The Most Amazing Fried Clams (Bath, Freeport: living, shops, to move)

[RatherBeInCabo]

While driving up Route 1 to Freeport, we came across this little roadside stand called Cindy's. We pulled over and had the fried clams. They were the best I had ever had. Even better, the owner Bob, sat down and ate with us and told us about his 30 years of experiences in the business. Cindy's is in Freeport about a few miles south of the main shopping area. If you are passing by, don't let the run down look fool you...stop in and have some of the best seafood you will find anywhere on the planet!

[square peg]

Now that looks about right. A place for clams doesn't need to be all gussied up. Glad you liked em! We'll be in and around Bath this fall and should take a swing over toward Bailey Island and Freeport at some point. We shall take this as one solid recommendation. And thanks!

[RatherBeInCabo]

Here is a little more info I found on Cindy's and it has a few pictures of the owner: Cindy's Fish N Chips

[coastal_photographer]

Originally Posted by square peg

Now that looks about right. A place for clams doesn't need to be all gussied up. Glad you liked em! We'll be in and around Bath this fall and should take a swing over toward Bailey Island and Freeport at some point. We shall take this as one solid recommendation. And thanks!

Good choices for places to visit! Midcoast is a stunning area. I spent some time living on Bailey and now live around Bath - both are beautiful areas. I have a lot of my photos on a photo blog and you can see everything taken since October was either on Bailey or around Bath.

If you go to Bailey, make sure to stop by BIGs (they're right on the main road). They make a great breakfast and have different lunches everyday - great people and it's family run. Some must-visits are Land's End, Cedar Beach (you have to park and walk to access it), and Potts Harbor over on the other side of Harpswell (Harpswell Neck).

In Bath, travel down the peninsula and visit the pier on Five Islands and have some great food at Five Islands Lobster there....it's at least worth the scenic drive. Reid State Park is a nice stop as well, especially after 6pm when the beaches are cleared out and you get some nice sunset light.

[Northern Maine Land Man]

Try the Bagaduce fried clams just above Castine on the Bagaduce River. Best I have ever had.

[Maineah]

Cindy's is just OK IMO. We live in Freeport and rarely eat there. I'd rate Cindy's fried clams as "fair". I've had much better fried clams. The owner has been grumbling about having to move from Main Street to Route One for 20 years. A portable version of the shack part that they cook in used to be where the entrance to the new shops are in downtown Freeport. It was pretty busy back then but a prominent business man who owned the property next to him did not like the smell of the fried food and the greasy mess on the sidewalk so he convinced the town to ban Cindy's from the main street. Cindy's has been on route one ever since. They added the charming trailer dining area soon after. The owner of Cindy's used to post the names of town officials and business men he disagreed with on a letter board on the side of the road saying "So and So your lunch is ready at Cindy's". It got old.
Don't try stopping there on Saturday as they are Seventh Day Adventists and the place is closed.

[Jonny88]

Go to Crosby's on Rte 46 out of Bucksport. Yum!

[Easybreezy]

Originally Posted by Northern Maine Land Man

Try the Bagaduce fried clams just above Castine on the Bagaduce River. Best I have ever had.

I'll vote for these, also honorable mention for clams at Sea Basket, Wiscasset.

[Maineah]

The best fried clams I have ever eaten were made by me in my own kitchen!!