I went her with a friend for lunch. She had a clam strip sandwich which was loaded. It think it was around $10! I had the whole belly clams with fries and got a cup of Cajun crab soup to go. It was really good. The fried clams and fries were soaked in oil. It was perfectly done. We ordered inside and sat in their covered patio that has heaters. We'll definitely go back when we're in the area. read more

Delivery prompt. Friendly. Mixed fried seafood. Shrimp, scallops, clam strips and onion rings. Filets cooked perfectly. read more

Sandbar Seafood - Mixed fried seafood. Shrimp, scallops, clam strips and onion rings. Also filets. Cooked perfectly. - Seafood Near Me - West Haven, Connecticut

Great place authentic seafood very delicious Nice environment the food is fresh and very tasty

Love this place! We have been frequenting this restaurant for years whenever we drive past Connecticut. The staff have also been friendly and the food excellent! Love love their whole belly clams and lobster rolls! So happy to have found the place has survived the pandemic. read more

Sandbar Seafood - Whole Belly Clams Dinner - Seafood Near Me - West Haven, Connecticut

This was a hidden gem for me I can't believe I never been here before. They have been around for a long time I hear. There is plenty of tables outside to eat ,but no inside dining yet . They have plenty of delicious menu items from burgers to seafood ,but I wanted clam strips and shrimp meals today . They come packed with fries and coleslaw and enough seafood to share. The shrimp are large and delicious. I could only eat half before I was filled up . The fries are good. The clamstrips are on the small side ,but they give you plenty of them. I can't wait to come back to try more menu items. read more

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We stopped in on our way back from visiting friends in Rhode Island, and, boy, I'm glad we did! This no-nonsense, ma & pa-esque "fish camp" is the real deal. It's just utterly brilliant! Now, let me start by saying that this place is not going to win any interior design award, for ambiance is not what Sandbar is selling. What they are serving is really, really tasty down home fried seafood! Omg my mouth is watering thinking back on the experience!! Our choices on this visit included the fried fish, fried shrimp, fries, onion rings, and the lobster roll. And, seriously, everything we tried was on point! I will definitely be planning my next trip up that way around revisiting the Sandbar! read more

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Very fresh seafood. And good portion too, price is a bit expensive but worth it for the amount you're getting. It was very crispy too! read more

Sandbar Seafood - Seafood Near Me - West Haven, Connecticut

Our first choice was closed and Yelp helped us find this place. Good for a quick seafood bite. Everything is pretty much fried including dessert. Nice large shrimp and filet of fish. Two picnic tables for eating. Will be back! read more

Eh this place needs some updating. It's actually ugly inside and makes me think it's dirty even if it's not. The food we ordered was OK, clam chowder and chicken tender platter. The menu wasn't very cheap either and a few pieces of the chicken were rubbery and hard to chew. Fries were good though. There's just so many great options in the area that this place needs to think about how they can improve. read more

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Food was Good. I'm giving two stars based on sanitation. No one in the kitchen had gloves on whilst touching food to put them in the containers. There was no social distancing in the kitchen. There was like six people in this tiny space. Everyone one was talking over the food whilst it was being prepared. read more

Sandbar Seafood - Seafood Near Me - West Haven, Connecticut

Got their lunch special which is the calamari with fries and a Birch beer drink. I had high hopes for this place as it was recommended by a former coworker. The food wasn't fresh, it was frozen, the calamari tasted bland, how can that be? It seems like they add black pepper but there were no taste what so ever! The only thing that save the meal was the drink, which is sad. The parking situation, you'll be lucky to get a spot in a small lot, so you will have to risk parking on the street if there is not spot. But the place is clean but there wasn't much of a sit in customers around when I was there for lunch, I am assuming it's more of a take out place. read more

Sandbar Seafood - Bland, tasteless calamari with fries lunch special. Bonaparte - Seafood Near Me - West Haven, Connecticut

