Review Dj's Clam Shack - Key West

Excellent seafood. The overstuffed Maine lobster roll was just that -lots of lobster. We also enjoyed authentic New England clam chowder, clams, and fries. An amazing lunch!

If you are in Key West you cannot miss the appointment with the lobster roll at DJ's Clam Shack, very good and tasty. The bread is appetizing, the lobster is fresh and the toppings, sauce and side salad are also very good. Also try the fried prawns: excellent. The price for the standard lobster roll is a bit high ($25 + tax) but it's really worth a try, also because it's unique and distinctive and the lobster is quite hearty. The restaurant is very simple and spartan, but clean and quaint, with a few seats in the back; fast service and courteous staff. A culinary experience not to be missed!

The best lobster roll I’ve ever eaten!!!! The price is also unbeatable. I have added this place to our Key West itinerary after watching several videos with raving reviews about this place. And it totally lived up to the expectations!!!!! Such a friendly staff and absolutely delicious lobster, generous portions of lobster meat on delicious brioche toasted bun. We liked it so much that we went there very next day! Definitely check it out!

You come here for the food and not the atmosphere! We ordered the lobster and garlic shrimp rolls, cracked conch with sweet potato fries, and onion rings. Our food were all delicious but for what they charge for the onion rings, the portion was small. I think they could do a better sauce for the cracked conch. Nice staff taking orders. Definitely worth a visit of you're in KW.

WOOOOOOW. what an amazing lobster sandwich. Honestly one of the best I have ever tried. Wanted to order different fries and staff told us it’s a huge portion. So helpful. So honest. Loved that fact. Super amazing place. Definitely I’ll recommend this place to everyone who’s going there.

DJ's Clam Shack isn't the typical place I'd visit because I like going in to sit down in a restaurant with comfortable seating and the AC due to some of my physical health limitations. I wasn't uncomfortable here as we didn't take long to ravish through our food, lol! I sat at the little and bar out front with my family so I could watch people walk by but there are seating in the back that looks like picnic tables. I love seafood and researched places to visit while in Key West. As someone who loves watching shows involving food and travel, I was determined to stop here after watching an older episode of Triple D on my streaming service. This was the best lunch/dinner for the family while touring! My hubby had the shrimp roll, our college aged son had fried shrimp basket, then my teen son & I had lobster rolls. That sandwich is no joke! We loved the amount of lobster and that delicious buttery sourdough roll it's on...I had sweet potato fries and cole slaw while the rest of family enjoyed their potato fries and onion rings. The service is friendly and quick. I recommend it to locals and tourists. I'm going to get there whenever I'm in Key West again! 😋

I had the over stuffed lobster roll and it was delicious, my friends had regular lobster rolls and they loved theirs also! DJ's is a very laid back atmosphere serving up delicious lobster rolls. Quality was great, service was quick. Seating is limited out front, but the back area opens up into some additional seating.

Love this restaurant. My son ordered the lobster roll , hubby and I ordered jumbo shrimp fry. We took our dog in the patio area. All is great. I wish i can order everin the menu, lol

DEFINITELY TRY THE MAINE LOBSTER ROLL. It was simply the best I’ve tried and the clams in the clam chowder was not skimped on! The fried clams was a bit underwhelming for $36 and the fish and chips was also a miss. But the lobster roll makes up for all of it

Great lobster roll even my fiancée who doesn’t love seafood enjoyed it. The staff was friendly and welcoming. The location was great we sat in the front with great views.

We had dinner here — lobster rolls and onion rings. It was disappointing. There were large chunks of lobster in a bread bun. They would have better off shredding the lobster and mixing with a flavorful sauce, adding onion, chalets, etc.

Lobster Roll with onion rings were excellent. Dipping sauce for onion rings a honey mustard with a hint of horseradish. Clam strips great, not chewy like some places. Neat little patio in back to eat in the shade. We’ll be back next cruise.

