
Gilberts Chowder House
A beloved waterfront spot in Portland, Maine, famous for its incredibly fresh seafood, especially its award-winning chowders and lobster rolls.

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Gilberts Chowder House

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beloved waterfront spot in Portland, Maine, famous for its incredibly fresh seafood, especially its award-winning chowders and lobster rolls.
"The clam chowder is the best in town and their lobster roll, the meatiest."
Reservations Recommended
Consider booking ahead to avoid long waits, especially during peak hours.
Outdoor Seating Option
Opt for outdoor seating to enjoy the views and potentially avoid indoor odors.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Seafood
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Award-Winning Chowder
Indulge in a rich, creamy, and flavorful chowder packed with fresh seafood. A must-try experience!

Famous Lobster Roll
Savor generous chunks of sweet, fresh lobster meat piled high on a perfectly toasted bun.

Waterfront Dining
Enjoy your meal with a view of Custom House Wharf, offering a charming seafood dining experience.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Reservations Recommended
Consider booking ahead to avoid long waits, especially during peak hours.
Outdoor Seating Option
Opt for outdoor seating to enjoy the views and potentially avoid indoor odors.
Bread Bowl Experience
Try the award-winning chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl for an authentic taste.
Budget-Friendly Lobster Roll
The $25 lobster roll is a highly recommended and great value option.
Tips
from all over the internet
Reservations Recommended
Consider booking ahead to avoid long waits, especially during peak hours.
Outdoor Seating Option
Opt for outdoor seating to enjoy the views and potentially avoid indoor odors.
Bread Bowl Experience
Try the award-winning chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl for an authentic taste.
Budget-Friendly Lobster Roll
The $25 lobster roll is a highly recommended and great value option.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Gilberts Chowder House is praised for its exceptional, award-winning chowders and generously filled lobster rolls, offering a quintessential Maine seafood experience. Diners frequently highlight the fresh ingredients and friendly service, noting the cozy, diner-like atmosphere. While the food receives high marks, some reviews mention potential odors near the entrance and the limited indoor seating.
"The hubs and I stopped here for lunch last week. Despite it being summer, we ordered the super seafood chowder. O.M.G! It was phenomenal.
Hubs had his in a bread bowl. I ordered half a lobster BLT and a small super seafood chowder. It was so 'meaty' and filling most of the sandwich still came home with me.
You can taste the difference in fresh seafood, and this was definitely fresh. And it's located just around the block from the docks, so that makes sense. I imagine they get their seafood from the fishmongers.
They have al fresco dining out back, too, which is a nice touch during warmer weather. This is a must visit place. Highly recommend."
Beth Casey
"We enjoyed sitting outdoors which was covered.
Our server was extremely nice and helpful in suggesting food items.
We were not too hungry so we both ordered soup.
I had the clam chowder and my friend had the seafood chowder.
You can not go wrong with either one.
The next time we are back in town, we will definitely come hungry to try an actual meal.
Highly recommend this restaurant!"
Corina Mayo
"The soups and chowders are perfect for those chilly Maine nights!
Our waitress, Casey, was so attentive and sweet. She highly recommended the lobster stew and we are glad we listened to her- it was sooo good, esp with the big chunks of lobster in the stew. A must try! Lobster roll and lobster grilled cheese sandwich were really good too. Everything tasted fresh.
Indoor seating is small but luckily there is more spacious outdoor seating in the back with several picnic tables and a heater."
mary b
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Gilbert's Chowder House is most famous for its award-winning chowders, particularly the clam chowder, and its generous lobster rolls.
Yes, you can get your award-winning chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl, which is a highly recommended authentic experience.
It is recommended to consider making reservations, especially during peak times, to avoid potentially long wait times.
Besides chowder, popular dishes include the famous lobster roll, fish and chips, fried clams, and lobster BLT.
Yes, they have outdoor seating available, which can be a great option to enjoy the waterfront views.
If you are sensitive to smells, opting for outdoor seating might be preferable to avoid potential odors near certain areas inside.
The lobster roll is considered a budget-friendly option, often priced around $25 and highly recommended by visitors.
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Where to Find the Best Seafood in Portland, Maine
With its large, old-fashioned sign by the front door proclaiming “Seafood chowder in a bread bowl — it’s a meal!. ” Gilbert’s is clearly high on its signature dish, and rightfully so: The chowder at this Commercial Street hole-in-the-wall is fragrant and rich without being fancy, and packed with succulent meat. Traditionalists can choose from clam, fish, seafood, or “super seafood” (double the portion of meat); for a spicier twist, there’s a lobster chili on offer, too.
35 Iconic Maine Foods You Need Try
