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Gilberts Chowder House

4.6
·491k reviews·,

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Diner style

Gilberts Chowder House

Highlights

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.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"The clam chowder is the best in town and their lobster roll, the meatiest."

TIP

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.

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Quick Facts

Closed·Opens 11AM

Cuisine

Seafood

Price

Mid-range

Phone

(207) 871-5636

Address

92 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101, USA

Insta-Factor

Medium

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Award-Winning Chowder

Award-Winning Chowder

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

Where to Find the Best Seafood in Portland, MaineGoogle Review
Famous Lobster Roll

Famous Lobster Roll

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

Finding The Best Maine Lobster RollsGoogle Review
Waterfront Dining

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

Replying to @Pureguava Pt 6: Gilbert’s Chowder House 🐓✨ RATING BARS/RESTAURANTS KINDA NEAR OOB #portland #maine #portlandmaine #fyp @sarah🍒
@_she_went_there_
3.3K likes • 112.6K views

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.

GILBERT’S CHOWDER HOUSE 10/10!! #maine #4thofjuly #summer #summerinmaine #summerinme #mainesummer #gilberts #gilbertschowderhouse #oldport #portland #portlandmaine #portlandme #clamchowder #seafood #chowder
@allizsin
33 likes • 2.3K views
He stole half of my grilled cheese right after I filmed this #portlandmaine #portlandmainethingstodo #gilbertschowderhouse
@rachaelbuckley
35 likes • 863 views

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.

Day 4 of our New England road trip. We stopped in Portland, Maine to get a coffee and to do a lighthouse boat tour in the afternoon. It was a beautiful afternoon on the water. Lunch at Gilberts Chowder House. #portlandmaine #newenglandroadtrip #mainetok #coastal #newenglandtiktok
@lissitok
38 likes • 460 views

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

4.6
(491k reviews)

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

Award-winning chowders
Meaty and fresh lobster rolls
Friendly and efficient service

What People Dislike

Occasional strong odors near entrance
Limited indoor seating

Frequently Asked Questions

Gilbert's Chowder House is most famous for its award-winning chowders, particularly the clam chowder, and its generous lobster rolls.

Where to Find the Best Seafood in Portland, MaineGoogle Review

Yes, you can get your award-winning chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl, which is a highly recommended authentic experience.

Where to Find the Best Seafood in Portland, MaineGoogle Review

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.

Finding The Best Maine Lobster RollsGoogle Review

Yes, they have outdoor seating available, which can be a great option to enjoy the waterfront views.

Google Review

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.

Google Review

Mentioned in

Featured in these publications

NewEngland.com

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.

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Down East Magazine

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.

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USA TODAY 10Best

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.

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Money Inc

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.

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ExploringMaine.com | The Way Life Should Be

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.

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luxurymainerentals.com

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!

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TravelAwaits

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.

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Jen on a Jet Plane

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.

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Full-Time Travel. Nomad Lifestyle

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.

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Big 7 Travel

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.

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enjoytravel.com

The 7 Best Lobster Rolls In Portland, Maine

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Frommers

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…

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Wandering Why Traveler

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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French's Point

Visiting Portland Maine - Restaurants, Boutiques and More

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.

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Restaurant Clicks

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Eater Maine

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

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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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