Brent Costello (L) and Noah Holzweiss (R) Are All Smiles Despite the Closing of Bob’s Clam Hut, Portland.

A Light and Always Hot Clam Chowder Was a Favorite for this Blogger Because it wasn’t Like Eating a Bowl of Paste or Flour.

Ann Marie Lee and Her husband Fritz Were Disappointed to Learn Bob’s Portland is Closing on Sunday.

The Fried Clam Plate was a Popular Lunch Time Order Today at Bob’s.  (Photo by Pamela McLellan)

Bob’s Clam Hut, at 111 Cumberland and Washington Avenues, was packed this noon as the word spread that the eighteen month old seafood hotspot is closing this Sunday. Partons came to savor for the last time the amazing clam chowder that far exceeds that of other seafood venues lined up along the Portland waterfront or the fried clams that are absolutely the best around as well.

“We are closing in order to focus on our Kittery location,” said Noah, who will serve as the general manager there because of the retirement of the current manager at that location.  That enormously popular location is 65 years old.

Bob’s Portland exceeded its commitment which is:  “..to serving traditional Maine fried seafood with straightforward simplicity.  Our mission is to wow our guests with consistency of great food and fast, friendly service in a casual and fun Maine setting.”  It was known for not only quality seafood, but also a friendly and courteous staff.  The staff will be missed.

“This is our first visit here because we had heard about it from friends.  We are sorry to hear it’s closing.  The seafood is so fresh.  It met our expectations and them some,” said Ann Marie Lee, a resident of Freeport.

Of particular “wow” quality was  Bob’s clam chowder.  Light, always hot and full of fresh ingredients that made it a must have for this blogger.  It was superior to the thick and paste like chowder found at Gilbert’s on the waterfront and to a lesser degree at RiRa’s as well.  Too much flour.

Speculation as to the reason behind the closure of the neighborhood hotspot was rampant! Perhaps an issue for patrons was the lack of parking on the property and maybe a touch too expensive for area residents. But there are other expensive venues in the area. This blogger believes it was the lack of a beer and wine license which neighboring venues had possessed that caused the closure of this seafood mecca.

Watch for what replaces this to be missed seafood hotspot.

Please see post herein dated July 19, 2018 in which it was stated Bob’s expected to start selling wine and beer in the near future.  It didn’t happen.