Bob’s Clam Hut on US Route 1 in Kittery has been the first real Maine seafood stop for anyone driving up from the south since it opened in 1956, serving fried clams, lobster rolls, and the New England seafood shack experience in a setting that has never needed to be anything more than what it is. It appeared in Season 10, Episode 2 of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, “Tried and True,” which aired September 9, 2010. Guy Fieri found fried whole-belly clams done in the New England tradition — fresh local clams, light batter, proper frying temperature — and called the clam chowder “unbelievably good.” Bob’s has been a landmark on Maine’s southern gateway for nearly 70 years.
Quick Facts
Restaurant: Bob’s Clam Hut
City: Kittery, Maine
Cuisine: Seafood
DDD Season: 10
DDD Episode: 2
Episode Title: Tried and True
Original Air Date: September 9, 2010
Address: 315 US Route 1, Kittery, ME 03904
Phone: 207-439-4233
Website: https://bobsclamhut.com
Status: Open
What to Eat
The Fried Whole-Belly Clams are the reason Bob’s has been a New England institution since 1956 — whole-belly, not strips, fried in a light batter at the proper temperature so the clam steams inside while the outside crisps. This is the distinction that matters, and Bob’s gets it right. The Lobster Roll, cold with mayo on a toasted top-split bun, is the other Maine classic worth ordering alongside. The New England Clam Chowder, thick and cream-based with tender clam pieces, is the bowl Guy called “unbelievably good.” The Fish and Chips with fresh haddock in a beer batter is the fried fish benchmark. The Onion Rings are hand-battered and worth adding to any order. Find a Kittery or Portsmouth hotel on Booking.com.
Plan Your Visit
Bob’s is seasonal — open spring through fall. Check the website for current hours and opening dates.
Address: 315 US Route 1, Kittery, ME 03904
Phone: 207-439-4233
Website: https://bobsclamhut.com
Status: Open (seasonal)
Flavortown Approved
Stream the Tried and True episode on Amazon. Bob’s is the perfect first stop on any Maine coast road trip — pair it with the Maine Diner in Wells just up Route 1 for a full day of New England seafood.
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Bob’s Clam Hut appeared in Season 10, Episode 2 of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, “Tried and True,” originally aired September 9, 2010. The restaurant has been on US Route 1 in Kittery since 1956.