Portside Chowder House is open year round. Located on Tuna Wharf, in the summer months they have outdoor seating offering a raw bar and a fantastic view of the harbor. At 2:30 on a Saturday in February our party of two had only a 10 minute wait for a table. But the reception area was cramped and chaotic, with one hostess to greet, seat and take payment for meals. We waited outside.
Since this was a February visit, we sat indoors, warmed by the wood stove. We were seated in the middle of a shift change, so were left stranded at our table with nary a greeting nor a glass of water for a good 10 minutes. But once the waitress noticed us, she apologized and provided us with good no nonsense service.
Contrary to the restaurant’s name, the chowder (2.50/cup, 3.50/bowl) is not Portside's crowning achievement. While nothing that a bit of salt and pepper couldn’t perk up, it lacked flavor. If you must order the chowder, please keep in mind that it’s not a prime specimen of what rich and creamy traditional New England clam chowder should be.
On a brighter note, the fried clam plate (with bellies, 13.95) served with steak fries was served up hot, fresh and delicious, as was the scallop plate (also 13.95, with fries).
Now, I don’t usually comment on restrooms, but this bears noting: the ladies room was cramped, not clean and smelled of urine. It would behoove them to have theirs cleaned on occasion.