The Battle of Essex Fried Clams – Woodman’s versus Farnham’s

The fried clam was first created at Woodman’s in Essex Massachusetts in 1916. “Chubby” and Bessie Woodman opened their roadside clam shack on the causeway in Essex, MA in 1914. The fried clam hadn’t been invented. The made fresh fried potato chips. Business was slow and one day a customer jokingly suggested they throw a clam in the batter to pick up sales. They actually tried it and the fried clam was born.

A year after the Woodman’s experiment a Boston fish market advertised that it was "now equipped to serve the new taste treat—fried clams." And Howard Johnson—owner of a chain of restaurants that at one time had 100 spots across the East Coast—came himself to learn how to fry clams from "Chubby." Here is the rest of the story from the Woodmans’ site. Below is a Woodman’s fried clam strip plate with rings.

Woodman’s continues to offer fried clams and I go there whenever I am in Essex. It is located at 121 Main Street, Route 133, Essex, MA 01929. 978-768-6057. Their main rival for the area is Farnham’s. It is located at 88 Eastern Ave., Essex, MA 01929 (978) 768-6643. I tired them a few weeks ago for the first time. Here is their clam strip plate.

While Farnham’s was excellent, I continue to prefer Woodman’s especially for the onion rings. They have a unique way of doing them with more batter than the Farnham’s style but not too much as you sometimes find. Farnham’s is usually less crowded and has a nice place to sit outside and view of the salt marsh. Now that I have had both I will go back to Woodman’s on the basis of the food.

Here is a clam strip plate with rings from Marc Anthony’s in Onset MA. It is in the style of Farnham’s, especially the rings. I actually found it fresher than Farnham’s but still consider Woodman’s tops. Marc Anthony’s is at 190 Ocean Ave, Onset MA 508-295-5956.

If you get to Rhode Island, here is the place for fried clams - Evelyn's Drive In.
 What are your favorite fried clam places?

Comments

[Larz]

I agree on Woodman's. Absolutely the best. In Maine, where we now live, we love Shaw's in New Harbor.

[JC]

Strips? Good God, man, go for the full bellies. I'm a transplant to New England and I've got to say the Woodmans fried clam plate (with a side of steamers, an ear of corn and a Sam Adams) is the #1 reason I stay here. Ok, maybe #1A, my wife would disagree.

[bill Ives]

JC and Larz. Thanks for the comments and votes. I will look for Shaw's and JC I certainly agree on the corn, steamers and Sam Adams. I think the bellies are okay but prefer to focus on the part I like best. Strip plates are also about 60% of belly plates.

[Clam Strip Not]

I can't believe you would review any clam shack on the New England coast based on clam STRIPS. Save that for your Denny's or HoJo's reviews. Sorry, but your credibility as a reviewer is challenged.

[Rob Paterson]

Bill
We don't do Strips here - the real full clam. Best place I know is Ozzies on the St John road just outside St Andrews NB. Close in taste and texture would be The Frosty Treat in Kensington PEI

[bill Ives]

Rob

Thanks for these recommendations. Now I have yet another reason to get to PEI. Bill

[Jeannette]

Woodman's just opened a satellite shop in Litchfield, NH!

[bill Ives]

Jeannette - Thanks for the tip. Bill

[MarkO]

Okay, being from Massachusetts, the fried clam is one of the things I missed the most while living in Texas for 9 years. Now that I'm back we had to try all the places in Essex and here's my review. The Clam Box: Good, clean fried clams (bellies please!) very tasty but a bit underseasoned OMO. No view.No BEER?? Cool clam box building design. A fine New England experience. Farnhams: Sweet, full belly clams. Onion rings a bit bland, nice marsh view, cozy old-world clam shack vibe. Essex Seafood: Good, not great fried clams, no view, my least favorite. Woodmans's of Essex: Here's why it's #1 in my book of legendary fried clam shacks: Sweet, succulent Ipswich clams (when in season and available) GREAT onion rings, sweet, lightly fried seafood platter. Get yourself a cold Sam Adam's ON-TAP!! and you are in clam heaven! THE VIBE: Simply the coolest old building with a great marsh view. Stand in line as you watch the lobsters steam away and anticipate a great New England experience. The place where the fried clam was invented and still the best.

[bill Ives]

Mark

Thanks for your great addition. I agree completely with your assessment. Perhaps I will see you at Woodman's this sumer. Bill

[carpenters in essex]

The fried clams seems so delicious. I also think all the three recipes were good. They actually look like onion rings but even more tasty.