Cool porch view for events on duval. Typical duval street prices ($50 for two people). Chicken tacos were good. Coleslaw and a special sauce on chicken tender wrapped in soft tortillas. Sweet tater fries came with a special sweet sauce also. Not a bad spot.

January 29, 2018 · by willoughbyandy · in Florida, Seafood, Southeast · Leave a comment. In Key West for a day, as we headed out for the Caribbean, we took our day in port to wander.  We walked Duval Street, dodging in and out of shops looking for treasures and, on my part, scoping out food choices.  My dear wife remembered she had seen a couple of things on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and I went to their show page and put in Key West.  One of the three places that came up was D.J.s Clam Shack.  Literally, a shack on Duval Street, the menu was simple: clams, lobster rolls and fried seafood.

This little shack is serving up really great lobster rolls in Key West right on Duval Street. My family ordered the lobster rolls, clam chowder and sweet potato fries. This was my first lobster roll and I liked it a lot!

My wife and I, along with another couple stopped in to check out this place today. The other couple had seen DJ's featured on a Food network show with Guy Fieri(sp?). My wife and I shared a conch fritter basket. I also had a beer. The fritters were freshly cooked and very good. They had some big pieces of conch and were nicely seasoned. The beer was cold and refreshing. <br/>The other husband had a lobster roll, it looked really good and he confirmed it. It had big chunks of Maine lobster in seasoned mayo. <br/>His wife had fried shrimp, I tried one and it was good. They were also freshly prepared.<br/>You order from a window and sit outside.

This small, take-out (or eat-out on patio tables) clam shack smack dab on the middle of Duval Street features New England style seafood done in a laid back Key West style. They are supposedly known for their lobster rolls, but what we loved most was the delicious clam chowder as well as the giant soft shell tacos. Order at the counter and in no time at all your food will be ready for you. The employees were all super nice on the evening of our visit.

As advertised, this is the real deal. It is not cheap, but the food is great. My wife and I both had regular lobster rolls which came with a side of slaw at $17 each. I thought that might not be enough food so I also ordered conch fritters that came with a side of slaw for $10. The lobster rolls were the best we have ever had including many in Maine last year. (We did not need to order the fritters since they were so filling.) They were overflowing with huge chunks of lobster. The fritters were also delicious. Don't expect great atmosphere, but go for great food. Total cost for lunch with two sangrias was about $56 but well worth the cost. <br/>

Walking down Duval we passed a bunch of people devouring these huge lobster rolls. They looked delicious and so I decided to try one out myself. You can get an overstuffed version, but the normal size is generous enough unless you're really hungry or you really love lobster. Not being a huge lobster fan myself, I was surprised at how much I enjoyed my roll. With stopping by.

Really loved DJ's Clam Shack! <br/><br/>This small hole in the wall spot is located right on the popular Duval Street, but you might miss it because it's shaded nicely and covered up like every great hidden secret. The theme behind it is Northeastern style seafood brought down to the South. With a bevy of options like fried clams, conch fritters, lobster rolls, and more, DJ's is really one of the best options for New England style seafood in all of Florida, let alone the Keys. <br/><br/>I had to order the Ipswich Fried Clams Basket ($18) and the (Overstufed!) Lobster Roll ($25). I had to get the clams because they were whole bellied fried clams, which are pretty uncommon. They offer clam strips, but the belly is where all the flavor is (if you're a big fan of clams that is). The breading was good, but because of the juice of the clams, it can get soggy if not eaten right away. <br/><br/>That Overstuffed Lobster Roll was incredible. The price tag was as hefty as this sandwich. It is supposed to be roughly 1.5lbs of lobster meat stuffed into this poor Boston hot dog roll that could barely support the amount of meat. The lobster meat was nice, succulent, and a bit tangy. The roll was buttery and combined, it really made for a pretty kickass sandwich.<br/><br/>You have to order up at the window and then take a seat out on the patio in the front (with only about 5 chairs), or move down the hall to a backyard style patio with several tables (for larger parties). The clams were OK but I probably wouldn't get them again. That lobster roll is insane and worth a try if you're down to blow $25.

