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! read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

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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 read more

The Place - Seafood Near Me - Guilford, Connecticut

We love the roasted clams here! Never had roasted clams better than The Place in my life. Hands down, the best! Love the friendly staff and the laid back atmosphere! read more

Nothing says summer like this. Kick back and feast on fresh, flavorful food cooked right over an open fire -- the way it should be. We're talking plump, juicy clams and tender steamers bathed in garlic butter, sweet corn straight off the grill slathered in more butter (because why not?), and lobster so fresh it practically melts in your mouth -- especially with a splash of lemon and a dip in warm butter. And if that's not enough, there's a ribeye cooked to smoky, juicy perfection -- because surf & turf is always the move. If you're craving bold flavors, fresh seafood, sizzling steak, and that unbeatable outdoor vibe, head over to The Place in Guilford, CT. Good food, great atmosphere -- this is what summer tastes like. @theplaceguilford #freshseafood #cookedonaopenflame #outdoors #goodeatsinct #foodporn #foodie #fooddestination #travelingandeating #lobster #clams #steak #corn #beenawile #gettingbacktotheswingofthings read more

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! read more

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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! read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

The Place - Here is the menu, it's posted on a pole. Prices may change. - Seafood Near Me - Guilford, Connecticut

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! read more

The Place - Clams - Seafood Near Me - Guilford, Connecticut

For some reason, lost to me, this is popular with some tourists and locals. I guess they like sitting on stumps and dirt eating overdone seafood. Corn is cooked into submission. Try once if you like. Once to try is enough for me. read more

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! read more

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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. read more

The Place - Vegebob - good as a side dish but not a whole meal - Seafood Near Me - Guilford, Connecticut

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!!! read more

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Ok plain and simple it's what's best described this gem of restaurant plain and simple is FRESH. From seating out on the fresh air to the fresh food that they serve read more

The Place - Seafood Near Me - Guilford, Connecticut

This has been on my bucket list for some time. It's been on several food shows and looked like fun. Great time. If you're in the area, you need to check this out. It is rustic and bare minimum. It's BYOB. I brought a cooler with an assortment of beverages. Order the Clams Special, delish. Roasted Corn, asked mine to be burnt - came at the perfect char. Three 1 1/4 lobsters. It was a beautiful day and a great meal. Staff was friendly and attentive. Wife already said we'll be back but will stay in the area overnight to come more than once! read more

The Place - Grilled 1 1/4 lb lobster - Seafood Near Me - Guilford, Connecticut

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

I live in this town and cannot get enough of the Place. Once you put your rump on a stump you will never look at outside dining the same . It is truly a unique experience. The staff the owners they work as a team like no other. The food is phenomenal limited but enough to cover all. There is nothing that I would not eat there. FYI the clams veg kabobs, shrimp and the roasted corn are must haves!!! BYOB but that's fine you can roll a cooler right on it and the rest speaks for itself. Never disappointed never! read more

All couples have these conversations. You read something, and say, "This place looks really cool. We should go sometime." I don't remember the specifics of when, and who said what, but I remember years ago that my wife and I both thought "The Place" in Guilford looked awesome. So it's fitting that, as we decided to plan date nights this Summer without our son (but with Pasta the Dog), that our first 45 minute trip was to The Place. I wonder if a plainer name -- The Place -- has ever been attached to such a unique experience. Seat yourself outside on a tree stump. The plating leans toward the paper, rather than the fancy, side. The Place is so dog friendly that an owner stopped by to give Pasta the Dog two biscuits. Service was great in that way. Pro tip -- cash or check only. When the server arrives, order your choice of fire-roasted seafood, steak, corn and/other veggies from the giant menu display. It's the only menu you'll get. This isn't your backyard grill fire. This is an F-I-R-E fire. The grill is wide, and the flames flash high. I tried the clam special (clams grilled with a cocktail sorta sauce), the shrimp, the Veggie Bobs, Key Lime Mousse and maybe the star of the show - the husk on, corn on the cob. All fire-roasted. Everything was well executed. The liquid in the clam shells sizzled as they arrived atop a metal grate. The clams tasted fresh. They were essentially braised in the cocktail sauce, and they combined to form something greater than the sum of the parts. The hot peel your own shrimp with cocktail sauce were also very good. You taste the wood fire in the seafood and corn. Of course the key lime mousse, with that graham cracker crust, was tasty. The Place is CT-one of a kind. I highly recommend it. Lobster and/or steak might be the best play by the way. However, those orders seemed difficult to manage while we took turns leashing an enthusiastic 85 pound Dog-Child who loves human food. Next time. Five Stars This is my 500th Yelp Review. On my "pastathedogctjp" Instagram Food Blog, I posted a reel commemorating our experience at The Place. Cheers. read more