It's kind of dirty and just not that great food-wise. I was disappointed that we ate here and I really love fried seafood. It's not the worst thing in the world and it's certainly better than going hungry but I wouldn't travel out of your way for this place. read more

The food here is excellent especially the seafood large portions and great prices however they are Under New Management and every time I go there they are extremely rude unfriendly do not answer my questions and I just feel generally unwelcome when I go there you have to ask for everything ketchup and such even though I live close by and decided not to go there anymore I'm not sure why I just feel very unwelcome they don't smile or make conversation with you. I am wondering if anyone else has had this experience genuinely curious about this it's a shame because the food is so good but they seem angry as if you were a bother by being there I won't go there again read more

I would recommended this place by somebody at work. I went in around noon and I was probably greeted. I ordered the SandBar combo. The gentleman told me it would be about 10 minutes. I paid $36 for mine. It came with flounder ,clam strips ,sea scallops and large shrimp & onion rings all fried perfection. About 10 minutes later the kind gentleman was nice enough to bring it to me in my truck. It was quite delicious I think I will be back here again. read more

Sandbar Seafood - Sandbar combo - Seafood Near Me - West Haven, Connecticut

This is a great place. The cashier who took my order was very nice. She even brought my order out front to my car when it was ready which was very nice of her. The vibe feels welcoming inside. The scallops are amazing! I always get my mom whole belly clams. You can get the dinner or lunch option. read more

So my coworker suggested this place for lunch. The worst lobster roll since I enter New England last year. No way should this be $20. I was finjsh eating before the rest of my order was ready. I left hungrier than when I picked up. I am mad. Really mad. I knew from the pictures it wasn't looking fulfilling. Stick with your original guts and keep going by here. Mad and hungry. Not worth $10 for those little 6 pieces of lobster. read more

Tasty and Delicious Seafood. I've ordered from this restaurant several times over the course of 30 days. The taste/flavors of the seafood combos are very consistent. The best part is...I don't have a tummy ache after as I can am very sensitive to the grease/0il food is fried in. read more

Stopped in for the 1st time today for lunch. Ordered the Fish Filet platter (website needs to be updated, I payed $10.95 instead of the $9.95 price listed on their page). Fish was OK, nothing special, I've had better fried fish at other local seafood places. Fries and coleslaw were also OK. With all the other seafood selections about in the area, can't see a return visit to the Sandbar. read more

Sandbar Seafood - Fish Filet platter, at the Sandbar in West Haven, CT. - Seafood Near Me - West Haven, Connecticut

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This tiny seafood shack in the middle of no where was worth the detour on our road trip up to Boston from New York. I was on the hunt for fried whole belly clams and they didn't disappoint here. The prices were fair and portions were worth the price. We had the whole belly clams, a lobster rolls, and fried clam strips with a side of fries. It was fried heaven. The whole belly clams were perfectly sweet and briny. Everything was seasoned well and not too heavy or oily. Even the fries were really tasty. The lobster rolls was only claw meat which was different, but each bite didn't fill my mouth with lobster. It was still delicious, but not the best lobster roll I've had. We were even considering stopping in again otw back to NY, but passed through too late. read more

Shrimp roll. It tasted just like it looks; bad and old. I was excited to try this place. I'm sad it didn't hit the spot. read more

Sandbar Seafood - Shrimp roll. Tasted just like it looks. Bad and old. - Seafood Near Me - West Haven, Connecticut

Doesn't look like much when you drive by. I went in anyways because I had read a great review of this place online. I wanted fried whole belly clams and a fried scallop roll. Boy were they both delicious! The clams were fat & briny with just enough breading and the scallops were done perfectly soft they almost melted in my mouth. If you want great fried seafood check this place out! read more

Sandbar Seafood - Fried clams & scallops! - Seafood Near Me - West Haven, Connecticut

If u want good seafood, go here!! Nothing fancy but u will enjoy your meal!!! Will definitely put in only GO TO list!!! read more

