Top 5 Clam Shacks on Massachusetts’ North Shore

Crispy, crunchy, salty fried clams—whole-bellies, of course—are synonymous with New England summer, and there are no better clams than those from the Great Marsh, as we learned while working on our A-to-Z seafood guide for our August 2025 issue. Find the tastiest specimens on the North Shore of Massachusetts, home to these five beloved clam shacks.

1

Woodman’s of Essex

In business since 1914, this Essex River institution claims it was the first to deep-fry a clam in 1916. What’s provable is how popular Woodman’s remains today—and how long you’ll wait
in line.

119 Main St., Essex, 978-768-6057, woodmans.com.

2

Clam Box of Ipswich

Architecturally resembling an open takeout container (because subtlety is overrated), the Clam Box is a longtime landmark for native whole-bellies.

246 High St., Ipswich, 978-356-9707, clamboxipswich.com.

3

Bob Lobster

This waterfront restaurant on Plum Island is best known for its titular seafood, but the fried clams have a light batter that makes them deliciously crisp.

49 Plum Island Tpke., Newbury, 978-465-7100, boblobster.com.

4

J.T. Farnham’s

“Famous fried clams” reads the vintage yellow sign that’s beckoned seafood lovers for decades. No need to overthink the marketing when you’ve got the goods.

88 Eastern Ave., Essex, 978-768-6643, jtfarnhams-essex.com.

5

Brine

More oyster bar than seafood shack, this hot spot in downtown Newburyport debuted a fried-fish menu this summer, including a combo plate of golden oysters and clams.

17 State St., Newburyport, 978-358-8479, brineoyster.com.