Calder’s Clam Shack

If you’re coming to the island, you’re going to be eating here, thankfully this place is actually really good!
I tried the TLC burger which comes with a glorious amount of pickles-​and with the yummy thousand island sauce and juicy burger it was very satisfying.
Next time i came I tried the lobster roll which I believe is only served on the weekends. Very good and reasonably priced. Standard roll but nicely done-​toasted bun, light on the mayo, generous portion of sweet chunks of lobster, layer or crisp lettuce and a sprinkle of pepper.
They close at 8pm on Fri and Sat but at 7pm on Sundays, so plan ahead. There are few dining options on the island and practically no late night ones, so get there early and eat a lot.
Close walk from the Inn– save your money, and your taste buds, and eat here instead.

Returned to Calder’s Clam Shack once again, this time ordering fried haddock, fried clams and Moose Track ice cream. A better dinner consumed under the trees you cannot find.

I had the absolute worst food poisoning I’d ever had from this place. This was a few years ago, but my friends had popcorn shrimp, and I had to have the namesake– clams! Several hours later, the devil took possession of my body, and the level of vomiting expelled was of another world.

Tucked away in the middle of nowhere, Calders might not get paid much attention except for the fact that it is only 1 of 3 dining options on the island. Calders is as advertised: a shack in the owners front yard. We rode bikes there, but the place is walkable from the Chebeague Island Inn (which is where you’ll be staying if you visit the island).
The lobster rolls here are probably the best I’ve ever had. Cheap too, at 10 $ each. Served on a perfectly toasted roll, the meat served cold with just the right amount of mayonnaise base. The meat is not skimped on, either. The fried clams were great too, although it is difficult to mess up fried food.
Probably the only disappointment was the clam chowder. The fact that it was yellow unless constantly stirred was a good indicator that I was in for an artery clogging experience. The chowder was much too thin for my liking and served with too many potatoes and not enough clams.
I was here at 12 noon on a gorgeous day and the place was packed. The women running the establishment were very friendly and helpful, as is the case throughout the island. The fact that they take credit cards is a life saver as there is no bank or ATM on the island.
Overall, the place is exactly what you hope it would be. My only recommendation is to change the name to Calders Lobster Roll Shack instead.

Al fresco dining on beautiful Chebeague Island at the aptly named Calder’s Clam Shack. The Stone Sloop is a hearty portion of perfectly fried Maine scallops, shrimp, haddock and clams. No clams the day we dined so they substituted local oysters. The fried haddock sandwich was delicious. A beautiful, pillowy Maine crab roll was incredible, served on a freshly toasted, split-​top roll. The sweet potato fries were crisp and tasty. This is fine «shack» dining. Not to be missed on a trip to the island! Friendly islanders greet you and serve up these fried delights.