A great "go to" for seafood and good prices. Don't be fooled by the calamari served in a paper tray. It's consistently some of the best calamari I have had.
Austin Bennett Green
Stopped by Smitty's Clambar, a spot that's been on my radar given my globe-trotting palate. Ordered the fried clams, hoping for a standout experience. They were good, fresh with a non-greasy batter – exactly what you'd expect from a place known for seafood.However, considering the other local joints I've tried, Smitty's clams didn't necessarily stand head and shoulders above. Given the reputation of the place, I was expecting a bit more of a wow factor.The ambiance is nostalgic, and there's a lively buzz that speaks of its popularity. But be prepared: the wait was longer than I'd have liked.If I had to rate my experience, I'd hover around a 3.5 to 4. Not mind-blowing, but certainly not bad. I appreciate the quality, but for a place with Smitty's renown, I was hoping for that extra punch. Still, worth a visit if you're in the area, but manage your expectations.All said and done, every place has its charm, and my journey's far from over. Hey, if you've got that wanderlust itch like me, follow my trail on Google! I'll be serving up more travel tales, dishing out the deets on must-visit spots, and even giving you the scoop on places to sidestep. Buckle up for a fun ride, and here's to more adventures and awesome eats! Cheers to the road less traveled and the stories it unfolds! ?✈️?? (And yes, even to the clams that keep us guessing!) Catch you on the flip side!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 3
Twee nguyen
I was lucky enough to visit before they close after summer, Smitty's had a full time clam guy shucking clams and he let me try one, super fresh, a lot different than oysters but well worth a try. The white clam chowder was really good, creamy with chunks of clam and probably the best I had so far.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mike S.
Always good service an excellent food at the Clam Bar, along with the Beautiful views!
Megan Y.
This place is absolutely the shore. Clam chowder is fantastic. There can be a bit of a wait so if you can go for early dinner, do. It's not fancy and seating is hit or miss, but you can't beat the food.
Gina Marrinucci
I didn't think it was all that great. Clams were straps. All the hype it is given...I have had better. Staff friendly and service fast. Clam chowder was tasty.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: New England Clam Chowder
bluejeanfood
It all began in 1973 when Dennis Dixon and Peter Popovic established Smitty’s Clam Bar in a small shack at Smith’s Marina in Somers Point, New Jersey. The moniker “Smitty’s” paid tribute to Dixon’s nickname, “Smitty,” and from that point onward, a cherished establishment came into existence. The server I had during my visit stated she has worked there since 1977. This place is as old school as they come. She told me that the hot dish this year was diners mixing the New England Clam Chowder and the Manhattan Clam Chowder together. I’m nothing but hip, so I decided why not. Let me tell you it was actually pretty good and the best of both worlds. It added to the wonderful experience as everything I had was great. The clam steamers, calamari, and the fried seafood platter with scallops, clam strips, flounder, shrimp, fries, and apple sauce. I really enjoyed my visit. There have been rumors of them closing or moving. Hopefully they just stay as rumors.
Hale Richards
1st time here. We'd heard a lot about it. All positive! The first thing I will tell you is that they are only open from 4:30 -9:30 PM and they're closed on Tuesdays. The second thing I will tell you is that they are perpetually packed! It is not at all uncommon for there to be a two hour wait. You can try the outdoor counter seating but that is packed as well. Parking is also something of an issue.The staff is amazing! Everyone had a smile and was very nice. Super efficient! It's controlled chaos for sure. I ordered a bowl of New England clam chowder that was delicious! The main course was fried shrimp and french fries. Both were excellent. I spoke to people who said they'd been coming here for 45 years and that everything they serve is wonderful. The prices are also very reasonable. All in all, 4 stars. One star off for the wait time and parking.Kid-friendliness: They had a decent kids menu.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: New England Clam Chowder, French Fries, Fried Shrimp
smoken joe
Food OK at best. Calamari rubbery but New England clam chowder was good and drip tasty. CASH ONLY Get there early. Parking limited, public parking across the street limited too. No website to order from or review. The Take-out door to right, dine in to left. Stay close because if you don't hear your name you'll be waiting a long time for cold food.Parking: Free Small lots, free on street and free public across the street
For seafood lovers. Small, no frills, cash only restaurant on the water that is BYOB. Daily specials /menu are shared on white boards at the restaurant and on their Facebook page. You can choose your seafood and from a variety of sauces that it can be prepared in. The seafood was fresh and delicious - we tried the Mahi Mahi, flounder, shrimp, scallops, crab cake, and shrimp parmigiana. The sides are strictly applesauce, fries, coleslaw, and cold corn salad (it was a special side). Our waitress was friendly and on top of everything. If it's a beautiful night and your are going at typical dinner time- prepare to wait 20-45 minutes.
