We called a head to make a reservation and we were told they did not do that just to find out when we got here that they take "call a heads". After waiting for an hour, we checked on the status of our table and were told they gave our original table away because "they didn't think we'd fit at the table they assigned for us". We had 3 adults and 2 small children. We didn't even get the option to see the table to tell them if we could fit or not. During my hour wait I saw somebody in a black shirt checking the tickets in the kitchen and touching the food with her bare hands as if to see if it was still hot. The reception staff really ruined the dining experience for my family. We will never be coming back. read more

On my first visit, enjoyed a great lunchtime meal at Fishbones this afternoon. Started with the jumbo shrimp cocktail. Perfectly prepared and presented shrimp! Next, I sampled some oysters on the half shell that were as fresh and succulent as if they were pulled from the ocean just a few minutes before being placed before me. For my entree, I tried one of the daily specials, pan seared scallops over rice with cucumber and dill with a side of green beans. I should have taken a photo of this plate! A generous portion of large sea scallops with great flavor and texture that paired well with the cucumber and dill. Service was friendly and knowledgeable. If you love seafood then you will love Fishbones! read more

The Seafood Mediterranean is by far the best seafood pasta I've ever had in my life. It's true.. coming from Denver.. I am seafood deprived.. so maybe I'm speaking too much from a newbie perspective.. but still, it's definitely something I would come back to eat again whenever I'm in town. The scallops, jumbo shrimp, and lobster tasted so fresh and juicy.. thinking about all the flavors is making my mouth water as I type this review. The pasta was perfectly cooked.. and the sauce was perfectly savory and buttery. There was about a 40 minute wait to get a table.. but there was plenty of bar spaces where there was no wait. The staff was very nice and accommodating. The only fault is that they don't have beer on tap.. and it's all bottles.. :( NO BUENO. It's okay, I'll still come back for that delicious seafood pasta. Mmmmmmm~ read more

Fishbones - Seafood Mediterranean (sorry its so dark) - Seafood Near Me - Chelmsford, Massachusetts

Oh. My. My mouth is still watering just thinking about the seafood saute. It was jam packed with 2 huge shrimp, one lobster claw, half a lobster tail, and about 5 or 6 scallops. YUMMMM!!! I also had the New England clam chowder, which was really good. I thought it was a little weird that they brought my diet Coke out in a plastic bottle with a cup of ice, plus they don't have any beers on draft- just bottles as well. Not really a big deal though. I wish I came back another night the week I was up there, but never got around to it. Sit outside if you can- the inside seemed a little cramped. read more

Fishbones - Seafood Sauté - Seafood Near Me - Chelmsford, Massachusetts

Despite the campy name, Fishbones is a very elegant seafood restaurant! You may want to try to call ahead because this seems to be one of the most happening places in Chelmsford. There's seating inside, outside, and at the bar. The wine/beer/cocktail list is truly impressive! Both the red and white sangrias ($6) were delicious and just boozy enough. I would probably try a more elaborate cocktail next time because the bartenders clearly know their stuff. The menu changes seasonally, but there was a good distribution of classic seafood dishes and less conventional options like a tuna burger. You can also get the catch of the day prepared to your liking with your choice of sides. Whether you're craving fish and chips or looking for a lighter option, there's something for everyone! Speaking of chips, the house-made truffle chips were extremely salty but addictive nonetheless. I'm not sure what kind of dip they came with, maybe some sort of roasted garlic dip? The strawberry fields salad had strawberries, walnuts, goat cheese, and field greens. There was a little bit too much dressing--should have asked for dressing on the side--but the flavors were good! Our waitress was really nice and service was fast. It's a bit loud inside the restaurant but only because it's so busy! Overall, Fishbones really punches above its weight for the Chelmsford area! read more

