Gilbert's Chowder House

When making my travel plans for going to Maine for the first time, seeking a variety of fresh seafood, this made the list for having amazing chowders and better yet - one loaded with lobster! I'm SO glad I came out to Portland to give it a try. I went ALL in with a bread bowl fully loaded. Wow it packed a lot of flavor and would definitely get it again! The lobster was a bit chewy, versus tender, but I can't knock it for that when everything else was super delicious. My wife, who does NOT like seafood, had surprisingly amazing chicken tenders as well.

Stopped in this little place for dinner. The chowders were amazing as advertised. I got the clam chowder and my wife got the haddock chowder. Both were A+ we also tried some appetizers and I got a lobster grilled cheese and my wife got a lobster roll. Both were really good. I thought the appetizers could be a bit better but all in all great food at a good price.

This place is great. It's small so be patient for a table but it's worth the wait. The chowders are very very good. I also had the fried shrimp dinner, my mom had the haddock sandwich. All of them were delicious. Just go in and try it, you wont regret it.

I love coming to Portland for seafood and this is hands down the best seafood experience in all of Portland. Everything is so fresh. The seafood gets delivered and everything is made on the spot. We come multiples times a year, and now we know why they’re always so busy. It’s well worth the wait and we’ll be back every time we’re in town.

When you hear guys a few tables away talking about the tides and fishing gear, you know you're not eating in a tourist trap. The place was full but tables turned and we found a table. The clam chowder was excellent and the beer was cold. The scallop dinner was good and we left full and happy. There was one waitress and she did a great job.

A classic in Portland Maine, what lacks in decor is made up for in the heart chowders. Although the majority of the dishes are fried the freshness of the seafood won’t disappoint. Closer to 3.5 stars but the seafood chilly helps push it over the edge!Recommended dishesSuper Seafood Chowder, Clam Chowder

Stellar. Amazing lobster roll. Amazing chowder and crispy fish and chips. Yes, lobster roll is relatively expensive, however the portion you are given does not disappoint. Great cozy feel inside the restaurant. Easy recommendation for a lunch spot.

A bartender recommended this place for the best chowder and I think they were right. I had a half lobster roll and a clam chowder the first time I visited and the roll was nothing special but the chowder was great. I returned the next day for lunch and ordered only the seafood chowder. It was amazing. Loaded with lobster, shrimp, haddock, and clams it was plenty for a meal. If I was in town longer I'd definitely return for lunch. Get the chowder!

Had the super seafood chowder and a lobster roll plus a local beer. Great food. Folks were nice and the atmosphere even at lunchtime excellent. My wife had the haddock chowder. I definitely recommend.

Stopped for lunch on a Saturday in October to try clam chowder while in Maine. The chowder did not disappoint. It was delicious, as was all of the food. The grilled cheese was the perfect pairing to dip in the chowder. Yum! Friendly, cheerful staff and decent prices.Food: 5/5