Summer in New England is synonymous with seafood. As the days grow long and warm, coastal waters from Connecticut to Maine teem with life and become a fertile fishing ground. No matter where you are in these northern Atlantic states, a tried and true seafood shack is bound to be nearby. (Of course, you don’t need to be in New England to enjoy seafood. Here is the best seafood restaurant in every state.)
To compile a list of the best seafood shacks in New England, 24/7 Tempo consulted lists, ratings, and reviews from websites including Yankee, Providence Journal, Rhode Island Monthly, Connecticut Post, New Haven Register, New Hampshire Magazine, The Daily Meal, Gayot, and Eater.
From bivalve mollusks like oysters and clams, to lobsters, to cod and haddock, marine life has long supported the economies of many New England villages. And luckily for residents and tourists alike, these fruits of the sea are harvested sustainably and available fresh off the boat at many of these take-out stands and snack shacks.
Whole belly fried clams are the gold standard at these eateries, and virtually every seafood shack serves their own version of a lobster roll, whether it’s Connecticut style (warm with butter) or Maine style (cold with mayonnaise). Fried cod and haddock sandwiches are ubiquitous, too, and so is clam chowder. Here is the best seafood to eat.
Click here to see the best seafood shacks in New England
Aside from the perfectly fried seafood baskets, a major draw at many of the best seafood shacks in New England is a superb coastal or harbor view. While some may have indoor dining areas, most have only outdoor seating, which comes with a healthy dose of salty ocean air. Keep in mind that many are seasonal eateries that open in late March or early April and close when the weather cools down and the skies darken early.
Abbott’s Lobster in the Rough
> Location: Noank, CT
This waterfront eatery along a rocky coastline with sailboats moored in the distance is the epitome of quaint New England charm. Abbott’s specializes in steamed bivalves, shrimp, and lobsters, and has plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. Come for the fantastic seaside view, stay for the hot buttered lobster roll.
[in-text-ad]
Beal’s Lobster Pier
> Location: Southwest Harbor, ME
For 90 years, this local favorite has been a year-round fish and lobster pier. Customers can pick their own lobster and enjoy the harbor view from the airy dining room or the covered deck. Try a lobster grilled cheese or a shrimp basket with a cold beer or cocktail from the full service bar.
24/7 Wall St.
Bet’s Fish Fry
> Location: Boothbay, ME
This fish and chips shack has a simple menu of perfectly fried haddock, french fries, and fish sandwiches. The quick service and generous portions make Bet’s a trusted local standby. Note that there is no indoor seating, but a nearby park has a few uncovered picnic tables that are sufficient when the weather is nice.
Bob’s Clam Hut
> Location: Kittery, ME
A window-service eatery with indoor and outdoor seating, Bob’s specializes in fried clams, but also serves burgers and fries, chowders, lobster rolls, haddock sandwiches, fried shrimp, and more. The seafood is delivered fresh daily, the homemade tartar sauce is a step up from average, and a small beer and wine selection is available.
[in-text-ad-2]
Brown’s Lobster Pound
> Location: Seabrook, NH
With a covered waterfront deck and plenty of picnic tables, this iconic cash-only BYOB establishment is a great spot to roll up your sleeves and get messy with the family or a group of friends. Whether you order lobster, steamers, fried clams, or haddock nuggets, everything is fresh and the portions are large.
The Clam Box
> Location: Ipswich, MA
A classic counter service joint with an outdoor patio, the Clam Box is known for serving up heaping plates of fried clams, oysters, haddock, and calamari. Customers rave about the fried scallops, onion rings, and coleslaw. Pro tip: the fisherman’s platter is enough fried food for two.
[in-text-ad]
The Clam Castle
> Location: Madison, CT
Known for their famous clam chowder and perfectly fried whole belly clams, this seasonal eatery has indoor and outdoor seating, and offers burgers, fries, and tacos as well. Customers love the clam fritters, the lobster grilled cheese, and the smooth, efficient service.
24/7 Wall St.
