I heard that these were the best clams in New England..and while they were great and blow most other fried clams away, I thought that the Sea View in Mystic and the Lobster Shack at 2 Lights were better. Still, worth the detour for us and there was suprisingly no line. Like at any other New England clam shack...you go for the whole belly clams...it is night and day compared to the inferior clam strips. Those bad boys explode in your mouth with flavors of the sea and that touch of sweetness that adds depth to the flavor.
(4)
Cath S.
Adequate parking was available. Line in front of building wasn't too long, maybe 20 people in front, but moved very slowly = 1 hour wait, before ordering. Quality, and taste of fried clams was outstanding. The best. Rating is actually 4.5 (restaurant interior could be cleaner), but rounded up. Driving from Boston, along Route 1A, north of 128, is pleasant, during the summer/fall .
(5)
Scratchie S.
Best fried clams anywhere, simple as that. The lines are long in the summer, so we're more likely to go in the fall or early spring. They've expanded their season within the last few years so you can go in October or November or March (or February?) and get your order with a relatively short wait. I've also gone on a weekday in the summer (during the day) and not had to wait too long. I've been going here since the 70s (when it looked exactly the same, inside and out) and I've never found any other place that compares. Woodman's comes the closest, but the Clam Box takes the gold. The clams are fresh, tasty, and well-cooked. You can order "large bellied" clams if that's your thing, otherwise, you will get more moderately sized clams. The coating is not too thick or heavy like you get at some places. If you don't like cole slaw, you can get both french fries and onion rings with any platter. Part of their secret is that they change their cooking oil twice a day. If you're in line around 2pm, you'll have to wait an extra 15 minutes while they change the oil, but it's worth the wait since the fresh oil ensures that the afternoon's meals will still taste fresh. A real North Shore treasure.
(5)
Christopher P.
#1. If you like fried clams, this is THE place. Having grown up in New England, I've had my share of whole belly clams. The biggest complaint about them is the grit. Blah! I don't know what these guys do to the clams, but they are CLEAN. I mean nothing, nadda, zilch. And talk about fresh. Not only are the clams great, but the chowder is amazing. Just thick enough, hot (how many restaurants get this wrong), and with chunks of clams. #2. The building is shaped like a giant clam box. You know you want to stop here. #3. The wait. If you get there and there's a line (typical in the summer)...deal with it. I've had day's when I've waited an hour just to get in, but so totally worth it. The bad...The decor isn't top notch, but who cares. It's a seat to stuff fried clams into your face. The french fries and onion rings could be better, but once again, I'm here for the clams. And if you're not into clams, all the seafood here is fresh, fresh fresh. Save a cow. Eat at The Clam Box.
(5)
George L.
The end all and be all of clam shacks. Yes, the wait is long. Yes, they don't take credit cards. Yes, they sell no alcohol. And Yes, the building is shaped all dumb. THE BEST FRIED SEAFOOD YOU WILL EVER HAVE. PASS
(5)
Juliet A.
If you're on the North Shore, you need to eat seafood. If you're in Ipswich, you need to eat Ipswich clams (famous!). If you need to eat Ipswich clams, you need to go to the clam box. Their fried clams are divine. Not overly batter-y, for my taste, which is often hard to find in fried foods of the sea. A local favorite for good reason. Pricey, yes, but you get your money's worth. The line can be atrocious, fyi, so order ahead of time if possible.
(4)
Roger B.
Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!
(5)
Anthony B.
The Clam Box Is The Type Of place That Ruins Other Seafood Joints Because This Place Is Awesome. I live 2500 Miles away and still miss it every week Please Enjoy the clam strips for me !!!!!!!! I'll Be Back Soon !!!!
(4)
Mark S.
Not as good as others ,But worth the trip if you havent been, just be prepaired for the long lines.but not the best around.
(3)
Thomas V.
I'm always looking for the best whole fried clams, I was passing through Ipswich and tried The Clam Box. I ordered the lg box. The Clams were good though overpriced as they included a surcharge. They change the oil daily which makes for better fried food. The place is like a walk up to the counter to order and wait for your number to be called. Long line moved quickly and seating was plentiful. I would recommend for a lunch stop.
(4)
Caitlin W.
I don't think I'm going to write anything that others haven't already said or you don't already know. Be prepared to wait. We got there at 10:50 on a Sunday morning (they open at 11), and did not end up eating until 12:15. It was just me and my fiance, I got the native clams mini-meal with onion rings. My fiance got the lobster roll with a side of onion rings. The onion rings were very good, but we definitely could've split the onion rings that came with my mini-meal, the portions were pretty big. Same goes with the native clams. Now I'm not sure exactly the difference between the native clams and just the clams (is it that the native includes the belly and the clams are just the strips? or their just fresher & local? not sure), but the clams were SO good. The better was perfect, light and delicious. The mini meal was the perfect portion, getting anything larger for 1 person would've been WAY too much. Unless you are splitting it with others. The lobster roll on the other hand was just OK. I didn't like the bun it was on, I usually like the bun to be toasted & buttered, and this wasn't. There was a lot of meat, but it just wasn't anything special. I guess the lesson learned is to come here for clams, not the lobster roll. This all was pretty pricy, $42 for 2 with no drinks. I won't go out of my way again to go here, but I'm glad I tried it.
(4)
Cherie D.
Be prepared to wait in line outside the door during a busy summer evening! It is well worth it though. The clam strip plate, which includes 2 sides (fries, onion rings or coleslaw), is reasonably priced and is fried to perfection. I'm picky with any type of mollusc, but there wasn't any sand in this dish for which I was very thankful for. Adequate amount of seating inside and benches outside. The usual decor - lobster pots, plastic crabs, etc. hanging from the walls. A selection of items for kids such as chicken finger mini-meals (fries included), cheeseburgers, hot dogs. So there is something for every member of the family. I would definitely visit again!!!!
(5)
Mustachechuck S.
Love this place so much we never mind waiting in line Best clams and Scallops around Always look for varieties of clams there native or others The line is always there that tells you a lot about this place. Great food nice people in line Great service
(5)
Leslie L.
Wicked awesome! You MUST arrive early and be prepared to stand in line for something special let me tell you! Be sure to arrive as soon as it opens and don't go around 2:30ish that's when they change the oil and its a little bit of a wait! Lobster roll is the bomb! Clams scallops and shrimp plate is great esp with the slaw. You got to experience at least once in your days...
(5)
Mike S.
After years of being a Woodmans fan without ever trying the Clam Box I felt I had to give it a fair shake - and I'm glad I did. First the good / great: Had the native clam mini meal which comes with rings or fries (I went with rings). These are HANDS DOWN the BEST whole belly fried clams I have ever had. Sweet beyond belief and fried just right - not too greasy, really perfection! And so, I am giving the Clam Box my award for best fried clams anywhere - they really win w/out any question. The onion rings were good, but I'm giving the award here to Woodmans where the rings nearly steal the show. So now for the not so good / bad: The wait. Yes, I expected to wait in a line, but this was silly. 1PM on a Thursday and you have a line out the door - 45 minutes later I'm at the window (yes, they have one window taking orders). So add that to the ride up there and my lunch hour is already well over with! Woodmans beats them here - they're more equipped to handle the volume. To be fair, once I ordered it wasn't too bad - maybe 15 minutes for the food to come out. Woodmans wins in the ambiance department too. There are picinic tables outside, but your looking at the road and the parking lot (while dreaming of the ocean). My final WTF thing is regarding the price. My meal on their website lists for $15.25 which is a lot, but pretty much market price. They've added a surcharge because clams are apparently costing them more this year? And so, with a medium iced tea my meal was just under $24......FOR LUNCH!!?!?! Ugh, so I've lost 2 hours of my life, and spend about $25......but I've got to say, it was still worth it. Those clams are some serious shiznit.......wish I could combine these clams with Woodmans onion rings!!!
(4)
Tricia H.
The long lines are ridiculous..but definately worth it! Wicked expensive..but worth it! Definately wouldn't recommend sitting down to eat. Not really a big enough place and it is unbelievably loud! When my family and I eat here we always pick up our order, haven't been here in a couple years. Wish it wasn't so expensive..
(3)
D W.
I love fried clams- this is the fare you get through out new england. There was a large surcharge for clams and a platter with tax was $33- pretty steep but fed two perfectly. I have had better but I can say I ate here...
(3)
C M.
Overrated and certainly not worth standing in line for. If you want good fried clams go downtown to the pub.
(2)
David V.
Sure, it's a little pricey and eating here requires a bit of effort (a line that can get rather long), but it's not unreasonable to pay a little extra to get the very best. And the Ipswich Clam Box is the very best. A small box of their big-bellied local clams will set you back $20, but they're so filling that a small box plus an appetizer or cup of chowder will make a satisfying meal for two. And though it's not offered every day, the fried lobster plate is worth the splurge of $25. Because hey, how many times do you get to dip something that's already deep fried in butter? Out at the picnic tables there's a sign telling folks to enjoy the al fresco option at their own risk. Not exactly sure what they mean, but I have encountered at least two hazards - yellowjackets attracted by the trash cans and the picnic tables themselves - they're rather lightweight and putting too much weight at one end can yield disastrous results. Update - they DO accept Mastercard and Visa for purchases over $25. For those Diner's Club stalwarts and light eaters, the ATM machine in the corner is still there.
(5)
No T.
Of all the great fried seafood restaurants on Cape Ann, this is my favorite. They perpetually have a line when the weather is good and it is worth the wait. I love their fried scallop plate. The fried food is always served hot and right out of the fryer. Dining room is nothing to write home about, but you're not here for the decor.
(5)
Butcher B.
Awesome! So we tried the Fishermans Platter, it contained scallops, clam strips, whole belly clams, haddock, and shrimp. I'm from the West Coast and have never experienced such freshness from a restaurant. The shrimp was cleaned and de-viened and had a fresh, clean, crisp taste. Never tasted scallops as good as these, perfectly cooked and breaded. None of the items had a "fishy" smell to them. The whole belly clams were a first for me, not bad, I liked them better than the strips. We don't have haddock back home. It tasted really good, comparable to sand bass or rock fish in our So. Cal waters. The platter was huge! I'm over 250lbs and hardly put a dent in my plate. Didn't waste space on fries, tried the onion rings, those were good too.
(5)
David P.
Our only disappointment is that all waste - food waste, used utensils, the foam coleslaw containers, plastic straws and waxed paper cups (etc.) - is combined when it's bussed into one waste bin. Otherwise: Service: Cordial and fast. (Wait was minimal, maybe due to the late Fall season.) Food: Plentiful and tasty. (Our group of three ordered local clams, scallops and lobster rolls. Sides were coleslaw, french fries and onion rings.) (Slaw might be updated for the times - crisper, fresher, maybe less sweet.) Overall: Food gave us a nostalgia boost. Eating local clams felt great, also delicious. During this upcoming winter off-season, we'd LOVE, love, love to see them put in place a system to minimize their use of non-compostable plastic and foam packaging, and to start composting as much of their food waste - ideally WITH compostable utensils, and used paper plates and napkins - as possible.
(4)
DEBBIE A.
Years ago, maybe 25 years or so a friend and myself went to the Clam Box. We just thought it was so-so. Now that I am back in this area, we decided to try The Clam Box again. A person should give a place a second shot. We all have bad days. Yes, I did wait in line but it wasn't more than 15 minutes. It was okay with me as I was having some pleasant conversation with the folks in front of me who were on vacation. If you don't feel like talking, there is plenty on the walls to read behind glass. There are many write-ups from all over and yes, magazine covers too. It was a very hot and humid day. There were two fans in the section where you order the food, but that did not help whatsoever. However, there were long benches along the entire wall to sit down and relax while the food is being cooked. No air conditioning and I thought I was going to have an asthma attack. I was told that the small dining room had AC.There were no tables available, but that was fine with us. My turn. I finally get to the window and ordered two 3-way combination plates. They both had the nice sweet and small native clams, delicious scallops, and I chose the large shrimp instead of the small ones from Maine. Each came with a side of cole slaw and on one dinner I got the french fries and the other one I ordered the onion rings. A couple of nice ice cold soda's were added on my tab too. Holy moly, when the plates came out they were sky high. Wow! The clams were not gritty nor were they chewy with those big bellies. They were delicious and on the sweet and smaller size. Perfect! The scallops were so fresh, they just melted in my mouth when I was eating them. My friend agreed wholeheartedly. The shrimp were cooked perfect and not overdone. The onion rings were dry and not that greasy kind that so many places serve you. The fries were light and crispy and actually pretty darn good. We both loved their cole slaw. Thank goodness it was not drenched in mayonnaise. These plates were monstrous in size and the quality of fish was perfect. Neither of us could finish our dinners so we brought the remainder of the food to our homes. The rest of our families had a field day with that. It was gone within minutes. LOL The only thing I can think of that was not so good was the fact that the mayo from the cole slaw was running off the side of the plates and as I have already mentioned, it was not the gooey kind. It is not a big deal, just open the bags away from yourself so it does not run down your legs or onto your clothing. Perhaps if it were in it's own container, this would alleviate the problem. The only thing I was not satisfied with were the plates that these humongous dinners came on. Because of the heat and the weight of them, the Styrofoam cracked on both dinners and thank God we had paper plates to place under them. Styrofoam is a no-no. Heck I would not even use them at my family bar-b-ques. Too many times those things have let go. Would I recommend this place. You better believe it. The food was over-the-moon delectable, the place was clean, and the best part is that all the help were friendly and helpful and very kind to everyone. One last thing, they do accept credit cards.
(4)
Kathie B.
Never again!!! Have been thinking about going to the Clam Box for quite and while and was always concerned about the long lines you always hear about. Decided to face it this past Sunday, how bad could it be. Arrived at 2:45 and there was a line, but didn't think it was that long so decided to wait. Two hours later, I was in my car with my food. Outrageous!!! It is not the amount of people but the pace of the staff that contributes to the wait. They are so understaffed it isn't even funny and the staff that was there seemed to care less that their customers were waiting in the hot sun. One elderly woman was in a wheel chair and her family finally had to get an umbrella to try to shield her from the sun. You go to a packed Kelley's on Revere Beach on a hot summer day and your waited on and have your food in less than 10 minutes. Clam Box needs to hire more people, expand their cooking area. Oh, but that would cut into their profits. They don't have to do that because they get the people to come regardless of the wait. Shame on them!!!! Oh and by the way, some of the clams were sandy and rubbery and the fried shrimp had this peculiar flavor I have yet to figure out. Most of my $40.00 went in the trash bucket. Never Again!!!!
(1)
Sarah D.
The most beautiful and delicious mountain of fried seafood I have ever seen! If you find yourself on the north shore you must stop here. It's most certainly one of those restaurants to check off your life list. Expect a long line, even in the middle of the afternoon on a Saturday. We had one of everything. The clams are excellent, but I was even more impressed with the lobster roll. It was lightly tossed in the mayo and nothing else. I can't wait for my next visit to Ipswich. If you have any room for dessert there's a creamey right down the road!
(4)
Michael W.
This place is a local legend, and I can understand why. Sort of. If you come here, make sure you expect (very) long lines and typical New England clam shack fair. Assume everything is fried and battered, unless otherwise specified. The fried clams are very good, but not the best I've ever had. My wife had the lobster roll, and it was quite good. Everything was fresh and the portions are absolutely massive, if that's your thing. There is plenty of seating inside and outside as well as clean restrooms. I will say, this place is expensive compared to other options in the region. Given the price:enjoyment ratio, I'm not sure we'd return, but if you're looking for a quintessential New England Summer experience, look no further. If you have higher standards or are concerned about value, check out some other options.
(3)
Linda H.
I came during a day trip. Based on all of the good reviews, we chose to stop here for lunch. After standing in the long line for about half an hour, we were starving and ended up over ordering. Out of everything we orderd, the fisherman's platter was the most memorable. First, the thing could feed two people....afterall, how much fried food can you really eat? I admit, I was a bit sick, so maybe I wasn't eating my fair share. Second, I like variety and this offered it in spades. The only thing I think it didn't have was fried oysters, but you can order a plate of that if you really want. We did, and we couldn't finish it all. The seafood tasted fresh and it hit the spot, but I sort of wish we had gotten something (other than coleslaw) that wasn't fried that day to mix it up. Tip: Credit now accepted. $25 minimum if you want to use your Visa or MasterCard here. Otherwise, bring cash :).
(3)
Jay D.
Soooo good. Bring along your patience because there is always a long wait - over an hour for us today. But if you can stick it out you get rewarded with the best fried clams on the planet.
(5)
Traci K.
How many calories did I burn standing in that hour-long line? Not enough to justify that huge fried seafood plate I wolfed. The Real Question: Was it worth it? Answer: Duh. My companion and I shared the Fisherman's Platter (I love having a little of everything) and by the end of it, we knew we should have gone with straight clams. Fighting over fried clams is not dignified. Though when you're elbow-deep in greasy fried goodness - dignity has flown the coop long ago. The platter also came with fried haddock (tasty, but needed a little salt), shrimp and scallops (yum!). All piled high atop a mountain of fries and onion rings, I'm gonna need to clock in a few more hours on the treadmill this week...
(4)
Anne R.
Charmed by it's iconic exterior on my way out to explore historic Ipswich, I had to give it a try. I believe it was Sunday evening, around 8 pm, and we were able to order within 5 minutes, but waited another 10-15 for our food to be ready. I grabbed the only table left in the dining room while my husband waited at the counter for our order. This seems like it would be a great place to get take-out for a bunch of people, but I wouldn't suggest taking a large group to sit in the dining room. After seeing the portions that were being dished out, we decided to order one meal, and share it. We had the clam, scallops, and shrimp plate (all fried), which ended up being too much for the two of us. I have to say that I was disappointed by the batter that's used on all of the seafood. I was hoping for something more.... flavorful. Instead it just tasted like crunchy over-cooked sea bits. Perhaps this is enough for other people, but I crave a little seasoning to make it memorable, even the cole slaw was blah. We had lots of leftovers, but neither of us had a desire to take them home. Would I go back? Ehh... maybe just to see if the first time was a fluke. The overall value isn't bad... I just need more flavor. I also wished the took credit cards since they're in the middle of no-where. If it weren't for the tasty clam chowder, I may have left feeling really disappointed.
(3)
ME G.
As clams go, the breading helped take away the clam flavor. +1 star. The patrons were clearly people who enjoyed the large portions. The clam chowder was really quite good, it was not legal seafood good, but it was the best dish we had +1 star. overall, a bit, meh, why did we bother? It's famous, but it was by far not the best seafood, Dubbe's, for example, close to home is tastier.
(2)
Vito P.
most expensive place to buy fried clams but well worth the price
(4)
Steven H.
I got fried scallops with onion rings. Absolutely delicious. I didn't even bother waiting to go back home. I just ate it in my parked car across the street like a weirdo. The lines are long, but the food and prices are good. I'm glad I tried this place while I could, because I don't live in MA anymore!
(5)
Samantha H.
2 stars is only for the food, which was decent. Huge tourist trap! Long lines, over expensive. My dad owns a seafood restaurant and his prices are cheaper than this place. You get a lot more for your buck! Don't waste your time with this place if you are in a rush or are broke.
(2)
Tom B.
Well when I went to Clam Box, it wasn't the ordering system that was a problem. It was slow because they were changing the oil. And really, that's a good thing. You want that because it makes the food fresh. But I still think it's overatted and the food isn't the best.
(3)
Gregory C.
There was one recurring theme when we visited the eating places in Ipswich: The portions are HUGE. Perhaps it's just the ones that we visited, but you can certainly get your grub-on at the Clam Box. I ordered the three-way combo platter (yes, we did eventually make some dirty jokes about the name of the plate), which includes Fried clams with bellies, Fried scallops, and locally caught Fried shrimp. In addition to a healthy side of fries and cole slaw, you can't go wrong. A funny thing about the outdoor seating.. You have to be careful sitting at the tables.. Make sure that you have another person sitting opposite from you, otherwise the table will topple over! There is even a sign that warns the customers about this...
(4)
Lesley P.
They change the oil every day. Maybe more than once? Anyway, this can make for a long wait in line between changes but it also means that the food tastes very fresh, though it is fried. We has clam strips, fries, onion rings, coleslaw and a lobster roll. It ain't cheap and the wait is looong (at least at 1:30 pm on a Sunday). We sat at picnic tables outside. They also have seating inside. You can bring your own beer, etc. if you choose to do so. The lovely Harley riders at the next table had a bottle opener, god bless em.
(4)
Kate N.
We drove an hour to visit the Clam Box today, and honestly, we did so because we saw it featured on WCVB's Chronicle. We arrived around 4pm, 90 degrees outside, line out the door and almost into the road. My 5 year old was occupied with Angry Birds on the iPhone, so the wait wasn't an issue at all. Friendly chatter with the folks around us was fun, too. We ordered a fried native clam platter - onion rings, fries, and a side of cole slaw. Top notch. Worth the drive up! The fried clams were not sandy. Perfect amount of batter. HUGE portion, enough for 2 to split. We were lucky enough to grab a table in the Air Conditioning. Clean restrooms, friendly staff. Cash only, so make sure you are prepared... otherwise there is an ATM there, but you'll get dinged $2.50.
(5)
Sheri Q.
The clams and batter are first rate! This is a great place to get your clam fix. It would be better if there were a way to order half of the small native clam box without ordering fries. It's so much food! Not everyone can eat that many clams. Also, the clams are much better than the fries because they're large and cooked so they're soft. I tend to prefer firmer fries, but that's a preference. The tartar sauce could be tangier. I was there recently with a group. Two of the adults got the haddock sandwiches. They were flaky and fresh but perhaps a little pricey at $9+ sans fries.
(4)
Mortiche W.
Thank goodness I don't live on that side of the US. After seeing it on a PBS show on unique shaped buildings a few years back and finding out it was only a few hour's drive to Ipswich from where we were staying, I made it a priority in JR's schedule for us to come here. Even if I had the flu. and could barely breathe out of my nose, let alone taste anything. But come here we did, and the eating of fried clams commenced! Oh boy, just thinking about these fried clams is making my mouth water right now- how sad is that? We ordered the strip clam box and a lobster roll, just to get a little variety and contrast of taste and texture. Now for a quick disclosure- I've never been a lobster fan. Crab? All the way. Lobster just didn't taste or feel right to me. Fast forward to eating. Despite being sick, I was able to taste everything I ate. I think the clouds parted for the half hour that we were there. The clams were fresh fried, piled high, sweet and tender but with just the right amount of crunch. Some folks said that we should have gotten the littleneck clams, so I guess we'll just have to come back to try those next time! Oh darn! The lobster roll was buttery, mayo-y, sweet, oceany, no nonsense. SO FREAKIN' GOOD. I wanted to fight Roger for it but I in my weakened state I could only squeak out, "help me lift it to my mouth for another bite, please?" The lobster roll was worth ever cent of that $15. It was piled so high and deep with sweet, succulent lobster (gosh, I sound like a commercial!) it was ridiculous. Definitely the next time we're back East, we are coming here.
(4)
Dirgni S.
You can read all the other rave reviews for what's good. I'm offering up some advice in my review: Go "off hour/off season." We went yesterday, around 11:30 am. No wait to order. By the time we left there was a line of about 20 people. The "mini meal" is plenty for the average person. Or, share a full plate with someone. The full plates are enormous and, well, almost gross in how much food is there. If you usually get clam strips, try the "native clams". The bellies are small and add nice flavor. They aren't gushy like the big bellies. If you usually get clams with bellies, ask for the large bellies. Otherwise, you'll probably be disappointed. Ignore the counter lady when you ask for tap water and she gives you a condescending look. Bottled water is for suckers.
(5)
Helen N.
On a road trip from NJ to Maine, I was determined to dedicate as many meals as possible to the fried whole-belly clams about which I'd heard so much. We ended up trying ~6 places, including Essex Seafood and several places in Maine. Clam Box was our last stop and was easily head and shoulders above the rest (and had the coolest looking building too.) The reason? Two words - Big. Bellies. We ordered a large box and they blew my mind. Light crunchy batter on tender, flavorful clam with juicy, briny bellies... these were the clams of my dreams. We ate outside at the picnic tables and washed down these dreamy clams with blueberry beer we bought in Maine. It was perfect. No, they don't take credit cards, and yes, the lines can be daunting. But so, so very worth it in the end.
(5)
Kitty C.
Definitely take the time to read through some of the reviews here, they were very helpful. There is indeed a long line and they posted the time that they would be changing the oil. There is an ATM inside the door, but a friend called ahead and was told that it doesn't always work, so bring cash! They had temporarily raised prices on whole bellies, but I got the clam strips. It was definitely a lot of food, and the same batter used on the clams is the same as or similar to the onion ring batter. Next time, I think I'd rather split one of the big platters with someone to get some variety. The outdoor seating with picnic tables is the way to go on a nice day. Minus one star, because I wish they had hush puppies!!!
(4)
Susan R.
COME HUNGRY! Best fried seafood I've ever had. Light, crunchy, FRESH batter. Sweet, fresh seafood. HUGE portions. Got the fried clam, scallop and shrimp plate. It also includes fries and onion rings. Easily enough for 2 people to share and feel satisfied. Lines are long, move quickly. Small dining room encourages interaction with your neighbors. People are nice and happy.... they're eating terrific food. CASH ONLY. Some will find expensive, but worth it ( remember, you can share ). Closes around mid- December. Reopens mid-February.
(5)
Cha Cha W.
OMFG! If there was a God of 'Fried Seafood', he certainly have bestowed his favors on the Clam Box. Let's be frank here, if it were just well fried it'd be 3 stars, but it's also fresh and juicy, and as anyone knows, when it comes to gifts from the ocean, fresh and juicy are key. Have I mentioned abundance? My Fisherman's Platter for $23.95 included succulent scallops, clams, clam strips, calamari, jumbo shrimp and large chunks of haddock, a choice of 2 sides (great onion rings and cole slaw) and a roll. While I am often credited with having a hollow leg, my starving friend and I couldn't even polish off the whole thing! Amazing. Service was as prompt as a place with a continual self replenishing line and staff of 5 in the kitchen can be so if you can, avoid the hours of 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. There's a row of picnic tables under shady trees adjacent to the parking lot for outdoor seating or if like me, you enjoy a little AC on a humid hot day and proximity to the restroom, indoor seating is also available. Bring cash though, they don't accept credit cards but there is an ATM on premises for $2.50 withdraw fee.
(5)
Mark O.
After travelling back east last month for my grandfather's funeral, I was compelled to hit the place that I frequented quite often while living in the great town of Ipswich, The Clam Box. If you're looking for the best in fried seafood, this is the place to visit when on the north shore. When trying to decide between mollusks or crustaceans in their fried form, I recommend the king of the mollusks, the clam. The prices are reasonable for the portion size and the clams always fresh. If you are looking to steer clear of the fried stuff, I would highly recommend the Lobster Roll. You will not regret it.
(5)
Ro P.
Always a huge line. Very good food. It's a little expensive but you're paying for the reputation. Stood in line 1 hour, food took 20mins to prepare. Was the experience worth it- certainly worth one visit. Will I be back- nope. It's not the best lobster roll I've had...Neptune's still wins that comfortably. And it took me 55mins to drive out to Ipswich from my Boston home. For city dwellers.....this isnt worth any more than the one visit. I do recommend trying it atleast once!
(3)
Annie I.
the food here is great--the only things to watch out for: 1) it is so crowded 2) it is pretty expensive, considering you are basically eating out of a carton 3) the lines! are crazy! but i think that's because the food is really great. don't come here looking for oysters on the half or steamers, this is FRIED seafood. the lobster roll is good, the fried clams are great. nice summer meal.
(4)
Robert C.
We were on our way to our first great beach day of the year and figured that lobster rolls and fried clams would digest well sitting under the sun...and we were not disappointed with the Clam Box. The place is nondescript with limited indoor (A/C) seating and outdoor tables under the shade that overlook the parking lot and ugly little building. The line was famously out the door, so we knew the food had to be pretty good. The clams and onion rings (I could only eat the "mini meal" portion) really were cooked to perfection. I would have enjoyed a better quality tarter sauce, though, and would even consider bringing my own next time to make it a heavenly experience. The lobster roll, made exactly how we ordered (tiny bit of mayo, otherwise all fresh meat) was not cheap, but was packed and had no filler. The clam chowder (yes, have to try that too) was well balanced between potato and clam pieces, and had just the right consistency. The iced tea came unsweetened, which is our preference, and was also brewed with enough bite to rinse away the oils from the clams. This would be my "go to" place for this kind of food anytime I pass through Ipswich.
(5)
Heather H.
Um, if you come here and order something that isn't fried clams... Also, I mock your clam strips.
(4)
Courtney N.
For years, I would drive by on a nice day and even on a not so nice day and wonder why on earth so many people were lined up to get into a fried clam place. I mean, this is Cape Ann, the North Shore and there are seafood places galore. I could never understand why so many people would patiently wait in a line that went out to the street with the hot sun beating down on them or even with rain pouring down. Then, one day, I gave the place a try. And now I know why, and I will never be the same. In fact, you just may see me in that line one of these days! The fried clams are the best that I have ever tasted, and I've lived here my whole life and had more than my share of fried clams. I actually don't even eat fried clams (trying to be more health-conscious) but I will always make the exception for Clam Box fried clams. So light and delicious. Not like heavy battered fried clams at all. The clam chowder is also the best I've ever had (narrowly beating out Amelia's clam chowder). The taste is absolutely addictive. So, give the place a chance! It is cash only, but there's an ATM right inside by the register. I guarantee you will understand why all of those people are waiting to get in and order fried clams!
(4)
Christopher I.
The Clam Box, a cartoonish roadside shack resembling, well, a clam box, could only be improved by replacing the booths with giant clam shells. Inside the Disney-like box there's a simple counter and a maritime-themed dining room, no more no less. But you'll probably spend your first ten or fifteen minutes at The Clam Box waiting outside in the line that snakes out the door at mealtime. Don't worry, it moves fast. Inside, you'll have a few minutes to ponder the complicated menu. Do you want a Mini-meal or a plate? Or maybe a box? Large or small? I'll break it down from a tidbit I overheard the cashier say -- a small box has the same amount of seafood as a plate, only the plate comes with two sides. Be warned -- if you order a plate, make sure you're really ready for stormy seas...cause the outlook is cloudy with 100% chance of oil. Beautiful, delicious oil. And fat, juicy clams of course. The clams are delicious. Pop the first one in your mouth and you'll taste perfectly golden cornmeal breading, hot but just delicately crispy, an almost powdery fried fluff. Bite in, and the thick briny belly of the clam oozes out, infusing your mouth with the taste of the sea. And then, as quickly and effortlessly as the clam wave came...it's gone. And back...and gone...and back again, one after another. The onion rings also benefit from delicate breading, and the cole slaw is just right -- fresh and crispy with just enough mayo to make it go down smoothly. And best of all, the star of the show, is owner Marina Aggelakis, or Chickie -- larger than life, flitting through the dining room, wiping down tables with her tight-lipped smile, inspecting new arrivals with a wary eye, rearranging diners to seat new parties, slamming the door as she returns to the kitchen, barking in a friendly way at the cooks. From Chickie to every last fried clam, The Clam Box is an institution, one not worth missing.
(4)
M C.
This is the good stuff right here! I could so go for some fried clams right now! It's a good thing the Clam Box is a decent drive away from me or i'd be in trouble. It's a bit pricey, as all seafood is, but you get an awesome amount of food for your dollar. Always fresh and delicious, a must try!
(4)
Mary G.
I will never wait an hour in line at a place like this while being bullied by other customers who don't care for dogs. Went to woodmans had a great meal
(1)
Chris B.
Oh goodness, this place is making America fat. Honestly, a plate of the fried clams here was my Everest -- but I failed to scale the mountain, as the two of us simply couldn't steel our stomachs to finish the last clams... While I love the idea of a great local clam shack, I'm afraid that as a Californian, I don't really understand what's going on here. It's just too much fried food.
(3)
Yoonie C.
I may have been too full from a bbq beforehand to give this place a proper evaluation, but the fried native clams were sweet, tender, and lightly battered and fried. I still liked them. Only 1 in the entire small box seemed to be a "pooper" (as I call them) - with a full dirty belly, so that one clam was gross - but the others were clean. I appreciate their notice about when they change their oil each day, and loved that they had diet sprite. No one else carries that anymore! It was fun trip out to Ipswich - guess I'll try the other clam shacks around and then update accordingly, after seeing how they compare.
(3)
Kenneth O.
FOOD: There are times when a craving for a tasty greasy fried clam must be satisfied. The Clam Box offers the ultimate succulent fried clams-with-belly, tasty onion rings, superb strip clam and calamari, and great lobster rolls. These are simple dishes that are nonetheless badly prepared in many restaurants. Clam box does it right. These folks offer exceptionally fresh quality ingredients and they change or filter their frying oil frequently. Their breading is light, their two hit frying technique creates a crispy unburned coating. And their local Ipswich clams are in my view the sweetest around. SITE AND AMBIANCE: Head up route 1A just north of Ipswich center, look for the gigantic red striped Clam Box . . .with a huge line of locals and out-of-towners standing waiting to order, then waiting for the order to be filled, then waiting for a table in the dining room to open up. On summer weekends that line can be well over an hour long in the 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM closing evening rush. Of course, people wait in line and leave with a smile because the food is good. HINT: Try coming in the middle of the afternoon. Or go for a weekday night. Or try calling to order takeout in advance. We have not done so, but have heard that it works. Or go in the winter -- there is no line then. Unfortunately, the restaurant is also closed in the winter. BOTTOM LINES: First, for clam shack food, I highly recommend the Clam Box. Jake's (Nantasket), Captain Marden's (Wellesley), and the ubiquitous Legal Seafoods also offer good fresh fried food along with many other seafood items at slightly different price points. Second, I much prefer the food these places to the overpriced and noisy Summer Shack in Cambridge, the scenic but greasy Browns up at the NH border, the scenic but even more greasy Farnums down in Essex, the stunningly mediocre No-name in Boston, or the many seafood tourist traps in Plymouth.
(4)
Mike G.
short drive from foote bros canoe rental. thank god. who knew a greasy plate of fried seafood, frites, cole slaw and salad could be sooooo good.
(4)
Changun S.
clams are fried to perfection and lobster roll is abundant with large chunks of lobster! fries are crispy on outside and soft on inside... BUT..... is it me, or was everything UNDER SEASONED???!!!!!! we had to add packets of salt to everything we ate!!!! totally agree with another reviewer who said food was BLAND!!!!!
(4)
Christiaan H.
The chowder was rather bland, although it did have excellent big chunks of clams. I couldn't really appreciate the fried clams with are supposed to be famous, but I am not the biggest fan of them to begin with. Visited 6/08
(3)
Lyndsay B.
Hands down, no question, absolutely the best clams around. They win. The clams are so fresh and juicy that they melt in your mouth. The breading could probably be a little better, but then it might compete with the glory that is the fresh ipswich clam. They are mud flat clams, which are supposedly less gritty. I didn't notice any grit, so it might be true. I haven't tried anything else. The atmosphere is as described by others. One word of advice - call ahead. The line gets painfully (up to an hour) long on the weekends at peak times. They do accept call ahead orders.
(5)
Fat G.
So we came to the Clam Box for dinner last Saturday after going through the Marini Corn Maze/Farmstand which is about a mile away (You can also find a review for the Corn Maze by me too). There's a lot to say about this place so I'll start from the outside and work our way in for this review. Located in Ipswich, MA, the Clam Box looks like an old-fashioned restaurant. The outside has a sizable lot for parking, and there are some picnic tables as well as a bench for outside seating. There is a sign near the picnic area though which says "Use at your own risk"; I wasn't sure if that was an actual warning or a novelty sign. The surrounding area is trees and a road which is fairly accessible from the highway. You can also smell the fried seafood outside right before you enter.As I enter through the side/main entrance, the dominant smell changes from fried food to ketchup, which was a bit odd. Inside, the restaurant is split into two sections. The front is where one places an order or buys souvenirs. The back is the dining/seating area. Along the walls, there are various sea-related decorations. Seating is booths and tables; there was enough space to accommodate our large group, but probably not enough tables to pack together for a second one. Service is also self-service; one orders their food in the front, receives a number, and comes up when his or her number is called. One side note is that they don't take credit cards, and when we were there is that the ATM was busted. Things I notice about the atmosphere are that there are a lot of elderly folks and that the restaurant is not too loud, not too quiet. It's a good place to relax and eat and chill out. Cleanliness was a different matter though, as there were scattered crumbs and napkins along the floor at various spots. The food is the important part though. Prices are decent, ranging from $11-$30 for a combo box and comes with 2 sides. A lot of selection ranging from shrimp, chicken, calamari, clam and other sea food. I ordered a Calamari Mini-Meal that came with French Fries which came to about $9.25. -Serving size was a little smaller than I expected. -Tastewise, the calamari was kind of overpowered by the oil, leaving it kind of bland. The french fries were great though, good texture and a firmness, but soft inside. The tartar sauce and cocktail sauce were flavorful too. Other people in my group ordered the Combo dishes, which were about $14+, and were pretty big. People were consistently splitting them. Overall, it was a so-so experience at the Clam Box. If you're looking for fried seafood and a calming atmosphere, come here. Otherwise, there are probably better options in the area.
(3)
Andy H.
Everything is fried. At least they don't give you some stupid garnish of kale with your FRIED claims, french fries that are FRIED, and FRIED onion rings. They keeps it real. I know this doesn't pertain to food but I have to say that the majority of people that work at these places (Woodmans and Clam Box) are not fat and ugly. You would expect to see people that are overweight, with oily faces, and bad skin. On the contrary, it's the complete opposite! Therefore I have come to this conclusion: 1. They do not eat there, or 2. They have the secret to the fountain of youth (ie hotness). So next time you go, slip them a twenty and tell them to HOOK YOU UP (wink wink).
(2)
Sean E.
After eating possibly the worst fried clams I've ever had at Sandy's, it caused me to fondly remember the delicious, sweet, buttery big bellies of the Clam Box. Not one dirty, stringy, chewy scrap to be found here. As you can probably deduce, at the Clam Box, it's all about the fried clam. If you're like me your soul may do a little dance when you reach the window to place your order and take notice of the sign that says "Big Bellies Available Upon Request". I'm sure there are other delicious treats to be had here, but I'm unable to convince myself to order anything else. (Also, my advice is to get there early because, during the summer months, the line can get long really quick.) What makes them so good? Their not-so-secret secret has been that they frequently change the oil in their fryers but to me it's the quality of their product. Their clams and scallops are some of the biggest (and tastiest) around. The place needs to be among the best to make up for it's lack of ambiance. The inside seating area is a little bigger than you might imagine when looking at the place from the outside, but the woody interior is kinda dark and less than inviting. The Clam Box's location at a fork in the road doesn't do it any favors. There are a few tables to be had at the back of the parking lot -- and this is an improvement over the inside but again, your looking at a parking lot. Whether or not the clams here are better than Farnham's is a debate for the ages. There's no doubt they're better than Woodman's, but Farnham's also has an amazing view going for it that might cause the clams to taste a little sweeter. I definitely enjoy Farnham's cole slaw more and I think I prefer the batter Farnham's uses as well, but these things can ebb and flow just like the water on shores of beautiful northern Massachusetts.
(5)
L D.
My visit to the Clam Box was one of the best days of the year, so far, and I truly can't wait to go back. There's not much to say that the other reviewers haven't already mentioned but I just have to note that there is an appeal to this place that grabs me as a city girl visiting the country. The decor is ridiculous (in a good, beach-style tsotchke kind of way) and the food is ridiculous (in a heart-attack inducing kind of way). For two of us, we ordered the large clam box and small onion rings. When we were finished and beyond stuffed it didn't even look like we had touched a thing. Stick to SMALL order of everything! I highly recommend the onion rings. These may be the best I've ever tasted. As another reviewer said, there's a good chance you'll be the thinnest person in the entire restaurant. Now I completely understand this comment. I was utterly amazed at the amount of fried food people were dumping down their gullets. Also noted but worth repeating, the oil is changed twice per day so you're not tasting burned old fishy grease. Everything tasted so fresh and delicious. CASH ONLY but there's an ATM on site. Dining area is self-seating so have someone stand in line to order while another person scopes out the seating situation.
(5)
David H.
Have you ever heard the saying, "you are what you eat."? Well, the next time you're waiting a half an hour (or more) in line at this tourist trap, just look around you and see what I'm talkin' about. Guaranteed, there's not one single person under a deuce. I know I'm being harsh, but c'mon people.. This is gluttony in it's purist form. Simply disgusting. But hey, if it's a huge plate of fried food that you want, you will DIE for this place!
(2)
Effie H.
I am soooo happy with the Clam Box.... With all the "old fashion" fried clam joints becoming total sell outs, The Clam Box stands its ground, thank god! There is always a line, no matter what time you go and once you eat the food, you will know why! A plate of heaping fresh clams & scallops is served with fries and onion rings...will run you about $23 bucks, well worth it! Drinks are extra of course and the people that work there are very friendly. Outside there is about 10 benches and it is a dog friendly area- great place to chow down on a beautiful day in Ipswich. There is also indoor seating, however, I don't know if it is handicap accessible which is a bummer (not 100% though). Oh and if you come around 1:30 beware they shut down a bit to switch out the oil from the fryers, but, I don't think it is the same time every day. Enjoy!
(5)
Eddie C.
It a tourist spot. There are other places with cheaper prices and the same food in town. No I'm not telling you where or they will be the next tourist spot! All the locals know where they are..
(2)
Albie F.
Wow, they don't got fried clams like this anywhere on the West coast and maybe nowhere in the NE coast. I first heard of Clam Box on the PBS documentary entitled "Sandwiches You Will Like." And since I was in the Boston area anyway, I had to hit this place up. Make sure you get there early because lines seem to be a common thing any day of the week, especially during the summer. My family got a couple orders of the fried clams and a lobster roll . The lobster roll isn't very special compared to other places in MA (compared to say Reds Eats in Maine) but the fried clams were off the hook (and I'm not talking bout fishing). The batter wasn't very thick at all and they weren't overfried. The shape of the restaurant is pretty funny looking and it seems like it's in the middle of nowhere but I'm from Cali so that's just how I see it.
(5)
Jocelyn G.
Wandering around Ipswich today, I mentioned something about fried food and my boyfriend decided that we needed more of it in our lives. So I somehow remembered how to get here and into the Clam Box we went! First thing we noticed was that they didn't take credit cards, which sucks, but they do have an ATM machine right by the door. So that problem was fixed. We ordered our food and I wandered off to grab a table since its pretty small inside and a lot of people were there. The food took a bit of time, but it came out hot and tasty. I would have liked a little more fish but the price wasn't too bad. About par for the course for fish in November. The bathrooms are tucked away in the corner of the room and the lights turn off it you don't move enough which is a little freaky, but amusing. I also set the hand dryer off with my head. Good for a stop, but I would suggest getting there before dinner time on summer days...when we left at 1:30 the line was out the door. The outdoor seating is nice, as is the loudspeaker system that broadcasts in the parking lot also.
(4)
Katherine C.
At the Clam Box you can kill two birds with one stone : 1) visit the world's largest clam box ( en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Li… ), 2) eat the best fried clams EVER After a beautiful day at the beach some fried clams were definitely in order. Kevin L. and I did our research before we came here and word on the street was the Clam Box is THE place to get your fried clams. Neither of us were very hungry however we ended up ordering a mountain of food, and finishing it all. We decided on the Lobster roll, a Small Box of Fried Clams and a side of Onion Rings. Honestly, I wasn't too excited by the Lobster Roll, maybe I just don't like lobster? I really liked the buttery roll and the lobster meat was tasty, but definitely too mayonnaise - y for my taste. Let me tell you though, the Fried Clams = perfection. The clams were large & juicy, and the breading was crisp and complemented the clams very well. A close second to the delicious clams were the onion rings...thin crispy and delicious. Expect a pretty long wait...a wait to order and a wait to pick up your food...it will be worth it though.
(5)
Lesley R.
My mouth is watering just thinking about those fresh, plump, golden, tasty clam strips.... The lobstah roll, OMG, make sure you pick up a fork. Huge tender pieces of meat, a hunk of a roll! The onion rings are wicked tasty too! I swear, next time I'm gonna starve for a few days and order up a combo plate of the strips and scallops. The scallops look soooooo HUGE. I always get jealous of my fellow diners and kick myself for not trying it.
(5)
Dora H.
Hands down, the best fried clams and shrimp I have ever had. I keep trying other places because as you may know already, the line here is ridiculously long. The only place that comes even remotely close to their clams is (don't scoff) Kelly's Roast Beef. If you've never been to the Clambox, don't turn around when you see the line. It moves and you will not regret it. Oh...and they finally take debit/credit cards!! There is only one reason this place doesn't get five stars (but it's a big one for me): they skimp on the stuff they shouldn't. I'm sorry, when I'm buying $60 worth of fried seafood and the tray comes out with these 2 puny little cough-syrup dose sized cups, that's not gonna fly. So big deal right? You ask for more. And you get 2 more teaspoons full and a dirty look. Then you ask for more and you get the DEATH look and one more cup. Maybe I'm an excessive dipper. It's possible. But then I have to do the walk of shame back up and beg for more lemons. And then there's a sign on the napkins saying to please take only what you need. It's cooked in oil, I'm gonna need a LOT. The good news is, the food there is SOOOOOO good that I can somewhat get past the lack of tartar sauce/lemon/napkin generosity. And on a more positive note, maybe I'm burning off a couple of extra clams going back and forth to the window!!
(4)
Jen C.
After frying ourselves at Good Harbor, it just seemed appropriate to go hunting for some more fried goodness. After we made the requisite jokes about visiting her clam box, we set course toward Ipswich for some serious nomming. An hour later, we were feasting on clams (briny!), shrimp (fresh!), scallops (sweet!), fish (flaky!), oysters (earthy!), fries (crispy!), onion rings (crunchy!), and cole slaw (slawy?). Silence all around - we were all too busy shoving our faces with golden crispiness. Perfect ending to a perfect day.
(5)
Rob F.
1 PM on a Monday. 20 minute wait to order. 20 minute wait for food. We thought this to be acceptable. Nice outdoor picnic area available. We chose to eat in the spacious, clean, air conditioned, New England sea side tacky decor dining area. Just fine. Best clams (strips) I've had outside of Flo's Clam Shack in RI. Most amazing fried scallops ever. Crispy light breading. Piping hot salty sweet tender scallop within. Needs no salt, tarter, nuthin.' These scallops can not be beaten. The shrimp? Meh. They said "small" on the board and they were right. My mistake I guess. Small fried shrimp don't make it for me at all. More breading than shrimp makes for a greasy item. Not their fault but I won't be having those again. Surprisingly, the onion rings were just awful, so I gotta take off 1 star. Left 'em on the plate. Greasy and limp. Not much flavor. Want better onion rings? Even Burger King is better. But it's not called "The Onion Ring Box," is it?
(4)
Liz P.
Yes, it's true! The Clam Box really does have the best fried clams in New England! In fact, everything they fry up is delicious: clams, scallops, shrimp, fries, onion rings, it's all fried heaven. The secret is the oil. They change it very often, ensuring that it is always fresh, which means your fried clam plate at noontime will taste just as awesome as it would at 6PM. Oh, and their clam chowder is great, too! Seating is tight, so if you hit it at peak hours when the line is out the door, finding a table might be difficult. There's several picnic tables outside, and a small, tad cramped dining area inside. But the wait and mad dash for a table is worth it. Or, you could always take it to go! I've been coming here since as long as I can remember with my family, and it still remains a family favorite to visit every summer. Believe the hype. The Clam Box is the real deal.
(5)
Chris C.
This place is great for the typical N.E. seafood joint. From Fried Claims, to chicken fingers to french fries, it's all good. 4 out of 5 only because of that horrible wait one must experience before getting to order.
(4)
Glen R.
Excellent fried clams and their clam chowder is pretty darn good too. Waits can be really long though and I'm just not sure it's worth the wait because there are so many places that make great fried clams in the area. Portions are very generous as well.
(4)
Bruce_ B.
You like clams or want to try clams the traditional New England way? Plus I hear that this is where it all started, the fried clam thing that is, right here in Ipswich. Also I hear this place has their own secret location to get the clams, called a mud flat. So no one but them get the best of the best to serve to you. Place takes a bit to get your order, line out the door, but please wait and savor the moment. Then enjoy your food. Large portions and yummy yummy goodness. A must if you love seafood!
(5)
Sandy D.
The Clam Box "hands down" has the best fried clams and fried scallops I have ever had. They change their grease "daily" unlike most others, which makes a huge difference in taste of everything they fry. The plates are huge enough for us to split one. We get a Fried Clam and Scallop combo every time we go. Also, met the owner's mom who cleans up the tables and chats with customers. She has a smile on her face every time we see her! This is the only place we will eat fried scallops and clams. We've tried Woodman's and was not impressed with either their clams or scallops, and thought the grease was wierd tasting. Woodman's may have more reviews, but is definitely a tourist trap as far as we are concerned. And whats up with their grease!!! Nasty tasting. Another place for very good Baked Haddock and Baked Scallops is the Dinnerhorn Restaurant in Portsmouth NH dinnerhorn.com The Clam Box #1
(5)
Sarah K.
Delicious clam strips and onion rings. Definitely touristy - looooong line out the door. But it moves pretty fast / they seem to be very efficient in the kitchen. Things I wish I'd known when I went - totally ok to BYOB if you sit in the picnic area outside. My advice - pack a cooler!
(3)
Linda L.
This is on the side of the road. Just look for a crowd of people. We waited about an hour to order. We tried the fisherman's platter which basically is a variety of everything including the Clam Strips which were YUM! The clam chowder and lobster roll was OK. After that meal at noon, we didn't eat again until midnight.
(4)
Alicia S.
The only problem would be the wait because you stand outside for about 25 minutes if your lucky and there is not enough seating indoors at all. The whole belly clams werent that big but they were crisp and fresh because the oil has been changed. I would recommend it to anyone.
(4)
Jim A.
I go decades without eating here and in between my visits I dream of the taste of fried clams. Went yesterday and it was as good as ever. Fried clams fried scallops fried onion rings. Good and good for you. I even drove from my vacation spot on cape cod three hours to eat here. Enough said
(4)
Sue C.
This place is great and well worth the wait. Come hungry and order to your heart's content. We had the fisherman's platter (it came with fried fish - i think it was haddock?, fried shrimp, fried scallops, fried clams and clam strips), a mini meal of fried haddock, a lobster roll, clam pie, clam chowder and onion rings, french fries, and cole slaw as sides. The fried seafood was light and crispy and didn't leave you feeling like you just took a bath in oil. The lobster roll was great, not too much mayo and great big chunks of lobster meat. A totally satisfying, gluttonous meal! Now...just need to find an excuse to come back here again...
(5)
D A.
When a restaurant is the best at something it is worthy of a 5 star rating. In my opinion this is the place for the best fried clams. Woodman's, Farnham's, and Dube's are all good but this is the best.
(5)
jenilee p.
i cannot lie. today i had the perfect day. warm, sunny new england day, three day weekend, and surrounded by people i couldn't be happier to see. new englanders, or outsiders in the know, we stood in line for a worthwhile minute or twenty, eager to taste the sweet burst of an ipswich clam belly. now there are a number of great clam shacks on the north shore. i'd say that essex seafood has the best chowder. woodman's has the best upper deck, where you can get beer and oysters with the usual fare. jt farnhams has terrific outdoor seating out on the marsh with the prettiest view. but the clambox has the nicest scenic drive, the quirkiest building, and by far the best breading, with the added the guarantee that you are receiving ipswich clams, a subtle thin, crunchy coating, and always perfectly cooked seafood. if i'm not being clear, i like them all, they all have their featured item, but clam shack in particular might be the one i bring people to if they can only experience one cape ann culinary treat. so order a box of clams here, and expect lightly coating hot sweet clams. the tartar sauce is made with mayo, as opposed to miracle whip, and therefore one of my favorites. the cole slaw is terrific. french fries and onion rings are what they are, but i would choose onion rings if held at gunpoint. the chowder is just thick enough, but still relatively thin, and better than the buttery stuff at farnhams. i've had good lobster rolls here, but honestly i go for the fried clams. again, if you liked whole bellied fried clams, or have never tried them and want to take the drive, this place is not to be missed. it's a clam shack, so don't expect waiter service, and quality items means that you might find this place a little expensive, but honestly, it's just fantastic. any new england native, displaced years ago, will begin to tear up with memories upon returning to a place like this, and i treasure every summer where i can look forward to going up to ipswich and visiting the clam box. what a terrific place.
(4)
David C.
Always make as many trips as we can to The Clam Box. Always a line and always worth the wait. Fried Clams, Onion rings and french fries cooked to perfection. Amazing worth the trip from anywhere and if you are visiting the area this is a must try. The only possible annoyance is that if you arrive for lunch at 2:30 P.M. they change the oil in the fryers so there is a ten minute additional wait- bust honestly have been coming here since my parents brought me as a youngster and have never tasted the equal of their expertly prepared food. Reasonably priced, delicious- what else could you ask for!
(5)
Liz P.
Having a restaurant shaped like a Clam Box is advertising genius. The architecture is not the reason for a constant line out the door. They back it up with the great New England tradition of fried clams. Bit fat bellies if you want; strips if you don't. The best fried shrimp and onion rings evah. Wicked frickin' pissa. You're a chowdahead if you don't think so.
(5)
Sarah M.
I went to the Clam Box tonight with my family for our once-yearly fried clam dinner. The food was good (we shared the fried clam and scallop platter), but the wait was really long. It took about 1 hour and 15 minutes from when we got on line, until our food was served. I would recommend calling ahead for a pick up order to avoid the line.
(3)
Mystic S.
It's a double Edge sword my friends...... After waiting 35 minutes in line.... Almost got to order.... And they changed the oil.... That took another 20 minutes before our order could be placed.... So our order took at over an hour, which is a bit crazy. I certainly would not do this on a regular basis! The clams WERE really good. You get your choice of regular or big bellies. I live locally and had never heard of that before. Good idea, some people appreciate the big bellies and others don't. Oddly the combo plates don't have haddock! Its clams & scallops or clams, scallops & shrimp - sorry, that's odd. :-\ All the fish is either fried or has mayo. I prefer my seafood broiled with lemon; as it is much less fattening. There are a few non-fish selections for the landlubbers as well. I like the picnic benches out in back and the fact that you can bring your own beverages (non-alcoholic people!) Bonus: Whoopie Pies!!!!!!!! Like I said I would never put up with the lines here on a regular basis but a once in awhile novelty is good. * NOTE Hours vary and are subject to change, I think it depends on weather and how busy they are
(3)
Sean C.
Can't really think of any praise to give this place that hasn't already been said but I will say that it lived up to all of the expectations and then some. Spent a beautiful day at Crane beach with the wife and daughter and topped it off with some takeout from The Clam Box. Due to other reviews we we're mentally and physically ready for an hour and a half wait so my mind was blown when I called, placed my order and they said "Thank you very much, that will be 10 minutes", yes you heard that right, only ten minutes. It took us 15 to get their from the beach, I walked past an out-the-door line of hungry, sweaty families patiently waiting for their lunch and conveniently picked up my meal at the take-out counter. I got the Fishermans Platter, my wife got the Scallop & Clam Combo, and we got a Lobster Roll to split, our little girl picked at both of ours. Everything was phenomenal, Huge portions, perfectly fried, delicious tartar sauce (although they are very skimpy with the tartar sauce), the best onion rings I've ever had and to top it all off, the woman that checked me out counted my money wrong and gave me back $25 too much. It was a completely positive experience in every way and next time we are in town we will definately be back. I highly recommend The Clam Box to any fan of seafood, or even to someone who is considering seafood for the first time, you will leave a fan. The biggest piece of advice that I can give you is.....CALL YOUR ORDER IN, even if you want to eat there, by calling my order in I bypassed what would have been an over an hour wait. (the faces of the people waiting in line drooling as they looked at me walking back to the truck was priceless.) Hopefully you have a great experience at The Clam Box as well. Enjoy.
