Few foods say summer in Massachusetts quite like a basket of crispy whole-belly clams. The moment that golden plate hits the table, the aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water.
Locals know the routine well: pull up to a classic roadside seafood spot, place an order at the counter, and wait for a tray piled high with perfectly fried clams and a side of salty ocean air. It’s simple, satisfying, and deeply rooted in Massachusetts food culture.
For generations, one beloved roadside restaurant has been serving this New England favorite, drawing hungry visitors who happily travel miles for a taste.
The History Behind The Fried Clam
Back in 1916, Lawrence “Chubby” Woodman dropped a clam into a pot of hot oil, and American food history changed forever. That single moment is widely credited as the invention of the fried clam, a dish that has since become one of New England’s most beloved foods…