Fishbones
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Hours
Sun
12:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Mon
11:30 am - 9:00 pm
Tue
11:30 am - 9:00 pm
Wed
11:30 am - 9:00 pm
Thu
11:30 am - 9:00 pm
Fri
11:30 am - 10:00 pm
Sat
12:00 pm - 10:00 pm
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
4.0
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
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CUISINES
American, Seafood
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, After-hours
features
Menu
Raw Bar And Appetizers - Oysters
Bluepoint-connecticut
US$2.25
Northhaven-maine
US$2.25
Beau Soleil-new Brunswick
US$2.25
French Kiss-new Brunswick
US$2.25
Cooke’s Cocktail-price Edward Island
US$2.25
Raw Bar And Appetizers
Cherrystones On The ½ Shell
Six
US$8.99
Twelve
US$16.99
Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail
Four
US$7.99
Eight
US$15.99
Is this an American restaurant?
Details
CUISINES
American, Seafood
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, After-hours
FEATURES
Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service
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4.0
533 reviews
Excellent
266
Very good
165
Average
54
Poor
24
Terrible
24
Clare P
New Bern116 contributions
Mar 2021 • family
Visiting in Chelmsford from out of state. I order food to go. Got to restaurant and tried to check in via texted link. I could not get it to work. Called and let it ring forever and no answer. Finally donned my mask and walked in. Staff was rude because I came into their environment. Told me to sit and wait but I didn’t want to stay inside so opted to sit in my car. Food was brought out within a minute and dropped-literally- beside our car on the parking lot. No knock on the window or “here you go” or “thank you”. Just dropped and gone. It was over $100 worth of food and when we got home we were missing sides. For that amount of money I expect a lot better service than was provided. Doubt we’ll go back there.
Written 18 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen F
South Chelmsford19 contributions
Jun 2020 • couples
Today I placed a pickup order for $70.
It was the scallops wrapped in bacon, baked stuffed shrimp, and George's Bank scallops. Not worth the money!
Scallops in bacon were great at 9.99.
But the four shrimp were overbaked with tasteless stuffing, over salted.
The scallop dinner, well they weren't very big. 10 and broiled. My husband liked them.
Cooked well.
Sides were rice, mashed potatoes, and a tiny container of cucumber salad.
My final opinion is that food is okay. But no where near this price range!
Choose wisely and bring your wallet.
There are other places to go go for the same quality at a better price.
Written 25 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SoutheastJack
131 contributions
Oct 2020 • none
All in all, not the special treat I was hoping for.
We were seated under a tent for COVID-relatied dining. Great. However, there was one server for nearly 8 tables and a chaotic atmosphere. We had to ask for a menu. Some of the diners were masked, while others were not.
The food was overpriced for what it is. Soggy fries, lukewarm clams and coleslaw suggested that my plate has been sitting out a while. The raw oysters (they only had 2/3 of the types listed on the menu) were well prepared.
Written 13 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cass H
9 contributions
Dec 2020 • solo
I had an horrible experience at Fishbones today. In addition of being frustrated after having placed an order and getting there only to be told it had not been placed, the staff was slow to provide service on my initial arrival and when I finally received service from someone who claimed to be the manager, I was treated in a very unprofessional, flippant and dismissive way.
I left upset and extremely frustrated but when I got to my car, I decided to call again just to make sure that I hadn’t erroneously called the wrong location. The same person Who had initially claimed to be the manager answered the phone and was once again rude and dismissive. Not only did he not try to resolve my issue or at least apologize, he hang up on me.
This is not the sort of treatment I expect from a business where I choose to spend my money. My opinion of your restaurant has completely been turned on its head and I won’t be patronizing or recommending you to any of my friends, family or business acquaintances.
