Bob's Clam Hut Menu 2026: Fried Clams, Lobster Rolls & More

Bob's Clam Hut in Kittery, Maine is most famous for its whole-belly fried clams — widely considered among the best in New England. Open since 1956, it is also celebrated for its lobster rolls, creamy New England clam chowder, fish and chips, and fried haddock. The shack-style ordering window, long lines in summer, and iconic Route 1 location have made it a pilgrimage destination for generations of seafood lovers traveling the Maine coast.

Bob's Clam Hut is located at 315 US-1 in Kittery, Maine, just over the New Hampshire border. It sits on the busy Route 1 corridor, making it a popular stop for visitors heading into or out of Maine. The Kittery Outlets are nearby. Kittery is about 60 miles north of Boston, 1 hour north of Portsmouth, NH, and just south of the Yorks and Ogunquit. Confirm current hours on bobsclamhut.com before visiting, as hours vary seasonally.

Bob's Clam Hut hours vary by season — the shack is typically open daily in summer (June through Labor Day) from late morning through the evening, with reduced hours in spring and fall. Exact hours are listed on the official website at bobsclamhut.com. It is advisable to check before making a special trip, particularly in the shoulder season. Bob's typically closes or reduces hours during the winter months.

Bob's Clam Hut does not publish prices on its website, and prices fluctuate with the seasonal cost of Maine whole-belly clams, which varies considerably. As with most New England clam shacks, whole-belly fried clams are market-priced and are not inexpensive — clam shack pricing for a large plate of whole-belly clams at a quality establishment typically runs $25–$45 depending on the season and current shellfish market. Confirm current pricing at the ordering window or by calling ahead.

The key difference is whether the clam's soft belly is included. Whole-belly clams — Bob's signature offering — include the entire clam: the tender, briny belly sac that gives New England fried clams their distinctive rich, oceanic flavor. Clam strips are cut from the foot of the clam (or sometimes processed clam muscle) without the belly. Strips have a firmer texture and milder flavor. Serious New England seafood enthusiasts strongly prefer whole-belly clams; Bob's whole-belly fried clams are considered among the region's finest.

Yes — by most accounts, emphatically. Bob's Clam Hut consistently appears on 'best fried clams in New England' lists from regional publications and food writers. Long lines form in peak summer, particularly on weekends, but the shack moves efficiently. Pro tip: go on a weekday, arrive early (before the lunch rush), or visit in late August/September when the summer tourist peak has passed but the shack is still open. The combination of fresh whole-belly clams, classic chowder, and the open-air New England shack setting is considered by many to be an authentic, irreplaceable experience.

Bob's Clam Hut operates in the classic New England clam-shack format — primarily outdoor picnic table seating with a walk-up ordering window. There is limited covered/indoor seating, but the experience is largely outdoor. This is part of the appeal: the setting along Route 1, the salty air, and the casual atmosphere are integral to the Bob's Clam Hut experience. On hot summer days, plan accordingly. The shack is not suited to formal dining but is ideal for a relaxed, authentic New England seafood meal.

Yes. Bob's Clam Hut serves lobster rolls in the classic Maine cold style — fresh lobster meat lightly dressed with mayonnaise on a toasted, split-top New England hot dog bun. Hot butter lobster roll is also available at times. Lobster prices at Bob's reflect the current Maine lobster market, which varies seasonally. The lobster roll is second only to the fried clams as the must-order item at Bob's for first-time visitors.

Bob's Clam Hut is a seafood shack, and the menu is centered on fried seafood, chowders, and lobster. Vegetarian options are limited but include french fries, onion rings, coleslaw, corn on the cob (in season), and fountain drinks. A corn chowder is available seasonally. For those in a group where some members don't eat seafood, sides and dessert (soft-serve ice cream) provide reasonable options, but the menu is not designed around plant-based dining.