Gilberts Chowder House — Restaurant in Portland

My daughter and I came here as the last stop on our road trip through New England. I selected Gilberts because of the high ratings and I'm glad I did. The food was amazing. I ordered the seafood platter and it was a little pricier than I thought it should be, but everything was delicious. My daughter had the lobster tails and she said "that was the best lobster I ever had ". We're from California so I figured the seafood would be better here so I was very happy it turned out that way. Now to my minor complaints. Gilberts is a seat yourself establishments but there is no signage that says that. We were not the only persons to wait at the door for someone to help us. Locals may know that, but folks like us who don't live there wouldn't know that. A simple sign saying seat yourself would be helpful. We waited a long time for someone to take our food order. It was pretty busy when we arrived, but....several people sat down after us and their orders were taken before ours, their food arrived before ours, and they left long before we could. Our waitress was extremely nice, but she also was extremely busy. It did seem that she was working a different area than ours as I believe we were the only ones in our area being served by her. Kind of made we wonder because if the waitress working our area had served us, we would have been able to get out order taken faster and our waitress wouldn't have had to work two area. One of those things that make you go hmmm! Would I visit again? I would like to say no because I only spend my money where I feel I've been treated well. However with that said, given the demographics of the area and the oddball looks we received while walking, we may encounter the same thing if we go somewhere else IF we visit that part of Maine again. But I want to give a positive shout out to our waitress who made us as comfortable as she could. I didn't catch her name but she was kind of tall, slender, and blond. She gets a 5...

If you find yourself craving a taste of Maine's coastal charm, look no further than Gilberts Chowder House. Nestled in the heart of Maine, this quaint eatery offers a delightful culinary journey through the region's flavors.

Upon stepping into Gilberts, one is immediately struck by the warmth of its atmosphere. The rustic decor and cozy ambiance set the stage for a memorable dining experience. The staff, embodying the famed Maine hospitality, welcome guests with genuine warmth and eagerness to please.

Now, let's talk about the food. Portion sizes at Gilberts Chowder House are not for the faint of heart. Whether you're craving a bowl of their renowned clam chowder or one of their seafood platters, you're guaranteed to leave with a satisfied appetite. Each dish is crafted with care, showcasing the freshest ingredients Maine has to offer.

Speaking of the clam chowder, it's undoubtedly a standout. Creamy, rich, and bursting with flavor, it's a quintessential taste of the region's culinary heritage. Pair it with a side of freshly baked bread, and you have a match made in culinary heaven.

However, navigating the parking situation can be a bit tricky, especially during peak hours. But fear not, the culinary delights awaiting inside Gilberts Chowder House are well worth the minor inconvenience.

In conclusion, Gilberts Chowder House is more than just a restaurant—it's a quintessential Maine experience. From the generous portions to the friendly staff, it's a place where memories are made and appetites are satisfied. So, if you find yourself in Maine, do yourself a favor and pay a visit to Gilberts. And don't forget to try the clam chowder—it's...

First time in downtown Portland and my friend wanted to try the chowder.

I opted for the lunch special of a 1/2 lobster BLT and clam chowder for $26.95. I enjoyed my sandwich but there could have been a little less mayo. Maine is known for their lobster, why bury it under a lot of mayo?

My friend tried the variety chowder sampler which consisted New England, corn, haddock and seafood chili. $14.95.

Unfortunately, he didn’t like any of it and I was in agreement as far as the taste. You have three supposedly different white chowders but they all tasted the same because of the base of the chowder, which was thick instead of creamy and looked and tasted like it belonged on a biscuit, rather than in a bowl with clams or anything else.

The seafood chili had chili seasoning taste but honestly, so out of place as far as taste.

Very disappointed since (chowder) is in the restaurant name!

Tourist trap and I will not make that mistake again!

I did get a chance to speak with some of the locals who supplied me with a list of must try places, so the day wasn’t a total wash!

The owner did respond stating it is not a tourist trap based on previous reviews.

After attempting to consume the gelatinous chowder, one could gather that these other reviewers do not have taste buds, their standards are low or they are friends or family of the owner.

Either way, to each his/her own.

I have higher standards of what a New England clam chowder or any other chowder should taste like ESPECIALLY if it’s in the restaurants name.

You simply cannot charge these prices and put out this...