Chatham Pier Fish Market

We absolutely loved Chatham Pier Fish Market — the food was outstanding and the setting made it even more memorable. You walk inside, place your order, and the food is handed over through a pickup window, which gives it that casual, authentic fish-market feel. The seafood is as fresh as it gets. The fishing boats are literally a few feet away, unloading their catch. A couple of favorites here are the lobster roll, chowder, and fried fish combos. The portions are generous and the flavors top notch. The place itself is modest and no-frills, with picnic tables or benches outside where you enjoy your meal while taking in harbor views. Because it’s on the pier, you’re right by the water, with gulls overhead and fishing activity happening all around. Restaurant Guru Parking can be tricky in high season — you may have to wait or walk a bit. Go a little early (before peak lunch hour) to avoid long lines.

The freshest fish & shrimp was phenomenal. It came with a few choices of sides. The slaw and fries were excellent as well. It’s a busy place but worth it! It doesn’t have any indoor seating but lots of table and chairs very close to the market. It was cool and windy the day we were there and opted to eat it in our vehicle. We were able to watch a seal close from the pier area up top.

One of the best lobster rolls I’ve ever had! 🦞 The lobster was super fresh with a natural sweetness, and the mayo was just right present but not overpowering. The brioche bun? Toasted to absolute perfection. I also got the clam chowder. It was lighter and less creamy than I’m used to, but still so flavorful that I enjoyed every bite. We sat outside at the picnic tables and looked for seals at the pier afterwards. Didn’t see any so can’t wait to come back!

Phenomenal- the service was great and the food was amazing. We got 2 lobster rolls, one with fries and one with onion rings. The lobster was so fresh and warm, the rolls they came on were perfectly buttered and basically Melted in our mouths. The fries were really good but omg the onion rings were some of the best we’ve ever had. Would come back 10/10 times. Unfortunately we visited during the nor’easter so we had to eat in our car and pretend like we were sitting right next to the water 😂

Omg. If there was anything cuter than seals slapping each other, blowing bubbles, and laying on their backs I don’t know what it would be. We came here just to see the seals and it was amazing. The smell of fish isn’t too overwhelming either. You can see them unload the fish and everything else is done underneath. Definitely worth a visit.

This place definitely lives up to the hype. The food was delicious. I got the fried clam strips and my wife got the crab cake. We shared a clam chowder which was filled with a lot of clams. The service was pretty quick and went smoothly. Not much seating in the area but everyone was kind enough to share their table with strangers. Everyone was there for just good food. The biggest negative is the parking lot. We got very lucky but parking is very difficult here.

Beautiful views and a great way to see the fishing industry in action. The restaurant near the pier is casual and excellent. Parking is a premium so be ready to wait during busy seasons.

Great place to watch the fishing ships come in, seals in the harbor, and great view of the sea. The pier has a shop where you can buy fresh seafood (raw or prepared). They have lobster rolls, crab rolls, soup, etc. I got a crab roll. Quite tasty and fresh.

Lol, we found this place on accident. GPS sent us to the wrong fish place. What a GREAT accident this turned out to be! Had the fish and chips, it was wonderful! Some of the best fries I've eaten in a long time. Bought 2 orders, so ended up having it for lunch and dinner. Lucky me!

[ Background ] Saturday, September 14, 2024 at ~11:00 AM When looking up must-try places to eat on Cape Cod, Chatham Pier Fish Market kept popping up with a plethora of positive reviews gushing about the tasty, fresh seafood. So I convinced my two friends to come here. Parking was pretty bothersome. The lot has a decent number of spots, but it was already jam-packed since we got there near the beginning of the lunch rush. We tried to leave to find another lot but had to wait behind a small line of vehicles since a car near the front was waiting for another car to back out of a spot. We did leave but ended up circling back and got lucky and were able to snag a parking spot. The walk-up restaurant has two windows: the left one is where you line up to order and pay while the right one is where you pick up your food. Right between the parking lot and the restaurant, there's a tiny little courtyard with a few blue picnic tables. Try to get a spot with shade; otherwise, you might bake in the sun. [ Food ] Chatham Pier Fish Market conveniently has an online menu with prices and a few pictures on their website: https://order.toasttab.com/online/chatham-pier-fish-market-45-barcliff-avenue-extension I ordered: * Black sea bass fish and chips ($18.95) This food item was listed on a separate daily special menu hanging to the left of their window and wasn't included on their regular paper menu (although it is listed on their online one). The tender, flaky sea bass was the main star of the show with its black skin peeking through the light, golden batter. The chips (french fries) had a crisp exterior and a fluffy inside. And the included sweet chili sauce paired perfectly with the delicious fish (and even the fries). I'm usually not a huge fan of coleslaw, but the small container of slaw along with the lemon wedge's acidity helped cut through the fried taste. * Clam chowder, pint ($9.00) Coming in a paper pint container, the tasty clam chowder consisted of a savory soup that wasn't super thick and was loaded with clam pieces and potato chunks. The one packet of oyster crackers on the side added a nice crunch to the chowder. [ Service ] There were just two parties in front of us in line, and it appeared most people at the front were just waiting for their food. My food took way longer to come out compared to my friends'. The employee did tell the customers in front of me that their order would take about 15-20 minutes, but she didn't say that to me. My order did end up taking ~16 minutes. [ Tips ] You can pay with either credit card or cash.

