If you live in the Boston area, and are serious about your fried clams, you go to one of two places: Woodman's or Farnham's. These Essex, MA food legends are famous for their fresh, local seafood and there is quite a cross-town rivalry between the two when it comes to who has the best fried clams. You either like Woodman's or Farnham's, but not both.
My Dad is a Farnham's guy, so when I was a kid we always stopped there on the way home from our family beach trips to Good Harbor and Wingaersheek (beautiful beaches in Gloucester, on Boston's North Shore). Over the weekend I got together with my parents and two of my sisters and we all piled into the family car (just like old times!) and headed north for some fun in the sun and fresh seafood.
The restaurant overlooks the marsh near the Crane Beach Reservation and the picnic tables situated along the marsh are the most coveted dining spot. When we pulled up we saw an empty table so we headed over snag it before another family did.
It was high tide so the water came right up to the rocks that sit on the edge of the restaurant property. During high tide, boats are welcome to pull up alongside the restaurant and order food.
My big sis Meg enjoying the view while we waited for our food.
Because of the all the food, there are plenty of ducks and seagulls swimming around near the picnic tables. A little girl at the next table had a lovely time sharing her french fries with her new friends.
Meg got the spicy Manhattan-style clam chowder to start.
Dad got his usual seafood chowder, which he loves. My love of fried seafood and lobster rolls definitely comes from my Dad. He would be up at Farnham's once a week if my Mom would make the drive with him.
And this is what we were waiting for. Fresh fried clams, scallops, lobster rolls, french fries and onion rings. Because their was only five us instead of our usual ten, the order was relatively small by my family's standards.
If you love fresh seafood, and enjoy a family-friendly atmosphere, you must check this place out. I almost always make a day of it by driving up early, spending the day at the beach, and then stopping at Farnham's on the way home.
Just a few words of caution: The parking lot is small and there is limited street parking. There is also usually a line out the door to order your food. Don't worry! The line moves pretty quick and you can always enjoy a beer or glass of wine outside by the water while you wait for your order to come up.
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