Old Port Lobster Shack

Stopped by Old Port as I was in the area and some time to kill. Decided to check this place out.
First the lady who took my order was not the most friendliest. She may have been a manager as she was talking to an employee about the till being short with another co-​worker. I asked whats better? Main or the plain? In a very curt and in a tone with attitude, she tells asked me if I liked mayo or not. Sorry to piss you off more by asking a legit question lady. Sheesh.
My order comes out about 7 minutes later and I was surpraised by how small my sandwich was. For $ 26 and change I would assume it would have been on a full size french roll or something but it wasnt. It came with luke warm fries and cole slaw that tasted like it came out of a costco kit and served out of a card board box. For the price point I thought it would at least be served on a real plate and a real fork. There’s packaged forks and hunts ketchup (they done even offer Heinz ketchup).
Doubt I would be back. Skip it and eat at the Mexican place next door.

Since we no longer live or work nearby we have not been here for maybe a year. At it’s old location the service and food we’re really great and it’s clear that things have changed significantly. The lobster rolls were not fresh and tasted odd /​old /​fishy and the burgers were dry pieces of frozen burger with melted cheese on it. In addition we had 6 orders and 3 were messed up – and the place was untidy and smelling like garbage from the back at times. I would pay the prices of the food was good but it was plain terrible. I wouldn’t even pay $ 10 for those lobster rolls again.

I was pretty bummed out about eating here tonight. I looked it up and thought it sounded good. After ordering 3 meals that were salads, and lobster Mac and cheese ended up being 70 $, we usually spend that or more when we go dining. But that’s when we go dining. This was not dining at all. Order at the front, and get a number. Whatever that didn’t bother me either, but food quality and food price did not go together at all. The menu was also unclear about the add ons. I hope this place will look into fixing some of these minor issues. If I would have read the Unilocal reviews I would of passed on this place

I don’t know why this isn’t rated higher. Maybe there have been some issues from Unilocalers, but it looks like management is listening. My garlic salmon was delicious and my wife loved the scallops. The name of the place sounds like a food truck, but it’s a decent midrange fish joint with some good dishes.

The only thing I look forward to when I have to drive from Oakland to Stanford to see my surgeon is knowing that I will get to treat myself here to a delicious lobster roll and prize. Love the new digs. Really appreciate the special kindness of one of the male staff who always makes me feel welcome and assisted as a disabled person.

If I could give no stars, I would. I’ve been dining at the Lobster Shack on Veterans in Redwood City for years, we’ve celebrated many family birthdays, and countless special occasions. It was always such a treat for us to go, the service at the Veterans location was always amazing. The woman who ran it was so great with her guests and always went above and beyond for her customers. So when a location opened down the street from us we were thrilled. On Monday, we decided to walk over and enjoy our favorite lobstah roll. Much to our disappointment it was a far cry from the experiences we used to have at Veterans.
We ordered Lobster bisque, two naked lobster rolls and ½ dozen raw oysters.
When the cup of soup arrived, I felt quickly that it tasted funny. When I got the piece of lobster it was bad, very slimey, and smelled like it had turned. I had to discard into my napkin.
The rolls had the same undesirable lobster in it as well. Neither of us could finish them.
The oysters were ok. Not as fresh as they have been in the past and had a lot of sand. Which may or may not be something you can avoid. A few hours after getting home we both became ill, and continued to for hours. I had to miss work the following day.
On Wednesday I decided to call and express my concerns to the manager. I called the location at 2:30 and got a woman named Gabby. When I told her the wrap up of what had happened, she chuckled and said «what do you want me to do about it?» I couldn’t believe it. I really only wanted an apology. Someone to say, we’re sorry you had an unpleasant experience. So I asked her if I could speak to a manager and she took my name and phone number, never heard from anyone. I called again on Thursday and Friday. Still no call.
It seems unbelievable to me that an establishment could treat customers that spend $ 50 on two sandwiches with such a careless attitude.
After reaching out to the website, Russell wrote me saying he would address the situation and get back to me that day. It’s now been 5 and after sending one follow up email, still nothing.
I don’t know who is running that place but it seems like you might want to get some new managers!