(5)
Michele B.
We waited outside for an hour with a bunch of overweight tourists and the clams were just ehh. You can get good fried clams lots of other places without the hassle.
(2)
Minda H.
Yum yum yum yum yum! Prepare to wait in line (consider it part of the experience). Bring cash. Bring a big appetite. Enjoy and work off the calories tomorrow. Best fried clams ever.
(5)
Tom D.
Went on Friday at 4:30. Line out door, of course. It took about a half hour to get to order window, then another 40mins to get order. We got two clam plates and one small clam chowdah. The clams were once again, best anywhere. Very fresh and tender. The amount of food was silly there was so much! We brought our own beer in a cooler and sat outside. very pleasant diner. The only reason for 4 and not 5 stars was the time waiting. I know the clam Box is known for this but, last night it was very mismanaged. The girls working behind window were more interested in goofing with each other than working. The girl taking orders would walk away after each order and talk with her friends. This was way longer than we ever waited before with the same amount of people waiting. Oh well, what ya gonna do ? We will go back but maybe at a more "off" time and not so close to diner on a Friday. In conclusion, still the best clams anywhere.( Woodmans not even close.)
(4)
P S.
Visited again a few days ago - this time the wait was much shorter. Had fried clams & onion rings - very tasty. Will return in the future during less busy periods.
(4)
Steven R.
Best sea food around. Clams of course are best option--delicious.
(5)
George B.
This place is the best! It offers a variety of fried seafood but their whole clams are bar none the best! I travel often and have resided in California for quite some time, everywhere you go if you order clams they turn out to be dried out strips, but not here, it is the whole clam cooked to perfection. This is one of the places I truly miss being on the West Coast. It would be nice if they accepted credit cards though.
(5)
c b.
This place has a HUGE following....as everyone says, the lines can be very long. Summer....forget 'bout it... But....here's the thing...the prices are reasonable but the food is not stellar....there are better fried clams to be found (best on the North Shore is actually Land & Sea in Peabody of all places)....the staff do work hard to get things moving and you get a full view of the cooking area to see just hard of a job that can be. But food taste and quality get low marks. Attitude....they have a "screw you" attitude about their customers when it comes to closing.....people have waited for an hour in line only to have the door closed and locked when they were just about "in". I know it's supposed to be cool to have a "whatever" attitude but when your only raison d'etre is serving customers it may not be the best approach. A little communicaiton from management to the people in line near closing time would be helpful. Sadly this is place is an example of the "masses" going for the wrong reasons.
(2)
Mark M.
These are by far, the best fried clams anywhere. You may have to wait in line, but it is always worth it. The fries and onion rings are really good, but the fried whole clams are what brings me back time after time.
(5)
Lisa S.
I love love love fried clams. Ever since I was a kid. I have to try them all over the country. The Clam Box is fried clam utopia. Period. This is da bomb. It's not cheap, but the food is fresh and the portions are large. My husband and I shared the "platter."
(5)
Josh C.
This is the best fried Clam EVERRR!!!.. They actually are the one who first invented Fried Clam, not Woodman. Their jumbo size Fried Scallops are ridiculously good as well. You can sit inside or outdoor but go there early or later hours. Lunch time after 12, line can be really really long. I love big belly fried clam there as well as Ipswich clam. What is Ipswich clam? Let just say, tinier and sweeter than big belly. It worths money you pay for. They give you huge portion. It is a self-service. You walk in ordering food, get pick up ticket but food cook fast. Fried Clam is litely battered with corn meal, not thick like frozen fish and chip you get from most seafood shack... Just perfect, not greasy....and super flesh. Worth a trip driving to Northshore....and easy to find. If you make a trip to Newbury Port, Crane Island, Rockport, Essex, Glousceter or even any where up North. PLZ, drag your hungry stomach there. I will bend down and let you kick my butt if you hate this place... Let just say "Japanese Tempura is the king of fried food". Fried Clam at Clambox is the queen of Fried seafood.
(5)
Katherine I.
I'm standing in their 45 min line now. From the looks of the cankles, vericose veins, fat asses, and triple elbows, they're here to testify to the Box's greasy goodness. Shit, I think I'll have a salad.
(4)
Larry B.
Yum. Stopped here over Memorial Day weekend, so the line was ridiculous - over an hour, but well worth the wait. I had the $12.25 clam mini-meal with onion rings, which was still a pretty big portion considering its "mini" size. Cole slaw was okay, O-Rings were delicious and light, but the clams were amazing - breading was nice and light, not very greasy. The outdoor seating/picnic area was nice and clean (glad to see it wasn't ignored), and the inside was air-conditioned. Be aware they do not take credit cards, but they will gladly accept cash and will also take checks (!?!). There's an ATM on the premises in case you forget.
(5)
Katie M.
I waited in line for an hour and then an additional half hour for the food to arrive.....it would have been okay, but they only had 1 Cashier! One cashier for all those people!!! The system is ridiculous! With all the hype, I was expecting phenomenal food and unfortunately I was disappointed. None of the meal stood out so I would have to say no to this restaurant. :(
(2)
Colin W.
For fried seafood, this is as good as it gets. My party had the haddock, scallops, and native clams, along with fries and onion rings and plenty of tartar sauce and ketchup. The portions were huge, so we unfortunately had to trash some of the left-overs. However, it was all excellent, and the wait (starting at 2:00 PM on a Saturday) was only about 20-25 minutes.
(5)
Ryan B.
Epic food. I would brave many battalions and face down dozens of Balrogs to eat in this joint again.
(5)
Yumiko F.
This is the fresh fried seafood place! They change oil frequently so you do not get that old oil taste at all. Dinner plate is big so maybe 2 people can share it.
(5)
Ace C.
Consistently amazing. It's a shack with some space to eat inside, and picnic tables outside. The fried clams are the best, and the wait is always worth it!
(5)
Che R.
My fiance and I went to the Clam Box around 4:00 on a Sunday in the summer. The line was already forming! It's amazing. This place continues to offer great food. We split a small clam box and a small box of onion rings. The clams were great! The small was plenty for two of us. The only issue I had with the meal was that the rings were warm to cool by the time they called our number. It was strange too because we went right up when they called us, so I'm wondering if they had been sitting somewhere for a while. They were good, but the fact that they were almost already cool by the time we got them was unfortunate. I'll go back though! This place is great! A definite summer staple! :)
(4)
Serena L.
i came out here with the hubby over the summer and this was recommended to us by two friends. i tried to place a phone order but couldn't. we waited in line for a little over an hour but it was worth it! we ordered the fisherman's platter to be split between the two of us. there was SOOO much food! at the end, only a few pieces were left untouched. i suggest bringing a book or activity to keep you busy while waiting. otherwise, you'll get annoyed and left, like the man standing in line ahead of us.
(5)
C B.
i recently went to the clam box and i will never go there again. the food was terrible. i ordered a 2 way combo, claims and shrimp. i got a load of onion rings, 6 shrimp and 7 clams. the clams had no breading on them and they were disgusting to say the least. i could not bring anything back as this was a to go order and i live a half hour away. to the tune of $27.00 for the plate and a drink it was the biggest rip off. there are too many other places in the area that are great. ie: woodmans, jt farnhams and the ipswich clam bake are a few. dont waste your time and especially dont waste your money!
(1)
Tim H.
Ipswhich is the home of the fried clam not Howard Johnson's like some would belevie. Clam Box is a roadside dinner that specializes in fried clams. You can not go wrong going to the clam box. Thre may be a fewe better the locals can tell you about but there is nothing wrong with the fresh fried clams at Clam Box. A definite for the food travelers list.
(4)
Heather R.
I come here every summer when I visit Boston. My best friend and I always get the fried clam plate and lobter roll and split. I am wearing the long sleeved navy blue Clam Box tee shirt as we speak. Clam Box, I am your biggest fan.
(5)
Grandpa B.
What else can I say, year after year, Clam Box is consistently the best fried food on the North Shore. Incredibly fresh and delicious. Prices are up again this year, but you get what you pay for.
(5)
Meg D.
Clams and scallops were amazing as was the coleslaw. However, I chose to come here over Woodmans (haven't been there yet either) because they have fried oysters. I have to say, kind of bland in comparison to everything else. Also, we had to wait about 40 min. while they changed the oil! Um, who changes their oil in the middle of the day? That was definitely an annoyance but the wait was definitely worth it.
(4)
Cliff F.
classic new england eatery. grew up eating at the clam box and still have dreams decades later about my experiences there. if you have any inclination toward fried/battered seafood, this would probably be your sort of place. if you go and don't enjoy it, may I suggest reevaluating what you consider to be enjoyable? the problem may lie within you. do yourself a favor and make the pilgrimage.
(5)
David S.
I came here on a pilgrimage of sorts, to make an offering to the Jerusalem of deep-fried foods, the Mecca of arterial plaque, the Canterbury of cholesterol. Indeed I felt much like Chaucer must have as I waited in a line of epic proportions, surrounded by fellow travelers on a journey to the depths of the gastric tract. With a close friend I waited in the line that stretched across the parking lot, and much like Chaucer's compatriots we passed the time by telling tales. After about an hour we entered the antechamber, which was incredibly exciting since we weren't even sure if the line was moving. I gave my $30 into the offertory in exchange for an indulgence: the large box of native clams, and a large root beer. This is not something that I intend to do more that once, but I must know... what does the perfect fried clam taste like? My colleague got the clam strips, and we argued for a while whether or not they would be shark meat like they served in my high school (it's not... perish the thought!) We then sat outside to wait for our number to be called... and to give blood to the hungry mosquitoes that had showed up with the dusk. In due time we got our order and opted to sit inside, and it was indeed delicious. Piles of intestinal mollusk bits, covered with a fried coating that was both light and crisp, and only slightly oily. They gave us some thimble-sized cups of tartar sauce which could barely accept some of the larger clam bits, but was tasty nonetheless. After getting halfway through the box, I realized that discretion was the better part of valor and wrapped it to go. If you are looking to make a pilgrimage here as well, make sure you are prepared to wait in line, to expect mosquitoes, and fully embrace the experience. Now that I have tasted the gold standard, I can honestly say that I don't like fried clams enough to drop $30 on a box of them, but if I did, the Clam Box is a fine place to do it.
(3)
Edgar T.
Tied First Place choice for good seafood and has stayed second to others in the local area for me consistantly. Prices are high but you get a belly full of food
(5)
reese w.
The seafood is fresh, the service friendly, and the food tasty. These are really the best fried clams ever. They're lightly battered and juicy and hot inside. What more could you want? You get a LOT of food when you order so make sure you come hungry or bring someone to share with. Like any good clam place, there are lines and don't expect to use your credit card. It's a cash-only establishment.
(5)
Crystal K.
The Clam Box, IMHO, beats out both Farnhams and Woodman's for fried clams every single time. Crispy, golden clams, fries and onion rings without any of the greasy feel or taste. It's a perfect place to go after a day at the beach but definitely be prepared to stand in line for awhile. There are picnic tables outside or you can choose to sit in the air conditioning. Simple, cheesy summery feel with anchors, fishing nets, buoys and life preservers donning the walls. Of course. Plates are pretty huge, even the smaller plates, so keep that in mind when you go. It's so disconcerting to see these people with heaping platters...easily over a pound of fried food. The Fisherman's plates are even bigger and scarier. We were definitely among the skinniest people in the restaurant when we we had our annual fried clam outing this year.
(5)
Michelle K.
Mmmmm, I'm salivating just thinking about those buttery, crispy, delicious fried clams. If I'm ever in Ipswich again, you can bet I'm coming back. I split an order of fried clams and onion rings with a friend, and still left feeling full! You'll probably have to kill someone in order to get a booth, but I assure you - it's worth it.
(4)
Tu-van L.
THE PLACE to go for fried Ipswich clams, scallops, and ginormous lobster rolls (my personal favorites). The highlight of my dining experience here are those lobster rolls - mountains of fresh lobster meat (I get mine lightly-mayoed) encased in buttery toasted hot dog buns (not sure what they're called 'cause they're sliced on the top and not on the sides per norm). Beats Woodmans' hands down for lobster rolls and fried clams no doubt!
(5)
Heather H.
A true player in the trifecta of Essex of clam shacks. Be sure to check the board or ask for big bellies. The clams and scallops were excellent. I think the scallops were the best I've had, though the pool of liquid at the bottom makes me think they werent dired thoroughly before frying. The coleslaw, sadly, was bad- some off taste I couldnt get past. Overall, I'd put Farnham's ahead with a slight lead over Clam Box, but it was still great.
(4)
Maria D.
Consistently great fried food. Calamari is out of this world! Thanks Clam Box!
(5)
Zero W.
By far the best clam shack in the area. There is a reason people will wait in a long line on a brutally hot summer day.
(5)
amy t.
The food was good but priced very high! We waited in line forever and once we arrived at the order counter found there was a $4 up charge due to clam demand. No one else around had this up charge, so it was surprising. The week previous we went to the Ipswich clambake co. down the street. The prices were much better as were the side selection. Between the long wait and the high prices I would drive down the street to the Ipswich clambake co. anytime!
(3)
Larry C.
I've been going to the Clam Box since the 50's. I have since left the North Shore area now live an hour north but I still travel here regularly to get my fill of clams. I have eaten clams at many other North Shore, MA, NH and ME seafood restaurants but there is no finer fried clam, shrimp, or clam chowder in the WORLD. There are many places that may serve good fried clams but the Clam Box serves FANTASTIC fried clams. I read one review that stated the food was greasy. In the 60+ years I have eaten at the Clam Box there has NEVER been any grease at the bottom of a plate or boat (or bag when I had "take out"). The Clam Box is amazingly and always consistent. Staff is always friendly and courteous and make you feel like a local. Chickie, the owner, has worked hard at earning numerous (and I mean numerous) national reviews that have been bestowed upon the Clam Box and I congratulated her for operating only one location that serves the finest fried seafood rather than jeopardizing the quality you sometimes see when restaurants expand and lose quality control in their product. Lines can be long but you will NOT be disappointed and will return.
(5)
Melmoth K.
We went on a Monday night right before close and there was no line. The fried clams were really good--sweet and soft and surrounded by crunchy, non-greasy coating. The lobster roll was pretty impressive (but you paid for it): huge chunks of meat with a light mayo coating piled onto a toasted white bread bun. But I find a boiled lobster much tastier than cold meat in mayo on a roll, so I'd never pay for a lobster roll again anywhere, and unless you know you like chilled lobster, save your money and get something fried. French fries were good. Cole slaw was tasty and not too sweet. Service was nice. Cost was large ($35 for a small order of clams, a lobster roll, and a small slaw), but so were the portions.
(3)
MA R.
Ok, I will never go back to this place and don't recommend anyone ever go here. For $20 I got a clam strip mini-meal and a chicken strip mini-meal and 2 drinks. Now ranch is not something unusual to ask for with chicken strips, but at this place I was given attitude and told "they don't give out ranch". Some chunky monkey, snotty girl was rude and basically a flat out b*tch for a simple request for condiments. Upon asking, she turned around and started complaining to another employee about the request and then asked for it from someone else who made the request into such a big deal. First off, if you work in a restaurant, if a customer asks for something you get it if you have it. Also, why do you carry sauces if you aren't going to give them out? On top of all this rude service, the food wasn't even that good. The clam strips were mediocre and chicken strips were blah. Yankee Lobster in Southie had way better clam strips. Save your money and time and go somewhere else. They are just rude there and their food isn't worth the money. Plus, if you want anything to use with your food like ranch perhaps, you are just going to be told how it's going to be so hard for them to shut up and get it for you. Never again!
(2)
A. T.
The clam 'plate' is not worth the extra $6 or so, because all you get is an extra side and a few extra clams. The 'mini' meal is plenty for one person. Not a fan of the onion rings -- too onion-y, too greasy, and too light on the batter.
(4)
Dan Y.
It's unusual for an old established restaurant such as this to actually live up to the hype. I had been looking forward to eating here for a long time, yet based on past experiences with other such establishments I was expecting to be disappointed. On the contrary, the fried clams were top notch, better than any I'd ever eaten, and the whole experience, the classic nautical-theme dining room, the architecture of the building, it was all memorable and well worth the drive from Boston. An easy five stars.
(5)
David T.
Last time I was here the clams were awesome about 5 years ago. This time they were OK but not as great as before. I'd have to give the MA title to Cooke's
(3)
Paul M.
there simply is no better place for fried clams in massachusetts. no frills here -- you order from a shack and slug your clams down with beer picnic style on benches. take a walk to the downtown area to burn off the cals.
(5)
matt o.
The clambox puts woodmans to shame, well actually I shouldnt say that. I was never allowed to eat at woodmans as a young lad, my grandmother who summered up in cape ann would never allow us to eat there cause she said it was dirtier then the subway's back in the city. So maybe its burnt into the back of my head not to eat there but I'm glad cause goddamn do I love the delicious Clam box.
(5)
Steve B.
Upgrading my review. We have been back a few times now. I also have brought my in-laws there and I must say w/out the frustration of the hour wait, we enjoyed it a LOT more. The food was incredible and I will be taking them back again this week.
(4)
Ashley J.
So gotta send out love to my hometown. I don't eat here. The prices are inflated and all fried. Heartattack? No thanks. I used to eat here as a kid and stopped as a teenager and have never been since. It is great for tourists because it is better than Woodman's and you can take pics and say you have been here. Summer is clam season FYI. Check it out but bring a suitcase of money.
(3)
Norman D.
Yes, definitely better than Woodman's! The clams here really schmeck, crisp but not too crisp, a slight hint of buttermilk that combines well with the sea flavor of the clams. Nope, no beer -- there are lots of taverns and pubs for that but iof you're really after great diner-style seafood, this is IT!
(5)
Steve N.
when talking fried seafood north of Boston this is the best of breed. fresh sweet clams (big bellies, when available) perfect frying and really good onion rings. this place rocks it old school and i love it. minus half a star for no booze and another half star for no credit.
(4)
Billy v.
great place good fried clams
(4)
Jay and Jenn O.
If you are ever in the north shore, stop by here for nice big fat fried clams and great fried fries. I think they change the oil in their deep fryer a lot making for tasty clams, scallops, haddock and fries. Jenn's dad loves the chowder here as well.
(4)
Alyssa N.
Fantastic lobster roll and yummy fried clams that were light enough for a snack. Owners were very sweet.
(4)
Russ S.
One of the worst clam plates ever. Lots of teeny teeny clams with no taste. I suppose the fried fish is good, but don't know. After all, this is the CLAM BOX". For about $18.00, a rip off.
(1)
paul w.
Had the fried native clam and clam chowder. Both are deliciouis. The only deduction is it is cash only business. How annoying.
(4)
C R.
Excellent clams!!! Long wait, but worth it!
(5)
Katie W.
I went here with some friends this past weekend after some blueberry picking at Russel Orchard. We were guided here by the phantom gourmet as we were unfamiliar with the area and were not disappointed. It's everything you would expect from a seafood place that is shaped like a giant to go box of clams. There was a line out the door, though it moved quickly. The wait time once we put our order in was pretty short so that was nice, and the dining area was suitable for a place that is super casual and doesn't have table service. I was really happy with everything considering we knew nothing of the area, though I don't understand the huge draw. It was just any place that serves good fried food, they don't over cook and they clearly change the oil regularly. Basically, I know why I waited in the line, I was unaware of other places in the area, but I don't know why a local would, unless every other seafood place in the area sucks. I live near Plymouth, and if one place has a line like that, I just move on down the road. Some other reviewers called it pricey, I found it to be on point, especially given the size of the portions. I would definitely go here again if in the area, though I wouldn't make a special trip as I can get equally good seafood 15 minutes from my house.
(3)
d b.
a cool building( a clam box!)....great clams...fried to perfection and very flavorful,also the chowder was very good....be prepared to wait if you're coming during tourist season.
(4)
Al Q.
Best fried clams around, hands down. Not greasy (unlike the overrated Woodman's). On busy summer days, you'll have to wait in line for awhile--30 to 45 minutes but, trust me, it's worth it, if you like fried seafood. One of a kind.
(5)
Brandon W.
Having a shellfish allergy in the middle of a seafood adventure means looking at all other menu items. So I found the haddock fish and chips. The white fish was moist and juicy, with a light batter. This made for a light lunch after eating too many cannolis. Paired with lightly cooked French fries and a soda There was many other items to choose from, you can eat inside or outside, a great place to eat! Give this place a try
(4)
Allison P.
Been here multiple times and probably tried every single seafood item on the menu. If you're like me and suffer from food FOMO because you're afraid of missing out on something delicious, get the fisherman platter which gives you a smattering of everything. But, now that I'm a Clambox frequent flyer, the usual things I stick to are a BOX OF SCALLOPS AND SHRIMP. By far the 2 best items on the menu. Clam strips are decent, but it's a high batter to meat ratio so not worth it IMO. And, if you're choosing between fries or onion rings, go with the fries. Much crispier than onion rings. Lastly, be prepared to wait in line if you're looking to dine there. BUT, if you want to enjoy your food in 15 mins, call ahead and order it as takeout. Food still tastes amazing to go.
(5)
Reid F.
They now accept credit cards (Visa and MasterCard), so if you like fried clams, this is the place to go. A few tips: 1. Don't get there at 2:30...that's when they change the oil for 15-20 minutes. 2. If you get there around 3:15, the lines are shorter and the oil is fresh. 3. When you arrive at the window, whoever works there will say something like, "Please hold on. I'll be right back." Then, he/she will wait about 2 minutes before returning to take your order. They do this on purpose to space out the orders so they can meet the demand. This is one reason the lines are often so long. 4. Don't try to get fancy...there are better places for lobster, chowder, etc., but the fried clams at the Clam Box are the best. Be sure to order them, or go somewhere else to eat.
(5)
Joyce Z.
I have filed "try Ipswich clams" in the back of my mind as a bucket list item even before people had bucket lists. So when I found out I was going to be in New England, it was pulled out as one of my "must eat" on this trip. On our way to New Hampshire from Boston, we detoured to the Clam Box in Ipswich so I can finally have my Ipswich clams. I heard about the long lines so I wanted to arrive when it opened. Just like Mike's, the time management God was on my side again as there were only 2 people in front of us but after we ordered and turned around, there was that line. For the mini meal, you get 1 side, for plate, you get 2. Since we just consumed 3 decadent cannolis less than 2 hrs before, we went for the mini meal. For me, what else but Ipswich Native Clams and poor shellfish intolerant hubby, the fried haddock. Luckily the fried haddock was a delicious alternative to welcome him to NE, as it was moist and perfectly cooked. But we were too full to eat our onion rings and fries sides. Picnic tables outside was perfect for a nice day like we had. Otherwise indoor seating available. Note: Due to increased clam costs, clam plates and boxes has a $5 surcharge on top of regular prices
(5)
Jim L.
I've been going to the Clam Box for years. Usually around Labor Day, my friends and I take the 45 minute drive and stuff our faces. The food and line is well worth the wait. This past Labor Day weekend my friends and I made they trek, waited in line, and got our food. The dining area was so infested with flies that it was a distraction. We had to move our seat before we got our food because they were so bad near the window. Also, at our new seats which was near a trash barrel, an employee came by and changed the trash right next to us. All in all, I would definitely rethink making my yearly visit up to the Clam Box because of the unsanitary conditions there.
(2)
Melissa B.
Wonderful spot that is full of history and has yummy food. First of all, no matter what time you come here or what day expect a wait... A pretty long one. But, it's worth it!!! They have delicious fried clams and fish sandwiches. For those non-seafood lovers they have pretty good burgers too. The mini meals are just fine for one person - the platters are huge and can feed two or two adults and a child. About 7 tables outside if you want to enjoy the scenery - tables are tight inside and again you will prob have to wait longer if you do that. Here's a game plan you might want to do : have half your party order for everyone and the other half stake out tables.
(5)
Tammy L.
I'm hardly in the North Shore area but a friend and I decided to play tourists in Rockport and Gloucester last weekend. We stopped by The Clam Box in Ipswich for our dinner and we were in for a surprise. We saw some dark clouds as we were driving toward TCB but little did we know we were going to be in the middle of a thunderstorm when we got there. We sat in the car inside TCB's parking lot for about 10 minutes before speedwalking to join the line that had already formed. Luckily it was a short line and we waited outside in the cold rain with a small umbrella for about 20 minutes. (20 minutes in the rain is really nothing if you've waited for 2 hours in the dead of winter for ramen.) A young girl was behind the counter taking orders. She was precise and polite albeit slow. They really should have two counters for ordering, to be honest. It would be a lot more efficient. This place has been around for so long that I guess regulars love it enough to put up with waiting for so long. We ordered two lobster rolls, a small native clam box and a small calamari box. The total was around $90. Yes, it's pricey but the lobster roll was worth it. The roll was toasted and the lobster meat was overflowing. Same with the other two. We were already stuffed by the time we finished the rolls and I had to take the clam and calamari boxes home to feed my family. I can't say the fried clams and calamari were the best that I've had, but it was pretty good. I noticed that a lot of people around us ordered the plates and mini meals. Now those are humongous and I would probably have to bring in the whole family to share just one plate. Not sure how people manage to eat one set by themselves but wow. Kudos to them.
(4)
Daniel B.
I've been here for both the fried clams and their lobster rolls. Didn't like either. The lobster roll is covered in mayo, and although it has a heaping portion of meat, it's stringy, consisting mostly of knuckle, and didn't taste very fresh. In all, two lobster rolls, a side of fries, and a drink cost almost $50. You can get better rolls and better prices almost anywhere else. Tack on the 1 hour + wait and it's a waste of time. Adding insult to injury, the staff at the front desk don't even offer free refills. They may be good for clams, but steer clear of their lobster rolls.
(2)
Derek S.
The food is decent, though my fish did not taste fresh, which is not what you want from a restaurant like this especially given the fact that they charge you "extra" for a large plate that essentially functions like the size of a normal size plate.
(3)
Henning M.
I had a Mini Clam Meal. It was ok.
(3)
Ventz P.
First you wait for 45-50 minutes just to place your order. Yes, it's almost an hour literally to PLACE the order. Then you realize just HOW expensive the food is -- which would be OK if the food was good. You are looking at $20/mini plate of just about anything with one side (fries, coleslaw, or onion rings). If you get the larger plate, you are looking at ~$30/plate. Right after you place the order, you wait another 15+ minutes to get your food. At this point, you would eat a card board box if it was available -- but instead, you get some crappy overly deep fried food which has no taste what so ever. Ordered: 1.) a Lober Roll 2.) Mini plate of Scallops (w/ fries) 3.) A Box of Shrimp 4.) Two drinks (coke, raspberry iced tea) The lobster roll was good. Very small, but good. It needed to be ~25-30% larger for the price in my opinion, but again, it was good! The scallops were "mediocre to ok". They were overdone. Not the worst we have had, but definitely not even close to good. The shrimp was absolutely disgusting. It had an after taste of a bland "chemical". It was truly the worst fried food we have had. If the line wasn't so large, we would have returned it. The fries had NO taste what so ever. You could have literally deep fried branches and have achieved more of a flavor. Adding salt did not help either. I am not sure how it's possible to deep fry anything and get 0 taste from it. Would never come back to this place. Even if the wait was 5 minutes and the prices were cut in half, it's still not worth the food. Do yourself a favor and go to one of the other 10+ places with great seafood.
(1)
Bela S.
I have to be honest, I was ready to irrationally give this place a bad review even before I stepped through the doors. To start, a 19 mile drive took us over an hour due to traffic, then there was a line about thirty people long OUT THE DOOR. I was thinking to myself, "SELF! There is no way this is going to be amazing. Who waits 30+ minutes for a plate of fried things?!" Well, I was happily WRONG! I went with the lobster roll. Now, I am kind of picky with my lobster rolls as I don't really like mayo. Most places scoop from a premixed batch, but I decided to ask. NOPE! They mix it to order! Well alright, SUPER LIGHT on the mayo please! Came out just as a I wanted it. VERY little mayo at all. At first site, the roll seemed kind of small, however once I picked it up, I realized it was mostly lobster meat. This was easily a 1lb+ lobster on this thing. The roll was also lightly toasted and buttered. Also came with a bag of chips. Not bad for $18 (Boston I'd be dropping $25) Wife had the native clams and onions rings. Boy do you get a LOT. Fried to order, and perfectly I might add. It's wonderful that they aren't dripping with grease either, which is an easy miss step for a place that has to get through serving this many people fried food. I especially commend them for hand battering their onion rings too; often times these places go frozen. One thing we weren' too impressed with was the coleslaw. We ordered a small, and it was clearly pre scooped as most of the "sauce" was pooled on the bottom. I have no reason to suspect they didn't make it on site, but I feel it was scooped into cups and stored for faster serving. It also needed some color. All it had was green gabbage with 3-4 slivers of carrot. I would have thrown in some purple cabbage too, at the least, just to make it more visually appealing. The flavor was there, once we mixed it up. Not the worst tasting (but close to worst looking) slaw I have ever had, but I will probably skip this next time. Tip: The place seemed empty when we drove back around 6 (we decided to go to the beach after lunch). Seems like just before closing is the best time to hit clam box up.
(5)
Christina H.
People wait in 20+ minute lines for this? Seriously? So disappointing, the food has no seasoning, was bland and the oil tasted old. If you want good seafood, drive the extra time and go to the Beach Plum.
(2)
Alison S.
The native clams are good, but the rest is just typical fried seafood platter. The prices are high but the portions are large. We drove from Boston and I don't think it was worth the time. If you are already out that way, then try it once, but don't waste your time if in the city.
(3)
Max G.
I have been coming to the clam box for the past three years after hearing that they have the best fried clams in New England. They truly do. Most days in the summer there is a line out the door, but the waits are not too bad unless you come during one of the many times throughout the day that they replace the oil in the fryer. The food is definitely worth the wait, and after you place an order it comes out in a timely manner. There is both indoor and outdoor seating, but it fills up fast.
(5)
Caesar R.
A trip to Ipswich is just not complete without these delicious fried clams. The clam box always has a line and it ain't cheap, but you'll be glad you came here. The wife introduced me to this place many a years ago, so it's always a fun time to go here for the both of us. We usually wind up getting scallops and clams combo plate, but we decided to switch it up this time. We got the haddock mini meal and the clam plate. And what showed up was a mountain of food! A veritable plethora of seafood on a tray with fries, rings and slaw, not to mention the roll that pushed the carbo total to a whopping 91% of the plate. (With the plate you get a choice of two: rings, fries, slaw, the mini meal gets your pick of one) The food all comes out hot and fresh and you want to devour it, but don't...savor each and every bite. They have lots of choices for fried seafood options and even chicken fingers and a burger option for those of you who fear anything that swims. Definitely make this part of your journeys in the New England region.
(5)
Kate G.
Worth the wait for a lobster roll...but NOT worth the wait for anything fried. The batter has absolutely bland!!
(2)
Erik F.
While the fried clams are some if the best I've had along the NE coast, they were not worth the two hour wait!
(2)
Gary T.
We like it here. I grew up eat clams on Cape Cod and these are the closest I have found. These are better clams than any place in the area and hands down better than anything I have tried in Maine. The Clam Box can be pricey and there can be a wait but we generally go mid week or other slow times. Clams were good but bellies could have been bigger. We enjoyed our visit and could not finish all the food they gave us. You might pay but you don't leave hungry.
(4)
Andrew C.
Very good, I went here w/ my G.F. a week ago and found it to be a top fried sea food place.
(5)
Adele M.
Definitely not worth the wait. I waited an hour just to place my order with roughly 20 people in front of me. There's no reason why it should take so long to place an order. It's obvious the business is intentionally creating a line to attract more customers. The food isn't worth it when there are several similar options nearby. I won't be back.
(1)
Doug M.
Going with 3 stars, but could easily be 2. Waiting in line for almost 2 hours for only average seafood is disappointing. Almost 2 hours to do 25 orders - that's crazy!!! It's amazing how slow this place is - there has to be some crazy reason for it. Is it because it appears to be run by teenagers who probably don't want to work in a hot kitchen on a 90+ degree 4th of July? Is it due to the kitchen being too small? Is it mismanaged? Do they think people should just wait and wait and wait? At one point, a woman fell on the ground - she got helped up quickly, so I'm not sure if she tripped or collapsed due to the heat. I have to say for a place that is making very good $$$ from it's patrons, they should have someone bring cold water out to the people waiting in their line. That would show respect for your patrons. I don't think they really care about their customers. After ordering, we waited almost 15 minutes for our meals. We had a combo or clams, scallops and (tiny) shrimp plus a box of clams. Overall, it was good just not great as we thought it would be. The onion rings were decent with a nice sweet taste - but that's not why you wait in line for almost 2 hours. If we knew it would take 1 hr, 45 mins to get to the counter to order, we would have left right away and gone to JT Farnhams or Woodmans. Overall - disappointment. After writing this, I felt more and more angry about this crappy experience at the Clam Box. Then my wife tells me that she watched as one of the staff went into the ladies room and gazed in to see if it needed cleaning. At which point, she turned around and never cleaned it. My wife said it was gross and had paper towels all over the floor. Basically, the owners of the Clam Box couldn't care less about their customers or the quality of their food. 2 stars - and I highly doubt that we'll try this place again.
(2)
Danielle K.
Waited in line about 15 min, thought it would be a longer wait for our food but it came out much quicker then expected. Split the fisherman's platter with my husband, more then enough for 2 people. Clam strips were my favorite, got clam chowder...also very good!
(4)
Vikram A.
Bland food, Overrated and Absolutely Not Worth the Wait Maybe my expectations were too high after reading the glowing reviews on Yelp. After waiting close to 1.5 hours to order and pick up our food on a Saturday evening, I was expecting some really good food. But the food was generally bland and greasy. The fried clams and scallops were run of the mill, fries and onion rings couldn't be more boring. Another thing I didn't like was the "temporary" $5 surcharge for clams dishes (to accommodate their high prices this summer). Following that logic, how about a discount on the Lobster roll? they're selling as low as $3/pound. Looks like the restaurant likes the long lines. Its part of their cachet. They could easily cut the wait times by two-thirds by offering consumers a printed copy of the menu and let them mark their order before getting to the window.
(2)
Lois M.
The clams were good but lots of other places also have good clams. I thought it not worth the wait. I would advise going elsewhere especially if the kids have to wait on line.
(3)
Pamela S.
One word to describe this place: ripoff! The Clam Box is overpriced--as of this writing, they're charging a $5 surcharge on any clam order for meals that include the clam bellies. I ended up paying $30 for a clam plate and small lemonade, and regretting forking over that much money. As others have noted, the clams weren't anything remarkable, and I waited close to an hour in line to receive them. There was a family of four and a couple ahead of me in line who gave up and left because of the wait--they were the smart ones.
(2)
Matt V.
Wasn't worth the wait, not sure why this place is considered so great. The lobster meat in the roll was cooked inconsistently, the clams were a bit rubbery and the service was quite slow - it was hard to believe I was in New England. Never again. Stick with Woodmans if you want top shelf food and fast service.
(3)
Alexis A.
Not worth the drive or wait in line. Food was bland and tasteless. Not even with copious amount of tartar sauce we could eat it.
(1)
J F.
Iconic. Delicious. And now accepts credit cards! We've been eating here for decades. We left the hospital with our newborn, took her to the beach at Plum Island to put her toes in the sand and then brought her to The Cam Box. It is a Defining New England Experience. Other reviews describe the experience and the menu. This one is here to wax rhapsodic and point you to Ipswich. Try Woodmans, too, but we prefer Clam Box.
(4)
Chris C.
Outstanding chowder, good non-greasy clams, but utterly flavorless onion rings. The wait wouldn't be so bad, but they were just understaffed for a summer Saturday night. When there's a line of 50 people snaking out the door and across the parking lot, you really should have more than 1 order taker.
(4)
Drew S.
Meh. Yet another fried food fixture (say that five times fast) that does a good job at a price that makes no sense. With such close proximity to their product (sea to table), I'm surprised that the prices are no lower than any of the other 99 fry shacks all over MA. Then again, as P.T. Barnum said "There's a sucker born every minute" and that is probably what can be said for any tourist that walks thru the door and pays as much as they charge for fried clams and fries on a paper plate. I know it's a sin to give a "fair" rating to an icon such as this, but my taste buds cannot lie - except for the perfectly prepared scallops, everything else on my plate (clams, fries, onion rings, and dinner roll) tasted like a wet New England day - bland. If you're in the area and are in the mood for overpriced fried seafood, definitely give it a try. Otherwise, checkout your local fry shack and pray they know how to use a seasoning or two...
(3)
K. E.
We New Englanders are a lucky bunch. I've driven by this place on the way home from Crane Beach before with the line wrapped around the lot. Luckily there were only 4 or 5 people ahead of me waiting to get inside about 1 hr before closing time. Excellent fried clams and clam chowder. Actually some of the best chowdah we've had in a long time. The onion rings would have been perfect if they'd been salted out of the frier. They give you these tiny cups of tartar sauce that are very difficult to use for dipping. Suggestion, instead of giving 2 tiny cups, how about one bigger one? We'll be back again if the line isn't too long.
(4)
John S.
Consistently very good. Portions are large and enough food for us to split a fisherman's platter and we still can't finish it. Would like more clams and less scallops. The clam chowder is very good. Creamy but not too thick with fresh clams. Atmosphere? Meh. Very limited season and very limited hours. Check before you go.
(4)
A T.
Service was nothing out of the ordinary. Maybe slightly slow for my tastes. I ordered the shrimp plate which I had mixed feelings about. The shrimp were tender and had a slight crunch to them (the good kind)! However, I wasn't that impressed by the onion rings which seemed to lack onion flavor. The entire plate didn't look like it came fresh out of the fryer. Both shrimp and onion rings were room-temperature. It's probably worth it to point out that the batter is not seasoned, so make sure to add salt and pepper yourself or grab a couple tarter sauces at the window. And the pricing there is somewhat illogical. The shrimp plate (with two sides) was $18.50 and the shrimp mini-meal (with one side) was $5 cheaper. How would one side cost $5 more? If I had to go back, I'd stick with the shrimp mini-meal.
(3)
Linda T.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE The Clam Box. I went on a Wednesday afternoon in early September thinking the line wouldn't be that bad. Boy, was I wrong. Although it wasn't as bad as I've seen it in the past, we still had a 30-40 minute wait to order our food. Once we got to the order window, it was, of course, time to change the oil. This doesn't bother me at all, since I know everything we ordered was going to be cooked with fresh clean oil. We both ordered a shrimp plate. I was going to get the clams, but due to the shortage of clams, all of the prices on the clam plates/combos were increased by $5 each. That was a bit much for me. The shrimp was absolutely delicious!! Mouth watering!! Onion rings were great as usual and the cole slaw was perfect. The only disapointment was that since it was such a warm humid day, they had the doors and windows open in the ordering area and there were flies everywhere. While we were eating in the dining room, we had to keep swatting flies away from our food. I'm sure this doesn't happen in "normal" weather. I will always return to the Clam Box, I've never been disappointed.
(4)
Carol Ann R.
Eh I hated this place. Agonizingly slow moving (although not long) line... lameass bossy signs everywhere about not taking too many napkins, it took forever to get our food, an hour from ordering to eating - then it was just mediocre AND all the other starving hungry customers stared at us because they were still waiting for their food! Add the obligatory screaming thrashing baby and awful sums it up in a word.
(1)
Rufus G.
It didn't feel like we waited to long, but could have been sped up with maybe one more employee up front helping out. Don't drink your soda to fast as they don't offer refills and charge full price for a new drink. You're better off going to 7-11 and buying sodas or whatever instead of their drinks. Clams were ok, nothing memorable by any stretch. Onion rings were good, but they taste like all the other places I've eaten in Boston thus far.
(2)
Mrs. J.
I'm not quite sure how they come up with the price points here but they are absurd. $8 for a bowl of clam chowder is not ok. Not to mention one would expect the CLAM box to have actual whole bellied CLAMS in their chowder, but sadly chewy chopped clam pieces were all to be found.
(2)
Theresa M.
I had high hopes for the Clam Box. My friends and I ventured out to Ipswich for some apple picking, and we decided the to visit the CB for lunch. It wasn't bad...but it was not great either. If I was in the area I may go back, but honestly I could live without it. The wait was long too...but I would not mind that for spectacular food. However, the portions are large and I ordered too much food...but that is not their fault. lo.
(2)
Chuck N.
Came here special, about an hour away on a business trip. Just for clams. I got the small box for about $15.95. It was loaded with hot piping fried "native clams" - i.e. whole belly. They were done perfectly, but they weren't the tastiest ever. I I got to believe that they are fresh. They were tender, perfectly cooked. But didn't have a lot of flavor and I'd guess that has something to do with early season, or something they don't control. But it also poses a question. An earlier reviewer made a big point that there is no grit with them. Is it because they have their little stomach's pumped so well? We all know that's where that sweet flavor comes from. These had no sand, but no real flavor... They were good. Just not sure they were the best ever. Still got to say Johnny Ad's in Saybrook CT could be a tie. Flo's in Newport RI area were up there. The SeaSwirl in Mystic did a good job. I live in Colorado, but I've seeked out clams from Arizona to Maine (originally from CT) and I've had a lot of really good ones, and some not so good. These were done perfect, but where was the flavor? Seasonal flavor loss or are they cleaning them up too well? I'd try again. no lines on Thursday night, 7pm, April 25 2013
(4)
Craig R.
I'm tempted to give only four stats due to the incredible wait time, but the food was just so damn good I can't bring myself to knock them a star. That said, be prepared to wait up to 30 minutes simply to place your order and another 30 waiting for your food. Yeah...an hour wait. But my oh my...the food was soooo fresh and delicious. I never thought I'd find a place as good for fried seafood as Bob's Clam Hut in Kittery, ME, but this place is is fantastic.
(5)
Pauline N.
4 of us ordered the large Native Clam Box, small Strip Clam Box, side of fries, large Clam Chowder, small Clam Chowder. we were all really full after this. clam chowder was decent. wished it was a little chunkier - like more clams and more potato, but that might just be a preference thing. the fried stuff - the bellies and clam strips were REALLY bland. i rarely add salt to anything, and things tend to be too salty for me, so for me to call this bland is pretty bad. i had to add salt to everything - including the fries. everything was so flavorless. all we could taste was fry and oil and it made us feel kind of sick. wait wasn't too long, but i've heard that it can be horrendous. they really need to have some sort of printed menu to pass around to people while they wait, and pictures or models of portion size, so answers about that are answered before people order. would probably help with the wait. price for everything has increased $4-5 due to clam supply. I've had much better elsewhere, and will not come back.
(2)
Paul L.
Food was ok. Very oil and way over fried. Cool building but had far better seafood elsewhere. Price was good for the amount. Long wait and line out the door. Plan on waiting 20+ min in line plus that for your food.
(3)
Christine M.
WORTH the hour long wait! when I pulled up to this place I was skeptical...being in the middle of nowhere and being a native of RI (where all we eat is fried fish) I questioned how good the fried clams would be. After the long 1 hour wait in line I finally put my order in and it came out really fast. Well...the clams were definitely worth it! I got the large box of whole belly (native) clams. Of course they were spilling out of the box so I shared them and they were enough food for 2 people. Every inch of each clam was covered in batter and fried lightly. what I really liked about this place are 2 things: 1st They change their oil every day at around 2:30...so you know the oil is fresh 2nd there wasn't a greasy filled box when the clams were gone! normally after eating fried food there is oil saturating the paper tray it came in, but that was not the case here! Would I go there again...yes if i'm in the area...I'm just too spoiled with the Rhode Island fish to really go anywhere else but it was worth the trip!
(5)
Co W.
Incredibly fresh. Never thought I could enjoy fried food so much! I actually like oysters better than clams, but both are really good. 3 of us ordered Native Clams (small), Oyster Mini-meal (with fries), Cole Slaw (large), Fries (small) and Haddock. Total was only $49.95. Couldn't finish the food--huge portions!! I know fried food is not healthy at all......but I guess I can't resist going back again.
(4)
Jonny C.
This is the be-all end-all in fried seafood. Heaping portions, market prices, and a building shaped like a takeout box; this roadside legend in Ipswich delivers the goods - as well as the obligatory gut wrench following a fried seafood gorging. Lines are obscene. Portions equally so. If you can time it (allow 20 mins of line time) come just after 2 when they change the oil. This will allow for maximum sea food flavor with minimal lingering grease taste.
(4)
K M.
Apparently, the Clam Box is a "must-visit' when you are in Ipswich, Ma. All the fried clam dishes that I've ever ordered in the Washington, DC area usually feature "Ipswich" clams so I was excited to be eating these clams just minutes from the waters in which they were actually caught! During the summer months, I've heard that the line out the door can go far down the street. When my friend and I went, we were fortunate! There were only about 25 people waiting outside the door - that's a short line! From the moment we stepped in line until the food was on the table, I'd say it was a total wait of about 1 1/2 hours. As we were waiting, we jealously stared down the customers as they collected their food and passed us in the line. Heaps and heaps of fried seafood on a paper plate! The servings here are enormous! The best deal at Clam Box is supposedly the Fisherman's Platter which includes a mountain of fried clams, fried shrimp, fried scallops, fried fish, your choice of fries or onion rings (onion rings are better), and cole slaw. My friend and I opted to share the platter. With beverages, it was about $30 total for both of us. The fried clams were amazing! Everything was very good. And when you take the price into consideration, it was totally worth the wait! We even had half the food leftover! I think you can easily split the Fisherman's Platter between 3 or 4 people. If you're in Boston and able to venture outside the city, definitely make a stop at the Clam Box!
(4)
Riccardo D.
First, I'm a New England anomaly in that I really don't enjoy seafood. I'll eat a lobster roll or two, a piece of haddock, and maybe enjoy an occasional shrimp cocktail. However, once a season, I'll have an order of fried clams. The place I go is the Clam Box in Ipswich, MA. This establishment has been around for ages and they know what they are doing. Anyone that has ever eaten a bad fried clam appreciates when they are prepared properly: a light and crunchy breading, fried in clean oil, tasting of the ocean but not overpowering so when you bite into them. The Clam Box employs the old trick of piling high their seafood among a mountain of fries and onion rings, the latter being the cheaper means of creating the mountain. However, the quality meets the elevated prices here and if it's a treat your looking for, one that you normally avoid because of the unhealthful aspects of a deep-fried seafood meal, the Clam Box is an excellent location to satiate your appetite. My recommendation here is that you wait until the off-season to make your journey because during the peak summer season you'll die of heat stroke before you ever get your meal. The lines in the summer at the Clam Box are as legendary as their clams. I'll normally venture down to Ipswich in late October, on my way to Salem, MA where I'll ask spirits of the hanged witches to ward of a heart attack from a grease-laden meal at the Clam Box.
(5)
Joseph W.
If you ever find yourself in Boston, you must take a drive north to the sleepy little coastal town of Ipswich, MA. There you will find a great roadside restaurant called The Clam Box and probably the BEST lobster rolls you will ever have! Yes, their clams are good too, Amazing actually, but the Lobster Rolls are to die for!
(5)
DJ D.
That right, 1 star. What a disappointment. I was really looking forward to some good clams. I guess long lines don't always mean much. I only had a 45 min. wait. If I had to wait as long as some of the other reviewers I would have kicked myself. The clams were really nothing special, a little chewy. I don't know where they get the nerve to charge $32 or $33 for a large box of clams. That doesn't include fries or a soda. I guess it would serve two people, but even so, its a $$$ place and thats too much for the quality that they offer. We also had a large fried shrimp box. Although the shrimp were a good size, they could have been a little fresher. They were edible, but had a very slight ammonia smell. Cool place, that's about it. If your on vacation stop and take a picture and go some place else to eat. Save your time and money, it's not worth it.
(1)
DiaNA B.
Best. Seafood. Ever. Its the only place that I get whole clams. SOOO GOOD!
(5)
John S.
In the past 25 years, I've been to the Clam Box 10-15 times...and nothing's changed. I'm not here to talk about service or decor...I'm here to talk fried clams in relation to other North Shore establishments. Here's the problem with The Clam Box: The breading is too thick and it's flavorless to boot. It covers up the sweetness of the clam. It's like putting a cocktail weenie in a hot dog bun. Between the flaccid fries and the heavy breading, it's a carbohydrate's best friend. Hey, I came for clams, not Wonder Bread! Ipswich and Essex aren't that far away. It's worth the drive.
(2)
T S.
Awesome food. Clams are fried to perfection and the cole slaw is unbeatable! I go back time and time again every summer. The clams in this area are all out of this world but the Clambox is at the top of the list.
(5)
Da H.
Clam box was recommended as the place to go for fried clams. Our experience was: grease, grease, grease. The clams were drenched in batter and overcooked to the point where the the clams were rubbery and the batter had hardened way beyond "crispy". The fries tasted like frozen ones and were, again, greasy. If you want yummy fried clams . . . look elsewhere.
(1)
Bill D.
Absolutely the best fried seafood around! It's a half hour ride for us, but it's worth every minute of the ride. The portions are huge and it's the freshest tasting seafood anywhere! I have lived in Mass my whole life and been to countless seafood places, the Clam Box never let's me down!!
(5)
Tyler M.
Wow, just wow! This place is amazing! I love the fried clams and the picnic area outside to eat on a hot day. This is probably the first and only time I will visit Ipswich but this is defiantly the spot to eat seafood. The only thing weird was the clam cakes, it was round like a hash brown rather than a ball like us "Rhode Islanda's" do it. Either way it was quite good. It was a bit on the pricey side but wow, a "plate" is enough for two. I know I pretty much licked mine clean lol. I was a little taken back by the 25$ min on the credit card but it is easy to rack up a bill here.
(5)
Tom M.
Maybe it was timing, maybe they were short staffed, maybe I was being frugal, but the Clam Box made me 1) wait too long (Hour and 45 minutes) 2) Pay more than any side of the road clam shack 3) Give a product that did not justify its price or wait. The Clam Box was just average. I would not wait in their line again and will pass it every time I drive by now. I am a big haddock (fish n' chips) guy and their fish was not very good. I had a few really sandy clams but that is expected and they were average. The shrimp and scallops (especially the shrimp) were excellent. The onion rings were just onion rings and the slaw was nothing to write home about. I am going to keep driving next time until I find some place better. This box is closed....
(3)
Jeff M.
I would have loved to write a review of this place after going to a corn maze in the area. However, they have chosen to not join the rest of the 21st century and accept credit cards and losing almost $50 of business in the process. I wouldn't really complain and would have used the ATM in the location but alas, it was out of order. I was not about to drive around and lose my place in the long line just to find a bank so we left. I was recently at No Name restaurant and they finally added credit cards to their repertoire, I grumbled about this for years. This place gets one star for it's complete incompetency and lack of options when it comes to paying. If they want to continue losing business then by all means, keep acting like it's 1935 when you opened and accept only cash, I'll take my business somewhere else until you decide to join the rest of the modern world while your bottom line takes a hit. Remember the customers needs options, not because your cheapass doesn't want to pay a small transaction fee.
(1)
John D.
This is the place for fried seafood. I know everyone says Woodmans but in all honestly the Clam Box is my favorite little shack. The Ipswich Clams are to DIE FOR! This place is no joke and seemingly always has a line out the door whenever I arrive. The one good thing I love about the Clam Box is that they change their oil TWO times a day. This means you get the best tasting fried food rather than left over oil.
(5)
Allison G.
The best on the north shore & what we have had in Boston also. We always take friends who come visit and it's their favorite meAl of their trip usually! Fried strip clams are the best-fried scallops also amazing. Chowder great too! Not greasy somehow
(5)
Diane S.
Went to the Clam box with a party of 3. Ordered 2 Fisherman's Platters , and fried haddock. All of our meals were COLD! Don't get it at all!
(1)
Angie B.
I have always been a Woodman's fan, but heard from a friend that the Clam Box was better. The wait was about 30-40 minutes on a Saturday at around 5 PM, which I thought actually wasn't too bad considering that it was at dinner time. This place is cash only, but has an on-site ATM. My husband and I are huge fried clam fans (huge clams and huge fans) and we were pretty happy with the clams here. While they were out of the big bellied clams by the time we ordered (which was disappointing), the regular "native clams" were fine; some of them had smaller bellies, but overall the flavor was good, nice and sweet. I know that a lot of this depends on time of year, so I'll judge more on preparation. The coating was good, not too greasy... the cornmeal in it reminded me of the texture of fried chicken (apparently they even use buttermilk to dip while coating the clams!) Remember to grab a few salt packets and salt these yourself, they are a little underseasoned. I would definitely go back, although I am curious to try some of the other clam places around.
(4)
Joy L.
Review will be short and simple.... An overall 2 s-star rating!!! Average Age of Employees = High School / College Students. Prices = Relatively cheap for seafood regardless of demand or short supply Service = Self serve (food is ordered, the number that the provide you at the order will be broadcast to the world. My hubby and I ordered a box of Clam strips...this came out to about $20 including tip. The clam were delicious! The oil that they cooked it in appeared to be fresh. there was a sign of some sort indicating that they remove their cooking oils every "xx.xx." time. I don't recall that specific time, however , I do recall how delicious these clam were! Downfall - their prices increases due to the supply of clams. A year ago it was $9.95 for a box of clam strips. Now with the increase, it totals to about $15.95 each. about a $4-$5 increase. happy clamming & fishing!!!
(2)
Kimberly M.
Clams are perfect and fresh every time. We also love the scallops! I'm not as big on the sides, like the french fries and onion rings, but I think that's because they don't add any salt or spice. I suppose I could add it myself, but that seems like a lot of work :) I recommend calling in a takeout order if you don't want to wait in the summertime lines!
(5)
Tony S.
Ok..... it's good. Like the other lemmings, I did the 1-hour wait. Glad I did. I came with a family of 6, and ordered the GINORMOUS fisherman's platter (haddock, shrimp, scallops, and clams), the full bellied clams (YUM!), the strip clams (NOT-so yum.... don't recommend it), and the lobster roll (not great, but good). With a $100 price tag, I shat in my pants. But the portions are no joke, so I suppose it's worth it (I have no basis of comparison, so on a standalone basis, I like it). If anything, all 3 kids swallowed the food, and they are normally picky eaters. Definitely likely to come again, but I advise coming in before 4:30pm, when the line just gets ridiculous.
(4)
Jim B.
Disappointing! 25 bucks for a seafood platter on a styrofoam plate with aplastic fork. I love good seafood and this was ok but nothing to right home about. When I asked for an extra plate so that i could share the food with my wife,they told me that I could only get a really cheap , flimsy plate until I complained and the they allowed me to have a second styrofoam fancier plate. Asked for a cup of ice water and they don't have it only bottled water for another two bucks. I don't get the lines out the door , average food , no service, price is no deal.
(2)
Darby S.
After my father in law hyped this place up to us all day, we were really excited to try it out. We drove from Lowell, which is about 45 minutes to an hour. We were nervous about the line but we were waiting maybe 15 minutes, and then about 30 minutes for our food to cook. Not too bad. It was nothing out of the ordinary. You can definitely tell they change their oil daily. The coleslaw was great, and I'm not a huge fan of coleslaw in general. My husband & I shared the seafood platter and it was more than enough. There wasn't much space for our party of 6. We all squeezed into a booth, with my youngest being in a high chair at the end of the table. It was definitely good and we'd go again with my hubby's parents, but if it were up to us we would probably just go to Markey's after a day at Hampton, since it's about the same distance and the food didn't seem to taste that much different.
(4)
Paul P.
