Brown's Lobster Pound

We've been coming to Brown's Lobster Pound for years, and it's hands down our favorite place for lobster. Every time we head up north to the beach, it's a must-stop for us — we don't even think twice. All we order is lobster, and it's always the best! Even our 7-year-old insists on having her own lobster — that's how good it is! We can’t comment on the rest of the menu because honestly, we’ve never needed to try anything else. It’s all about the lobster for us, and Brown’s never disappoints. Bonus points for staying open on weekends in the winter too — that's rare and super appreciated. Highly recommend for any lobster lovers out there!

Excellent food! Prices are completely reasonable and although it was busy there was plenty of seating and parking! If you are passing this way to the beaches this is a must stop and eat kind of experience. Place order outside and then eat inside. Also you can bring your own beer in with you if you are inclined.

Food is incredibly overpriced for the portions. Food is overcooked and dripping in grease. Even the crackers for the chowder taste stale. Weird that the skin is still on the haddock. Weird that the shrimp tail is still on the shrimp. I also think it’s weird that after spending all day in the hot air on the beach, you’re still stuck with it because they don’t have any AC.

Browns has the best seafood and is an awesome place for large family gatherings! Our extended family met here to share a meal and celebrate my brother's retirement. We were visiting from central Pennsylvania, so fresh seafood is a must-have. Browns is what is traditionally called "lobster in the rough." You order at the counter, and they call your number when your order is ready. Picnic table seating. Not fancy, just fresh fantastic seafood. We also love that Browns lets you BYOB and hang out for a long leisurely meal. Many other families were there celebrating similarly. The staff is the best: fast, friendly, and efficient.

Food is always good ! Cash only but atmosphere inside . Go many times a year .. wish the small scallops wasn't $27 ! Bring your own booze is good too ! Amazing sunsets

They see us coming price-wise, however the quality & freshness are near to unmatched. And where it's BYOB the price becomes well worth it. Plus, it's a tradition that's not to be missed.

stopped by as it was along the road and we were looking for a place to eat. Nice spot with good water views and ample space inside as well as parking, Service was fair and timely and place was clean and neat. Food was pricey though and didnt really stand out for me. Chowder was a bit too thick, lobster roll was just okay; ordered baked fish too but had a lot of batter but taste was okay as well. perhaps a bit bland so you may have to season it yourself.

No, no, no. I cannot recommend this place. I should have turned around after I walked in the front door based upon the awful smell (like dead seafood on a coastline). I ordered steamers and a lobster. The dirtiest, grittiest steamers I’ve ever had and pretty small. Very small bellies. I also ordered a lobster. I watched the worker pull a lobster that was upside down and not moving out of the water expecting her to get rid of it. Nope it was mine. Covered in some sort of shell fungus that caused a lot of damage. When served the lobster it tasted off. Lobster per pound price was really good, but not for a spoiled and diseased meal. Will never return.

Great seafood served in a weird building. Counter service was fine. It was our first visit and they were helpful. The most interesting part for me is the dining room. It is basically a big deck built over the water (depending on the tide). It's full of these big picnic tables end to end, with some more outdoor deck seating beyond that. We'll be back.

Great place for fresh lobster. A local favorite. Awesome vibe, and they allow you to bring your own alcohol. You arrive, order the size lobster you want, and any fried foods. You're given a number and are called when ready. It is open concept seating and loud. There are lots of great seafood plates. We got the fried haddock and clam plate and a fried lobster tail. The fried foods were not seasoned, and the fried lobster tail for $10 to add to the seafood plate. Don't waste your time adding one it was the size of a prawn, chewy, and tasteless. Highly recommend adding salt to fried foods because the batter is not seasoned. The coleslaw is pretty good. The prices are high so plan accordingly and they are cash only. There is an atm in the lobby

I have to say this is what I was looking for a road side restaurant that was welcoming !!! Soon as we walk in smiles from ear to ear ask them what we should order and they told us . We got the fisherman's platter a double cheeseburger, a hotdog and some chicken fingers. Everything was great great view of sea what more could we ask for thank you so much I can't wait to come back to browns

My wife and I have been huge fan's of Brown's for many, many years. But unfortunately our 2 visits this year have been awful. Today we ordered a small clam box and a small fried lobster box. No drinks, no fries or onion rings. The total came to $57.00 and they came in boxes that were 3-inches by 2 1/4-inches (see attached pics). We didn't even know they made boxes this small. The quality was average but we were blown away at how small they were. Very disappointed. That is ripoff.