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

A timeless summer classic. I stumbled upon this "Place" looking for a late lunch and was blown away at the setting, flames cooking the food, and the seafood heavy menu. An incredible rustic setting to sit outside and relax. They're open seasonally, and it's byob. I had steamers, grilled corn, hot peel and eat shrimp and a grilled lobster. Can't wait to go back with friends or family! People there were very friendly too. read more

The Place - The Menu at The Place - Seafood Near Me - Guilford, Connecticut

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

Unique, outdoor, casual dining! Get the special clams! You'll want to order more because they are incredible. Grilled to perfection and flavorful. You sit on tree stumps (some plastic chairs around). It is BYOB and pet friendly! Score! You can bring a table cloth and your own sides as well. It is a limited but delicious menu. The lobster was small unfortunately but loved it. The veggie kabobs are really good and the steamers... wow! The grilled corn is SO good. We usually get two rounds - one as an app and another with the meal. I love this place for the cool summery vibe, good food, decent service and its just different than anywhere we typically go. It is cash or check only. They have an atm. Check me out on Instagram @date_night_craves read more

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The food wasn't great and a lot of the stuff you have to bring yourself. They only have one side, corn. And I think the menu is too simple. The service is ok but could use some work. read more

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

A fun spot to come with some family or friends! All outdoor seating (lots of tables under a large tent or in the open) with fun stumps or chairs to sit on. It is BYOB, and you may also bring any sides or other food that you'd like to accompany your meal here! My stepmom and I split the rib eye steak (it's a large one!) and half a dozen shrimp. I also got the corn in the cob which was so sweet and yummy even without any butter or anything added! The shrimp were quite tasty; you get a little wooden fork to peel back the shell on there and dip it in a tasty cocktail sauce. We got the ribeye cooked medium and it was very tender and juicy. All of our food came out very quickly and tasted great. They are only open for dinner during the warmer months, so come on by and try it out! read more

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This place was fantastic! My friend recommended it and it did not disappoint. A group of 10 of us were on a road trip back to NY and stopped for lunch here and were all raving about how much we miss BBQ and a down to earth place to eat. The shrimp, veggie bobs, clams and corn were delicious and we didn't get the steak but we joked that we'd take the train up another day just to try it. We have some foodies in the group and all of us were so satisfied with our orders. The atmosphere feels very simple, friendly and humble which you don't experience much in NY food establishments. It felt very homey to a group who all live far from home. In the chaos of a 7 hr road trip, I forgot my wallet and the owner was kind enough to mail it to me the next day. Super appreciative and will definitely be back when in the area! read more

The Place - Seafood Near Me - Guilford, Connecticut

Put your rump on a stump. Good casual outdoor place that allows BYOB and BYO side dishes. Roasted clams, corn and veggie kebabs are some of my favorites. Wear clothes that you don't mind getting dirty as it's likely to happen here between the outdoor setting and the small paper plates and napkins. Friendly and fast services. While located on rte 1 isn't the best location, take a seat towards the back to avoid the road view. Little bit pricy for what it is but still a good time. Cash or check only payment and an ATM is on premis. read more

The one-of-a-kind setting feels like it could be a friendly refuge in a dystopian movie like "The Revenant" or "The Postman" where the protagonist takes a break before the final battle. It was fun to observe a group that didn't know what they were getting into at first - "no fries?" - but seemed to warm up to the concept when the massive pile of roasted corn reached their table. The roasted clam special is compulsory, narrowly preferred over the roasted lobster. First-timers should try to get the direct hits of fire with one of these items, and corn absolutely, but if you're fortunate enough to make a return visit, the bluefish (prepared in foil) is also worthwhile. read more

The Place - Seafood Near Me - Guilford, Connecticut

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Cool spot, FYI BYOB, they do not have a liquor license, Food is excellent, except the ribeye can use some seasoning, Loved the Clams, Lobster & Corn on the Cob, a bit pricey but food is so good, bring your own chairs if you don't want to sit on the tree stumps, outdoor eating so wear comfy clothes & footwear & go on a nice day, gets packed so get there early, fun spot, great to go in a group. read more