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A mixed bag last night. We and another couple planned dinner out and they were in the mood for seafood, so we chose Fishbones. We've been before, but not on a Saturday night because it's usually so busy. I tried to call and make reservations, but they only do a "same-day call ahead". So, on Saturday morning, I called and put us (party of 4) on "the list" for 7PM. We arrived at 7PM and got "checked in". We got seated at 8:25. I asked what the point of "the list" was since it didn't seem to work at all. I did not get a satisfactory answer. It seemed to me that we would have gotten the same wait time if we'd just walked in off the street. No complimentary drinks for the long wait or anything. The host was polite about it but still. Once we got seated, dinner was excellent. Drinks were super and delivered promptly. Calamari appetizer was tender. 2 got scallops, one got the platter and I got the seafood stuffed eggplant. All delicious and plentiful. We liked it so much we ordered another round of drinks (also delivered promptly). We even went in for 2 desserts, which were both great. One - bread pudding which was excellent, but the baklava rolls were just fabulous. Rarely does dessert impress so well, but these were a fitting end to a wonderful meal. I cannot think of a good reason for Fishbones not to take reservations, really. The process of obtaining a table was awful and really detracted from our experience. We almost left about 5 minutes before our table was ready (after about waiting 75 minutes) and went to another place just down the road, which by then had plenty of seating. We'll go back, but probably only mid-week when there isn't any wait. read more

Went today for a late lunch for 3 and we enjoyed every bite. Outside seating was comfortable and service was great and so friendly. We had calamari, oysters, crab cake, ahi tuna , and baked scallops. Hot and fresh.. Oh and the drinks were delicious too. Wish we had room for dessert! read more

Walked in on August 7th for a table of 2. Was told 30-45 minutes wait, which we accepted. Spent money at their bar while we waited for our table. 1 HOUR LATER we are still not seated, despite having been told for about 20 minutes that "we are next". We watched multiple groups get seated ahead of us (parties of 2, 3 and 4) and when I addressed this with the hostess, she told me it is their policy to seat 2 people at 2-tops and that there weren't any available, but that we are next. I asked to speak with the manager who told me the same thing. When I asked if that made any sense that we should be waiting for over an hour and that they continue to stick to their policy, he told me there was nothing he could/would do. We left and spent our dinner money somewhere else. So word to the wise is that if you're a party of 2, you only get seated at 2-tops. If you are 3-4, then you have your choice of all the 4-tops, including getting seated ahead of a party of 2 who had been waiting for over an hour. The right thing for them to have done at that point was to seat the party of 2 at a 4-top since their wait was more than double what the wait estimate was given. I understand having the policy in order to control the parties to the size table that makes sense, but when the wait time extends this long, it's time to take care of your paying customers. The food here is pretty good (which is why I gave them a 2, not a 1), the service is hit and miss (but more miss than hit), but with this last experience, WE WILL NEVER COME BACK TO THIS RESTAURANT AGAIN. read more

One of the best restaurants in the area. Great food, great service, and a great atmosphere.

Great service! We called ahead for Friday .. it was packed! Now I know why.. 1st time trying both seafood sauté + stream lobster + red sangria and chocolate cake! So good! Fresh seafood and cute restaurant... must try! read more

Fishbones - Seafood Near Me - Chelmsford, Massachusetts

It was a Thursday evening, around 8:30 pm and we found a seat at the small bar where we felt comfortable sitting in our casual clothes while watching the kitchen do their thing. Another advantage of sitting at the bar was seeing each dish as it was prepared before deciding what it was that we would try for our first visit. I could see that the portions were large, so I decided to share whatever my husband wanted to eat. He chose the special for the evening- Bella Sole. It was a dish composed of perfectly cooked sweet and succulent scallops with a port wine sauce over a deliciously creamy risotto with asparagus. It was an absolute flavor explosion with each ingredient standing on its own yet playing so perfectly off of the other ingredients. I could have licked the plate clean if I didn't think it would have looked out of place. I applaud the chef for being inventive with his flavors and bold with the presentation of this particular dish. Finally a flavorful seafood experience that I can afford to have more than once! I will most definitely go back and try whatever special the chef comes up with next! read more