Not the greatest place for calamari. Very either under or overcooked. Hard to chew through, thick gummy and rubbery. The worst I've had in my life. Although the batter is cohesive, tasty and crispy (they fry it in some kind of shortening or bacon fat maybe?). The tartar sauce is just vinegar cream, no taste of pickle or anything else, did not like it at all. Their fried fish plates look good though. It might be a hit or miss type of place. Interior is comfortable, a cool vibe. Nice service, good portion.

My all-time favorite during 40 years in Boston. I visited it recently in May with the kids.

Was excited to finally try Browns since my husband has been going there for years on business trips. Kinda a mixed bag. The restaurant was very clean and neat. They only take cash which my husband was aware of but I never carry cash anymore. They did have an atm on site but I heard there was a $2 service fee. The workers were moving very slowly and weren't friendly. We picked the lobster by the pound. We watched her drop poor Larry the lobster in the cooker. They have an enclosed picnic table area and very low ceilings. If you are taller than 6'2 you will probably have to duck. I did notice some outdoor seating. The lobster was good and sweet. This is only My 2nd whole lobster I've ever had. I guess Brown's cute and cheaper to bring a family. Nostalgic of days past.

Brown's Lobster Pound in Seabrook, NH hits the mark with their flavorful and fresh whole fried clams! Highly recommend for seafood enthusiasts!

My wife and I have been coming to Brown's for years. We love the open concept dining experience with the option to bring your own beverages (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) for a casual & enjoyable dining experience. We feel they make one of the best lobster rolls around. The clam chowder is good but used to be better....a little light on the goodies. The steamers also used to be good but this time we actually had to return them because of the sand. They did without question refund us the cost of the steamers. Not sure if we caught them on an off day or what but we know they are capable of much better. I do still rate them at 3-1/2 stars so give them a try on a nice summer day & Enjoy!

Right by the ocean, my wife and I never get tired of coming here for delicious seafood, cooked to perfection!

What a great and unique food expereince! Me & Ben joined James, Molly, Jeff & Ellen for a Lobster experience like I've never had before. A two pound lobster is a lot! I would not recommend the fish chowder, very basic with only one type of fish which was haddock; Not very good seasoning or flavor. It's somewhat of a spartan experience as you eat a picnic tables. If you have not been there before it takes some doing to figure out the flow. The provided napkins were no where near substantial for this kind of food.

Went to Brown's today for a 4th of July lobster dinner. They didn't disappoint. The lobsters were cooked perfectly, everything was delicious. Good fries.

Great lobster, but no great deal. Same goes for their fried seafood dishes. And you must remember to BYOB. An absolutely beautiful location.

Again with the 10-year-old, angry Elite-Yelper reviews floating to the top. The world has PLENTY of cash-only operations: this is one, and they have an ATM in the lobby. Also. Fried and steamed seafood at the shore is a thing. If it's not your thing, none of these places will please you so you may do well to eat somewhere and something else (there's pizza across the road). Of its kind, Brown's is some of the very best. I've eaten here several times over about 30 years. With one exception (we sent it back; they fixed it), it's always first-rate. Super organized, and geared for high season, but it was a terrific repast on a warm late-fall day. Clean, clean, clean, and they are ON that. Much appreciated. The service, no is not warm and unctuous, but it's efficient. This all is why I keep coming back.

I hadn't been there for 2 years. The scallop and clam plate had VERY LITTLE in it and were splitting this plate. UNIMPRESSED. This business would make SO much more if they would accept credit cards.

I've been coming here since I was a kid in the early 70's, I have to say today was the worst experience I've ever had. The lobster was so overcooked it didn't even taste good. The whole belly clam box has half full of what looked like frier waste and clam strips. The only thing that was good was the steamers. Now, for context, I was here last week, and it was very good. Very disappointed Brown's!

