We arrived around 7:30pm for dinner. We have been at Sam The Clams many times over the years. Each time we go, we always say we will never go back. But because the place is close by and very casual we decided to go again after working in the yard all day. You can go there very casually dressed and we love seafood. That was the only reason we went. We regretted it again. We were lucky enough to get a table since it was a nice day, the place was full of people hoping to enjoy a nice dinner inside or out on the deck. Spring fever! We both ordered soup to start; clam chowder and french onion. Both soups were good. Although we had to ask for set ups and napkins since we were never given one. It took a while flagging down a waitress, so we ended getting up and going to the bar for the napkins. When the waitress came by with our meal, we still hadn't gotten our utensils to eat with and there was no tarter sauce or anything to eat with our seafood platter which came with 4 fried shrimp, 5 scallops, 1 piece of very dry fish, and approximately 6 whole belly clams. The dish was hot, but the food on the plate was room temperature and very dark and over fried. We paid 26.00 for that plate which to me was overpriced because there really was much on the plate. Although, they give you plenty of french fries; which came a while after our meal arrived, but I didn't eat them and there was no substitution available if I wanted it according to the waitress. We asked for coleslaw because we thought the menu said it came with the meal, but the waitress said it does not come with any coleslaw. She brought it to us anyways because she felt bad that we had to wait for our meal to be reheated in the kitchen since it was cold and we waited so long. She seemed nice, but she never once stopped at our table to ask us how things were or if we needed anything. She would speak to us as she was passing our table and we needed to be lucky enough to hear what she was saying because it was very loud in there with all the people sitting at the bar which is across from many booths where people sit and eat. It became very stressful for the two of us to enjoy our meals. Each time we go we say "maybe it will be better this time". But it never is. It is actually worse. Which is almost impossible. We finally decided to ask her for the bill so we can pay and get out of there. We waited a long time and almost walked out, but decided to go up to the bar area and find her or our bill. We got the bill and while my husband was paying it the bartender asked me how everything was. She seemed very nice and genuinely concerned. I told her the truth. She went on to explain that she was the only bartender and there were only three waitresses to handle the entire restaurant and deck area. Very understaffed. What a shame. But honestly, I have been there before and it is always that way. So I guess they are routinely understaffed. And what about the over fried seafood which was cold. That is the cooks fault, not the waitress. Years ago we started going to Sam The Clams with my extended family. It was always good back then. I guess I am trying to relive those good old days by continuing to keep going. It really is all just a memory now. Those days are gone. I hope Sam The Clams reads this review and fixes the problem soon. But the impression I get is that they really just don't care anymore.