Had took out a steam clam and the clams were full of sands! Its not edible, horrible preparation of the clams! Dump all the clams in the trash, really upset about this. The lobster rolls are good, but the lobsters portion are much smaller than what I had last time.

price increase reaching $ 54 for double play now. better to head to new england lobster co. heated bread with colder meat but not as buttery and toasted as Sam’s.

4 ounces of Lobster meat in a greasy toast for $ 28. Self-​service, cheap patio furniture facing the parking lot. Price value is completely out of whack. When direct feedback given to the manager (brother in law of owner) he said he agreed. Still he didn’t do anything about it.

I’ve been here many times and I’m over it. The last two times I ate here the food was less than average. And for the price… wow…it better blow my mind. My boyfriend bit into the fish in the fish and chips meal and was greeted with a slimy glop of uncooked batter! My fried calamari was bland and mushy. The lobster bisque was watery and had a minuscule piece of lobster in it. All of this and a glass of wine for around $ 50. Ripoff. Sorry, but I’m staying away. So sad as there is NOTHING good to eat in the area.

Here’s an update… they are still getting it wrong… well, half wrong. In person I ordered, to go, two salmon dinners with steamed veges no butter or oil on anything. Seems clear, simple, straightforward. Here’s the interesting thing one order was correct as requested, the other order had butter and garlic on the veges. I thought I was pretty clear and the order was understood — the staff who took the order even went back to the kitchen after taking it to verify it was understood… So it just doesn’t make sense they’d get it wrong… The good news is I checked both dinners prior to leaving and they were able to correct it.
To be fair, 2 days ago I ordered the same thing for lunch to eat there and they did get it right. Delicious, fresh and a generous portion of salmon. When they get it right the food is tasty, veges are fresh and steamed tender crisp… would love to up my rating to 4 or 5 stars.

We’ve eaten at both this location and the one in Redwood City. The one in Redwood City was crowded and there was nobody here. Why? I would say the reason is that the lobster rolls are average and not as good as Redwood City. Why do you have a tank full of lobsters, but then feed your only customers cold lobster meat that isn’t fresh? We can certainly tell the difference.
The one I received was nothing to brag about. It wasn’t bad though. However, for two rolls it cost around $ 56.00. We got the naked lobster rolls and they didn’t taste fresh and weren’t warm and tender (seemed to be frozen). Contrast Red Eats in ME and Neptune Oyster in Boston, MA. The roll in Redwood City we got was much better. I have to say though that the guy here was nice and attentive. Also, I noticed the help here appeared to be mostly lower skilled workers and/​or foreigners and they weren’t using gloves to prepare the food. That’s didn’t seem right and it raised some concerns.

Fresh & tasty !!
Hot and tasty food at a great location !!
Helpings are large and ingredients are fresh. Fries are to die for .
Staff is friendly and the ambiance is family friendly. Pets are allowed in the outdoor area. Menu is affordable and it’s a treat to have a restaurant like this in this area. We love going there regularly !!

The Food was good… I had Clam Chowder (which was really great) and Lobster Mac n Cheese. The Mac and Cheese was ok but they do give you plenty of Lobster. The soft Drink machine and Ice Tea had a taste of Well Water so you might want to purchase a soda or juice in the bottle or can. Along with a Lobster Roll my tab was $ 75… so be prepared to go in your pocket a little. The Staff was courteous and gave a fair assessment of the menu.

Sorry Lobster Shack, but I had to knock off 3 stars. =/
I dropped by during lunchtime today and ordered the same thing I usually get (when in the area): calamari, a cup of the lobster bisque & an iced tea.
The ONLY thing that tasted good was the refreshing iced tea! The lobster bisque (that’s usually good) was watered down and there were only 2 itty bitty tiny tiny pieces of lobster in there. The calamari was also over battered and they barely gave me any! It looked as if some of the workers in the kitchen got hungry and took a handful of my food to eat.
Too bad I ordered to-​go & didn’t notice the horrible food quality until I got to work, because otherwise I would’ve asked for a refund. What a waste of $ 23.99…

Love the lobster rolls. Wish there were just a few more outdoor tables as you kind of have to fight over them on a nice Palo Alto summer evening (inside has plenty of seating and it’s like always empty… maybe they should just take out the windows!). I ordered one of their specialty beers and the guy upgraded my glass size for free. Cool. The lobster rolls are kinda pricey but worth it. Very casual atmosphere but definitely a cool spot.