All I've been told is the food here us fantastic. First we sat out side for 20 minutes until greeted. Then 20 more minutes to order. The staff was poorly organized. The food.....tasteless and lacking in any flavor! Won't be returning read more

YUMMM!!! this was my favorite spot of the week. The place was packed on a Thur night and the food was amazing. Unfortunately I choose two drinks, and both times they were out of ingredients, that was a bummer! Settled for a glass of wine. Food was fantastic. It is loud here, almost to the point that you can't converse with your dinner partner. read more

Dined there this evening and was seated at the worst table in the house after bothering to call at noon to place a reservation. It was so unbearably cold at our table we asked twice to have the AC turned down. Ordered scallops wrapped in bacon, delicious! My husband ordered seafood casserole mashed potato and coleslaw. He got seafood casserole French fries and green beans. Sent that back. I ordered seared haddock and green beans. Both served barely Luke warm. Sent that to be heated up. Waitress didn't return with my plate until my husband's meal was 2/3 gone. Fish was heated up green beans still cold. By that time I was so cold I wanted to leave and left my meal 3/4 uneaten as my husband had finished his and I didn't want to wait another 15 to have mine reheated again. Super super loud!!!!!! Won't be going back! read more

Came here the other weekend on a trip to Nashoba Valley and hands down BEST chowder I've ever had!!! I wish they sold it by the quart so I could of taken some home with me! We liked the chowder so much we came back the next day for lunch before heading home. Female bartender working that Sunday afternoon was kind of rude but the male bartender was amazing and super sweet and attentive. Overall everyone else was great. Parking is limited and seats fill up. They don't do reservations but we got lucky sitting at the chef's counter for dinner. Try the chowder! Oh and oysters were also delicious and super fresh, we got them both days too! read more

The food is simply put, amazing! The table service is friendly and attentive. There are 2 reasons I can't give 5 stars. 1. Their call ahead service is kind of useless. You can inform them you will be dining with "x" amount of people and at a certain time and they will take note but once you get there you may have to wait an additional 40 minutes because they don't take "reservations". 2. Their host service was rude and not accommodating at all, almost standoffish. I'm making this observation based on my call ahead conversations and the multiple visits I've made to the restaurant. It has not improved in all the times I've been there. read more

Had a great lunch here. First off, I love the decor. It's slivery blue inside, airy and calming. They do the ocean theme enough to make it pleasant, but they don't overdo it. It's spacious and well-laid out, and I saw a smaller nook in the back that looked more private and intimate. At first my only complaint was that it was a little to cold inside, but the waitress was kind enough to notice I still had on my jacket and turn the air down (which it seemed other diners appreciated as well). The menu was great- a lot of fresh seafood options. There were so many things I wanted to try, but I had been craving a good lobster roll and so ordered that. it came with a side salad and fries, both of which were good, but the generous portion of delicious, slightly sweet, tender lobster meat was the real star of the show. My friend ordered the mixed grill, and said it was great. We also tried the bacon-wrapped scallops, which were really good. Overall, a lovely lunch experience. If I'm back in the area, I'd love to stop by for dinner and some wine sometime, and see what the ambience and crowd look like in the evening. read more

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If you are looking for great seafood, this is the place to be! Great ambiance! Great service! Great food! That makes five stars. This is my go to place when I visit and stay in Chelmsford! The oysters are absolutely incredible! There is not one thing on their menu that I haven't loved. From their deep Fried clams to their lobster roll to their mixed grilled Seafood to their lobster, their salads to their soups... everything is great! This is my second trip to Chelmsford and I have eaten their at least once everyday I've been there. I have even eaten there couple of times a day. I highly recommend that place. read more

