Seafood Shack — Restaurant in Leesburg

We are from Rhode Island, the Ocean State. We know our seafood and this place is a slice of home. 5 Rhode Islanders and 3 Louisianans enjoyed every morsel on their plates and ordered more to go home. We started with clamcakes and chowder. The chowder was thick, creamy and loaded with clams. The clamcakes were perfectly seasoned, had an ample amount of clam and not a spot of grease on them. Delicious. We also ordered the fish and chips. The fish was fresh, perfectly fried, and came with slaw and french fries that were also very tasty. We had the clam strips too. They were cooked just as we like them and we look forward to trying the whole bellies. The lobster bisque was smoothe, buttery, and had large pieces of sweet lobster, enough for every bite. My daughter loves steamers and was very happy with them. It was her birthday and the owner, friendly and engaging, brought out a slice of dark chocolate cake that she really enjoyed. Finally, the Maine lobster rolls were loaded with perfectly prepared lobster meat. We ate one there and brought the other home. It was just as good the next day. My only disappointment is I didn't remember to get a clam chowder to go. We cannot wait to go again. Looking forward to a weekend lobster boil. Would love to see stuffies added to the menu and family size chowder available for take out. Coffee milk would beca good addition too! So good...and the staff was friendly...

I could live on seafood. Finding fresh seafood is another story. We have lived in oceanfront communities where fresh seafood was a given but finding fresh seafood Central Florida was a challenge until N.E. Seafood Shack on US Hwy 27 in Leesburg was recommended to us by friends.

The restaurant is tucked away in a busy strip mall area with grocery stores, gas stations, insurance agencies and other retail businesses. On a recent trip to the grocery store, I decided to stop in and try the recommended Loaded JoJo Potatoes and Clam Chowder. I was greeted warmly, placed my order and was told my order would be ready in ten minutes. While waiting, I noticed the northeast decor which definitely has a coastal feel with soothing blues and greens. The walk-in traffic was continuous: a sign that the locals know a good source of seafood when they find it. While largely takeout, there are a few tables inside and outside. Both seating areas were fully occupied while I waited.

My order was ready in the promised time. The clam chowder was chunky and flavorful. The JoJo potatoes dish was a generous serving but I found it a little dry. It was accompanied with a special mayonnaise and sour cream. Next time, I'll ask for extra of both. While a little on the pricey side ($8 for the clam chowder and $13 for the potatoes), it was worth it for fresh seafood flown in daily to this...

As a displaced New Englander one is always in search of good ole’ hometown seafood. And to date one has been woefully disappointed. The first clue lies with “white chowder”. Interesting descriptive choice that. Not “clam chowder”, nor “fish chowder”, but “white chowder”, though this could be helpful IF Manhattan clam chowder (tomato based & hence red), was on offer, which it is not. My partner got the whole belly clams, and I opted for the fish & chips (& subbed fries for onion rings). The whole belly clams were small as were the portions, & the fries greasy. The fried fish though is the real star of this commentary. It is hands down the worst fried fish that has ever been offered to me. A pathetic cut of fish, bland & heavily battered in what is the “British” style of batter, most definitely not the “New England” style which is much lighter, tastier, & flakier. If blindfolded one would not be able to distinguish between the fried fish or the fried onion rings. One would be better off getting a fillet o’ fish from your favorite fast food restaurant, and that’s saying something. I was quite surprised to learn that the owners were from Rhode Island. I have eaten seafood from Provincetown to Bar Harbor, and this fare comes nowhere close. It’s disgraceful to call this “New England” style seafood. On a brighter note, the staff were very friendly & attentive. Give this...