Steamers Seafood Market — Restaurant in Newton

I had high hopes for this place after reading some online reviews. Had the food been exceptional I could have overlooked all the other things. Their menu says, "Come on in and get hooked" but unfortunately neither happened. I don't mind stringent COVID protocols but the unfriendliness and thoroughly unwelcoming demeanor did nothing to prevent infection. I stopped short at the sign on the door which says to "stop and read". I knew before heading there that they are primarily a takeout spot with only a couple tables. I had prepared myself to eat in the car if the tables were taken. The chairs and table were scattered in a disarray, the store was dimly lit and I wasn't even sure they were open except for a vinyl covered card table blocking the door. I peered in and the storekeeper cracked the door partially with a what-do-you-want expression. I tried to read the menu signage inside but it was too difficult-- far, poorly lit and obscured by things posted all over the glass. I apologetically asked for a menu and felt like this may be a locals-only place if you are already expected to know what to order and have to ask for a menu when stumbling. When I asked what was the difference between the fish sandwich and the fish and chips sandwich or the haddock fry, the shopkeeper seemed annoyed. It turns out the fish and chips sandwich is not a fish sandwich with chips on the side. It's actually fried fish, onion rings, coleslaw... all on a roll. My guest was not feeling that adventurous so I opted for the safe choice of a friend haddock sandwich. He said the fish in both sandwiches was the catch of day. I didn't dare ask what the "catch of the day" was sensing I had already exhausted the shopkeeper's patience. I would have thought he would say what type of fish it was automatically. I decided to let that remain a mystery. The order was completed promptly. It was fresh and hot. He was able to make an appetizer order from something that was only listed as an entree. The downside was I was not asked what sauces we wanted (tartar, cocktail, chili, etc) and they were not included in the bag. I thought we had ordered the dinner plate which comes with fries. My guest was disappointed to open up the takeout container and only have a sandwich. The bill was also higher than I expected. There are no prices posted for the drinks in the refrigerator. I would ask before buying again. The food was just okay. I feel like for the area -- a seafood restaurant needs to be top tier. Bostonians know their seafood. It's fresh and shouldn't need a lot to be amazing. I wasn't looking for frills. On the food alone I would say it's a 7/10 place. Solid but lackluster. I deducted one star for the meh food. I deducted half a star for the ease of ordering. I deducted one and a half stars for the unfriendliness and generally annoyed disposition of the shopkeeper. All things considered, Steamers is probably a neighborhood institution. This has been horrendous year for restaurants and I wish them the best of luck.

*Edit: I just want to add that after reviewing my receipt, I was disappointed to see that I was charged more for an item than was listed in the menu. As the menu was given to me there and is a simple printed 8.5 by 11" it's hard to understand how this could be. It's not as if the website or the expensive restaurant menus needed to be updated. I guess you shouldn't hand someone your credit card through a cracked door when placing an order and you aren't given a total....

Had to get a lobster roll when up in Boston. This place was near where we at so we went with it.

Lobster roll didnt have a ton of lobster like I have seen before but it was still good. The roll it was on was a little more firm of a bread. Not a lobster roll pro by any means just not what I remember these sandwiches being like. Came with a pickle spear which added to the flavor. Was good overall.

We also ordered the clam chowder and an order of the lobster bisque.

The clam chowder was really good. Creamy and the potatoes mixed with the clams were good.

The highlight was the lobster bisque by far! My mouth just started watering just thinking about it. I couldn't pin point the season I kept tasting, but I thought it was a mixture of cayenne pepper and red chili powder. The creamyness and richness were phenomenal. I got one big chunk of lobster in the whole bowl.

My only gripe is I wish there was just a little more "meat" in each dish. Still deserving of the 5 stars and will definitely come back for that lobster bisque!

Lots of fresh seafood for sale as well, and several people were coming in throughout our meal ordering...

First off.. Staff was friendly. So I hate to do this. But huge strike: I do not eat mayo. Not at all. I can not eat it. Its never an issue as I just avoid food prepped with it.. So I asked if they had lobster rolls with out mayo.. the type made with just butter. They said they could do it. Oh sure they did... They just rinsed the lobster off of mayo.. and stuck it on my bun. And I immediately knew with my first bite, had to spit it out... and not eat it. That was vile.. And so disrespectful. And to think they actually "washed" the lobster meat like that???? Just say "no.. we only have the lobster prepped with mayo" and I would have ordered any other item on the menu! So that's a HUGE 1 star from me. Sad as the staff was friendly.. and I had high hopes based on...