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I love this place. I had swordfish steaks which tasted like they were cooked on the boat that caught the fish. Clean and fresh flavors dominate this place, but if you want a traditional New England Fisherman's Platter they have that as well. I had a Sapporo with my meal which was ICE cold.....and was offered an iced glass...always a nice touch. read more

Fishbones - Seafood Near Me - Chelmsford, Massachusetts

The restaurant was a bit noisy but the food was wonderful! Might be the thickest clam chowder I've had - loaded with clam! Lazy Man Lobster was great as were the sweet potato fries and sautéed spinach. The muscles appetizer was delicious! BTW the desert special - apple crisp ice cream - was quite unique and just scrumptious read more

Fishbones - LazyMan Lobster - Seafood Near Me - Chelmsford, Massachusetts

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Just had a great meal! Mixed seafood grill. Delicious ! Justin, our server, was top notch! read more

So why a 1 star... The food was good, service was fair but halfway through my dinner they had me move so their could fit another party of 4 next to me.... NBD I thought, but I asked if they could comp dessert since I was helping them out. I asked the server a number of times not to forget me and she seemed apprehensive and it didn't happen. Well Jennifer and whomever your food manager is, you move me in the middle of my meanl and you can't comp me a dessert...... Please take a good look at that credit card number....... because you will NEVER SEE IT AGAIN....... read more

We love this place! Make sure to call ahead as they don't take reservations and it's always busy! We had strong drinks - pomegranate cosmo and blueberry cosmo which were both tasty. My BF had a cup of clam chowder and it hit the spot on a cool winters night. Our meals were Seafood Mediterranean and autumn salmon farroe with pumpkin spinach risotto - both were excellent and we ended up with leftovers. Finally, dessert was the K. O. K. Cake which was tasty but we would have preferred a warm dessert. Overall, a very enjoyable experience and we look forward to coming back next time we're in town. read more

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Love this place. Has great fish. Great atmosphere. Sometimes there's a long wait earlier in the evening. The best Onion rings around. The service is excellent. read more

Fishbones - Seafood Near Me - Chelmsford, Massachusetts

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Fishbones is a local seafood jewel. It has fair price for decent food. This is my second time here. Its a rainy Saturday before Easter and this place is packed for lunch. We sat at the counter next to the fish for sale refrigerator. We could have sat at the kitchen counter where you can watch the chefs prepare the food. My favorite for lunch is the Lunch Mixed Grill. You get large shrimp, salmon, sword fish perfectly grilled with vegetables served on bed of rice for $11. superb deal. Their other lunch dishes are pretty much great taste, nice portion and fair price. The best part is you can also buy uncooked seafood here to DIY. read more

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Parking-wasn't sure where the parking lot was. Parked on the street Ambience-very nice Food-one large plate came with only the fish on it, crab cakes were good. Fish dishes were good overall. Desert- good crunch with ice cream Service-good Price-I thought the prices were high. Cleanliness-clean environment They need to make reservations. Not sure why they don't. Not many options in Chelmsford. Focused Foodie read more

Went to Fishbones on our way home, too! Had to update...second as good as first (even on a Tuesday!) Lobster Mac and Cheese was fantastic. Big, tender chunks of lobster in a velvety cheese sauce with elbows and topped with potato chips toasted under the broiler. Gluten-free crab and spinach-stuffed sole over rice was perfect. Clean, simple flavors and delicious. read more

DELICIOUS! I am big seafood fan and this is definitely one of my favorite restaurants in Lowell. When we got there on the weekend. It was packed. We were lucky enough to get 2 seats at the bar. I got the seafood sauté and it was probably the best pasta dish I ever had. Everything was perfectly cooked and the flavor was well balanced. The size was decent but I cleaned the plate very quickly. My husband was shocked at how much food I inhaled. He tried a few bites and loved it as well. Definitely recommended. We willba back for sure. read more

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ok revised review and i have heard others with the same complaint food great service great portions great noise can be awful...... read more

