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    The Place

    4.0 (443 reviews)
    ModerateSeafood, American
    Closed 5:00 pm - 10:00 PM
    Updated 2 months ago

    The Place Photos

    THE PLACE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Dogs allowed
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - The Place

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    Reviews With Photos

    Kristen S.

    Very unique place. I feel its a must try at least once. BYOB and BYOEverything else if you want (tablecloths, side dishes, real silver-wear-etc. Everything was good but everything could've used some seasoning as well. This is not a fancy place so know where you're at. How many times are you going to sit on a tree stump eating wood fired clams? Service was great.

    Shrimp
    Rachel G.

    Such a unique restaurant that's worth a stop! The Place is a great lunch stop along 95. It's cash only and BYOB. All of the seating is outside, but some areas have a cover for shade. The menu is on a sign and it was hard to decide what to order. We chose the grilled shrimp, clam special, grilled corn on the cob, grilled whole lobster and a veggie kebab. Everything was cooked perfectly and it was fun to watch the employees work the huge grills. The clam special was topped with a sauce and I've never had anything like it before. The shrimp were juicy as well. The veggies had a great charred flavor and didn't need any seasoning. Anytime I pass Guilford on 95, I'll be sure to stop at The Place!

    Steamed mussels and shrimp
    Sarah K.

    This is a place that I saw on social media and saved in my list of places to go and I was so happy to finally check it out and it lived up to its hype. All the seafood dishes we had were good. The only thing that was not good at all was bbq chicken ($12.95). We didn't even eat it. We just threw it out. And the veggiebob ($7.95) was just okay. But we came here with the intention of eating seafood and we were happy with all the seafood we had, hence the 5 stars instead of 4 stars. Here is what we ordered and really liked: -lobster (can't remember what size) - $37.95 for 1.5lb & $31.95 for 1.25lb & $25.95 for 1lb - juicy and delicious -plain roast clams - $14.95 - came out on a steel grill put on top of the napkin dispenser -steamed mussels - $14.95 -shrimp - $6 for half a dozen & $11.95 for a dozen -roasted corn - $3.95 - they dip it in melted butter before giving it to you. Most expensive corn I've had in awhile. Good but could've had more butter on the actual corn when it came to the table What's cool to watch is that all the food is cooked over a fire grill in the center of the place, especially when they take the corn off the grill it in and dip in a container of melted butter. It's very rustic and chill here and definitely feels like camp vibes or just hanging out friends in your backyard grilling food and talking by the campfire. You sit on wooden stumps, which definitely fit into the vibes of the place. (If you're wearing a skirt or shorts, maybe sit in a regular chair because it is uncomfortable and hurts when you stand up from sitting down.) I wish I read all the reviews before coming here instead of just drooling at the social media videos about this place. Remember how I said that the vibes are chill here? They are so chill that it's BYOB, your own sauces, condiments, sides, snacks, drinks, and even your own tableware (plate, utensils, fancy cloth napkins, tablecloth), etc. Some people even brought little coolers to keep their drinks cold. What they have is very limited especially with condiments. So, if I ever go back, I'm gonna be more prepared. We were definitely super jealous about how other people came prepared while they were having a feast. Would I drive all the way here for an expensive meal here again for the vibes? Not really because I'm in NJ. Would I go if I was in the area? Yes, probably. If you are lucky to be living nearby or driving through or nearby, it's definitely a fun and yummy seafood place to check out. Things to know before you go: -It's all outdoor seating, so be ready for the bugs and heat. And I wouldn't wear anything super nice because there is ash flying everywhere. If you're not an outdoorsy person, maybe this is not the best eating experience for you. -It's CASH only. They accept checks, but does anyone use checks anymore other than to pay some bills? -When it's busy, there is a long wait, so be ready for that. -When you arrive, you find an available table and then a server will come and take your order. When you're done, there are huge garbage cans for you to throw out your trash. -I suggest bringing wipes because your hands will get dirty with the seafood. -I saw that some people brought their dogs, so if your dog is chill, you can probably bring it. -And make sure to bring any extra stuff for your meal as mentioned above because they only provide the bare essentials.

    Clams special
    Huiwen C.

    A no-frills cash only seafood place! The steamers, roast clam special, and corn are all must-gets! The steamers are so fresh and juicy. The clams with the cocktail sauce is just wow - the sauce pairs so well with the clams. The corn tastes almost like popcorn. The only item I would pass on is the lobster as it is very bland. Everything is super fresh and the food is cooked on a giant open fire. It is very casual with seating being tree stumps or plastic chairs so it is similar to eating at camping. All the staff are very helpful and accommodating.

