Okay, look, I’m about to do something I might regret.
As a Massachusetts local, there’s an unwritten code: you don’t talk about the shacks. Those sun-bleached, salty-aired havens serving the freshest fried clams and lobster rolls? They’re ours. They’re where we escape the summer crowds, where the only thing touristy is a well-meaning flip-flop.
But after much internal debate, I’ve decided to spill a few beans. Just nine, to be exact. Please, for the love of fresh seafood, try not to tell everyone. These are truly special.
1. Clam Shack At Salem Willows
Perched right on the harbor at Salem Willows, this no-frills shack has been feeding locals since the days when people arrived by trolley. The lobster rolls here are packed so full of meat that they barely fit in the toasted bun, and the clam strips come out golden and crispy every single time…