Sandbar Seafood - Whole bell clam and scallops- very good!! No atmosphere but worth a visit!!! - Seafood Near Me - West Haven, Connecticut

I visited Sandbar Seafood last Sun. at lunch to try their lobster roll. I've been trying the lobster rolls at all of the seafood shacks in the New Haven area, and this one was the last remaining one left to try. Fortunately, unlike the other shacks in the area I've tried to date, this one is air-conditioned, which was a blessing given how ungodly hot it was last weekend. When I ordered the lobster roll, I was charged $19.05 for it, despite that the price stated on the sign is $17.95. While I realize that sales tax wasn't included in the advertised price, I have a hard time believing that sales tax is over 10%. If there was a surcharge for credit card use, this should have been stated. While I thought about saying something, I let it slide given that I asked for a cup of water after paying, which, according to the sign, was worth $0.50. The lobster roll was served in a timely manner after ordering. Unlike other lobster rolls in the area I've tried, it consisted of the intact meat from 4 claws rather than shredded claw and/or tail meat. It was served on a lightly toasted hot dog roll, and was accompanied by drawn butter. While it was alright, I didn't find it as unique or flavorful as some of the other offerings in the area. The lobster was tougher and not as sweet, and I wasn't a fan of the bun. Given that this lobster roll was more expensive than the rest of the local competition, I feel that better value can be found elsewhere. Thus, while this is the closest lobster shack to where I live, I prefer to make the trek to Branford to get an excellent lobster roll rather than settle for a mediocre one here...even if that means no air conditioning! read more

Sandbar Seafood - Lobster roll - Seafood Near Me - West Haven, Connecticut

I was visiting for a few days and this food shack was right around the corner of where I was staying. I yelped it and decided to try it out , it did not disappoint . I got the shrimp and fish lunch combo . I shared it and good thing I did because it was enough food for two people . The food was delicious. Great hole in the wall read more

Sandbar Seafood - Seafood Near Me - West Haven, Connecticut

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Seafood is a delicate food to cook, and this place knows how to do it right. We tried the shrimp, scallops, and calamari. Everything was perfectly battered, crispy on the outside, and not too oily. Most importantly, they were absolutely perfectly cooked, not one chewy bite!! It's served with fries and tartare sauce that's tangy enough to compliment the fried dish. The seafood itself was super fresh, the staff are friendly. This is the perfect meal to take to the beach! Highly recommended. read more

Pro's: The food is awesome. We did the mix platter dish. The waitress was very nice, and welcoming. She gave some suggestions which turned out to be worth ordering. Con's: The TV could be set to a more appropriate channel show. It was set to some mysterious murder case reality show, while I was there. After dining for a while, an older staff showed up and was quite loud, and seemed to be quite sarcastic to her customers as if she were talking to someone less inferior. It was quite demeaning. Fortunately, I didn't have to deal with that, but still, I lost my appetite listening to her loud and inappropriate remarks. read more

While residing in New England, one of my goals has been to absorb as much of the wonderful New England culture as possible before returning to the West Coast. And apparently, whole-belly clams are very "New England"! After a bit of Yelp research, a lovely friend and I visited Sandbar Seafood on a Monday afternoon around 2pm for some seafood indulgence. At about 2pm, the restaurant was empty - it was great; no lines, minimal wait for food, and a choice of seating. I ordered the whole-belly clams lunch special with onion rings, while my friend ordered a Pick-2 platter with clam strips and calamari, accompanied by french fries. Our orders were ready quickly and we chose to dine at one of the picnic tables outside. My whole-belly clams were amazing; cooked perfectly and not over-breaded. The onion rings were also fabulous. The Pick-2 calamari and clam strips were also good, though I enjoyed the whole-belly clams more. The calamari was one of the best calamaris I have ever had; quite tender, not sinewy or excessively chewy, really good. Sandbar Seafood had friendly staff and provided good and prompt service. Our food was made to order and was accompanied with appropriate condiments. Recommendation: -Order the whole-belly clams. If you're not sure whether you'll like them, opt to share an order with a friend. -If you choose to order their fried seafood entrees, do keep in mind that it's a heavy meal because they are breaded and fried. You may want to share a fried entree, accompanied by something lighter. The lunch size platters of fried seafood were filling, but I still found them pretty heavy. Verdict: I recommend Sandbar Seafood and plan to bring visiting family members. read more