Clam Haven
> Location: Derry, NH
This seasonal, window-service fry shack has covered picnic table seating and all the classics including lobster rolls, fried fish sandwiches, and clam strips. Clam Haven doubles as an ice cream stand, so save room for dessert.
The Clam Shack
> Location: Salem, MA
With views of Beverly Harbor and plenty of outdoor seating, this waterside eatery is the perfect place to enjoy lunch on the ocean. The menu features fried platters, boiled lobsters, clam bakes, salads, subs, and more.
[in-text-ad-2]
The Clam Shack
> Location: Kennebunk, ME
This bustling dockside seafood market and eatery has quaint harbor views and indoor and outdoor seating. While customers love the clam cakes, steamers, and haddock, many claim that the lobster roll is the best they’ve ever had.
Cobie’s Clam Shack
> Location: Brewster, MA
Serving ice cream, burgers, heaping fried platters, and all manner of seafood rolls, Cobie’s Clam Shack is a popular spot for cyclists and families. Customers come back for the flavored soft serve, and there’s even a nice beer selection.
[in-text-ad]
Dune Brothers Seafood
> Location: Providence, RI
A tiny shack that dishes out big flavor, Dune Brothers is committed to supporting local farmers and fishermen. This hip eatery takes their food a step beyond average with house-made sauces, cilantro-and-pickled-onion slaw, and potato chip-crusted fish filets.
Five Islands Lobster Co.
> Location: Georgetown, ME
This BYOB wharfside eatery with scenic views serves up the freshest boiled lobsters available – pulled straight from the surrounding waters rather than from a tank. The freshly dug steamers, fried clams, and lobster rolls are also fantastic.
Flo’s Clam Shack
> Location: Portsmouth, RI
This sprawling, nautical-themed counter service restaurant has been serving fresh seafood since 1936. The huge menu includes baked dinners, fried platters, burgers and dogs, seafood rolls, and raw bar fare. There’s a full bar upstairs and the clam cakes are a must-have.
[in-text-ad-2]
Ford’s Lobster
> Location: Noank, CT
A laid-back BYOB lobster eatery with patio seating, Ford’s Lobster uses local ingredients and has a full dinner menu of appetizers, burgers and sandwiches, and steak and seafood entrees. Try the brown butter scallops over risotto with braised vegetables, or the lobster thermidor with asparagus and tomatoes in tarragon cream sauce.
Lobster Landing
> Location: Clinton, CT
Known for their quick, friendly service and great prices, this rustic dockside eatery features a scant menu of hot, buttery lobster rolls, delectable chowder and bisque, and a few extras. The shore view is a bonus, and there’s ice cream for dessert.
[in-text-ad]
The Lobster Pool
> Location: Rockport, MA
Near the northern tip of Cape Ann, this outdoor oceanside eatery offers spectacular sunset views along with fresh boiled lobsters, fried fish and scallop sandwiches, salads, steamers, and chowder. Customers love the no-nonsense, no-celery Maine-style lobster rolls.
24/7 Wall St.
The Lobster Shack at Two Lights
> Location: Cape Elizabeth, ME
A casual restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating, the Lobster Shack at Two Lights offers a range of fried seafood plates, rolls and sandwiches, lobster stew, and delectable house-made desserts including Maine blueberry pie and whoopie pies. With views of two lighthouses and the open ocean, the scenery nearly steals the show.
McLoon’s Lobstah Shack
> Location: South Thomaston, ME
This Sprucehead Island outpost offers freshly caught lobsters, friendly service, and a picturesque view. Customers rave about the overflowing lobster rolls, crab cakes, lobster stew, and corn chowder. Be sure to save room for a slice of blueberry pie.
[in-text-ad-2]
Monahan’s Clam Shack
> Location: Narragansett, RI
This window service joint with outdoor seating and long ocean views has an extensive menu, with appetizers like local Point Judith calamari and coconut shrimp, sandwiches, salads, fried baskets, tacos, burgers, and seafood rolls. Guests love the clam cakes, clam chowder, and swordfish tacos.