Fresh. Scenic. Not cheap. But fresh! For the prepped food, you order outside the shack. For fish you plan to cook, go inside. Very popular and busy. Hard to get a parking spot. But those two lobster rolls with good fries and slaw, very delicious. Though there was a line, service was fairly quick.

It's such a cute fish market! Worth a visit if you're in the area in Chatham- it's not too far from the Chatham lighthouse. When the fishermen bring in their boats, seals gather around to get a few treats!

I ate a lot of seafood, and A LOT of lobster bisque when I was in the cape this week. We decided to grab lunch here on a whim after looking at seals, and DANG this was some of the best stuff we ate all week! First of all- THE LOBSTER BISQUE! While I personally like my bisque a bit thicker, all is forgiven because of the HUGE CHUNKS of real, fresh lobster in the soup. The chowder had high chunks of clam and potatoes and a great salty bacon-y tang to it- obsessed. The cold lobster roll was a DELIGHT- esp for the price point. Great big chunks of meat, excellent roll, and the fries stayed crispy even after a 20 minute drive home. The clam fritters were insane- huge chunks of clam and you got like, 8 for $14!! The real winner for me was the fish and chips. The biggest, flakiest, most moist cod, perfectly fried with no grease, and a lovely tartar sauce and vinegar. And again- those FRIES!!! What a meal!

The Quick: The tail of two roles... cold lobster roll 5/5 while the cold lobster roll was 3/5. The fries were a solid 5/5. The Details: such a different experience depending on the lobster roll. We went two days in a row (and once last year). The verdict- the cold lobster roll so tasty, fresh, and great portion. The hot lobster roll 3/5 (being generous) wildly overcooked, bland, no flavor, and the bun disintegrated (I guess from the butter?) Even though we ate right there. Super cool walking down the dock and seeing massive seals while you wait. They're pretty quick too! The Damage: market price which we found very expensive compared to Maine, but we'll still return (for a cold roll only)

THE LOBSTER ROLLS!! Enough said lol! In all seriousness this is probably the best lobster roll I've had. It was so worth the price and had huge chunks of fresh lobster. I got the warm butter version and my mom had the cold with mayo. Both were next level! The lobster rolls come with fries and coleslaw and we enjoyed the sides as well. Only negative is there are just a few picnic tables, so not a lot of seating. But the atmosphere is really beautiful and you can even see some seals in the water, especially at low tide!

Wow! Stellar. Had the hot and cold lobster rolls. Both were awesome. The fries are perfect. The fish and chips were some of the best of my life. Perfectly breaded. Huge portion (could be shared). Still good the next day when reheated. This is some of the best food I've ever had. Don't miss out. Oh, and ask for extra tartar sauce.

Wanted to get some fresh seafood for a light dinner and we were not disappointed! I want With a lobster roll and Chad had the Tuna sandwich. We started with steamers that were amazing. They do take out, but we sat at the picnic tables and enjoyed the evening!

Food is delish! lobster bisque was amazing!!! So was the lobster roll! Service was quick and the ambiance was outdoorsy cute picnic table.