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Went today for lunch and loved it so much- I am writing this before the night ends. Check out my pics. Delicious barbecued food in a very laid-back, awesome, outdoor setting. It's like you're on a farm almost! We ordered Bbq'd clams, lobster, salmon, corn, veggie kebabs, bbq chicken and the amazing, juicy Rib Eye Steak. We packed our own beverages and found the perfect table. All wooden tree stumps for your rumps. Love it. The servers were all great and so helpful with recommendations. Pro tip- most definitely try their signature Roast Clam Special! Buttered and sauced and put back on the grill- omg! So good! These littleneck clams are roasted directly over the fire until they open up and the Roast Clam Special is dressed with a cocktail sauce and a buttery mixture and then put back on the fire to roast in the flavor. The Veggiebob has mushrooms, onions, yellow squash/zucchini and bell peppers steamed on a skewer in balsamic vinaigrette. The lobsters are boiled at first but you can choose to have a Roasted Lobster, which is then cooked over the fire to give is a smokier flavor. It is served whole, cut and cracked, with melted dipping butter. Amazing. The BBQ chicken is a 10 oz boneless chicken breast cooked with their favorite BBQ sauce--this was the best piece of chicken I have ever had in my life! Yes. Indeed. We ended with the Mississippi Mud Cake--and it was so worth it! This is seriously a fun, outside, old school fun place to eat. Parking was plentiful for us. You can bring a table cloth if you like and also different sides--but really their Roasted Corn is so good--you don't even need a potato. I'll also say--without the starches/carbs on their menu-- you can really enjoy all of their selections without going it a food coma. That's nice for a change! I will 100% be back again this summer! Wow. Super impressed and happy. read more

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Tough to explain! Bring a plastic table cloth. Bring your own beverages and mugs if you wish! Ring your own sides. And simply enjoy open pit cooking and a fun friendly environment. read more

This rustic dining experience is a must when visiting the area. We had another perfect meal yesterday while dining on tree stump seating. The oyster special is always a must when we come. It's roasted oysters topped with butter and cocktail sauce. They are a favorite. We tried the mussels this time also. For our main meal we ordered the salmon and chicken with roasted corn. Whenever I cook chicken on my grill it so hard to cook it fully without burning and they seem to get it right each time. The corn is also roasted on the open flame and the flavor is so delicious when cooked this way. We didn't get the lobster this time but it's definitely a must but messy without the usual tools. It is a BOYB place which is nice for us to have what we want. We also like to bring our own sides like salad etc. read more

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It's been around to long!! the clams on their grill was the worst I've ever had over price ! would never go back again. Everything we ordered was over cooked or cold it's only a place you want to try yourself to know read more

Four stars because I need to taste more offering. What my partner and I did have. Was quite good. 1.Started with the grilled corn; so sweet, charred just right and the butter.... Well butter is always good. 2. We shared the Roasted clams it comes with their "special sauce" that was tasty, but if you are a clam aficionado stick with plain roasted. 3. The steamers. Excellent, succulent, with a wonderful brine and grilled taste that really hit the spot. Not small, not to big just the right size and shucked quite nicely. So no worries about your fillings being in jeopardy. Even though they belonged to her, she was kind enough to share.... 4. I had some steamed shrimp, nicely seasoned, in the shell legs included- just beheaded. I sucked down the entire prawn! 5. I tried the catfish, basically wrapped in foil and steamed with seasoning. It was good but if you're not on a diet my pref for catfish is fried!! That was about first foray into The Place, and after a few years of me wanting to try it out, it happened on Father's Day! The service was attentive, looking mostly like young Lacrosse player boys on the grill, and female soccer athletes tending to the main importance... cash and service. Loved the ambiance, casual and cool. Only outdoor seating picnic tables or bistro with wood block seats. Met a couple as we were finishing up. They came PREPARED!! They had a table cloth, their own side dishes ie. salads, more veggies, chips. Etc etc. they also brought wine. THIS IS A BYOB AFFAIR. SO BRING YO SHYT!!! All in all. I will be sure to return... great date spot and family place to see. The only downside.... No water views, or ocean breeze. But it's not far away. Seasonal read more

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The Place is a unique outdoor restaurant where everyone sits on a tree stump and everything is grilled on an open fire. There really isn't any other restaurant like this in the area! My personal favorites on the menu are the house special roast clams and the BBQ chicken breast. The servers are also very friendly, and you can also bring in outside food and beverages. read more

A unique memorable and VVG summer seafood place. The grilled shellfish is just out of this world.

It isn't fancy, but the food and service are great, and the setting is nice. The corn on the cob is to die for, and the roasted clam special is very satisfying. I particularly like the combination of the clams and the cocktail sauce. read more

Left here still hungry due to the lack of sides (but you can bring your own!), but the meal was fun and delicious. The log seats are actually comfortable! Sure it gets smoky when very crowded (probably want to avoid until this Canadian wildfire situation is done!) but this place..pun intended... is one of my TOP picks in CT. A must visit. The corn is very good-- much more flavorful on the cob than ordering it in a bowl. The bluefish was the most tender, flavorful ever. Salmon was delicious -- no sauce needed. Little one loved his BBQ chicken. (very good sauce) Fish portions are good and price is fair. Next time I'll try that sundae :) read more