The Shack is in a strip mall in toney, bucolic Portola Valley. Not a whole lot of businesses in Portola Valley, mostly trees and big homes, so its pretty quiet here. Easy parking on a Monday night for dinner.
Despite being in a very expensive wooded area, the Shack’s ambiance is, well, sailor-​bar-​by-​sea. Very informal. You order at the counter, get a number and sit either inside on picnic tables or outside on the patio,. Tonight was a little chilly so everyone was eating inside.
The menu surprised us with the variety. Was expecting lobsta rolls, clam chowder and not much else. Took a few minutes and decided on: lobsta roll, oyster po boy, Mac and cheese with pulled pork, fish and chips and clam chowdah.
The rolls were just stuffed with lobster and oysters. The mac and cheese covered in pork. 3 perfectly cooked pieces of fish with the fries. Clam chowder nice and smooth. Overall, the food was very, very good. One complaint: the fries were a little limp and not impressive, but you don’t come here for french fries. You come for the seafood and the Shack certainly delivers.
The servers/​order takers were very nice and bubbly. Made sure the food was OK and we had everything we need. One thing to note: their fountain soda was a unique brand, not a major national brand, and was oh so good. I’d come back just for this soda.
If you’re in the mood for seafood, check out the Shack.

I’m OBSESSED with this place.
If you prefer french fries over flowers, but still want to make your affection known, you need to check out this hidden gem. Nestled in the charming campy Ladera shopping center in Portola Valley (read: that forested area you pass on the way to the I-​280) is the tastiest seafood restaurant in the South Bay. The place is the ultimate oxymoron – bougie yet laid-​back, hokey yet homey – sporting a boathouse theme complete with wood plant benches and nautical décor reminiscent of a real-​life Krusty Krab Restaurant. But, skip the Krabby Patty (actual menu item) and instead opt for a double trouble of their signature Lobster Rolls for you and your date to share. It’s not cheap but it’s guaranteed to impress.
Choose from two types – the Maine Lobster Roll, mixed with mayo, chives, salt, and pepper, or the Naked Lobster Roll, plain with drawn butter and mayo on the side, both served in a fluffy buttered toast with medium-​cut fries and coleslaw on the side.
Insider tip? The lobster meat comes cold in both, but try asking for The Naked with the lobster warmed-​up. You won’t regret it.

WHA WHA Wwwhhhaattt! It’s lobster roll time! My dear friend introduced me to the Shack and I have to say, this place is right up there with Sam’s. I know I can’t believe I just said that, but I did! LOVE Sam’s but if I wanted something closer I know I can come here. We ordered the rolls (one naked one dolled up), a cup of bisque and the mac & cheese. Then to wash it all down, Allagash white.
The Roll: First I have to say WOOOOW thank you for the lobster serving it was perfect! Every bite was met with a mouth full of lobster. The brioche bun toasted and buttered to perfection. Now I did order one naked because I am a freak when it comes to mayo. But to my surprise the dressed roll was done nicely. I think I really like the green onion touch. Compared to Sam’s I think it is on the smaller side. but it was hard to tell with all the lobster in my mouth! :)
Lobster Bisque: This gets 5 stars. One of the best bisque that I have had. The amount of lobster in this bisque is obscene. The claw meat almost snapped my nose off! The soup was not overly creamed but had a texture of bits of fish. As you can see I really enjoyed it.
Mac & Cheese: not bad, it did have enough cheese and I liked the noodle. Would I order it again? Not sure… I can see this being a hit for the kiddos.
They did have a nice selection of wine and beers on tap. The Allagash white was perfect for my sea food adventure. Service is friendly and you can enjoy sitting out side. But it would be nice looking out on the water.

It’s good seafood in a very casual place. It’s a bit on the pricey side if you judge it on the casual space, but the food is good and they play fun music. It’s a shame this place isn’t on the water.