Shawn F.
I haven't been to this place for about three years we come to Ocean City for the past 30 years. I don't think I'm going back The steamed little necks were dry as could be .. the braked combo in a puttanesca sauce was just a clump!of sauce over dry bland fish ...it was not appetizing.... the corn and crab soup was almost tasteless.My wife's salmon was drenched in a Dijon sauce. I hate to say it's, but this place is no better than a bad diner, slop joint ...very disappointing but that's OK, there are lots of places we can go to in Ocean City and nearby.
Christine C.
Worth the stop! Checked this place out for a late lunch. The New England clam chowder was piping hot and filled with clams! We also tried the fried clam strip app and a fried shrimp po boy (a special). Fish was fresh, lightly breaded, and plentiful. Prices were very reasonable too for the quality and quantity! Service was quick and it appeared that everyone helped everyone with service. Cash only. The only thing that's missing is outdoor seating in the back, overlooking the marina!
Sara DiClemente
Phenomenal seafood shack. Great vibes. Casual, noisy, fun and always packed. Get there early and tailgate with a few beers in the parking lot while you wait for a table.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fried Scallops, New England Clam Chowder, French Fries, Seafood
cchatzidakis
Any time we come to the shore we always come here dinner. The clam chowder is the best I’ve ever had. Affordable fresh seafood every time.
Order off the specials
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 3
A great "go to" for seafood and good prices. Don't be fooled by the calamari served in a paper tray. It's consistently some of the best calamari I have had.
Stopped by Smitty's Clambar, a spot that's been on my radar given my globe-trotting palate. Ordered the fried clams, hoping for a standout experience. They were good, fresh with a non-greasy batter – exactly what you'd expect from a place known for seafood.However, considering the other local joints I've tried, Smitty's clams didn't necessarily stand head and shoulders above. Given the reputation of the place, I was expecting a bit more of a wow factor.The ambiance is nostalgic, and there's a lively buzz that speaks of its popularity. But be prepared: the wait was longer than I'd have liked.If I had to rate my experience, I'd hover around a 3.5 to 4. Not mind-blowing, but certainly not bad. I appreciate the quality, but for a place with Smitty's renown, I was hoping for that extra punch. Still, worth a visit if you're in the area, but manage your expectations.All said and done, every place has its charm, and my journey's far from over. Hey, if you've got that wanderlust itch like me, follow my trail on Google! I'll be serving up more travel tales, dishing out the deets on must-visit spots, and even giving you the scoop on places to sidestep. Buckle up for a fun ride, and here's to more adventures and awesome eats! Cheers to the road less traveled and the stories it unfolds! ?✈️?? (And yes, even to the clams that keep us guessing!) Catch you on the flip side!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 3
I was lucky enough to visit before they close after summer, Smitty's had a full time clam guy shucking clams and he let me try one, super fresh, a lot different than oysters but well worth a try. The white clam chowder was really good, creamy with chunks of clam and probably the best I had so far.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Always good service an excellent food at the Clam Bar, along with the Beautiful views!
This place is absolutely the shore. Clam chowder is fantastic. There can be a bit of a wait so if you can go for early dinner, do. It's not fancy and seating is hit or miss, but you can't beat the food.