    Joe C.

    Nothing Like It At The Place you sit outside on stumps around red topped tables and watch the food cook on the open fire. It's a relaxed fresh air experience. Cash or check only, BYOB and sides if you like. A whole lot of fun! Clams, lobster, salmon, steak, chicken, corn on the cob -- everything is cooked on a huge open fire. Outdoor seating ONLY, so come on a day that's okay with you. It's a hoot! Very enjoyable, incredibly casual. Bring a dog and they'll bring it a water bowel. Thanks

    Cat fish
    Mike Z.

    What a pleasant surprise on our road trip! A friend had been to this restaurant before and said they had a great clam dish. We stopped by on a drive and tried a bunch of items off of the menu. My friend was right, as the clam special was quite delicious! The grilled steak was quite good too. However, other items were just OK, and our key like tart dessert was a bit odd as it was a very sweet tart with somd lime syrup. Overall still a decent place to eat given the outdoor seating and nice ambiance!

    Daniella M.

    Fresh, High Quality, Delicious seafood. You can taste the smoky wood flavor in the steak especially. Bring your own sides and alcohol is a great concept. The corn on the cob is drenched in butter so good. Save room for dessert the mud cake is a 10/10. Definitely a unique experience. You sit on wood stumps but I did see some people bring their own camping chairs!

    Fire pit
    Michael W.

    What a fun and cool concept! Bring your own snacks & drinks, pick an outdoor table, order some seafood. Some tables have plastic chairs others are literally just tree stumps - so this may not be for everyone! But our group was comfortable and stayed for 2-3 hours. The roasted corn was so fresh and the char on it really made it even more enjoyable. I also had the steamers which was a large portion. I tried the mussels and I would recommend those over the steamers. Both were great tho. I also tried bites of the chicken and veggiebob which were also great. I felt like the size of the chicken for the price wasn't really worth it. Finished things off with an ice cream Sunday which hit the spot. Service is great all around, everyone working there was friendly. Really a great atmosphere for large groups of friends and family. Would definitely come back again. Maybe a little more prepared with side dishes next time.

    Here is the menu, it's posted on a pole. Prices may change.
    Joe F.

    When I was younger my family would go here in the summer. We called it rump on a stump because you sit on a log at round plywood tables and eat lobster and seafood. One of our favorite shoreline places. It wasn't until we started taking our kids there that I knew it was called The Place. Now that we are older it is a great motorcycle destination every summer. All the food is cooked over an open flame fire. I guess you can have boiled too, but definitely recommend the open fire. The roasted clam special if awesome and a must have. This is the only place we have fire roasted lobster - Excellent! It's also BYOB and all outdoors. One of the best summer places in Connecticut.

    Clams
    Ghislain C.

    Absolutely loved the concept! The ambiance is fantastic with the large BBQ setup and open tables where everyone can sit together. It's BYOB, and the service was excellent! We had clams, mussels, and lobster, everything was so fresh and flavorful. Highly recommend this place, but definitely come prepared for a fun and lively experience!

    Elisa F.

    My husband grew up in Guilford and I have always wanted to come here to visit! I'm not a big seafood girl, but recently have gotten brave and decided this summer would be the time to visit! It's completely outdoor seating where everything is cooked over a wood fire! It's absolutely iconic and a shoreline staple! I have to say I wasn't blown away by the food in any means, but the vibes are fun and perfect for a summer night with friends! We tried a bunch and split everything from the ribeye, clams, lobster and of course the corn. The corn cobs were my favorite and we asked for mine extra charred :) Our server was a complete gem and answered all our stupid questions. I was really excited to try the clams but unfortunately, they were a little too fishy for me. I'm just not a seafood girl! The ribeye was good but at $36 I think I could have made the same thing at home - there wasn't anything special about it. You definitely need to like seafood to eat here!! We really liked that they're BYOB and you can even bring your own snacks and sides. We saw families even have a tablecloth they brought! Get comfy and come for the shoreline summer vibes!

    Vegebob - good as a side dish but not a whole meal
    Laura L.

    Cute little outdoor place with tree stumps and plastic chairs for seating. The menu is small but has everything you could need. W got a roasted lobster and corn and V & I shared the roasted shrimp, vegebob, and a steak. The food was all excellent and cooked well, served on paper plates that worked fine for the most part. If you're getting a steak, maybe pack a plastic plate? Dessert was hot fudge sundaes (yum!) and key lime mousse (also yum). Service was great and seems like a fun place for a larger group. It's BYOB and cash only so hit your own ATM to avoid the fees.