Trash. Terrible service, way over priced, way over cooked. Big top heavy server was dropping the f word in front of children

First of all my husband and I were shocked that it was a cash only business. We had to use an ATM and get charged $2.50. You have to wait on yourself and they expect a tip. The food was extremely greasy as if they never drained the seafood, onion rings or fries. I would not recommend this place if your use to good seafood.

I've been going here since a kid and it never disappoints. It's simple and fresh seafood always cooked to perfection. They also have delicious clam chowder. I like the picnic tables here and the view of the water is to die for especially during sunset. You can also bring your own liquor which is great!

Good quality but poor quantity for the money. Spent $100 and me and my date left hungry.

I've been going here for 30 years. But something's not right these days. The portion size suddenly shrank, the fish is not as well trimmed, and the frying is not quite right (overdone). There's been a definite drop in quality. I miss the place I used to know...

The seafood is great. Like most places, better than some times! Today was fabulous! Of course expensive, it is seafood what can you expect. We mainly just eat in our vehicle rather than go inside. Sitting inside is fine, aspecially if you byob! We don't so usually stay in vehicle or when warm, sit at picnic table. We enjoy feeding the gulls our leftover French fries! I have no complaint on todays shrimps, scallops, clams and haddock, all were perfect!!

Food was good the chower was too liquidity, I like it think not soup like content. The fish was juicy, friendly staff. CA$H only but there is an ATM machine inside $2.50 bank fee.

The customer service at Brown's is phenomenal. I live out of the area and have a friend who visits here each year (it's her favorite restaurant in the area). For her retirement we were trying to get her a meaningful gift and wanted to order a gift card she could use with her family. I reached out to Brown's and another restaurant she likes. Brown's was the only one who even replied to my messages, and they were more than happy to work with me to get the gift card ordered. Very friendly! Thank you!

Sandy steamers... Fried clams old oil / off flavor Picnic tables / byob is great, but food & overall set up was disappointing

Came here as a stop on our way of roadtrip. We did both the Brown's and the Markey's across the street. We ordered the lobster salad plate outside at the fried counter. (Since I had the same plate at Markey's and wanna compare them.) it turned out here the lobster salad plate does not have a lot of lobster meat... was disappointed... My husband ordered a 2lb lobster steamed. It was really good, fresh and tasty. Also ordered the steamed clams. We'll, very disappointed... lots of sand inside the clams... we actually need to wash the clam meat before eating...

This is a bare bones kinda place. Everything is picnic tables feel free to bring a tablecloth candles and liquor! I think over 40 years we've eaten everything on the menu. We especially enjoyed the fried clams they are full bodied. Lobster you pick your own, they cook it. Everything is fresh they have a boat!

Brown's is a WOW experience: The seafood is incredibly fresh and briny and the atmosphere is friendly and unfussy. While I've spent a few years in New England including on the Cape, Brown's has the best fried clams I can remember. For $28.50 you get a heaping plate of fresh fried clams, deliciously crispy fries and coleslaw, worth every penny. We split a basket of tender steamers (side of clam broth) and because our gluttony knew no bounds, split a bowl of clam chowder, too ($8.95). A note about the clam "chowdah": It is perfectly creamy, flavored with fresh clam broth and stuffed with clams. This chowder would win the Blue Medal at any competition. Since they're open year-'round, you can pretend it's summer and indulge well after Labor Day. Cash only, ATM on premises.

My dad isn't someone that's easily impressed by food. But as he ate every bite, he kept on talking about how impressed he is. Their portion sizes are huge and delicious. We got multiple plates with haddock, shrimp, clams, lobster, and scallops. All were absolutely delicious. The lobster bisque and clam chowder were both good. Clam chowder is a bit runny, but good flavor. Skip the calamari. Other fried foods are much better. Cash only. Plenty of parking. Indoor and outdoor seating available!

I stopped in on my ride from Maine... Ordered small scallops side, a small lobster bisque, a lobster roll to go for a family member. Well , scallops veery fresh , tasty... pricey under Brandon's inflation . Lobster bisque was a small and had great flavor for 5.95 but a couple of pieces lobster meat would have sent in over top like Lobster stew at Gilbert's chowder house in Portland ME. The lobster roll got rave reviews from family member and was reasonable priced at 25-29 bucks. Good to see open year round vs. Ceal's fair weather seafood down street boarded up. I would be at 5 stars, but lobster bisque needed some lobster meat or at least shavings... cash only a hamper and 87k IRS agents the Biden supporters voted for have you listed for an audit.