Thank you, Yelpers, for finding this place!! Oh my God! I've never seen a lobster roll made with so much lobster! It wasn't chopped up and smothered in mayo like most lobster rolls. Nope. Just chunks of lobster, melted butter & lemon in a buttered, toasted roll. Unfortunately, I'm allergic to lobster so I got to sit back and watch my husband enjoy that beautiful creation. I opted for the fish sandwich and loved every bite! Skipped the bun it came on & the shredded lettuce but enjoyed the huge portion of fried fish. My 17 y/o son went with the foot long hot dog. In his typically eloquent style, he said it was "good". High praise from a picky eater. Quick off and back onto the highway so stop by for lunch or grab some for takeout. Friendly people, too! read more

Sandbar Seafood - Outdoor seating. - Seafood Near Me - West Haven, Connecticut

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I'm afraid I was disappointed! I have been staying w/ a loved one, who has been in the hospital for almost a week now and had a craving for fried shrimp and clam strips. I have my regular places I go, when I am near home. I was not familiar w/ anywhere down New Haven. I read some reviews and picked Sanbar Seafood. The packaging for the Chicken Parm sub was flimsy and on the bottom. The container came undone, while in transport and two tarter sauces ended up w/ the sub. The shrimp were o.k. The French fries - awful. Soggy and no ketchup. I did not see where I was to order the ketchup from online. I guess I missed it. The clam strips were edible, but not very good. The tartar sauce was horrific. The cocktail sauce was spectacular!! read more

I thought this was your typical seafood type of shack, and I was pleasantly surprised to find fantastic owners and cook who made my shrimp to order. Most of the menu was the standard fried fare- I asked if they could grill a few shrimp and do a shrimp sandwich like the lobster roll. Freshest bread ever! Perfectly cooked shrimp! If I drive through West Haven again, I'm grabbing a sandwich no doubt! read more

I would really give this place 3.5 stars but that isn't an option so I rounded up :-). I'm an out of town'r and found this place via yelp. Thought I would add my 2 cents. Ordered a lobster roll and side of fried shrimp. Let's start with the roll first. Though mine was not as pretty as the pics, it was filled with lobster meat. My order was to go (10 min drive to my hotel) but I couldn't help but pick some lobster meat off on the ride home. I have to say at the picking of the meat, I was disappointed. It was not very flavorful. I guess that helped me keep my hands off it until I could properly dress it. Once properly dressed with the drawn butter, it started to look up. Still not the best lobster roll but butter always makes things taste better. Now on to the shrimp...they were the saving grace of the visit. Great batter and perfectly fried. Whatever method they use works. And it withstood being boxed and bagged for 10+ minutes without losing the crisp! I'm a cocktail fan on shrimp and the cocktail sauce had the perfect twang. Don't worry, if you like tarter, they add that too. I can't attest to its flavor since I'm not a fan. This is more of a to-go type joint so not the place for a white table cloth type of dinner. The staff wasn't super friendly or exceptional in customer service. I never really expect that when I'm up north anyway (I'm a southern girl with northern roots). Bottom line is, I'd make a trip back when I'm in the area. read more

Sandbar Seafood - Side of fried shrimp - Seafood Near Me - West Haven, Connecticut

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Just a short duck-in off of I-95, not fancy, no table service, just the best fresh whole belly fried clams and lobster rolls around. If your goal is to eat your way north along I-95 at some of New England's best clam and lobster shacks, Sandbar in West Haven is worth a stop. read more

