Fresh Ketch — Restaurant in Barnstable

We had come to Fresh Ketch in October, 2019, before anyone named Batman wasn't mistaken for the world's worst foodie. The first review reflected a quality and service that existed just three days before they closed for the season. This most recent edit of Fresh Ketch only further solidifies this place as the one of the best places to grab a bite in the area!

Reservations are only for indoors seating, but plenty of outdoor tables exist. Some tables have wonderful canopies or umbrellas that somewhat protect the modesty of those eating right along the sidewalk. The host was personable and wonderful, and also possessed an air-lightening laugh.

The MENU, was wonderful. Our host directed us to one of those computer icons that your smartphones scans that looks like a crossword puzzle mixed with a black and white Tetris map. The menu that pulled up showed us what was gluten-free and what could be gluten-free with modifications. It was a wonderful addition!

My partner and I were sat right where the cool kids eat, adjacent the sidewalk so we could silently judge all the passers-by and wonder why most of them were not wearing anything from Cuffy's, of snacking on a potato chip of regional choice.

Our server was energetic and friendly, and, in less modern times, would probably have been hired to do other difficult work like wrestle alligators, or customer service management in retail. This is because the server offered to break apart the lobsters we ordered. (Make sure your rental has laundry on premises, fishy smells are smelly.)

The corn was fresh, and wonderful. I was able to get more fuel for my bad jokes. And the last thing that was remarkable was how fast the bartender was in coordinating drinks with the server. I was thoroughly impressed.

Sustainability rating: none to report as there did not seem to be any measures actively identified.

Covid rating: 5 out of 5 stars. You can see how the staff actively tried to protect customers by being professional with behaviors according to...

We waited way too long for initial contact. The drinks came but were on the small size. It went down hill from there. We ordered steamers and chowder to start, it took like 15 minutes for the streamers to come and we were told that they ran out of chowder (12:15pm Saturday). We all devoured the streamers but there were no napkins on our table. It was big mess. Meanwhile 3 tables around us were being served chowder. This was basically the last time we saw out server. Another 10-15 minutes go by and I went up to the bar asking where out server went. Way back when she 1st took our order, I had ordered a glass of water, half hour later I still had no water. So now we finally get served our chowder. finished eating the streamers, but the table wasn't bussed. The table was ridiculously pilled up with the remains of our steamer appetizer, shells, butter, broth. They still hadn't taken out menus. The table was a HUGE mess. I went back up to the bar to get napkins and asked if they could buss our table. At this point we'd been there for around 45 minutes and we haven't even ordered our main courses. I was with my daughter and her family. I put some money on the table and walked out. I met them in Main St 30 minutes later. They say there for 25 minutes after I left. They never saw our original server or ordered their Main course. The bill was over $120 and we were all still hungry. We went to Embargo to finish eating.

The food was really good but HORRENDOUS NEGLECTFUL service. I would never go back to dine in, maybe for the chowder which was delicious, but I would call to order ahead and take it to go, even then I would lower my expectations to zero

Good food. HORRENDOUS service....

We ordered a cape cod steamer, oysters, clam chowder and a kid's menu (burger).

Their steamed clams were extremely sandy, making them inedible. We could literally hear the sand crunching as we chewed.  I gave up after eating about three of them although my husband persevered more.

Towards the end of the meal, the server asked for the second time if everything was OK, I mentioned the sandy clams, and he fetched the manager.  The manager explained that there were specific steps to take before eating these clams.  Apparently, we should've used our hands to remove a small sac containing sand.  When I asked how we were supposed to know this, she pointed out that it was written on the menu.  I asked her to point out to us where on the menu I could find this specific instruction. She pointed out "soft shell, long neck clams," which does not clearly indicate the said steps.  I questioned how someone unfamiliar with clam types would know this, but she repeatedly insisted that "long neck clams" implies the need for DIY desanding.  Her defensive, long-winded, and repetitive explanation was unhelpful. I clarified that I wasn't seeking a refund, just a straightforward answer, which was of no avail.  If this is such important information, shouldn't the server have explained to us when serving the dish?

Aside from inedible clams, clam chowder was distinctly sour, which was quite off-putting.

Ironically, the only satisfactory item was a kid's menu - burger and fries.  Although, when I asked if pickles could be added to the burger, the server bluntly informed me "there's an upcharge for that," as if issuing a parking ticket.

Overall, we left the restaurant feeling...