offer you free bread I wouldn't even feed that to my local birds I know that next time I am hungry I will never ever ever think about going to this place we had an awesome server her name is Jane she was phenomenal so that I hope that you reading this will the side on whether not you eat at this is disgusting establishment thank you read more

One of our favorite restaurants in the area. The bar dining is loads of fun, wait staff always friendly and attentive. My husband loves the fried oysters and they are a bargain. I love the shrimp cocktail, it is the best I have ever had. Oysters are fabulous. The chef always has at least three specials besides the great menu. This is a local favorite read more

I enjoy this place. The lobster bisque is delicious. I love that the salads are always cold and crisp. The environment is pretty cozy Inside. I have also has a good experience with the service. They also have a great variety on the menu. Would recommend it! read more

Decided to try a local establishment this year on our way through town. Lobster bisque was tasty, and prime rib was excellent. Dinner was a bit slow to come out, but we were not in a hurry. Will stop by again. read more

Kitchen closed over an hour early. Sorry you cannot just do that on a whim. Some people drive out to your place and it is just disappointing because I will never come here again. read more

This place is not bad but not like the seafood that I've had at the shoreline of Connecticut. The fishing and chips were pretty good but not excellent. The waitstaff was nice and helpful. I think the thing is is that the food was good but not for the price you pay. read more

The food was excellent. Wait time was somewhat lengthy, about 40min during a lunch hour that was not crowded... Other customers who ordered after I did seemed to get their food before me... The food was well worth the wait, so that's a plus, but it's negated because I had to eat quickly and return to work. The wait staff was slow at times, to greet me and to issue a menu. read more

Mussel appetizer excellent ... Love the staff and atmosphere .. Exceptionally clean. Will stop in again on one of my many trips between Massachusetts and New Jersey ... read more

I did not want to try Elmo's but my husband had heard good things from someone, so we met for an early dinner in a recent Tuesday with our daughter. The menu was what I expected. Our daughter had a cheeseburger and fries, which were fine but I wish they offered a veg with the kids' meals. I ordered the Baked stuffed shrimp. Overcooked with typical, old-school stuffing. I thought I had read "Ritz crackers stuffing" and it definitely did not taste like Ritz at all and was rather mushy. My hubby, however, had the Baked stuffed Scrod, which was delicious and the stuffing really did taste like Ritz. The server was nice enough but lacked confidence so made for a slightly uncomfortable experience. Overall, it wasn't terrible but I wouldn't go back unless I had no other options. read more

Very good food, but a little over priced. Paid $23 for a $17 meal. Lowering the prices or give bigger portions would give this place a couple more stars. read more

Seafood was very good. Timing was great - atmosphere very welcoming and comfortable- I would recommend the clam strips!

We had the Cod sandwhich, Chicken wrap, and a Reuben Sandwhich. Everything was excellent but the name of the restauraunt can be a little confusing seeing that its not actually dockside. All together great little restauraunt to grab some food. read more

This was by far the worst dining experience that I've had in years. The only reason I am giving a one star rating is because the waiter was nice and professional. I was there on a first date,And the floor was covered with food and garbage. We were seated in the dining area by the door where a couple of the employees were dumping out silverware to roll up for the following day. I couldn't even have a conversation with my date, and then after I received a large bill for two pieces of fish and three drinks,We were rushed to leave so they can vacuum the floor while we are finishing our drinks. I will never go back to this establishment in my life! read more

Love this place! Worth the trip. Everything we ate was excellent. We had appetizers to desert. Great prices. Exceptional value. I left stuffed and brought home some leftovers for lunch the next day. Outstanding service. Super friendly employees. Family friendly. Nice atmosphere. Care goes into everything and it shows. One of my favorite places to dine anywhere. read more

autum, sherrie, phyliss are the best and definitely coming back :) food was great but the service was better

Great restaurant and great service, everything is great to eat BUT stay away from Fried calamari, serviced on bed of lettuce (have never had calamari serviced on lettuce) and it's under cooked with banana peppers. Really disappointing. read more

My husband and I went here last night for dinner, we had oysters on the half shell and stuffed mushrooms for appetizers. Both were awesome, we both had the Prime Rib special oh my goodness been a long time since I had one that tender and juicy. They are a little pricey but well worth it. The service was great out waitress was wonderful, she knew when to check on us and when to not bother us. We will definitely be going back. read more

We find ourselves at Elmo's on a fairly regular basis. The food has never diappointed the wait time to be seated is non-existent. The owner is friendly, always taking the time to pull a lobster out of the tank for my young kids to see and touch. The staff is mostly pleasant and exude a sense of patience even when the children do not. Prices are fair and the overall ambience is what you would expect from a good seafood restaurant. read more

We live out of state but when we are in CT visiting family we make every effort to stop by Elmo's. We have spent much time on both coasts and the incredible quality of our meals at Elmo's keeps us coming back year after year. The menu consists of classics and innovative specials. We can never get enough of the delicious seafood but on a recent visit I tried the Reuben sandwich and it was the best I have ever had. Sandy is a fabulous waitress and the casual, comfortable setting, excellent service and wonderful food puts Elmo's in the top 5 of our all time favorite restaurants. Bill and Donna Denver, CO read more

Robert, the owner, has done a great job combining wonderful fresh food combined with a environment that makes you feel at home. Today we had "Rose" as our waitress and she was tremendously friendly and attentive. Great food, great fun, great environment! read more

We had the worst seafood meal EVER. Although the waitress was cordial, she never offered bread but the meal was inedible: limp and tasteless fried belly clamps and a grey, overcooked seafood platter with TINY scallops- the menu never said bay! You could count the no of fries and the coleslaw serving was the size of a tblespoon. When we commented on the meal, the manager never even came to found out what we felt was wrong. Go to Chowderpot if you want a real seafood meal! read more

Who would guess some of the best chicken and veal dishes are served here? It's true. Very good sauce, too. Elmo's never disappoints and the fish is always fresh (scrod and sole especially) and portions are ample. Highly recommend for lunch or dinner and very friendly wait staff. Well worth the trip! read more