I didn't think it was all that great. Clams were straps. All the hype it is given...I have had better. Staff friendly and service fast. Clam chowder was tasty.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: New England Clam Chowder
It all began in 1973 when Dennis Dixon and Peter Popovic established Smitty’s Clam Bar in a small shack at Smith’s Marina in Somers Point, New Jersey. The moniker “Smitty’s” paid tribute to Dixon’s nickname, “Smitty,” and from that point onward, a cherished establishment came into existence. The server I had during my visit stated she has worked there since 1977. This place is as old school as they come. She told me that the hot dish this year was diners mixing the New England Clam Chowder and the Manhattan Clam Chowder together. I’m nothing but hip, so I decided why not. Let me tell you it was actually pretty good and the best of both worlds. It added to the wonderful experience as everything I had was great. The clam steamers, calamari, and the fried seafood platter with scallops, clam strips, flounder, shrimp, fries, and apple sauce. I really enjoyed my visit. There have been rumors of them closing or moving. Hopefully they just stay as rumors.
1st time here. We'd heard a lot about it. All positive! The first thing I will tell you is that they are only open from 4:30 -9:30 PM and they're closed on Tuesdays. The second thing I will tell you is that they are perpetually packed! It is not at all uncommon for there to be a two hour wait. You can try the outdoor counter seating but that is packed as well. Parking is also something of an issue.The staff is amazing! Everyone had a smile and was very nice. Super efficient! It's controlled chaos for sure. I ordered a bowl of New England clam chowder that was delicious! The main course was fried shrimp and french fries. Both were excellent. I spoke to people who said they'd been coming here for 45 years and that everything they serve is wonderful. The prices are also very reasonable. All in all, 4 stars. One star off for the wait time and parking.Kid-friendliness: They had a decent kids menu.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: New England Clam Chowder, French Fries, Fried Shrimp
Food OK at best. Calamari rubbery but New England clam chowder was good and drip tasty. CASH ONLY Get there early. Parking limited, public parking across the street limited too. No website to order from or review. The Take-out door to right, dine in to left. Stay close because if you don't hear your name you'll be waiting a long time for cold food.Parking: Free Small lots, free on street and free public across the street
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 2
Restaurantji Recommends
For seafood lovers. Small, no frills, cash only restaurant on the water that is BYOB. Daily specials /menu are shared on white boards at the restaurant and on their Facebook page. You can choose your seafood and from a variety of sauces that it can be prepared in. The seafood was fresh and delicious - we tried the Mahi Mahi, flounder, shrimp, scallops, crab cake, and shrimp parmigiana. The sides are strictly applesauce, fries, coleslaw, and cold corn salad (it was a special side). Our waitress was friendly and on top of everything. If it's a beautiful night and your are going at typical dinner time- prepare to wait 20-45 minutes.
I haven't been to this place for about three years we come to Ocean City for the past 30 years. I don't think I'm going back The steamed little necks were dry as could be .. the braked combo in a puttanesca sauce was just a clump!of sauce over dry bland fish ...it was not appetizing.... the corn and crab soup was almost tasteless.My wife's salmon was drenched in a Dijon sauce. I hate to say it's, but this place is no better than a bad diner, slop joint ...very disappointing but that's OK, there are lots of places we can go to in Ocean City and nearby.
Worth the stop! Checked this place out for a late lunch. The New England clam chowder was piping hot and filled with clams! We also tried the fried clam strip app and a fried shrimp po boy (a special). Fish was fresh, lightly breaded, and plentiful. Prices were very reasonable too for the quality and quantity! Service was quick and it appeared that everyone helped everyone with service. Cash only. The only thing that's missing is outdoor seating in the back, overlooking the marina!
Phenomenal seafood shack. Great vibes. Casual, noisy, fun and always packed. Get there early and tailgate with a few beers in the parking lot while you wait for a table.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fried Scallops, New England Clam Chowder, French Fries, Seafood
Any time we come to the shore we always come here dinner. The clam chowder is the best I’ve ever had. Affordable fresh seafood every time.