Hailing from Connecticut and being inundated with clam shacks on the shoreline I eagerly sought out the famous Clam Box for comparison but thought, "how much better could this place be?" But I was already in Boston so I decided to make the 30 minute drive up the North Shore to see what all the hype was about. I can't think of a better establishment to review for my 100th Yelp entry because this place has it going on. There's a reason there is a line out the door every day. So what sets the Clam Box apart from the others besides its takeout box styled roof? For me, it was the surprises it offered. For one thing, there is a sign that says "sorry for the inconvenience but we change our oil every day at 2:30 to preserve the freshness and quality of the food. You're sorry for doing the right thing? No problem at all. So many times fried seafood is diminished in taste because of dirty oil. Clam Box is as clean as a whistle and I, for one, am grateful for this attention to detail. You actually can taste the fish. Secondly, I was pleasantly surprised at their New England Clam Chowder. It was not too thick or heavy and it was chock full of clams, a must for any chowder worth its weight. They should enter it in the Newport Chowder Fest. The three way platter I ordered was huge and plenty big enough to share. It included the famous fried whole belly clams, scallops and tiny white Maine shrimp with a dinner roll and both french fries and onion rings as sides. Note: coleslaw is the other side option and you get to choose two. The plate was excellent in taste and not at all greasy. I didn't ask but I would imagine the seafood was patted dry prior to being breaded and fried because there was zero sogginess factor here. Again, if you eat a lot of fried seafood you know this makes a big difference. The famous whole belly clams were, indeed, excellent. Not sandy or briny or mealy in any way. They really stood up well to the dredging and deep frying process, as did the scallops and shrimp. The french fries were the final pleasant surprise of the day. I swear these things tasted like the crack that is McDonald's fries. And I mean that as a compliment. I think if I were blindfolded I would not be able to tell them apart from what Clam Box put in this platter. I really liked them. The onion rings were well breaded but just average. Food orders take a little longer to prepare and pick up at the counter but it's because of the care taken in preparation so that's OK. Prices are more than fair. The above mentioned items and a large soda got me out of there for $33 with more than enough food for two people. Sometimes the reality of the legend equals or exceeds the myth. The Clam Box is exhibit A.
(5)
Kevin L.
My first job was in a seafood restaurant. I always had fish scales on my clothes and reeked. Ever since, I disliked fried seafood because it brought back nightmares. I would like to tell everyone Clam Box's food is nightmare free! Clam Box's food is fresher and a billion times better than any I had. We ordered the Fisherman's platter. Clam bellies, shrimp, haddock, and scallops. Seafood heaven. Lightly fried. Batter was good as well. Cole slaw was also amazing. Portions were great for the price. One fisherman's platter left two hungry men feeling satisfied. The chicken salad roll was also delicious, if you don't like seafood. We went during July 4th weekend. Waited about an hour during dinner time. Totally worth it.
(5)
Kay A.
We waited 2.5 hours to get our food. We arrived at 11:30am for lunch and left at 2:30! Ridiculous!! Why isn't there more help? Why let people wait this long line, they are not valuing their customers time! I wanted clam cakes for lunch well I got hockey pucks instead. Clam cakes are round and look like donut holes/munchkins, not hockey pucks! Seating outside is limited, people wait so long in line for their food they end up going to the tables to sit and hold tables. When we finally received our food, no tables were to be had as others were saving them. What upset us the most is that there is little help inside and no urgency. They have a line of customers and so casually do things. I was embarrassed to be waiting in line for so long and they should be embarrassed as well. There is only one person taking orders, we witnessed only one employee casually reading the orders off the metal turnstile trying to figure out the orders while he took many sips of his drink. Not sure why it takes so long in between orders but the girls were somewhat standing around and munching on a plate of food. The food was okay but needed some more flavor or salt. So disappointing, our family will not be back.
(1)
Tim S.
Went back to the Clam Box yesterday afternoon. It was just as good as I remembered it being except one thing....my buddy got sick as a dog..food poisoning of some sorts. Not sure what it was because we ate the exact same thing. Must have been a bad clam or something. The only other thing he ate that I didn't was a little cup of their tartar sauce. He was violently ill all night and even today...it sucks and I feel totally bad for him right now. We ordered 2 lobster rolls, a large native clam box, a small onion rings and 2 drinks. Total came out to $75 or so which sure isn't cheap but it sure was fantastic. The lobster rolls are stuffed to the gills with chunks of delicious lobster. The buns are toasty, and they use minimal mayo which I love. The fried clams were amazing as usual. I could eat a large by myself probably. The onion rings were great too. Its too bad that my buddies lasting memory will be a horrible one of The Clam Box. I was fine and every single thing was delicious! These are still the best fried clams I have ever had up and down the coast.
(5)
Talen C.
It's not worth the 1.5 hour wait. Go to woodman ' s instead. Claims are decent but where cold and overpriced. almost $30 for a clam plate.
(2)
Rita V.
huge huge huge belly clams!!! fried right. onion rings, fried right. line is crazy long - but it moves, and its certainly worth the wait.
(5)
Mike O.
Very good seafood in the rough. I've eaten there many, many times. Here is my recommendation when you eat there: 1) Eat the food on site. Taking anything to go causes a drop in quality once it sits for too long. 2) Plan ahead. The lines can be long. Also, they change the fryer oil after lunch, causing a delay of 30+ minutes. But, I recommend this place for fried seafood. The portions are huge, as are the prices.
(4)
Ian W.
After visiting Ipswich recently, I decided to stop off at the Clam Box for takeout around suppertime before driving back to NH. There was a line at the counter on a cold March night, but not out the door. The place is order and pay first at the counter and you pick up your food when your number is called. There's also self serve seating in the dining room and outside picnic table seating. I placed my order for a 2-Way Combo (whole clams & scallops) with onion rings and slaw and dinner roll ($22.75 plus tax) and given a number. It took about 20 minutes after ordering for my number to be called. The good sized portion of food on the plate had a nice pile of fried food goodness. The breaded whole fried clams were soft had a nice sweet taste and the fried sea scallops were tender too. The onion rings were crisp with some breading coming off. The minced slaw was okay and sweet. The food was not too greasy. It took me three meals to finish off this dinner and I enjoyed every second of eating great tasting clams and scallops. I quickly note that I wished they would give out more tartar sauce and ketchup with the big dinner. I was given one cup of tartar and two packets of ketchup.
(4)
Rick P.
Haven't been in a few years and was very disappointed. Price on mini meals was 50%-75% higher than on previous visits with smaller portions. 3 - 5 min. delay between the taking of each order was totally unnecessary. Food was over cooked. I'll go to Bob's Lobster on Plum Island when I need a fried seafood fix instead.
(2)
Regina L.
Tried this spot when I visited friends. I was dying for some good lobster rolls and friends recommended this place as it received rave reviews for it's lobster rolls. Well it definitely delivered! It was the best one I've had ....moist and tasty. Can't comment on other areas such as service and other menu items, but to me the lobster roll was spot on and for that they deserve a 5 star.
(5)
Man M.
It's clams, clams and more clams. Fresh, delicious native clams. Order ahead. Or you can wait in long lines. Be aware that the change their frying oil that you may have to wait longer. Bring your own preferred condiments for total enjoyment.
(5)
Laura A.
At some point during the two hour line for fried food, someone drove by and shouted "NOT WORTH THE WAIT!!!!". Should've listened.
(2)
Tracy B.
So bummed, happened to be in the area & went right to Yelp for the address as it is one of the places I havent been yet (surprise I know)... According to Yelp - they were open, so off we headed, only to find out they are closed for the Season until Feb 13th... I was there on the 9th.. UGH!!!
(3)
Monica L.
The fried haddock was good, but not as good as what I make at home. Stick to their fried clams. I love that you can get onion rings or cole slaw instead of fries for no additional charge, and the onion rings are amazing. They need a bit more salt IMO, but that's okay.
(4)
Kathy W.
Waited 45 minutes but SOOOOO worth it. Fresh everything. Got hot lobster that was stuffed and so fresh and fried shrimp plate with home made coleslaw. Everything was perfect
(5)
Kathy M.
Great place for fried seafood as there is always a line out the door. I had a mountain of fried clam strips. I personally didn't think they were very greasy. Finding outdoor seating can be a challenge but I was able to get a table and they are dog-friendly so that is a big plus for me.
(4)
Jennifer D.
Went here on Father's Day, accompanied by my bf and his mother (it was her birthday), and I was planning on spending time with my Dad later on in the day. So we drive up and wowzers!!! Talk about a line, my parents warned me...but I wasn't prepared for this. It was Father's Day to be fair, so I guess it was to be expected.... So we waited for 2 HOURS!!! And what do you know, they change out the oil with roughly 4 people in front of us....more of a wait....Plus = new oil...yay... So the outcome. So NOT worth the wait, I opted for two "mini meals" one was the fried scallops, the other calamari, both with cold slaw. The scallops were delish! The ones on the bottom, however, were very greasy. The calamari left much to be desired, it was fair at best. The tenticles (my favorite part) got completely lost in the batter, some rings were tender, some chewy. The cold slaw was great. Overall everyone left happy. Would I have waited? HELL F*CKIN NO! It was only because it was his mothers birthday. You people have issues....to each their own. I will NOT be waiting there again. I know good seafood, and I'm not saying this place doesn't put out, but for the wait, not worth it.
(3)
Ashley S.
I've had some pretty rockin' fried clams in my day, so I figured this place was overrated. It wasn't. Most perfect and crispy little sea creatures ever. Sorry to have doubted you, Clam Box.
(5)
Matt E.
I'm only taking away one star because of the wait and that I couldn't get a beer with my meal, otherwise this place is perfect! I went here on a Saturday around 6:30pm and there was an hour wait (line out the door into the parking lot) and only about a 15min wait for food once we ordered. Despite the amount of people here the girl at the window didn't seem stressed or rushed and was very nice and we got a booth inside the dining room before our food was up (they also have a ton of outdoor seating). Me and my girlfriend ordered and split the Fisherman's Platter and I also got the clam chowder. The Platter is all fried and consists of clams, scallops, haddock, shrimp, french fries, and onion rings. The clams were actually full clams and not just clam strips which scared me a bit but they were very good and isn't much different with the soft belly still on them. The scallops were tender and were like candy. Everything was just amazingly fresh, tender, and tasty and the portions were perfect to split. The clam chowder was the perfect hot temperature with tender clams, potatoes and the perfect creamy consistency. This isn't the fancy shmancy chowder with bacon and herbs mixed in, this is just the perfect New England traditional clam chowder done just right. Once you come here you'll know why the Clam Box is so famous and has so many national and regional awards for their food. They don't give the food away but they aren't charging an arm and a leg either, expect to pay $10-18 per person on average (check out my pic of their menu for their prices as of last week)
(4)
Chilly P.
First of all, the restaurant itself is the cutest thing. The red and white awning, the staggered siding and playful typography - it's hard not to smile when you see it! I came here with my family after a wonderful beach day at Crane. Honestly, If you're coming here... you're going to wait. Bring some friends and family to chat with and make sure your iPhone is charged. It's worth the wait because the food and service is great. I waited about 30 minutes to put in an order and another 20 minutes to receive the food. We got the calamari and chicken finger plates with fries/onion rings as well as clam chowder. They are very generous with the portions. Fried seafood tends get really greasy but they do it right with ample crispiness. The batter they use is tasty but throwing some salt and pepper will perfect the dishes. I brought leftovers home and it still tasted delicious after baking. Oh and their clam chowder was heavenly, creamy goodness. The employees are super busy but maintains great customer service with a smile on their face. I don't come by Ipswich too often but heading to Crane Beach in the morning and then Clam Box for lunch makes a perfect summer day. I can't wait to go back :)
(5)
Karen M.
This was my second visit to the Clam Box, and I was much happier with visit number 2. This place is super popular and as such, you may wait a long time in line just to place your order. Now, please note, when you finally get up to the front window there is a sign which states: "Please take your seat AFTER placing your order." I wish they had that sign outside at the END of the line. There were people standing in front of us in line that had half their group save a picnic table outside the whole time we were waiting in line. Which ended up being an hour. So, basically, a table was being held for over an hour when that could have been used for other people who already had their food. Rude. Anyway, yes, if you go on the weekend or a holiday as we did, you will wait. No matter what time of day. 3:45pm on a holiday weekend we waited an hour. My first visit was on a weekday about 5:30pm, so we didn't have a wait at all. Either way, it was a nice sunny day so it wasn't so bad. Although, had I known it would have been an hour, I would have worn more sensible shoes! Anyway, the fiance and I both got the clam strips without the bellies and a side of onion rings. The clams were delicious and the breading was plain and simple without spices so you could actually taste the clams. The onion rings were the same. Not greasy at all. The Clam Box has been here forever (1935). Could they be more efficient? Sure. Could they give nicer paper plates? Sure. But, I'm glad they don't. That would take away from the charm of what they do. Standing in line, and getting good, basic fried seafood is what they do best. Why change it up? Just enjoy the experience!
(4)
Cindy L.
I've been here many times in the past, but this is the first time I've gone back in years and it's still as delicious as I remembered. My all time favorite is of course the fried native clams... When you bite through the crispy batter, it's like a burst of ocean in your mouth. This time around we also tried the lobster roll (my first time)... Pretty good but the lobster probably needed just a touch more seasoning. Come here for the fried clams. They are too good to miss (even with the long line and I hate lines!) :)
(5)
Sarah A.
We waited in a line stretching out the door and into the parking lot for almost an hour- and that was just to order. It took about another half an hour to get the food. Don't get me wrong, the food was absolutely delicious- perfect lightly fried clams and scallops and a nice light batch of onion rings and fries- but the wait was crazy. We were committed to trying this place and overall I think it was worth it, but just be advised you may need to wait a long long time for your yummy fried foods.
(4)
Ryan R.
Talk about overrated. I live in Ipswich and I figured this place was a tourist trap kind of place, but I was curious and finally tried it out. I guess I was right. First of all, it's expensive. A small box of whole clams and an order of fries came to $30 and change. They aren't kidding when they say "small" either. I couldn't believe that the meager amount of food I received cost that much money. It was about to rain so we decided to eat inside their small, self-service dining room. It's nothing fancy, which is what I expect from a little seafood place like this. What I didn't expect were the 20 or so flies that were buzzing around my head and constantly landing on me and my food. It was disgusting. I think they can afford a fly trap or two; there's really no excuse for that. The fried clams themselves were nothing to write home about. I've had much better at places not shaped like clam boxes. I'm not sure what ingredient they add to it, but the batter is sweet-tasting and overpowers the flavor of the clam. It was also falling off and the fries were pale and unsalted. Literally go anywhere else for fried clams. This place sucks.
(1)
Michael T.
It's been a long time since i have been to this New England landmark. I am happy to report that the quality is still among the best! Had taken the family to Crane's beach for the day and decided to go out for dinner. Ordered the Fisherman's platter, Lobster roll, Shrimp & Fries & Hot dog (don't ask). Prices were a bit steep for non fine dining (my definition Wait staff on hand to take your order). The quality and freshness was awesome. Lobster roll was good but I felt a bit steep for 19.95 with a bag of Wachusetts Chips that might have had 6 chips in the whole bag (Not the Clam Box fault). Got some fountain soda's, was a bit surprised when I went back for a refill that I had to buy a new soda. Spent 2.79 on a large. Bit upset because I spent over $85 on dinner and I cant get a refill? I know for sure that at Legal you get free soda refills and they don't cost $2.79 a cup. Overall I will continue to stop and eat at this great landmark, but i will bring in my own drinks going forward.
(4)
P C.
Waited in line for about an hour today and talked to some friendly people. After seeing this place in phantom gourmet had opportunity to visit today. Looked like the place was understaffed and calling of numbers very slow. Fried clams and onion rings were not superior by any means and for supposedly made to order not warm at all. Glad I was in the area vs taking the trip only to go here.
(3)
Jeffrey B.
If you don't mind waiting out in the hot sun, this place is awesome. Quite often there is a fairly decent line. I had the Clam Chowdah which was very good. For some reason I like my Chowdah to have bacon in it. I also had the Whole Clams and Scallops, fried. They were cooked to perfection. I even liked the cole slaw. I will be back.
(4)
Joe L.
Visited the Clam Box of Ipswich, got to say not impressed, food over priced and only okay. Had the whole belly clams, $30 for small belly clams, they were very tiny, I should of saved $10 and ordered the strips cause I feel like that's what I got anyway. For $30 those whole belly clams should be fat bellies, right? What really did not impress me was the fact that I arrived at 3pm, line was not too long, however did not even place my order until 3:45 because at 2:30 daily the restaurant changes its frying oil daily. Your eating fried foods, changing the oil at 2:30pm on a Sunday afternoon is not going make that fried food, healthier.....I'm all for changing the oil, but do it at the start of the day before customers are in line, not when you have 20 customers waiting to eat.
(2)
Rich Z.
We were visiting from FL and decided to stop in for some "good ole fried clams" and boy, sure glad we did. Went with large box of fried clam strips and the lobsta roll. Clams were ok , batter was a bit bland but lemme just say the lobster roll was a delight. What a surprise...super fresh and not overloaded w/ mayo. Be sure to put this on your list if ever in Ipswich! Disclaimer: They don't take Amex which is ridiculous considering the prices they charge.
(4)
Christine M.
These are by far the best fried clams in New England! Sweet and flavorful and not ginormous! Not greasy and really fresh. (they change their oil twice a day!) And their tarter sauce pairs so well with the clams! Other places like Woodmans are hit or miss...I've never had a bad clam at The Clam Box. For those that complain about the lines I suggest going on a day other than a weekend (or learning how to be patient) - you can't rush perfection!
(5)
Kim M.
The story goes like this...we drove to Woodman's in Essex to try the fried clams & we were like "we're only a few miles from Ipswich...when are we ever going to have the opportunity to try fresh clams from both areas again??!" So we did. Lordy. All I can say is if you are looking for a fresh, earthy yet sweet tasting clam, take the extra little drive out to Ipswich. Yes...the Clam Box is more 'divey' than Woodman's, but is it about the decor or the food?! Ask your stomach...
(5)
Sir T.
I was totally disappointed with my lunch at the Clam Box. Between three of us we shared a small clam box, lobster roll, haddock, shrimp, cole slaw, french fries and onion rings. The clams were very tiny and flavorless, the haddock dry and mealy opposed to moist and flaky, lobster roll, although plentiful, was very chewy and overloaded with mayonnaise. The sides, nothing to write home about. I just don't understand the long lines of people waiting, maybe a lot of first timers or people who don't want to venture out of their comfort zone. Don't get me started on the flies
(2)
Debrin S.
They have been serving famous Ipswich clams here for almost 80 yrs!! Ultra fresh. Change the oil 2x a day Sweet succulent tender plump whole belly clams Most sweet huge sea scallops I've ever had! Check out this list: yankeemagazine.com/artic…
(5)
J B.
Probably the best haddock sandwich for its flakiness and crisp. Searching for the best New England fish sandwich - you have to try this one. Pricing is not bad for seafood and the wait wasn't bad. Chowder was amazing as well.
(4)
Mike S.
One of the most legendary fried clams joints around. It may not get the hype of Woodman's and Farnum's, both equally delicious, but these folks step it up a notch. Best clams on the North Shore. Massive plate of full bellies, deliciously battered for a good price. Fresh! You will not leave hungry. In fact, it is in my estimation that these folks give you just a bit more for your buck. Stop on by!
(5)
Kevin S.
Was surprised to find out that clam strips are not local clams. It was very good, but clearly not as good as it was in past years. Before I would have said it was worth the drive, this year maybe less so. The lobster roll is worth going for if you are in the area.
(4)
Anabelle D.
Lets start with the positives: cozy atmosphere, feels like a place with soul. Food: Unfortunately, the food was meh. The lobster roll was fine, but the clam roll, onion rings and clam cake were terrible and very expenssive.
(2)
Dustin P.
I am blown away this pathetic excuse for a clam place has 5 reviews on YELP??? The only reason the line is long is because of the ordering protocol which is designed trick people into thinking that they are busy. 1 person places their order at a time, then they hand the order to a cashier, then they hand it to the cook, serious that is how it works and that is why the line is long, a complete ploy to mislead all driving by. The food is O.K. that is it, just ok and nothing more, to wait one hour plus for OK food in this day and age is a sin. May the owner of this place be scolded for their complete lack of attentiveness to their customers valuable time and comfort. PATHETIC PATHETIC PATHETIC
(1)
Alexis O.
The Clam Box is a must stop for anyone in Ipswich. We had just an order of fried clams, but it was plenty for two as they delivered us a heaping basket worth! I read many reviews of a long wait, but we didn't wait long at all. Just beware right now that they are charging a $3 surcharge on all clams. Not a big deal, but it isn't listed on the menu, so I though I would give a heads up. Definitely try the clams, they are world famous!
(4)
Yelena Y.
I waited in line for 1 hr and was wondering if it was worth it. It was. I had the two combo plate and clambox. I also had the lemonade. Everything was so fresh and tasty.
(5)
Billy D.
Yumm the native clams are AMAZING. I've never had fried clams this good - they just throw the whole juicy clam right in the batter and fry the sucker. Tastes fresh. Most of their menu is deep fried, but they do use fresh oil, so it tastes really good. If you love deep fried seafood - get over here. The lobster roll was good, but clams are the way to go. The portions are HUGE, so be ready. Pro tip: get sides of their cocktail sauce, it's tasty. Try mixing 2 parts cocktail sauce to 1 part tartar plus a few dashes of tabasco. boom. dip away.
(4)
Lynn R.
We live in Ipswich and LOVE this place, the lines are long but definitely worth the wait. They have indoor or outdoor seating and the clams are to die for!. It is not a fancy place and you should expect to wait... the food isn't the cheapest around either BUT if you want QUALITY and good portions then this is definitely a value for the money. We always bring guests here because we are able to get a few things and share, we always bring food home!
(5)
Vanessa N.
Waited in line for 30 minutes in a stand still and only 1 ordered was called during that time. I went down the street to the Ipswich Clambake Company (they're food is just as good, I think this place is so famous because it's been around longer and has been in magazines and on the Food Network). Just because they opened in the 1930's doesn't mean you should keep operating the same way. I'm giving this place a 2 because I have been here before and actually eaten but I came as soon as they opened. The food is good but not worth an hour wait.
(2)
Gia D.
Although we LOVE fried seafood, we limit ourselves to 2 times a year and it's only at the Clam Box. Portions are huge and quality is so fresh. Last year we went and the line was very long so we decided to go to another popular place.....didn't even compare. We usually get the fried clams and fried scallops with a cup of clam chowder.....heaven
(5)
Darren F.
The iconic clam box of Ipswich is one of the best seafood places in Massachusetts by far. The long lines are here are expected and constant, so don't expect to swing by and not wait a while, especially if you're here on a weekend or evening. They change the oil out every few hours which leads to the high quality food. It's a very simple, but effective way to keep up the quality and shows that things don't have to be complicated. Go with your favorite from clams, haddock, scallops or anything else because chances are they don't do it better anywhere else.
(5)
Chris M.
Came on a Wednesday around 11:30 a.m. and no line at all. Had a cup of chowder and the two item combo plate, native clams and scallops, with fries, slaw and a roll. Stuffed! No dinner that night. The clam chowder was excellent. The star for me on the combo plate was the scallops. Large, succulent, lightly battered and perfectly cooked. The clams were very good but I've had better. The fries were undercooked, the slaw was o.k. and the roll was....a roll.
(4)
Nina S.
So far my favorite fried clams place. The onion rings and the scallops are great too. It's just good seafood that's fried well. What more can be said? They make good new England clam chowder/chowdah too. Clam cake was ehh .. mostly bread crumbs. Oh only real complaint, the tartar sauce they give you is in such small cups!
(4)
Christine H.
Clam chowder is excellent. The prices are moderate but considering the freshness of your seafood it is well worth it. Prepare to wait if you're there in tourist season and/or prime time.
(5)
Charles D.
The food here is great! However, I was here this past Sunday, memorial day weekend, the line was wrapped around the restaurant. Most likely a sign that the food is great! I stood in line for 35 minutes and not only did the line remain completely stagnant but they only called 2 orders. This is absurd! What does it say about the quality of your employees that you can only push 2 orders out in 35 minutes. we left as did many of the people waiting in the line resulting in lost revenue. This needs to be addressed ASAP.
(1)
Diana K.
Had to try The Clam Box ... a legend in this area. Arrived on a Friday afternoon a little after 2:30 pm and a sign was posted that they were changing the oil in their fryer. There's often a line out the door but given the time of day, we walked right up to the window to order. A little wait (about 10-15 minutes) for them to change the oil but very glad that our lunch was going to be cooked in a fresh batch. My friend and I decided to share: 2 way combo of fried clam strips, scallops, onion rings & cole slaw and the Lobster Roll with a side of cole slaw. We seated ourselves inside and it took approx. another 10 minutes and our order # was called. The 2-way looked enormous, the clam strips and scallops were lightly fried, not greasy, tender and delicious. The onion rings were lightly breaded, sweet and tasty. Cole slaw a bit on the sweet side but terrific. It also came with a roll which we opted to skip. We would give our 2-way four stars. Can't say the same about the Lobster Roll. There were chunks of lobster; however, a bit on the'"runny" side, not very tender or tasty. It was served with lettuce and a buttered hot dog roll. We would give the Lobster Roll 1 1/2 stars. Overall, we would return for the fried seafood but not the lobster roll. The lobster roll was disappointing based on their reputation.
(3)
Mark G.
Last weekend, I went on a New England Clam Shack Road Trip. Dinners were reserved for "other" restaurants, but between Friday at 1pm and Sunday at 1pm, I had been to seven different places, through CT, RI, MA and ME. It wasn't the last, but it was definitely the best clam strips. It was the second stop of the day (first was Kennebunkport, ME), and the line was about an hour long, but fried clam strips and scallops were the best of the trip. Yes, it's the clam box, so you expect the clam strips to be great, but I was amazed by the scallops. Fried to perfection, but still light and flavorful on the inside. There are picnic tables outside (with a strange sign that says "eat at your own risk"), and about 12 tables inside. It was a beautiful day, and everyone in line seemed happy to be waiting for this awesome food. After so many places, I think I can pass on lobster rolls, clam strips, mussels and steamers for a while, but when I'm ready for more, this is my first stop.
(5)
Leslie G.
Well worth the wait, if you're a clam fan. The native clams were amazing. Fresh and so sweet. The line moved slowly, and that made the anticipation grow, and the first bite was the prize. Loved it.
(5)
Tom j.
After waiting in a long line, the Clambox was overcrowded and disorganized in the kitchen, with staff standing around and seemed to me doing nothing. The food was over priced and bland, I have had a lot better. After waiting through the line and for the food we sat in restaraunt section and spent our entire swatting at flies. After asking the staff if they could doing anything about the fly problem, we were told there was nothing they can do. Watching this fly problem, only had me thinking how many were in the kitchen.
(1)
Susie L.
The Clam Box is the best establishment to get traditional New England fried seafood. The scallop mini meal with fries are my favorite. I recently had the lobster roll and it was the best I've ever had. The oil is changed everyday which contributes to the food's freshness. Highly recommend the Clam Box.
(5)
Susan S.
Hey there! I ate here when I was a little kid in the 60's growing up nearby and I ate here again as an adult. Same thrill young and old. Of course now, I have to wait a day or so before I can eat again because well - it is very filling. Sort of like a boa constrictor, a big meal of fried clams with french fries AND onion rings will take some time to digest. But heaven no matter how you look at it and well worth the time to spend as you contemplate how not much in life is reliably the same after 50 years. I loved this place as a treat when I was a kind coming back from the beach in the summers and I still love it. Glad to see everyone else does too. PS - Would you ship me an order here in Arizona? : )
(5)
Cheryl F.
Over priced smallest clams i have ever seen. Very disappointed also found other fish pieces in my meal
(1)
Carrie R.
The BEST fried clams ever hands down!!
(5)
stephen s.
Awesome Clams!!!!!
(4)
Scott H.
Maybe I had been over-hyped, my expectations were up there... We waited in line for 40 minutes on a Sunday afternoon around 4:00. We received undercooked fries, onion rings with so much batter you couldn't taste onion, a small order of shrimp and a decent order of clams. With two drinks, $40+. The oysters were good. But not for that price. If I'm going to spend $40, there are too many other choices that have better quality and quantity.
(2)
Denise N.
Awesome food. Great for anything fried. Sometimes there is a long wait outside but it's worth it. Even if you don't like fish they have great chicken and hamburgers. If you go during not peak times too there really isn't much of a wait and you can call and do take out. The staff was a little less than pleasant but when I put in a complaint with management they were very upset about it and went on to give me a little extra :)
(4)
Mo H.
Maybe it's because there aren't many choices in the area, but I didn't see the draw. I have had better fried food elsewhere. I saw this place on Chronicle and thought it must be worth the trip. We waited about 30 minutes outside to place our order at the counter. There was only one person cooking so it was a bit of a wait. You could see that the kitchen was immaculate from the ordering widow. The food comes either bagged to go, or on a tray for eat in. There was a very small, clean dining room which had a kitschy nautical design and some picnic tables at the back of the parking lot. Most customers were doing take out so we had no problem finding a seat after we ordered. The dining room is self service. We got fried clam/scallop combo platters. They were about $28.00 each that day. They were large enough to split with another for lunch. The clams were small, fresh and not a chewy piece in the bunch. Very tender but, since they were small, the bellies were tiny and that is where the flavor comes from. The batter was bland and unseasoned. I wouldn't say they were bad but not worth a long drive. The scallops were the large size prepared in the same flavorless coating. I found them a little dry and pasty. Not juicy or moist. Flavor was mild. The onion rings had the same problem. French fries were pale but tasted ok. The plate came with a dinner roll which seemed strange and wasn't needed. I found the coleslaw to be greasy and it had a funny taste that I didn't like and I am not a picky eater. The tartar sauce was exceptional and maybe I should have used more. I wouldn't recommend this box but the surrounding community with it's historical flavor, rolling farms and smell of sweet cut grass made it worth the ride.
(2)
Amanda W.
Stopped yesterday on my way to Maine. Still thinking about the fried clams (the native ones). I am regretting my decision to get a native clam mini meal with onion rings and a lobster roll. It was all good, but the native clams have awakened a craving I didn't know was possible. I should have just gotten the biggest native clam box I could eat. I mean it's basically the name of the place. Lesson learned, when there is a menu item with the same name as the place, just get that! Ok Clam Box, you haven't seen the last of me. I'll be back!
(5)
Erni M.
We each had a lobster roll and a cup of clam chowder. Couldn't wait. It lived up to the reviews and the quality of lobster exactly what you would expect for the area. Clams in soup were biggest I've ever seen. Definitely worth a drive off beaten path.
(4)
Jared K.
The food is ok, but the line is long and the food is very slow to come out. In fact the reason the line is so long is because the content service is relatively slow. The other issue is that the price is high for the quality of what you get.
(1)
Julie B.
Apparently long lines are a guarantee at the Clam Box. Is it worth the wait? I think so. The clam strips were delicious -- perfectly lightly fried, and came as a HUGE portion with two sides (I got french fries and cole slaw). The fries honestly didn't look that great but were actually very tasty, as was the cole slaw. My boyfriend got the lobster roll which was decently sized and filled with lobster, but had a slightly strange taste to me. Probably not something I'd order for myself. Moral of the story: if you're going to wait for over an hour at a clam shack, order the clams!
(4)
Alyssa W.
We arrived right after they have breaked to change the oil...so that meant a line out the door at around 330. The sign said they cleaned at 230..so we were dealing with the back up of people. After we got through the line, the wait for our food didnt take long and we were able to get a table inside. We got a haddock plate, two whole belly clam orders and fried oysters. favorite was the clams. Ive always loved fried clams, reminds me of trips to cape cod when I was young. Service is friendly and efficient. They are a little stingy on the tartar sauce if you eat in. so ask for a big container if you like tartar sauce. Definately worth the drive. Also they have a good amout of parking and outdoor seating as well :)
(4)
Michael B.
Going to the Clam Box is an experience. Even though it's just a small clam shack, you'll need to get there about 1.5-2 hours before you actually want to eat. The line stretches through the parking lot at all hours and the entire restaurant shuts down for 15-20 minutes to change the oil every afternoon. My wife and I got there around 2:45 for a late lunch (ended up being an early dinner) and didn't order until around 3:45 or so. Getting the food took another 30 minutes. Since we were at a place called the Clam Box, obviously I ordered a hot dog. It was grilled and served on a buttery roll. Pretty good as far as clam shack hot dogs go. There's a variety of toppings you can get for your hot dog, but I chose to go plain to let the dog itself be the star of the show. I'd definitely get it again. If you're in the Ipswich area and have a few hours to kill before wanting a hot dog, hit up the Clam Box. They also have seafood and stuff but who cares about that.
(4)
Brenna R.
Hands down the best clams ! I've come here since I was little. I love the big belly clams and they never fail me! I highly reccomend this restaurant to anyone!!! My mouth is watering as I'm writing this review. The lines can be long, but totally worth the wait. The seating is first come, first serve. So I suggest that if you go with a group, one person can wait in line and the others can hold a table. They do have outdoor seating. All I can say is - go to the clam box for the best clams (gotta say big belly at window)!
(5)
James M.
Well, the Clam Box never disappoints. Again today, a Friday, the Fried Clams get a 10+ rating. And we went on a weekday which is what the smart people do (pats self on back); 2:00pm and no line at all. Please do yourself a favor, unless you don't mind waiting, never go on a weekend or a holiday. But if you do go on a weekend or holiday, please don't come rushing on to Yelp and rage post because of the long wait. And for you taste bud less morons that say the food is bland, Clam Box does not salt any of their fried foods. Salt is provided to salt your own to your personal liking, and thank God for that!
(5)
g h.
Great fried food a long line but well worth the wait Large portions so bring your apatite Pricy plan on spending for the nicer things in life but not something you would eat every day Easy parking plenty of seats Would recommend to anyone who loves fried seafood
(4)
Joellen M.
Awful, I will NEVER go back . As slow as molasses and they think they are doing you a favor by waiting on you, not one person has a smile or is even the slightest bit pleasant. And then the food sucked, it was greasy and cold and they weren't even that busy. I love Farnhams and they are glad to see you and are nice. The clam box can kiss my ass and wait in a line that moves at a snails pace. Oh and then to bust your balls a little more they change the oil in the middle of the rush so you are outside dying in the heat and waiting to pay big bucks. All in all there are SO many better places in that area. I will never EVER go back. Tourist trap big time
(1)
Road D.
I love this place! I get the fishermen's platter, it's some of thw best fried food you can get, they change the oil daily. The coleslaw is good! Good parking , long wait... But worth it!
(5)
Kevin C.
Great food. The portion sizes are big and the price reflect that. Expect a LONG wait in line during warm days.
(4)
Audrey C.
Beware of the ridiculous wait- we waited for 2 hours in line before we got our food. Let me just reiterate, 2 hours! I am not exaggerating- I kept track of the time, as I was pretty hungry. While we were there, some girl standing in line got heat stroke! I would not have waited for 2 hours, except that by the time we came to this realization that this was going to take a very long time, we had already invested time waiting in line. There was only 1 person taking orders, and I could think of at least 3 or 4 different ways they could have sped this up. They could have opened 2 registers at least. They could have had someone taking orders for people in line. They could have had people write down their orders ahead of time. Anything! But it was like they didn't even care about their customers. Frying food, with such a limited menu too, should NOT take very long. It should not take someone 2 hours to place an order and receive some fried food. The line was not even really that long, it just moved at a snail's pace. Once we got our food, it was clear it wasn't worth the wait. It was edible and ok, but the batter used for frying had zero taste. No spices or anything. Nothing special that you couldn't make at home if you had your own deep fryer. I wouldn't go again, and I wish I hadn't gone the first time. Waiting for 2 hours when you are hungry already is torturous.
(2)
Annie M.
Stood in line for over an hour. ..spent 50$ for 2meals...no drinks....within 2 hours I was violently sick in bathroom. NEVER AGAIN!
(1)
Genevieve R.
Long long line, incredibly long wait - for very average to below-average fried seafood. Fried clams had no seasoning - none. Lobster roll was ok. Everything was fresh, which is why I'm giving it 2 stars. But a dash of salt at the very least would have been welcomed. None of my group was thrilled with their food. No idea why this place gets such rave reviews, clearly everyone goes because of its reputation, but it must be a rep built a LONG time ago when they actually seasoned their food. Clam House was better and without the crazy long lines. Go elsewhere.
(2)
Brandon W.
Having a shellfish allergy in the middle of a seafood adventure means looking at all other menu items. So I found the haddock fish and chips. The white fish was moist and juicy, with a light batter. This made for a light lunch after eating too many cannolis. Paired with lightly cooked French fries and a soda There was many other items to choose from, you can eat inside or outside, a great place to eat! Give this place a try
(4)
Allison P.
Been here multiple times and probably tried every single seafood item on the menu. If you're like me and suffer from food FOMO because you're afraid of missing out on something delicious, get the fisherman platter which gives you a smattering of everything. But, now that I'm a Clambox frequent flyer, the usual things I stick to are a BOX OF SCALLOPS AND SHRIMP. By far the 2 best items on the menu. Clam strips are decent, but it's a high batter to meat ratio so not worth it IMO. And, if you're choosing between fries or onion rings, go with the fries. Much crispier than onion rings. Lastly, be prepared to wait in line if you're looking to dine there. BUT, if you want to enjoy your food in 15 mins, call ahead and order it as takeout. Food still tastes amazing to go.
(5)
Reid F.
They now accept credit cards (Visa and MasterCard), so if you like fried clams, this is the place to go. A few tips: 1. Don't get there at 2:30...that's when they change the oil for 15-20 minutes. 2. If you get there around 3:15, the lines are shorter and the oil is fresh. 3. When you arrive at the window, whoever works there will say something like, "Please hold on. I'll be right back." Then, he/she will wait about 2 minutes before returning to take your order. They do this on purpose to space out the orders so they can meet the demand. This is one reason the lines are often so long. 4. Don't try to get fancy...there are better places for lobster, chowder, etc., but the fried clams at the Clam Box are the best. Be sure to order them, or go somewhere else to eat.
(5)
Joyce Z.
I have filed "try Ipswich clams" in the back of my mind as a bucket list item even before people had bucket lists. So when I found out I was going to be in New England, it was pulled out as one of my "must eat" on this trip. On our way to New Hampshire from Boston, we detoured to the Clam Box in Ipswich so I can finally have my Ipswich clams. I heard about the long lines so I wanted to arrive when it opened. Just like Mike's, the time management God was on my side again as there were only 2 people in front of us but after we ordered and turned around, there was that line. For the mini meal, you get 1 side, for plate, you get 2. Since we just consumed 3 decadent cannolis less than 2 hrs before, we went for the mini meal. For me, what else but Ipswich Native Clams and poor shellfish intolerant hubby, the fried haddock. Luckily the fried haddock was a delicious alternative to welcome him to NE, as it was moist and perfectly cooked. But we were too full to eat our onion rings and fries sides. Picnic tables outside was perfect for a nice day like we had. Otherwise indoor seating available. Note: Due to increased clam costs, clam plates and boxes has a $5 surcharge on top of regular prices
(5)
Jim L.
I've been going to the Clam Box for years. Usually around Labor Day, my friends and I take the 45 minute drive and stuff our faces. The food and line is well worth the wait. This past Labor Day weekend my friends and I made they trek, waited in line, and got our food. The dining area was so infested with flies that it was a distraction. We had to move our seat before we got our food because they were so bad near the window. Also, at our new seats which was near a trash barrel, an employee came by and changed the trash right next to us. All in all, I would definitely rethink making my yearly visit up to the Clam Box because of the unsanitary conditions there.
(2)
Melissa B.
Wonderful spot that is full of history and has yummy food. First of all, no matter what time you come here or what day expect a wait... A pretty long one. But, it's worth it!!! They have delicious fried clams and fish sandwiches. For those non-seafood lovers they have pretty good burgers too. The mini meals are just fine for one person - the platters are huge and can feed two or two adults and a child. About 7 tables outside if you want to enjoy the scenery - tables are tight inside and again you will prob have to wait longer if you do that. Here's a game plan you might want to do : have half your party order for everyone and the other half stake out tables.
(5)
Tammy L.
I'm hardly in the North Shore area but a friend and I decided to play tourists in Rockport and Gloucester last weekend. We stopped by The Clam Box in Ipswich for our dinner and we were in for a surprise. We saw some dark clouds as we were driving toward TCB but little did we know we were going to be in the middle of a thunderstorm when we got there. We sat in the car inside TCB's parking lot for about 10 minutes before speedwalking to join the line that had already formed. Luckily it was a short line and we waited outside in the cold rain with a small umbrella for about 20 minutes. (20 minutes in the rain is really nothing if you've waited for 2 hours in the dead of winter for ramen.) A young girl was behind the counter taking orders. She was precise and polite albeit slow. They really should have two counters for ordering, to be honest. It would be a lot more efficient. This place has been around for so long that I guess regulars love it enough to put up with waiting for so long. We ordered two lobster rolls, a small native clam box and a small calamari box. The total was around $90. Yes, it's pricey but the lobster roll was worth it. The roll was toasted and the lobster meat was overflowing. Same with the other two. We were already stuffed by the time we finished the rolls and I had to take the clam and calamari boxes home to feed my family. I can't say the fried clams and calamari were the best that I've had, but it was pretty good. I noticed that a lot of people around us ordered the plates and mini meals. Now those are humongous and I would probably have to bring in the whole family to share just one plate. Not sure how people manage to eat one set by themselves but wow. Kudos to them.
(4)
Kevin S.
Was surprised to find out that clam strips are not local clams. It was very good, but clearly not as good as it was in past years. Before I would have said it was worth the drive, this year maybe less so. The lobster roll is worth going for if you are in the area.
(4)
Anabelle D.
Lets start with the positives: cozy atmosphere, feels like a place with soul. Food: Unfortunately, the food was meh. The lobster roll was fine, but the clam roll, onion rings and clam cake were terrible and very expenssive.
(2)
Ventz P.
First you wait for 45-50 minutes just to place your order. Yes, it's almost an hour literally to PLACE the order. Then you realize just HOW expensive the food is -- which would be OK if the food was good. You are looking at $20/mini plate of just about anything with one side (fries, coleslaw, or onion rings). If you get the larger plate, you are looking at ~$30/plate. Right after you place the order, you wait another 15+ minutes to get your food. At this point, you would eat a card board box if it was available -- but instead, you get some crappy overly deep fried food which has no taste what so ever. Ordered: 1.) a Lober Roll 2.) Mini plate of Scallops (w/ fries) 3.) A Box of Shrimp 4.) Two drinks (coke, raspberry iced tea) The lobster roll was good. Very small, but good. It needed to be ~25-30% larger for the price in my opinion, but again, it was good! The scallops were "mediocre to ok". They were overdone. Not the worst we have had, but definitely not even close to good. The shrimp was absolutely disgusting. It had an after taste of a bland "chemical". It was truly the worst fried food we have had. If the line wasn't so large, we would have returned it. The fries had NO taste what so ever. You could have literally deep fried branches and have achieved more of a flavor. Adding salt did not help either. I am not sure how it's possible to deep fry anything and get 0 taste from it. Would never come back to this place. Even if the wait was 5 minutes and the prices were cut in half, it's still not worth the food. Do yourself a favor and go to one of the other 10+ places with great seafood.
(1)
Chilly P.
First of all, the restaurant itself is the cutest thing. The red and white awning, the staggered siding and playful typography - it's hard not to smile when you see it! I came here with my family after a wonderful beach day at Crane. Honestly, If you're coming here... you're going to wait. Bring some friends and family to chat with and make sure your iPhone is charged. It's worth the wait because the food and service is great. I waited about 30 minutes to put in an order and another 20 minutes to receive the food. We got the calamari and chicken finger plates with fries/onion rings as well as clam chowder. They are very generous with the portions. Fried seafood tends get really greasy but they do it right with ample crispiness. The batter they use is tasty but throwing some salt and pepper will perfect the dishes. I brought leftovers home and it still tasted delicious after baking. Oh and their clam chowder was heavenly, creamy goodness. The employees are super busy but maintains great customer service with a smile on their face. I don't come by Ipswich too often but heading to Crane Beach in the morning and then Clam Box for lunch makes a perfect summer day. I can't wait to go back :)
(5)
Karen M.
This was my second visit to the Clam Box, and I was much happier with visit number 2. This place is super popular and as such, you may wait a long time in line just to place your order. Now, please note, when you finally get up to the front window there is a sign which states: "Please take your seat AFTER placing your order." I wish they had that sign outside at the END of the line. There were people standing in front of us in line that had half their group save a picnic table outside the whole time we were waiting in line. Which ended up being an hour. So, basically, a table was being held for over an hour when that could have been used for other people who already had their food. Rude. Anyway, yes, if you go on the weekend or a holiday as we did, you will wait. No matter what time of day. 3:45pm on a holiday weekend we waited an hour. My first visit was on a weekday about 5:30pm, so we didn't have a wait at all. Either way, it was a nice sunny day so it wasn't so bad. Although, had I known it would have been an hour, I would have worn more sensible shoes! Anyway, the fiance and I both got the clam strips without the bellies and a side of onion rings. The clams were delicious and the breading was plain and simple without spices so you could actually taste the clams. The onion rings were the same. Not greasy at all. The Clam Box has been here forever (1935). Could they be more efficient? Sure. Could they give nicer paper plates? Sure. But, I'm glad they don't. That would take away from the charm of what they do. Standing in line, and getting good, basic fried seafood is what they do best. Why change it up? Just enjoy the experience!
(4)
Cindy L.
I've been here many times in the past, but this is the first time I've gone back in years and it's still as delicious as I remembered. My all time favorite is of course the fried native clams... When you bite through the crispy batter, it's like a burst of ocean in your mouth. This time around we also tried the lobster roll (my first time)... Pretty good but the lobster probably needed just a touch more seasoning. Come here for the fried clams. They are too good to miss (even with the long line and I hate lines!) :)
(5)
Sarah A.
We waited in a line stretching out the door and into the parking lot for almost an hour- and that was just to order. It took about another half an hour to get the food. Don't get me wrong, the food was absolutely delicious- perfect lightly fried clams and scallops and a nice light batch of onion rings and fries- but the wait was crazy. We were committed to trying this place and overall I think it was worth it, but just be advised you may need to wait a long long time for your yummy fried foods.
(4)
J B.
Probably the best haddock sandwich for its flakiness and crisp. Searching for the best New England fish sandwich - you have to try this one. Pricing is not bad for seafood and the wait wasn't bad. Chowder was amazing as well.
(4)
Mike S.
One of the most legendary fried clams joints around. It may not get the hype of Woodman's and Farnum's, both equally delicious, but these folks step it up a notch. Best clams on the North Shore. Massive plate of full bellies, deliciously battered for a good price. Fresh! You will not leave hungry. In fact, it is in my estimation that these folks give you just a bit more for your buck. Stop on by!
(5)
Ryan R.
Talk about overrated. I live in Ipswich and I figured this place was a tourist trap kind of place, but I was curious and finally tried it out. I guess I was right. First of all, it's expensive. A small box of whole clams and an order of fries came to $30 and change. They aren't kidding when they say "small" either. I couldn't believe that the meager amount of food I received cost that much money. It was about to rain so we decided to eat inside their small, self-service dining room. It's nothing fancy, which is what I expect from a little seafood place like this. What I didn't expect were the 20 or so flies that were buzzing around my head and constantly landing on me and my food. It was disgusting. I think they can afford a fly trap or two; there's really no excuse for that. The fried clams themselves were nothing to write home about. I've had much better at places not shaped like clam boxes. I'm not sure what ingredient they add to it, but the batter is sweet-tasting and overpowers the flavor of the clam. It was also falling off and the fries were pale and unsalted. Literally go anywhere else for fried clams. This place sucks.
(1)
Michael T.
It's been a long time since i have been to this New England landmark. I am happy to report that the quality is still among the best! Had taken the family to Crane's beach for the day and decided to go out for dinner. Ordered the Fisherman's platter, Lobster roll, Shrimp & Fries & Hot dog (don't ask). Prices were a bit steep for non fine dining (my definition Wait staff on hand to take your order). The quality and freshness was awesome. Lobster roll was good but I felt a bit steep for 19.95 with a bag of Wachusetts Chips that might have had 6 chips in the whole bag (Not the Clam Box fault). Got some fountain soda's, was a bit surprised when I went back for a refill that I had to buy a new soda. Spent 2.79 on a large. Bit upset because I spent over $85 on dinner and I cant get a refill? I know for sure that at Legal you get free soda refills and they don't cost $2.79 a cup. Overall I will continue to stop and eat at this great landmark, but i will bring in my own drinks going forward.
(4)
P C.
Waited in line for about an hour today and talked to some friendly people. After seeing this place in phantom gourmet had opportunity to visit today. Looked like the place was understaffed and calling of numbers very slow. Fried clams and onion rings were not superior by any means and for supposedly made to order not warm at all. Glad I was in the area vs taking the trip only to go here.
(3)
Jeffrey B.
If you don't mind waiting out in the hot sun, this place is awesome. Quite often there is a fairly decent line. I had the Clam Chowdah which was very good. For some reason I like my Chowdah to have bacon in it. I also had the Whole Clams and Scallops, fried. They were cooked to perfection. I even liked the cole slaw. I will be back.
(4)
Joe L.
Visited the Clam Box of Ipswich, got to say not impressed, food over priced and only okay. Had the whole belly clams, $30 for small belly clams, they were very tiny, I should of saved $10 and ordered the strips cause I feel like that's what I got anyway. For $30 those whole belly clams should be fat bellies, right? What really did not impress me was the fact that I arrived at 3pm, line was not too long, however did not even place my order until 3:45 because at 2:30 daily the restaurant changes its frying oil daily. Your eating fried foods, changing the oil at 2:30pm on a Sunday afternoon is not going make that fried food, healthier.....I'm all for changing the oil, but do it at the start of the day before customers are in line, not when you have 20 customers waiting to eat.
(2)
Rich Z.
We were visiting from FL and decided to stop in for some "good ole fried clams" and boy, sure glad we did. Went with large box of fried clam strips and the lobsta roll. Clams were ok , batter was a bit bland but lemme just say the lobster roll was a delight. What a surprise...super fresh and not overloaded w/ mayo. Be sure to put this on your list if ever in Ipswich! Disclaimer: They don't take Amex which is ridiculous considering the prices they charge.
(4)
Christine M.
These are by far the best fried clams in New England! Sweet and flavorful and not ginormous! Not greasy and really fresh. (they change their oil twice a day!) And their tarter sauce pairs so well with the clams! Other places like Woodmans are hit or miss...I've never had a bad clam at The Clam Box. For those that complain about the lines I suggest going on a day other than a weekend (or learning how to be patient) - you can't rush perfection!
(5)
Kim M.
The story goes like this...we drove to Woodman's in Essex to try the fried clams & we were like "we're only a few miles from Ipswich...when are we ever going to have the opportunity to try fresh clams from both areas again??!" So we did. Lordy. All I can say is if you are looking for a fresh, earthy yet sweet tasting clam, take the extra little drive out to Ipswich. Yes...the Clam Box is more 'divey' than Woodman's, but is it about the decor or the food?! Ask your stomach...
(5)
Sir T.
I was totally disappointed with my lunch at the Clam Box. Between three of us we shared a small clam box, lobster roll, haddock, shrimp, cole slaw, french fries and onion rings. The clams were very tiny and flavorless, the haddock dry and mealy opposed to moist and flaky, lobster roll, although plentiful, was very chewy and overloaded with mayonnaise. The sides, nothing to write home about. I just don't understand the long lines of people waiting, maybe a lot of first timers or people who don't want to venture out of their comfort zone. Don't get me started on the flies
(2)
Debrin S.
They have been serving famous Ipswich clams here for almost 80 yrs!! Ultra fresh. Change the oil 2x a day Sweet succulent tender plump whole belly clams Most sweet huge sea scallops I've ever had! Check out this list: yankeemagazine.com/artic…
(5)
Dustin P.
I am blown away this pathetic excuse for a clam place has 5 reviews on YELP??? The only reason the line is long is because of the ordering protocol which is designed trick people into thinking that they are busy. 1 person places their order at a time, then they hand the order to a cashier, then they hand it to the cook, serious that is how it works and that is why the line is long, a complete ploy to mislead all driving by. The food is O.K. that is it, just ok and nothing more, to wait one hour plus for OK food in this day and age is a sin. May the owner of this place be scolded for their complete lack of attentiveness to their customers valuable time and comfort. PATHETIC PATHETIC PATHETIC
(1)
Alexis O.
The Clam Box is a must stop for anyone in Ipswich. We had just an order of fried clams, but it was plenty for two as they delivered us a heaping basket worth! I read many reviews of a long wait, but we didn't wait long at all. Just beware right now that they are charging a $3 surcharge on all clams. Not a big deal, but it isn't listed on the menu, so I though I would give a heads up. Definitely try the clams, they are world famous!
(4)
Yelena Y.
I waited in line for 1 hr and was wondering if it was worth it. It was. I had the two combo plate and clambox. I also had the lemonade. Everything was so fresh and tasty.
(5)
Billy D.
Yumm the native clams are AMAZING. I've never had fried clams this good - they just throw the whole juicy clam right in the batter and fry the sucker. Tastes fresh. Most of their menu is deep fried, but they do use fresh oil, so it tastes really good. If you love deep fried seafood - get over here. The lobster roll was good, but clams are the way to go. The portions are HUGE, so be ready. Pro tip: get sides of their cocktail sauce, it's tasty. Try mixing 2 parts cocktail sauce to 1 part tartar plus a few dashes of tabasco. boom. dip away.
(4)
Lynn R.
We live in Ipswich and LOVE this place, the lines are long but definitely worth the wait. They have indoor or outdoor seating and the clams are to die for!. It is not a fancy place and you should expect to wait... the food isn't the cheapest around either BUT if you want QUALITY and good portions then this is definitely a value for the money. We always bring guests here because we are able to get a few things and share, we always bring food home!
(5)
Vanessa N.
Waited in line for 30 minutes in a stand still and only 1 ordered was called during that time. I went down the street to the Ipswich Clambake Company (they're food is just as good, I think this place is so famous because it's been around longer and has been in magazines and on the Food Network). Just because they opened in the 1930's doesn't mean you should keep operating the same way. I'm giving this place a 2 because I have been here before and actually eaten but I came as soon as they opened. The food is good but not worth an hour wait.
(2)
Gia D.
Although we LOVE fried seafood, we limit ourselves to 2 times a year and it's only at the Clam Box. Portions are huge and quality is so fresh. Last year we went and the line was very long so we decided to go to another popular place.....didn't even compare. We usually get the fried clams and fried scallops with a cup of clam chowder.....heaven
(5)
Darren F.
The iconic clam box of Ipswich is one of the best seafood places in Massachusetts by far. The long lines are here are expected and constant, so don't expect to swing by and not wait a while, especially if you're here on a weekend or evening. They change the oil out every few hours which leads to the high quality food. It's a very simple, but effective way to keep up the quality and shows that things don't have to be complicated. Go with your favorite from clams, haddock, scallops or anything else because chances are they don't do it better anywhere else.
(5)
Chris M.
Came on a Wednesday around 11:30 a.m. and no line at all. Had a cup of chowder and the two item combo plate, native clams and scallops, with fries, slaw and a roll. Stuffed! No dinner that night. The clam chowder was excellent. The star for me on the combo plate was the scallops. Large, succulent, lightly battered and perfectly cooked. The clams were very good but I've had better. The fries were undercooked, the slaw was o.k. and the roll was....a roll.
(4)
Nina S.
So far my favorite fried clams place. The onion rings and the scallops are great too. It's just good seafood that's fried well. What more can be said? They make good new England clam chowder/chowdah too. Clam cake was ehh .. mostly bread crumbs. Oh only real complaint, the tartar sauce they give you is in such small cups!
(4)
Christine H.
Clam chowder is excellent. The prices are moderate but considering the freshness of your seafood it is well worth it. Prepare to wait if you're there in tourist season and/or prime time.
(5)
Charles D.
The food here is great! However, I was here this past Sunday, memorial day weekend, the line was wrapped around the restaurant. Most likely a sign that the food is great! I stood in line for 35 minutes and not only did the line remain completely stagnant but they only called 2 orders. This is absurd! What does it say about the quality of your employees that you can only push 2 orders out in 35 minutes. we left as did many of the people waiting in the line resulting in lost revenue. This needs to be addressed ASAP.
(1)
Amanda W.
