Stowe's Seafood

I grew up in this town.  I’ve been by the place countless times.  I worked down the street when I was in high school.

So why have I been bringing my husband here for 10 years without thinking to take him, the seafood lover, to Stowe’s Seafood?

All he ever wanted was a humble little shack by the road that would serve him fresh fish, breaded and fried, with a nice hot sauce and a cold beer.  Is that too much to ask?  Luckily, my mother reminded me that Stowe’s exists, and we went there on a cloudy summer Sunday.

Cash only

Right across the street from the beach on Beach St. at Washington Avenue in West Haven, CT, Stowe’s Seafood has been a staple in the community for decades.  The first thing you notice is the tiny parking lot, the kitschy sign, and the cramped little house with the notice on the door that says “cash only.”  Inside, the order desk and seafood counter are nearly lost among the campy pirate and sailor paraphernalia adorning the walls, ceiling, and floor.

Seafood sensory overload

A mighty list of steamed and fried seafood options are on offer for meals, and you can also buy fresh fish by the pound to take home and cook yourself.  There are also stuffed mushrooms and other prepared dishes for takeout too.

I'll take that to go

Fresh lobsters swim in their tanks for your perusal and selection.

Beware of attack lobster

Coolers at the back of the room hold locally made sodas, and another local delicacy, fresh Italian ice, is on the menu for dessert for $1.00 per serving.

Nothing natural about these drinks

We went with the classic $9.00 “boat” which consists of your fried seafood and either cole slaw or french fries;  he chose the clam strips, I the shrimp, and we shared lobster bisque to start with (served in a coffee cup).  Basically, it was a thick cup of hot pink butter.  But what else is lobster for, I always wonder, than to just eat some melted butter and call it a meal?

Lobster bisque

When our number was called I went back in to pick up our cardboard box of fried goodies.  Condiments are available on a little counter by the door in true fish shack style:  ketchup, mustard, and hot sauce by the pump in little paper cups.  Also, malt vinegar.

Self serve condiments

The seafood was hot and tasty but served in such quantity that neither he nor I could finish our meal, and we didn’t have room for dessert.

Main course: clam strips and slaw

Main course: shrimp and fries

A brisk walk along the beach was certainly called for.  Instead, we headed back to our lodgings to digest, happy and satisfied.  “What took us so long to come here?”  he said.  Indeed.  Sometimes the best tasting food comes in the most humble of packages.