Five Favorite Fried Clams

Second, only to lobster, fried clams are the perfect New England summertime food. Although, the North Shore of Massachusetts is synonymous with the delectable fried delight. I’ve scoured my favorite fried clams in the region closer to me. With restaurants in Plymouth, MA, New London, CT, and Cape Cod, these are some of the best fried clams in the area. 

*Note- as someone who enjoys variety, I often order the fisherman’s platter of fried bounty of the sea as many of the pictures will show, although the focus for the article is the clam.  

The Plymouth Classic: Wood’s Seafood

Before moving to Plymouth six years ago, Wood’s Seafood was one of the reasons I was drawn to this seaside town. Although Wood’s is located on the Town Wharf, with many touristy restaurants, Wood’s satisfies the locals. It’s my go-to fish market and their restaurant is tops for seafood in Plymouth. Among my favorite fried clams is Wood’s. The batter is light and doesn’t mask the tastiness of the clam itself. Put this on a plate by itself or in the fisherman’s platter (along with fish, shrimp, and scallops) and Wood’s Seafood is a winner. 

The Pleasant Surprise: Aroma Tavern

Plymouth has many supremely delicious restaurants. Although I associate seafood with the waterfront, Aroma Tavern on busy Route 3A in the Manomet section of town is a real find. I discovered this restaurant by word of mouth chit-chatting with other locals one day at Rye Tavern. They said I must try the fisherman’s platter. I did. They were right, it’s amazing. The clams, similar to Wood’s, are coated in a light batter, not forgoing any of the clammy wonderfulness of each bite. Served in a pizza box to go, the whole fisherman’s platter also includes fish, shrimp, and scallops. It’s certainly among the best in the region.

The Old Fashioned: Black Raspberry Pub

When I think of fried clams, I imagine a deep, golden-brown batter. This is what you get at the Black Raspberry Pub in Plymouth. Black Raspberry is a truly awesome restaurant with great pizza. This summer it has been a popular spot with carhop service and fun, tailgating atmosphere. The clams are coated liberally in the batter but what a batter it is! They are chewy with the breading and the clam taste complementing each other nicely. It’s your old fashioned fried clam, and definitely one of my favorite fried clams in the region.

The Cape Cod Stalwart: Seafood Sam’s

Although Cape Cod represents seafood, I get skeptical. With tourists come high prices and sometimes, not the freshest food. To boot, mini-chains sometimes serve processed schlock. Not at Seafood Sam’s! This small chain, with locations in Sandwich, Falmouth and Yarmouth has some dynamo fried seafood. The batter is light and their fisherman’s platter includes your choice of clams (or another fried dish) with fish, scallops, shrimp and onion rings. Eating this mound of food accompanied by a Cape Cod breeze is a beautiful thing. I recently dined outdoors at the Sandwich location, at the marina overlooking the canal. 

The Connecticut Standout: Captain Scott’s Lobster Dock

Once upon a time, Captain Scott’s in New London was a hidden gem. Tucked away on a dock in an industrial (and seedy) section of town, this lobster shack has some darn good grub. Of course, lobster rolls and the like are on the menu, but I enjoy their fried clams just as much. My fried clams also came with clam fritters which are plump and full of clam. The batter of the fried clams is perfectly balanced, not too heavy, not too light with all the clam flavor coming through. Unfortunately, the word is out about Captain Scott’s, so expect long lines for either take out or sitting at the picnic tables located on-site. 

Fried clams are a delicious taste of summer. These five, with stopovers in Plymouth, MA, Cape Cod, and New London, CT are some of my favorite fried clams. Even though I ate all of these plates, I’m still hungry! What are your favorite places for fried clams?