Husband and I like the fried clams at Lenny and Joes in Westbrook and decided to try out the new location in mid-January and it was not a good experience at all. Waitstaff was friendly and attentive but food tasted like warmed up frozen meals from a supermarket.
My husband ordered the fried seafood plate and is used to not being able to finish it at the Westbrook location. The fried clams, along with all the other seafood, were overbattered, lukewarm, greasy and had no taste. Perhaps the quality had something to do with the fact it was January. He finished most of it and certainly didn't want to take home the leftover. I ordered the lobster roll and it was puny looking because it was made up of lobster meat from the knuckle and legs - there was no evidence of tail or even claw meat. Overall this was far below the quality we have experienced in the summer at the Westbrook location.
We had been familiar with the New Haven location when it was Leon's and we noted that Lenny and Joe's didn't totally change the layout from the previous restaurant. We consider L&J a very casual, family restaurant and in comparison to other L&J restaurants, this location looks pretentious in comparison to the other locations.
In all fairness, I would try this restaurant again in the summer in the hopes that fresh lobster and clams will make a difference.

Hi everyone and thanks again for the suggestions. I made reservations for a 12:30 Sunday lunch at Shea's Riverside. Although there were only 3 of us, I wanted to make sure we weren't put in the middle of the 2 gratuation parties taking place that afternoon. Without asking, the hostess gave us the small upstairs dining room to ourselves and the view was wonderful. Service was attentive, considering the wait staff had to come up a flight of stairs every time! We shared fried clams and shrimp cocktail for starters. The fried clams had a very light batter and nice sized bellies. The jumbo shrimp had a good flavor. Mom and I each had the Haddock Provencal and my brother had the lobster salad sandwich. All portions were just right - not to little not too much. The haddock was fresh and flakey and served with steamed veggies and roasted red bliss potatoes. The fries that came with the lobster sandwich was of course plentiful and more importantly, tasted great. The lobster chunks were big enough to cut with a knife.
My mom is very picky about restaurants where she'll eat and after several days she is still raving about the view and the haddock. I'd certainly go back for the haddock and the clams!

I'd posted on another thread that the new owners (from Marlieve) are completely rehabbing the inside. I know things have progressed slowly at the South End location...

I know the old Pop's location was supposed to completely remodeled with the focus on - wait for it - The Kitchen. I believe same owner as Marlieve so food will be good.

Thank you collie, treb and ipso. I was wondering if I should try the Blue Marlin so thanks for insight on food type. I'd been by Shea's a few times but never went inside. I'll report back my choice and how Mom liked her dish! I think I'll try Achlemy on my own - definately not Mom's type of place ;-) Thanks again!

I'm taking my mom out for her birthday dinner. In the past we've gone to The Village restaurant but I'd like to go somewhere brighter and "younger." I agree with many hounds that The Village has more seniors than most restaurants! I was thinking of taking her to Periwinkle's. I had a great meal there 4 years ago but I've not been back since. Any thoughts or recommendations?

Thanks to texasredtop and califkatie. It looks like I won't have the chance to get back to Pascals but I will try to get to Mr B's tomorrow for lunch.

One of my first, and best, experiences in New Orleans in the early 1990's was Pascal's Manale. The wait was long but the fresh oysters at the bar made the time go by fast. The BBQ shrimp was the best. I know they were hit by Katrina but don't know if there are any differences now. I'll be in NO for several days beginning next weekend and wanted to know if I should include it for dinner during the week.