We had Coastal Critter Catering for a welcome family lobster bake prior to my sisters wedding. I was tasked with planning the event from start to finish, and I was most nervous about the food. I didn’t need to be - it was such an incredible meal, and was an excellent representation of a traditional, high quality (but not stuffy or formal) New England lobster bake (to the delight of my family from other corners of the country).

The clam chowder had been made by the wife of the owner the night before, and a few guests said it was their favorite of all time (tons of clams!). The steamers and clams were a surprise hit - my father, the pickiest seafood eater in the family, said the clams were the best he had in memory. The lobsters were cooked perfectly despite the difficulties of cooking so many lobsters simultaneously. The corn tasted so fresh, it had to have been grown locally. Finally, the apple crisp dessert was made by the daughter of the owner the evening before, and it was also fabulous and very obviously fresh.

I had called many places in Portland looking for a caterer and couldn’t find a restaurant with any availability left. I was concerned the food would taste “catered” or that corners would be cut on elements like the bread. Not at all! Even the bread was high quality.

As for the handling of the logistics of the event, the vendor was on time, highly responsive, and followed each detail of our agreement (including remembering to take out the trash when he left).

A great meal, lovely event, and I would absolutely use Coastal Critters again!

Coastal Critters Clambake catered our rehearsal dinner in my Aunt and Uncle's backyard, and they were perfect! We reached out to several lobster bake caterers and are very glad we chose this group.

James worked with us from the beginning to cater an excellent dinner within our budget. His communication was super fast and efficient. He and his team showed up exactly when they said they would, and were totally self-sufficient. They brought everything they needed, and didn't even need an electricity or water hook up. Dinner was ready exactly on time, and it was fabulous! People raved about the soft-shell lobster. They provided excellent non-lobster options as well. They helped with clean up, and took away the trash for a small charge. James and his team were a super local and kind group, and we can't recommend them enough.

I want to give a special Thank you to James; Coastal Critters was my caterer for our Wedding in Maine and it was absolutely Sublime, James is Great but everything he made was delicious between the clam chowder and cheese platers for starter and the lobster plate with the clams it was 100% perfect. I received very good feedback from my guests too. + it was very easy to communicate with James, You are very talented and thank you again.