Stopped yesterday on my way to Maine. Still thinking about the fried clams (the native ones). I am regretting my decision to get a native clam mini meal with onion rings and a lobster roll. It was all good, but the native clams have awakened a craving I didn't know was possible. I should have just gotten the biggest native clam box I could eat. I mean it's basically the name of the place. Lesson learned, when there is a menu item with the same name as the place, just get that! Ok Clam Box, you haven't seen the last of me. I'll be back!
(5)
Diana K.
Had to try The Clam Box ... a legend in this area. Arrived on a Friday afternoon a little after 2:30 pm and a sign was posted that they were changing the oil in their fryer. There's often a line out the door but given the time of day, we walked right up to the window to order. A little wait (about 10-15 minutes) for them to change the oil but very glad that our lunch was going to be cooked in a fresh batch. My friend and I decided to share: 2 way combo of fried clam strips, scallops, onion rings & cole slaw and the Lobster Roll with a side of cole slaw. We seated ourselves inside and it took approx. another 10 minutes and our order # was called. The 2-way looked enormous, the clam strips and scallops were lightly fried, not greasy, tender and delicious. The onion rings were lightly breaded, sweet and tasty. Cole slaw a bit on the sweet side but terrific. It also came with a roll which we opted to skip. We would give our 2-way four stars. Can't say the same about the Lobster Roll. There were chunks of lobster; however, a bit on the'"runny" side, not very tender or tasty. It was served with lettuce and a buttered hot dog roll. We would give the Lobster Roll 1 1/2 stars. Overall, we would return for the fried seafood but not the lobster roll. The lobster roll was disappointing based on their reputation.
(3)
Mark G.
Last weekend, I went on a New England Clam Shack Road Trip. Dinners were reserved for "other" restaurants, but between Friday at 1pm and Sunday at 1pm, I had been to seven different places, through CT, RI, MA and ME. It wasn't the last, but it was definitely the best clam strips. It was the second stop of the day (first was Kennebunkport, ME), and the line was about an hour long, but fried clam strips and scallops were the best of the trip. Yes, it's the clam box, so you expect the clam strips to be great, but I was amazed by the scallops. Fried to perfection, but still light and flavorful on the inside. There are picnic tables outside (with a strange sign that says "eat at your own risk"), and about 12 tables inside. It was a beautiful day, and everyone in line seemed happy to be waiting for this awesome food. After so many places, I think I can pass on lobster rolls, clam strips, mussels and steamers for a while, but when I'm ready for more, this is my first stop.
(5)
Leslie G.
Well worth the wait, if you're a clam fan. The native clams were amazing. Fresh and so sweet. The line moved slowly, and that made the anticipation grow, and the first bite was the prize. Loved it.
(5)
Tom j.
After waiting in a long line, the Clambox was overcrowded and disorganized in the kitchen, with staff standing around and seemed to me doing nothing. The food was over priced and bland, I have had a lot better. After waiting through the line and for the food we sat in restaraunt section and spent our entire swatting at flies. After asking the staff if they could doing anything about the fly problem, we were told there was nothing they can do. Watching this fly problem, only had me thinking how many were in the kitchen.
(1)
Susie L.
The Clam Box is the best establishment to get traditional New England fried seafood. The scallop mini meal with fries are my favorite. I recently had the lobster roll and it was the best I've ever had. The oil is changed everyday which contributes to the food's freshness. Highly recommend the Clam Box.
(5)
Susan S.
Hey there! I ate here when I was a little kid in the 60's growing up nearby and I ate here again as an adult. Same thrill young and old. Of course now, I have to wait a day or so before I can eat again because well - it is very filling. Sort of like a boa constrictor, a big meal of fried clams with french fries AND onion rings will take some time to digest. But heaven no matter how you look at it and well worth the time to spend as you contemplate how not much in life is reliably the same after 50 years. I loved this place as a treat when I was a kind coming back from the beach in the summers and I still love it. Glad to see everyone else does too. PS - Would you ship me an order here in Arizona? : )
(5)
Cheryl F.
Over priced smallest clams i have ever seen. Very disappointed also found other fish pieces in my meal
(1)
Carrie R.
The BEST fried clams ever hands down!!
(5)
stephen s.
Awesome Clams!!!!!
(4)
Scott H.
Maybe I had been over-hyped, my expectations were up there... We waited in line for 40 minutes on a Sunday afternoon around 4:00. We received undercooked fries, onion rings with so much batter you couldn't taste onion, a small order of shrimp and a decent order of clams. With two drinks, $40+. The oysters were good. But not for that price. If I'm going to spend $40, there are too many other choices that have better quality and quantity.
(2)
Mo H.
Maybe it's because there aren't many choices in the area, but I didn't see the draw. I have had better fried food elsewhere. I saw this place on Chronicle and thought it must be worth the trip. We waited about 30 minutes outside to place our order at the counter. There was only one person cooking so it was a bit of a wait. You could see that the kitchen was immaculate from the ordering widow. The food comes either bagged to go, or on a tray for eat in. There was a very small, clean dining room which had a kitschy nautical design and some picnic tables at the back of the parking lot. Most customers were doing take out so we had no problem finding a seat after we ordered. The dining room is self service. We got fried clam/scallop combo platters. They were about $28.00 each that day. They were large enough to split with another for lunch. The clams were small, fresh and not a chewy piece in the bunch. Very tender but, since they were small, the bellies were tiny and that is where the flavor comes from. The batter was bland and unseasoned. I wouldn't say they were bad but not worth a long drive. The scallops were the large size prepared in the same flavorless coating. I found them a little dry and pasty. Not juicy or moist. Flavor was mild. The onion rings had the same problem. French fries were pale but tasted ok. The plate came with a dinner roll which seemed strange and wasn't needed. I found the coleslaw to be greasy and it had a funny taste that I didn't like and I am not a picky eater. The tartar sauce was exceptional and maybe I should have used more. I wouldn't recommend this box but the surrounding community with it's historical flavor, rolling farms and smell of sweet cut grass made it worth the ride.
(2)
Erni M.
We each had a lobster roll and a cup of clam chowder. Couldn't wait. It lived up to the reviews and the quality of lobster exactly what you would expect for the area. Clams in soup were biggest I've ever seen. Definitely worth a drive off beaten path.
(4)
Jared K.
The food is ok, but the line is long and the food is very slow to come out. In fact the reason the line is so long is because the content service is relatively slow. The other issue is that the price is high for the quality of what you get.
(1)
Julie B.
Apparently long lines are a guarantee at the Clam Box. Is it worth the wait? I think so. The clam strips were delicious -- perfectly lightly fried, and came as a HUGE portion with two sides (I got french fries and cole slaw). The fries honestly didn't look that great but were actually very tasty, as was the cole slaw. My boyfriend got the lobster roll which was decently sized and filled with lobster, but had a slightly strange taste to me. Probably not something I'd order for myself. Moral of the story: if you're going to wait for over an hour at a clam shack, order the clams!
(4)
Denise N.
Awesome food. Great for anything fried. Sometimes there is a long wait outside but it's worth it. Even if you don't like fish they have great chicken and hamburgers. If you go during not peak times too there really isn't much of a wait and you can call and do take out. The staff was a little less than pleasant but when I put in a complaint with management they were very upset about it and went on to give me a little extra :)
(4)
Alyssa W.
We arrived right after they have breaked to change the oil...so that meant a line out the door at around 330. The sign said they cleaned at 230..so we were dealing with the back up of people. After we got through the line, the wait for our food didnt take long and we were able to get a table inside. We got a haddock plate, two whole belly clam orders and fried oysters. favorite was the clams. Ive always loved fried clams, reminds me of trips to cape cod when I was young. Service is friendly and efficient. They are a little stingy on the tartar sauce if you eat in. so ask for a big container if you like tartar sauce. Definately worth the drive. Also they have a good amout of parking and outdoor seating as well :)
(4)
Michael B.
Going to the Clam Box is an experience. Even though it's just a small clam shack, you'll need to get there about 1.5-2 hours before you actually want to eat. The line stretches through the parking lot at all hours and the entire restaurant shuts down for 15-20 minutes to change the oil every afternoon. My wife and I got there around 2:45 for a late lunch (ended up being an early dinner) and didn't order until around 3:45 or so. Getting the food took another 30 minutes. Since we were at a place called the Clam Box, obviously I ordered a hot dog. It was grilled and served on a buttery roll. Pretty good as far as clam shack hot dogs go. There's a variety of toppings you can get for your hot dog, but I chose to go plain to let the dog itself be the star of the show. I'd definitely get it again. If you're in the Ipswich area and have a few hours to kill before wanting a hot dog, hit up the Clam Box. They also have seafood and stuff but who cares about that.
(4)
Brenna R.
Hands down the best clams ! I've come here since I was little. I love the big belly clams and they never fail me! I highly reccomend this restaurant to anyone!!! My mouth is watering as I'm writing this review. The lines can be long, but totally worth the wait. The seating is first come, first serve. So I suggest that if you go with a group, one person can wait in line and the others can hold a table. They do have outdoor seating. All I can say is - go to the clam box for the best clams (gotta say big belly at window)!
(5)
James M.
Well, the Clam Box never disappoints. Again today, a Friday, the Fried Clams get a 10+ rating. And we went on a weekday which is what the smart people do (pats self on back); 2:00pm and no line at all. Please do yourself a favor, unless you don't mind waiting, never go on a weekend or a holiday. But if you do go on a weekend or holiday, please don't come rushing on to Yelp and rage post because of the long wait. And for you taste bud less morons that say the food is bland, Clam Box does not salt any of their fried foods. Salt is provided to salt your own to your personal liking, and thank God for that!
(5)
g h.
Great fried food a long line but well worth the wait Large portions so bring your apatite Pricy plan on spending for the nicer things in life but not something you would eat every day Easy parking plenty of seats Would recommend to anyone who loves fried seafood
(4)
Joellen M.
Awful, I will NEVER go back . As slow as molasses and they think they are doing you a favor by waiting on you, not one person has a smile or is even the slightest bit pleasant. And then the food sucked, it was greasy and cold and they weren't even that busy. I love Farnhams and they are glad to see you and are nice. The clam box can kiss my ass and wait in a line that moves at a snails pace. Oh and then to bust your balls a little more they change the oil in the middle of the rush so you are outside dying in the heat and waiting to pay big bucks. All in all there are SO many better places in that area. I will never EVER go back. Tourist trap big time
(1)
Road D.
I love this place! I get the fishermen's platter, it's some of thw best fried food you can get, they change the oil daily. The coleslaw is good! Good parking , long wait... But worth it!
(5)
Kevin C.
Great food. The portion sizes are big and the price reflect that. Expect a LONG wait in line during warm days.
(4)
Tony S.
Ok..... it's good. Like the other lemmings, I did the 1-hour wait. Glad I did. I came with a family of 6, and ordered the GINORMOUS fisherman's platter (haddock, shrimp, scallops, and clams), the full bellied clams (YUM!), the strip clams (NOT-so yum.... don't recommend it), and the lobster roll (not great, but good). With a $100 price tag, I shat in my pants. But the portions are no joke, so I suppose it's worth it (I have no basis of comparison, so on a standalone basis, I like it). If anything, all 3 kids swallowed the food, and they are normally picky eaters. Definitely likely to come again, but I advise coming in before 4:30pm, when the line just gets ridiculous.
(4)
Audrey C.
Beware of the ridiculous wait- we waited for 2 hours in line before we got our food. Let me just reiterate, 2 hours! I am not exaggerating- I kept track of the time, as I was pretty hungry. While we were there, some girl standing in line got heat stroke! I would not have waited for 2 hours, except that by the time we came to this realization that this was going to take a very long time, we had already invested time waiting in line. There was only 1 person taking orders, and I could think of at least 3 or 4 different ways they could have sped this up. They could have opened 2 registers at least. They could have had someone taking orders for people in line. They could have had people write down their orders ahead of time. Anything! But it was like they didn't even care about their customers. Frying food, with such a limited menu too, should NOT take very long. It should not take someone 2 hours to place an order and receive some fried food. The line was not even really that long, it just moved at a snail's pace. Once we got our food, it was clear it wasn't worth the wait. It was edible and ok, but the batter used for frying had zero taste. No spices or anything. Nothing special that you couldn't make at home if you had your own deep fryer. I wouldn't go again, and I wish I hadn't gone the first time. Waiting for 2 hours when you are hungry already is torturous.
(2)
Annie M.
Stood in line for over an hour. ..spent 50$ for 2meals...no drinks....within 2 hours I was violently sick in bathroom. NEVER AGAIN!
(1)
Genevieve R.
Long long line, incredibly long wait - for very average to below-average fried seafood. Fried clams had no seasoning - none. Lobster roll was ok. Everything was fresh, which is why I'm giving it 2 stars. But a dash of salt at the very least would have been welcomed. None of my group was thrilled with their food. No idea why this place gets such rave reviews, clearly everyone goes because of its reputation, but it must be a rep built a LONG time ago when they actually seasoned their food. Clam House was better and without the crazy long lines. Go elsewhere.
(2)
Joy L.
Review will be short and simple.... An overall 2 s-star rating!!! Average Age of Employees = High School / College Students. Prices = Relatively cheap for seafood regardless of demand or short supply Service = Self serve (food is ordered, the number that the provide you at the order will be broadcast to the world. My hubby and I ordered a box of Clam strips...this came out to about $20 including tip. The clam were delicious! The oil that they cooked it in appeared to be fresh. there was a sign of some sort indicating that they remove their cooking oils every "xx.xx." time. I don't recall that specific time, however , I do recall how delicious these clam were! Downfall - their prices increases due to the supply of clams. A year ago it was $9.95 for a box of clam strips. Now with the increase, it totals to about $15.95 each. about a $4-$5 increase. happy clamming & fishing!!!
(2)
Kimberly M.
Clams are perfect and fresh every time. We also love the scallops! I'm not as big on the sides, like the french fries and onion rings, but I think that's because they don't add any salt or spice. I suppose I could add it myself, but that seems like a lot of work :) I recommend calling in a takeout order if you don't want to wait in the summertime lines!
(5)
Jim B.
Disappointing! 25 bucks for a seafood platter on a styrofoam plate with aplastic fork. I love good seafood and this was ok but nothing to right home about. When I asked for an extra plate so that i could share the food with my wife,they told me that I could only get a really cheap , flimsy plate until I complained and the they allowed me to have a second styrofoam fancier plate. Asked for a cup of ice water and they don't have it only bottled water for another two bucks. I don't get the lines out the door , average food , no service, price is no deal.
(2)
Darby S.
After my father in law hyped this place up to us all day, we were really excited to try it out. We drove from Lowell, which is about 45 minutes to an hour. We were nervous about the line but we were waiting maybe 15 minutes, and then about 30 minutes for our food to cook. Not too bad. It was nothing out of the ordinary. You can definitely tell they change their oil daily. The coleslaw was great, and I'm not a huge fan of coleslaw in general. My husband & I shared the seafood platter and it was more than enough. There wasn't much space for our party of 6. We all squeezed into a booth, with my youngest being in a high chair at the end of the table. It was definitely good and we'd go again with my hubby's parents, but if it were up to us we would probably just go to Markey's after a day at Hampton, since it's about the same distance and the food didn't seem to taste that much different.
(4)
Kay A.
We waited 2.5 hours to get our food. We arrived at 11:30am for lunch and left at 2:30! Ridiculous!! Why isn't there more help? Why let people wait this long line, they are not valuing their customers time! I wanted clam cakes for lunch well I got hockey pucks instead. Clam cakes are round and look like donut holes/munchkins, not hockey pucks! Seating outside is limited, people wait so long in line for their food they end up going to the tables to sit and hold tables. When we finally received our food, no tables were to be had as others were saving them. What upset us the most is that there is little help inside and no urgency. They have a line of customers and so casually do things. I was embarrassed to be waiting in line for so long and they should be embarrassed as well. There is only one person taking orders, we witnessed only one employee casually reading the orders off the metal turnstile trying to figure out the orders while he took many sips of his drink. Not sure why it takes so long in between orders but the girls were somewhat standing around and munching on a plate of food. The food was okay but needed some more flavor or salt. So disappointing, our family will not be back.
(1)
Man M.
It's clams, clams and more clams. Fresh, delicious native clams. Order ahead. Or you can wait in long lines. Be aware that the change their frying oil that you may have to wait longer. Bring your own preferred condiments for total enjoyment.
(5)
Laura A.
At some point during the two hour line for fried food, someone drove by and shouted "NOT WORTH THE WAIT!!!!". Should've listened.
(2)
Paul P.
Hailing from Connecticut and being inundated with clam shacks on the shoreline I eagerly sought out the famous Clam Box for comparison but thought, "how much better could this place be?" But I was already in Boston so I decided to make the 30 minute drive up the North Shore to see what all the hype was about. I can't think of a better establishment to review for my 100th Yelp entry because this place has it going on. There's a reason there is a line out the door every day. So what sets the Clam Box apart from the others besides its takeout box styled roof? For me, it was the surprises it offered. For one thing, there is a sign that says "sorry for the inconvenience but we change our oil every day at 2:30 to preserve the freshness and quality of the food. You're sorry for doing the right thing? No problem at all. So many times fried seafood is diminished in taste because of dirty oil. Clam Box is as clean as a whistle and I, for one, am grateful for this attention to detail. You actually can taste the fish. Secondly, I was pleasantly surprised at their New England Clam Chowder. It was not too thick or heavy and it was chock full of clams, a must for any chowder worth its weight. They should enter it in the Newport Chowder Fest. The three way platter I ordered was huge and plenty big enough to share. It included the famous fried whole belly clams, scallops and tiny white Maine shrimp with a dinner roll and both french fries and onion rings as sides. Note: coleslaw is the other side option and you get to choose two. The plate was excellent in taste and not at all greasy. I didn't ask but I would imagine the seafood was patted dry prior to being breaded and fried because there was zero sogginess factor here. Again, if you eat a lot of fried seafood you know this makes a big difference. The famous whole belly clams were, indeed, excellent. Not sandy or briny or mealy in any way. They really stood up well to the dredging and deep frying process, as did the scallops and shrimp. The french fries were the final pleasant surprise of the day. I swear these things tasted like the crack that is McDonald's fries. And I mean that as a compliment. I think if I were blindfolded I would not be able to tell them apart from what Clam Box put in this platter. I really liked them. The onion rings were well breaded but just average. Food orders take a little longer to prepare and pick up at the counter but it's because of the care taken in preparation so that's OK. Prices are more than fair. The above mentioned items and a large soda got me out of there for $33 with more than enough food for two people. Sometimes the reality of the legend equals or exceeds the myth. The Clam Box is exhibit A.
(5)
Kevin L.
My first job was in a seafood restaurant. I always had fish scales on my clothes and reeked. Ever since, I disliked fried seafood because it brought back nightmares. I would like to tell everyone Clam Box's food is nightmare free! Clam Box's food is fresher and a billion times better than any I had. We ordered the Fisherman's platter. Clam bellies, shrimp, haddock, and scallops. Seafood heaven. Lightly fried. Batter was good as well. Cole slaw was also amazing. Portions were great for the price. One fisherman's platter left two hungry men feeling satisfied. The chicken salad roll was also delicious, if you don't like seafood. We went during July 4th weekend. Waited about an hour during dinner time. Totally worth it.
(5)
Tim S.
Went back to the Clam Box yesterday afternoon. It was just as good as I remembered it being except one thing....my buddy got sick as a dog..food poisoning of some sorts. Not sure what it was because we ate the exact same thing. Must have been a bad clam or something. The only other thing he ate that I didn't was a little cup of their tartar sauce. He was violently ill all night and even today...it sucks and I feel totally bad for him right now. We ordered 2 lobster rolls, a large native clam box, a small onion rings and 2 drinks. Total came out to $75 or so which sure isn't cheap but it sure was fantastic. The lobster rolls are stuffed to the gills with chunks of delicious lobster. The buns are toasty, and they use minimal mayo which I love. The fried clams were amazing as usual. I could eat a large by myself probably. The onion rings were great too. Its too bad that my buddies lasting memory will be a horrible one of The Clam Box. I was fine and every single thing was delicious! These are still the best fried clams I have ever had up and down the coast.
(5)
Talen C.
It's not worth the 1.5 hour wait. Go to woodman ' s instead. Claims are decent but where cold and overpriced. almost $30 for a clam plate.
(2)
Ian W.
After visiting Ipswich recently, I decided to stop off at the Clam Box for takeout around suppertime before driving back to NH. There was a line at the counter on a cold March night, but not out the door. The place is order and pay first at the counter and you pick up your food when your number is called. There's also self serve seating in the dining room and outside picnic table seating. I placed my order for a 2-Way Combo (whole clams & scallops) with onion rings and slaw and dinner roll ($22.75 plus tax) and given a number. It took about 20 minutes after ordering for my number to be called. The good sized portion of food on the plate had a nice pile of fried food goodness. The breaded whole fried clams were soft had a nice sweet taste and the fried sea scallops were tender too. The onion rings were crisp with some breading coming off. The minced slaw was okay and sweet. The food was not too greasy. It took me three meals to finish off this dinner and I enjoyed every second of eating great tasting clams and scallops. I quickly note that I wished they would give out more tartar sauce and ketchup with the big dinner. I was given one cup of tartar and two packets of ketchup.
(4)
Rick P.
Haven't been in a few years and was very disappointed. Price on mini meals was 50%-75% higher than on previous visits with smaller portions. 3 - 5 min. delay between the taking of each order was totally unnecessary. Food was over cooked. I'll go to Bob's Lobster on Plum Island when I need a fried seafood fix instead.
(2)
Regina L.
Tried this spot when I visited friends. I was dying for some good lobster rolls and friends recommended this place as it received rave reviews for it's lobster rolls. Well it definitely delivered! It was the best one I've had ....moist and tasty. Can't comment on other areas such as service and other menu items, but to me the lobster roll was spot on and for that they deserve a 5 star.
(5)
Tracy B.
So bummed, happened to be in the area & went right to Yelp for the address as it is one of the places I havent been yet (surprise I know)... According to Yelp - they were open, so off we headed, only to find out they are closed for the Season until Feb 13th... I was there on the 9th.. UGH!!!
(3)
Monica L.
The fried haddock was good, but not as good as what I make at home. Stick to their fried clams. I love that you can get onion rings or cole slaw instead of fries for no additional charge, and the onion rings are amazing. They need a bit more salt IMO, but that's okay.
(4)
Kathy W.
Waited 45 minutes but SOOOOO worth it. Fresh everything. Got hot lobster that was stuffed and so fresh and fried shrimp plate with home made coleslaw. Everything was perfect
(5)
Rita V.
huge huge huge belly clams!!! fried right. onion rings, fried right. line is crazy long - but it moves, and its certainly worth the wait.
(5)
Mike O.
Very good seafood in the rough. I've eaten there many, many times. Here is my recommendation when you eat there: 1) Eat the food on site. Taking anything to go causes a drop in quality once it sits for too long. 2) Plan ahead. The lines can be long. Also, they change the fryer oil after lunch, causing a delay of 30+ minutes. But, I recommend this place for fried seafood. The portions are huge, as are the prices.
(4)
Alison S.
The native clams are good, but the rest is just typical fried seafood platter. The prices are high but the portions are large. We drove from Boston and I don't think it was worth the time. If you are already out that way, then try it once, but don't waste your time if in the city.
(3)
Max G.
I have been coming to the clam box for the past three years after hearing that they have the best fried clams in New England. They truly do. Most days in the summer there is a line out the door, but the waits are not too bad unless you come during one of the many times throughout the day that they replace the oil in the fryer. The food is definitely worth the wait, and after you place an order it comes out in a timely manner. There is both indoor and outdoor seating, but it fills up fast.
(5)
Pamela S.
One word to describe this place: ripoff! The Clam Box is overpriced--as of this writing, they're charging a $5 surcharge on any clam order for meals that include the clam bellies. I ended up paying $30 for a clam plate and small lemonade, and regretting forking over that much money. As others have noted, the clams weren't anything remarkable, and I waited close to an hour in line to receive them. There was a family of four and a couple ahead of me in line who gave up and left because of the wait--they were the smart ones.
(2)
Matt V.
Wasn't worth the wait, not sure why this place is considered so great. The lobster meat in the roll was cooked inconsistently, the clams were a bit rubbery and the service was quite slow - it was hard to believe I was in New England. Never again. Stick with Woodmans if you want top shelf food and fast service.
(3)
Bela S.
I have to be honest, I was ready to irrationally give this place a bad review even before I stepped through the doors. To start, a 19 mile drive took us over an hour due to traffic, then there was a line about thirty people long OUT THE DOOR. I was thinking to myself, "SELF! There is no way this is going to be amazing. Who waits 30+ minutes for a plate of fried things?!" Well, I was happily WRONG! I went with the lobster roll. Now, I am kind of picky with my lobster rolls as I don't really like mayo. Most places scoop from a premixed batch, but I decided to ask. NOPE! They mix it to order! Well alright, SUPER LIGHT on the mayo please! Came out just as a I wanted it. VERY little mayo at all. At first site, the roll seemed kind of small, however once I picked it up, I realized it was mostly lobster meat. This was easily a 1lb+ lobster on this thing. The roll was also lightly toasted and buttered. Also came with a bag of chips. Not bad for $18 (Boston I'd be dropping $25) Wife had the native clams and onions rings. Boy do you get a LOT. Fried to order, and perfectly I might add. It's wonderful that they aren't dripping with grease either, which is an easy miss step for a place that has to get through serving this many people fried food. I especially commend them for hand battering their onion rings too; often times these places go frozen. One thing we weren' too impressed with was the coleslaw. We ordered a small, and it was clearly pre scooped as most of the "sauce" was pooled on the bottom. I have no reason to suspect they didn't make it on site, but I feel it was scooped into cups and stored for faster serving. It also needed some color. All it had was green gabbage with 3-4 slivers of carrot. I would have thrown in some purple cabbage too, at the least, just to make it more visually appealing. The flavor was there, once we mixed it up. Not the worst tasting (but close to worst looking) slaw I have ever had, but I will probably skip this next time. Tip: The place seemed empty when we drove back around 6 (we decided to go to the beach after lunch). Seems like just before closing is the best time to hit clam box up.
(5)
Daniel B.
I've been here for both the fried clams and their lobster rolls. Didn't like either. The lobster roll is covered in mayo, and although it has a heaping portion of meat, it's stringy, consisting mostly of knuckle, and didn't taste very fresh. In all, two lobster rolls, a side of fries, and a drink cost almost $50. You can get better rolls and better prices almost anywhere else. Tack on the 1 hour + wait and it's a waste of time. Adding insult to injury, the staff at the front desk don't even offer free refills. They may be good for clams, but steer clear of their lobster rolls.
(2)
Derek S.
The food is decent, though my fish did not taste fresh, which is not what you want from a restaurant like this especially given the fact that they charge you "extra" for a large plate that essentially functions like the size of a normal size plate.
(3)
Henning M.
I had a Mini Clam Meal. It was ok.
(3)
Christina H.
People wait in 20+ minute lines for this? Seriously? So disappointing, the food has no seasoning, was bland and the oil tasted old. If you want good seafood, drive the extra time and go to the Beach Plum.
(2)
Caesar R.
A trip to Ipswich is just not complete without these delicious fried clams. The clam box always has a line and it ain't cheap, but you'll be glad you came here. The wife introduced me to this place many a years ago, so it's always a fun time to go here for the both of us. We usually wind up getting scallops and clams combo plate, but we decided to switch it up this time. We got the haddock mini meal and the clam plate. And what showed up was a mountain of food! A veritable plethora of seafood on a tray with fries, rings and slaw, not to mention the roll that pushed the carbo total to a whopping 91% of the plate. (With the plate you get a choice of two: rings, fries, slaw, the mini meal gets your pick of one) The food all comes out hot and fresh and you want to devour it, but don't...savor each and every bite. They have lots of choices for fried seafood options and even chicken fingers and a burger option for those of you who fear anything that swims. Definitely make this part of your journeys in the New England region.
(5)
Kate G.
Worth the wait for a lobster roll...but NOT worth the wait for anything fried. The batter has absolutely bland!!
(2)
Erik F.
While the fried clams are some if the best I've had along the NE coast, they were not worth the two hour wait!
(2)
Gary T.
We like it here. I grew up eat clams on Cape Cod and these are the closest I have found. These are better clams than any place in the area and hands down better than anything I have tried in Maine. The Clam Box can be pricey and there can be a wait but we generally go mid week or other slow times. Clams were good but bellies could have been bigger. We enjoyed our visit and could not finish all the food they gave us. You might pay but you don't leave hungry.
(4)
Andrew C.
Very good, I went here w/ my G.F. a week ago and found it to be a top fried sea food place.
(5)
Adele M.
Definitely not worth the wait. I waited an hour just to place my order with roughly 20 people in front of me. There's no reason why it should take so long to place an order. It's obvious the business is intentionally creating a line to attract more customers. The food isn't worth it when there are several similar options nearby. I won't be back.
(1)
Alexis A.
Not worth the drive or wait in line. Food was bland and tasteless. Not even with copious amount of tartar sauce we could eat it.
(1)
J F.
Iconic. Delicious. And now accepts credit cards! We've been eating here for decades. We left the hospital with our newborn, took her to the beach at Plum Island to put her toes in the sand and then brought her to The Cam Box. It is a Defining New England Experience. Other reviews describe the experience and the menu. This one is here to wax rhapsodic and point you to Ipswich. Try Woodmans, too, but we prefer Clam Box.
(4)
Doug M.
Going with 3 stars, but could easily be 2. Waiting in line for almost 2 hours for only average seafood is disappointing. Almost 2 hours to do 25 orders - that's crazy!!! It's amazing how slow this place is - there has to be some crazy reason for it. Is it because it appears to be run by teenagers who probably don't want to work in a hot kitchen on a 90+ degree 4th of July? Is it due to the kitchen being too small? Is it mismanaged? Do they think people should just wait and wait and wait? At one point, a woman fell on the ground - she got helped up quickly, so I'm not sure if she tripped or collapsed due to the heat. I have to say for a place that is making very good $$$ from it's patrons, they should have someone bring cold water out to the people waiting in their line. That would show respect for your patrons. I don't think they really care about their customers. After ordering, we waited almost 15 minutes for our meals. We had a combo or clams, scallops and (tiny) shrimp plus a box of clams. Overall, it was good just not great as we thought it would be. The onion rings were decent with a nice sweet taste - but that's not why you wait in line for almost 2 hours. If we knew it would take 1 hr, 45 mins to get to the counter to order, we would have left right away and gone to JT Farnhams or Woodmans. Overall - disappointment. After writing this, I felt more and more angry about this crappy experience at the Clam Box. Then my wife tells me that she watched as one of the staff went into the ladies room and gazed in to see if it needed cleaning. At which point, she turned around and never cleaned it. My wife said it was gross and had paper towels all over the floor. Basically, the owners of the Clam Box couldn't care less about their customers or the quality of their food. 2 stars - and I highly doubt that we'll try this place again.
(2)
Danielle K.
Waited in line about 15 min, thought it would be a longer wait for our food but it came out much quicker then expected. Split the fisherman's platter with my husband, more then enough for 2 people. Clam strips were my favorite, got clam chowder...also very good!
(4)
Vikram A.
Bland food, Overrated and Absolutely Not Worth the Wait Maybe my expectations were too high after reading the glowing reviews on Yelp. After waiting close to 1.5 hours to order and pick up our food on a Saturday evening, I was expecting some really good food. But the food was generally bland and greasy. The fried clams and scallops were run of the mill, fries and onion rings couldn't be more boring. Another thing I didn't like was the "temporary" $5 surcharge for clams dishes (to accommodate their high prices this summer). Following that logic, how about a discount on the Lobster roll? they're selling as low as $3/pound. Looks like the restaurant likes the long lines. Its part of their cachet. They could easily cut the wait times by two-thirds by offering consumers a printed copy of the menu and let them mark their order before getting to the window.
(2)
Lois M.
The clams were good but lots of other places also have good clams. I thought it not worth the wait. I would advise going elsewhere especially if the kids have to wait on line.
(3)
Chris C.
Outstanding chowder, good non-greasy clams, but utterly flavorless onion rings. The wait wouldn't be so bad, but they were just understaffed for a summer Saturday night. When there's a line of 50 people snaking out the door and across the parking lot, you really should have more than 1 order taker.
(4)
Drew S.
Meh. Yet another fried food fixture (say that five times fast) that does a good job at a price that makes no sense. With such close proximity to their product (sea to table), I'm surprised that the prices are no lower than any of the other 99 fry shacks all over MA. Then again, as P.T. Barnum said "There's a sucker born every minute" and that is probably what can be said for any tourist that walks thru the door and pays as much as they charge for fried clams and fries on a paper plate. I know it's a sin to give a "fair" rating to an icon such as this, but my taste buds cannot lie - except for the perfectly prepared scallops, everything else on my plate (clams, fries, onion rings, and dinner roll) tasted like a wet New England day - bland. If you're in the area and are in the mood for overpriced fried seafood, definitely give it a try. Otherwise, checkout your local fry shack and pray they know how to use a seasoning or two...
(3)
K. E.
We New Englanders are a lucky bunch. I've driven by this place on the way home from Crane Beach before with the line wrapped around the lot. Luckily there were only 4 or 5 people ahead of me waiting to get inside about 1 hr before closing time. Excellent fried clams and clam chowder. Actually some of the best chowdah we've had in a long time. The onion rings would have been perfect if they'd been salted out of the frier. They give you these tiny cups of tartar sauce that are very difficult to use for dipping. Suggestion, instead of giving 2 tiny cups, how about one bigger one? We'll be back again if the line isn't too long.
(4)
John S.
Consistently very good. Portions are large and enough food for us to split a fisherman's platter and we still can't finish it. Would like more clams and less scallops. The clam chowder is very good. Creamy but not too thick with fresh clams. Atmosphere? Meh. Very limited season and very limited hours. Check before you go.
(4)
A T.
Service was nothing out of the ordinary. Maybe slightly slow for my tastes. I ordered the shrimp plate which I had mixed feelings about. The shrimp were tender and had a slight crunch to them (the good kind)! However, I wasn't that impressed by the onion rings which seemed to lack onion flavor. The entire plate didn't look like it came fresh out of the fryer. Both shrimp and onion rings were room-temperature. It's probably worth it to point out that the batter is not seasoned, so make sure to add salt and pepper yourself or grab a couple tarter sauces at the window. And the pricing there is somewhat illogical. The shrimp plate (with two sides) was $18.50 and the shrimp mini-meal (with one side) was $5 cheaper. How would one side cost $5 more? If I had to go back, I'd stick with the shrimp mini-meal.
(3)
Linda T.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE The Clam Box. I went on a Wednesday afternoon in early September thinking the line wouldn't be that bad. Boy, was I wrong. Although it wasn't as bad as I've seen it in the past, we still had a 30-40 minute wait to order our food. Once we got to the order window, it was, of course, time to change the oil. This doesn't bother me at all, since I know everything we ordered was going to be cooked with fresh clean oil. We both ordered a shrimp plate. I was going to get the clams, but due to the shortage of clams, all of the prices on the clam plates/combos were increased by $5 each. That was a bit much for me. The shrimp was absolutely delicious!! Mouth watering!! Onion rings were great as usual and the cole slaw was perfect. The only disapointment was that since it was such a warm humid day, they had the doors and windows open in the ordering area and there were flies everywhere. While we were eating in the dining room, we had to keep swatting flies away from our food. I'm sure this doesn't happen in "normal" weather. I will always return to the Clam Box, I've never been disappointed.
(4)
Carol Ann R.
Eh I hated this place. Agonizingly slow moving (although not long) line... lameass bossy signs everywhere about not taking too many napkins, it took forever to get our food, an hour from ordering to eating - then it was just mediocre AND all the other starving hungry customers stared at us because they were still waiting for their food! Add the obligatory screaming thrashing baby and awful sums it up in a word.
(1)
Rufus G.
It didn't feel like we waited to long, but could have been sped up with maybe one more employee up front helping out. Don't drink your soda to fast as they don't offer refills and charge full price for a new drink. You're better off going to 7-11 and buying sodas or whatever instead of their drinks. Clams were ok, nothing memorable by any stretch. Onion rings were good, but they taste like all the other places I've eaten in Boston thus far.
(2)
Mrs. J.
I'm not quite sure how they come up with the price points here but they are absurd. $8 for a bowl of clam chowder is not ok. Not to mention one would expect the CLAM box to have actual whole bellied CLAMS in their chowder, but sadly chewy chopped clam pieces were all to be found.
(2)
Theresa M.
I had high hopes for the Clam Box. My friends and I ventured out to Ipswich for some apple picking, and we decided the to visit the CB for lunch. It wasn't bad...but it was not great either. If I was in the area I may go back, but honestly I could live without it. The wait was long too...but I would not mind that for spectacular food. However, the portions are large and I ordered too much food...but that is not their fault. lo.
(2)
Chuck N.
Came here special, about an hour away on a business trip. Just for clams. I got the small box for about $15.95. It was loaded with hot piping fried "native clams" - i.e. whole belly. They were done perfectly, but they weren't the tastiest ever. I I got to believe that they are fresh. They were tender, perfectly cooked. But didn't have a lot of flavor and I'd guess that has something to do with early season, or something they don't control. But it also poses a question. An earlier reviewer made a big point that there is no grit with them. Is it because they have their little stomach's pumped so well? We all know that's where that sweet flavor comes from. These had no sand, but no real flavor... They were good. Just not sure they were the best ever. Still got to say Johnny Ad's in Saybrook CT could be a tie. Flo's in Newport RI area were up there. The SeaSwirl in Mystic did a good job. I live in Colorado, but I've seeked out clams from Arizona to Maine (originally from CT) and I've had a lot of really good ones, and some not so good. These were done perfect, but where was the flavor? Seasonal flavor loss or are they cleaning them up too well? I'd try again. no lines on Thursday night, 7pm, April 25 2013
(4)
Craig R.
I'm tempted to give only four stats due to the incredible wait time, but the food was just so damn good I can't bring myself to knock them a star. That said, be prepared to wait up to 30 minutes simply to place your order and another 30 waiting for your food. Yeah...an hour wait. But my oh my...the food was soooo fresh and delicious. I never thought I'd find a place as good for fried seafood as Bob's Clam Hut in Kittery, ME, but this place is is fantastic.
(5)
Pauline N.
4 of us ordered the large Native Clam Box, small Strip Clam Box, side of fries, large Clam Chowder, small Clam Chowder. we were all really full after this. clam chowder was decent. wished it was a little chunkier - like more clams and more potato, but that might just be a preference thing. the fried stuff - the bellies and clam strips were REALLY bland. i rarely add salt to anything, and things tend to be too salty for me, so for me to call this bland is pretty bad. i had to add salt to everything - including the fries. everything was so flavorless. all we could taste was fry and oil and it made us feel kind of sick. wait wasn't too long, but i've heard that it can be horrendous. they really need to have some sort of printed menu to pass around to people while they wait, and pictures or models of portion size, so answers about that are answered before people order. would probably help with the wait. price for everything has increased $4-5 due to clam supply. I've had much better elsewhere, and will not come back.
(2)
Paul L.
Food was ok. Very oil and way over fried. Cool building but had far better seafood elsewhere. Price was good for the amount. Long wait and line out the door. Plan on waiting 20+ min in line plus that for your food.
(3)
Christine M.
WORTH the hour long wait! when I pulled up to this place I was skeptical...being in the middle of nowhere and being a native of RI (where all we eat is fried fish) I questioned how good the fried clams would be. After the long 1 hour wait in line I finally put my order in and it came out really fast. Well...the clams were definitely worth it! I got the large box of whole belly (native) clams. Of course they were spilling out of the box so I shared them and they were enough food for 2 people. Every inch of each clam was covered in batter and fried lightly. what I really liked about this place are 2 things: 1st They change their oil every day at around 2:30...so you know the oil is fresh 2nd there wasn't a greasy filled box when the clams were gone! normally after eating fried food there is oil saturating the paper tray it came in, but that was not the case here! Would I go there again...yes if i'm in the area...I'm just too spoiled with the Rhode Island fish to really go anywhere else but it was worth the trip!
(5)
Co W.
Incredibly fresh. Never thought I could enjoy fried food so much! I actually like oysters better than clams, but both are really good. 3 of us ordered Native Clams (small), Oyster Mini-meal (with fries), Cole Slaw (large), Fries (small) and Haddock. Total was only $49.95. Couldn't finish the food--huge portions!! I know fried food is not healthy at all......but I guess I can't resist going back again.
(4)
K M.
Apparently, the Clam Box is a "must-visit' when you are in Ipswich, Ma. All the fried clam dishes that I've ever ordered in the Washington, DC area usually feature "Ipswich" clams so I was excited to be eating these clams just minutes from the waters in which they were actually caught! During the summer months, I've heard that the line out the door can go far down the street. When my friend and I went, we were fortunate! There were only about 25 people waiting outside the door - that's a short line! From the moment we stepped in line until the food was on the table, I'd say it was a total wait of about 1 1/2 hours. As we were waiting, we jealously stared down the customers as they collected their food and passed us in the line. Heaps and heaps of fried seafood on a paper plate! The servings here are enormous! The best deal at Clam Box is supposedly the Fisherman's Platter which includes a mountain of fried clams, fried shrimp, fried scallops, fried fish, your choice of fries or onion rings (onion rings are better), and cole slaw. My friend and I opted to share the platter. With beverages, it was about $30 total for both of us. The fried clams were amazing! Everything was very good. And when you take the price into consideration, it was totally worth the wait! We even had half the food leftover! I think you can easily split the Fisherman's Platter between 3 or 4 people. If you're in Boston and able to venture outside the city, definitely make a stop at the Clam Box!
(4)
Riccardo D.
First, I'm a New England anomaly in that I really don't enjoy seafood. I'll eat a lobster roll or two, a piece of haddock, and maybe enjoy an occasional shrimp cocktail. However, once a season, I'll have an order of fried clams. The place I go is the Clam Box in Ipswich, MA. This establishment has been around for ages and they know what they are doing. Anyone that has ever eaten a bad fried clam appreciates when they are prepared properly: a light and crunchy breading, fried in clean oil, tasting of the ocean but not overpowering so when you bite into them. The Clam Box employs the old trick of piling high their seafood among a mountain of fries and onion rings, the latter being the cheaper means of creating the mountain. However, the quality meets the elevated prices here and if it's a treat your looking for, one that you normally avoid because of the unhealthful aspects of a deep-fried seafood meal, the Clam Box is an excellent location to satiate your appetite. My recommendation here is that you wait until the off-season to make your journey because during the peak summer season you'll die of heat stroke before you ever get your meal. The lines in the summer at the Clam Box are as legendary as their clams. I'll normally venture down to Ipswich in late October, on my way to Salem, MA where I'll ask spirits of the hanged witches to ward of a heart attack from a grease-laden meal at the Clam Box.
(5)
DJ D.
That right, 1 star. What a disappointment. I was really looking forward to some good clams. I guess long lines don't always mean much. I only had a 45 min. wait. If I had to wait as long as some of the other reviewers I would have kicked myself. The clams were really nothing special, a little chewy. I don't know where they get the nerve to charge $32 or $33 for a large box of clams. That doesn't include fries or a soda. I guess it would serve two people, but even so, its a $$$ place and thats too much for the quality that they offer. We also had a large fried shrimp box. Although the shrimp were a good size, they could have been a little fresher. They were edible, but had a very slight ammonia smell. Cool place, that's about it. If your on vacation stop and take a picture and go some place else to eat. Save your time and money, it's not worth it.
(1)
DiaNA B.
Best. Seafood. Ever. Its the only place that I get whole clams. SOOO GOOD!
(5)
John S.
In the past 25 years, I've been to the Clam Box 10-15 times...and nothing's changed. I'm not here to talk about service or decor...I'm here to talk fried clams in relation to other North Shore establishments. Here's the problem with The Clam Box: The breading is too thick and it's flavorless to boot. It covers up the sweetness of the clam. It's like putting a cocktail weenie in a hot dog bun. Between the flaccid fries and the heavy breading, it's a carbohydrate's best friend. Hey, I came for clams, not Wonder Bread! Ipswich and Essex aren't that far away. It's worth the drive.
(2)
T S.
Awesome food. Clams are fried to perfection and the cole slaw is unbeatable! I go back time and time again every summer. The clams in this area are all out of this world but the Clambox is at the top of the list.
(5)
Da H.
Clam box was recommended as the place to go for fried clams. Our experience was: grease, grease, grease. The clams were drenched in batter and overcooked to the point where the the clams were rubbery and the batter had hardened way beyond "crispy". The fries tasted like frozen ones and were, again, greasy. If you want yummy fried clams . . . look elsewhere.
(1)
Bill D.
Absolutely the best fried seafood around! It's a half hour ride for us, but it's worth every minute of the ride. The portions are huge and it's the freshest tasting seafood anywhere! I have lived in Mass my whole life and been to countless seafood places, the Clam Box never let's me down!!
(5)
Tyler M.
Wow, just wow! This place is amazing! I love the fried clams and the picnic area outside to eat on a hot day. This is probably the first and only time I will visit Ipswich but this is defiantly the spot to eat seafood. The only thing weird was the clam cakes, it was round like a hash brown rather than a ball like us "Rhode Islanda's" do it. Either way it was quite good. It was a bit on the pricey side but wow, a "plate" is enough for two. I know I pretty much licked mine clean lol. I was a little taken back by the 25$ min on the credit card but it is easy to rack up a bill here.
(5)
Tom M.
Maybe it was timing, maybe they were short staffed, maybe I was being frugal, but the Clam Box made me 1) wait too long (Hour and 45 minutes) 2) Pay more than any side of the road clam shack 3) Give a product that did not justify its price or wait. The Clam Box was just average. I would not wait in their line again and will pass it every time I drive by now. I am a big haddock (fish n' chips) guy and their fish was not very good. I had a few really sandy clams but that is expected and they were average. The shrimp and scallops (especially the shrimp) were excellent. The onion rings were just onion rings and the slaw was nothing to write home about. I am going to keep driving next time until I find some place better. This box is closed....
(3)
Jeff M.
I would have loved to write a review of this place after going to a corn maze in the area. However, they have chosen to not join the rest of the 21st century and accept credit cards and losing almost $50 of business in the process. I wouldn't really complain and would have used the ATM in the location but alas, it was out of order. I was not about to drive around and lose my place in the long line just to find a bank so we left. I was recently at No Name restaurant and they finally added credit cards to their repertoire, I grumbled about this for years. This place gets one star for it's complete incompetency and lack of options when it comes to paying. If they want to continue losing business then by all means, keep acting like it's 1935 when you opened and accept only cash, I'll take my business somewhere else until you decide to join the rest of the modern world while your bottom line takes a hit. Remember the customers needs options, not because your cheapass doesn't want to pay a small transaction fee.
(1)
John D.
This is the place for fried seafood. I know everyone says Woodmans but in all honestly the Clam Box is my favorite little shack. The Ipswich Clams are to DIE FOR! This place is no joke and seemingly always has a line out the door whenever I arrive. The one good thing I love about the Clam Box is that they change their oil TWO times a day. This means you get the best tasting fried food rather than left over oil.
(5)
Allison G.
The best on the north shore & what we have had in Boston also. We always take friends who come visit and it's their favorite meAl of their trip usually! Fried strip clams are the best-fried scallops also amazing. Chowder great too! Not greasy somehow
(5)
Diane S.
Went to the Clam box with a party of 3. Ordered 2 Fisherman's Platters , and fried haddock. All of our meals were COLD! Don't get it at all!
(1)
Kathy M.
Great place for fried seafood as there is always a line out the door. I had a mountain of fried clam strips. I personally didn't think they were very greasy. Finding outdoor seating can be a challenge but I was able to get a table and they are dog-friendly so that is a big plus for me.
(4)
Jonny C.
This is the be-all end-all in fried seafood. Heaping portions, market prices, and a building shaped like a takeout box; this roadside legend in Ipswich delivers the goods - as well as the obligatory gut wrench following a fried seafood gorging. Lines are obscene. Portions equally so. If you can time it (allow 20 mins of line time) come just after 2 when they change the oil. This will allow for maximum sea food flavor with minimal lingering grease taste.
(4)
Jennifer D.
Went here on Father's Day, accompanied by my bf and his mother (it was her birthday), and I was planning on spending time with my Dad later on in the day. So we drive up and wowzers!!! Talk about a line, my parents warned me...but I wasn't prepared for this. It was Father's Day to be fair, so I guess it was to be expected.... So we waited for 2 HOURS!!! And what do you know, they change out the oil with roughly 4 people in front of us....more of a wait....Plus = new oil...yay... So the outcome. So NOT worth the wait, I opted for two "mini meals" one was the fried scallops, the other calamari, both with cold slaw. The scallops were delish! The ones on the bottom, however, were very greasy. The calamari left much to be desired, it was fair at best. The tenticles (my favorite part) got completely lost in the batter, some rings were tender, some chewy. The cold slaw was great. Overall everyone left happy. Would I have waited? HELL F*CKIN NO! It was only because it was his mothers birthday. You people have issues....to each their own. I will NOT be waiting there again. I know good seafood, and I'm not saying this place doesn't put out, but for the wait, not worth it.
(3)
Ashley S.
I've had some pretty rockin' fried clams in my day, so I figured this place was overrated. It wasn't. Most perfect and crispy little sea creatures ever. Sorry to have doubted you, Clam Box.
(5)
Matt E.
I'm only taking away one star because of the wait and that I couldn't get a beer with my meal, otherwise this place is perfect! I went here on a Saturday around 6:30pm and there was an hour wait (line out the door into the parking lot) and only about a 15min wait for food once we ordered. Despite the amount of people here the girl at the window didn't seem stressed or rushed and was very nice and we got a booth inside the dining room before our food was up (they also have a ton of outdoor seating). Me and my girlfriend ordered and split the Fisherman's Platter and I also got the clam chowder. The Platter is all fried and consists of clams, scallops, haddock, shrimp, french fries, and onion rings. The clams were actually full clams and not just clam strips which scared me a bit but they were very good and isn't much different with the soft belly still on them. The scallops were tender and were like candy. Everything was just amazingly fresh, tender, and tasty and the portions were perfect to split. The clam chowder was the perfect hot temperature with tender clams, potatoes and the perfect creamy consistency. This isn't the fancy shmancy chowder with bacon and herbs mixed in, this is just the perfect New England traditional clam chowder done just right. Once you come here you'll know why the Clam Box is so famous and has so many national and regional awards for their food. They don't give the food away but they aren't charging an arm and a leg either, expect to pay $10-18 per person on average (check out my pic of their menu for their prices as of last week)
(4)
Rich J.
I heard that these were the best clams in New England..and while they were great and blow most other fried clams away, I thought that the Sea View in Mystic and the Lobster Shack at 2 Lights were better. Still, worth the detour for us and there was suprisingly no line. Like at any other New England clam shack...you go for the whole belly clams...it is night and day compared to the inferior clam strips. Those bad boys explode in your mouth with flavors of the sea and that touch of sweetness that adds depth to the flavor.
(4)
Joseph W.
If you ever find yourself in Boston, you must take a drive north to the sleepy little coastal town of Ipswich, MA. There you will find a great roadside restaurant called The Clam Box and probably the BEST lobster rolls you will ever have! Yes, their clams are good too, Amazing actually, but the Lobster Rolls are to die for!
(5)
Cath S.
Adequate parking was available. Line in front of building wasn't too long, maybe 20 people in front, but moved very slowly = 1 hour wait, before ordering. Quality, and taste of fried clams was outstanding. The best. Rating is actually 4.5 (restaurant interior could be cleaner), but rounded up. Driving from Boston, along Route 1A, north of 128, is pleasant, during the summer/fall .
(5)
Scratchie S.
Best fried clams anywhere, simple as that. The lines are long in the summer, so we're more likely to go in the fall or early spring. They've expanded their season within the last few years so you can go in October or November or March (or February?) and get your order with a relatively short wait. I've also gone on a weekday in the summer (during the day) and not had to wait too long. I've been going here since the 70s (when it looked exactly the same, inside and out) and I've never found any other place that compares. Woodman's comes the closest, but the Clam Box takes the gold. The clams are fresh, tasty, and well-cooked. You can order "large bellied" clams if that's your thing, otherwise, you will get more moderately sized clams. The coating is not too thick or heavy like you get at some places. If you don't like cole slaw, you can get both french fries and onion rings with any platter. Part of their secret is that they change their cooking oil twice a day. If you're in line around 2pm, you'll have to wait an extra 15 minutes while they change the oil, but it's worth the wait since the fresh oil ensures that the afternoon's meals will still taste fresh. A real North Shore treasure.
(5)
Christopher P.
#1. If you like fried clams, this is THE place. Having grown up in New England, I've had my share of whole belly clams. The biggest complaint about them is the grit. Blah! I don't know what these guys do to the clams, but they are CLEAN. I mean nothing, nadda, zilch. And talk about fresh. Not only are the clams great, but the chowder is amazing. Just thick enough, hot (how many restaurants get this wrong), and with chunks of clams. #2. The building is shaped like a giant clam box. You know you want to stop here. #3. The wait. If you get there and there's a line (typical in the summer)...deal with it. I've had day's when I've waited an hour just to get in, but so totally worth it. The bad...The decor isn't top notch, but who cares. It's a seat to stuff fried clams into your face. The french fries and onion rings could be better, but once again, I'm here for the clams. And if you're not into clams, all the seafood here is fresh, fresh fresh. Save a cow. Eat at The Clam Box.
(5)
George L.
The end all and be all of clam shacks. Yes, the wait is long. Yes, they don't take credit cards. Yes, they sell no alcohol. And Yes, the building is shaped all dumb. THE BEST FRIED SEAFOOD YOU WILL EVER HAVE. PASS
(5)
Juliet A.
If you're on the North Shore, you need to eat seafood. If you're in Ipswich, you need to eat Ipswich clams (famous!). If you need to eat Ipswich clams, you need to go to the clam box. Their fried clams are divine. Not overly batter-y, for my taste, which is often hard to find in fried foods of the sea. A local favorite for good reason. Pricey, yes, but you get your money's worth. The line can be atrocious, fyi, so order ahead of time if possible.
(4)
Roger B.
Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!
(5)
Anthony B.
The Clam Box Is The Type Of place That Ruins Other Seafood Joints Because This Place Is Awesome. I live 2500 Miles away and still miss it every week Please Enjoy the clam strips for me !!!!!!!! I'll Be Back Soon !!!!
(4)
Mark S.
Not as good as others ,But worth the trip if you havent been, just be prepaired for the long lines.but not the best around.
(3)
Thomas V.
I'm always looking for the best whole fried clams, I was passing through Ipswich and tried The Clam Box. I ordered the lg box. The Clams were good though overpriced as they included a surcharge. They change the oil daily which makes for better fried food. The place is like a walk up to the counter to order and wait for your number to be called. Long line moved quickly and seating was plentiful. I would recommend for a lunch stop.
(4)
Caitlin W.
I don't think I'm going to write anything that others haven't already said or you don't already know. Be prepared to wait. We got there at 10:50 on a Sunday morning (they open at 11), and did not end up eating until 12:15. It was just me and my fiance, I got the native clams mini-meal with onion rings. My fiance got the lobster roll with a side of onion rings. The onion rings were very good, but we definitely could've split the onion rings that came with my mini-meal, the portions were pretty big. Same goes with the native clams. Now I'm not sure exactly the difference between the native clams and just the clams (is it that the native includes the belly and the clams are just the strips? or their just fresher & local? not sure), but the clams were SO good. The better was perfect, light and delicious. The mini meal was the perfect portion, getting anything larger for 1 person would've been WAY too much. Unless you are splitting it with others. The lobster roll on the other hand was just OK. I didn't like the bun it was on, I usually like the bun to be toasted & buttered, and this wasn't. There was a lot of meat, but it just wasn't anything special. I guess the lesson learned is to come here for clams, not the lobster roll. This all was pretty pricy, $42 for 2 with no drinks. I won't go out of my way again to go here, but I'm glad I tried it.
