Massachusetts takes its fried clams seriously, and the whole-belly kind, the plump ones with the sweet middle still attached, are the true test of a good clam shack. These are the places where the line out the door is part of the deal, where you order at a window and eat with a view of the water.
Some have been frying since before your grandparents were born, and others are seasonal spots that only open when the weather turns warm. If you love golden, crispy clams and honest New England seafood, this list is built for you.
Grab some napkins and maybe some cash, because a few of these stops only take it. Here are eight seafood spots worth planning a whole afternoon around.
1. The Clam Box, Quincy, MA
Right along Quincy Shore Drive, this beachfront spot keeps things simple and lets the seafood carry the day. You order at the counter, grab a number, and then find a seat wherever you like…