FINALLY, with the SUN OUT, it’s beginning to feel like Summer. Almost time to hit Massachusetts TOP clam shacks!
Memorial Day is not far away. There is NOTHING better than the Saturday or Sunday windows-down ride to our favorite clam joint. Are you belly’s or strips? Hey, I’m ok with a grilled hot dog, (or FOUR.)
New England Seafood
Yes, we are blessed to be known nationwide to have some of the BEST SEAFOOD on the planet. So when it comes to the local catch, we are pretty much guaranteed to enjoy fresh seafood even though we maybe an hour’s drive from salt water. According to clamshacks.com (yes, it’s a thing) they have found ten of the best clam shacks around. I will throw in a few of my own, and maybe sneak outside of our great state to share a few more.
Fried Ipswich Whole Belly Clam Recipe
If you can’t get out this weekend, I have provided a fun recipe to get the ball rolling at home with friends. Any recipe with the words fried Ipswich Whole Belly Clams is well worth investigating.
The Vineyard
One of the MOST memorable seafood slash clam shack experiences was eating outdoors at Larson’s Fish Market in Chilmark on Martha’s Vineyard. It’s not fancy. But it’s FRESH and amazing. You sit outdoors on a variety of wooden crates, boxes and lobster traps. The tables are maybe, picnic style. There’s always a little wait, and worth every second. It is so RAW, and real, you’re not bothered by the touristy nature. The guy that serves you is wearing a waist high rubber suit, needed for pulling your meal, just off the boat. If you decide to hit Larson’s you may want to call ahead.
Now that we’re hungry let’s find Massachusetts TOP clam shacks!
Sullivan's-Castle Island
OF COURSE, this MUST make the list, right up there with opening day at Fenway. Except, you always win at Sullivan’s.
Sesuit Harbor Cafe-Dennis, MA
If you’re a Cape regular, you know Sesuit!
Pauli’s-Boston's North End
If you are in town, maybe for a weekend stroll in the North End, you can’t go wrong with this!North End Fish & Sushi-Boston
PURE North End dining at it’s best. STEP DOWN. Known for their lobster rolls. Or, during the week, you’ll notice lunchtime on the go, workers grabbin’ their sushi.
The Knack-Orleans
These guys are known for their taste AS WELL as the presentation. Call ahead with the on-line menu, and bring someone to run in for take out, while you park with the flashers on, because it’s popular.
Days Market & Deli-Truro
Perfect way to start your visit of the tip of Provincetown!
The Doghouse-North Truro
Accessible to Cape Cod-ers, with a fun patio.
Belle Isle Seafood-Winthrop
A little closer to home, portion size is king, and it’s also a market, like the afore mentioned Larson’s.
Alive & Kicking Lobsters-Cambridge
In Cambridge, they’ll give you, no, not a lobster ROLL. It’s a sandwich on two slices of toasted Wonder Bread, with big plump chunks of LAAAABSTA!
Ronnie's Sea Food-Charlton, MA
Out west, people call Ronnie’s, Ronnie’s Clam Shack. Ronnie’s is both an outdoor style clam shack, but also offer’s very comfortable air conditioned indoor dining, for rainy days that you crave clams. They also have awesome hotdogs, fries and burgers.