Had the best cooked scallops I've ever had here. Got the beet salad (add scallops), clam chowder and the botanical gin spritz, everything was delicious. Can't wait to try more on the menu. read more

I live locally, so I've been to Fishbones at least a half a dozen times - for a while it was the only game in town if you wanted something nicer than Friendly's. I've never been bowled over by Fishbones, but kept trying, I figured I was missing something - the place is always packed, and they don't take reservations, so there's always a wait (even when you call ahead). I finally decided to write a review because this last trip was my final trip. I've sworn FB off before, but this time I mean it. The straw that broke the camel's back was when my niece's seafood saute didn't have one bite of lobster. She decided to not send it back (it would have taken forever), but she did tell the waitress when she picked up our plates. There was an apology at the table, but nothing else - no $ off, no comp dessert or something that would have taken the sting off of a $29 dollar meal that didn't even include the ingredients for which you are paying. This trip was because we had decided to go back to FB one more time - a special treat - our Christmas presents to ourselves. We had the calamari appetizer. The calamari was cooked perfectly, but had no taste. My husband ordered the lobster risotto (he said it had too many sun-dried tomatoes), and I had the seafood casserole (same as the calamari - nicely cooked, but no flavor). We shared a chocolate mousse for dessert. We got home and started rummaging around for something to eat - we were hungry! My other experiences at Fishbones have been disappointing. We called ahead for a table, but still ended up waiting 30 minutes (on a weeknight!), service is perfunctory, ordered a crab cake appetizer and a salad, salad came with the crab cake on top - not with advertised remoulade (and it was so dry, I had to request the remoulade), green beans - some would say crisp, I'd say raw. Steamed mussel appetizer - blah. Chicken fingers with mango buffalo didn't have any mango flavor. The one thing that is pretty good and consistent are the cocktails. Competitive prices, inventive, and decent pour. read more

Excellent in every way. Food prep and service have always been fresh, well prepared with good servers. I just wish they had more sitting. They get crowded. read more

We drove an hour from our home on the Seacoast for the trout; it's not available at any of the dozens of restaurants where we live. The trout was a birthday treat. Was it worth the drive? Yes! Our server and the chef worked around our allergies to deliver a delicious meal. It was a beautiful night on the patio; a unusually warm 72 degree night in November. There was no wait; we had "call ahead " reservation.. read more

The food is fresh and delicious and we enjoyed it very much. Service and ambiance is good too no complaints.

Great Place...co workers and I came here because it was close and we didn't want to sit in traffic. Glad we did...we will be back! read more

The food is always good, the staff is always pleasant. The problem is when you walk in the door you can see into the Kitchen and the staff are seen on multipal occasions eating their dinner. Now everyone is entitled to a break, but I dont want to see the cook eating his meal where he is preparing the customers. It is unhealthy read more

I honestly love coming here for the wine because the prices are SO cheap. $75 for Artemis and $95 for Caymus? Unfortunately they don't pair so well with oysters but they have a decent Sancerre BTG while you wait for your cab to open up a bit read more

Love this restaurant, but cannot stand the fact that they dont take reservations. I get why they dont - they can seat more people and make more money without taking them as the place is always packed! Best bet is to sit at the bar and eat there. Drinks are very good, but there is a female bartender, older on the larger side who is not very pleasant. Avoid her side of the bar if possible (its a very large, two sided bar with a bartender working each side). Everything is very good here, and the drinks are pricey but strong and worth it. read more

Ordered the fisherman platter and it was the worst I had I would say. The seafood was fresh but the batter is just dull and lack flavors. Truffle chips were salty, and the seafood sauté had maybe two fettuccine and a lobster claw. $28 for a bite of claw and one scallop. If it was tasty I would say priceless but did not even get that. read more

This was an amazing find - it's taken me over a year to post! I had no idea that downtown Chelmsford would be so busy - Oyster bar and crazy busy with wonderful food - who knew - amazing - go as soon as you are able read more