Abbot's Lobster in the Rough - Review

Intro
Abbot's Lobster in the Rough - Highly Recommended
117 Pearl Street, Noank, CT 06340
Phone: 860-536-7719

After the average chowder experience at the Mystic Seaport Chowderfest, we needed some classic New England seafood to pick us up. Hoves got a rec from his sister about this joint called Abbot's. Although very difficult to find (even the mighty Iphone failed us), this place is out of control good. Great seafood, no frills place with a view that can't be beat. Overall, I give the restaurant a 88/100.

My Menu
1) Shrimp
2) Clam Chowda ***
3) Mussels and Clams **
4) Lobster Salad Roll **
5)1 1/4 lb Steamed Lobster **

Rating System
--- What the F - in a bad way * Good ** Great *** What the F – in a good way

Dish Comments
1) Not a great start here. Way overcooked, but drenched in loads of tartar sauce it was OK. You only get 3 small shrimp here, which kinda sucks.
2) Now this is the chowda that I was expecting. This is more of a Rhode Island Chowda with a clear broth that tastes amazing - great clam flavor with surprise, surprise...loads of clams. Never had this style chowda before, but it sure kicks massive ars. Since it's not buried in cream or tomato, you really taste the sweet clams.
3) Plain and simple. Steamed mussels and clams that are uber fresh. Dipped in the clam broth and clarified butter and you get something special. Some were a tad gritty, but for some reason I still loved them. It was probably the view that we had...
4) The perfect lobster roll. Unlike, the pulverized lobster meat we had at the Mystic Seaport - this roll had big chunks of juicy flavorful lobster in a perfectly sweet creamy dressing with a hint of celery. The buttered white bread folded over like a hot dog bun was genius...so stealing that idea whenever I make any seafood sandwiches.
5) We caught one of the last lobsta's of the season here (last one served Monday, October 13th) and oh mama it was wonderful. Perfectly cooked, sweet, juicy lobster dipped in clarified butter overlooking a beautiful bay. I forgot how much I loved steamed whole lobsta...haven't had one in years and I'm going to try to get some more before the year's over.

Overall Restaurant Experience (88/100)

• Food 8.5/10 – Nicely cooked seafood with Italian sensibilities (aka simply prepared and eaten). Even with the slight grit in the clams, I was still very happy.
  
• Service N/A – Basically, wait in line, place your order and pick a seat. When they call your number, you go pick it up. Simple and efficient.
• Atmosphere 10.0/10 – Eating outside in picnic benches overlooking a beautiful bay - what could be better. You could say we were sittin on a dock by the bay...or maybe not. Slightly cold on an October night, but it didn't matter. Great place. Crowd consisted of families and elder couples. Got there at 5pm on a Saturday and there was no line. At 6pm, the line was 10-15 deep and the place closes at 7pm.
  
• Price 10.0/10 – Got the New England Lobster Feast and it was a wonderful deal. Basically everything above (minus the lobster roll, but including chips and a great cole slaw) for $31. 100% worth it. Oh ya, the place is also BYOB which kicks ars...plenty o' people brought coolers with tasty beverages.
  

Closing Comments
If you're ever in the area, this is a must visit. Although Pearl Oyster Bar does some solid New England style seafood, eating outside by the water truly ups the seafood dining experience and is something no NYC restaurant can recreate. Sad that I haven't found a place like this in the NY/NJ area, but I'm sure there are some places out there...