Where to Find the Best Fried Clams in Boston
Fried clams are an absolute delicacy in Boston. Floured, dipped in milk, and fried–it’s an iconic meal. Boston offers some of the best restaurants that have fried clams at great price points. Here is a list of some of our favorites for the very best fried clams in Boston.
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Clam Box of Ipswich
246 High St, Ipswich MA 01938
(978) 356-9707
Clam Box of Ipswich, the classic restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor dining options. Most of the North Shore claim Clam Box as their favorite joint for good fried clams, prepared using the best recipe. Besides Boston’s favorite clams, Ipswich also boasts friendly staff with a clean environment favorable for solo dates, family dinners, and friendly trips. The best part of fried Ipswich clams restaurant is how it offers takeouts with a curbside pickup. To get your orders and deliveries, it is best if you contact them first to avoid inconveniences that may come up. The cuisines are prepared using fresh ingredients. Clam Box also has a good wine selection for its visitors, and a wide range of cold beers to wash down your meal. Overlooking the harbor since 1935, this iconic New England shack, renowned for its perfectly fried seafood classics, serves up a delectable array—from tender fresh clams to excellent fried clams and crispy fish sandwiches. Bellies stay full with overflowing trays and combo fried clam plate piled with shrimp, scallops, calamari, and more, all expertly coated in corn flour, alongside perfectly fried onion rings, french fries, and slaw. Unwind in the laid-back dining room complete with nautical decor, or grab your haul to-go. With combo boxes and family-style platters made for sharing, chilled mugs of chowder, lobster rolls dripping in butter, and seaside views through the ordering window, this place captures the salty breezes and indulgent flavors of summers on the coast
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Boston Sail Loft Restaurant
80 Atlantic Ave, Boston, MA 02110-3614
(617) 227-7280
Since 1984, Boston has been serving great seafood plates to the people who visit them. Boston Sail Loft Restaurant is underrated when it comes to the clam chowder. The clams are prepared from fresh ingredients, and their final food presentation is top-notch. The restaurant boasts one of the best fried clams in Boston offers reasonably affordable prices with a relaxing environment and cold drinks to wash down your food. Other favorite dishes include fish and chips and lobster soup, which bursts in unexplainable flavors in your mouth. Also, get to taste the best wines, beers, and other local drinks. The over professional staff do not disappoint with their friendly services that will surely encourage you to pop in at the restaurant any time you are in Boston.
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Saltie Girl
281 Dartmouth St, Boston, MA 02116-2805
(617) 267-0691
For the longest time, this restaurant has provided its visitors with some of the best cuisines. Beyond curating what can be termed as one of the largest tinned collections of kinds of seafood in New England, Saltie Girl also provides a list of favorite delicacies such as chowder, bisque, French burgundy snails prepared with black garlic butter, among others. The whole fried belly Ipswich clams are a must-try when you visit the restaurant together with lobsters and well-prepared waffles. The restaurant also offers special diets by providing gluten-free options and boasts a full bar with specially chosen wines to wash the meals away while enjoying services from their friendly and active staff members.
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Legal Sea Foods
270 Northern Ave Boston, MA 02210
(617) 477-2900
Legal Sea Foods turns your world into a seafood haven because of its several seafood delicacies to choose from. If you’ve had difficulty deciding on a specific restaurant with well-prepared fried clams in Boston, this is your sign to visit Legal Sea Foods and place your order. Not only are there onsite dining services, but you can also access take-out services and enjoy your food from the comfort of your lovely home. They also offer special diets favorable for vegetarians with gluten-free options. Favorite dishes include delicious chowder, crab rolls, and crab cakes. Legal Sea Foods is an excellent joint to chill while waiting for your flight to take off or after landing, and you need a place to relax.
