Old Port Lobster Shack

Stopped here for a late lunch with my SO. We ate inside as it was a bit cool for their outside tables (which are fine on a warm day).

We had the Double-Play Lobstah Rolls. Two sandwiches stuffed to the brim with fresh and tasty East Coast lobster (which has a flavor different from the West Coast).

They have a good selection of beer on tap (including East Coast brews).Also had the clam chowder, very thick and tasty.

Casual indoor or outdoor dining. Service was fast
and efficient. It is a pricey lunch, but you do get what you pay for.

Wow such a cute restaurant in a quaint shopping center. I order a takeout but decided to eat outside. The outdoor seat is lovely in fall and spring. They have BBQ in additional to seafood. The pull pork plate is delicious. The clam chowder is very good. Highly recommended.

So amazing...everything we ordered was well prepared and top notch. The fish and chips were not greasy by any means and the fish used (haddock, I believe) was beyond fresh and delicious. We ordered a slew of items--clam chowder (excellent), fish and chips (see above note :), Shrimp Louie (so fresh--ordered a 1/2 order), and a BBQ tri-tip type sandwich accompanied with mac/cheese, bbq sauces (delish and very flavorful). For two people ordering ALL that food and drinks, came to over $70.00. Doesn't disappoint and makes for a great family/date lunch!

As Boston area transplants, my wife and I recognize authentic New England seafood when we see (and taste) it. In our opinion, the Old Port Lobster Shack delivers!

My wife thoroughly enjoyed her fresh Maine lobster roll, prepared with real Hellman’s mayo just like they do back East. At first we thought it was a little pricey at $34, but a neighbor who just returned from Maine said that the going rate there is $30. Considering transportation costs for live lobster, this seems like a good deal. (FYI: The price fluctuates based on the market so you may pay more or less than we did.)

Her mug of lobster bisque was flavorful but a bit too thick for her taste, although some people might prefer it that way.

My fish and chips were terrific. There were three large pieces of perfectly cooked haddock, crunchy on the outside and moist and flaky inside, served with equally crispy and delicious fries. My meal was reasonably priced at $15.75.

The Portola Valley location is small and very casual. Place your order at the counter, take your drink with you, and choose a table or picnic bench outside. There’s no indoor seating. They’ll deliver your food when it’s ready. The restaurant is conveniently located less than a mile from I-280 in the charming little Ladera shopping center. (Take the Alpine Road exit Westbound.)

It’s hard to find a good casual fish restaurant on this side of the hill, especially one with a fresh authentic lobster roll, so we’ll definitely return when we’re in the area.

As a footnote, we were surprised to see BBQ Brisket on the menu so we took home an order to give it a try. Big mistake! The meat was dry and flavorless and the sticky sweet sauce didn’t help. Barbecue is hard to get right. Instead of trying to please everyone, the “Lobster Shack” should stick to what it does best.