Write -Up & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

First time visitors to Lenny & Joe’s Fish Tale in Westbrook, Connecticut should not be deterred by the long lines that typically overflow outside the front door. Those lines are indicative of some of the best seafood choices in this shoreline area, not far from Hammonasset Beach State Park, at a reasonable price – which is a priority for so many of us. Saving pennies to make this casual family restaurant a destination is a good choice.

Inside the eatery which is located on bustling Boston Post Road (the main summertime drag) has the feel of a boat hull with tables and booths. Adjacent to one of two dining rooms is a canopy covered patio for those who prefer outdoor dining or, they have a small bar just to the left of the main entrance. As well, they offer take-out and catering services.

Bar is to left of the main entrance.

Dinners come with fresh, warm mini loaves of bread of different varieties – the honey wheat is especially tasty. Lenny & Joe’s offers daily specials and a good selection of fish. In addition to dinners, they have casseroles – the scallop casserole is a favorite – rolls and sandwiches, clear broth clam chowder made with whole quahog clams and what is described as a hint of milk for sweetness, their “famous” hot buttered lobster or crab rolls, salads, appetizers, an a la carte menu and landlubber options – such as hotdogs, burgers and my personal favorite, the blackened grilled teriyaki chicken roll.

That is just a sampling of what’s on the menu. If  you have room for dessert, be sure to try Lyman’s apple pie a la mode.

Dining area.

Another neat thing about Lenny & Joe’s is waiting to get a look at their t-shirts which have a new design each year and are also sold  at a reasonable price – $6.99 – larger sizes are a dollar more and kid’s cost a dollar less. And they sell Lenny & Joe’s baseball caps. Continuing a tradition that apparently began not long after they opened in 1979, customers mail photos of themselves wearing their Lenny & Joe’s t-shirts from locales all over the U.S. and the world. Many of the photos are part of collages on the walls. 

T-shirts galore.

There are two more Lenny & Joe’s, one in Madison and the other in New Haven. All three are opened 7 days a week, year round.

In Westbrook : 86 Boston Post Road, 06498-1671, 860-669-0767, ljfishtale.com