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Neptune Oyster
63 Salem St Ste 1, Boston, MA 02113-2273
(617) 742-3474
Neptune Oyster features full bar service, alcohol serving, a seating area good for dining, and credit card payment is allowed. While in Boston, get a taste of the freshest oysters and other cuisines prepared using fresh ingredients. Neptune is best known for its lobster rolls, and the best fried clams in Boston dripping with butter are sometimes served with fries. The lobsters leave your mouth with a strange but comforting sea taste and a succulent texture. Order some of the crisp-tasting wine from their vast wine collection to wash your delicious meal down. The sizable lobster chunks leave you in need of more, and their small but charming environment is worth every time and dime you spend while on the quest to be satisfied with these delicious meals.
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Union Oyster House
41 Union S, Boston, MA 02108-2494
(617) 227-2750
Established in 1826, Union Oyster boasts serving the best plates of seafood and best fried clams in Boston. The restaurant enjoys the uniqueness of being America’s oldest restaurant that still manages to satisfy people’s needs with nothing but the best cuisines. Some of the delicacies offered at Union Oyster include cherry stones, lobsters, Caesar salad, and shrimps. Enjoy a beautiful antique and historic atmosphere while enjoying your meals. There are special diets available with gluten-free options for selective eaters. Once, it is better to take yourself or your family and be treated to a novelty experience. Their active and friendly staff members are more than professional and give you an excellent reason to visit. The next you visit, be sure to give their baked beans and bread a try!
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Row 34
383 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210-1811
(617) 553-5900
Row 34 features an outside dinner set up, reservations, and is also wheelchair/ADA accessible! At Row 34, every meal, you have always seemed to be even better and well-prepared than the last one. Their oyster selection is perfect paired with what may very well be the best fried clams in Boston that are prepared to perfection. Not only do you experience a great ambiance while enjoying your meal, but you also get served by the most creative and professional staff ever. Ask for the oyster menu and fill your plate with the best-tasting oysters yet. Some other enticing menu iterms include fish tacos with salsa, crispy oyster sliders, their fresh and crisp green salad, and steamed mussels.
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Tony’s Clam Shop
861 Quincy Shore Dr, Quincy, MA 02170
(617) 773-5090
Tony’s Clam Shop is a casual, family-friendly seafood restaurant located right on the beach in Quincy, MA. Owned by the Kandalaft family for over 50 years, Tony’s is known for its fresh New England seafood like fried clams, lobster roll, and chowder. With breezy ocean views from the patio and backyard garden, it’s a perfect spot to enjoy a cold beer or cocktail paired with fresh seafood classics. The menu has something for everyone – clam platters, broiled seafood, sandwiches, salads, and more.
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Turner’s Seafood Grill & Market
506 Main St, Melrose, MA 02176
(781) 662-0700
Turner’s Seafood Grill & Market is the Rising Eagle Public House in historic downtown Melrose, MA evokes a warm, lively neighborhood tavern. Stop in for hearty New England comfort foods like creamy clam chowder, hand-carved turkey sandwiches stuffed with cranberry sauce and stuffing, and cast iron skillet mac & cheese baked with Cabot cheddars. Other favorites include beer-battered fish and chips, house-smoked wings and pulled pork, and handmade desserts like toffee and key lime pie. With a full bar and frequent live music, Rising Eagle is a casual, inviting spot for a pint and a bite.
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The Hourly Oyster House
15 Dunster St, Cambridge, MA 02138
(617) 765-2342
Tucked away on a historic Cambridge side street, The Hourly Oyster House offers a contemporary twist on classic New England seafood. Stop by their cozy, nautically-inspired dining room for local oysters on the half shell, shrimp cocktail dusted with white sturgeon caviar, and composed seafood plates like seared scallops with spring pea risotto. Pair your meal with a light and crisp Muscadet or bold Godello, or sip on a caviar martini—chilled vodka and vermouth crowned with a garnish of briny caviar. With raw bar favorites and thoughtfully crafted dishes, The Hourly brings casual elegance and coastal flair to Harvard Square.
Hungry for more? Our Boston dining guide has even more of the best restaurants, bars, and hidden gems to check out on your next visit.
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