Written 19 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris
1 contribution
Jun 2021 • none
So we actually did not have a good experience here over the weekend. We had originally intended to stay for a full meal, but changed plans and went elsewhere after the appetizers. We ordered the mussels and a dozen raw oysters. Mussels were not good, not sure how else to describe them other than "raisen-like". The meat of the shellfish was dry and wrinkly, not sure if re-heated, over cooked to an extreme... it was just bad. The oysters actually came out all still on the shell. They were opened... and that was it! We had to send them back to be shucked properly, since it was not possible to actually eat them. When they came back, all of them had chips of shell in it and the double-shucking ended up removing all of the natural juices that they had. It was honestly an odd experience and we called it quits before investing more money with them. Our waitress was great, but the food absolutely was not, and we will not be returning to this restaurant again.
Written 21 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ed C
5 contributions
Aug 2020 • none
Last week we ordered the Fried New England's Fisherman's Platter, which was a reasonable value for us to split between the two of us. (Indeed, even given the following issue it was more than we could fully finish.) Granted, we have to drive back to Lowell and wrap it well to keep it warm, however it was pretty evident that the fried clams had been cooked much earlier as they were much cooler and no longer crispy at all on the outside. The fish, shrimp and scallops were all what we expected given our driving distance, but the clams were definitely not up to par. We have been pleased in the past and hope this was a one-off experience. Given the COVID situation we are pretty tolerant but wanted to provide feedback that might be beneficial.
Written 4 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robin L
Boston169 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
I've been to Fishbones on many occasions and thought it high time to give them a shout out on Trip Advisor. The restaurant is lovely, light and airy with big windows and a fireplace for those chilly winter days. The service is ALWAYS friendly and efficient. The food is ALWAYS excellent. I've had many different dishes and they have never disappointed. The fish is fresh, the sides are yummy and seasonal. They make a fantastic Bloody Mary. There is plenty of free parking in the back and it is conveniently located near 495/Route 3. We are heading back again on the 15th and I cant wait!! Thank you Fishbones for being a consistently awesome dining experience!!
Written 2 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Explorer788333
2 contributions
Dec 2022 • none
We were seated right away at our call ahead time. We had to wait a while for waitress to take drink orders. We were never asked again during dinner if we’d like another drink. Our orders came quickly. Most everyone enjoyed their meals. The service could have been a lot better. I do understand our waitress was very busy, but for the price we paid for dinner you’d expect better.
Also, The seating was too close and the restaurant is very noisy. Hard to have a conversation with dinner companions.
Written 4 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jcote87
12 contributions
Jan 2023 • family
So my wife and I have been coming here for years, most of the time but not all the time it has been good. Tonight was not good snd I have noticed a trend that I think should be shared.. started off bad when we weren't seated for a bit because no hostess was in sight but a server was eating at the food bar right in front of us. We are finally seated but waitress had know idea we were there so we sat there for a while. She finally comes over and I order an old fashioned for me and red wine for my wife, we also order our meals, bowl clam chowder fo me to start and then haddock Newberg, my wife got the flounder (I should have too). Our drinks come and I quickly realize bartender has no clue how to make an old fashioned which wouldn't be a big deal if I wasn't paying $15 for it (my wife's red wine is served in a white wine glass, I know not a big deal but we are paying alot of money for this) my clam chowder comes but I have no silverware so I steel it from the empty table next to me. Chowder was actually good. Then our meals come my wife's looked good and she seemed to like it but mine not so much. The description was baked haddock with lobster Newburg poured on top. What came was a piece of haddock in a casserole dish drowned in butter and bread crumbs with 1 patheticly tiny piece of plain lobster sitting ontop. It looked like something you would get at some nasty chain restaurant. If I wasn't hungry and also I hate being the guy that sends food back, then I would have sent it back. I then ordered a warm $11 beer. Finally get the bill and I realize I wasted $130 tonight. I should of just got a pizza. Honestly place is going downhill, there is a new generation of servers now that seem lazy, disinterested and untrained. Fishbones needs to get back on their game or they will lose their base and become some greasy spoon like all the rest
Written 21 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Walter Cunningham
Chelmsford3 contributions
Oct 2020 • none
Fisherman's Seafood Platter 33.00 Sucked. Whated happened to the Clans...?