Yay! Key West Pride 2015! We stopped in at D.J.'s Clam Shack since my friends had it on their dining list. I was quite impressed. As suggested, I ordered the Overstuffed main Lobster Roll. This was amazing! I can also suggest the Fish Fingers. <br/><br/>As with just about any restaurant on Key West, you can expect a crowd. Just get in line. The outdoor seating is comfortable and relaxing. <br/><br/>Really, restaurants such as D.J.'s add so much to the charming atmosphere that makes Key West unique.

Ordered the lobster roll! The roll was amazing and the lobster was outstanding!!!!! The lobster meat was very thick and juicy...perfectly cooked! I did squeeze some lemon juice on it to give it a little bit more flavor! Staff was nice!

Best food on Duvall! Not to be missed. I had the garlic shrimp roll and coleslaw. So good! Best coleslaw I have ever tasted.

Very disappointed!. We saw it on Triple D, and as a New England girl, thought we would try it when we were visiting Key West. We got there on a Sunday night, and they ran out of clams (big party of 47 people were out in the back, and they focused on them, not anyone else it seemed). Got the lobster roll, not that good, and over priced.

This is a must for every visit to KW for us! Lobster roll, conch fritters, chowder delicious!! It's literally a shack but the amount of lobster you get on the lobster till is insane! I don't know how they stay in business, they are the biggest lobster chunks! $15 for the roll and $25 for the overstuffed roll. We always get the $15 roll because it is seriously already overstuffed with goodness. They serve the right amount of food items with a few beer choices. Always fantastic!

The best food I've ever ate!. If I was on that show, then DJ's clams in garlic herb and jalapeno broth would be it. it was so good I called my wife after and told her that I felt as though I'd just cheated on her! thus place is awesome!

Overpriced. Seafood is Duval bar food quality, with the same price tag.

"Let me see your Lobster Roll!". Awesome Lobster Roll! Food quality and service was wonderful!! Loved it!!

The Lobster Roll was out of this world!!!!

Horrible. This place was dirty and the food was horrible! We saw this on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives and assumed it would be very good, we were very disappointed! I would not recommend this place to anyone!

Read all the reviews and went to try djs. what a huge disappointment. lobster roll had lots of tasteless rubbery lobster looking stuff on it. the conch balls tasted like they had shells in them. the mahi tacos we tasteless except for the jalapenos .$50 for a quick lunch was such a bummer. owners were arguing with staff throughout our meal.

Simply put-AWESOME! Authentic New England rolls for one of the best Lobsta roll I've had EVA! Yummy conch fritters and the Ipswich clams were out of this world. Thanks for a great lunch.

Yummy!

Very laid back atmosphere. Lobster roll was great and was better than some I have had in Boston

Great clams and lobster roll.... Great food but seems a little pricey for the type of restaurant. Seems like a street vendor type but much better food. Will go again and not try and create my own buffet to go!

Casual, great fries shrimp!

Out of this world fantastic lobster roll. Tons of real lobster, a perfect balance of mayo and a touch of celery. Fries good, slaw fresh and top notch. The owner was very cranky and not talkative, but I can overlook that bc his food is incredible.

Afternoon Delight. After a couple of hours of strolling up and down Duval Street, we were hot and tired and somewhat dehydrated so we decided to rest at DJ's ourside patio and have a couple of drinks and a snack to tide us over to dinner.<br/><br/>We chose a cone of Clam Strips and for rehydration, Lemonade. As dehydrated as we were, anything stronger we would have been incapacitated for the rest of the afternoon. The Clam Strips and the way they were presented made me feel like I was on Cape Cod or Downeast Maine but a few degrees warmer. Flavor, texture and presentation were authenic and very good.<br/><br/>It's a bit pricy for an afternoon snack but quantities are good, quality is excellent so in the end, if you're hungry, its a good value. For us poor tired souls seeking a quite spot to recharge our batteries, t was still a great value.<br/><br/>Did not get a chance to try the Lobster Rolls but on my list to try the next time I go to Key West.

