The whole belly clams were crisp on the ends, and the gooey middles were briny and piping hot. Those crackers are oftentimes stale, but in this case, they perfectly complemented the chowder. Even the oyster crackers, which were served on the side, were so fresh and crisp when we opened the packet that we agreed to add a few on top of our chowder.

It could have arrived a tad bit warmer, but we devoured it just the same. The chowder was flavorful, perfectly seasoned, and loaded with more clams than potatoes. It was way too much food and we couldnвЂ™t finish all of it, but let me tell you how much we enjoyed our lunch.

We also tried the onion rings, $4.25, a cup of the New England clam chowder, $4.29, and the coleslaw, $1.25. My luncheon companion that day ordered the whole clam roll, $23.95, and added the fries and beverage for the extra $3.95. We like to do the double switch, where we order different things and share, so we get to taste something of everything. The lobster roll was generous chunks of cold lobster with a light touch of mayonnaise and diced celery and fresh dill, served on a toasted hot dog roll with a little bit of lettuce. We decided on the lobster roll, $25.95, and for $3.95 more, added a cold drink and French fries. A good portion of what they serve is fried, but itвЂ™s good, light and tasty, not overcooked and greasy. They dish up French fries, onion rings, calamari, whole clams and strips, crab cakes, chicken tenders, sea scallops, cold lobster rolls, and more. They offerВ bacon cheeseburgers and grilled long hot dogs with extras like chili or bacon and cheese or sauerkraut. Sea View is a big slice of comfort food nirvana. On our recent visit on a weekday in late June, we arrived before noon and got a space in the lot, but by the time we left, the place was hopping and vehicles filled the lot and were spilling out onto the adjacent roadway.

The Sea View Snack Bar has been serving up delicious fast food along the Mystic River since 1976, and they continue to pack in the customers. If you are driving by the teal-colored snack shack on the road to the Mystic Seaport Museum and thereвЂ™s space in the parking lot, do yourself a favor and pull in and indulge. Chowder, lobster roll and fries (Ann Baldelli)

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