(4)
Cherie D.
Be prepared to wait in line outside the door during a busy summer evening! It is well worth it though. The clam strip plate, which includes 2 sides (fries, onion rings or coleslaw), is reasonably priced and is fried to perfection. I'm picky with any type of mollusc, but there wasn't any sand in this dish for which I was very thankful for. Adequate amount of seating inside and benches outside. The usual decor - lobster pots, plastic crabs, etc. hanging from the walls. A selection of items for kids such as chicken finger mini-meals (fries included), cheeseburgers, hot dogs. So there is something for every member of the family. I would definitely visit again!!!!
(5)
Mustachechuck S.
Love this place so much we never mind waiting in line Best clams and Scallops around Always look for varieties of clams there native or others The line is always there that tells you a lot about this place. Great food nice people in line Great service
(5)
Leslie L.
Wicked awesome! You MUST arrive early and be prepared to stand in line for something special let me tell you! Be sure to arrive as soon as it opens and don't go around 2:30ish that's when they change the oil and its a little bit of a wait! Lobster roll is the bomb! Clams scallops and shrimp plate is great esp with the slaw. You got to experience at least once in your days...
(5)
Mike S.
After years of being a Woodmans fan without ever trying the Clam Box I felt I had to give it a fair shake - and I'm glad I did. First the good / great: Had the native clam mini meal which comes with rings or fries (I went with rings). These are HANDS DOWN the BEST whole belly fried clams I have ever had. Sweet beyond belief and fried just right - not too greasy, really perfection! And so, I am giving the Clam Box my award for best fried clams anywhere - they really win w/out any question. The onion rings were good, but I'm giving the award here to Woodmans where the rings nearly steal the show. So now for the not so good / bad: The wait. Yes, I expected to wait in a line, but this was silly. 1PM on a Thursday and you have a line out the door - 45 minutes later I'm at the window (yes, they have one window taking orders). So add that to the ride up there and my lunch hour is already well over with! Woodmans beats them here - they're more equipped to handle the volume. To be fair, once I ordered it wasn't too bad - maybe 15 minutes for the food to come out. Woodmans wins in the ambiance department too. There are picinic tables outside, but your looking at the road and the parking lot (while dreaming of the ocean). My final WTF thing is regarding the price. My meal on their website lists for $15.25 which is a lot, but pretty much market price. They've added a surcharge because clams are apparently costing them more this year? And so, with a medium iced tea my meal was just under $24......FOR LUNCH!!?!?! Ugh, so I've lost 2 hours of my life, and spend about $25......but I've got to say, it was still worth it. Those clams are some serious shiznit.......wish I could combine these clams with Woodmans onion rings!!!
(4)
Tricia H.
The long lines are ridiculous..but definately worth it! Wicked expensive..but worth it! Definately wouldn't recommend sitting down to eat. Not really a big enough place and it is unbelievably loud! When my family and I eat here we always pick up our order, haven't been here in a couple years. Wish it wasn't so expensive..
(3)
D W.
I love fried clams- this is the fare you get through out new england. There was a large surcharge for clams and a platter with tax was $33- pretty steep but fed two perfectly. I have had better but I can say I ate here...
(3)
C M.
Overrated and certainly not worth standing in line for. If you want good fried clams go downtown to the pub.
(2)
Jay D.
Soooo good. Bring along your patience because there is always a long wait - over an hour for us today. But if you can stick it out you get rewarded with the best fried clams on the planet.
(5)
Traci K.
How many calories did I burn standing in that hour-long line? Not enough to justify that huge fried seafood plate I wolfed. The Real Question: Was it worth it? Answer: Duh. My companion and I shared the Fisherman's Platter (I love having a little of everything) and by the end of it, we knew we should have gone with straight clams. Fighting over fried clams is not dignified. Though when you're elbow-deep in greasy fried goodness - dignity has flown the coop long ago. The platter also came with fried haddock (tasty, but needed a little salt), shrimp and scallops (yum!). All piled high atop a mountain of fries and onion rings, I'm gonna need to clock in a few more hours on the treadmill this week...
(4)
David V.
Sure, it's a little pricey and eating here requires a bit of effort (a line that can get rather long), but it's not unreasonable to pay a little extra to get the very best. And the Ipswich Clam Box is the very best. A small box of their big-bellied local clams will set you back $20, but they're so filling that a small box plus an appetizer or cup of chowder will make a satisfying meal for two. And though it's not offered every day, the fried lobster plate is worth the splurge of $25. Because hey, how many times do you get to dip something that's already deep fried in butter? Out at the picnic tables there's a sign telling folks to enjoy the al fresco option at their own risk. Not exactly sure what they mean, but I have encountered at least two hazards - yellowjackets attracted by the trash cans and the picnic tables themselves - they're rather lightweight and putting too much weight at one end can yield disastrous results. Update - they DO accept Mastercard and Visa for purchases over $25. For those Diner's Club stalwarts and light eaters, the ATM machine in the corner is still there.
(5)
No T.
Of all the great fried seafood restaurants on Cape Ann, this is my favorite. They perpetually have a line when the weather is good and it is worth the wait. I love their fried scallop plate. The fried food is always served hot and right out of the fryer. Dining room is nothing to write home about, but you're not here for the decor.
(5)
Butcher B.
Awesome! So we tried the Fishermans Platter, it contained scallops, clam strips, whole belly clams, haddock, and shrimp. I'm from the West Coast and have never experienced such freshness from a restaurant. The shrimp was cleaned and de-viened and had a fresh, clean, crisp taste. Never tasted scallops as good as these, perfectly cooked and breaded. None of the items had a "fishy" smell to them. The whole belly clams were a first for me, not bad, I liked them better than the strips. We don't have haddock back home. It tasted really good, comparable to sand bass or rock fish in our So. Cal waters. The platter was huge! I'm over 250lbs and hardly put a dent in my plate. Didn't waste space on fries, tried the onion rings, those were good too.
(5)
David P.
Our only disappointment is that all waste - food waste, used utensils, the foam coleslaw containers, plastic straws and waxed paper cups (etc.) - is combined when it's bussed into one waste bin. Otherwise: Service: Cordial and fast. (Wait was minimal, maybe due to the late Fall season.) Food: Plentiful and tasty. (Our group of three ordered local clams, scallops and lobster rolls. Sides were coleslaw, french fries and onion rings.) (Slaw might be updated for the times - crisper, fresher, maybe less sweet.) Overall: Food gave us a nostalgia boost. Eating local clams felt great, also delicious. During this upcoming winter off-season, we'd LOVE, love, love to see them put in place a system to minimize their use of non-compostable plastic and foam packaging, and to start composting as much of their food waste - ideally WITH compostable utensils, and used paper plates and napkins - as possible.
(4)
DEBBIE A.
Years ago, maybe 25 years or so a friend and myself went to the Clam Box. We just thought it was so-so. Now that I am back in this area, we decided to try The Clam Box again. A person should give a place a second shot. We all have bad days. Yes, I did wait in line but it wasn't more than 15 minutes. It was okay with me as I was having some pleasant conversation with the folks in front of me who were on vacation. If you don't feel like talking, there is plenty on the walls to read behind glass. There are many write-ups from all over and yes, magazine covers too. It was a very hot and humid day. There were two fans in the section where you order the food, but that did not help whatsoever. However, there were long benches along the entire wall to sit down and relax while the food is being cooked. No air conditioning and I thought I was going to have an asthma attack. I was told that the small dining room had AC.There were no tables available, but that was fine with us. My turn. I finally get to the window and ordered two 3-way combination plates. They both had the nice sweet and small native clams, delicious scallops, and I chose the large shrimp instead of the small ones from Maine. Each came with a side of cole slaw and on one dinner I got the french fries and the other one I ordered the onion rings. A couple of nice ice cold soda's were added on my tab too. Holy moly, when the plates came out they were sky high. Wow! The clams were not gritty nor were they chewy with those big bellies. They were delicious and on the sweet and smaller size. Perfect! The scallops were so fresh, they just melted in my mouth when I was eating them. My friend agreed wholeheartedly. The shrimp were cooked perfect and not overdone. The onion rings were dry and not that greasy kind that so many places serve you. The fries were light and crispy and actually pretty darn good. We both loved their cole slaw. Thank goodness it was not drenched in mayonnaise. These plates were monstrous in size and the quality of fish was perfect. Neither of us could finish our dinners so we brought the remainder of the food to our homes. The rest of our families had a field day with that. It was gone within minutes. LOL The only thing I can think of that was not so good was the fact that the mayo from the cole slaw was running off the side of the plates and as I have already mentioned, it was not the gooey kind. It is not a big deal, just open the bags away from yourself so it does not run down your legs or onto your clothing. Perhaps if it were in it's own container, this would alleviate the problem. The only thing I was not satisfied with were the plates that these humongous dinners came on. Because of the heat and the weight of them, the Styrofoam cracked on both dinners and thank God we had paper plates to place under them. Styrofoam is a no-no. Heck I would not even use them at my family bar-b-ques. Too many times those things have let go. Would I recommend this place. You better believe it. The food was over-the-moon delectable, the place was clean, and the best part is that all the help were friendly and helpful and very kind to everyone. One last thing, they do accept credit cards.
(4)
Kathie B.
Never again!!! Have been thinking about going to the Clam Box for quite and while and was always concerned about the long lines you always hear about. Decided to face it this past Sunday, how bad could it be. Arrived at 2:45 and there was a line, but didn't think it was that long so decided to wait. Two hours later, I was in my car with my food. Outrageous!!! It is not the amount of people but the pace of the staff that contributes to the wait. They are so understaffed it isn't even funny and the staff that was there seemed to care less that their customers were waiting in the hot sun. One elderly woman was in a wheel chair and her family finally had to get an umbrella to try to shield her from the sun. You go to a packed Kelley's on Revere Beach on a hot summer day and your waited on and have your food in less than 10 minutes. Clam Box needs to hire more people, expand their cooking area. Oh, but that would cut into their profits. They don't have to do that because they get the people to come regardless of the wait. Shame on them!!!! Oh and by the way, some of the clams were sandy and rubbery and the fried shrimp had this peculiar flavor I have yet to figure out. Most of my $40.00 went in the trash bucket. Never Again!!!!
(1)
Sarah D.
The most beautiful and delicious mountain of fried seafood I have ever seen! If you find yourself on the north shore you must stop here. It's most certainly one of those restaurants to check off your life list. Expect a long line, even in the middle of the afternoon on a Saturday. We had one of everything. The clams are excellent, but I was even more impressed with the lobster roll. It was lightly tossed in the mayo and nothing else. I can't wait for my next visit to Ipswich. If you have any room for dessert there's a creamey right down the road!
(4)
Michael W.
This place is a local legend, and I can understand why. Sort of. If you come here, make sure you expect (very) long lines and typical New England clam shack fair. Assume everything is fried and battered, unless otherwise specified. The fried clams are very good, but not the best I've ever had. My wife had the lobster roll, and it was quite good. Everything was fresh and the portions are absolutely massive, if that's your thing. There is plenty of seating inside and outside as well as clean restrooms. I will say, this place is expensive compared to other options in the region. Given the price:enjoyment ratio, I'm not sure we'd return, but if you're looking for a quintessential New England Summer experience, look no further. If you have higher standards or are concerned about value, check out some other options.
(3)
Linda H.
I came during a day trip. Based on all of the good reviews, we chose to stop here for lunch. After standing in the long line for about half an hour, we were starving and ended up over ordering. Out of everything we orderd, the fisherman's platter was the most memorable. First, the thing could feed two people....afterall, how much fried food can you really eat? I admit, I was a bit sick, so maybe I wasn't eating my fair share. Second, I like variety and this offered it in spades. The only thing I think it didn't have was fried oysters, but you can order a plate of that if you really want. We did, and we couldn't finish it all. The seafood tasted fresh and it hit the spot, but I sort of wish we had gotten something (other than coleslaw) that wasn't fried that day to mix it up. Tip: Credit now accepted. $25 minimum if you want to use your Visa or MasterCard here. Otherwise, bring cash :).
(3)
Anne R.
Charmed by it's iconic exterior on my way out to explore historic Ipswich, I had to give it a try. I believe it was Sunday evening, around 8 pm, and we were able to order within 5 minutes, but waited another 10-15 for our food to be ready. I grabbed the only table left in the dining room while my husband waited at the counter for our order. This seems like it would be a great place to get take-out for a bunch of people, but I wouldn't suggest taking a large group to sit in the dining room. After seeing the portions that were being dished out, we decided to order one meal, and share it. We had the clam, scallops, and shrimp plate (all fried), which ended up being too much for the two of us. I have to say that I was disappointed by the batter that's used on all of the seafood. I was hoping for something more.... flavorful. Instead it just tasted like crunchy over-cooked sea bits. Perhaps this is enough for other people, but I crave a little seasoning to make it memorable, even the cole slaw was blah. We had lots of leftovers, but neither of us had a desire to take them home. Would I go back? Ehh... maybe just to see if the first time was a fluke. The overall value isn't bad... I just need more flavor. I also wished the took credit cards since they're in the middle of no-where. If it weren't for the tasty clam chowder, I may have left feeling really disappointed.
(3)
ME G.
As clams go, the breading helped take away the clam flavor. +1 star. The patrons were clearly people who enjoyed the large portions. The clam chowder was really quite good, it was not legal seafood good, but it was the best dish we had +1 star. overall, a bit, meh, why did we bother? It's famous, but it was by far not the best seafood, Dubbe's, for example, close to home is tastier.
(2)
Vito P.
most expensive place to buy fried clams but well worth the price
(4)
Steven H.
I got fried scallops with onion rings. Absolutely delicious. I didn't even bother waiting to go back home. I just ate it in my parked car across the street like a weirdo. The lines are long, but the food and prices are good. I'm glad I tried this place while I could, because I don't live in MA anymore!
(5)
Samantha H.
2 stars is only for the food, which was decent. Huge tourist trap! Long lines, over expensive. My dad owns a seafood restaurant and his prices are cheaper than this place. You get a lot more for your buck! Don't waste your time with this place if you are in a rush or are broke.
(2)
Tom B.
Well when I went to Clam Box, it wasn't the ordering system that was a problem. It was slow because they were changing the oil. And really, that's a good thing. You want that because it makes the food fresh. But I still think it's overatted and the food isn't the best.
(3)
Gregory C.
There was one recurring theme when we visited the eating places in Ipswich: The portions are HUGE. Perhaps it's just the ones that we visited, but you can certainly get your grub-on at the Clam Box. I ordered the three-way combo platter (yes, we did eventually make some dirty jokes about the name of the plate), which includes Fried clams with bellies, Fried scallops, and locally caught Fried shrimp. In addition to a healthy side of fries and cole slaw, you can't go wrong. A funny thing about the outdoor seating.. You have to be careful sitting at the tables.. Make sure that you have another person sitting opposite from you, otherwise the table will topple over! There is even a sign that warns the customers about this...
(4)
Lesley P.
They change the oil every day. Maybe more than once? Anyway, this can make for a long wait in line between changes but it also means that the food tastes very fresh, though it is fried. We has clam strips, fries, onion rings, coleslaw and a lobster roll. It ain't cheap and the wait is looong (at least at 1:30 pm on a Sunday). We sat at picnic tables outside. They also have seating inside. You can bring your own beer, etc. if you choose to do so. The lovely Harley riders at the next table had a bottle opener, god bless em.
(4)
Kate N.
We drove an hour to visit the Clam Box today, and honestly, we did so because we saw it featured on WCVB's Chronicle. We arrived around 4pm, 90 degrees outside, line out the door and almost into the road. My 5 year old was occupied with Angry Birds on the iPhone, so the wait wasn't an issue at all. Friendly chatter with the folks around us was fun, too. We ordered a fried native clam platter - onion rings, fries, and a side of cole slaw. Top notch. Worth the drive up! The fried clams were not sandy. Perfect amount of batter. HUGE portion, enough for 2 to split. We were lucky enough to grab a table in the Air Conditioning. Clean restrooms, friendly staff. Cash only, so make sure you are prepared... otherwise there is an ATM there, but you'll get dinged $2.50.
(5)
Sheri Q.
The clams and batter are first rate! This is a great place to get your clam fix. It would be better if there were a way to order half of the small native clam box without ordering fries. It's so much food! Not everyone can eat that many clams. Also, the clams are much better than the fries because they're large and cooked so they're soft. I tend to prefer firmer fries, but that's a preference. The tartar sauce could be tangier. I was there recently with a group. Two of the adults got the haddock sandwiches. They were flaky and fresh but perhaps a little pricey at $9+ sans fries.
(4)
Ro P.
Always a huge line. Very good food. It's a little expensive but you're paying for the reputation. Stood in line 1 hour, food took 20mins to prepare. Was the experience worth it- certainly worth one visit. Will I be back- nope. It's not the best lobster roll I've had...Neptune's still wins that comfortably. And it took me 55mins to drive out to Ipswich from my Boston home. For city dwellers.....this isnt worth any more than the one visit. I do recommend trying it atleast once!
(3)
Mortiche W.
Thank goodness I don't live on that side of the US. After seeing it on a PBS show on unique shaped buildings a few years back and finding out it was only a few hour's drive to Ipswich from where we were staying, I made it a priority in JR's schedule for us to come here. Even if I had the flu. and could barely breathe out of my nose, let alone taste anything. But come here we did, and the eating of fried clams commenced! Oh boy, just thinking about these fried clams is making my mouth water right now- how sad is that? We ordered the strip clam box and a lobster roll, just to get a little variety and contrast of taste and texture. Now for a quick disclosure- I've never been a lobster fan. Crab? All the way. Lobster just didn't taste or feel right to me. Fast forward to eating. Despite being sick, I was able to taste everything I ate. I think the clouds parted for the half hour that we were there. The clams were fresh fried, piled high, sweet and tender but with just the right amount of crunch. Some folks said that we should have gotten the littleneck clams, so I guess we'll just have to come back to try those next time! Oh darn! The lobster roll was buttery, mayo-y, sweet, oceany, no nonsense. SO FREAKIN' GOOD. I wanted to fight Roger for it but I in my weakened state I could only squeak out, "help me lift it to my mouth for another bite, please?" The lobster roll was worth ever cent of that $15. It was piled so high and deep with sweet, succulent lobster (gosh, I sound like a commercial!) it was ridiculous. Definitely the next time we're back East, we are coming here.
(4)
Dirgni S.
You can read all the other rave reviews for what's good. I'm offering up some advice in my review: Go "off hour/off season." We went yesterday, around 11:30 am. No wait to order. By the time we left there was a line of about 20 people. The "mini meal" is plenty for the average person. Or, share a full plate with someone. The full plates are enormous and, well, almost gross in how much food is there. If you usually get clam strips, try the "native clams". The bellies are small and add nice flavor. They aren't gushy like the big bellies. If you usually get clams with bellies, ask for the large bellies. Otherwise, you'll probably be disappointed. Ignore the counter lady when you ask for tap water and she gives you a condescending look. Bottled water is for suckers.
(5)
Helen N.
On a road trip from NJ to Maine, I was determined to dedicate as many meals as possible to the fried whole-belly clams about which I'd heard so much. We ended up trying ~6 places, including Essex Seafood and several places in Maine. Clam Box was our last stop and was easily head and shoulders above the rest (and had the coolest looking building too.) The reason? Two words - Big. Bellies. We ordered a large box and they blew my mind. Light crunchy batter on tender, flavorful clam with juicy, briny bellies... these were the clams of my dreams. We ate outside at the picnic tables and washed down these dreamy clams with blueberry beer we bought in Maine. It was perfect. No, they don't take credit cards, and yes, the lines can be daunting. But so, so very worth it in the end.
(5)
Kitty C.
Definitely take the time to read through some of the reviews here, they were very helpful. There is indeed a long line and they posted the time that they would be changing the oil. There is an ATM inside the door, but a friend called ahead and was told that it doesn't always work, so bring cash! They had temporarily raised prices on whole bellies, but I got the clam strips. It was definitely a lot of food, and the same batter used on the clams is the same as or similar to the onion ring batter. Next time, I think I'd rather split one of the big platters with someone to get some variety. The outdoor seating with picnic tables is the way to go on a nice day. Minus one star, because I wish they had hush puppies!!!
(4)
Susan R.
COME HUNGRY! Best fried seafood I've ever had. Light, crunchy, FRESH batter. Sweet, fresh seafood. HUGE portions. Got the fried clam, scallop and shrimp plate. It also includes fries and onion rings. Easily enough for 2 people to share and feel satisfied. Lines are long, move quickly. Small dining room encourages interaction with your neighbors. People are nice and happy.... they're eating terrific food. CASH ONLY. Some will find expensive, but worth it ( remember, you can share ). Closes around mid- December. Reopens mid-February.
(5)
Cha Cha W.
OMFG! If there was a God of 'Fried Seafood', he certainly have bestowed his favors on the Clam Box. Let's be frank here, if it were just well fried it'd be 3 stars, but it's also fresh and juicy, and as anyone knows, when it comes to gifts from the ocean, fresh and juicy are key. Have I mentioned abundance? My Fisherman's Platter for $23.95 included succulent scallops, clams, clam strips, calamari, jumbo shrimp and large chunks of haddock, a choice of 2 sides (great onion rings and cole slaw) and a roll. While I am often credited with having a hollow leg, my starving friend and I couldn't even polish off the whole thing! Amazing. Service was as prompt as a place with a continual self replenishing line and staff of 5 in the kitchen can be so if you can, avoid the hours of 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. There's a row of picnic tables under shady trees adjacent to the parking lot for outdoor seating or if like me, you enjoy a little AC on a humid hot day and proximity to the restroom, indoor seating is also available. Bring cash though, they don't accept credit cards but there is an ATM on premises for $2.50 withdraw fee.
(5)
Mark O.
After travelling back east last month for my grandfather's funeral, I was compelled to hit the place that I frequented quite often while living in the great town of Ipswich, The Clam Box. If you're looking for the best in fried seafood, this is the place to visit when on the north shore. When trying to decide between mollusks or crustaceans in their fried form, I recommend the king of the mollusks, the clam. The prices are reasonable for the portion size and the clams always fresh. If you are looking to steer clear of the fried stuff, I would highly recommend the Lobster Roll. You will not regret it.
(5)
Annie I.
the food here is great--the only things to watch out for: 1) it is so crowded 2) it is pretty expensive, considering you are basically eating out of a carton 3) the lines! are crazy! but i think that's because the food is really great. don't come here looking for oysters on the half or steamers, this is FRIED seafood. the lobster roll is good, the fried clams are great. nice summer meal.
(4)
Robert C.
We were on our way to our first great beach day of the year and figured that lobster rolls and fried clams would digest well sitting under the sun...and we were not disappointed with the Clam Box. The place is nondescript with limited indoor (A/C) seating and outdoor tables under the shade that overlook the parking lot and ugly little building. The line was famously out the door, so we knew the food had to be pretty good. The clams and onion rings (I could only eat the "mini meal" portion) really were cooked to perfection. I would have enjoyed a better quality tarter sauce, though, and would even consider bringing my own next time to make it a heavenly experience. The lobster roll, made exactly how we ordered (tiny bit of mayo, otherwise all fresh meat) was not cheap, but was packed and had no filler. The clam chowder (yes, have to try that too) was well balanced between potato and clam pieces, and had just the right consistency. The iced tea came unsweetened, which is our preference, and was also brewed with enough bite to rinse away the oils from the clams. This would be my "go to" place for this kind of food anytime I pass through Ipswich.
(5)
Heather H.
Um, if you come here and order something that isn't fried clams... Also, I mock your clam strips.
(4)
Courtney N.
For years, I would drive by on a nice day and even on a not so nice day and wonder why on earth so many people were lined up to get into a fried clam place. I mean, this is Cape Ann, the North Shore and there are seafood places galore. I could never understand why so many people would patiently wait in a line that went out to the street with the hot sun beating down on them or even with rain pouring down. Then, one day, I gave the place a try. And now I know why, and I will never be the same. In fact, you just may see me in that line one of these days! The fried clams are the best that I have ever tasted, and I've lived here my whole life and had more than my share of fried clams. I actually don't even eat fried clams (trying to be more health-conscious) but I will always make the exception for Clam Box fried clams. So light and delicious. Not like heavy battered fried clams at all. The clam chowder is also the best I've ever had (narrowly beating out Amelia's clam chowder). The taste is absolutely addictive. So, give the place a chance! It is cash only, but there's an ATM right inside by the register. I guarantee you will understand why all of those people are waiting to get in and order fried clams!
(4)
Christopher I.
The Clam Box, a cartoonish roadside shack resembling, well, a clam box, could only be improved by replacing the booths with giant clam shells. Inside the Disney-like box there's a simple counter and a maritime-themed dining room, no more no less. But you'll probably spend your first ten or fifteen minutes at The Clam Box waiting outside in the line that snakes out the door at mealtime. Don't worry, it moves fast. Inside, you'll have a few minutes to ponder the complicated menu. Do you want a Mini-meal or a plate? Or maybe a box? Large or small? I'll break it down from a tidbit I overheard the cashier say -- a small box has the same amount of seafood as a plate, only the plate comes with two sides. Be warned -- if you order a plate, make sure you're really ready for stormy seas...cause the outlook is cloudy with 100% chance of oil. Beautiful, delicious oil. And fat, juicy clams of course. The clams are delicious. Pop the first one in your mouth and you'll taste perfectly golden cornmeal breading, hot but just delicately crispy, an almost powdery fried fluff. Bite in, and the thick briny belly of the clam oozes out, infusing your mouth with the taste of the sea. And then, as quickly and effortlessly as the clam wave came...it's gone. And back...and gone...and back again, one after another. The onion rings also benefit from delicate breading, and the cole slaw is just right -- fresh and crispy with just enough mayo to make it go down smoothly. And best of all, the star of the show, is owner Marina Aggelakis, or Chickie -- larger than life, flitting through the dining room, wiping down tables with her tight-lipped smile, inspecting new arrivals with a wary eye, rearranging diners to seat new parties, slamming the door as she returns to the kitchen, barking in a friendly way at the cooks. From Chickie to every last fried clam, The Clam Box is an institution, one not worth missing.
(4)
M C.
This is the good stuff right here! I could so go for some fried clams right now! It's a good thing the Clam Box is a decent drive away from me or i'd be in trouble. It's a bit pricey, as all seafood is, but you get an awesome amount of food for your dollar. Always fresh and delicious, a must try!
(4)
Mary G.
I will never wait an hour in line at a place like this while being bullied by other customers who don't care for dogs. Went to woodmans had a great meal
(1)
Chris B.
Oh goodness, this place is making America fat. Honestly, a plate of the fried clams here was my Everest -- but I failed to scale the mountain, as the two of us simply couldn't steel our stomachs to finish the last clams... While I love the idea of a great local clam shack, I'm afraid that as a Californian, I don't really understand what's going on here. It's just too much fried food.
(3)
Yoonie C.
I may have been too full from a bbq beforehand to give this place a proper evaluation, but the fried native clams were sweet, tender, and lightly battered and fried. I still liked them. Only 1 in the entire small box seemed to be a "pooper" (as I call them) - with a full dirty belly, so that one clam was gross - but the others were clean. I appreciate their notice about when they change their oil each day, and loved that they had diet sprite. No one else carries that anymore! It was fun trip out to Ipswich - guess I'll try the other clam shacks around and then update accordingly, after seeing how they compare.
(3)
Kenneth O.
FOOD: There are times when a craving for a tasty greasy fried clam must be satisfied. The Clam Box offers the ultimate succulent fried clams-with-belly, tasty onion rings, superb strip clam and calamari, and great lobster rolls. These are simple dishes that are nonetheless badly prepared in many restaurants. Clam box does it right. These folks offer exceptionally fresh quality ingredients and they change or filter their frying oil frequently. Their breading is light, their two hit frying technique creates a crispy unburned coating. And their local Ipswich clams are in my view the sweetest around. SITE AND AMBIANCE: Head up route 1A just north of Ipswich center, look for the gigantic red striped Clam Box . . .with a huge line of locals and out-of-towners standing waiting to order, then waiting for the order to be filled, then waiting for a table in the dining room to open up. On summer weekends that line can be well over an hour long in the 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM closing evening rush. Of course, people wait in line and leave with a smile because the food is good. HINT: Try coming in the middle of the afternoon. Or go for a weekday night. Or try calling to order takeout in advance. We have not done so, but have heard that it works. Or go in the winter -- there is no line then. Unfortunately, the restaurant is also closed in the winter. BOTTOM LINES: First, for clam shack food, I highly recommend the Clam Box. Jake's (Nantasket), Captain Marden's (Wellesley), and the ubiquitous Legal Seafoods also offer good fresh fried food along with many other seafood items at slightly different price points. Second, I much prefer the food these places to the overpriced and noisy Summer Shack in Cambridge, the scenic but greasy Browns up at the NH border, the scenic but even more greasy Farnums down in Essex, the stunningly mediocre No-name in Boston, or the many seafood tourist traps in Plymouth.
(4)
Mike G.
short drive from foote bros canoe rental. thank god. who knew a greasy plate of fried seafood, frites, cole slaw and salad could be sooooo good.
(4)
Liz P.
Having a restaurant shaped like a Clam Box is advertising genius. The architecture is not the reason for a constant line out the door. They back it up with the great New England tradition of fried clams. Bit fat bellies if you want; strips if you don't. The best fried shrimp and onion rings evah. Wicked frickin' pissa. You're a chowdahead if you don't think so.
(5)
Sarah M.
I went to the Clam Box tonight with my family for our once-yearly fried clam dinner. The food was good (we shared the fried clam and scallop platter), but the wait was really long. It took about 1 hour and 15 minutes from when we got on line, until our food was served. I would recommend calling ahead for a pick up order to avoid the line.
(3)
Fat G.
So we came to the Clam Box for dinner last Saturday after going through the Marini Corn Maze/Farmstand which is about a mile away (You can also find a review for the Corn Maze by me too). There's a lot to say about this place so I'll start from the outside and work our way in for this review. Located in Ipswich, MA, the Clam Box looks like an old-fashioned restaurant. The outside has a sizable lot for parking, and there are some picnic tables as well as a bench for outside seating. There is a sign near the picnic area though which says "Use at your own risk"; I wasn't sure if that was an actual warning or a novelty sign. The surrounding area is trees and a road which is fairly accessible from the highway. You can also smell the fried seafood outside right before you enter.As I enter through the side/main entrance, the dominant smell changes from fried food to ketchup, which was a bit odd. Inside, the restaurant is split into two sections. The front is where one places an order or buys souvenirs. The back is the dining/seating area. Along the walls, there are various sea-related decorations. Seating is booths and tables; there was enough space to accommodate our large group, but probably not enough tables to pack together for a second one. Service is also self-service; one orders their food in the front, receives a number, and comes up when his or her number is called. One side note is that they don't take credit cards, and when we were there is that the ATM was busted. Things I notice about the atmosphere are that there are a lot of elderly folks and that the restaurant is not too loud, not too quiet. It's a good place to relax and eat and chill out. Cleanliness was a different matter though, as there were scattered crumbs and napkins along the floor at various spots. The food is the important part though. Prices are decent, ranging from $11-$30 for a combo box and comes with 2 sides. A lot of selection ranging from shrimp, chicken, calamari, clam and other sea food. I ordered a Calamari Mini-Meal that came with French Fries which came to about $9.25. -Serving size was a little smaller than I expected. -Tastewise, the calamari was kind of overpowered by the oil, leaving it kind of bland. The french fries were great though, good texture and a firmness, but soft inside. The tartar sauce and cocktail sauce were flavorful too. Other people in my group ordered the Combo dishes, which were about $14+, and were pretty big. People were consistently splitting them. Overall, it was a so-so experience at the Clam Box. If you're looking for fried seafood and a calming atmosphere, come here. Otherwise, there are probably better options in the area.
(3)
Changun S.
clams are fried to perfection and lobster roll is abundant with large chunks of lobster! fries are crispy on outside and soft on inside... BUT..... is it me, or was everything UNDER SEASONED???!!!!!! we had to add packets of salt to everything we ate!!!! totally agree with another reviewer who said food was BLAND!!!!!
(4)
Christiaan H.
The chowder was rather bland, although it did have excellent big chunks of clams. I couldn't really appreciate the fried clams with are supposed to be famous, but I am not the biggest fan of them to begin with. Visited 6/08
(3)
Sean E.
After eating possibly the worst fried clams I've ever had at Sandy's, it caused me to fondly remember the delicious, sweet, buttery big bellies of the Clam Box. Not one dirty, stringy, chewy scrap to be found here. As you can probably deduce, at the Clam Box, it's all about the fried clam. If you're like me your soul may do a little dance when you reach the window to place your order and take notice of the sign that says "Big Bellies Available Upon Request". I'm sure there are other delicious treats to be had here, but I'm unable to convince myself to order anything else. (Also, my advice is to get there early because, during the summer months, the line can get long really quick.) What makes them so good? Their not-so-secret secret has been that they frequently change the oil in their fryers but to me it's the quality of their product. Their clams and scallops are some of the biggest (and tastiest) around. The place needs to be among the best to make up for it's lack of ambiance. The inside seating area is a little bigger than you might imagine when looking at the place from the outside, but the woody interior is kinda dark and less than inviting. The Clam Box's location at a fork in the road doesn't do it any favors. There are a few tables to be had at the back of the parking lot -- and this is an improvement over the inside but again, your looking at a parking lot. Whether or not the clams here are better than Farnham's is a debate for the ages. There's no doubt they're better than Woodman's, but Farnham's also has an amazing view going for it that might cause the clams to taste a little sweeter. I definitely enjoy Farnham's cole slaw more and I think I prefer the batter Farnham's uses as well, but these things can ebb and flow just like the water on shores of beautiful northern Massachusetts.
(5)
L D.
My visit to the Clam Box was one of the best days of the year, so far, and I truly can't wait to go back. There's not much to say that the other reviewers haven't already mentioned but I just have to note that there is an appeal to this place that grabs me as a city girl visiting the country. The decor is ridiculous (in a good, beach-style tsotchke kind of way) and the food is ridiculous (in a heart-attack inducing kind of way). For two of us, we ordered the large clam box and small onion rings. When we were finished and beyond stuffed it didn't even look like we had touched a thing. Stick to SMALL order of everything! I highly recommend the onion rings. These may be the best I've ever tasted. As another reviewer said, there's a good chance you'll be the thinnest person in the entire restaurant. Now I completely understand this comment. I was utterly amazed at the amount of fried food people were dumping down their gullets. Also noted but worth repeating, the oil is changed twice per day so you're not tasting burned old fishy grease. Everything tasted so fresh and delicious. CASH ONLY but there's an ATM on site. Dining area is self-seating so have someone stand in line to order while another person scopes out the seating situation.
(5)
David H.
Have you ever heard the saying, "you are what you eat."? Well, the next time you're waiting a half an hour (or more) in line at this tourist trap, just look around you and see what I'm talkin' about. Guaranteed, there's not one single person under a deuce. I know I'm being harsh, but c'mon people.. This is gluttony in it's purist form. Simply disgusting. But hey, if it's a huge plate of fried food that you want, you will DIE for this place!
(2)
Effie H.
I am soooo happy with the Clam Box.... With all the "old fashion" fried clam joints becoming total sell outs, The Clam Box stands its ground, thank god! There is always a line, no matter what time you go and once you eat the food, you will know why! A plate of heaping fresh clams & scallops is served with fries and onion rings...will run you about $23 bucks, well worth it! Drinks are extra of course and the people that work there are very friendly. Outside there is about 10 benches and it is a dog friendly area- great place to chow down on a beautiful day in Ipswich. There is also indoor seating, however, I don't know if it is handicap accessible which is a bummer (not 100% though). Oh and if you come around 1:30 beware they shut down a bit to switch out the oil from the fryers, but, I don't think it is the same time every day. Enjoy!
(5)
Eddie C.
It a tourist spot. There are other places with cheaper prices and the same food in town. No I'm not telling you where or they will be the next tourist spot! All the locals know where they are..
(2)
Albie F.
Wow, they don't got fried clams like this anywhere on the West coast and maybe nowhere in the NE coast. I first heard of Clam Box on the PBS documentary entitled "Sandwiches You Will Like." And since I was in the Boston area anyway, I had to hit this place up. Make sure you get there early because lines seem to be a common thing any day of the week, especially during the summer. My family got a couple orders of the fried clams and a lobster roll . The lobster roll isn't very special compared to other places in MA (compared to say Reds Eats in Maine) but the fried clams were off the hook (and I'm not talking bout fishing). The batter wasn't very thick at all and they weren't overfried. The shape of the restaurant is pretty funny looking and it seems like it's in the middle of nowhere but I'm from Cali so that's just how I see it.
(5)
Jocelyn G.
Wandering around Ipswich today, I mentioned something about fried food and my boyfriend decided that we needed more of it in our lives. So I somehow remembered how to get here and into the Clam Box we went! First thing we noticed was that they didn't take credit cards, which sucks, but they do have an ATM machine right by the door. So that problem was fixed. We ordered our food and I wandered off to grab a table since its pretty small inside and a lot of people were there. The food took a bit of time, but it came out hot and tasty. I would have liked a little more fish but the price wasn't too bad. About par for the course for fish in November. The bathrooms are tucked away in the corner of the room and the lights turn off it you don't move enough which is a little freaky, but amusing. I also set the hand dryer off with my head. Good for a stop, but I would suggest getting there before dinner time on summer days...when we left at 1:30 the line was out the door. The outdoor seating is nice, as is the loudspeaker system that broadcasts in the parking lot also.
(4)
Katherine C.
At the Clam Box you can kill two birds with one stone : 1) visit the world's largest clam box ( en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Li… ), 2) eat the best fried clams EVER After a beautiful day at the beach some fried clams were definitely in order. Kevin L. and I did our research before we came here and word on the street was the Clam Box is THE place to get your fried clams. Neither of us were very hungry however we ended up ordering a mountain of food, and finishing it all. We decided on the Lobster roll, a Small Box of Fried Clams and a side of Onion Rings. Honestly, I wasn't too excited by the Lobster Roll, maybe I just don't like lobster? I really liked the buttery roll and the lobster meat was tasty, but definitely too mayonnaise - y for my taste. Let me tell you though, the Fried Clams = perfection. The clams were large & juicy, and the breading was crisp and complemented the clams very well. A close second to the delicious clams were the onion rings...thin crispy and delicious. Expect a pretty long wait...a wait to order and a wait to pick up your food...it will be worth it though.
(5)
Lesley R.
My mouth is watering just thinking about those fresh, plump, golden, tasty clam strips.... The lobstah roll, OMG, make sure you pick up a fork. Huge tender pieces of meat, a hunk of a roll! The onion rings are wicked tasty too! I swear, next time I'm gonna starve for a few days and order up a combo plate of the strips and scallops. The scallops look soooooo HUGE. I always get jealous of my fellow diners and kick myself for not trying it.
(5)
Dora H.
Hands down, the best fried clams and shrimp I have ever had. I keep trying other places because as you may know already, the line here is ridiculously long. The only place that comes even remotely close to their clams is (don't scoff) Kelly's Roast Beef. If you've never been to the Clambox, don't turn around when you see the line. It moves and you will not regret it. Oh...and they finally take debit/credit cards!! There is only one reason this place doesn't get five stars (but it's a big one for me): they skimp on the stuff they shouldn't. I'm sorry, when I'm buying $60 worth of fried seafood and the tray comes out with these 2 puny little cough-syrup dose sized cups, that's not gonna fly. So big deal right? You ask for more. And you get 2 more teaspoons full and a dirty look. Then you ask for more and you get the DEATH look and one more cup. Maybe I'm an excessive dipper. It's possible. But then I have to do the walk of shame back up and beg for more lemons. And then there's a sign on the napkins saying to please take only what you need. It's cooked in oil, I'm gonna need a LOT. The good news is, the food there is SOOOOOO good that I can somewhat get past the lack of tartar sauce/lemon/napkin generosity. And on a more positive note, maybe I'm burning off a couple of extra clams going back and forth to the window!!
(4)
Jen C.
After frying ourselves at Good Harbor, it just seemed appropriate to go hunting for some more fried goodness. After we made the requisite jokes about visiting her clam box, we set course toward Ipswich for some serious nomming. An hour later, we were feasting on clams (briny!), shrimp (fresh!), scallops (sweet!), fish (flaky!), oysters (earthy!), fries (crispy!), onion rings (crunchy!), and cole slaw (slawy?). Silence all around - we were all too busy shoving our faces with golden crispiness. Perfect ending to a perfect day.
(5)
Rob F.
1 PM on a Monday. 20 minute wait to order. 20 minute wait for food. We thought this to be acceptable. Nice outdoor picnic area available. We chose to eat in the spacious, clean, air conditioned, New England sea side tacky decor dining area. Just fine. Best clams (strips) I've had outside of Flo's Clam Shack in RI. Most amazing fried scallops ever. Crispy light breading. Piping hot salty sweet tender scallop within. Needs no salt, tarter, nuthin.' These scallops can not be beaten. The shrimp? Meh. They said "small" on the board and they were right. My mistake I guess. Small fried shrimp don't make it for me at all. More breading than shrimp makes for a greasy item. Not their fault but I won't be having those again. Surprisingly, the onion rings were just awful, so I gotta take off 1 star. Left 'em on the plate. Greasy and limp. Not much flavor. Want better onion rings? Even Burger King is better. But it's not called "The Onion Ring Box," is it?
(4)
Liz P.
Yes, it's true! The Clam Box really does have the best fried clams in New England! In fact, everything they fry up is delicious: clams, scallops, shrimp, fries, onion rings, it's all fried heaven. The secret is the oil. They change it very often, ensuring that it is always fresh, which means your fried clam plate at noontime will taste just as awesome as it would at 6PM. Oh, and their clam chowder is great, too! Seating is tight, so if you hit it at peak hours when the line is out the door, finding a table might be difficult. There's several picnic tables outside, and a small, tad cramped dining area inside. But the wait and mad dash for a table is worth it. Or, you could always take it to go! I've been coming here since as long as I can remember with my family, and it still remains a family favorite to visit every summer. Believe the hype. The Clam Box is the real deal.
(5)
Chris C.
This place is great for the typical N.E. seafood joint. From Fried Claims, to chicken fingers to french fries, it's all good. 4 out of 5 only because of that horrible wait one must experience before getting to order.
(4)
Glen R.
Excellent fried clams and their clam chowder is pretty darn good too. Waits can be really long though and I'm just not sure it's worth the wait because there are so many places that make great fried clams in the area. Portions are very generous as well.
(4)
Bruce_ B.
You like clams or want to try clams the traditional New England way? Plus I hear that this is where it all started, the fried clam thing that is, right here in Ipswich. Also I hear this place has their own secret location to get the clams, called a mud flat. So no one but them get the best of the best to serve to you. Place takes a bit to get your order, line out the door, but please wait and savor the moment. Then enjoy your food. Large portions and yummy yummy goodness. A must if you love seafood!
(5)
Sandy D.
The Clam Box "hands down" has the best fried clams and fried scallops I have ever had. They change their grease "daily" unlike most others, which makes a huge difference in taste of everything they fry. The plates are huge enough for us to split one. We get a Fried Clam and Scallop combo every time we go. Also, met the owner's mom who cleans up the tables and chats with customers. She has a smile on her face every time we see her! This is the only place we will eat fried scallops and clams. We've tried Woodman's and was not impressed with either their clams or scallops, and thought the grease was wierd tasting. Woodman's may have more reviews, but is definitely a tourist trap as far as we are concerned. And whats up with their grease!!! Nasty tasting. Another place for very good Baked Haddock and Baked Scallops is the Dinnerhorn Restaurant in Portsmouth NH dinnerhorn.com The Clam Box #1
(5)
Sarah K.
Delicious clam strips and onion rings. Definitely touristy - looooong line out the door. But it moves pretty fast / they seem to be very efficient in the kitchen. Things I wish I'd known when I went - totally ok to BYOB if you sit in the picnic area outside. My advice - pack a cooler!
(3)
Linda L.
This is on the side of the road. Just look for a crowd of people. We waited about an hour to order. We tried the fisherman's platter which basically is a variety of everything including the Clam Strips which were YUM! The clam chowder and lobster roll was OK. After that meal at noon, we didn't eat again until midnight.
(4)
Alicia S.
The only problem would be the wait because you stand outside for about 25 minutes if your lucky and there is not enough seating indoors at all. The whole belly clams werent that big but they were crisp and fresh because the oil has been changed. I would recommend it to anyone.
(4)
Jim A.
I go decades without eating here and in between my visits I dream of the taste of fried clams. Went yesterday and it was as good as ever. Fried clams fried scallops fried onion rings. Good and good for you. I even drove from my vacation spot on cape cod three hours to eat here. Enough said
(4)
Sue C.
This place is great and well worth the wait. Come hungry and order to your heart's content. We had the fisherman's platter (it came with fried fish - i think it was haddock?, fried shrimp, fried scallops, fried clams and clam strips), a mini meal of fried haddock, a lobster roll, clam pie, clam chowder and onion rings, french fries, and cole slaw as sides. The fried seafood was light and crispy and didn't leave you feeling like you just took a bath in oil. The lobster roll was great, not too much mayo and great big chunks of lobster meat. A totally satisfying, gluttonous meal! Now...just need to find an excuse to come back here again...
(5)
D A.
When a restaurant is the best at something it is worthy of a 5 star rating. In my opinion this is the place for the best fried clams. Woodman's, Farnham's, and Dube's are all good but this is the best.
(5)
jenilee p.
i cannot lie. today i had the perfect day. warm, sunny new england day, three day weekend, and surrounded by people i couldn't be happier to see. new englanders, or outsiders in the know, we stood in line for a worthwhile minute or twenty, eager to taste the sweet burst of an ipswich clam belly. now there are a number of great clam shacks on the north shore. i'd say that essex seafood has the best chowder. woodman's has the best upper deck, where you can get beer and oysters with the usual fare. jt farnhams has terrific outdoor seating out on the marsh with the prettiest view. but the clambox has the nicest scenic drive, the quirkiest building, and by far the best breading, with the added the guarantee that you are receiving ipswich clams, a subtle thin, crunchy coating, and always perfectly cooked seafood. if i'm not being clear, i like them all, they all have their featured item, but clam shack in particular might be the one i bring people to if they can only experience one cape ann culinary treat. so order a box of clams here, and expect lightly coating hot sweet clams. the tartar sauce is made with mayo, as opposed to miracle whip, and therefore one of my favorites. the cole slaw is terrific. french fries and onion rings are what they are, but i would choose onion rings if held at gunpoint. the chowder is just thick enough, but still relatively thin, and better than the buttery stuff at farnhams. i've had good lobster rolls here, but honestly i go for the fried clams. again, if you liked whole bellied fried clams, or have never tried them and want to take the drive, this place is not to be missed. it's a clam shack, so don't expect waiter service, and quality items means that you might find this place a little expensive, but honestly, it's just fantastic. any new england native, displaced years ago, will begin to tear up with memories upon returning to a place like this, and i treasure every summer where i can look forward to going up to ipswich and visiting the clam box. what a terrific place.
(4)
David C.
Always make as many trips as we can to The Clam Box. Always a line and always worth the wait. Fried Clams, Onion rings and french fries cooked to perfection. Amazing worth the trip from anywhere and if you are visiting the area this is a must try. The only possible annoyance is that if you arrive for lunch at 2:30 P.M. they change the oil in the fryers so there is a ten minute additional wait- bust honestly have been coming here since my parents brought me as a youngster and have never tasted the equal of their expertly prepared food. Reasonably priced, delicious- what else could you ask for!
(5)
Michele B.
We waited outside for an hour with a bunch of overweight tourists and the clams were just ehh. You can get good fried clams lots of other places without the hassle.
(2)
Minda H.
Yum yum yum yum yum! Prepare to wait in line (consider it part of the experience). Bring cash. Bring a big appetite. Enjoy and work off the calories tomorrow. Best fried clams ever.
(5)
Mystic S.
It's a double Edge sword my friends...... After waiting 35 minutes in line.... Almost got to order.... And they changed the oil.... That took another 20 minutes before our order could be placed.... So our order took at over an hour, which is a bit crazy. I certainly would not do this on a regular basis! The clams WERE really good. You get your choice of regular or big bellies. I live locally and had never heard of that before. Good idea, some people appreciate the big bellies and others don't. Oddly the combo plates don't have haddock! Its clams & scallops or clams, scallops & shrimp - sorry, that's odd. :-\ All the fish is either fried or has mayo. I prefer my seafood broiled with lemon; as it is much less fattening. There are a few non-fish selections for the landlubbers as well. I like the picnic benches out in back and the fact that you can bring your own beverages (non-alcoholic people!) Bonus: Whoopie Pies!!!!!!!! Like I said I would never put up with the lines here on a regular basis but a once in awhile novelty is good. * NOTE Hours vary and are subject to change, I think it depends on weather and how busy they are
(3)
Sean C.
Can't really think of any praise to give this place that hasn't already been said but I will say that it lived up to all of the expectations and then some. Spent a beautiful day at Crane beach with the wife and daughter and topped it off with some takeout from The Clam Box. Due to other reviews we we're mentally and physically ready for an hour and a half wait so my mind was blown when I called, placed my order and they said "Thank you very much, that will be 10 minutes", yes you heard that right, only ten minutes. It took us 15 to get their from the beach, I walked past an out-the-door line of hungry, sweaty families patiently waiting for their lunch and conveniently picked up my meal at the take-out counter. I got the Fishermans Platter, my wife got the Scallop & Clam Combo, and we got a Lobster Roll to split, our little girl picked at both of ours. Everything was phenomenal, Huge portions, perfectly fried, delicious tartar sauce (although they are very skimpy with the tartar sauce), the best onion rings I've ever had and to top it all off, the woman that checked me out counted my money wrong and gave me back $25 too much. It was a completely positive experience in every way and next time we are in town we will definately be back. I highly recommend The Clam Box to any fan of seafood, or even to someone who is considering seafood for the first time, you will leave a fan. The biggest piece of advice that I can give you is.....CALL YOUR ORDER IN, even if you want to eat there, by calling my order in I bypassed what would have been an over an hour wait. (the faces of the people waiting in line drooling as they looked at me walking back to the truck was priceless.) Hopefully you have a great experience at The Clam Box as well. Enjoy.
(5)
Lyndsay B.
Hands down, no question, absolutely the best clams around. They win. The clams are so fresh and juicy that they melt in your mouth. The breading could probably be a little better, but then it might compete with the glory that is the fresh ipswich clam. They are mud flat clams, which are supposedly less gritty. I didn't notice any grit, so it might be true. I haven't tried anything else. The atmosphere is as described by others. One word of advice - call ahead. The line gets painfully (up to an hour) long on the weekends at peak times. They do accept call ahead orders.
(5)
Tom D.
Went on Friday at 4:30. Line out door, of course. It took about a half hour to get to order window, then another 40mins to get order. We got two clam plates and one small clam chowdah. The clams were once again, best anywhere. Very fresh and tender. The amount of food was silly there was so much! We brought our own beer in a cooler and sat outside. very pleasant diner. The only reason for 4 and not 5 stars was the time waiting. I know the clam Box is known for this but, last night it was very mismanaged. The girls working behind window were more interested in goofing with each other than working. The girl taking orders would walk away after each order and talk with her friends. This was way longer than we ever waited before with the same amount of people waiting. Oh well, what ya gonna do ? We will go back but maybe at a more "off" time and not so close to diner on a Friday. In conclusion, still the best clams anywhere.( Woodmans not even close.)
(4)
P S.
Visited again a few days ago - this time the wait was much shorter. Had fried clams & onion rings - very tasty. Will return in the future during less busy periods.
(4)
Steven R.
Best sea food around. Clams of course are best option--delicious.
(5)
George B.
This place is the best! It offers a variety of fried seafood but their whole clams are bar none the best! I travel often and have resided in California for quite some time, everywhere you go if you order clams they turn out to be dried out strips, but not here, it is the whole clam cooked to perfection. This is one of the places I truly miss being on the West Coast. It would be nice if they accepted credit cards though.
(5)
c b.
This place has a HUGE following....as everyone says, the lines can be very long. Summer....forget 'bout it... But....here's the thing...the prices are reasonable but the food is not stellar....there are better fried clams to be found (best on the North Shore is actually Land & Sea in Peabody of all places)....the staff do work hard to get things moving and you get a full view of the cooking area to see just hard of a job that can be. But food taste and quality get low marks. Attitude....they have a "screw you" attitude about their customers when it comes to closing.....people have waited for an hour in line only to have the door closed and locked when they were just about "in". I know it's supposed to be cool to have a "whatever" attitude but when your only raison d'etre is serving customers it may not be the best approach. A little communicaiton from management to the people in line near closing time would be helpful. Sadly this is place is an example of the "masses" going for the wrong reasons.
(2)
Mark M.
These are by far, the best fried clams anywhere. You may have to wait in line, but it is always worth it. The fries and onion rings are really good, but the fried whole clams are what brings me back time after time.
(5)
Lisa S.
I love love love fried clams. Ever since I was a kid. I have to try them all over the country. The Clam Box is fried clam utopia. Period. This is da bomb. It's not cheap, but the food is fresh and the portions are large. My husband and I shared the "platter."
(5)
Andy H.
Everything is fried. At least they don't give you some stupid garnish of kale with your FRIED claims, french fries that are FRIED, and FRIED onion rings. They keeps it real. I know this doesn't pertain to food but I have to say that the majority of people that work at these places (Woodmans and Clam Box) are not fat and ugly. You would expect to see people that are overweight, with oily faces, and bad skin. On the contrary, it's the complete opposite! Therefore I have come to this conclusion: 1. They do not eat there, or 2. They have the secret to the fountain of youth (ie hotness). So next time you go, slip them a twenty and tell them to HOOK YOU UP (wink wink).
(2)
Josh C.
This is the best fried Clam EVERRR!!!.. They actually are the one who first invented Fried Clam, not Woodman. Their jumbo size Fried Scallops are ridiculously good as well. You can sit inside or outdoor but go there early or later hours. Lunch time after 12, line can be really really long. I love big belly fried clam there as well as Ipswich clam. What is Ipswich clam? Let just say, tinier and sweeter than big belly. It worths money you pay for. They give you huge portion. It is a self-service. You walk in ordering food, get pick up ticket but food cook fast. Fried Clam is litely battered with corn meal, not thick like frozen fish and chip you get from most seafood shack... Just perfect, not greasy....and super flesh. Worth a trip driving to Northshore....and easy to find. If you make a trip to Newbury Port, Crane Island, Rockport, Essex, Glousceter or even any where up North. PLZ, drag your hungry stomach there. I will bend down and let you kick my butt if you hate this place... Let just say "Japanese Tempura is the king of fried food". Fried Clam at Clambox is the queen of Fried seafood.
(5)
Katherine I.
I'm standing in their 45 min line now. From the looks of the cankles, vericose veins, fat asses, and triple elbows, they're here to testify to the Box's greasy goodness. Shit, I think I'll have a salad.
(4)
Larry B.
Yum. Stopped here over Memorial Day weekend, so the line was ridiculous - over an hour, but well worth the wait. I had the $12.25 clam mini-meal with onion rings, which was still a pretty big portion considering its "mini" size. Cole slaw was okay, O-Rings were delicious and light, but the clams were amazing - breading was nice and light, not very greasy. The outdoor seating/picnic area was nice and clean (glad to see it wasn't ignored), and the inside was air-conditioned. Be aware they do not take credit cards, but they will gladly accept cash and will also take checks (!?!). There's an ATM on the premises in case you forget.
(5)
Katie M.
I waited in line for an hour and then an additional half hour for the food to arrive.....it would have been okay, but they only had 1 Cashier! One cashier for all those people!!! The system is ridiculous! With all the hype, I was expecting phenomenal food and unfortunately I was disappointed. None of the meal stood out so I would have to say no to this restaurant. :(
(2)
Colin W.