While in CT for my nephew first home game (Yale Bulldogs) the family and I were super starved after all the yelling and screaming and jumping up and down at the game so I looked to my saving grace (Yelp) and typed in Lobster Roll because I've been craving a good LobsterRoll. Our GoTo is Luke's lobster roll while in D.C or NYC and since we were heading back to NYC we planned to go stop by Luke's instead yelp pointed us to SandBar. I must say I was very skeptical because of the price of the LobsterRoll which was $16 and I know I pay $22 easy for the best lobster roll ever in my mind. Well I was wrong the price was amazing for the portion and amount of lobster provided on the roll. The items we ordered: The SandBar Box (Fried everything shrimp, fish, clams, scallops & onion rings) - everything was super tasty and the portion was GOOD. LobsterRoll - The roll had an amazing amount of lobster which was awesome however the way it was prepared wasn't my favorite. The drained butter is given on the side as oppose to the way we are use to LobsterRolls having buttery lobster meat on a buttery warm roll. The roll was warm but not as fresh in flavor it had an aftertaste sorta. The customer service is amazing the food is acceptable for a foodie who has experienced plenty of food. Those who haven't had such experiences would be extremely amaZed so I encourage everyone to try this place and don't let the look deceive you. Note: if it's hot out I don't suggest dining in as the windows don't open and there is no air conditioner. read more

Sandbar Seafood - SandBar Platter plus 2Warm LobsterRolls with butter and on a warm butter roll YUM YUM - Seafood Near Me - West Haven, Connecticut

The scallops and clams were so good! Tremendous value and nice people. As unpretentious as it gets

I always love the lobster rolls and fried clam strips from Sandbar. However, the employees nor customers are required to wear masks. The lot was also overrun dirty and overrun with trash. I need them to get there cleaning together. read more

This place has great food and cool and nice people that work there. It is Family run and that is pretty cool cuz u dont see that alot anymore. It really clean and the food is so good. I ordered a steak & Cheese and I thought they gave me 2 by accident but is was one sub just cut in half! haha. Lots of fries came with it, put it this way... i had so much food that i couldnt eat it all i had to take it home! And now i go there a few times a week and Chris and Rosina are the nicest people. :o) Go there! Try it! read more

I'm being kind because there was lobster involved. Don't get off the highway for this. Clam strips were the best thing we had... tried lobster rolls, calamari and chowder. Nothing to write home about. Bathroom was disgusting. Only used it because I was desperate. Would not go back. read more

Wow! Portions are huge! I had the lunch special whole clam platter. Clams tender and delicious. The fries were nicely seasoned and crunchy. I'd go back again in a heartbeat read more

Was really in the mood for seafood and searched seafood near me.. I've been to most of the restaurants in my area so I thought I'd give the sandbar a shot.. I got the calamari lunch special served with fries and marinara sauce. Food was ready in about 10 minutes, it was very good my favorite had to be the fries! The only thing I'd change was a little more calamari meat then breading.. but other then that I will definitely visit again. Calamari was crispy, seasoned, and fried perfectly as well as the French fries. read more

Sandbar Seafood - Calamari seafood special served with French fries, marinara and a lemon. - Seafood Near Me - West Haven, Connecticut

This place is a small New England style clam shack. Its located in West Haven, CT. No great views of the water or beach. Its near a dock but you can't actually see the water from the restaurant. There is a great view of an auto repair store and an abandoned building! What this place lacks in atmosphere, it makes up with its food. Prices are great! There are lunch specials, but or some reason are served all day. all are great values. Food is typical clam shack. If it swims, they fry it. Highlights are the whole belly clams, scallops and fish. Most dishes are also served with slaw and fries. Fries are nothing special but good. Slaw reminds me of school-cafeteria cole slaw, a little generic but strangely tasty. Lobster roll is definitely above average but not stellar. Hot dogs look good but never have tried one. Portions are huge. I dare anyone to eat a whole platter. read more