Scolllops Overcooked More Batter than a Corn Dog. Yuk
Shrimp overbattered Burned
Haddock OK Cooked right
Fries Raw Sucked Onion Rings Burned Multiple Times Good Before.
Written 27 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tripyramid
3 contributions
Apr 2022 • none
Sad. This place used to be so much better.
You have to enjoy sitting VERY close to strangers to eat here. The tables in the dining room are pushed extremely close together, like diners do when they need to jam in a bunch of tables for the breakfast rush. Sure, not be a big deal to people who don't mind sitting that way, and aren't going to have a relaxed conversation with the meal,
You get a bunch of diner food to go with the diner seating. Deep fried everything. There are a couple of fresh dishes, but fried is the big name of the game. Many people like this, too, but if you were actually hoping for a variety of fresh fish, you may be disappointed.
We brought these concerns with our server, who said there wasn't anything they could do about it. Asked to speak to a manager and we were loudly scolded for having the audacity to complain.
Don't pay fine dining prices for a joint that's trying really hard to be a diner that doesn't care. Its not worth it.
Written 6 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sully234
Ayer240 contributions
Aug 2021 • none
Located in downtown Chelmsford is one of the best seafood restaurants that I have visited. Offering indoor seating and patio seating if preferred, Fishbones has never disappointed as the staff is friendly and efficient, the bar and wine list are always top notch and the food is fresh and prepared well. You can order your choice of seafood, prepared the way that you like it (broiled, fried, grilled,) or go with one of the entrees that had been planned. My favorite is the Mediterranean pasta. Fettucine with lobster, scallop, shrimp tossed in a white wine Greek style (Feta, olives)...absolutely amazing - get a cold glass of the Sancerre and you will be in for a treat. Whatever you get you will have a great meal in a nice location
Written 28 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen F
South Chelmsford19 contributions
Nov 2021 • solo
I get every few weeks the fried clam appetizer. Well lady night I got it to go. As is what I mostly do. The poor little clams were fried to death, overcooked. Deep brown in color and even had hubs try to confirm. I wish I had gone in to eat them ad I would have sent them back. $29 for an app that isn't cooked well is a sin in my estimation. Very disappointed. The bread pudding desert I ordered as well was burned on top, it couldn't be eaten. For the prices they better Amp it up!
Written 5 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Donna T
2 contributions
Aug 2022 • none
On 8/3/22 I made a "call ahead" reservation for a party of 6 at 7:30 PM, for my daughters 25th Birthday. We waited 20 minutes to be seated after we arrived and had to deal with a hostess with a bad attitude. She could of said anything but she completely ignored us and treated us like she did not want us there. I expected a wait but when I asked her how much longer it would be since it was 7:50 she was nasty. Finally we get seated and the waitress came over to our table (after waiting another 10 minutes) and said "what can I get you"? She never introduced herself and as we were ordering I said that we would let the birthday girl order first. Yes, this was a cue to the waitress to say something nice like Happy Birthday. We went around the table placing orders and she walked away without taking my order. We had to chase her all night and deal with her screw you attitude. I was really surprised that she never offered desserts. Too bad because I was feeling generous. I was so embarrassed because we had family fly in for this celebration and last minute I switched our reservations from Strega in Boston. The service from the older blonde waitress with no name was the worst!
Written 4 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gracie
Glastonbury15 contributions
May 2021 • friends
My gfs &I went after work, on Friday with a 6pm reservation. Seated promptly in a full house, both indoor & outdoor dining available. Shared 4 appetizers, stars being the fried whole bellies & steamers. Clams with larger bellies & lovely light breading, close to perfection. What was perfection were steamers served with clear broth/butter. Had a spicy lobster saute, relatively new to menu per wait staff. I had to try it & although is was good, it was not my jam. I'm a purist who had to try something different, silly me. My gf had the seafood saute & stated it was bland. Steak was ordered & served rare, very nice. No sweets tonite but have enjoyed on previous visits. Waitstaff was very good. As someone who grew up on seafood I'm surprised there aren't more "seafood houses" around here but I'm thankful for Fishbones.
Written 21 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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