For fried seafood, this is as good as it gets. My party had the haddock, scallops, and native clams, along with fries and onion rings and plenty of tartar sauce and ketchup. The portions were huge, so we unfortunately had to trash some of the left-overs. However, it was all excellent, and the wait (starting at 2:00 PM on a Saturday) was only about 20-25 minutes.
(5)
Ryan B.
Epic food. I would brave many battalions and face down dozens of Balrogs to eat in this joint again.
(5)
Yumiko F.
This is the fresh fried seafood place! They change oil frequently so you do not get that old oil taste at all. Dinner plate is big so maybe 2 people can share it.
(5)
Ace C.
Consistently amazing. It's a shack with some space to eat inside, and picnic tables outside. The fried clams are the best, and the wait is always worth it!
(5)
Che R.
My fiance and I went to the Clam Box around 4:00 on a Sunday in the summer. The line was already forming! It's amazing. This place continues to offer great food. We split a small clam box and a small box of onion rings. The clams were great! The small was plenty for two of us. The only issue I had with the meal was that the rings were warm to cool by the time they called our number. It was strange too because we went right up when they called us, so I'm wondering if they had been sitting somewhere for a while. They were good, but the fact that they were almost already cool by the time we got them was unfortunate. I'll go back though! This place is great! A definite summer staple! :)
(4)
Serena L.
i came out here with the hubby over the summer and this was recommended to us by two friends. i tried to place a phone order but couldn't. we waited in line for a little over an hour but it was worth it! we ordered the fisherman's platter to be split between the two of us. there was SOOO much food! at the end, only a few pieces were left untouched. i suggest bringing a book or activity to keep you busy while waiting. otherwise, you'll get annoyed and left, like the man standing in line ahead of us.
(5)
C B.
i recently went to the clam box and i will never go there again. the food was terrible. i ordered a 2 way combo, claims and shrimp. i got a load of onion rings, 6 shrimp and 7 clams. the clams had no breading on them and they were disgusting to say the least. i could not bring anything back as this was a to go order and i live a half hour away. to the tune of $27.00 for the plate and a drink it was the biggest rip off. there are too many other places in the area that are great. ie: woodmans, jt farnhams and the ipswich clam bake are a few. dont waste your time and especially dont waste your money!
(1)
Tim H.
Ipswhich is the home of the fried clam not Howard Johnson's like some would belevie. Clam Box is a roadside dinner that specializes in fried clams. You can not go wrong going to the clam box. Thre may be a fewe better the locals can tell you about but there is nothing wrong with the fresh fried clams at Clam Box. A definite for the food travelers list.
(4)
Heather R.
I come here every summer when I visit Boston. My best friend and I always get the fried clam plate and lobter roll and split. I am wearing the long sleeved navy blue Clam Box tee shirt as we speak. Clam Box, I am your biggest fan.
(5)
Grandpa B.
What else can I say, year after year, Clam Box is consistently the best fried food on the North Shore. Incredibly fresh and delicious. Prices are up again this year, but you get what you pay for.
(5)
Meg D.
Clams and scallops were amazing as was the coleslaw. However, I chose to come here over Woodmans (haven't been there yet either) because they have fried oysters. I have to say, kind of bland in comparison to everything else. Also, we had to wait about 40 min. while they changed the oil! Um, who changes their oil in the middle of the day? That was definitely an annoyance but the wait was definitely worth it.
(4)
Cliff F.
classic new england eatery. grew up eating at the clam box and still have dreams decades later about my experiences there. if you have any inclination toward fried/battered seafood, this would probably be your sort of place. if you go and don't enjoy it, may I suggest reevaluating what you consider to be enjoyable? the problem may lie within you. do yourself a favor and make the pilgrimage.
(5)
David S.
I came here on a pilgrimage of sorts, to make an offering to the Jerusalem of deep-fried foods, the Mecca of arterial plaque, the Canterbury of cholesterol. Indeed I felt much like Chaucer must have as I waited in a line of epic proportions, surrounded by fellow travelers on a journey to the depths of the gastric tract. With a close friend I waited in the line that stretched across the parking lot, and much like Chaucer's compatriots we passed the time by telling tales. After about an hour we entered the antechamber, which was incredibly exciting since we weren't even sure if the line was moving. I gave my $30 into the offertory in exchange for an indulgence: the large box of native clams, and a large root beer. This is not something that I intend to do more that once, but I must know... what does the perfect fried clam taste like? My colleague got the clam strips, and we argued for a while whether or not they would be shark meat like they served in my high school (it's not... perish the thought!) We then sat outside to wait for our number to be called... and to give blood to the hungry mosquitoes that had showed up with the dusk. In due time we got our order and opted to sit inside, and it was indeed delicious. Piles of intestinal mollusk bits, covered with a fried coating that was both light and crisp, and only slightly oily. They gave us some thimble-sized cups of tartar sauce which could barely accept some of the larger clam bits, but was tasty nonetheless. After getting halfway through the box, I realized that discretion was the better part of valor and wrapped it to go. If you are looking to make a pilgrimage here as well, make sure you are prepared to wait in line, to expect mosquitoes, and fully embrace the experience. Now that I have tasted the gold standard, I can honestly say that I don't like fried clams enough to drop $30 on a box of them, but if I did, the Clam Box is a fine place to do it.
(3)
Edgar T.
Tied First Place choice for good seafood and has stayed second to others in the local area for me consistantly. Prices are high but you get a belly full of food
(5)
reese w.
The seafood is fresh, the service friendly, and the food tasty. These are really the best fried clams ever. They're lightly battered and juicy and hot inside. What more could you want? You get a LOT of food when you order so make sure you come hungry or bring someone to share with. Like any good clam place, there are lines and don't expect to use your credit card. It's a cash-only establishment.
(5)
Crystal K.
The Clam Box, IMHO, beats out both Farnhams and Woodman's for fried clams every single time. Crispy, golden clams, fries and onion rings without any of the greasy feel or taste. It's a perfect place to go after a day at the beach but definitely be prepared to stand in line for awhile. There are picnic tables outside or you can choose to sit in the air conditioning. Simple, cheesy summery feel with anchors, fishing nets, buoys and life preservers donning the walls. Of course. Plates are pretty huge, even the smaller plates, so keep that in mind when you go. It's so disconcerting to see these people with heaping platters...easily over a pound of fried food. The Fisherman's plates are even bigger and scarier. We were definitely among the skinniest people in the restaurant when we we had our annual fried clam outing this year.
(5)
Michelle K.
Mmmmm, I'm salivating just thinking about those buttery, crispy, delicious fried clams. If I'm ever in Ipswich again, you can bet I'm coming back. I split an order of fried clams and onion rings with a friend, and still left feeling full! You'll probably have to kill someone in order to get a booth, but I assure you - it's worth it.
(4)
Tu-van L.
THE PLACE to go for fried Ipswich clams, scallops, and ginormous lobster rolls (my personal favorites). The highlight of my dining experience here are those lobster rolls - mountains of fresh lobster meat (I get mine lightly-mayoed) encased in buttery toasted hot dog buns (not sure what they're called 'cause they're sliced on the top and not on the sides per norm). Beats Woodmans' hands down for lobster rolls and fried clams no doubt!
(5)
Heather H.
A true player in the trifecta of Essex of clam shacks. Be sure to check the board or ask for big bellies. The clams and scallops were excellent. I think the scallops were the best I've had, though the pool of liquid at the bottom makes me think they werent dired thoroughly before frying. The coleslaw, sadly, was bad- some off taste I couldnt get past. Overall, I'd put Farnham's ahead with a slight lead over Clam Box, but it was still great.
(4)
Maria D.
Consistently great fried food. Calamari is out of this world! Thanks Clam Box!
(5)
Larry C.
I've been going to the Clam Box since the 50's. I have since left the North Shore area now live an hour north but I still travel here regularly to get my fill of clams. I have eaten clams at many other North Shore, MA, NH and ME seafood restaurants but there is no finer fried clam, shrimp, or clam chowder in the WORLD. There are many places that may serve good fried clams but the Clam Box serves FANTASTIC fried clams. I read one review that stated the food was greasy. In the 60+ years I have eaten at the Clam Box there has NEVER been any grease at the bottom of a plate or boat (or bag when I had "take out"). The Clam Box is amazingly and always consistent. Staff is always friendly and courteous and make you feel like a local. Chickie, the owner, has worked hard at earning numerous (and I mean numerous) national reviews that have been bestowed upon the Clam Box and I congratulated her for operating only one location that serves the finest fried seafood rather than jeopardizing the quality you sometimes see when restaurants expand and lose quality control in their product. Lines can be long but you will NOT be disappointed and will return.
(5)
Melmoth K.
We went on a Monday night right before close and there was no line. The fried clams were really good--sweet and soft and surrounded by crunchy, non-greasy coating. The lobster roll was pretty impressive (but you paid for it): huge chunks of meat with a light mayo coating piled onto a toasted white bread bun. But I find a boiled lobster much tastier than cold meat in mayo on a roll, so I'd never pay for a lobster roll again anywhere, and unless you know you like chilled lobster, save your money and get something fried. French fries were good. Cole slaw was tasty and not too sweet. Service was nice. Cost was large ($35 for a small order of clams, a lobster roll, and a small slaw), but so were the portions.
(3)
MA R.
Ok, I will never go back to this place and don't recommend anyone ever go here. For $20 I got a clam strip mini-meal and a chicken strip mini-meal and 2 drinks. Now ranch is not something unusual to ask for with chicken strips, but at this place I was given attitude and told "they don't give out ranch". Some chunky monkey, snotty girl was rude and basically a flat out b*tch for a simple request for condiments. Upon asking, she turned around and started complaining to another employee about the request and then asked for it from someone else who made the request into such a big deal. First off, if you work in a restaurant, if a customer asks for something you get it if you have it. Also, why do you carry sauces if you aren't going to give them out? On top of all this rude service, the food wasn't even that good. The clam strips were mediocre and chicken strips were blah. Yankee Lobster in Southie had way better clam strips. Save your money and time and go somewhere else. They are just rude there and their food isn't worth the money. Plus, if you want anything to use with your food like ranch perhaps, you are just going to be told how it's going to be so hard for them to shut up and get it for you. Never again!
(2)
A. T.
The clam 'plate' is not worth the extra $6 or so, because all you get is an extra side and a few extra clams. The 'mini' meal is plenty for one person. Not a fan of the onion rings -- too onion-y, too greasy, and too light on the batter.
(4)
Zero W.
By far the best clam shack in the area. There is a reason people will wait in a long line on a brutally hot summer day.
(5)
amy t.
The food was good but priced very high! We waited in line forever and once we arrived at the order counter found there was a $4 up charge due to clam demand. No one else around had this up charge, so it was surprising. The week previous we went to the Ipswich clambake co. down the street. The prices were much better as were the side selection. Between the long wait and the high prices I would drive down the street to the Ipswich clambake co. anytime!
(3)
Dan Y.
It's unusual for an old established restaurant such as this to actually live up to the hype. I had been looking forward to eating here for a long time, yet based on past experiences with other such establishments I was expecting to be disappointed. On the contrary, the fried clams were top notch, better than any I'd ever eaten, and the whole experience, the classic nautical-theme dining room, the architecture of the building, it was all memorable and well worth the drive from Boston. An easy five stars.
(5)
David T.
Last time I was here the clams were awesome about 5 years ago. This time they were OK but not as great as before. I'd have to give the MA title to Cooke's
(3)
Paul M.
there simply is no better place for fried clams in massachusetts. no frills here -- you order from a shack and slug your clams down with beer picnic style on benches. take a walk to the downtown area to burn off the cals.
(5)
matt o.
The clambox puts woodmans to shame, well actually I shouldnt say that. I was never allowed to eat at woodmans as a young lad, my grandmother who summered up in cape ann would never allow us to eat there cause she said it was dirtier then the subway's back in the city. So maybe its burnt into the back of my head not to eat there but I'm glad cause goddamn do I love the delicious Clam box.
(5)
Steve B.
Upgrading my review. We have been back a few times now. I also have brought my in-laws there and I must say w/out the frustration of the hour wait, we enjoyed it a LOT more. The food was incredible and I will be taking them back again this week.
(4)
Ashley J.
So gotta send out love to my hometown. I don't eat here. The prices are inflated and all fried. Heartattack? No thanks. I used to eat here as a kid and stopped as a teenager and have never been since. It is great for tourists because it is better than Woodman's and you can take pics and say you have been here. Summer is clam season FYI. Check it out but bring a suitcase of money.
(3)
Norman D.
Yes, definitely better than Woodman's! The clams here really schmeck, crisp but not too crisp, a slight hint of buttermilk that combines well with the sea flavor of the clams. Nope, no beer -- there are lots of taverns and pubs for that but iof you're really after great diner-style seafood, this is IT!
(5)
Steve N.
when talking fried seafood north of Boston this is the best of breed. fresh sweet clams (big bellies, when available) perfect frying and really good onion rings. this place rocks it old school and i love it. minus half a star for no booze and another half star for no credit.
(4)
Billy v.
great place good fried clams
(4)
Jay and Jenn O.
If you are ever in the north shore, stop by here for nice big fat fried clams and great fried fries. I think they change the oil in their deep fryer a lot making for tasty clams, scallops, haddock and fries. Jenn's dad loves the chowder here as well.
(4)
Alyssa N.
Fantastic lobster roll and yummy fried clams that were light enough for a snack. Owners were very sweet.
(4)
Russ S.
One of the worst clam plates ever. Lots of teeny teeny clams with no taste. I suppose the fried fish is good, but don't know. After all, this is the CLAM BOX". For about $18.00, a rip off.
(1)
paul w.
Had the fried native clam and clam chowder. Both are deliciouis. The only deduction is it is cash only business. How annoying.
(4)
C R.
Excellent clams!!! Long wait, but worth it!
(5)
Katie W.
I went here with some friends this past weekend after some blueberry picking at Russel Orchard. We were guided here by the phantom gourmet as we were unfamiliar with the area and were not disappointed. It's everything you would expect from a seafood place that is shaped like a giant to go box of clams. There was a line out the door, though it moved quickly. The wait time once we put our order in was pretty short so that was nice, and the dining area was suitable for a place that is super casual and doesn't have table service. I was really happy with everything considering we knew nothing of the area, though I don't understand the huge draw. It was just any place that serves good fried food, they don't over cook and they clearly change the oil regularly. Basically, I know why I waited in the line, I was unaware of other places in the area, but I don't know why a local would, unless every other seafood place in the area sucks. I live near Plymouth, and if one place has a line like that, I just move on down the road. Some other reviewers called it pricey, I found it to be on point, especially given the size of the portions. I would definitely go here again if in the area, though I wouldn't make a special trip as I can get equally good seafood 15 minutes from my house.
(3)
d b.
a cool building( a clam box!)....great clams...fried to perfection and very flavorful,also the chowder was very good....be prepared to wait if you're coming during tourist season.
(4)
Al Q.
Best fried clams around, hands down. Not greasy (unlike the overrated Woodman's). On busy summer days, you'll have to wait in line for awhile--30 to 45 minutes but, trust me, it's worth it, if you like fried seafood. One of a kind.
(5)
Angie B.
I have always been a Woodman's fan, but heard from a friend that the Clam Box was better. The wait was about 30-40 minutes on a Saturday at around 5 PM, which I thought actually wasn't too bad considering that it was at dinner time. This place is cash only, but has an on-site ATM. My husband and I are huge fried clam fans (huge clams and huge fans) and we were pretty happy with the clams here. While they were out of the big bellied clams by the time we ordered (which was disappointing), the regular "native clams" were fine; some of them had smaller bellies, but overall the flavor was good, nice and sweet. I know that a lot of this depends on time of year, so I'll judge more on preparation. The coating was good, not too greasy... the cornmeal in it reminded me of the texture of fried chicken (apparently they even use buttermilk to dip while coating the clams!) Remember to grab a few salt packets and salt these yourself, they are a little underseasoned. I would definitely go back, although I am curious to try some of the other clam places around.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : No Caters : No
Rich J.
I heard that these were the best clams in New England..and while they were great and blow most other fried clams away, I thought that the Sea View in Mystic and the Lobster Shack at 2 Lights were better. Still, worth the detour for us and there was suprisingly no line. Like at any other New England clam shack...you go for the whole belly clams...it is night and day compared to the inferior clam strips. Those bad boys explode in your mouth with flavors of the sea and that touch of sweetness that adds depth to the flavor.
(4)Cath S.
Adequate parking was available. Line in front of building wasn't too long, maybe 20 people in front, but moved very slowly = 1 hour wait, before ordering. Quality, and taste of fried clams was outstanding. The best. Rating is actually 4.5 (restaurant interior could be cleaner), but rounded up. Driving from Boston, along Route 1A, north of 128, is pleasant, during the summer/fall .
(5)Scratchie S.
Best fried clams anywhere, simple as that. The lines are long in the summer, so we're more likely to go in the fall or early spring. They've expanded their season within the last few years so you can go in October or November or March (or February?) and get your order with a relatively short wait. I've also gone on a weekday in the summer (during the day) and not had to wait too long. I've been going here since the 70s (when it looked exactly the same, inside and out) and I've never found any other place that compares. Woodman's comes the closest, but the Clam Box takes the gold. The clams are fresh, tasty, and well-cooked. You can order "large bellied" clams if that's your thing, otherwise, you will get more moderately sized clams. The coating is not too thick or heavy like you get at some places. If you don't like cole slaw, you can get both french fries and onion rings with any platter. Part of their secret is that they change their cooking oil twice a day. If you're in line around 2pm, you'll have to wait an extra 15 minutes while they change the oil, but it's worth the wait since the fresh oil ensures that the afternoon's meals will still taste fresh. A real North Shore treasure.
(5)Christopher P.
#1. If you like fried clams, this is THE place. Having grown up in New England, I've had my share of whole belly clams. The biggest complaint about them is the grit. Blah! I don't know what these guys do to the clams, but they are CLEAN. I mean nothing, nadda, zilch. And talk about fresh. Not only are the clams great, but the chowder is amazing. Just thick enough, hot (how many restaurants get this wrong), and with chunks of clams. #2. The building is shaped like a giant clam box. You know you want to stop here. #3. The wait. If you get there and there's a line (typical in the summer)...deal with it. I've had day's when I've waited an hour just to get in, but so totally worth it. The bad...The decor isn't top notch, but who cares. It's a seat to stuff fried clams into your face. The french fries and onion rings could be better, but once again, I'm here for the clams. And if you're not into clams, all the seafood here is fresh, fresh fresh. Save a cow. Eat at The Clam Box.
(5)George L.
The end all and be all of clam shacks. Yes, the wait is long. Yes, they don't take credit cards. Yes, they sell no alcohol. And Yes, the building is shaped all dumb. THE BEST FRIED SEAFOOD YOU WILL EVER HAVE. PASS
(5)Juliet A.
If you're on the North Shore, you need to eat seafood. If you're in Ipswich, you need to eat Ipswich clams (famous!). If you need to eat Ipswich clams, you need to go to the clam box. Their fried clams are divine. Not overly batter-y, for my taste, which is often hard to find in fried foods of the sea. A local favorite for good reason. Pricey, yes, but you get your money's worth. The line can be atrocious, fyi, so order ahead of time if possible.
(4)Roger B.
Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!
(5)Anthony B.
The Clam Box Is The Type Of place That Ruins Other Seafood Joints Because This Place Is Awesome. I live 2500 Miles away and still miss it every week Please Enjoy the clam strips for me !!!!!!!! I'll Be Back Soon !!!!
(4)Mark S.
Not as good as others ,But worth the trip if you havent been, just be prepaired for the long lines.but not the best around.
(3)Thomas V.
I'm always looking for the best whole fried clams, I was passing through Ipswich and tried The Clam Box. I ordered the lg box. The Clams were good though overpriced as they included a surcharge. They change the oil daily which makes for better fried food. The place is like a walk up to the counter to order and wait for your number to be called. Long line moved quickly and seating was plentiful. I would recommend for a lunch stop.
(4)Caitlin W.
I don't think I'm going to write anything that others haven't already said or you don't already know. Be prepared to wait. We got there at 10:50 on a Sunday morning (they open at 11), and did not end up eating until 12:15. It was just me and my fiance, I got the native clams mini-meal with onion rings. My fiance got the lobster roll with a side of onion rings. The onion rings were very good, but we definitely could've split the onion rings that came with my mini-meal, the portions were pretty big. Same goes with the native clams. Now I'm not sure exactly the difference between the native clams and just the clams (is it that the native includes the belly and the clams are just the strips? or their just fresher & local? not sure), but the clams were SO good. The better was perfect, light and delicious. The mini meal was the perfect portion, getting anything larger for 1 person would've been WAY too much. Unless you are splitting it with others. The lobster roll on the other hand was just OK. I didn't like the bun it was on, I usually like the bun to be toasted & buttered, and this wasn't. There was a lot of meat, but it just wasn't anything special. I guess the lesson learned is to come here for clams, not the lobster roll. This all was pretty pricy, $42 for 2 with no drinks. I won't go out of my way again to go here, but I'm glad I tried it.
(4)Cherie D.
Be prepared to wait in line outside the door during a busy summer evening! It is well worth it though. The clam strip plate, which includes 2 sides (fries, onion rings or coleslaw), is reasonably priced and is fried to perfection. I'm picky with any type of mollusc, but there wasn't any sand in this dish for which I was very thankful for. Adequate amount of seating inside and benches outside. The usual decor - lobster pots, plastic crabs, etc. hanging from the walls. A selection of items for kids such as chicken finger mini-meals (fries included), cheeseburgers, hot dogs. So there is something for every member of the family. I would definitely visit again!!!!
(5)Mustachechuck S.
Love this place so much we never mind waiting in line Best clams and Scallops around Always look for varieties of clams there native or others The line is always there that tells you a lot about this place. Great food nice people in line Great service
(5)Leslie L.
Wicked awesome! You MUST arrive early and be prepared to stand in line for something special let me tell you! Be sure to arrive as soon as it opens and don't go around 2:30ish that's when they change the oil and its a little bit of a wait! Lobster roll is the bomb! Clams scallops and shrimp plate is great esp with the slaw. You got to experience at least once in your days...
(5)Mike S.
After years of being a Woodmans fan without ever trying the Clam Box I felt I had to give it a fair shake - and I'm glad I did. First the good / great: Had the native clam mini meal which comes with rings or fries (I went with rings). These are HANDS DOWN the BEST whole belly fried clams I have ever had. Sweet beyond belief and fried just right - not too greasy, really perfection! And so, I am giving the Clam Box my award for best fried clams anywhere - they really win w/out any question. The onion rings were good, but I'm giving the award here to Woodmans where the rings nearly steal the show. So now for the not so good / bad: The wait. Yes, I expected to wait in a line, but this was silly. 1PM on a Thursday and you have a line out the door - 45 minutes later I'm at the window (yes, they have one window taking orders). So add that to the ride up there and my lunch hour is already well over with! Woodmans beats them here - they're more equipped to handle the volume. To be fair, once I ordered it wasn't too bad - maybe 15 minutes for the food to come out. Woodmans wins in the ambiance department too. There are picinic tables outside, but your looking at the road and the parking lot (while dreaming of the ocean). My final WTF thing is regarding the price. My meal on their website lists for $15.25 which is a lot, but pretty much market price. They've added a surcharge because clams are apparently costing them more this year? And so, with a medium iced tea my meal was just under $24......FOR LUNCH!!?!?! Ugh, so I've lost 2 hours of my life, and spend about $25......but I've got to say, it was still worth it. Those clams are some serious shiznit.......wish I could combine these clams with Woodmans onion rings!!!
(4)Tricia H.
The long lines are ridiculous..but definately worth it! Wicked expensive..but worth it! Definately wouldn't recommend sitting down to eat. Not really a big enough place and it is unbelievably loud! When my family and I eat here we always pick up our order, haven't been here in a couple years. Wish it wasn't so expensive..
(3)D W.
I love fried clams- this is the fare you get through out new england. There was a large surcharge for clams and a platter with tax was $33- pretty steep but fed two perfectly. I have had better but I can say I ate here...
(3)C M.
Overrated and certainly not worth standing in line for. If you want good fried clams go downtown to the pub.
(2)David V.
Sure, it's a little pricey and eating here requires a bit of effort (a line that can get rather long), but it's not unreasonable to pay a little extra to get the very best. And the Ipswich Clam Box is the very best. A small box of their big-bellied local clams will set you back $20, but they're so filling that a small box plus an appetizer or cup of chowder will make a satisfying meal for two. And though it's not offered every day, the fried lobster plate is worth the splurge of $25. Because hey, how many times do you get to dip something that's already deep fried in butter? Out at the picnic tables there's a sign telling folks to enjoy the al fresco option at their own risk. Not exactly sure what they mean, but I have encountered at least two hazards - yellowjackets attracted by the trash cans and the picnic tables themselves - they're rather lightweight and putting too much weight at one end can yield disastrous results. Update - they DO accept Mastercard and Visa for purchases over $25. For those Diner's Club stalwarts and light eaters, the ATM machine in the corner is still there.
(5)No T.
Of all the great fried seafood restaurants on Cape Ann, this is my favorite. They perpetually have a line when the weather is good and it is worth the wait. I love their fried scallop plate. The fried food is always served hot and right out of the fryer. Dining room is nothing to write home about, but you're not here for the decor.
(5)Butcher B.
Awesome! So we tried the Fishermans Platter, it contained scallops, clam strips, whole belly clams, haddock, and shrimp. I'm from the West Coast and have never experienced such freshness from a restaurant. The shrimp was cleaned and de-viened and had a fresh, clean, crisp taste. Never tasted scallops as good as these, perfectly cooked and breaded. None of the items had a "fishy" smell to them. The whole belly clams were a first for me, not bad, I liked them better than the strips. We don't have haddock back home. It tasted really good, comparable to sand bass or rock fish in our So. Cal waters. The platter was huge! I'm over 250lbs and hardly put a dent in my plate. Didn't waste space on fries, tried the onion rings, those were good too.
(5)David P.
Our only disappointment is that all waste - food waste, used utensils, the foam coleslaw containers, plastic straws and waxed paper cups (etc.) - is combined when it's bussed into one waste bin. Otherwise: Service: Cordial and fast. (Wait was minimal, maybe due to the late Fall season.) Food: Plentiful and tasty. (Our group of three ordered local clams, scallops and lobster rolls. Sides were coleslaw, french fries and onion rings.) (Slaw might be updated for the times - crisper, fresher, maybe less sweet.) Overall: Food gave us a nostalgia boost. Eating local clams felt great, also delicious. During this upcoming winter off-season, we'd LOVE, love, love to see them put in place a system to minimize their use of non-compostable plastic and foam packaging, and to start composting as much of their food waste - ideally WITH compostable utensils, and used paper plates and napkins - as possible.
(4)DEBBIE A.
Years ago, maybe 25 years or so a friend and myself went to the Clam Box. We just thought it was so-so. Now that I am back in this area, we decided to try The Clam Box again. A person should give a place a second shot. We all have bad days. Yes, I did wait in line but it wasn't more than 15 minutes. It was okay with me as I was having some pleasant conversation with the folks in front of me who were on vacation. If you don't feel like talking, there is plenty on the walls to read behind glass. There are many write-ups from all over and yes, magazine covers too. It was a very hot and humid day. There were two fans in the section where you order the food, but that did not help whatsoever. However, there were long benches along the entire wall to sit down and relax while the food is being cooked. No air conditioning and I thought I was going to have an asthma attack. I was told that the small dining room had AC.There were no tables available, but that was fine with us. My turn. I finally get to the window and ordered two 3-way combination plates. They both had the nice sweet and small native clams, delicious scallops, and I chose the large shrimp instead of the small ones from Maine. Each came with a side of cole slaw and on one dinner I got the french fries and the other one I ordered the onion rings. A couple of nice ice cold soda's were added on my tab too. Holy moly, when the plates came out they were sky high. Wow! The clams were not gritty nor were they chewy with those big bellies. They were delicious and on the sweet and smaller size. Perfect! The scallops were so fresh, they just melted in my mouth when I was eating them. My friend agreed wholeheartedly. The shrimp were cooked perfect and not overdone. The onion rings were dry and not that greasy kind that so many places serve you. The fries were light and crispy and actually pretty darn good. We both loved their cole slaw. Thank goodness it was not drenched in mayonnaise. These plates were monstrous in size and the quality of fish was perfect. Neither of us could finish our dinners so we brought the remainder of the food to our homes. The rest of our families had a field day with that. It was gone within minutes. LOL The only thing I can think of that was not so good was the fact that the mayo from the cole slaw was running off the side of the plates and as I have already mentioned, it was not the gooey kind. It is not a big deal, just open the bags away from yourself so it does not run down your legs or onto your clothing. Perhaps if it were in it's own container, this would alleviate the problem. The only thing I was not satisfied with were the plates that these humongous dinners came on. Because of the heat and the weight of them, the Styrofoam cracked on both dinners and thank God we had paper plates to place under them. Styrofoam is a no-no. Heck I would not even use them at my family bar-b-ques. Too many times those things have let go. Would I recommend this place. You better believe it. The food was over-the-moon delectable, the place was clean, and the best part is that all the help were friendly and helpful and very kind to everyone. One last thing, they do accept credit cards.
(4)Kathie B.
Never again!!! Have been thinking about going to the Clam Box for quite and while and was always concerned about the long lines you always hear about. Decided to face it this past Sunday, how bad could it be. Arrived at 2:45 and there was a line, but didn't think it was that long so decided to wait. Two hours later, I was in my car with my food. Outrageous!!! It is not the amount of people but the pace of the staff that contributes to the wait. They are so understaffed it isn't even funny and the staff that was there seemed to care less that their customers were waiting in the hot sun. One elderly woman was in a wheel chair and her family finally had to get an umbrella to try to shield her from the sun. You go to a packed Kelley's on Revere Beach on a hot summer day and your waited on and have your food in less than 10 minutes. Clam Box needs to hire more people, expand their cooking area. Oh, but that would cut into their profits. They don't have to do that because they get the people to come regardless of the wait. Shame on them!!!! Oh and by the way, some of the clams were sandy and rubbery and the fried shrimp had this peculiar flavor I have yet to figure out. Most of my $40.00 went in the trash bucket. Never Again!!!!
(1)Sarah D.
The most beautiful and delicious mountain of fried seafood I have ever seen! If you find yourself on the north shore you must stop here. It's most certainly one of those restaurants to check off your life list. Expect a long line, even in the middle of the afternoon on a Saturday. We had one of everything. The clams are excellent, but I was even more impressed with the lobster roll. It was lightly tossed in the mayo and nothing else. I can't wait for my next visit to Ipswich. If you have any room for dessert there's a creamey right down the road!
(4)Michael W.
This place is a local legend, and I can understand why. Sort of. If you come here, make sure you expect (very) long lines and typical New England clam shack fair. Assume everything is fried and battered, unless otherwise specified. The fried clams are very good, but not the best I've ever had. My wife had the lobster roll, and it was quite good. Everything was fresh and the portions are absolutely massive, if that's your thing. There is plenty of seating inside and outside as well as clean restrooms. I will say, this place is expensive compared to other options in the region. Given the price:enjoyment ratio, I'm not sure we'd return, but if you're looking for a quintessential New England Summer experience, look no further. If you have higher standards or are concerned about value, check out some other options.
(3)Linda H.
I came during a day trip. Based on all of the good reviews, we chose to stop here for lunch. After standing in the long line for about half an hour, we were starving and ended up over ordering. Out of everything we orderd, the fisherman's platter was the most memorable. First, the thing could feed two people....afterall, how much fried food can you really eat? I admit, I was a bit sick, so maybe I wasn't eating my fair share. Second, I like variety and this offered it in spades. The only thing I think it didn't have was fried oysters, but you can order a plate of that if you really want. We did, and we couldn't finish it all. The seafood tasted fresh and it hit the spot, but I sort of wish we had gotten something (other than coleslaw) that wasn't fried that day to mix it up. Tip: Credit now accepted. $25 minimum if you want to use your Visa or MasterCard here. Otherwise, bring cash :).
(3)Jay D.
Soooo good. Bring along your patience because there is always a long wait - over an hour for us today. But if you can stick it out you get rewarded with the best fried clams on the planet.
(5)Traci K.
How many calories did I burn standing in that hour-long line? Not enough to justify that huge fried seafood plate I wolfed. The Real Question: Was it worth it? Answer: Duh. My companion and I shared the Fisherman's Platter (I love having a little of everything) and by the end of it, we knew we should have gone with straight clams. Fighting over fried clams is not dignified. Though when you're elbow-deep in greasy fried goodness - dignity has flown the coop long ago. The platter also came with fried haddock (tasty, but needed a little salt), shrimp and scallops (yum!). All piled high atop a mountain of fries and onion rings, I'm gonna need to clock in a few more hours on the treadmill this week...
(4)Anne R.
Charmed by it's iconic exterior on my way out to explore historic Ipswich, I had to give it a try. I believe it was Sunday evening, around 8 pm, and we were able to order within 5 minutes, but waited another 10-15 for our food to be ready. I grabbed the only table left in the dining room while my husband waited at the counter for our order. This seems like it would be a great place to get take-out for a bunch of people, but I wouldn't suggest taking a large group to sit in the dining room. After seeing the portions that were being dished out, we decided to order one meal, and share it. We had the clam, scallops, and shrimp plate (all fried), which ended up being too much for the two of us. I have to say that I was disappointed by the batter that's used on all of the seafood. I was hoping for something more.... flavorful. Instead it just tasted like crunchy over-cooked sea bits. Perhaps this is enough for other people, but I crave a little seasoning to make it memorable, even the cole slaw was blah. We had lots of leftovers, but neither of us had a desire to take them home. Would I go back? Ehh... maybe just to see if the first time was a fluke. The overall value isn't bad... I just need more flavor. I also wished the took credit cards since they're in the middle of no-where. If it weren't for the tasty clam chowder, I may have left feeling really disappointed.
(3)ME G.
As clams go, the breading helped take away the clam flavor. +1 star. The patrons were clearly people who enjoyed the large portions. The clam chowder was really quite good, it was not legal seafood good, but it was the best dish we had +1 star. overall, a bit, meh, why did we bother? It's famous, but it was by far not the best seafood, Dubbe's, for example, close to home is tastier.
(2)Vito P.
most expensive place to buy fried clams but well worth the price
(4)Steven H.
I got fried scallops with onion rings. Absolutely delicious. I didn't even bother waiting to go back home. I just ate it in my parked car across the street like a weirdo. The lines are long, but the food and prices are good. I'm glad I tried this place while I could, because I don't live in MA anymore!
(5)Samantha H.
2 stars is only for the food, which was decent. Huge tourist trap! Long lines, over expensive. My dad owns a seafood restaurant and his prices are cheaper than this place. You get a lot more for your buck! Don't waste your time with this place if you are in a rush or are broke.
(2)Tom B.
Well when I went to Clam Box, it wasn't the ordering system that was a problem. It was slow because they were changing the oil. And really, that's a good thing. You want that because it makes the food fresh. But I still think it's overatted and the food isn't the best.
(3)Gregory C.
There was one recurring theme when we visited the eating places in Ipswich: The portions are HUGE. Perhaps it's just the ones that we visited, but you can certainly get your grub-on at the Clam Box. I ordered the three-way combo platter (yes, we did eventually make some dirty jokes about the name of the plate), which includes Fried clams with bellies, Fried scallops, and locally caught Fried shrimp. In addition to a healthy side of fries and cole slaw, you can't go wrong. A funny thing about the outdoor seating.. You have to be careful sitting at the tables.. Make sure that you have another person sitting opposite from you, otherwise the table will topple over! There is even a sign that warns the customers about this...
(4)Lesley P.
They change the oil every day. Maybe more than once? Anyway, this can make for a long wait in line between changes but it also means that the food tastes very fresh, though it is fried. We has clam strips, fries, onion rings, coleslaw and a lobster roll. It ain't cheap and the wait is looong (at least at 1:30 pm on a Sunday). We sat at picnic tables outside. They also have seating inside. You can bring your own beer, etc. if you choose to do so. The lovely Harley riders at the next table had a bottle opener, god bless em.
(4)Kate N.
We drove an hour to visit the Clam Box today, and honestly, we did so because we saw it featured on WCVB's Chronicle. We arrived around 4pm, 90 degrees outside, line out the door and almost into the road. My 5 year old was occupied with Angry Birds on the iPhone, so the wait wasn't an issue at all. Friendly chatter with the folks around us was fun, too. We ordered a fried native clam platter - onion rings, fries, and a side of cole slaw. Top notch. Worth the drive up! The fried clams were not sandy. Perfect amount of batter. HUGE portion, enough for 2 to split. We were lucky enough to grab a table in the Air Conditioning. Clean restrooms, friendly staff. Cash only, so make sure you are prepared... otherwise there is an ATM there, but you'll get dinged $2.50.
(5)Sheri Q.
The clams and batter are first rate! This is a great place to get your clam fix. It would be better if there were a way to order half of the small native clam box without ordering fries. It's so much food! Not everyone can eat that many clams. Also, the clams are much better than the fries because they're large and cooked so they're soft. I tend to prefer firmer fries, but that's a preference. The tartar sauce could be tangier. I was there recently with a group. Two of the adults got the haddock sandwiches. They were flaky and fresh but perhaps a little pricey at $9+ sans fries.
(4)Mortiche W.
Thank goodness I don't live on that side of the US. After seeing it on a PBS show on unique shaped buildings a few years back and finding out it was only a few hour's drive to Ipswich from where we were staying, I made it a priority in JR's schedule for us to come here. Even if I had the flu. and could barely breathe out of my nose, let alone taste anything. But come here we did, and the eating of fried clams commenced! Oh boy, just thinking about these fried clams is making my mouth water right now- how sad is that? We ordered the strip clam box and a lobster roll, just to get a little variety and contrast of taste and texture. Now for a quick disclosure- I've never been a lobster fan. Crab? All the way. Lobster just didn't taste or feel right to me. Fast forward to eating. Despite being sick, I was able to taste everything I ate. I think the clouds parted for the half hour that we were there. The clams were fresh fried, piled high, sweet and tender but with just the right amount of crunch. Some folks said that we should have gotten the littleneck clams, so I guess we'll just have to come back to try those next time! Oh darn! The lobster roll was buttery, mayo-y, sweet, oceany, no nonsense. SO FREAKIN' GOOD. I wanted to fight Roger for it but I in my weakened state I could only squeak out, "help me lift it to my mouth for another bite, please?" The lobster roll was worth ever cent of that $15. It was piled so high and deep with sweet, succulent lobster (gosh, I sound like a commercial!) it was ridiculous. Definitely the next time we're back East, we are coming here.
(4)Dirgni S.
You can read all the other rave reviews for what's good. I'm offering up some advice in my review: Go "off hour/off season." We went yesterday, around 11:30 am. No wait to order. By the time we left there was a line of about 20 people. The "mini meal" is plenty for the average person. Or, share a full plate with someone. The full plates are enormous and, well, almost gross in how much food is there. If you usually get clam strips, try the "native clams". The bellies are small and add nice flavor. They aren't gushy like the big bellies. If you usually get clams with bellies, ask for the large bellies. Otherwise, you'll probably be disappointed. Ignore the counter lady when you ask for tap water and she gives you a condescending look. Bottled water is for suckers.
(5)Helen N.
On a road trip from NJ to Maine, I was determined to dedicate as many meals as possible to the fried whole-belly clams about which I'd heard so much. We ended up trying ~6 places, including Essex Seafood and several places in Maine. Clam Box was our last stop and was easily head and shoulders above the rest (and had the coolest looking building too.) The reason? Two words - Big. Bellies. We ordered a large box and they blew my mind. Light crunchy batter on tender, flavorful clam with juicy, briny bellies... these were the clams of my dreams. We ate outside at the picnic tables and washed down these dreamy clams with blueberry beer we bought in Maine. It was perfect. No, they don't take credit cards, and yes, the lines can be daunting. But so, so very worth it in the end.
(5)Kitty C.
Definitely take the time to read through some of the reviews here, they were very helpful. There is indeed a long line and they posted the time that they would be changing the oil. There is an ATM inside the door, but a friend called ahead and was told that it doesn't always work, so bring cash! They had temporarily raised prices on whole bellies, but I got the clam strips. It was definitely a lot of food, and the same batter used on the clams is the same as or similar to the onion ring batter. Next time, I think I'd rather split one of the big platters with someone to get some variety. The outdoor seating with picnic tables is the way to go on a nice day. Minus one star, because I wish they had hush puppies!!!
(4)Susan R.
COME HUNGRY! Best fried seafood I've ever had. Light, crunchy, FRESH batter. Sweet, fresh seafood. HUGE portions. Got the fried clam, scallop and shrimp plate. It also includes fries and onion rings. Easily enough for 2 people to share and feel satisfied. Lines are long, move quickly. Small dining room encourages interaction with your neighbors. People are nice and happy.... they're eating terrific food. CASH ONLY. Some will find expensive, but worth it ( remember, you can share ). Closes around mid- December. Reopens mid-February.
(5)Cha Cha W.
OMFG! If there was a God of 'Fried Seafood', he certainly have bestowed his favors on the Clam Box. Let's be frank here, if it were just well fried it'd be 3 stars, but it's also fresh and juicy, and as anyone knows, when it comes to gifts from the ocean, fresh and juicy are key. Have I mentioned abundance? My Fisherman's Platter for $23.95 included succulent scallops, clams, clam strips, calamari, jumbo shrimp and large chunks of haddock, a choice of 2 sides (great onion rings and cole slaw) and a roll. While I am often credited with having a hollow leg, my starving friend and I couldn't even polish off the whole thing! Amazing. Service was as prompt as a place with a continual self replenishing line and staff of 5 in the kitchen can be so if you can, avoid the hours of 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. There's a row of picnic tables under shady trees adjacent to the parking lot for outdoor seating or if like me, you enjoy a little AC on a humid hot day and proximity to the restroom, indoor seating is also available. Bring cash though, they don't accept credit cards but there is an ATM on premises for $2.50 withdraw fee.
(5)Mark O.
After travelling back east last month for my grandfather's funeral, I was compelled to hit the place that I frequented quite often while living in the great town of Ipswich, The Clam Box. If you're looking for the best in fried seafood, this is the place to visit when on the north shore. When trying to decide between mollusks or crustaceans in their fried form, I recommend the king of the mollusks, the clam. The prices are reasonable for the portion size and the clams always fresh. If you are looking to steer clear of the fried stuff, I would highly recommend the Lobster Roll. You will not regret it.
(5)Ro P.
Always a huge line. Very good food. It's a little expensive but you're paying for the reputation. Stood in line 1 hour, food took 20mins to prepare. Was the experience worth it- certainly worth one visit. Will I be back- nope. It's not the best lobster roll I've had...Neptune's still wins that comfortably. And it took me 55mins to drive out to Ipswich from my Boston home. For city dwellers.....this isnt worth any more than the one visit. I do recommend trying it atleast once!
(3)Annie I.
the food here is great--the only things to watch out for: 1) it is so crowded 2) it is pretty expensive, considering you are basically eating out of a carton 3) the lines! are crazy! but i think that's because the food is really great. don't come here looking for oysters on the half or steamers, this is FRIED seafood. the lobster roll is good, the fried clams are great. nice summer meal.
(4)Robert C.
We were on our way to our first great beach day of the year and figured that lobster rolls and fried clams would digest well sitting under the sun...and we were not disappointed with the Clam Box. The place is nondescript with limited indoor (A/C) seating and outdoor tables under the shade that overlook the parking lot and ugly little building. The line was famously out the door, so we knew the food had to be pretty good. The clams and onion rings (I could only eat the "mini meal" portion) really were cooked to perfection. I would have enjoyed a better quality tarter sauce, though, and would even consider bringing my own next time to make it a heavenly experience. The lobster roll, made exactly how we ordered (tiny bit of mayo, otherwise all fresh meat) was not cheap, but was packed and had no filler. The clam chowder (yes, have to try that too) was well balanced between potato and clam pieces, and had just the right consistency. The iced tea came unsweetened, which is our preference, and was also brewed with enough bite to rinse away the oils from the clams. This would be my "go to" place for this kind of food anytime I pass through Ipswich.
(5)Heather H.
Um, if you come here and order something that isn't fried clams... Also, I mock your clam strips.
(4)Courtney N.
For years, I would drive by on a nice day and even on a not so nice day and wonder why on earth so many people were lined up to get into a fried clam place. I mean, this is Cape Ann, the North Shore and there are seafood places galore. I could never understand why so many people would patiently wait in a line that went out to the street with the hot sun beating down on them or even with rain pouring down. Then, one day, I gave the place a try. And now I know why, and I will never be the same. In fact, you just may see me in that line one of these days! The fried clams are the best that I have ever tasted, and I've lived here my whole life and had more than my share of fried clams. I actually don't even eat fried clams (trying to be more health-conscious) but I will always make the exception for Clam Box fried clams. So light and delicious. Not like heavy battered fried clams at all. The clam chowder is also the best I've ever had (narrowly beating out Amelia's clam chowder). The taste is absolutely addictive. So, give the place a chance! It is cash only, but there's an ATM right inside by the register. I guarantee you will understand why all of those people are waiting to get in and order fried clams!
(4)Christopher I.
The Clam Box, a cartoonish roadside shack resembling, well, a clam box, could only be improved by replacing the booths with giant clam shells. Inside the Disney-like box there's a simple counter and a maritime-themed dining room, no more no less. But you'll probably spend your first ten or fifteen minutes at The Clam Box waiting outside in the line that snakes out the door at mealtime. Don't worry, it moves fast. Inside, you'll have a few minutes to ponder the complicated menu. Do you want a Mini-meal or a plate? Or maybe a box? Large or small? I'll break it down from a tidbit I overheard the cashier say -- a small box has the same amount of seafood as a plate, only the plate comes with two sides. Be warned -- if you order a plate, make sure you're really ready for stormy seas...cause the outlook is cloudy with 100% chance of oil. Beautiful, delicious oil. And fat, juicy clams of course. The clams are delicious. Pop the first one in your mouth and you'll taste perfectly golden cornmeal breading, hot but just delicately crispy, an almost powdery fried fluff. Bite in, and the thick briny belly of the clam oozes out, infusing your mouth with the taste of the sea. And then, as quickly and effortlessly as the clam wave came...it's gone. And back...and gone...and back again, one after another. The onion rings also benefit from delicate breading, and the cole slaw is just right -- fresh and crispy with just enough mayo to make it go down smoothly. And best of all, the star of the show, is owner Marina Aggelakis, or Chickie -- larger than life, flitting through the dining room, wiping down tables with her tight-lipped smile, inspecting new arrivals with a wary eye, rearranging diners to seat new parties, slamming the door as she returns to the kitchen, barking in a friendly way at the cooks. From Chickie to every last fried clam, The Clam Box is an institution, one not worth missing.
(4)M C.
This is the good stuff right here! I could so go for some fried clams right now! It's a good thing the Clam Box is a decent drive away from me or i'd be in trouble. It's a bit pricey, as all seafood is, but you get an awesome amount of food for your dollar. Always fresh and delicious, a must try!
(4)Mary G.
I will never wait an hour in line at a place like this while being bullied by other customers who don't care for dogs. Went to woodmans had a great meal
(1)Chris B.
Oh goodness, this place is making America fat. Honestly, a plate of the fried clams here was my Everest -- but I failed to scale the mountain, as the two of us simply couldn't steel our stomachs to finish the last clams... While I love the idea of a great local clam shack, I'm afraid that as a Californian, I don't really understand what's going on here. It's just too much fried food.
(3)Yoonie C.
I may have been too full from a bbq beforehand to give this place a proper evaluation, but the fried native clams were sweet, tender, and lightly battered and fried. I still liked them. Only 1 in the entire small box seemed to be a "pooper" (as I call them) - with a full dirty belly, so that one clam was gross - but the others were clean. I appreciate their notice about when they change their oil each day, and loved that they had diet sprite. No one else carries that anymore! It was fun trip out to Ipswich - guess I'll try the other clam shacks around and then update accordingly, after seeing how they compare.
(3)Kenneth O.
FOOD: There are times when a craving for a tasty greasy fried clam must be satisfied. The Clam Box offers the ultimate succulent fried clams-with-belly, tasty onion rings, superb strip clam and calamari, and great lobster rolls. These are simple dishes that are nonetheless badly prepared in many restaurants. Clam box does it right. These folks offer exceptionally fresh quality ingredients and they change or filter their frying oil frequently. Their breading is light, their two hit frying technique creates a crispy unburned coating. And their local Ipswich clams are in my view the sweetest around. SITE AND AMBIANCE: Head up route 1A just north of Ipswich center, look for the gigantic red striped Clam Box . . .with a huge line of locals and out-of-towners standing waiting to order, then waiting for the order to be filled, then waiting for a table in the dining room to open up. On summer weekends that line can be well over an hour long in the 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM closing evening rush. Of course, people wait in line and leave with a smile because the food is good. HINT: Try coming in the middle of the afternoon. Or go for a weekday night. Or try calling to order takeout in advance. We have not done so, but have heard that it works. Or go in the winter -- there is no line then. Unfortunately, the restaurant is also closed in the winter. BOTTOM LINES: First, for clam shack food, I highly recommend the Clam Box. Jake's (Nantasket), Captain Marden's (Wellesley), and the ubiquitous Legal Seafoods also offer good fresh fried food along with many other seafood items at slightly different price points. Second, I much prefer the food these places to the overpriced and noisy Summer Shack in Cambridge, the scenic but greasy Browns up at the NH border, the scenic but even more greasy Farnums down in Essex, the stunningly mediocre No-name in Boston, or the many seafood tourist traps in Plymouth.
(4)Mike G.
short drive from foote bros canoe rental. thank god. who knew a greasy plate of fried seafood, frites, cole slaw and salad could be sooooo good.
(4)Changun S.
clams are fried to perfection and lobster roll is abundant with large chunks of lobster! fries are crispy on outside and soft on inside... BUT..... is it me, or was everything UNDER SEASONED???!!!!!! we had to add packets of salt to everything we ate!!!! totally agree with another reviewer who said food was BLAND!!!!!
(4)Christiaan H.
The chowder was rather bland, although it did have excellent big chunks of clams. I couldn't really appreciate the fried clams with are supposed to be famous, but I am not the biggest fan of them to begin with. Visited 6/08
(3)Lyndsay B.
Hands down, no question, absolutely the best clams around. They win. The clams are so fresh and juicy that they melt in your mouth. The breading could probably be a little better, but then it might compete with the glory that is the fresh ipswich clam. They are mud flat clams, which are supposedly less gritty. I didn't notice any grit, so it might be true. I haven't tried anything else. The atmosphere is as described by others. One word of advice - call ahead. The line gets painfully (up to an hour) long on the weekends at peak times. They do accept call ahead orders.
(5)Fat G.
So we came to the Clam Box for dinner last Saturday after going through the Marini Corn Maze/Farmstand which is about a mile away (You can also find a review for the Corn Maze by me too). There's a lot to say about this place so I'll start from the outside and work our way in for this review. Located in Ipswich, MA, the Clam Box looks like an old-fashioned restaurant. The outside has a sizable lot for parking, and there are some picnic tables as well as a bench for outside seating. There is a sign near the picnic area though which says "Use at your own risk"; I wasn't sure if that was an actual warning or a novelty sign. The surrounding area is trees and a road which is fairly accessible from the highway. You can also smell the fried seafood outside right before you enter.As I enter through the side/main entrance, the dominant smell changes from fried food to ketchup, which was a bit odd. Inside, the restaurant is split into two sections. The front is where one places an order or buys souvenirs. The back is the dining/seating area. Along the walls, there are various sea-related decorations. Seating is booths and tables; there was enough space to accommodate our large group, but probably not enough tables to pack together for a second one. Service is also self-service; one orders their food in the front, receives a number, and comes up when his or her number is called. One side note is that they don't take credit cards, and when we were there is that the ATM was busted. Things I notice about the atmosphere are that there are a lot of elderly folks and that the restaurant is not too loud, not too quiet. It's a good place to relax and eat and chill out. Cleanliness was a different matter though, as there were scattered crumbs and napkins along the floor at various spots. The food is the important part though. Prices are decent, ranging from $11-$30 for a combo box and comes with 2 sides. A lot of selection ranging from shrimp, chicken, calamari, clam and other sea food. I ordered a Calamari Mini-Meal that came with French Fries which came to about $9.25. -Serving size was a little smaller than I expected. -Tastewise, the calamari was kind of overpowered by the oil, leaving it kind of bland. The french fries were great though, good texture and a firmness, but soft inside. The tartar sauce and cocktail sauce were flavorful too. Other people in my group ordered the Combo dishes, which were about $14+, and were pretty big. People were consistently splitting them. Overall, it was a so-so experience at the Clam Box. If you're looking for fried seafood and a calming atmosphere, come here. Otherwise, there are probably better options in the area.
(3)Andy H.
Everything is fried. At least they don't give you some stupid garnish of kale with your FRIED claims, french fries that are FRIED, and FRIED onion rings. They keeps it real. I know this doesn't pertain to food but I have to say that the majority of people that work at these places (Woodmans and Clam Box) are not fat and ugly. You would expect to see people that are overweight, with oily faces, and bad skin. On the contrary, it's the complete opposite! Therefore I have come to this conclusion: 1. They do not eat there, or 2. They have the secret to the fountain of youth (ie hotness). So next time you go, slip them a twenty and tell them to HOOK YOU UP (wink wink).
(2)Sean E.
After eating possibly the worst fried clams I've ever had at Sandy's, it caused me to fondly remember the delicious, sweet, buttery big bellies of the Clam Box. Not one dirty, stringy, chewy scrap to be found here. As you can probably deduce, at the Clam Box, it's all about the fried clam. If you're like me your soul may do a little dance when you reach the window to place your order and take notice of the sign that says "Big Bellies Available Upon Request". I'm sure there are other delicious treats to be had here, but I'm unable to convince myself to order anything else. (Also, my advice is to get there early because, during the summer months, the line can get long really quick.) What makes them so good? Their not-so-secret secret has been that they frequently change the oil in their fryers but to me it's the quality of their product. Their clams and scallops are some of the biggest (and tastiest) around. The place needs to be among the best to make up for it's lack of ambiance. The inside seating area is a little bigger than you might imagine when looking at the place from the outside, but the woody interior is kinda dark and less than inviting. The Clam Box's location at a fork in the road doesn't do it any favors. There are a few tables to be had at the back of the parking lot -- and this is an improvement over the inside but again, your looking at a parking lot. Whether or not the clams here are better than Farnham's is a debate for the ages. There's no doubt they're better than Woodman's, but Farnham's also has an amazing view going for it that might cause the clams to taste a little sweeter. I definitely enjoy Farnham's cole slaw more and I think I prefer the batter Farnham's uses as well, but these things can ebb and flow just like the water on shores of beautiful northern Massachusetts.
(5)L D.
My visit to the Clam Box was one of the best days of the year, so far, and I truly can't wait to go back. There's not much to say that the other reviewers haven't already mentioned but I just have to note that there is an appeal to this place that grabs me as a city girl visiting the country. The decor is ridiculous (in a good, beach-style tsotchke kind of way) and the food is ridiculous (in a heart-attack inducing kind of way). For two of us, we ordered the large clam box and small onion rings. When we were finished and beyond stuffed it didn't even look like we had touched a thing. Stick to SMALL order of everything! I highly recommend the onion rings. These may be the best I've ever tasted. As another reviewer said, there's a good chance you'll be the thinnest person in the entire restaurant. Now I completely understand this comment. I was utterly amazed at the amount of fried food people were dumping down their gullets. Also noted but worth repeating, the oil is changed twice per day so you're not tasting burned old fishy grease. Everything tasted so fresh and delicious. CASH ONLY but there's an ATM on site. Dining area is self-seating so have someone stand in line to order while another person scopes out the seating situation.
(5)David H.
Have you ever heard the saying, "you are what you eat."? Well, the next time you're waiting a half an hour (or more) in line at this tourist trap, just look around you and see what I'm talkin' about. Guaranteed, there's not one single person under a deuce. I know I'm being harsh, but c'mon people.. This is gluttony in it's purist form. Simply disgusting. But hey, if it's a huge plate of fried food that you want, you will DIE for this place!