Yum yum yum! Fresh seafood and the line moves quickly. There was not a lot of parking and not a lot of seating (none inside and only 3-4 tables outside), but we luckily got a table. Super casual spot, definitely more people getting to go than eating there. Drinks were all the same price which was nice, because you could order and then make the decision and go grab it for yourself. We could not hear them calling names when food was ready even from around the corner - would def be helpful for them to have a speaker, microphone or megaphone, etc. Or even just little buzzers. The trash bins were full and overflowing, so we brought it to their attention. Especially with such big containers that they serve in (both to stay and to go) they need bigger trash cans! Food wise, it was delicious. The fries were SO crispy and amazing. The poke bowls were great and a good portion size. The fried shrimp roll was filling. Lobster roll was expensive (MP at $38, came with fries and slaw) but good. The sauce that came with the shrimp roll was SO good, but I only discovered it at the end where there was a bit more on my bun. Had I known there was any at all I would have asked asked for extra!

We went for lunch and had cold lobster rolls and French fries. The lobster rolls were delicious and heaping with fresh caught lobster on perfect buttery buns. The French fries were also very good. We ate our lunch on the picnic tables nearby which were infested with bees but otherwise had a very nice time. We liked walking to the top of the fish pier and watching the seals play and fishing boats come in and out with their catch. We also went to the fish market and got a swordfish steak, salmon and corn which we grilled for dinner. They were also incredibly fresh and delicious- some of the best swordfish I've had in a while

Went here for the first time on one of the last days of the season and it's phenomenal. Best fish and chips and clam chowder I've EVER had. Not too much seating if it gets busy. Bonus points cute little seal at end of the Pier

Shawty fire burning on the dance floor! Man that's the most lobstah I've ever seen in a bisque Great spot, nice staff, sweet view

We got lost and accidentally land here. The kids enjoyed seeing the boats and fish landing area. The price of lobster wasn't eye gauging either.

My absolute favorite lobster roll on the Cape! Huge succulent chunks of lobster. Super fresh and worth every penny.

Cannot miss! A true GEM in Cape Cod! Parking is a nightmare here. We tried to come here on a weekend afternoon and it was so packed, not only at the pier but the whole town of Chatham, that we gave up and found food elsewhere. Undeterred, we returned on a weekday. Luckily there was slightly more parking located near the town center, which is about a 15 min walk (along mostly roads without sidewalks.) Despite the obstacles, this spot was well worth the trek!!! The seafood is SO fresh. Located right off of a commercial fishing pier, the market is stocked with the latest catch. The fried scallops were deliciously tender, juicy, buttery goodness. I wish there were more! For a $30+ dish, the food felt sparse. It came with a side of coleslaw and very crispy yummy French fries. The fried fish plate was good as well. Many items are listed as market price. Overall quite pricey, which is to be expected in this area. After you've gotten your fill of food, don't forget to stop by the observation deck to try and spot some seals. They can often be seen trailing some of the fishing boats, begging for fish scraps. Around 1-2pm seemed to be a good time for this. There is bathroom access and limited outdoor picnic table style seating.

Quite a long line for fresh cooked seafood at their walk up order window. On this July 4th they're open! Hubs purchased sushi grade fresh yellowfin tuna and their employees know their fish! Can't wait to return for their recommended fried clams!

Clean, efficient and amazing seafood and at great prices. The world of seafood has gone crazy$$$ but you can still get great quality at the market! We enjoyed the best steamers $7.95 Lb and lobsters $9.99 lb during our rainy week at the cape. It was so good we stopped on the way home and brought home the same treats again. They even gave us a bag of ice to help the ride home with our VERY fresh goodies. Can't beat price and the taste was amazing! Parking in front for 10 minutes so don't be overwhelmed by the parking situation there! Very crazy and strict! Ps visit the seals if you find parking!

Their lobster roll was excellent & really fresh. Their walk up window & service makes it easy for anyone. The inside has some great fresh fish selections as well as scallops & anything else you could want fresh from the ocean. We enjoyed their small but covered outdoor space to eat before heading over to the pier to watch the fishermen drop off their catches for the day. Note that the parking during certain high foot traffic days can be a bit challenging & tight, but outside of that it's still worth coming down to check out if you're in the area.

Hands down the BEST clam chowder I've ever had. A must if you're visiting Chatham and want a quick bite. The lobster roll was also delicious. It was $38 and worth it. Great place to pick up a snack after watching the seals or visiting the fish market. Service is quick and friendly. Will def be back.

Delicious fresh fish. Take out only. There are picnic tables. Watch the seals eat as the fishermen unload their catch. There always seems to be a line but it moves reasonably fast.