Awesome lobster roll! Coleslaw very good. Will go back.

Don't let the shack's appearance fool you. Great seafood...high quality . The owner clearly knows what he is doing.

Try the Ipswich clams!. Per his recommendation, we got the Ipswich clams. They were delicious, with buttery texture. The portions were medium-sized. Each entree will feed one person. We also got the conch fritters. They had a good texture and were tasty. It was good to support a small local business. Excellent source of "drunk food."

Second time around was DISSAPOINTING. Extremely slow and grumpy service. We felt like we were imposing rather than actual paying customers. Food was OK but a little pricey for what you get. Mich better choices in Key West.

My Lobster Roll was great 2 years ago so decided to go here for lunch upon arriving in KW this trip. Had them make it with butter instead of mayo. OMG....perfection!!!

Came around noon for the lobster roll and it did not disappoint. Oysters are fresh but did not try as I decided to have them at pepe's (see my other review). By far the best lobster roll I've ever had and they load it up with fresh lobster claw meat lightly dressed in mayo. The sweet potato fries is a major disappointment but who cares I didn't come for that. Staff is friendly and i highly recommend dropping by this place.

We had the unfortunate experience of arriving 5 min before it wad closing. The owner still served us but started desperately wanting to close. Would have prefered him to say the kitchen was closed rather.than having to eat as quickly as possible. Cook was very friendly though. The food was ok.but expected more considering all the amazing reviews.

Very good fried clam basket.

Love Love LOVE this place!!. This place is fan-friggin-tastic! We were in Key West 9 days, and ate at this place twice. Their lobster roll is phenomenal as is their clam chowder. My husband loved the fish sandwich, and we also tried the fritters. Everything we ate was great.

Great Find. Without reading Urbanspoon..we would have passed this little place by. Located on the wild funky Duval Street..it has seating right up front and personal with the sidewalk parade of people.(BUT they have seating in the rear of the building as well.Great cooling fans and a clean restroom(now that THATS out of the way!)<br/>The Lobster roll and slaw are to die for!!! My Husband had fried shrimp and fries that he refused to share..<br/>YUM YUM YUM

I wanted to order everything cuz it all sounded amazing. I had the clams on shell, fried clams, clam chowder and lobster roll everything was unique and beyond fresh and exquisite.

Holy Lobster Rolls Batman. Seriousy--I ate here almost every day (for five days) on my last visit....it is truly a shack..should i say "shak"...but damn, smokey this is some of the best stuff you'll ever put in your mouth. The rolls are soooo New England, there is no filler--light toss in sauce and ALL lobster meat. I had to mix it up a bit and got an (Ipswich) clam basket...sooo good. All of it. Get a beer, wait and watch people on Duval, then devour your food like there's no tomorrow. I am going here as soon as I get off the plane on my next visit.

Went here based on urbanspoon review. Was in party of 4. Tried the lobster roll, crab cakes and blackened fish sandwich. Everything was extremely fresh. The fish sandwich was very large and blackened spice was not for the novice, very spicy. Also had sweet potato fries, some of the best ever. I will be back.

Friendly people but food is @ best eclectic

Not so good conch fritters or setting, but everything else on the menu is good.

AWESOME. No nonsense great food................pure quality skipping the interior facade most places need to make a place fly. RECOMMENDED.

Fantastic Service.... But ok food. They were out of fish and oysters the day I visited and the $15 lobster roll tasted like krab (with a K) meat.

This place is amazing! The conch fritters are the best and I couldn't believe how much lobster was on the lobster roll. Highly recommended!!

Freshest fried clams I have ever had! Cute little place and friendly service.

