Denizens of the North Shore are fortunate to have lots of options when it comes to fried clams. We are, however, unfortunate in that the rest of the world knows all about them, too. Locals can spend hours debating the merits of the Clam Box versus Woodman’s, and during tourist season, spend just as long waiting in line at either spot for a bivalve fix.
Part of achieving the perfect clam is just luck of the draw—was the oil freshly changed? (Old oil can lead to off flavors and greasiness.) How fresh are the clams? And, of course, there is no discounting the importance of an experienced hand at the fryolator. We can’t guarantee a perfect clam every time, or a short wait (after all, you want those clams cooked to order) but these five spots boast consistently good fried clams with fewer out-of-state license plates and a side of atmosphere.
Top Dog of Rockport
BONS 2014 Editors’ Choice winner for best fried clams takes bivalves very seriously. Chef/owner Scott Lucas says the clams talk to him, letting him know when they are perfectly cooked. Tucked away in a shack on scenic Bearskin Neck, Top Dog serves up sweet, crispy, and perfectly fresh morsels, complimented by creamy house made slaw and tartar sauce. 2 Doyles Cove Rd., Bearskin Neck, Rockport, 978-546-0006, topdogrockport.com.
Park Lunch
It doesn’t fit the vision of New England clam shack, but this low-ceilinged throwback has been dishing up generous portions of dark golden brown crunchy (but not too crunchy) bivalves to a mostly local crowd since 1957. If you find the wood paneling and sports memorabilia a bit claustrophobic, get your order to go and sit across the street in Cashman Park, admiring the boats in the Merrimack River. 181 Merrimac St., Newburyport, 978-465-9817, parklunch.com.
Essex Seafood
Cozy Essex Seafood is often overlooked with such lauded neighbors as Woodman’s and J.T. Farnham’s down the road. No frills and no view, but consistently fresh, well-cooked clams, shucked on site, in heaping portions. Plates generously come with both fries and onion rings—enough to share, if you’re so inclined. 143R Eastern Ave. (Rt. 133), Essex, 978-768-7233, essexseafood.com.
Bob Lobster
It’s hard to resist a stop at Bob Lobster on the way back from Plum Island, so don’t even try. With convenient hours year round, and Richardson’s ice cream for dessert, stop in anytime for a generous portion of light golden morsels, delicately breaded. Patrons often bring a six-pack of beer or a bottle of wine and sit at one of the picnic tables overlooking the marsh. A word to the wise, however—sunset over the marsh can be very appealing, but the swarming midges that arrive at dusk might make a meal of you before you can finish your own. 49 Plum Island Turnpike, Newbury, 978-465-7100, boblobster.com.
Kelly’s Roast Beef
Fried clams taste even better with sand between your toes. While the original Kelly’s is certainly no hidden gem, its location across the street from the beach, coupled with carefully seasoned, deep golden brown tidbits of big-bellied goodness, puts it on our list. 410 Revere Beach Blvd.?, Revere, ? 781-284-9129, kellysroastbeef.com.