    Shrimp
    Shagail S.

    Very unique experience. Must hurry to save seats. BYOB yes!!! lol very good corn!! Very good shrimp. BBQ Chicken without the bones. Steak was good!! Bland but good!! Will definitely go back!!!

    Grilled 1 1/4 lb lobster

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    27 days ago

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    1 year ago

    Really good food but what I don't like is when you sit outside but kind staff and great food 10 out of 10

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    4 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    1 year ago

    We love the Place. It's a happy atmosphere, the service is great, and the food is delicious!!!

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    5 years ago

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    11 months ago

    Should be called the Fly Place. Lots of flies, bees, mosquitoes and very dirty tables and stumps . It's a pass

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Excellent food and good clean service. Pierogies are delicious and stuffed cabbage is excellent.

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    Page 1 of 12

    The Place Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - The Place

    Can you bring your dog?

    Does the catfish have bones in it

    Do they take reservations?

    No they don't. But you can usually find a table. Try coming early or late. It's worth the wait in any case.

    If it rains, do you have indoor facilities?

    They don't have indoor facilities but they do have a tent covering if it rains

    View All 4 Questions

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    Country Tavern Cafe

    Country Tavern Cafe

    4.1
    (35 reviews)
    1.7 mi

    First visit today, December 2025. Walked in and found an old fashion bar with tables and a pool…read moretable. Lots of sports memorabilia on the walls. Friendly people! Ordered a local beer on draft. Yummy! Waiting for a burger & fries now. The regulars here highly recommend any of the burgers. First visit today, December 2025. Walked in and found an old fashion bar with tables and a pool table. Lots of sports memorabilia on the walls. Friendly people! Ordered a local beer on draft. Yummy! Waiting for a burger & fries now. The regulars here highly recommend any of the burgers.

    True Score: 4.5 Stars…read more What a find, booze and GREAT simple food. Who would have thought? This was close to a 5 star. Kind of stumbled upon this place. It's kind of in the middle of nowhere. Thank goodness we did. Here's the combination. Small quaint place with some tables but this is mainly a bar place. Great drinks, cold beer, and great food. I will emphasize this again, GREAT food. Everything is made to order, so don't expect to get your food in 10 minutes. It's a small place usually attended by one person, the bartender. Super cool patrons with a little sports on the tube. Hint: Order the French onion soup!! It's a must. The greatest bowl of FO we have ever had. Once again, who would believe it? Amazing spot that checks all of the old school boxes. We never miss it when we are in the area. Don't ever change. Thanks

    Photos
    The bar
    The bar
    French Onion - Ridiculously good
    French Onion - Ridiculously good
    French onion soup crock & Lemon Drop Martini   made with love, by Rose

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    French onion soup crock & Lemon Drop Martini made with love, by Rose
    Friends & Company Restaurant

    Friends & Company Restaurant

    4.2
    (113 reviews)
    1.7 mi
    $$

    First of all the staff was friendly and happy despite being busy. The atmosphere was cozy despite…read morebeing at a large table for 6 people. The crab and corn chowder was delicious though lighter in crab than I would have liked. Could have been "the pour" I guess. The Asian Salmon was delicious and something about the basmati was just right. Others got the crab cakes dinner, and the chicken salad wrap w fries, and the cod dinner. everyone was pleased and all plates were empty at meals end. We did notice it was hard to hear at the height of the busy time but wonderful to talk as it cleared out. There is beautiful art decorating the walls. This added to the homey feel. A nice variety as well. I especially noticed the quilted and framed art which were delightful birds and nature scenes. Some appeared available for sale and at very reasonable prices. Very nice spot, well recommended.

    If I was going to own a restaurant, this would be it. Everyone has their taste but for me this was…read moreperfect, from the name to the atmosphere to the food. The fireplace perfect on a cold winter evening. The food prepared with finesse. Even something as simple as the fries were above average-likely the oil used. For the portion and preparation and everything the food was priced very fair. The service was fast and friendly. A great place to watch the sunset and they have what looks to be a nice deck when it's not mid winter. We will be back again.

    Photos
    Dining Room
    Dining Room
    Crab and corn chowder
    Crab and corn chowder
    Beautiful Christmas Decoration

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    Beautiful Christmas Decoration

    The Place - seafood - Updated July 2026

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