Arguably the best shrimp cocktail that I have ever had. Quick carry out snack that exceeded all expectations! Fun place to snack while watching the fishing boats come in and offload.

Truly excellent warm lobster roll! Perfectly cooked and the right amount of butter. Best one so far in the Cape!

Y'all!!! Best lobster bisque I've ever had . A pint for $10!!! And it was full of chunks of lobster meat!! Amazing!! I'd go back to Chatham just for this place!! Not fancy at all but grab something at the takeout window and enjoy the view and ambiance of the fishing and seal area!! Devine and friendly staff! This made my day!!

The Clam Chowder and Lobster Bisque is among the best I've had while on the cape. It really hit the spot on a cold, foggy day. A little pricey but the quality and portion size make up for it. It can get busy on a nice summer day since everyone comes over to watch the seals. Parking can be tricky though. They have a handful of spots right by the restaurant and a small lot above where you drive down. I've had success also street parking and then walking down. There are also bathrooms next door and lots of places to eat outside. Don't worry if you see a line. It moves fast. Well worth the stop if you are visiting Cape Cod.

A truly wonderful find if you love fresh seafood!! It's basically set up as a seafood market that also sell prepared food to order. I got about 1.5 pounds of the cleanest freshest steamers that I've ever had for $15. To be fair they go by market price but that was more than reasonable price for that. Other foods were good too. There are picnic table set up outside so you can eat there. The family next to us got lobster rolls and said that they were delicious! With lots of fresh lobster in them too! And after or before you eat, head over to the pier to watch fishing boats returning from their morning runs or the many, many seals playing in the water.

The prices are a little higher than expected, but you get a pretty big piece of fish & a nice seaside spot to eat it at. Even though the lines were a bit long, the service/wait was surprisingly quick.

Delicious fried food and that is all there is to say. Very fresh and good after a day on the beach. Takes a bit long but it is worth it. Eating at pic nic tables is fun.

This place is a great kid friendly place. It's a tiny place and expensive but it's worth it. My family and I went last year and the lobster rolls are the best here. The staff are all nice and friendly. I would give this place an 9 out of 10 and next month I can't wait to go back.

Great takeout lobster rolls, one hot, one cold. Delicious fries. Fun eating outside at one of a few picnic tables. Not cheap, but a must do Chatham experience! Park at the top and walk down the hill.

Classic New England dishes. Excellent chowder. Amazing views. Pesky seagulls...but who cares when the food and setting are this perfect!

Would of been 5 * went twice in one week the first time lobster roll was so incredibly sweet &delicious 5 days later What a let down !!! Round 2 was much smaller and wasn't nearly as flavorful overcooked flavor of the lobster meat was literally cooked or steamed right out Sad because I brought the whole fam the 2nd time bragging on how good it was And sadly at over $30 a pop 2nd time it just "wasn't" Good Not sure if it's different cook or someone wasn't paying attention or hadn't anywhere near the level of care but Wouldn't of gone back Period had i gotten that the first time Consistency IS important

This was a random last minute stop and so glad we came here! Lobster was delicious and also tried the fried clams. French fries were also very good! Low key outdoor picnic tables with a quick service window. Cool spot to visit the seals but sadly we didn't see any that day.

Okay, are you seeking a day trip to the cape or, already there and need a great lunch with a view? Here's your spot. The fish and chips can be split by two. The chowder! Oh the chowder!! The halibut sammich is prob the easiest meal to eat and economical to boot...but you can't go wrong with anything. Be sure to ask for their homemade tartar sauce shod you not get any with your order. This place is great!! Seating is several outdoor picnic tables and the sometimes-a-crowd moves quickly and space always opens up. After you eat, take a walk up to the deck to watch the seals and boats come in with their lobster and fish catches. OMG, what a great way to spend a lil time!

Must stop while you're in Chatham. It's take out only but there are plenty of picnic tables to sit and eat at. They offer tradition fried fish, broiled, steamed and blackened. They also have a kids menu. Everything was fresh and so delicious. We ate here more than I care to admit while on our trip to the cape. Bonus you can watch the ships unload and check out the seals..