Five stars for the total experience which includes the ritualistic waiting in line, the predictable shock when you realize that they don't take credit cards, the prolonged negotiation with staff until they allow you to use your check, and the final shellfish epiphany when your number is called 30 minutes later with your 2 pound lobster (around $40 kuching). There will be booze because BYOB and the picnic table expanse around you will be filled with characters. Your ARE in Sea-brook. For three people, we ordered a large lobster, the haddock and shrimp plate, the clam and scallop plate, and clam chowder. These were excellent and not too oily despite the deep fried technique. Get a table outside overlooking the marsh and the nuclear power plant (great carbon footprint if slightly terrifying). Classic New England outdoor dining experience, highly recommended.

We really enjoyed Brown's in the past so we decided to visit again on our recent trip to the east coast. As it was off season, most of the businesses in the Seabrook and Hampton Beach areas were closed. If you're looking for more to do, definitely go during the summer months. Despite it being offseason, it was still packed with tons of people on a Sunday in mid February. Brown's is BYO beer or wine if you'd like to have a couple of drinks with your seafood. The fresh lobster, steamed clams, fried shrimp, fried clams are all very good. You can't go wrong with any of the menu items. They have some non seafood items as well if you have kids with you or non seafood eaters. We'll be back for sure on our next visit to New Hampshire.

Freakin loved this place. Weird set up I had no clue. Felt like there was a way to order that folks knew how to do so (example Philly cheesesteak wit whiz) I got a lobster. And soda And small box of clam strips $60 (tip included) Cash only Totally enjoyed all of it

Great meal but pricey, but what isn't these days? Had select lobster, lobster mac & cheese & lobster roll. Lobster mac & cheese small portion for price. Not a big fan of the lobster roll. Note cash only.

I was very disappointed with the Browns. I ordered steam clams that took well over 30 minutes before they came out. They were full of sand and very gritty. With three ordering stations, meals, come out at various times, and never together. I would not be in a hurry to return.

Brown's have been my go to for seafood platter for so long in the area. I wouldn't go anywhere else but Brown's. But Brown's had disappoint me. Every time I make a trip to Hampton Beach or Salisbury Beach I always stopped by Brown's on my way home. Either if its for seafood platter, lobsters, steamers, or chicken wings. I don't know what happened on Sunday May 28th 2023. Brown's food quality has tremendously gone down really bad. In one of my platter I only got one shrimp and the fish had a horrible taste to it. Pre frozen fish?? Was not worth the $40 for each platter that I'd paid for. There were barely any seafood nor fries and on top of that I've waited an hour and a half just to get my food as I see many that ordered after me got their food first. I did take out in the past and it was never this bad. Food quality has gone down it didn't fullfilled me and service was just terrible. I don't think I will be returning unless they fix this problem.

Just a good old New England clam shack by the water with wonderful food. Picnic tables both inside and out. Great for large groups or small families.

I am shocked at the "3" rating! Last August, on the recommendation of a friend, I took a short detour off 95 and ate lunch here on my way to ME. I ate a 3 1/2lb lobster, and fried clam bellies. Either would have been enough, but both were just superb. The lobster was sweet and delicious, the clams were perfectly fried, the fries were crisp and tasty. It was so good that I timed my ME departure so I could eat lunch on the way home. Great food, fast and friendly service. I'll be stopping there again this Sunday, and next Saturday on the way home. A destination lobster pound!

I went for a late lunch on a Saturday afternoon. There was a bit of a line, but it went pretty quickly and people were social distancing. Some folks weren't wearing masks, but I guess it's not a mandate here since we were just over the line in NH. My friend got the fried shrimp plate which came with fries and coleslaw. Does anyone really like coleslaw? It went into the trash. She really liked the shrimp & fries and it was gone in a few minutes! I paid approximately the same price, but got the medium-sized shrimp box instead (more shrimp, no sides). The shrimp was fried well - crisp, but not too much. Definitely not soggy or too chewy once you got to the shrimp. They didn't give me cocktail sauce at first, so I had to ask to get some. No biggie. All in all, I only had the shrimp, but it was good and I'd get it again!