(2)Effie H.
I am soooo happy with the Clam Box.... With all the "old fashion" fried clam joints becoming total sell outs, The Clam Box stands its ground, thank god! There is always a line, no matter what time you go and once you eat the food, you will know why! A plate of heaping fresh clams & scallops is served with fries and onion rings...will run you about $23 bucks, well worth it! Drinks are extra of course and the people that work there are very friendly. Outside there is about 10 benches and it is a dog friendly area- great place to chow down on a beautiful day in Ipswich. There is also indoor seating, however, I don't know if it is handicap accessible which is a bummer (not 100% though). Oh and if you come around 1:30 beware they shut down a bit to switch out the oil from the fryers, but, I don't think it is the same time every day. Enjoy!
(5)Eddie C.
It a tourist spot. There are other places with cheaper prices and the same food in town. No I'm not telling you where or they will be the next tourist spot! All the locals know where they are..
(2)Albie F.
Wow, they don't got fried clams like this anywhere on the West coast and maybe nowhere in the NE coast. I first heard of Clam Box on the PBS documentary entitled "Sandwiches You Will Like." And since I was in the Boston area anyway, I had to hit this place up. Make sure you get there early because lines seem to be a common thing any day of the week, especially during the summer. My family got a couple orders of the fried clams and a lobster roll . The lobster roll isn't very special compared to other places in MA (compared to say Reds Eats in Maine) but the fried clams were off the hook (and I'm not talking bout fishing). The batter wasn't very thick at all and they weren't overfried. The shape of the restaurant is pretty funny looking and it seems like it's in the middle of nowhere but I'm from Cali so that's just how I see it.
(5)Jocelyn G.
Wandering around Ipswich today, I mentioned something about fried food and my boyfriend decided that we needed more of it in our lives. So I somehow remembered how to get here and into the Clam Box we went! First thing we noticed was that they didn't take credit cards, which sucks, but they do have an ATM machine right by the door. So that problem was fixed. We ordered our food and I wandered off to grab a table since its pretty small inside and a lot of people were there. The food took a bit of time, but it came out hot and tasty. I would have liked a little more fish but the price wasn't too bad. About par for the course for fish in November. The bathrooms are tucked away in the corner of the room and the lights turn off it you don't move enough which is a little freaky, but amusing. I also set the hand dryer off with my head. Good for a stop, but I would suggest getting there before dinner time on summer days...when we left at 1:30 the line was out the door. The outdoor seating is nice, as is the loudspeaker system that broadcasts in the parking lot also.
(4)Katherine C.
At the Clam Box you can kill two birds with one stone : 1) visit the world's largest clam box ( en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Li… ), 2) eat the best fried clams EVER After a beautiful day at the beach some fried clams were definitely in order. Kevin L. and I did our research before we came here and word on the street was the Clam Box is THE place to get your fried clams. Neither of us were very hungry however we ended up ordering a mountain of food, and finishing it all. We decided on the Lobster roll, a Small Box of Fried Clams and a side of Onion Rings. Honestly, I wasn't too excited by the Lobster Roll, maybe I just don't like lobster? I really liked the buttery roll and the lobster meat was tasty, but definitely too mayonnaise - y for my taste. Let me tell you though, the Fried Clams = perfection. The clams were large & juicy, and the breading was crisp and complemented the clams very well. A close second to the delicious clams were the onion rings...thin crispy and delicious. Expect a pretty long wait...a wait to order and a wait to pick up your food...it will be worth it though.
(5)Lesley R.
My mouth is watering just thinking about those fresh, plump, golden, tasty clam strips.... The lobstah roll, OMG, make sure you pick up a fork. Huge tender pieces of meat, a hunk of a roll! The onion rings are wicked tasty too! I swear, next time I'm gonna starve for a few days and order up a combo plate of the strips and scallops. The scallops look soooooo HUGE. I always get jealous of my fellow diners and kick myself for not trying it.
(5)Dora H.
Hands down, the best fried clams and shrimp I have ever had. I keep trying other places because as you may know already, the line here is ridiculously long. The only place that comes even remotely close to their clams is (don't scoff) Kelly's Roast Beef. If you've never been to the Clambox, don't turn around when you see the line. It moves and you will not regret it. Oh...and they finally take debit/credit cards!! There is only one reason this place doesn't get five stars (but it's a big one for me): they skimp on the stuff they shouldn't. I'm sorry, when I'm buying $60 worth of fried seafood and the tray comes out with these 2 puny little cough-syrup dose sized cups, that's not gonna fly. So big deal right? You ask for more. And you get 2 more teaspoons full and a dirty look. Then you ask for more and you get the DEATH look and one more cup. Maybe I'm an excessive dipper. It's possible. But then I have to do the walk of shame back up and beg for more lemons. And then there's a sign on the napkins saying to please take only what you need. It's cooked in oil, I'm gonna need a LOT. The good news is, the food there is SOOOOOO good that I can somewhat get past the lack of tartar sauce/lemon/napkin generosity. And on a more positive note, maybe I'm burning off a couple of extra clams going back and forth to the window!!
(4)Jen C.
After frying ourselves at Good Harbor, it just seemed appropriate to go hunting for some more fried goodness. After we made the requisite jokes about visiting her clam box, we set course toward Ipswich for some serious nomming. An hour later, we were feasting on clams (briny!), shrimp (fresh!), scallops (sweet!), fish (flaky!), oysters (earthy!), fries (crispy!), onion rings (crunchy!), and cole slaw (slawy?). Silence all around - we were all too busy shoving our faces with golden crispiness. Perfect ending to a perfect day.
(5)Rob F.
1 PM on a Monday. 20 minute wait to order. 20 minute wait for food. We thought this to be acceptable. Nice outdoor picnic area available. We chose to eat in the spacious, clean, air conditioned, New England sea side tacky decor dining area. Just fine. Best clams (strips) I've had outside of Flo's Clam Shack in RI. Most amazing fried scallops ever. Crispy light breading. Piping hot salty sweet tender scallop within. Needs no salt, tarter, nuthin.' These scallops can not be beaten. The shrimp? Meh. They said "small" on the board and they were right. My mistake I guess. Small fried shrimp don't make it for me at all. More breading than shrimp makes for a greasy item. Not their fault but I won't be having those again. Surprisingly, the onion rings were just awful, so I gotta take off 1 star. Left 'em on the plate. Greasy and limp. Not much flavor. Want better onion rings? Even Burger King is better. But it's not called "The Onion Ring Box," is it?
(4)Liz P.
Yes, it's true! The Clam Box really does have the best fried clams in New England! In fact, everything they fry up is delicious: clams, scallops, shrimp, fries, onion rings, it's all fried heaven. The secret is the oil. They change it very often, ensuring that it is always fresh, which means your fried clam plate at noontime will taste just as awesome as it would at 6PM. Oh, and their clam chowder is great, too! Seating is tight, so if you hit it at peak hours when the line is out the door, finding a table might be difficult. There's several picnic tables outside, and a small, tad cramped dining area inside. But the wait and mad dash for a table is worth it. Or, you could always take it to go! I've been coming here since as long as I can remember with my family, and it still remains a family favorite to visit every summer. Believe the hype. The Clam Box is the real deal.
(5)Chris C.
This place is great for the typical N.E. seafood joint. From Fried Claims, to chicken fingers to french fries, it's all good. 4 out of 5 only because of that horrible wait one must experience before getting to order.
(4)Glen R.
Excellent fried clams and their clam chowder is pretty darn good too. Waits can be really long though and I'm just not sure it's worth the wait because there are so many places that make great fried clams in the area. Portions are very generous as well.
(4)Bruce_ B.
You like clams or want to try clams the traditional New England way? Plus I hear that this is where it all started, the fried clam thing that is, right here in Ipswich. Also I hear this place has their own secret location to get the clams, called a mud flat. So no one but them get the best of the best to serve to you. Place takes a bit to get your order, line out the door, but please wait and savor the moment. Then enjoy your food. Large portions and yummy yummy goodness. A must if you love seafood!
(5)Sandy D.
The Clam Box "hands down" has the best fried clams and fried scallops I have ever had. They change their grease "daily" unlike most others, which makes a huge difference in taste of everything they fry. The plates are huge enough for us to split one. We get a Fried Clam and Scallop combo every time we go. Also, met the owner's mom who cleans up the tables and chats with customers. She has a smile on her face every time we see her! This is the only place we will eat fried scallops and clams. We've tried Woodman's and was not impressed with either their clams or scallops, and thought the grease was wierd tasting. Woodman's may have more reviews, but is definitely a tourist trap as far as we are concerned. And whats up with their grease!!! Nasty tasting. Another place for very good Baked Haddock and Baked Scallops is the Dinnerhorn Restaurant in Portsmouth NH dinnerhorn.com The Clam Box #1
(5)Sarah K.
Delicious clam strips and onion rings. Definitely touristy - looooong line out the door. But it moves pretty fast / they seem to be very efficient in the kitchen. Things I wish I'd known when I went - totally ok to BYOB if you sit in the picnic area outside. My advice - pack a cooler!
(3)Linda L.
This is on the side of the road. Just look for a crowd of people. We waited about an hour to order. We tried the fisherman's platter which basically is a variety of everything including the Clam Strips which were YUM! The clam chowder and lobster roll was OK. After that meal at noon, we didn't eat again until midnight.
(4)Alicia S.
The only problem would be the wait because you stand outside for about 25 minutes if your lucky and there is not enough seating indoors at all. The whole belly clams werent that big but they were crisp and fresh because the oil has been changed. I would recommend it to anyone.
(4)Jim A.
I go decades without eating here and in between my visits I dream of the taste of fried clams. Went yesterday and it was as good as ever. Fried clams fried scallops fried onion rings. Good and good for you. I even drove from my vacation spot on cape cod three hours to eat here. Enough said
(4)Sue C.
This place is great and well worth the wait. Come hungry and order to your heart's content. We had the fisherman's platter (it came with fried fish - i think it was haddock?, fried shrimp, fried scallops, fried clams and clam strips), a mini meal of fried haddock, a lobster roll, clam pie, clam chowder and onion rings, french fries, and cole slaw as sides. The fried seafood was light and crispy and didn't leave you feeling like you just took a bath in oil. The lobster roll was great, not too much mayo and great big chunks of lobster meat. A totally satisfying, gluttonous meal! Now...just need to find an excuse to come back here again...
(5)D A.
When a restaurant is the best at something it is worthy of a 5 star rating. In my opinion this is the place for the best fried clams. Woodman's, Farnham's, and Dube's are all good but this is the best.
(5)jenilee p.
i cannot lie. today i had the perfect day. warm, sunny new england day, three day weekend, and surrounded by people i couldn't be happier to see. new englanders, or outsiders in the know, we stood in line for a worthwhile minute or twenty, eager to taste the sweet burst of an ipswich clam belly. now there are a number of great clam shacks on the north shore. i'd say that essex seafood has the best chowder. woodman's has the best upper deck, where you can get beer and oysters with the usual fare. jt farnhams has terrific outdoor seating out on the marsh with the prettiest view. but the clambox has the nicest scenic drive, the quirkiest building, and by far the best breading, with the added the guarantee that you are receiving ipswich clams, a subtle thin, crunchy coating, and always perfectly cooked seafood. if i'm not being clear, i like them all, they all have their featured item, but clam shack in particular might be the one i bring people to if they can only experience one cape ann culinary treat. so order a box of clams here, and expect lightly coating hot sweet clams. the tartar sauce is made with mayo, as opposed to miracle whip, and therefore one of my favorites. the cole slaw is terrific. french fries and onion rings are what they are, but i would choose onion rings if held at gunpoint. the chowder is just thick enough, but still relatively thin, and better than the buttery stuff at farnhams. i've had good lobster rolls here, but honestly i go for the fried clams. again, if you liked whole bellied fried clams, or have never tried them and want to take the drive, this place is not to be missed. it's a clam shack, so don't expect waiter service, and quality items means that you might find this place a little expensive, but honestly, it's just fantastic. any new england native, displaced years ago, will begin to tear up with memories upon returning to a place like this, and i treasure every summer where i can look forward to going up to ipswich and visiting the clam box. what a terrific place.
(4)David C.
Always make as many trips as we can to The Clam Box. Always a line and always worth the wait. Fried Clams, Onion rings and french fries cooked to perfection. Amazing worth the trip from anywhere and if you are visiting the area this is a must try. The only possible annoyance is that if you arrive for lunch at 2:30 P.M. they change the oil in the fryers so there is a ten minute additional wait- bust honestly have been coming here since my parents brought me as a youngster and have never tasted the equal of their expertly prepared food. Reasonably priced, delicious- what else could you ask for!
(5)Liz P.
Having a restaurant shaped like a Clam Box is advertising genius. The architecture is not the reason for a constant line out the door. They back it up with the great New England tradition of fried clams. Bit fat bellies if you want; strips if you don't. The best fried shrimp and onion rings evah. Wicked frickin' pissa. You're a chowdahead if you don't think so.
(5)Sarah M.
I went to the Clam Box tonight with my family for our once-yearly fried clam dinner. The food was good (we shared the fried clam and scallop platter), but the wait was really long. It took about 1 hour and 15 minutes from when we got on line, until our food was served. I would recommend calling ahead for a pick up order to avoid the line.
(3)Mystic S.
It's a double Edge sword my friends...... After waiting 35 minutes in line.... Almost got to order.... And they changed the oil.... That took another 20 minutes before our order could be placed.... So our order took at over an hour, which is a bit crazy. I certainly would not do this on a regular basis! The clams WERE really good. You get your choice of regular or big bellies. I live locally and had never heard of that before. Good idea, some people appreciate the big bellies and others don't. Oddly the combo plates don't have haddock! Its clams & scallops or clams, scallops & shrimp - sorry, that's odd. :-\ All the fish is either fried or has mayo. I prefer my seafood broiled with lemon; as it is much less fattening. There are a few non-fish selections for the landlubbers as well. I like the picnic benches out in back and the fact that you can bring your own beverages (non-alcoholic people!) Bonus: Whoopie Pies!!!!!!!! Like I said I would never put up with the lines here on a regular basis but a once in awhile novelty is good. * NOTE Hours vary and are subject to change, I think it depends on weather and how busy they are
(3)Sean C.
Can't really think of any praise to give this place that hasn't already been said but I will say that it lived up to all of the expectations and then some. Spent a beautiful day at Crane beach with the wife and daughter and topped it off with some takeout from The Clam Box. Due to other reviews we we're mentally and physically ready for an hour and a half wait so my mind was blown when I called, placed my order and they said "Thank you very much, that will be 10 minutes", yes you heard that right, only ten minutes. It took us 15 to get their from the beach, I walked past an out-the-door line of hungry, sweaty families patiently waiting for their lunch and conveniently picked up my meal at the take-out counter. I got the Fishermans Platter, my wife got the Scallop & Clam Combo, and we got a Lobster Roll to split, our little girl picked at both of ours. Everything was phenomenal, Huge portions, perfectly fried, delicious tartar sauce (although they are very skimpy with the tartar sauce), the best onion rings I've ever had and to top it all off, the woman that checked me out counted my money wrong and gave me back $25 too much. It was a completely positive experience in every way and next time we are in town we will definately be back. I highly recommend The Clam Box to any fan of seafood, or even to someone who is considering seafood for the first time, you will leave a fan. The biggest piece of advice that I can give you is.....CALL YOUR ORDER IN, even if you want to eat there, by calling my order in I bypassed what would have been an over an hour wait. (the faces of the people waiting in line drooling as they looked at me walking back to the truck was priceless.) Hopefully you have a great experience at The Clam Box as well. Enjoy.
(5)Michele B.
We waited outside for an hour with a bunch of overweight tourists and the clams were just ehh. You can get good fried clams lots of other places without the hassle.
(2)Minda H.
Yum yum yum yum yum! Prepare to wait in line (consider it part of the experience). Bring cash. Bring a big appetite. Enjoy and work off the calories tomorrow. Best fried clams ever.
(5)Tom D.
Went on Friday at 4:30. Line out door, of course. It took about a half hour to get to order window, then another 40mins to get order. We got two clam plates and one small clam chowdah. The clams were once again, best anywhere. Very fresh and tender. The amount of food was silly there was so much! We brought our own beer in a cooler and sat outside. very pleasant diner. The only reason for 4 and not 5 stars was the time waiting. I know the clam Box is known for this but, last night it was very mismanaged. The girls working behind window were more interested in goofing with each other than working. The girl taking orders would walk away after each order and talk with her friends. This was way longer than we ever waited before with the same amount of people waiting. Oh well, what ya gonna do ? We will go back but maybe at a more "off" time and not so close to diner on a Friday. In conclusion, still the best clams anywhere.( Woodmans not even close.)
(4)P S.
Visited again a few days ago - this time the wait was much shorter. Had fried clams & onion rings - very tasty. Will return in the future during less busy periods.
(4)Steven R.
Best sea food around. Clams of course are best option--delicious.
(5)George B.
This place is the best! It offers a variety of fried seafood but their whole clams are bar none the best! I travel often and have resided in California for quite some time, everywhere you go if you order clams they turn out to be dried out strips, but not here, it is the whole clam cooked to perfection. This is one of the places I truly miss being on the West Coast. It would be nice if they accepted credit cards though.
(5)c b.
This place has a HUGE following....as everyone says, the lines can be very long. Summer....forget 'bout it... But....here's the thing...the prices are reasonable but the food is not stellar....there are better fried clams to be found (best on the North Shore is actually Land & Sea in Peabody of all places)....the staff do work hard to get things moving and you get a full view of the cooking area to see just hard of a job that can be. But food taste and quality get low marks. Attitude....they have a "screw you" attitude about their customers when it comes to closing.....people have waited for an hour in line only to have the door closed and locked when they were just about "in". I know it's supposed to be cool to have a "whatever" attitude but when your only raison d'etre is serving customers it may not be the best approach. A little communicaiton from management to the people in line near closing time would be helpful. Sadly this is place is an example of the "masses" going for the wrong reasons.
(2)Mark M.
These are by far, the best fried clams anywhere. You may have to wait in line, but it is always worth it. The fries and onion rings are really good, but the fried whole clams are what brings me back time after time.
(5)Lisa S.
I love love love fried clams. Ever since I was a kid. I have to try them all over the country. The Clam Box is fried clam utopia. Period. This is da bomb. It's not cheap, but the food is fresh and the portions are large. My husband and I shared the "platter."
(5)Josh C.
This is the best fried Clam EVERRR!!!.. They actually are the one who first invented Fried Clam, not Woodman. Their jumbo size Fried Scallops are ridiculously good as well. You can sit inside or outdoor but go there early or later hours. Lunch time after 12, line can be really really long. I love big belly fried clam there as well as Ipswich clam. What is Ipswich clam? Let just say, tinier and sweeter than big belly. It worths money you pay for. They give you huge portion. It is a self-service. You walk in ordering food, get pick up ticket but food cook fast. Fried Clam is litely battered with corn meal, not thick like frozen fish and chip you get from most seafood shack... Just perfect, not greasy....and super flesh. Worth a trip driving to Northshore....and easy to find. If you make a trip to Newbury Port, Crane Island, Rockport, Essex, Glousceter or even any where up North. PLZ, drag your hungry stomach there. I will bend down and let you kick my butt if you hate this place... Let just say "Japanese Tempura is the king of fried food". Fried Clam at Clambox is the queen of Fried seafood.
(5)Katherine I.
I'm standing in their 45 min line now. From the looks of the cankles, vericose veins, fat asses, and triple elbows, they're here to testify to the Box's greasy goodness. Shit, I think I'll have a salad.
(4)Larry B.
Yum. Stopped here over Memorial Day weekend, so the line was ridiculous - over an hour, but well worth the wait. I had the $12.25 clam mini-meal with onion rings, which was still a pretty big portion considering its "mini" size. Cole slaw was okay, O-Rings were delicious and light, but the clams were amazing - breading was nice and light, not very greasy. The outdoor seating/picnic area was nice and clean (glad to see it wasn't ignored), and the inside was air-conditioned. Be aware they do not take credit cards, but they will gladly accept cash and will also take checks (!?!). There's an ATM on the premises in case you forget.
(5)Katie M.
I waited in line for an hour and then an additional half hour for the food to arrive.....it would have been okay, but they only had 1 Cashier! One cashier for all those people!!! The system is ridiculous! With all the hype, I was expecting phenomenal food and unfortunately I was disappointed. None of the meal stood out so I would have to say no to this restaurant. :(
(2)Colin W.
For fried seafood, this is as good as it gets. My party had the haddock, scallops, and native clams, along with fries and onion rings and plenty of tartar sauce and ketchup. The portions were huge, so we unfortunately had to trash some of the left-overs. However, it was all excellent, and the wait (starting at 2:00 PM on a Saturday) was only about 20-25 minutes.
(5)Ryan B.
Epic food. I would brave many battalions and face down dozens of Balrogs to eat in this joint again.
(5)Yumiko F.
This is the fresh fried seafood place! They change oil frequently so you do not get that old oil taste at all. Dinner plate is big so maybe 2 people can share it.
(5)Ace C.
Consistently amazing. It's a shack with some space to eat inside, and picnic tables outside. The fried clams are the best, and the wait is always worth it!
(5)Che R.
My fiance and I went to the Clam Box around 4:00 on a Sunday in the summer. The line was already forming! It's amazing. This place continues to offer great food. We split a small clam box and a small box of onion rings. The clams were great! The small was plenty for two of us. The only issue I had with the meal was that the rings were warm to cool by the time they called our number. It was strange too because we went right up when they called us, so I'm wondering if they had been sitting somewhere for a while. They were good, but the fact that they were almost already cool by the time we got them was unfortunate. I'll go back though! This place is great! A definite summer staple! :)
(4)Serena L.
i came out here with the hubby over the summer and this was recommended to us by two friends. i tried to place a phone order but couldn't. we waited in line for a little over an hour but it was worth it! we ordered the fisherman's platter to be split between the two of us. there was SOOO much food! at the end, only a few pieces were left untouched. i suggest bringing a book or activity to keep you busy while waiting. otherwise, you'll get annoyed and left, like the man standing in line ahead of us.
(5)C B.
i recently went to the clam box and i will never go there again. the food was terrible. i ordered a 2 way combo, claims and shrimp. i got a load of onion rings, 6 shrimp and 7 clams. the clams had no breading on them and they were disgusting to say the least. i could not bring anything back as this was a to go order and i live a half hour away. to the tune of $27.00 for the plate and a drink it was the biggest rip off. there are too many other places in the area that are great. ie: woodmans, jt farnhams and the ipswich clam bake are a few. dont waste your time and especially dont waste your money!
(1)Tim H.
Ipswhich is the home of the fried clam not Howard Johnson's like some would belevie. Clam Box is a roadside dinner that specializes in fried clams. You can not go wrong going to the clam box. Thre may be a fewe better the locals can tell you about but there is nothing wrong with the fresh fried clams at Clam Box. A definite for the food travelers list.
(4)Heather R.
I come here every summer when I visit Boston. My best friend and I always get the fried clam plate and lobter roll and split. I am wearing the long sleeved navy blue Clam Box tee shirt as we speak. Clam Box, I am your biggest fan.
(5)Grandpa B.
What else can I say, year after year, Clam Box is consistently the best fried food on the North Shore. Incredibly fresh and delicious. Prices are up again this year, but you get what you pay for.
(5)Meg D.
Clams and scallops were amazing as was the coleslaw. However, I chose to come here over Woodmans (haven't been there yet either) because they have fried oysters. I have to say, kind of bland in comparison to everything else. Also, we had to wait about 40 min. while they changed the oil! Um, who changes their oil in the middle of the day? That was definitely an annoyance but the wait was definitely worth it.
(4)Cliff F.
classic new england eatery. grew up eating at the clam box and still have dreams decades later about my experiences there. if you have any inclination toward fried/battered seafood, this would probably be your sort of place. if you go and don't enjoy it, may I suggest reevaluating what you consider to be enjoyable? the problem may lie within you. do yourself a favor and make the pilgrimage.
(5)David S.
I came here on a pilgrimage of sorts, to make an offering to the Jerusalem of deep-fried foods, the Mecca of arterial plaque, the Canterbury of cholesterol. Indeed I felt much like Chaucer must have as I waited in a line of epic proportions, surrounded by fellow travelers on a journey to the depths of the gastric tract. With a close friend I waited in the line that stretched across the parking lot, and much like Chaucer's compatriots we passed the time by telling tales. After about an hour we entered the antechamber, which was incredibly exciting since we weren't even sure if the line was moving. I gave my $30 into the offertory in exchange for an indulgence: the large box of native clams, and a large root beer. This is not something that I intend to do more that once, but I must know... what does the perfect fried clam taste like? My colleague got the clam strips, and we argued for a while whether or not they would be shark meat like they served in my high school (it's not... perish the thought!) We then sat outside to wait for our number to be called... and to give blood to the hungry mosquitoes that had showed up with the dusk. In due time we got our order and opted to sit inside, and it was indeed delicious. Piles of intestinal mollusk bits, covered with a fried coating that was both light and crisp, and only slightly oily. They gave us some thimble-sized cups of tartar sauce which could barely accept some of the larger clam bits, but was tasty nonetheless. After getting halfway through the box, I realized that discretion was the better part of valor and wrapped it to go. If you are looking to make a pilgrimage here as well, make sure you are prepared to wait in line, to expect mosquitoes, and fully embrace the experience. Now that I have tasted the gold standard, I can honestly say that I don't like fried clams enough to drop $30 on a box of them, but if I did, the Clam Box is a fine place to do it.
(3)Edgar T.
Tied First Place choice for good seafood and has stayed second to others in the local area for me consistantly. Prices are high but you get a belly full of food
(5)reese w.
The seafood is fresh, the service friendly, and the food tasty. These are really the best fried clams ever. They're lightly battered and juicy and hot inside. What more could you want? You get a LOT of food when you order so make sure you come hungry or bring someone to share with. Like any good clam place, there are lines and don't expect to use your credit card. It's a cash-only establishment.
(5)Crystal K.
The Clam Box, IMHO, beats out both Farnhams and Woodman's for fried clams every single time. Crispy, golden clams, fries and onion rings without any of the greasy feel or taste. It's a perfect place to go after a day at the beach but definitely be prepared to stand in line for awhile. There are picnic tables outside or you can choose to sit in the air conditioning. Simple, cheesy summery feel with anchors, fishing nets, buoys and life preservers donning the walls. Of course. Plates are pretty huge, even the smaller plates, so keep that in mind when you go. It's so disconcerting to see these people with heaping platters...easily over a pound of fried food. The Fisherman's plates are even bigger and scarier. We were definitely among the skinniest people in the restaurant when we we had our annual fried clam outing this year.
(5)Michelle K.
Mmmmm, I'm salivating just thinking about those buttery, crispy, delicious fried clams. If I'm ever in Ipswich again, you can bet I'm coming back. I split an order of fried clams and onion rings with a friend, and still left feeling full! You'll probably have to kill someone in order to get a booth, but I assure you - it's worth it.
(4)Tu-van L.
THE PLACE to go for fried Ipswich clams, scallops, and ginormous lobster rolls (my personal favorites). The highlight of my dining experience here are those lobster rolls - mountains of fresh lobster meat (I get mine lightly-mayoed) encased in buttery toasted hot dog buns (not sure what they're called 'cause they're sliced on the top and not on the sides per norm). Beats Woodmans' hands down for lobster rolls and fried clams no doubt!
(5)Heather H.
A true player in the trifecta of Essex of clam shacks. Be sure to check the board or ask for big bellies. The clams and scallops were excellent. I think the scallops were the best I've had, though the pool of liquid at the bottom makes me think they werent dired thoroughly before frying. The coleslaw, sadly, was bad- some off taste I couldnt get past. Overall, I'd put Farnham's ahead with a slight lead over Clam Box, but it was still great.
(4)Maria D.
Consistently great fried food. Calamari is out of this world! Thanks Clam Box!
(5)Zero W.
By far the best clam shack in the area. There is a reason people will wait in a long line on a brutally hot summer day.
(5)amy t.
The food was good but priced very high! We waited in line forever and once we arrived at the order counter found there was a $4 up charge due to clam demand. No one else around had this up charge, so it was surprising. The week previous we went to the Ipswich clambake co. down the street. The prices were much better as were the side selection. Between the long wait and the high prices I would drive down the street to the Ipswich clambake co. anytime!
(3)Larry C.
I've been going to the Clam Box since the 50's. I have since left the North Shore area now live an hour north but I still travel here regularly to get my fill of clams. I have eaten clams at many other North Shore, MA, NH and ME seafood restaurants but there is no finer fried clam, shrimp, or clam chowder in the WORLD. There are many places that may serve good fried clams but the Clam Box serves FANTASTIC fried clams. I read one review that stated the food was greasy. In the 60+ years I have eaten at the Clam Box there has NEVER been any grease at the bottom of a plate or boat (or bag when I had "take out"). The Clam Box is amazingly and always consistent. Staff is always friendly and courteous and make you feel like a local. Chickie, the owner, has worked hard at earning numerous (and I mean numerous) national reviews that have been bestowed upon the Clam Box and I congratulated her for operating only one location that serves the finest fried seafood rather than jeopardizing the quality you sometimes see when restaurants expand and lose quality control in their product. Lines can be long but you will NOT be disappointed and will return.
(5)Melmoth K.
We went on a Monday night right before close and there was no line. The fried clams were really good--sweet and soft and surrounded by crunchy, non-greasy coating. The lobster roll was pretty impressive (but you paid for it): huge chunks of meat with a light mayo coating piled onto a toasted white bread bun. But I find a boiled lobster much tastier than cold meat in mayo on a roll, so I'd never pay for a lobster roll again anywhere, and unless you know you like chilled lobster, save your money and get something fried. French fries were good. Cole slaw was tasty and not too sweet. Service was nice. Cost was large ($35 for a small order of clams, a lobster roll, and a small slaw), but so were the portions.
(3)MA R.
Ok, I will never go back to this place and don't recommend anyone ever go here. For $20 I got a clam strip mini-meal and a chicken strip mini-meal and 2 drinks. Now ranch is not something unusual to ask for with chicken strips, but at this place I was given attitude and told "they don't give out ranch". Some chunky monkey, snotty girl was rude and basically a flat out b*tch for a simple request for condiments. Upon asking, she turned around and started complaining to another employee about the request and then asked for it from someone else who made the request into such a big deal. First off, if you work in a restaurant, if a customer asks for something you get it if you have it. Also, why do you carry sauces if you aren't going to give them out? On top of all this rude service, the food wasn't even that good. The clam strips were mediocre and chicken strips were blah. Yankee Lobster in Southie had way better clam strips. Save your money and time and go somewhere else. They are just rude there and their food isn't worth the money. Plus, if you want anything to use with your food like ranch perhaps, you are just going to be told how it's going to be so hard for them to shut up and get it for you. Never again!
(2)A. T.
The clam 'plate' is not worth the extra $6 or so, because all you get is an extra side and a few extra clams. The 'mini' meal is plenty for one person. Not a fan of the onion rings -- too onion-y, too greasy, and too light on the batter.
(4)Dan Y.
It's unusual for an old established restaurant such as this to actually live up to the hype. I had been looking forward to eating here for a long time, yet based on past experiences with other such establishments I was expecting to be disappointed. On the contrary, the fried clams were top notch, better than any I'd ever eaten, and the whole experience, the classic nautical-theme dining room, the architecture of the building, it was all memorable and well worth the drive from Boston. An easy five stars.
(5)David T.
Last time I was here the clams were awesome about 5 years ago. This time they were OK but not as great as before. I'd have to give the MA title to Cooke's
(3)Paul M.
there simply is no better place for fried clams in massachusetts. no frills here -- you order from a shack and slug your clams down with beer picnic style on benches. take a walk to the downtown area to burn off the cals.
(5)matt o.
The clambox puts woodmans to shame, well actually I shouldnt say that. I was never allowed to eat at woodmans as a young lad, my grandmother who summered up in cape ann would never allow us to eat there cause she said it was dirtier then the subway's back in the city. So maybe its burnt into the back of my head not to eat there but I'm glad cause goddamn do I love the delicious Clam box.
(5)Steve B.
Upgrading my review. We have been back a few times now. I also have brought my in-laws there and I must say w/out the frustration of the hour wait, we enjoyed it a LOT more. The food was incredible and I will be taking them back again this week.
(4)Ashley J.
So gotta send out love to my hometown. I don't eat here. The prices are inflated and all fried. Heartattack? No thanks. I used to eat here as a kid and stopped as a teenager and have never been since. It is great for tourists because it is better than Woodman's and you can take pics and say you have been here. Summer is clam season FYI. Check it out but bring a suitcase of money.
(3)Norman D.
Yes, definitely better than Woodman's! The clams here really schmeck, crisp but not too crisp, a slight hint of buttermilk that combines well with the sea flavor of the clams. Nope, no beer -- there are lots of taverns and pubs for that but iof you're really after great diner-style seafood, this is IT!
(5)Steve N.
when talking fried seafood north of Boston this is the best of breed. fresh sweet clams (big bellies, when available) perfect frying and really good onion rings. this place rocks it old school and i love it. minus half a star for no booze and another half star for no credit.
(4)Billy v.
great place good fried clams
(4)Jay and Jenn O.
If you are ever in the north shore, stop by here for nice big fat fried clams and great fried fries. I think they change the oil in their deep fryer a lot making for tasty clams, scallops, haddock and fries. Jenn's dad loves the chowder here as well.
(4)Alyssa N.
Fantastic lobster roll and yummy fried clams that were light enough for a snack. Owners were very sweet.
(4)Russ S.
One of the worst clam plates ever. Lots of teeny teeny clams with no taste. I suppose the fried fish is good, but don't know. After all, this is the CLAM BOX". For about $18.00, a rip off.
(1)paul w.
Had the fried native clam and clam chowder. Both are deliciouis. The only deduction is it is cash only business. How annoying.
(4)C R.
Excellent clams!!! Long wait, but worth it!
(5)Katie W.
I went here with some friends this past weekend after some blueberry picking at Russel Orchard. We were guided here by the phantom gourmet as we were unfamiliar with the area and were not disappointed. It's everything you would expect from a seafood place that is shaped like a giant to go box of clams. There was a line out the door, though it moved quickly. The wait time once we put our order in was pretty short so that was nice, and the dining area was suitable for a place that is super casual and doesn't have table service. I was really happy with everything considering we knew nothing of the area, though I don't understand the huge draw. It was just any place that serves good fried food, they don't over cook and they clearly change the oil regularly. Basically, I know why I waited in the line, I was unaware of other places in the area, but I don't know why a local would, unless every other seafood place in the area sucks. I live near Plymouth, and if one place has a line like that, I just move on down the road. Some other reviewers called it pricey, I found it to be on point, especially given the size of the portions. I would definitely go here again if in the area, though I wouldn't make a special trip as I can get equally good seafood 15 minutes from my house.
(3)d b.
a cool building( a clam box!)....great clams...fried to perfection and very flavorful,also the chowder was very good....be prepared to wait if you're coming during tourist season.
(4)Al Q.
Best fried clams around, hands down. Not greasy (unlike the overrated Woodman's). On busy summer days, you'll have to wait in line for awhile--30 to 45 minutes but, trust me, it's worth it, if you like fried seafood. One of a kind.
(5)Brandon W.
Having a shellfish allergy in the middle of a seafood adventure means looking at all other menu items. So I found the haddock fish and chips. The white fish was moist and juicy, with a light batter. This made for a light lunch after eating too many cannolis. Paired with lightly cooked French fries and a soda There was many other items to choose from, you can eat inside or outside, a great place to eat! Give this place a try
(4)Allison P.
Been here multiple times and probably tried every single seafood item on the menu. If you're like me and suffer from food FOMO because you're afraid of missing out on something delicious, get the fisherman platter which gives you a smattering of everything. But, now that I'm a Clambox frequent flyer, the usual things I stick to are a BOX OF SCALLOPS AND SHRIMP. By far the 2 best items on the menu. Clam strips are decent, but it's a high batter to meat ratio so not worth it IMO. And, if you're choosing between fries or onion rings, go with the fries. Much crispier than onion rings. Lastly, be prepared to wait in line if you're looking to dine there. BUT, if you want to enjoy your food in 15 mins, call ahead and order it as takeout. Food still tastes amazing to go.
(5)Reid F.
They now accept credit cards (Visa and MasterCard), so if you like fried clams, this is the place to go. A few tips: 1. Don't get there at 2:30...that's when they change the oil for 15-20 minutes. 2. If you get there around 3:15, the lines are shorter and the oil is fresh. 3. When you arrive at the window, whoever works there will say something like, "Please hold on. I'll be right back." Then, he/she will wait about 2 minutes before returning to take your order. They do this on purpose to space out the orders so they can meet the demand. This is one reason the lines are often so long. 4. Don't try to get fancy...there are better places for lobster, chowder, etc., but the fried clams at the Clam Box are the best. Be sure to order them, or go somewhere else to eat.
(5)Joyce Z.
I have filed "try Ipswich clams" in the back of my mind as a bucket list item even before people had bucket lists. So when I found out I was going to be in New England, it was pulled out as one of my "must eat" on this trip. On our way to New Hampshire from Boston, we detoured to the Clam Box in Ipswich so I can finally have my Ipswich clams. I heard about the long lines so I wanted to arrive when it opened. Just like Mike's, the time management God was on my side again as there were only 2 people in front of us but after we ordered and turned around, there was that line. For the mini meal, you get 1 side, for plate, you get 2. Since we just consumed 3 decadent cannolis less than 2 hrs before, we went for the mini meal. For me, what else but Ipswich Native Clams and poor shellfish intolerant hubby, the fried haddock. Luckily the fried haddock was a delicious alternative to welcome him to NE, as it was moist and perfectly cooked. But we were too full to eat our onion rings and fries sides. Picnic tables outside was perfect for a nice day like we had. Otherwise indoor seating available. Note: Due to increased clam costs, clam plates and boxes has a $5 surcharge on top of regular prices
(5)Jim L.
I've been going to the Clam Box for years. Usually around Labor Day, my friends and I take the 45 minute drive and stuff our faces. The food and line is well worth the wait. This past Labor Day weekend my friends and I made they trek, waited in line, and got our food. The dining area was so infested with flies that it was a distraction. We had to move our seat before we got our food because they were so bad near the window. Also, at our new seats which was near a trash barrel, an employee came by and changed the trash right next to us. All in all, I would definitely rethink making my yearly visit up to the Clam Box because of the unsanitary conditions there.
(2)Melissa B.
Wonderful spot that is full of history and has yummy food. First of all, no matter what time you come here or what day expect a wait... A pretty long one. But, it's worth it!!! They have delicious fried clams and fish sandwiches. For those non-seafood lovers they have pretty good burgers too. The mini meals are just fine for one person - the platters are huge and can feed two or two adults and a child. About 7 tables outside if you want to enjoy the scenery - tables are tight inside and again you will prob have to wait longer if you do that. Here's a game plan you might want to do : have half your party order for everyone and the other half stake out tables.
(5)Tammy L.
I'm hardly in the North Shore area but a friend and I decided to play tourists in Rockport and Gloucester last weekend. We stopped by The Clam Box in Ipswich for our dinner and we were in for a surprise. We saw some dark clouds as we were driving toward TCB but little did we know we were going to be in the middle of a thunderstorm when we got there. We sat in the car inside TCB's parking lot for about 10 minutes before speedwalking to join the line that had already formed. Luckily it was a short line and we waited outside in the cold rain with a small umbrella for about 20 minutes. (20 minutes in the rain is really nothing if you've waited for 2 hours in the dead of winter for ramen.) A young girl was behind the counter taking orders. She was precise and polite albeit slow. They really should have two counters for ordering, to be honest. It would be a lot more efficient. This place has been around for so long that I guess regulars love it enough to put up with waiting for so long. We ordered two lobster rolls, a small native clam box and a small calamari box. The total was around $90. Yes, it's pricey but the lobster roll was worth it. The roll was toasted and the lobster meat was overflowing. Same with the other two. We were already stuffed by the time we finished the rolls and I had to take the clam and calamari boxes home to feed my family. I can't say the fried clams and calamari were the best that I've had, but it was pretty good. I noticed that a lot of people around us ordered the plates and mini meals. Now those are humongous and I would probably have to bring in the whole family to share just one plate. Not sure how people manage to eat one set by themselves but wow. Kudos to them.
(4)Daniel B.
I've been here for both the fried clams and their lobster rolls. Didn't like either. The lobster roll is covered in mayo, and although it has a heaping portion of meat, it's stringy, consisting mostly of knuckle, and didn't taste very fresh. In all, two lobster rolls, a side of fries, and a drink cost almost $50. You can get better rolls and better prices almost anywhere else. Tack on the 1 hour + wait and it's a waste of time. Adding insult to injury, the staff at the front desk don't even offer free refills. They may be good for clams, but steer clear of their lobster rolls.
(2)Derek S.
The food is decent, though my fish did not taste fresh, which is not what you want from a restaurant like this especially given the fact that they charge you "extra" for a large plate that essentially functions like the size of a normal size plate.
(3)Henning M.
I had a Mini Clam Meal. It was ok.
(3)Ventz P.
First you wait for 45-50 minutes just to place your order. Yes, it's almost an hour literally to PLACE the order. Then you realize just HOW expensive the food is -- which would be OK if the food was good. You are looking at $20/mini plate of just about anything with one side (fries, coleslaw, or onion rings). If you get the larger plate, you are looking at ~$30/plate. Right after you place the order, you wait another 15+ minutes to get your food. At this point, you would eat a card board box if it was available -- but instead, you get some crappy overly deep fried food which has no taste what so ever. Ordered: 1.) a Lober Roll 2.) Mini plate of Scallops (w/ fries) 3.) A Box of Shrimp 4.) Two drinks (coke, raspberry iced tea) The lobster roll was good. Very small, but good. It needed to be ~25-30% larger for the price in my opinion, but again, it was good! The scallops were "mediocre to ok". They were overdone. Not the worst we have had, but definitely not even close to good. The shrimp was absolutely disgusting. It had an after taste of a bland "chemical". It was truly the worst fried food we have had. If the line wasn't so large, we would have returned it. The fries had NO taste what so ever. You could have literally deep fried branches and have achieved more of a flavor. Adding salt did not help either. I am not sure how it's possible to deep fry anything and get 0 taste from it. Would never come back to this place. Even if the wait was 5 minutes and the prices were cut in half, it's still not worth the food. Do yourself a favor and go to one of the other 10+ places with great seafood.
(1)Bela S.
I have to be honest, I was ready to irrationally give this place a bad review even before I stepped through the doors. To start, a 19 mile drive took us over an hour due to traffic, then there was a line about thirty people long OUT THE DOOR. I was thinking to myself, "SELF! There is no way this is going to be amazing. Who waits 30+ minutes for a plate of fried things?!" Well, I was happily WRONG! I went with the lobster roll. Now, I am kind of picky with my lobster rolls as I don't really like mayo. Most places scoop from a premixed batch, but I decided to ask. NOPE! They mix it to order! Well alright, SUPER LIGHT on the mayo please! Came out just as a I wanted it. VERY little mayo at all. At first site, the roll seemed kind of small, however once I picked it up, I realized it was mostly lobster meat. This was easily a 1lb+ lobster on this thing. The roll was also lightly toasted and buttered. Also came with a bag of chips. Not bad for $18 (Boston I'd be dropping $25) Wife had the native clams and onions rings. Boy do you get a LOT. Fried to order, and perfectly I might add. It's wonderful that they aren't dripping with grease either, which is an easy miss step for a place that has to get through serving this many people fried food. I especially commend them for hand battering their onion rings too; often times these places go frozen. One thing we weren' too impressed with was the coleslaw. We ordered a small, and it was clearly pre scooped as most of the "sauce" was pooled on the bottom. I have no reason to suspect they didn't make it on site, but I feel it was scooped into cups and stored for faster serving. It also needed some color. All it had was green gabbage with 3-4 slivers of carrot. I would have thrown in some purple cabbage too, at the least, just to make it more visually appealing. The flavor was there, once we mixed it up. Not the worst tasting (but close to worst looking) slaw I have ever had, but I will probably skip this next time. Tip: The place seemed empty when we drove back around 6 (we decided to go to the beach after lunch). Seems like just before closing is the best time to hit clam box up.
(5)Christina H.
People wait in 20+ minute lines for this? Seriously? So disappointing, the food has no seasoning, was bland and the oil tasted old. If you want good seafood, drive the extra time and go to the Beach Plum.
(2)Alison S.
The native clams are good, but the rest is just typical fried seafood platter. The prices are high but the portions are large. We drove from Boston and I don't think it was worth the time. If you are already out that way, then try it once, but don't waste your time if in the city.
(3)Max G.
I have been coming to the clam box for the past three years after hearing that they have the best fried clams in New England. They truly do. Most days in the summer there is a line out the door, but the waits are not too bad unless you come during one of the many times throughout the day that they replace the oil in the fryer. The food is definitely worth the wait, and after you place an order it comes out in a timely manner. There is both indoor and outdoor seating, but it fills up fast.
(5)Caesar R.
A trip to Ipswich is just not complete without these delicious fried clams. The clam box always has a line and it ain't cheap, but you'll be glad you came here. The wife introduced me to this place many a years ago, so it's always a fun time to go here for the both of us. We usually wind up getting scallops and clams combo plate, but we decided to switch it up this time. We got the haddock mini meal and the clam plate. And what showed up was a mountain of food! A veritable plethora of seafood on a tray with fries, rings and slaw, not to mention the roll that pushed the carbo total to a whopping 91% of the plate. (With the plate you get a choice of two: rings, fries, slaw, the mini meal gets your pick of one) The food all comes out hot and fresh and you want to devour it, but don't...savor each and every bite. They have lots of choices for fried seafood options and even chicken fingers and a burger option for those of you who fear anything that swims. Definitely make this part of your journeys in the New England region.
(5)Kate G.
Worth the wait for a lobster roll...but NOT worth the wait for anything fried. The batter has absolutely bland!!
(2)Erik F.
While the fried clams are some if the best I've had along the NE coast, they were not worth the two hour wait!
(2)Gary T.
We like it here. I grew up eat clams on Cape Cod and these are the closest I have found. These are better clams than any place in the area and hands down better than anything I have tried in Maine. The Clam Box can be pricey and there can be a wait but we generally go mid week or other slow times. Clams were good but bellies could have been bigger. We enjoyed our visit and could not finish all the food they gave us. You might pay but you don't leave hungry.
(4)Andrew C.
Very good, I went here w/ my G.F. a week ago and found it to be a top fried sea food place.
(5)Adele M.
Definitely not worth the wait. I waited an hour just to place my order with roughly 20 people in front of me. There's no reason why it should take so long to place an order. It's obvious the business is intentionally creating a line to attract more customers. The food isn't worth it when there are several similar options nearby. I won't be back.
(1)Doug M.
Going with 3 stars, but could easily be 2. Waiting in line for almost 2 hours for only average seafood is disappointing. Almost 2 hours to do 25 orders - that's crazy!!! It's amazing how slow this place is - there has to be some crazy reason for it. Is it because it appears to be run by teenagers who probably don't want to work in a hot kitchen on a 90+ degree 4th of July? Is it due to the kitchen being too small? Is it mismanaged? Do they think people should just wait and wait and wait? At one point, a woman fell on the ground - she got helped up quickly, so I'm not sure if she tripped or collapsed due to the heat. I have to say for a place that is making very good $$$ from it's patrons, they should have someone bring cold water out to the people waiting in their line. That would show respect for your patrons. I don't think they really care about their customers. After ordering, we waited almost 15 minutes for our meals. We had a combo or clams, scallops and (tiny) shrimp plus a box of clams. Overall, it was good just not great as we thought it would be. The onion rings were decent with a nice sweet taste - but that's not why you wait in line for almost 2 hours. If we knew it would take 1 hr, 45 mins to get to the counter to order, we would have left right away and gone to JT Farnhams or Woodmans. Overall - disappointment. After writing this, I felt more and more angry about this crappy experience at the Clam Box. Then my wife tells me that she watched as one of the staff went into the ladies room and gazed in to see if it needed cleaning. At which point, she turned around and never cleaned it. My wife said it was gross and had paper towels all over the floor. Basically, the owners of the Clam Box couldn't care less about their customers or the quality of their food. 2 stars - and I highly doubt that we'll try this place again.
(2)Danielle K.
Waited in line about 15 min, thought it would be a longer wait for our food but it came out much quicker then expected. Split the fisherman's platter with my husband, more then enough for 2 people. Clam strips were my favorite, got clam chowder...also very good!
(4)Vikram A.
Bland food, Overrated and Absolutely Not Worth the Wait Maybe my expectations were too high after reading the glowing reviews on Yelp. After waiting close to 1.5 hours to order and pick up our food on a Saturday evening, I was expecting some really good food. But the food was generally bland and greasy. The fried clams and scallops were run of the mill, fries and onion rings couldn't be more boring. Another thing I didn't like was the "temporary" $5 surcharge for clams dishes (to accommodate their high prices this summer). Following that logic, how about a discount on the Lobster roll? they're selling as low as $3/pound. Looks like the restaurant likes the long lines. Its part of their cachet. They could easily cut the wait times by two-thirds by offering consumers a printed copy of the menu and let them mark their order before getting to the window.
(2)Lois M.
The clams were good but lots of other places also have good clams. I thought it not worth the wait. I would advise going elsewhere especially if the kids have to wait on line.
(3)Pamela S.
One word to describe this place: ripoff! The Clam Box is overpriced--as of this writing, they're charging a $5 surcharge on any clam order for meals that include the clam bellies. I ended up paying $30 for a clam plate and small lemonade, and regretting forking over that much money. As others have noted, the clams weren't anything remarkable, and I waited close to an hour in line to receive them. There was a family of four and a couple ahead of me in line who gave up and left because of the wait--they were the smart ones.
(2)Matt V.
Wasn't worth the wait, not sure why this place is considered so great. The lobster meat in the roll was cooked inconsistently, the clams were a bit rubbery and the service was quite slow - it was hard to believe I was in New England. Never again. Stick with Woodmans if you want top shelf food and fast service.
(3)Alexis A.
Not worth the drive or wait in line. Food was bland and tasteless. Not even with copious amount of tartar sauce we could eat it.
(1)J F.
Iconic. Delicious. And now accepts credit cards! We've been eating here for decades. We left the hospital with our newborn, took her to the beach at Plum Island to put her toes in the sand and then brought her to The Cam Box. It is a Defining New England Experience. Other reviews describe the experience and the menu. This one is here to wax rhapsodic and point you to Ipswich. Try Woodmans, too, but we prefer Clam Box.
(4)Chris C.
Outstanding chowder, good non-greasy clams, but utterly flavorless onion rings. The wait wouldn't be so bad, but they were just understaffed for a summer Saturday night. When there's a line of 50 people snaking out the door and across the parking lot, you really should have more than 1 order taker.
(4)Drew S.
Meh. Yet another fried food fixture (say that five times fast) that does a good job at a price that makes no sense. With such close proximity to their product (sea to table), I'm surprised that the prices are no lower than any of the other 99 fry shacks all over MA. Then again, as P.T. Barnum said "There's a sucker born every minute" and that is probably what can be said for any tourist that walks thru the door and pays as much as they charge for fried clams and fries on a paper plate. I know it's a sin to give a "fair" rating to an icon such as this, but my taste buds cannot lie - except for the perfectly prepared scallops, everything else on my plate (clams, fries, onion rings, and dinner roll) tasted like a wet New England day - bland. If you're in the area and are in the mood for overpriced fried seafood, definitely give it a try. Otherwise, checkout your local fry shack and pray they know how to use a seasoning or two...
(3)K. E.
We New Englanders are a lucky bunch. I've driven by this place on the way home from Crane Beach before with the line wrapped around the lot. Luckily there were only 4 or 5 people ahead of me waiting to get inside about 1 hr before closing time. Excellent fried clams and clam chowder. Actually some of the best chowdah we've had in a long time. The onion rings would have been perfect if they'd been salted out of the frier. They give you these tiny cups of tartar sauce that are very difficult to use for dipping. Suggestion, instead of giving 2 tiny cups, how about one bigger one? We'll be back again if the line isn't too long.
(4)John S.
Consistently very good. Portions are large and enough food for us to split a fisherman's platter and we still can't finish it. Would like more clams and less scallops. The clam chowder is very good. Creamy but not too thick with fresh clams. Atmosphere? Meh. Very limited season and very limited hours. Check before you go.
(4)A T.
Service was nothing out of the ordinary. Maybe slightly slow for my tastes. I ordered the shrimp plate which I had mixed feelings about. The shrimp were tender and had a slight crunch to them (the good kind)! However, I wasn't that impressed by the onion rings which seemed to lack onion flavor. The entire plate didn't look like it came fresh out of the fryer. Both shrimp and onion rings were room-temperature. It's probably worth it to point out that the batter is not seasoned, so make sure to add salt and pepper yourself or grab a couple tarter sauces at the window. And the pricing there is somewhat illogical. The shrimp plate (with two sides) was $18.50 and the shrimp mini-meal (with one side) was $5 cheaper. How would one side cost $5 more? If I had to go back, I'd stick with the shrimp mini-meal.
(3)Linda T.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE The Clam Box. I went on a Wednesday afternoon in early September thinking the line wouldn't be that bad. Boy, was I wrong. Although it wasn't as bad as I've seen it in the past, we still had a 30-40 minute wait to order our food. Once we got to the order window, it was, of course, time to change the oil. This doesn't bother me at all, since I know everything we ordered was going to be cooked with fresh clean oil. We both ordered a shrimp plate. I was going to get the clams, but due to the shortage of clams, all of the prices on the clam plates/combos were increased by $5 each. That was a bit much for me. The shrimp was absolutely delicious!! Mouth watering!! Onion rings were great as usual and the cole slaw was perfect. The only disapointment was that since it was such a warm humid day, they had the doors and windows open in the ordering area and there were flies everywhere. While we were eating in the dining room, we had to keep swatting flies away from our food. I'm sure this doesn't happen in "normal" weather. I will always return to the Clam Box, I've never been disappointed.
(4)Carol Ann R.
Eh I hated this place. Agonizingly slow moving (although not long) line... lameass bossy signs everywhere about not taking too many napkins, it took forever to get our food, an hour from ordering to eating - then it was just mediocre AND all the other starving hungry customers stared at us because they were still waiting for their food! Add the obligatory screaming thrashing baby and awful sums it up in a word.
(1)Rufus G.
It didn't feel like we waited to long, but could have been sped up with maybe one more employee up front helping out. Don't drink your soda to fast as they don't offer refills and charge full price for a new drink. You're better off going to 7-11 and buying sodas or whatever instead of their drinks. Clams were ok, nothing memorable by any stretch. Onion rings were good, but they taste like all the other places I've eaten in Boston thus far.
(2)Mrs. J.
I'm not quite sure how they come up with the price points here but they are absurd. $8 for a bowl of clam chowder is not ok. Not to mention one would expect the CLAM box to have actual whole bellied CLAMS in their chowder, but sadly chewy chopped clam pieces were all to be found.
(2)Theresa M.
I had high hopes for the Clam Box. My friends and I ventured out to Ipswich for some apple picking, and we decided the to visit the CB for lunch. It wasn't bad...but it was not great either. If I was in the area I may go back, but honestly I could live without it. The wait was long too...but I would not mind that for spectacular food. However, the portions are large and I ordered too much food...but that is not their fault. lo.
(2)Chuck N.