Not fancy, just awesome! It's outside under a shaded porch and fan, but it's some of the best clams and conch fritters I had while down in the keys. If your just looking for good food and service I highly recommend it.

This place is a must eat if you are in key west. The food is some of the best seafood around and very cheap. There is no inside dinning but they have a small patio area with fans. I ordered the crab cake sandwich and wqs very surprised when I got it that there were 2 large crab cakes on the sandwich. I will go there again before I leave!

Excellent. Went here based on the good reviews and since it wasn't too far from where we were staying. We ordered the Maine Lobster Roll and were absolutely blown away by it. I haven't had too many restaurants anywhere that are 5-star worthy, but this little hole in the wall place was amazing. I would have loved to order more but the heat and my appetite were not helping. <br/><br/>The lobster rolls were piled high with tons of lobster claw meat which was perfectly sweet and the bread was grilled and butter and had a bit of sweetness to it as well. They also do delivery, so if you don't want to venture down to Duval Street, call them up and place your order. You will NOT be disappointed. <br/><br/>One note: Don't go during high lunch rush hours as there are very few seats (6 in front and some more on the patio) so either get there early or late.

Food with a view.... Sat out front of DJ's for a Maine Lobster Roll, fried shrimp and some conch bites. Pretty tasty.

If you happen upon Key West, you must stop here and get a lobster sandwich. Delicious food, nice environment, and friendly staff. I am very impressed!

So good I went twice in a week!. We usually don't go to a restaurant more than once when we're on vacation, but DJ's Clam Shack was so good (and budget friendly) and we went twice in less than a week! Hands down, the best lobster rolls I've ever eaten!

I sat down at D.J.'s Clam Shack (629 Duval St.) and ordered a lobster roll. The sandwich consisted of a large portion of claw meat from Main lobster, tarragon, mayo, & celery on thick, buttery toast. I had a Yuengling with it. My wife and friend walked by just in time to have a bite. They both ordered one to share along with steamed clams. They gave us free garlic bread to accompany the clams. Everything was good; good value too. We were all happy we stopped by.

Good Food!. Loved the lobster roll! Plenty of lobster and just enough mayo. Good size fries. We'll be back.

Delicious! Sweet potato fries and lobster roll sandwich with a great people watching stool out front. About $15 a person for sandwich and fries but good sized serving and very tasty.

Gotta stop in. Don't let the counter fool you, there is a nice arbor out back with a couple tables. The clams were lightly breaded ace sweet and tender, the beer cold. Perfect!

Awesome awesome awesome I had the lobster roll it was great!!!!! Service is excellent(: you should go!!

Dj's Clam Shack is Key Wests hottest new clam shack. They have John Malcovich's evil twin working the kitchen and boy is he putting out some tasty treats. The lobster rolls are a delicous seafaring voyage of tasty goodness. Alternate Malcovich piles on tons of lobster meat and a light celery mayo dressing perched atop a crispy buttery brioche titanic of a roll. The huge juicy claw meat chunks and the richness of the bread really make this sandwich one to remember. The fried clams are so delicate and tasty in a light breading piled high in a paper cone. I would reccomend the conch fritters too. Djs fritters are uniquely spiced with an indian flair. One can detect quite an influence from the presense of cumin and coriander in the lovely fried orbs. You can sit on the deck and enjoy all this goodness with an ice cold corona while you take in all the weirdness that is Key West, what else could you ask for ? ......except maybe key lime pie on a stick. A special thanks to my lovely wife for eating lobster rolls for like 4 straight days.

Sweet Potato Fries. Best I have ever eaten. I would love the recipe for their wonderful, wonderful dipping sauce!!!!

<br/>We plan to make Key West an annual trip, an anniversary of sorts. So, DJ, we will be back and I hope to return to an improved lobster roll, the same cold beer, and the same GLORIOUS conch fritters. I also plan to have the same fiance I initially arrived with.