Chatham Pier Fish Market is a seafood market and take-out eatery that opened in Chatham, Massachusetts in the 1950s. It was founded by Willard Nickerson, known as "The Codfather". Originally opening under the name 'Nickerson Fish & Lobster', the establishment is located in a small building along the Chatham Fish Pier. It became known for its fresh shellfish, lobsters and chowder, as well as local fish which were purchased right off the boats that docked at the adjacent pier. Nickerson sold the business in the 1980s, but in 2003 his son Willard Jr. brought the family back to the business. Last year, it was sold to Steven Gennodie for $1.2 million. Gennodie owns a fish processing company on the Boston Fish Pier and two retail fish markets on the South Shore. My family and I visited Chatham Pier Fish Market last week. It was the first day of our week-long family trip to Cape Cod. We had never been to the establishment before but had heard great things. We stopped there for lunch after spending the morning at the beach. The place was hopping! We scanned the menu and felt that we should start off our trip with some Hot Buttered Lobster Rolls. Served with crispy fries and creamy coleslaw, these were some of the best lobster rolls that we ever tasted! They totally lived up to the hype. Although the restaurant is a take-out business, they do have a limited amount of picnic tables outside for customers to eat their food. After eating our lunch, my wife and I walked to the pier with our son. You can get great views of friendly harbor seals. We'll definitely be back!

Amazing lobster bisque! It was $9 for a pint and came with many chunks of lobster. I was shocked how many there were. The flavor was great, I will have to come back for more.

What a spot. Parking is awful so bring a friend to circle the lot as it's worth it. The fried scallop plate is over $30 but it is fantastic in quality. Lightly battered, fried, you can still taste the sweetness of the scallops inside. The ahi tuna sandwich is also a home run, as well as the lobster bisque soup. I have always done a to go order so can't comment on the outdoor seating but always seems full. Enjoy!

Great fried fish take out. Also great fresh fish market. The will steam lobster to be picked up at a specific time for the same price as uncooked. Doesn't get easier than that. Eating at the pier is not perfect, picnic tables next to the parking lot, but it is ok.

The absolute BEST lobster roll I ever had - and I was so sad that Chatham was our last place to visit on our trip! We also for fish and chips and of course, a clam chowder - all very delicious and memorable!

The only "Something-Fishy" about this lovely gem is the fish itself. Yesterday I managed to "Catch" them as they were opening for the day, which was around 11 (wasn't paying attention). There's a fair sized parking lot even though walking Chatham is is very easy and recommended. There's a couple of benches off to the side of the building where you can eat. When they call your name and take your food you have to follow the tuna to the side door where your condiments (and all the other goodies you should've ordered) are. They have a big menu and everyone can find a favorite. I had the Scallop roll, and my report on those fat juicy mollusks are that they were huge and delicious. The Coleslaw is among the tastiest ever and the fries... If you're in town and don't try this place you'll be incomplete and empty. Good luck guys!

Hate to write this as I had a perfectly fine clam strip basket the other day then went back for the Lobster roll. The lobster meat was cold and clumpy, the roll itself wet and soggy, butter hard to detect. It was a grave disappointment, especially for $40! Not returning here!

The Ahi Tuna sandwich served-up on a brioche bun was PHENOMENAL! Tuna cooked to perfection and incredibly fresh. The Tuna had a nice cayenne seasoning to it and was accompanied by Siracha-mayo and avocados. This was the best meal I've had on the Cape and worth a stop in-of-itself.

Hmmm where can I find fresh seafood on Cape Cod..oh yes! Chatham Fish Market! The source. Super helpful and friendly staff, fresh local seafood at fair market value. Pop over there for lunch if you'd like, or just look for something for later. They have little necks, oysters, fresh fish, and a some basic essentials for cooking/seasoning, such as herbs, onions, garlic, lemons, limes, etc. Highly recommend.

Show up for the fresh fish at the market and watch some seals frolic or rest in low tide, if you are lucky you'll be able to watch the fisherman unload the boats onto the trucks.

I WOULD GIVE THIS PLACE 6 STARS IF I COULD... They make The Best and Clammiest Clam Fritters on Earth. You would have to go back to the old Rocky Point days to rival these bad boys. And if you like a loaded lobster bisque this place is it!!! I do prefer my bisque a bit thicker, but with amount of lobster, I'm willing to get over it. You can catch watch the seals next door while they unload the days catch of dogfish heading to the UK to make the worlds greatest fish and chippy.

Excellent clam chowder. Great atmosphere. Great people watching. Will be back next time I am in the area.

Amazing, fresh lobster rolls. The amount of lobster was incredible. Terrific coleslaw. Loved the experience!