Very expensive Spent 80 bucks 2 clam platters and no taste Watered down coke Don't waste your time

Fried scallops were best we've ever had! Also really enjoyed fried lobster tails, onion rings, and french fries. In the french fry category, Browns beats Markeys for sure! I'd go to Brown's again for all of these things. Would give 5 stars if that's all we ordered, and am giving 4 stars because of these things. One thing to note is that they do not put much, if any, salt on their fried food, so be sure and grab a packet or two of salt. I liked the tartar sauce and cole slaw both a lot. Cole slaw is watery/milky so some may not like, but I did! Tartar sauce is tangier than usual and rumored to be Ken's, not homemade, but I liked it a lot either way! The clam chowder, however, was perhaps the worst we've ever had. Very thin milk soup. Threw away after one bite. Markeys (or anywhere) beats Brown's in the Chowder category. Don't order fountain sodas. Ours had to be a half hour old. Luke warm, melted ice, so much condensation the cup was soggy. Fried clams were not bad, but were smallish. I prefer the big bellies of Essex and Ipswich. If your thing is smaller bellies, I think I'd pick Peteys in Rye over Brown's. Although we did not order any boiled food, we did take the kids to check out the lobster tanks! Plenty of other reviews to check out about cash only, seating options, order areas, and wait times.

My parents have been taking me to Brown's since I could walk.....it's always been a staple of Hampton Beach. I recently attended a concert in Hampton and demanded my wife go there the following morning. It didn't live up to my memories, at all. The food was fine, but absurdly expensive compared to other places. Not to mention they STILL don't accept debit/credit cards. The ATM fee seemed like an extra kick to an overly expensive, average seafood meal. The scenery is still lovely, but I remember the wooden benches and medieval eating methods to be more fun when I was 10.

Love Brown's! My summer go to. From the select lobsters to the steamers, it always hits the spot. The hard shelled lobsters are served piping hot as are the steamers. Fried seafood food is pretty good too. Light batter, plenty of tarter sauce. Prices are more than fair. The folks there are friendly. BYOB and enjoy.

A summer go to! I've been here multiple times it's almost tradition to go here. The prices are unbeatable for what you get. Be prepared for a wait, it's a very well known place and food takes a long time, we waited 30 min in line and an additional 25 for food. When we got our food it was totally worth the wait. Would not recommend the calamari as it was mostly fried vs actual calamari, the lobster rolls are perfectly sized and the taste! Worth the trip! P.s bring cash.

We had a great experience at Browns today! We ordered a fried haddock plate which brought fries and slaw. The fries were fresh and crunchy , and the slaw was delicious. I get nervous ordering clam chowder from places after a terrible experience I had at Kelly's haha but this was so so GOOD. personally , I like my chowder not on the chunky side so this one was just right. Browns is cool for BYOB , there's also outside seating. Don't forget to bring cash !

Absolutely delicious.... So fresh! Ambiance was typical seafood shack authentic! Best scallops I've had in a long time... so sweet!

A lil pricey. Food good service good ( lunch time) If gets busy, service can be slow Ambience is the key here!!! Great ocean views

We just stopped for lunch we both had a delicious lobster roll, the reason we gave them a 3 was the people running the place. We believe the cashier's face would have cracked if she had smiled. That's too bad to be so sad that you can't smile to your customers.

I don't get to the seacoast often, but had to be in Portsmouth early this morning. Afterward, I meandered down the coast and suddenly had the thought that I should *finally* check out Brown's, which is kind of a New Hampshire institution by reputation. I arrived too early, so went and sat on the beach to wait. When I got back they were just opening, and my lobster craving was in full force. I was very much looking forward to this long-awaited experience. I ordered a lobster roll and, when I was handed the bag, my immediate thought was, "This is very light." I went to a picnic table out back, unwrapped the sandwich, and my next thought was, "That cost how much?!" A hot dog roll, a bit of lettuce, and a disappointingly small amount of lobster. And, sadly, flavorless lobster, too. Maybe it's the time of year or whatnot, but it had none of the usual brininess or sweetness, just bland. Six bites and I was done, wishing I'd tried the fried scallops instead. Oh well, next time.