Overton’s
> Location: Norwalk, CT
A quick service dockside snack bar, Overton’s is a great place to bring the kids. The affordable menu features ice cream sundaes, chili dogs, and chicken nuggets, as well as fried fish, clams, shrimp, scallops, and of course lobster rolls. Some favorite menu items include the onion rings, clam strips, and milkshakes. Boat slips are available for dock and dine service.
[in-text-ad]
Portland Lobster Co.
> Location: Portland, ME
With harbor views, outdoor seating, live music, and a full menu including wine and draft beers, this seasonal dockside eatery draws large crowds. The menu offers everything from scallop rolls to steamed mussels to crab and avocado salads; but lobster is, of course, the main attraction. Customers return for the lobster rolls, lobster mac and cheese, and lobster stew.
Roy Moore Lobster Co.
> Location: Rockport, ME
Specializing in hot, boiled lobsters, this BYOB outdoor eatery and market also serves raw oysters, stuffed clams, fish cakes, shrimp cocktail, and clam chowder. Enjoy cracking into a whole lobster while watching fishermen bring in their daily haul on the wharf.
Sanders Lobster Co.
> Location: Portsmouth, NH
This lobster market offers great prices on live lobsters and will cook them for an additional fee. So bring your own picnic setup and enjoy fresh, professionally cooked whole lobsters and steamers at one of the dockside picnic tables. The market also carries sushi-grade tuna, rainbow trout, scallops, and more.
[in-text-ad-2]
The Seafood Shanty
> Location: Buzzards Bay, MA
This cash-only, family-owned snack shack serves ice cream, burgers, and local New England seafood, most of which is delivered daily. The little details go a long way, with house made tartar sauce and family recipe coleslaw accenting an array of fried seafood and some of the biggest lobster rolls around.
Sea Swirl
> Location: Mystic, CT
Whole belly fried clams and soft serve are the go-tos at this popular, quick service eatery. The fry is perfect, whether you try the clam fritters, the fresh cod sandwich, or a scallop roll. Outdoor picnic table seating is available.
[in-text-ad]
Sprague’s Lobster
> Location: Wiscasset, ME
A family-owned seasonal lobster pound, Sprague’s serves whole lobster dinners, fried haddock sandwiches, and seafood baskets, along with seafood rolls, burgers, and milkshakes. The line can get long but the waterfront view, friendly service, and meaty lobster rolls more than make up for the wait.
Tommy’s Clam Shack
> Location: Warwick, RI
Serving locally harvested seafood in a large outdoor dining area, Tommy’s is known for its friendly service, large portions, and weekend DJ. Customers can’t get enough of the lobster bisque, clam fritters, huge lobster rolls, and clam chowder.
The Walrus and Carpenter Oyster Bar and Farmstand
> Location: Narragansett, RI
A hop away from the Point Judith Block Island ferry, this oyster distributor delivers fresh local oysters to restaurants and recently opened their own oyster bar, serving Rhode Island oysters from Charlestown and Jamestown. Check their website for a list of summer pop-ups at local breweries as well.
[in-text-ad-2]
Woodman’s of Essex
> Location: Essex, MA
Open year round with indoor seating, this historic counter service restaurant serves large fried dinner plates with fries and onion rings, an array of seafood sandwiches, boiled lobsters, and steamed clams. Many of their menu items are gluten-free, including the fried clams and fried fish.
Is Your Money Earning the Best Possible Rate? (Sponsor)
Let’s face it: If your money is just sitting in a checking account, you’re losing value every single day. With most checking accounts offering little to no interest, the cash you worked so hard to save is gradually being eroded by inflation.
However, by moving that money into a high-yield savings account, you can put your cash to work, growing steadily with little to no effort on your part. In just a few clicks, you can set up a high-yield savings account and start earning interest immediately.
There are plenty of reputable banks and online platforms that offer competitive rates, and many of them come with zero fees and no minimum balance requirements. Click here to see if you’re earning the best possible rate on your money!
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.
Latest from 24/7