At its best, eating a bowl of chowder is like eating creamy brine packed with soft chunks (potato and fish) and chewy nuggets (clam and corn) — peppery, milky, porky seawater on the tongue, sliding down your gullet, chewy and soft in the teeth. My general recipe is probably very similar to yours and everyone else’s in New England. Chopped fatty pork with onion and celery all melted together as a base.
Portland Seafood Restaurants: 10Best Restaurant Reviews
Gilbert's Chowder House features a relaxed, comfortable but upscale atmosphere that is a fine choice for seafood dining in Portland. The offerings are what you would expect for such an eatery but the meals are prepared with time-honored recipes and seasonings. The result is an eatery experience that, while not overly remarkable, satisfies for those seeking honest Maine seafood.
The 10 Best Seafood Restaurants in Portland, Maine
Although this is an upscale restaurant, it has a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. The menu consists of classic Maine seafood dishes that are made using time-honored recipes and seasonings. The award-winning chowder is one of the most popular options on the menu, although the clam cakes, Maine scallops, and fresh haddock are also good choices.
11 Best Seafood Restaurants in Portland
There’s no better way to stay warm during a Maine winter than digging into a bowl of piping hot chowder. Gilbert’s Chowder House, family-owned and operated diner overlooking Custom House Wharf, has been serving their award-winning chowder for over 28 years. Order a cup as a starter, or make it a meal in a sourdough bread bowl.
Finding The Best Maine Lobster Rolls
A post shared by The Infatuation (@infatuation) on Jul 2, 2016 at 3:26pm PDT. 92 Commercial St.,Portland | 207-871-5636 | gilbertschowderhouse.com. As the name suggests, Gilbert’s specializes in chowder,but this no-frills seafood eatery offers an array of fresh maine seafood dishes, including a great lobster roll!
How To Do A Lobster Crawl In Portland, Maine
Walking into Gilbert’s Chowder House is like walking into a favorite local dive bar, except that it also serves incredible seafood. You might be tempted to try their award-winning chowders, but if you do, stick to a small serving. You won’t want to spoil your appetite for their classic Maine lobster roll.
Travel Bloggers Weigh In: Where to Find the Best Lobster in Portland, Maine
Lobster stew at Gilbert’s Chowder House in Portland, Maine is a whole new experience for anyone who thinks of stew as a thick and filling meat-and-potatoes concoction. Instead, think silky, succulent, and decadent. Admittedly, I wandered into Gilbert’s after a cold and windy ride on a lobstering boat.
Take A Good Walk Portland Maine
On this day, the Tall Ships graced the wharves, and Gilbert’s was packed. But it’s always packed due to its delicious and fresh chowders, calamari and lobster rolls. My sister, a long-time Mainer, feasted on her usual–clam chowder in a bread bowl, and I munched down the amazingly fresh lobster roll.
The 7 Best Lobster Rolls In Portland, Maine
It’s worth noting that if you’re travelling through the area, this spot is one of the best places to indulge in famous New England-style chowder. However, it’s also home to some fantastic lobster rolls. They sandwich massive chunks of lobster meat in between a perfectly toasted bun.
Restaurants in Portland ME
Gilbert’s is a very popular waterfront spot with tourists, and is nautical without taking the theme too far. The reasonable prices keep locals coming, too. The chowders are okay, if unspectacular; other choices include fried clams, haddock sandwiches, and various seafood you can…
Great Places to Get Lobster in Portland Maine
If they use that as a slogan, I expect payment because I came up with it first. On the first day of your trip that it’s even remotely chilly, get yourself some lobster stew in a bread bowl. Way more filling than a lobster roll!
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And, last but not least, the best place to get good chowder is Gilbert’s on Commercial Street. Inside tip: make sure you get the super-seafood upgrade. Chock full doesn’t begin to describe the difference it makes.
11 Best Seafood Restaurants in Portland, Maine
92 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101Phone: 207-871-5636 Visit Website. A post shared by Gilbert’s Chowder House (@gilbertsportland). Gilbert’s Chowder house represents a popular destination for chowder lovers.
The ABC's of Portland's Food Scene
The first time I ever came to Maine was in 2008, when I was beginning my college search all the way from Chicago. My dad and I wandered around Portland in April, and there was still snow on the ground.
Best Places to Eat in Portland, Maine
When you are in New England, one of the must have dishes is chowder!. All different versions: corn, clam, seafood, New England, Manhattan, etc. Gilbert’s Chowder House was the spot for me.
Decks, Patios & More in Portland, Maine
A family restaurant located on the water, Gilbert’s is an icon seafood restaurant and chowder-house in the Old Port. During the warmer months, they open their back patio for service.
Outdoor Dining Restaurants in Portland, Maine: 15 Great Spots
Smell the briny sea breeze as you enjoy a bowl of hearty chowder with a view. [Photo: Courtesy of Gilbert's Chowder House]. 92 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101
Highest-rated Seafood Restaurants in Portland, Maine by Diners
- Rating: 3.9/5 (1024 reviews)- Price level: $$- Address: 92 Commercial St. Portland, Maine - Categories: seafood- Read more on Yelp
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