Mac's Chatham Fish & Lobster — Restaurant in Chatham

First and foremost, I was delighted to find a place that had so many gluten free items. I had not had fried calamari for years and this was absolutely delicious. Despite a long time (out the door) all the staff was kind and patient. I must highlight Jack's behavior when it came down to us having an outdoor table. We had ordered, had our numbers and spotted a free table. A man came in stating that his friends were inside ordering and that he was going to take that table. I then stated that we already had ordered and had our number and technically this is how this was working. Jack was there and affirmed that this was the case and the man left. I needed to be outside because of my puppy, who by the way was truly welcome by everyone and was grateful to be given that table. Later on, when I realized that my dish did not have enough arugala, I asked Jack if I needed to get back in line to order a salad and he then stated that after ordering, no one ever had to get back in line and that someone at the counter could take my order if I went directly. He then said "better, if you give me your card, I will bring that salad". Now mind you, the line was still out the door and I was grateful to not have to get back on that line. Later on, I asked if the other man had found a table and Jack shared with my friend and I was that he was upset and had expressed his discontent. I was ready to go talk to this man because I did not think that it was fair for anyone to be treated that way. Now if you read this long winded review, please treat people (servers) with kindness and respect, it goes a long way. We had a very good chat and at the end Jack asked if we wanted desert and offered what I now consider the best ice cream sandwich that I ever had in my life. Both my friend and I, were amazed as we were eating it (gluten free of course). What Jack did not know is that I am currently dealing with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer (deemed incurable) and that I came here at the cape in between treatments. I am trying to gain weight because the treatments have made me very sick and I took a week off to rest and eat as much as I want (sorry for the folks who are trying to lose weight). His kindness touched my heart very deeply and for that Jack I thank you! If you are still reading this long review, please take not as a patron that you never know who is in front of you and the man who was angry because of the table given to us (to his behavior not anyone else's) did not know what he was doing and how his angry behavior could affect another human being. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect and kindness and I put my vote in for all the servers and for Jack to be treated that way. They were already working very hard, with a long line of people yet remaining calm and helpful. Thank you Jack and the staff of Mac's Chatham Fish and Lobster for making my experience...

SEE MY EDIT BELOW AS WELL**

Was really looking forward to trying out this place, but unfortunately (or rather fortunately) that did not happen. Instead of having a nice family dinner, my poor Filipino mother and rest of my family ended up being berated by an incompetent manager. From the start of our experience, the flow of the establishment is disorganized at best. There's a huge line we stood in for food, not realizing at first it combined with the line for alcohol (which we were not ordering). Given the obscene wait time while watching everyone ahead of us wait for their drinks, my family had noticed other families had split up and found tables while others waited in line. Given this, my mom got a table for us following the stead of these other patrons. Whilst she was seated, my mother began to be screamed at by the manager who was visibly shaking with rage. Given this commotion, we walked over to assist as English is her second language. He began to mock us as we asked him to "Relax," then he threatened to not serve us unless my mother got up from the table and wait in line with the rest of the family. Apparently there is a rule that you cannot be seated until you have been handed your food (no signs or staff were available to convey this information). Rather than tolerate this irate man-child's temper tantrum, we left and enjoyed a meal at another better-ran and friendly establishment. No customer should feel embarrassed as everyone was staring at us, leaving my mother confused about the whole situation. I would hope this was not an act of discrimination given there were plenty of other patrons seated and awaiting their meals who were not asked to give up their seats. Would strongly advise against giving this restaurant any business. Do better Mac's Chatham Fish & Lobster.

EDIT 8/28/24 IN RESPONSE TO THE RESTAURANT REPLY

Unfortunately, it appears there are three sides to the story -- including one where the restaurant decided to be dishonest about what happened. Absolutely zero discussion regarding disabled individuals was mentioned. In fact, little to no discussion was able to be had given the irate screaming of the "manager." Bottom line is, this restaurant needs better management, clearer customer instructions, and should never resort to screaming at anyone over a simple misunderstanding. Do with this information what you will, but we will never be returning, and will certainly tell others about our...

Maniacal, like a shark week feeding frenzy. Mac's is a big breezy handsome old piece of property with a good size inside dining room. Outside there are picnic tables with generous umbrellas. This works very well in good weather I'm sure. But it was pouring rain, so that eliminated half the seating and the line was out the door and wrapped around the building, BUT be warned, there is NO seating policy. You order at a counter and then go fight for a place to sit. Pouncing on a seat as previous diners start to rise for their exit. The place has great food and is insanely popular, but it has outgrown it's physical location when the crowds are this big and it's raining. So while you're eating, be prepared for people to lurk a foot or so away from your table, glaring at you while they're waiting for you to finish eating. Because that's the only way they're going to get a seat when it's busy like this. It's great fun if you're a youngster and you love this sort of 3rd world chaotic bazaar atmosphere excitement, but I'm an advocate of a more organized seating arrangement and feeling less pressured to " eat and scram" . The food was excellent, the prices were the usual puffed up tourist driven charges. MK$ whole clam plate for $39? Yikes! Unlike other places (where they are so short on staff they have had to curtail hours of business), Macs had plenty of summer break college student help, falling all over each other delivering food and clearing tables. So it's quite an experience seeing preppy dressed puritans on vacation in khaki Banana Republic, Coach, Lacoste, etc, schooling like fish around bloody chum trying to get seating. Like I said, the food is delicious, prices reflect our inflated economic situation, and the experience is exhausting unless it's a sunny day when the outside seating is dry...