Blount Clam Shack on the Waterfront — Restaurant in Warren

Without a doubt, this is the toughest review to write. Even though it was my first trip to the Blount Clam Shack, I've been a long time uber-fan of the Blount Market just up the street. That store serves up killer clam cakes, astounding chowder (especially the Red) and a lobster roll which is easily among the best in New England.

It was lobster roll at the Clam Shack which put me in this uncomfortable position. I shy away from criticizing really good companies for the occasional hiccup. But there has been an alarming trend in lobster rolls in RI - with quality and use of fresh lobster being on the slide. I'd say it extends to the Cape as well - except that getting great rolls there has always been like hitting the lottery anyway. To that end, this review is more of a red flag rather than a critique.

It should also be noted that Blount Clam Shack did NOT serve me a bad lobster roll. They gave me an OK one. That was shocking. Until this past Sunday it had never occurred to me an average lobster salad sandwich could possibly come from there. It's akin to Williams-Sonoma selling Walmart brand kitchen gadgets.

Two of the preparations were off: The roll was a touch stale and barley griddled. Some butter & flat-top time would have vastly helped what was inside. The meat was hardly dressed (as opposed to "lightly dressed).

And just a little more dill mayo would have helped the 3rd issue: what the may was intended to coat (and I know I'll get push back here): lobster which had a couple of the hallmarks of having been frozen: relative loss of flavor and "dry" texture which nevertheless releases extra water when bitten.

Is frozen lobster all that bad? Apart from the characteristics above, not really. Properly thawed it's often hard to tell the difference (especially when adequately mixed with mayo ;)). I do feel it is an issue when a seafood joint lists lobster rolls as being "Market Price". Because frozen or vacuum packed shellfish isn't tied to the current market like the fresh product. Selling it as such doesn't jibe well with friendly, fun atmosphere of Blount - whether the Market, the Clam Shack or the Food Trucks.

Now for the Clam Cakes: Dynamite as usual. These dangerous fritters are so monumentally correct I'm always in danger of bingeing them into a carb & clam coma. That why I only get a side of two per visit and run the hell away.

Most visitors would probably never notice what I've said about the roll. That's because even a mediocre Blount roll is still better than anything you'll find...

Considering the location (next to the clam processing building) I was ready for a fantastic time there.

Staff at the food counter were nice and patiently helped us with a few menu questions when we ordered. The atmosphere was great and relaxed, birds don't bother you there like other waterfront places. There was good music playing (even the volume was just right so you could still talk), and right before we left they switched from their sound system to a live musician. I loved eating 3ft from the water and enjoyed seeing the boats. A gorgeous swan even went by. Food was ready promptly. Unfortunately that's where my compliments end.

When we got our food we realized the same patient and friendly staff I mentioned messed up our order 2 different ways. By then the ordering line had tripled in length (I guess we got there just in time?) so we said screw it and decided to eat what we were given since the receipt showed we weren't charged any extra for their oops. Not sure how it happened because they repeated it back correctly but it was definitely our order that we picked up (they use buzzer things to call you up to get your meals).

The fried clam strips and clam bellies were both soggy/soft and extra oily when it should have had at least a little crunch.

There are only portapotties which would be fine if there was a handwash station. Just...eww. Hand sanitizer kills germs, it doesn't remove particles.

After dinner we went to their ice cream stall and the giggling teenagers were busy joking around and one had to remind the other to keep taking orders even though we were part of a line. The cashier simply forgot the 6+ people in front of her. Twice. I got 2 scoops, the top one looked like it might fall. I asked if they could please press it down more. They said it would be fine and handed it to me anyway. I made it maybe 10 steps and the top scoop fell off. I asked for a replacement since I said this would happen and they said no I should have gotten it in a cup. WHAT.

I can't recommend going for anything but...

I had a Seafood stuffed Quahog that had scallops and Lobster inside of it. It was delicious and cooked perfect. It's not as bready as a traditional stuffy I think the additional Seafood inside of it makes it a little more moist. Yeah that's right I said moist LOL. I also had three clam cakes and cup of New England clam chowder the creamy broth. I enjoyed the clam cakes and the clam chowder they were delicious but not the best I've ever had. I will definitely go back for the seafood stuffie. The clam chowder was very hot which is how I like to eat my soup and the clam cakes we're not very greasy. The downside is we went on Mother's Day and I've been other times and there's usually a long line but so worth the wait. A word of advice if you're just getting clam cakes and clam chowder you don't have to wait in that big line you can go up front they have an Express line so that which would make a big difference for you if that's all you were eating and you can also get beverages in that line as well. I want to say I waited maybe 45 minutes to an hour outside in line. While you wait there is an ice cream truck on the side so you can have dessert before your entree. The ice cream was delicious from there as well LOL it can be a little windy so bring a light jacket or...