2024 UPDATE
My husband and I visited Jim’s this past weekend for the 4th or 5th time over the years (see previous review below), and we were disappointed. Here’s what you should know:
Hours of Operation: The posted hours aren’t reliable. We arrived at 11:38 AM, expecting the shack to open at 11:30 (as posted), but were told it opens at 11:30 ‘ish.’ That message was also delivered with an undertone of 'you should know that this is the case' (we didn't, how would you?) It didn’t actually open until 11:50 AM, and due to the disorganized waiting area, some people who arrived after us actually cut in front of us and we didn’t order until closer to noon. We stop here on our way home to NYC from our annual stay in Provincetown and always delay our departure from Provincetown by 1-2 hours just to time it well to stop here for lunch, so this 30 minute delay was upsetting considering we still have about 5-6 hours more to drive from this point. Price: We ordered a scallop platter with french fries and coleslaw, expecting to share it, but the portion was small—7 or 9 scallops and a handful of fries. We couldn’t order an extra side of coleslaw (cashier and other staff could not figure out how to make this possible), so we had to order a full sized small coleslaw. No drinks, and the bill was $46 and change. Given the price, this was nowhere near enough food for two, and the experience of the late opening, the high price, and the general customer service, left us unwilling to order more. We ended up stopping for a second lunch elsewhere. Facilities: The bathrooms are two porta potties. In past years seeing this situation, I planned to use a restroom elsewhere after we ate, but with the delays this time, I had no choice but to use the portable units. They were exactly as unpleasant as you’d expect, which in my opinion, doesn’t match the high prices.
The food (even though limited portions) and views are great, but after this weekend’s experience, we’re planning to skip this stop in the future and enjoy getting home 1-2 hours earlier.
ORIGINAL 2023 REVIEW Coming from a person who eats a lot of fried seafood (don't tell my doctor) this is my favorite seafood place. We drive out of our way on our annual trip to Provincetown just to come here. We once stood in line behind someone who told us that they drove 4 hours (!) out of their way to eat there. We usually get the fried clam strips and fried scallops. I'm not sure how they do it, but everything is 'like butta.' The coleslaw is also my favorite. And you can get everything and eat outside with the most amazing water views. An...
Read moreReviews have been up and down since the ownership change.
Initially I was concerned. After reading some reviews I became to think some folks just couldn't get over change to Falmouth staple so today I decided to make my move
Strip platter and tenders for the kids. Put the order in. Went up top w one of my kids and watched the boats come in. Within 10 minutes my name was called and we went to grab our food. So far so good
We went and grabbed our order and on the way out someone from the kitchen yelled "hey, hold on a sec". A few seconds later he walked out of the kitchen w a few french fries on a plate. He told my son "follow me". We walked around the corner and dropped a fry or two into the water. A few decent sized bass came up and started picking off the fries. It was awesome. My 3 yr old was beyond pumped. He then dropped a few fries and watched the bass come up and inhale them. Made my son's day!
After a minute or two the gentleman said "better get home while that foods fresh " and we went on our way. As we walked away I said" my name's Steve what's yours ?". "Jim" he responded. I thanked him
Now on to the house. We rushed home and headed straight to the deck to dig in.
The food was awesome. Somehow just as good as the experience at the restaurant. I played it safe w the strips this time but will be definitely be doing whole belly next time
Great experience. Great food. We'll be back...
Read moreA BIG DISAPPOINTMENT!! We had high hopes and were quite excited to be able to eat at The Clam Shack again. We have been concerned about what the quality would be like because the original owners have always had the BEST clams in town and we have been wondering if the standard would be the same. Needless to say, we were quite upset about the quality of our meal. We both had fried clams and they were the WORST FRIED CLAMS we have ever had at the Clam Shack. They were mushy, all clumped together in a big ball of underdone clams and really inedible. To spend $60 for two plates of clams and to not be able to even eat them is sad. I returned my clams and received a refund from the owner. He asked me why I did not like them and I told him I have been eating fried clams here all my life and these were the WORST EVER!!!!!!! It just goes to show new isn’t always better. Don’t waste your money. I gave it one star because of the location. That’s the best thing...
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