Came here special, about an hour away on a business trip. Just for clams. I got the small box for about $15.95. It was loaded with hot piping fried "native clams" - i.e. whole belly. They were done perfectly, but they weren't the tastiest ever. I I got to believe that they are fresh. They were tender, perfectly cooked. But didn't have a lot of flavor and I'd guess that has something to do with early season, or something they don't control. But it also poses a question. An earlier reviewer made a big point that there is no grit with them. Is it because they have their little stomach's pumped so well? We all know that's where that sweet flavor comes from. These had no sand, but no real flavor... They were good. Just not sure they were the best ever. Still got to say Johnny Ad's in Saybrook CT could be a tie. Flo's in Newport RI area were up there. The SeaSwirl in Mystic did a good job. I live in Colorado, but I've seeked out clams from Arizona to Maine (originally from CT) and I've had a lot of really good ones, and some not so good. These were done perfect, but where was the flavor? Seasonal flavor loss or are they cleaning them up too well? I'd try again. no lines on Thursday night, 7pm, April 25 2013
(4)Craig R.
I'm tempted to give only four stats due to the incredible wait time, but the food was just so damn good I can't bring myself to knock them a star. That said, be prepared to wait up to 30 minutes simply to place your order and another 30 waiting for your food. Yeah...an hour wait. But my oh my...the food was soooo fresh and delicious. I never thought I'd find a place as good for fried seafood as Bob's Clam Hut in Kittery, ME, but this place is is fantastic.
(5)Pauline N.
4 of us ordered the large Native Clam Box, small Strip Clam Box, side of fries, large Clam Chowder, small Clam Chowder. we were all really full after this. clam chowder was decent. wished it was a little chunkier - like more clams and more potato, but that might just be a preference thing. the fried stuff - the bellies and clam strips were REALLY bland. i rarely add salt to anything, and things tend to be too salty for me, so for me to call this bland is pretty bad. i had to add salt to everything - including the fries. everything was so flavorless. all we could taste was fry and oil and it made us feel kind of sick. wait wasn't too long, but i've heard that it can be horrendous. they really need to have some sort of printed menu to pass around to people while they wait, and pictures or models of portion size, so answers about that are answered before people order. would probably help with the wait. price for everything has increased $4-5 due to clam supply. I've had much better elsewhere, and will not come back.
(2)Paul L.
Food was ok. Very oil and way over fried. Cool building but had far better seafood elsewhere. Price was good for the amount. Long wait and line out the door. Plan on waiting 20+ min in line plus that for your food.
(3)Christine M.
WORTH the hour long wait! when I pulled up to this place I was skeptical...being in the middle of nowhere and being a native of RI (where all we eat is fried fish) I questioned how good the fried clams would be. After the long 1 hour wait in line I finally put my order in and it came out really fast. Well...the clams were definitely worth it! I got the large box of whole belly (native) clams. Of course they were spilling out of the box so I shared them and they were enough food for 2 people. Every inch of each clam was covered in batter and fried lightly. what I really liked about this place are 2 things: 1st They change their oil every day at around 2:30...so you know the oil is fresh 2nd there wasn't a greasy filled box when the clams were gone! normally after eating fried food there is oil saturating the paper tray it came in, but that was not the case here! Would I go there again...yes if i'm in the area...I'm just too spoiled with the Rhode Island fish to really go anywhere else but it was worth the trip!
(5)Co W.
Incredibly fresh. Never thought I could enjoy fried food so much! I actually like oysters better than clams, but both are really good. 3 of us ordered Native Clams (small), Oyster Mini-meal (with fries), Cole Slaw (large), Fries (small) and Haddock. Total was only $49.95. Couldn't finish the food--huge portions!! I know fried food is not healthy at all......but I guess I can't resist going back again.
(4)Jonny C.
This is the be-all end-all in fried seafood. Heaping portions, market prices, and a building shaped like a takeout box; this roadside legend in Ipswich delivers the goods - as well as the obligatory gut wrench following a fried seafood gorging. Lines are obscene. Portions equally so. If you can time it (allow 20 mins of line time) come just after 2 when they change the oil. This will allow for maximum sea food flavor with minimal lingering grease taste.
(4)K M.
Apparently, the Clam Box is a "must-visit' when you are in Ipswich, Ma. All the fried clam dishes that I've ever ordered in the Washington, DC area usually feature "Ipswich" clams so I was excited to be eating these clams just minutes from the waters in which they were actually caught! During the summer months, I've heard that the line out the door can go far down the street. When my friend and I went, we were fortunate! There were only about 25 people waiting outside the door - that's a short line! From the moment we stepped in line until the food was on the table, I'd say it was a total wait of about 1 1/2 hours. As we were waiting, we jealously stared down the customers as they collected their food and passed us in the line. Heaps and heaps of fried seafood on a paper plate! The servings here are enormous! The best deal at Clam Box is supposedly the Fisherman's Platter which includes a mountain of fried clams, fried shrimp, fried scallops, fried fish, your choice of fries or onion rings (onion rings are better), and cole slaw. My friend and I opted to share the platter. With beverages, it was about $30 total for both of us. The fried clams were amazing! Everything was very good. And when you take the price into consideration, it was totally worth the wait! We even had half the food leftover! I think you can easily split the Fisherman's Platter between 3 or 4 people. If you're in Boston and able to venture outside the city, definitely make a stop at the Clam Box!
(4)Riccardo D.
First, I'm a New England anomaly in that I really don't enjoy seafood. I'll eat a lobster roll or two, a piece of haddock, and maybe enjoy an occasional shrimp cocktail. However, once a season, I'll have an order of fried clams. The place I go is the Clam Box in Ipswich, MA. This establishment has been around for ages and they know what they are doing. Anyone that has ever eaten a bad fried clam appreciates when they are prepared properly: a light and crunchy breading, fried in clean oil, tasting of the ocean but not overpowering so when you bite into them. The Clam Box employs the old trick of piling high their seafood among a mountain of fries and onion rings, the latter being the cheaper means of creating the mountain. However, the quality meets the elevated prices here and if it's a treat your looking for, one that you normally avoid because of the unhealthful aspects of a deep-fried seafood meal, the Clam Box is an excellent location to satiate your appetite. My recommendation here is that you wait until the off-season to make your journey because during the peak summer season you'll die of heat stroke before you ever get your meal. The lines in the summer at the Clam Box are as legendary as their clams. I'll normally venture down to Ipswich in late October, on my way to Salem, MA where I'll ask spirits of the hanged witches to ward of a heart attack from a grease-laden meal at the Clam Box.
(5)Joseph W.
If you ever find yourself in Boston, you must take a drive north to the sleepy little coastal town of Ipswich, MA. There you will find a great roadside restaurant called The Clam Box and probably the BEST lobster rolls you will ever have! Yes, their clams are good too, Amazing actually, but the Lobster Rolls are to die for!
(5)DJ D.
That right, 1 star. What a disappointment. I was really looking forward to some good clams. I guess long lines don't always mean much. I only had a 45 min. wait. If I had to wait as long as some of the other reviewers I would have kicked myself. The clams were really nothing special, a little chewy. I don't know where they get the nerve to charge $32 or $33 for a large box of clams. That doesn't include fries or a soda. I guess it would serve two people, but even so, its a $$$ place and thats too much for the quality that they offer. We also had a large fried shrimp box. Although the shrimp were a good size, they could have been a little fresher. They were edible, but had a very slight ammonia smell. Cool place, that's about it. If your on vacation stop and take a picture and go some place else to eat. Save your time and money, it's not worth it.
(1)DiaNA B.
Best. Seafood. Ever. Its the only place that I get whole clams. SOOO GOOD!
(5)John S.
In the past 25 years, I've been to the Clam Box 10-15 times...and nothing's changed. I'm not here to talk about service or decor...I'm here to talk fried clams in relation to other North Shore establishments. Here's the problem with The Clam Box: The breading is too thick and it's flavorless to boot. It covers up the sweetness of the clam. It's like putting a cocktail weenie in a hot dog bun. Between the flaccid fries and the heavy breading, it's a carbohydrate's best friend. Hey, I came for clams, not Wonder Bread! Ipswich and Essex aren't that far away. It's worth the drive.
(2)T S.
Awesome food. Clams are fried to perfection and the cole slaw is unbeatable! I go back time and time again every summer. The clams in this area are all out of this world but the Clambox is at the top of the list.
(5)Da H.
Clam box was recommended as the place to go for fried clams. Our experience was: grease, grease, grease. The clams were drenched in batter and overcooked to the point where the the clams were rubbery and the batter had hardened way beyond "crispy". The fries tasted like frozen ones and were, again, greasy. If you want yummy fried clams . . . look elsewhere.
(1)Bill D.
Absolutely the best fried seafood around! It's a half hour ride for us, but it's worth every minute of the ride. The portions are huge and it's the freshest tasting seafood anywhere! I have lived in Mass my whole life and been to countless seafood places, the Clam Box never let's me down!!
(5)Tyler M.
Wow, just wow! This place is amazing! I love the fried clams and the picnic area outside to eat on a hot day. This is probably the first and only time I will visit Ipswich but this is defiantly the spot to eat seafood. The only thing weird was the clam cakes, it was round like a hash brown rather than a ball like us "Rhode Islanda's" do it. Either way it was quite good. It was a bit on the pricey side but wow, a "plate" is enough for two. I know I pretty much licked mine clean lol. I was a little taken back by the 25$ min on the credit card but it is easy to rack up a bill here.
(5)Tom M.
Maybe it was timing, maybe they were short staffed, maybe I was being frugal, but the Clam Box made me 1) wait too long (Hour and 45 minutes) 2) Pay more than any side of the road clam shack 3) Give a product that did not justify its price or wait. The Clam Box was just average. I would not wait in their line again and will pass it every time I drive by now. I am a big haddock (fish n' chips) guy and their fish was not very good. I had a few really sandy clams but that is expected and they were average. The shrimp and scallops (especially the shrimp) were excellent. The onion rings were just onion rings and the slaw was nothing to write home about. I am going to keep driving next time until I find some place better. This box is closed....
(3)Jeff M.
I would have loved to write a review of this place after going to a corn maze in the area. However, they have chosen to not join the rest of the 21st century and accept credit cards and losing almost $50 of business in the process. I wouldn't really complain and would have used the ATM in the location but alas, it was out of order. I was not about to drive around and lose my place in the long line just to find a bank so we left. I was recently at No Name restaurant and they finally added credit cards to their repertoire, I grumbled about this for years. This place gets one star for it's complete incompetency and lack of options when it comes to paying. If they want to continue losing business then by all means, keep acting like it's 1935 when you opened and accept only cash, I'll take my business somewhere else until you decide to join the rest of the modern world while your bottom line takes a hit. Remember the customers needs options, not because your cheapass doesn't want to pay a small transaction fee.
(1)John D.
This is the place for fried seafood. I know everyone says Woodmans but in all honestly the Clam Box is my favorite little shack. The Ipswich Clams are to DIE FOR! This place is no joke and seemingly always has a line out the door whenever I arrive. The one good thing I love about the Clam Box is that they change their oil TWO times a day. This means you get the best tasting fried food rather than left over oil.
(5)Allison G.
The best on the north shore & what we have had in Boston also. We always take friends who come visit and it's their favorite meAl of their trip usually! Fried strip clams are the best-fried scallops also amazing. Chowder great too! Not greasy somehow
(5)Diane S.
Went to the Clam box with a party of 3. Ordered 2 Fisherman's Platters , and fried haddock. All of our meals were COLD! Don't get it at all!
(1)Angie B.
I have always been a Woodman's fan, but heard from a friend that the Clam Box was better. The wait was about 30-40 minutes on a Saturday at around 5 PM, which I thought actually wasn't too bad considering that it was at dinner time. This place is cash only, but has an on-site ATM. My husband and I are huge fried clam fans (huge clams and huge fans) and we were pretty happy with the clams here. While they were out of the big bellied clams by the time we ordered (which was disappointing), the regular "native clams" were fine; some of them had smaller bellies, but overall the flavor was good, nice and sweet. I know that a lot of this depends on time of year, so I'll judge more on preparation. The coating was good, not too greasy... the cornmeal in it reminded me of the texture of fried chicken (apparently they even use buttermilk to dip while coating the clams!) Remember to grab a few salt packets and salt these yourself, they are a little underseasoned. I would definitely go back, although I am curious to try some of the other clam places around.
(4)Joy L.
Review will be short and simple.... An overall 2 s-star rating!!! Average Age of Employees = High School / College Students. Prices = Relatively cheap for seafood regardless of demand or short supply Service = Self serve (food is ordered, the number that the provide you at the order will be broadcast to the world. My hubby and I ordered a box of Clam strips...this came out to about $20 including tip. The clam were delicious! The oil that they cooked it in appeared to be fresh. there was a sign of some sort indicating that they remove their cooking oils every "xx.xx." time. I don't recall that specific time, however , I do recall how delicious these clam were! Downfall - their prices increases due to the supply of clams. A year ago it was $9.95 for a box of clam strips. Now with the increase, it totals to about $15.95 each. about a $4-$5 increase. happy clamming & fishing!!!
(2)Kimberly M.
Clams are perfect and fresh every time. We also love the scallops! I'm not as big on the sides, like the french fries and onion rings, but I think that's because they don't add any salt or spice. I suppose I could add it myself, but that seems like a lot of work :) I recommend calling in a takeout order if you don't want to wait in the summertime lines!
(5)Tony S.
Ok..... it's good. Like the other lemmings, I did the 1-hour wait. Glad I did. I came with a family of 6, and ordered the GINORMOUS fisherman's platter (haddock, shrimp, scallops, and clams), the full bellied clams (YUM!), the strip clams (NOT-so yum.... don't recommend it), and the lobster roll (not great, but good). With a $100 price tag, I shat in my pants. But the portions are no joke, so I suppose it's worth it (I have no basis of comparison, so on a standalone basis, I like it). If anything, all 3 kids swallowed the food, and they are normally picky eaters. Definitely likely to come again, but I advise coming in before 4:30pm, when the line just gets ridiculous.
(4)Jim B.
Disappointing! 25 bucks for a seafood platter on a styrofoam plate with aplastic fork. I love good seafood and this was ok but nothing to right home about. When I asked for an extra plate so that i could share the food with my wife,they told me that I could only get a really cheap , flimsy plate until I complained and the they allowed me to have a second styrofoam fancier plate. Asked for a cup of ice water and they don't have it only bottled water for another two bucks. I don't get the lines out the door , average food , no service, price is no deal.
(2)Darby S.
After my father in law hyped this place up to us all day, we were really excited to try it out. We drove from Lowell, which is about 45 minutes to an hour. We were nervous about the line but we were waiting maybe 15 minutes, and then about 30 minutes for our food to cook. Not too bad. It was nothing out of the ordinary. You can definitely tell they change their oil daily. The coleslaw was great, and I'm not a huge fan of coleslaw in general. My husband & I shared the seafood platter and it was more than enough. There wasn't much space for our party of 6. We all squeezed into a booth, with my youngest being in a high chair at the end of the table. It was definitely good and we'd go again with my hubby's parents, but if it were up to us we would probably just go to Markey's after a day at Hampton, since it's about the same distance and the food didn't seem to taste that much different.
(4)Paul P.
Hailing from Connecticut and being inundated with clam shacks on the shoreline I eagerly sought out the famous Clam Box for comparison but thought, "how much better could this place be?" But I was already in Boston so I decided to make the 30 minute drive up the North Shore to see what all the hype was about. I can't think of a better establishment to review for my 100th Yelp entry because this place has it going on. There's a reason there is a line out the door every day. So what sets the Clam Box apart from the others besides its takeout box styled roof? For me, it was the surprises it offered. For one thing, there is a sign that says "sorry for the inconvenience but we change our oil every day at 2:30 to preserve the freshness and quality of the food. You're sorry for doing the right thing? No problem at all. So many times fried seafood is diminished in taste because of dirty oil. Clam Box is as clean as a whistle and I, for one, am grateful for this attention to detail. You actually can taste the fish. Secondly, I was pleasantly surprised at their New England Clam Chowder. It was not too thick or heavy and it was chock full of clams, a must for any chowder worth its weight. They should enter it in the Newport Chowder Fest. The three way platter I ordered was huge and plenty big enough to share. It included the famous fried whole belly clams, scallops and tiny white Maine shrimp with a dinner roll and both french fries and onion rings as sides. Note: coleslaw is the other side option and you get to choose two. The plate was excellent in taste and not at all greasy. I didn't ask but I would imagine the seafood was patted dry prior to being breaded and fried because there was zero sogginess factor here. Again, if you eat a lot of fried seafood you know this makes a big difference. The famous whole belly clams were, indeed, excellent. Not sandy or briny or mealy in any way. They really stood up well to the dredging and deep frying process, as did the scallops and shrimp. The french fries were the final pleasant surprise of the day. I swear these things tasted like the crack that is McDonald's fries. And I mean that as a compliment. I think if I were blindfolded I would not be able to tell them apart from what Clam Box put in this platter. I really liked them. The onion rings were well breaded but just average. Food orders take a little longer to prepare and pick up at the counter but it's because of the care taken in preparation so that's OK. Prices are more than fair. The above mentioned items and a large soda got me out of there for $33 with more than enough food for two people. Sometimes the reality of the legend equals or exceeds the myth. The Clam Box is exhibit A.
(5)Kevin L.
My first job was in a seafood restaurant. I always had fish scales on my clothes and reeked. Ever since, I disliked fried seafood because it brought back nightmares. I would like to tell everyone Clam Box's food is nightmare free! Clam Box's food is fresher and a billion times better than any I had. We ordered the Fisherman's platter. Clam bellies, shrimp, haddock, and scallops. Seafood heaven. Lightly fried. Batter was good as well. Cole slaw was also amazing. Portions were great for the price. One fisherman's platter left two hungry men feeling satisfied. The chicken salad roll was also delicious, if you don't like seafood. We went during July 4th weekend. Waited about an hour during dinner time. Totally worth it.
(5)Kay A.
We waited 2.5 hours to get our food. We arrived at 11:30am for lunch and left at 2:30! Ridiculous!! Why isn't there more help? Why let people wait this long line, they are not valuing their customers time! I wanted clam cakes for lunch well I got hockey pucks instead. Clam cakes are round and look like donut holes/munchkins, not hockey pucks! Seating outside is limited, people wait so long in line for their food they end up going to the tables to sit and hold tables. When we finally received our food, no tables were to be had as others were saving them. What upset us the most is that there is little help inside and no urgency. They have a line of customers and so casually do things. I was embarrassed to be waiting in line for so long and they should be embarrassed as well. There is only one person taking orders, we witnessed only one employee casually reading the orders off the metal turnstile trying to figure out the orders while he took many sips of his drink. Not sure why it takes so long in between orders but the girls were somewhat standing around and munching on a plate of food. The food was okay but needed some more flavor or salt. So disappointing, our family will not be back.
(1)Tim S.
Went back to the Clam Box yesterday afternoon. It was just as good as I remembered it being except one thing....my buddy got sick as a dog..food poisoning of some sorts. Not sure what it was because we ate the exact same thing. Must have been a bad clam or something. The only other thing he ate that I didn't was a little cup of their tartar sauce. He was violently ill all night and even today...it sucks and I feel totally bad for him right now. We ordered 2 lobster rolls, a large native clam box, a small onion rings and 2 drinks. Total came out to $75 or so which sure isn't cheap but it sure was fantastic. The lobster rolls are stuffed to the gills with chunks of delicious lobster. The buns are toasty, and they use minimal mayo which I love. The fried clams were amazing as usual. I could eat a large by myself probably. The onion rings were great too. Its too bad that my buddies lasting memory will be a horrible one of The Clam Box. I was fine and every single thing was delicious! These are still the best fried clams I have ever had up and down the coast.
(5)Talen C.
It's not worth the 1.5 hour wait. Go to woodman ' s instead. Claims are decent but where cold and overpriced. almost $30 for a clam plate.
(2)Rita V.
huge huge huge belly clams!!! fried right. onion rings, fried right. line is crazy long - but it moves, and its certainly worth the wait.
(5)Mike O.
Very good seafood in the rough. I've eaten there many, many times. Here is my recommendation when you eat there: 1) Eat the food on site. Taking anything to go causes a drop in quality once it sits for too long. 2) Plan ahead. The lines can be long. Also, they change the fryer oil after lunch, causing a delay of 30+ minutes. But, I recommend this place for fried seafood. The portions are huge, as are the prices.
(4)Ian W.
After visiting Ipswich recently, I decided to stop off at the Clam Box for takeout around suppertime before driving back to NH. There was a line at the counter on a cold March night, but not out the door. The place is order and pay first at the counter and you pick up your food when your number is called. There's also self serve seating in the dining room and outside picnic table seating. I placed my order for a 2-Way Combo (whole clams & scallops) with onion rings and slaw and dinner roll ($22.75 plus tax) and given a number. It took about 20 minutes after ordering for my number to be called. The good sized portion of food on the plate had a nice pile of fried food goodness. The breaded whole fried clams were soft had a nice sweet taste and the fried sea scallops were tender too. The onion rings were crisp with some breading coming off. The minced slaw was okay and sweet. The food was not too greasy. It took me three meals to finish off this dinner and I enjoyed every second of eating great tasting clams and scallops. I quickly note that I wished they would give out more tartar sauce and ketchup with the big dinner. I was given one cup of tartar and two packets of ketchup.
(4)Rick P.
Haven't been in a few years and was very disappointed. Price on mini meals was 50%-75% higher than on previous visits with smaller portions. 3 - 5 min. delay between the taking of each order was totally unnecessary. Food was over cooked. I'll go to Bob's Lobster on Plum Island when I need a fried seafood fix instead.
(2)Regina L.
Tried this spot when I visited friends. I was dying for some good lobster rolls and friends recommended this place as it received rave reviews for it's lobster rolls. Well it definitely delivered! It was the best one I've had ....moist and tasty. Can't comment on other areas such as service and other menu items, but to me the lobster roll was spot on and for that they deserve a 5 star.
(5)Man M.
It's clams, clams and more clams. Fresh, delicious native clams. Order ahead. Or you can wait in long lines. Be aware that the change their frying oil that you may have to wait longer. Bring your own preferred condiments for total enjoyment.
(5)Laura A.
At some point during the two hour line for fried food, someone drove by and shouted "NOT WORTH THE WAIT!!!!". Should've listened.
(2)Tracy B.
So bummed, happened to be in the area & went right to Yelp for the address as it is one of the places I havent been yet (surprise I know)... According to Yelp - they were open, so off we headed, only to find out they are closed for the Season until Feb 13th... I was there on the 9th.. UGH!!!
(3)Monica L.
The fried haddock was good, but not as good as what I make at home. Stick to their fried clams. I love that you can get onion rings or cole slaw instead of fries for no additional charge, and the onion rings are amazing. They need a bit more salt IMO, but that's okay.
(4)Kathy W.
Waited 45 minutes but SOOOOO worth it. Fresh everything. Got hot lobster that was stuffed and so fresh and fried shrimp plate with home made coleslaw. Everything was perfect
(5)Kathy M.
Great place for fried seafood as there is always a line out the door. I had a mountain of fried clam strips. I personally didn't think they were very greasy. Finding outdoor seating can be a challenge but I was able to get a table and they are dog-friendly so that is a big plus for me.
(4)Jennifer D.
Went here on Father's Day, accompanied by my bf and his mother (it was her birthday), and I was planning on spending time with my Dad later on in the day. So we drive up and wowzers!!! Talk about a line, my parents warned me...but I wasn't prepared for this. It was Father's Day to be fair, so I guess it was to be expected.... So we waited for 2 HOURS!!! And what do you know, they change out the oil with roughly 4 people in front of us....more of a wait....Plus = new oil...yay... So the outcome. So NOT worth the wait, I opted for two "mini meals" one was the fried scallops, the other calamari, both with cold slaw. The scallops were delish! The ones on the bottom, however, were very greasy. The calamari left much to be desired, it was fair at best. The tenticles (my favorite part) got completely lost in the batter, some rings were tender, some chewy. The cold slaw was great. Overall everyone left happy. Would I have waited? HELL F*CKIN NO! It was only because it was his mothers birthday. You people have issues....to each their own. I will NOT be waiting there again. I know good seafood, and I'm not saying this place doesn't put out, but for the wait, not worth it.
(3)Ashley S.
I've had some pretty rockin' fried clams in my day, so I figured this place was overrated. It wasn't. Most perfect and crispy little sea creatures ever. Sorry to have doubted you, Clam Box.
(5)Matt E.
I'm only taking away one star because of the wait and that I couldn't get a beer with my meal, otherwise this place is perfect! I went here on a Saturday around 6:30pm and there was an hour wait (line out the door into the parking lot) and only about a 15min wait for food once we ordered. Despite the amount of people here the girl at the window didn't seem stressed or rushed and was very nice and we got a booth inside the dining room before our food was up (they also have a ton of outdoor seating). Me and my girlfriend ordered and split the Fisherman's Platter and I also got the clam chowder. The Platter is all fried and consists of clams, scallops, haddock, shrimp, french fries, and onion rings. The clams were actually full clams and not just clam strips which scared me a bit but they were very good and isn't much different with the soft belly still on them. The scallops were tender and were like candy. Everything was just amazingly fresh, tender, and tasty and the portions were perfect to split. The clam chowder was the perfect hot temperature with tender clams, potatoes and the perfect creamy consistency. This isn't the fancy shmancy chowder with bacon and herbs mixed in, this is just the perfect New England traditional clam chowder done just right. Once you come here you'll know why the Clam Box is so famous and has so many national and regional awards for their food. They don't give the food away but they aren't charging an arm and a leg either, expect to pay $10-18 per person on average (check out my pic of their menu for their prices as of last week)
(4)Chilly P.
First of all, the restaurant itself is the cutest thing. The red and white awning, the staggered siding and playful typography - it's hard not to smile when you see it! I came here with my family after a wonderful beach day at Crane. Honestly, If you're coming here... you're going to wait. Bring some friends and family to chat with and make sure your iPhone is charged. It's worth the wait because the food and service is great. I waited about 30 minutes to put in an order and another 20 minutes to receive the food. We got the calamari and chicken finger plates with fries/onion rings as well as clam chowder. They are very generous with the portions. Fried seafood tends get really greasy but they do it right with ample crispiness. The batter they use is tasty but throwing some salt and pepper will perfect the dishes. I brought leftovers home and it still tasted delicious after baking. Oh and their clam chowder was heavenly, creamy goodness. The employees are super busy but maintains great customer service with a smile on their face. I don't come by Ipswich too often but heading to Crane Beach in the morning and then Clam Box for lunch makes a perfect summer day. I can't wait to go back :)
(5)Karen M.
This was my second visit to the Clam Box, and I was much happier with visit number 2. This place is super popular and as such, you may wait a long time in line just to place your order. Now, please note, when you finally get up to the front window there is a sign which states: "Please take your seat AFTER placing your order." I wish they had that sign outside at the END of the line. There were people standing in front of us in line that had half their group save a picnic table outside the whole time we were waiting in line. Which ended up being an hour. So, basically, a table was being held for over an hour when that could have been used for other people who already had their food. Rude. Anyway, yes, if you go on the weekend or a holiday as we did, you will wait. No matter what time of day. 3:45pm on a holiday weekend we waited an hour. My first visit was on a weekday about 5:30pm, so we didn't have a wait at all. Either way, it was a nice sunny day so it wasn't so bad. Although, had I known it would have been an hour, I would have worn more sensible shoes! Anyway, the fiance and I both got the clam strips without the bellies and a side of onion rings. The clams were delicious and the breading was plain and simple without spices so you could actually taste the clams. The onion rings were the same. Not greasy at all. The Clam Box has been here forever (1935). Could they be more efficient? Sure. Could they give nicer paper plates? Sure. But, I'm glad they don't. That would take away from the charm of what they do. Standing in line, and getting good, basic fried seafood is what they do best. Why change it up? Just enjoy the experience!
(4)Cindy L.
I've been here many times in the past, but this is the first time I've gone back in years and it's still as delicious as I remembered. My all time favorite is of course the fried native clams... When you bite through the crispy batter, it's like a burst of ocean in your mouth. This time around we also tried the lobster roll (my first time)... Pretty good but the lobster probably needed just a touch more seasoning. Come here for the fried clams. They are too good to miss (even with the long line and I hate lines!) :)
(5)Sarah A.
We waited in a line stretching out the door and into the parking lot for almost an hour- and that was just to order. It took about another half an hour to get the food. Don't get me wrong, the food was absolutely delicious- perfect lightly fried clams and scallops and a nice light batch of onion rings and fries- but the wait was crazy. We were committed to trying this place and overall I think it was worth it, but just be advised you may need to wait a long long time for your yummy fried foods.
(4)Ryan R.
Talk about overrated. I live in Ipswich and I figured this place was a tourist trap kind of place, but I was curious and finally tried it out. I guess I was right. First of all, it's expensive. A small box of whole clams and an order of fries came to $30 and change. They aren't kidding when they say "small" either. I couldn't believe that the meager amount of food I received cost that much money. It was about to rain so we decided to eat inside their small, self-service dining room. It's nothing fancy, which is what I expect from a little seafood place like this. What I didn't expect were the 20 or so flies that were buzzing around my head and constantly landing on me and my food. It was disgusting. I think they can afford a fly trap or two; there's really no excuse for that. The fried clams themselves were nothing to write home about. I've had much better at places not shaped like clam boxes. I'm not sure what ingredient they add to it, but the batter is sweet-tasting and overpowers the flavor of the clam. It was also falling off and the fries were pale and unsalted. Literally go anywhere else for fried clams. This place sucks.
(1)Michael T.
It's been a long time since i have been to this New England landmark. I am happy to report that the quality is still among the best! Had taken the family to Crane's beach for the day and decided to go out for dinner. Ordered the Fisherman's platter, Lobster roll, Shrimp & Fries & Hot dog (don't ask). Prices were a bit steep for non fine dining (my definition Wait staff on hand to take your order). The quality and freshness was awesome. Lobster roll was good but I felt a bit steep for 19.95 with a bag of Wachusetts Chips that might have had 6 chips in the whole bag (Not the Clam Box fault). Got some fountain soda's, was a bit surprised when I went back for a refill that I had to buy a new soda. Spent 2.79 on a large. Bit upset because I spent over $85 on dinner and I cant get a refill? I know for sure that at Legal you get free soda refills and they don't cost $2.79 a cup. Overall I will continue to stop and eat at this great landmark, but i will bring in my own drinks going forward.
(4)P C.
Waited in line for about an hour today and talked to some friendly people. After seeing this place in phantom gourmet had opportunity to visit today. Looked like the place was understaffed and calling of numbers very slow. Fried clams and onion rings were not superior by any means and for supposedly made to order not warm at all. Glad I was in the area vs taking the trip only to go here.
(3)Jeffrey B.
If you don't mind waiting out in the hot sun, this place is awesome. Quite often there is a fairly decent line. I had the Clam Chowdah which was very good. For some reason I like my Chowdah to have bacon in it. I also had the Whole Clams and Scallops, fried. They were cooked to perfection. I even liked the cole slaw. I will be back.
(4)Joe L.
Visited the Clam Box of Ipswich, got to say not impressed, food over priced and only okay. Had the whole belly clams, $30 for small belly clams, they were very tiny, I should of saved $10 and ordered the strips cause I feel like that's what I got anyway. For $30 those whole belly clams should be fat bellies, right? What really did not impress me was the fact that I arrived at 3pm, line was not too long, however did not even place my order until 3:45 because at 2:30 daily the restaurant changes its frying oil daily. Your eating fried foods, changing the oil at 2:30pm on a Sunday afternoon is not going make that fried food, healthier.....I'm all for changing the oil, but do it at the start of the day before customers are in line, not when you have 20 customers waiting to eat.
(2)Rich Z.
We were visiting from FL and decided to stop in for some "good ole fried clams" and boy, sure glad we did. Went with large box of fried clam strips and the lobsta roll. Clams were ok , batter was a bit bland but lemme just say the lobster roll was a delight. What a surprise...super fresh and not overloaded w/ mayo. Be sure to put this on your list if ever in Ipswich! Disclaimer: They don't take Amex which is ridiculous considering the prices they charge.
(4)Christine M.
These are by far the best fried clams in New England! Sweet and flavorful and not ginormous! Not greasy and really fresh. (they change their oil twice a day!) And their tarter sauce pairs so well with the clams! Other places like Woodmans are hit or miss...I've never had a bad clam at The Clam Box. For those that complain about the lines I suggest going on a day other than a weekend (or learning how to be patient) - you can't rush perfection!
(5)Kim M.
The story goes like this...we drove to Woodman's in Essex to try the fried clams & we were like "we're only a few miles from Ipswich...when are we ever going to have the opportunity to try fresh clams from both areas again??!" So we did. Lordy. All I can say is if you are looking for a fresh, earthy yet sweet tasting clam, take the extra little drive out to Ipswich. Yes...the Clam Box is more 'divey' than Woodman's, but is it about the decor or the food?! Ask your stomach...
(5)Sir T.
I was totally disappointed with my lunch at the Clam Box. Between three of us we shared a small clam box, lobster roll, haddock, shrimp, cole slaw, french fries and onion rings. The clams were very tiny and flavorless, the haddock dry and mealy opposed to moist and flaky, lobster roll, although plentiful, was very chewy and overloaded with mayonnaise. The sides, nothing to write home about. I just don't understand the long lines of people waiting, maybe a lot of first timers or people who don't want to venture out of their comfort zone. Don't get me started on the flies
(2)Debrin S.
They have been serving famous Ipswich clams here for almost 80 yrs!! Ultra fresh. Change the oil 2x a day Sweet succulent tender plump whole belly clams Most sweet huge sea scallops I've ever had! Check out this list: yankeemagazine.com/artic…
(5)J B.
Probably the best haddock sandwich for its flakiness and crisp. Searching for the best New England fish sandwich - you have to try this one. Pricing is not bad for seafood and the wait wasn't bad. Chowder was amazing as well.
(4)Mike S.
One of the most legendary fried clams joints around. It may not get the hype of Woodman's and Farnum's, both equally delicious, but these folks step it up a notch. Best clams on the North Shore. Massive plate of full bellies, deliciously battered for a good price. Fresh! You will not leave hungry. In fact, it is in my estimation that these folks give you just a bit more for your buck. Stop on by!
(5)Kevin S.
Was surprised to find out that clam strips are not local clams. It was very good, but clearly not as good as it was in past years. Before I would have said it was worth the drive, this year maybe less so. The lobster roll is worth going for if you are in the area.
(4)Anabelle D.
Lets start with the positives: cozy atmosphere, feels like a place with soul. Food: Unfortunately, the food was meh. The lobster roll was fine, but the clam roll, onion rings and clam cake were terrible and very expenssive.
(2)Dustin P.
I am blown away this pathetic excuse for a clam place has 5 reviews on YELP??? The only reason the line is long is because of the ordering protocol which is designed trick people into thinking that they are busy. 1 person places their order at a time, then they hand the order to a cashier, then they hand it to the cook, serious that is how it works and that is why the line is long, a complete ploy to mislead all driving by. The food is O.K. that is it, just ok and nothing more, to wait one hour plus for OK food in this day and age is a sin. May the owner of this place be scolded for their complete lack of attentiveness to their customers valuable time and comfort. PATHETIC PATHETIC PATHETIC
(1)Alexis O.
The Clam Box is a must stop for anyone in Ipswich. We had just an order of fried clams, but it was plenty for two as they delivered us a heaping basket worth! I read many reviews of a long wait, but we didn't wait long at all. Just beware right now that they are charging a $3 surcharge on all clams. Not a big deal, but it isn't listed on the menu, so I though I would give a heads up. Definitely try the clams, they are world famous!
(4)Yelena Y.
I waited in line for 1 hr and was wondering if it was worth it. It was. I had the two combo plate and clambox. I also had the lemonade. Everything was so fresh and tasty.
(5)Billy D.
Yumm the native clams are AMAZING. I've never had fried clams this good - they just throw the whole juicy clam right in the batter and fry the sucker. Tastes fresh. Most of their menu is deep fried, but they do use fresh oil, so it tastes really good. If you love deep fried seafood - get over here. The lobster roll was good, but clams are the way to go. The portions are HUGE, so be ready. Pro tip: get sides of their cocktail sauce, it's tasty. Try mixing 2 parts cocktail sauce to 1 part tartar plus a few dashes of tabasco. boom. dip away.
(4)Lynn R.
We live in Ipswich and LOVE this place, the lines are long but definitely worth the wait. They have indoor or outdoor seating and the clams are to die for!. It is not a fancy place and you should expect to wait... the food isn't the cheapest around either BUT if you want QUALITY and good portions then this is definitely a value for the money. We always bring guests here because we are able to get a few things and share, we always bring food home!
(5)Vanessa N.
Waited in line for 30 minutes in a stand still and only 1 ordered was called during that time. I went down the street to the Ipswich Clambake Company (they're food is just as good, I think this place is so famous because it's been around longer and has been in magazines and on the Food Network). Just because they opened in the 1930's doesn't mean you should keep operating the same way. I'm giving this place a 2 because I have been here before and actually eaten but I came as soon as they opened. The food is good but not worth an hour wait.
(2)Gia D.
Although we LOVE fried seafood, we limit ourselves to 2 times a year and it's only at the Clam Box. Portions are huge and quality is so fresh. Last year we went and the line was very long so we decided to go to another popular place.....didn't even compare. We usually get the fried clams and fried scallops with a cup of clam chowder.....heaven
(5)Darren F.
The iconic clam box of Ipswich is one of the best seafood places in Massachusetts by far. The long lines are here are expected and constant, so don't expect to swing by and not wait a while, especially if you're here on a weekend or evening. They change the oil out every few hours which leads to the high quality food. It's a very simple, but effective way to keep up the quality and shows that things don't have to be complicated. Go with your favorite from clams, haddock, scallops or anything else because chances are they don't do it better anywhere else.
(5)Chris M.
Came on a Wednesday around 11:30 a.m. and no line at all. Had a cup of chowder and the two item combo plate, native clams and scallops, with fries, slaw and a roll. Stuffed! No dinner that night. The clam chowder was excellent. The star for me on the combo plate was the scallops. Large, succulent, lightly battered and perfectly cooked. The clams were very good but I've had better. The fries were undercooked, the slaw was o.k. and the roll was....a roll.
(4)Nina S.
So far my favorite fried clams place. The onion rings and the scallops are great too. It's just good seafood that's fried well. What more can be said? They make good new England clam chowder/chowdah too. Clam cake was ehh .. mostly bread crumbs. Oh only real complaint, the tartar sauce they give you is in such small cups!
(4)Christine H.
Clam chowder is excellent. The prices are moderate but considering the freshness of your seafood it is well worth it. Prepare to wait if you're there in tourist season and/or prime time.
(5)Charles D.
The food here is great! However, I was here this past Sunday, memorial day weekend, the line was wrapped around the restaurant. Most likely a sign that the food is great! I stood in line for 35 minutes and not only did the line remain completely stagnant but they only called 2 orders. This is absurd! What does it say about the quality of your employees that you can only push 2 orders out in 35 minutes. we left as did many of the people waiting in the line resulting in lost revenue. This needs to be addressed ASAP.
(1)Diana K.
Had to try The Clam Box ... a legend in this area. Arrived on a Friday afternoon a little after 2:30 pm and a sign was posted that they were changing the oil in their fryer. There's often a line out the door but given the time of day, we walked right up to the window to order. A little wait (about 10-15 minutes) for them to change the oil but very glad that our lunch was going to be cooked in a fresh batch. My friend and I decided to share: 2 way combo of fried clam strips, scallops, onion rings & cole slaw and the Lobster Roll with a side of cole slaw. We seated ourselves inside and it took approx. another 10 minutes and our order # was called. The 2-way looked enormous, the clam strips and scallops were lightly fried, not greasy, tender and delicious. The onion rings were lightly breaded, sweet and tasty. Cole slaw a bit on the sweet side but terrific. It also came with a roll which we opted to skip. We would give our 2-way four stars. Can't say the same about the Lobster Roll. There were chunks of lobster; however, a bit on the'"runny" side, not very tender or tasty. It was served with lettuce and a buttered hot dog roll. We would give the Lobster Roll 1 1/2 stars. Overall, we would return for the fried seafood but not the lobster roll. The lobster roll was disappointing based on their reputation.
(3)Mark G.
Last weekend, I went on a New England Clam Shack Road Trip. Dinners were reserved for "other" restaurants, but between Friday at 1pm and Sunday at 1pm, I had been to seven different places, through CT, RI, MA and ME. It wasn't the last, but it was definitely the best clam strips. It was the second stop of the day (first was Kennebunkport, ME), and the line was about an hour long, but fried clam strips and scallops were the best of the trip. Yes, it's the clam box, so you expect the clam strips to be great, but I was amazed by the scallops. Fried to perfection, but still light and flavorful on the inside. There are picnic tables outside (with a strange sign that says "eat at your own risk"), and about 12 tables inside. It was a beautiful day, and everyone in line seemed happy to be waiting for this awesome food. After so many places, I think I can pass on lobster rolls, clam strips, mussels and steamers for a while, but when I'm ready for more, this is my first stop.
(5)Leslie G.
Well worth the wait, if you're a clam fan. The native clams were amazing. Fresh and so sweet. The line moved slowly, and that made the anticipation grow, and the first bite was the prize. Loved it.
(5)Tom j.
After waiting in a long line, the Clambox was overcrowded and disorganized in the kitchen, with staff standing around and seemed to me doing nothing. The food was over priced and bland, I have had a lot better. After waiting through the line and for the food we sat in restaraunt section and spent our entire swatting at flies. After asking the staff if they could doing anything about the fly problem, we were told there was nothing they can do. Watching this fly problem, only had me thinking how many were in the kitchen.
(1)Susie L.
The Clam Box is the best establishment to get traditional New England fried seafood. The scallop mini meal with fries are my favorite. I recently had the lobster roll and it was the best I've ever had. The oil is changed everyday which contributes to the food's freshness. Highly recommend the Clam Box.
(5)Susan S.
Hey there! I ate here when I was a little kid in the 60's growing up nearby and I ate here again as an adult. Same thrill young and old. Of course now, I have to wait a day or so before I can eat again because well - it is very filling. Sort of like a boa constrictor, a big meal of fried clams with french fries AND onion rings will take some time to digest. But heaven no matter how you look at it and well worth the time to spend as you contemplate how not much in life is reliably the same after 50 years. I loved this place as a treat when I was a kind coming back from the beach in the summers and I still love it. Glad to see everyone else does too. PS - Would you ship me an order here in Arizona? : )
(5)Cheryl F.
Over priced smallest clams i have ever seen. Very disappointed also found other fish pieces in my meal
(1)Carrie R.
The BEST fried clams ever hands down!!
(5)stephen s.
Awesome Clams!!!!!
(4)Scott H.
Maybe I had been over-hyped, my expectations were up there... We waited in line for 40 minutes on a Sunday afternoon around 4:00. We received undercooked fries, onion rings with so much batter you couldn't taste onion, a small order of shrimp and a decent order of clams. With two drinks, $40+. The oysters were good. But not for that price. If I'm going to spend $40, there are too many other choices that have better quality and quantity.
(2)Denise N.
Awesome food. Great for anything fried. Sometimes there is a long wait outside but it's worth it. Even if you don't like fish they have great chicken and hamburgers. If you go during not peak times too there really isn't much of a wait and you can call and do take out. The staff was a little less than pleasant but when I put in a complaint with management they were very upset about it and went on to give me a little extra :)
(4)Mo H.
Maybe it's because there aren't many choices in the area, but I didn't see the draw. I have had better fried food elsewhere. I saw this place on Chronicle and thought it must be worth the trip. We waited about 30 minutes outside to place our order at the counter. There was only one person cooking so it was a bit of a wait. You could see that the kitchen was immaculate from the ordering widow. The food comes either bagged to go, or on a tray for eat in. There was a very small, clean dining room which had a kitschy nautical design and some picnic tables at the back of the parking lot. Most customers were doing take out so we had no problem finding a seat after we ordered. The dining room is self service. We got fried clam/scallop combo platters. They were about $28.00 each that day. They were large enough to split with another for lunch. The clams were small, fresh and not a chewy piece in the bunch. Very tender but, since they were small, the bellies were tiny and that is where the flavor comes from. The batter was bland and unseasoned. I wouldn't say they were bad but not worth a long drive. The scallops were the large size prepared in the same flavorless coating. I found them a little dry and pasty. Not juicy or moist. Flavor was mild. The onion rings had the same problem. French fries were pale but tasted ok. The plate came with a dinner roll which seemed strange and wasn't needed. I found the coleslaw to be greasy and it had a funny taste that I didn't like and I am not a picky eater. The tartar sauce was exceptional and maybe I should have used more. I wouldn't recommend this box but the surrounding community with it's historical flavor, rolling farms and smell of sweet cut grass made it worth the ride.
(2)Amanda W.
Stopped yesterday on my way to Maine. Still thinking about the fried clams (the native ones). I am regretting my decision to get a native clam mini meal with onion rings and a lobster roll. It was all good, but the native clams have awakened a craving I didn't know was possible. I should have just gotten the biggest native clam box I could eat. I mean it's basically the name of the place. Lesson learned, when there is a menu item with the same name as the place, just get that! Ok Clam Box, you haven't seen the last of me. I'll be back!
(5)Erni M.
We each had a lobster roll and a cup of clam chowder. Couldn't wait. It lived up to the reviews and the quality of lobster exactly what you would expect for the area. Clams in soup were biggest I've ever seen. Definitely worth a drive off beaten path.
(4)Jared K.
The food is ok, but the line is long and the food is very slow to come out. In fact the reason the line is so long is because the content service is relatively slow. The other issue is that the price is high for the quality of what you get.
(1)Julie B.
Apparently long lines are a guarantee at the Clam Box. Is it worth the wait? I think so. The clam strips were delicious -- perfectly lightly fried, and came as a HUGE portion with two sides (I got french fries and cole slaw). The fries honestly didn't look that great but were actually very tasty, as was the cole slaw. My boyfriend got the lobster roll which was decently sized and filled with lobster, but had a slightly strange taste to me. Probably not something I'd order for myself. Moral of the story: if you're going to wait for over an hour at a clam shack, order the clams!
(4)Alyssa W.
We arrived right after they have breaked to change the oil...so that meant a line out the door at around 330. The sign said they cleaned at 230..so we were dealing with the back up of people. After we got through the line, the wait for our food didnt take long and we were able to get a table inside. We got a haddock plate, two whole belly clam orders and fried oysters. favorite was the clams. Ive always loved fried clams, reminds me of trips to cape cod when I was young. Service is friendly and efficient. They are a little stingy on the tartar sauce if you eat in. so ask for a big container if you like tartar sauce. Definately worth the drive. Also they have a good amout of parking and outdoor seating as well :)
(4)Michael B.
Going to the Clam Box is an experience. Even though it's just a small clam shack, you'll need to get there about 1.5-2 hours before you actually want to eat. The line stretches through the parking lot at all hours and the entire restaurant shuts down for 15-20 minutes to change the oil every afternoon. My wife and I got there around 2:45 for a late lunch (ended up being an early dinner) and didn't order until around 3:45 or so. Getting the food took another 30 minutes. Since we were at a place called the Clam Box, obviously I ordered a hot dog. It was grilled and served on a buttery roll. Pretty good as far as clam shack hot dogs go. There's a variety of toppings you can get for your hot dog, but I chose to go plain to let the dog itself be the star of the show. I'd definitely get it again. If you're in the Ipswich area and have a few hours to kill before wanting a hot dog, hit up the Clam Box. They also have seafood and stuff but who cares about that.
(4)Brenna R.
Hands down the best clams ! I've come here since I was little. I love the big belly clams and they never fail me! I highly reccomend this restaurant to anyone!!! My mouth is watering as I'm writing this review. The lines can be long, but totally worth the wait. The seating is first come, first serve. So I suggest that if you go with a group, one person can wait in line and the others can hold a table. They do have outdoor seating. All I can say is - go to the clam box for the best clams (gotta say big belly at window)!
(5)James M.
Well, the Clam Box never disappoints. Again today, a Friday, the Fried Clams get a 10+ rating. And we went on a weekday which is what the smart people do (pats self on back); 2:00pm and no line at all. Please do yourself a favor, unless you don't mind waiting, never go on a weekend or a holiday. But if you do go on a weekend or holiday, please don't come rushing on to Yelp and rage post because of the long wait. And for you taste bud less morons that say the food is bland, Clam Box does not salt any of their fried foods. Salt is provided to salt your own to your personal liking, and thank God for that!
(5)g h.
Great fried food a long line but well worth the wait Large portions so bring your apatite Pricy plan on spending for the nicer things in life but not something you would eat every day Easy parking plenty of seats Would recommend to anyone who loves fried seafood
(4)Joellen M.
Awful, I will NEVER go back . As slow as molasses and they think they are doing you a favor by waiting on you, not one person has a smile or is even the slightest bit pleasant. And then the food sucked, it was greasy and cold and they weren't even that busy. I love Farnhams and they are glad to see you and are nice. The clam box can kiss my ass and wait in a line that moves at a snails pace. Oh and then to bust your balls a little more they change the oil in the middle of the rush so you are outside dying in the heat and waiting to pay big bucks. All in all there are SO many better places in that area. I will never EVER go back. Tourist trap big time
(1)Road D.
I love this place! I get the fishermen's platter, it's some of thw best fried food you can get, they change the oil daily. The coleslaw is good! Good parking , long wait... But worth it!
(5)Kevin C.
Great food. The portion sizes are big and the price reflect that. Expect a LONG wait in line during warm days.
(4)Audrey C.
Beware of the ridiculous wait- we waited for 2 hours in line before we got our food. Let me just reiterate, 2 hours! I am not exaggerating- I kept track of the time, as I was pretty hungry. While we were there, some girl standing in line got heat stroke! I would not have waited for 2 hours, except that by the time we came to this realization that this was going to take a very long time, we had already invested time waiting in line. There was only 1 person taking orders, and I could think of at least 3 or 4 different ways they could have sped this up. They could have opened 2 registers at least. They could have had someone taking orders for people in line. They could have had people write down their orders ahead of time. Anything! But it was like they didn't even care about their customers. Frying food, with such a limited menu too, should NOT take very long. It should not take someone 2 hours to place an order and receive some fried food. The line was not even really that long, it just moved at a snail's pace. Once we got our food, it was clear it wasn't worth the wait. It was edible and ok, but the batter used for frying had zero taste. No spices or anything. Nothing special that you couldn't make at home if you had your own deep fryer. I wouldn't go again, and I wish I hadn't gone the first time. Waiting for 2 hours when you are hungry already is torturous.
(2)Annie M.
Stood in line for over an hour. ..spent 50$ for 2meals...no drinks....within 2 hours I was violently sick in bathroom. NEVER AGAIN!
(1)Genevieve R.
Long long line, incredibly long wait - for very average to below-average fried seafood. Fried clams had no seasoning - none. Lobster roll was ok. Everything was fresh, which is why I'm giving it 2 stars. But a dash of salt at the very least would have been welcomed. None of my group was thrilled with their food. No idea why this place gets such rave reviews, clearly everyone goes because of its reputation, but it must be a rep built a LONG time ago when they actually seasoned their food. Clam House was better and without the crazy long lines. Go elsewhere.
(2)Brandon W.
Having a shellfish allergy in the middle of a seafood adventure means looking at all other menu items. So I found the haddock fish and chips. The white fish was moist and juicy, with a light batter. This made for a light lunch after eating too many cannolis. Paired with lightly cooked French fries and a soda There was many other items to choose from, you can eat inside or outside, a great place to eat! Give this place a try
(4)Allison P.
Been here multiple times and probably tried every single seafood item on the menu. If you're like me and suffer from food FOMO because you're afraid of missing out on something delicious, get the fisherman platter which gives you a smattering of everything. But, now that I'm a Clambox frequent flyer, the usual things I stick to are a BOX OF SCALLOPS AND SHRIMP. By far the 2 best items on the menu. Clam strips are decent, but it's a high batter to meat ratio so not worth it IMO. And, if you're choosing between fries or onion rings, go with the fries. Much crispier than onion rings. Lastly, be prepared to wait in line if you're looking to dine there. BUT, if you want to enjoy your food in 15 mins, call ahead and order it as takeout. Food still tastes amazing to go.
(5)Reid F.
They now accept credit cards (Visa and MasterCard), so if you like fried clams, this is the place to go. A few tips: 1. Don't get there at 2:30...that's when they change the oil for 15-20 minutes. 2. If you get there around 3:15, the lines are shorter and the oil is fresh. 3. When you arrive at the window, whoever works there will say something like, "Please hold on. I'll be right back." Then, he/she will wait about 2 minutes before returning to take your order. They do this on purpose to space out the orders so they can meet the demand. This is one reason the lines are often so long. 4. Don't try to get fancy...there are better places for lobster, chowder, etc., but the fried clams at the Clam Box are the best. Be sure to order them, or go somewhere else to eat.
(5)Joyce Z.
I have filed "try Ipswich clams" in the back of my mind as a bucket list item even before people had bucket lists. So when I found out I was going to be in New England, it was pulled out as one of my "must eat" on this trip. On our way to New Hampshire from Boston, we detoured to the Clam Box in Ipswich so I can finally have my Ipswich clams. I heard about the long lines so I wanted to arrive when it opened. Just like Mike's, the time management God was on my side again as there were only 2 people in front of us but after we ordered and turned around, there was that line. For the mini meal, you get 1 side, for plate, you get 2. Since we just consumed 3 decadent cannolis less than 2 hrs before, we went for the mini meal. For me, what else but Ipswich Native Clams and poor shellfish intolerant hubby, the fried haddock. Luckily the fried haddock was a delicious alternative to welcome him to NE, as it was moist and perfectly cooked. But we were too full to eat our onion rings and fries sides. Picnic tables outside was perfect for a nice day like we had. Otherwise indoor seating available. Note: Due to increased clam costs, clam plates and boxes has a $5 surcharge on top of regular prices
(5)Jim L.
I've been going to the Clam Box for years. Usually around Labor Day, my friends and I take the 45 minute drive and stuff our faces. The food and line is well worth the wait. This past Labor Day weekend my friends and I made they trek, waited in line, and got our food. The dining area was so infested with flies that it was a distraction. We had to move our seat before we got our food because they were so bad near the window. Also, at our new seats which was near a trash barrel, an employee came by and changed the trash right next to us. All in all, I would definitely rethink making my yearly visit up to the Clam Box because of the unsanitary conditions there.
(2)Melissa B.
Wonderful spot that is full of history and has yummy food. First of all, no matter what time you come here or what day expect a wait... A pretty long one. But, it's worth it!!! They have delicious fried clams and fish sandwiches. For those non-seafood lovers they have pretty good burgers too. The mini meals are just fine for one person - the platters are huge and can feed two or two adults and a child. About 7 tables outside if you want to enjoy the scenery - tables are tight inside and again you will prob have to wait longer if you do that. Here's a game plan you might want to do : have half your party order for everyone and the other half stake out tables.
(5)Tammy L.
I'm hardly in the North Shore area but a friend and I decided to play tourists in Rockport and Gloucester last weekend. We stopped by The Clam Box in Ipswich for our dinner and we were in for a surprise. We saw some dark clouds as we were driving toward TCB but little did we know we were going to be in the middle of a thunderstorm when we got there. We sat in the car inside TCB's parking lot for about 10 minutes before speedwalking to join the line that had already formed. Luckily it was a short line and we waited outside in the cold rain with a small umbrella for about 20 minutes. (20 minutes in the rain is really nothing if you've waited for 2 hours in the dead of winter for ramen.) A young girl was behind the counter taking orders. She was precise and polite albeit slow. They really should have two counters for ordering, to be honest. It would be a lot more efficient. This place has been around for so long that I guess regulars love it enough to put up with waiting for so long. We ordered two lobster rolls, a small native clam box and a small calamari box. The total was around $90. Yes, it's pricey but the lobster roll was worth it. The roll was toasted and the lobster meat was overflowing. Same with the other two. We were already stuffed by the time we finished the rolls and I had to take the clam and calamari boxes home to feed my family. I can't say the fried clams and calamari were the best that I've had, but it was pretty good. I noticed that a lot of people around us ordered the plates and mini meals. Now those are humongous and I would probably have to bring in the whole family to share just one plate. Not sure how people manage to eat one set by themselves but wow. Kudos to them.
(4)Kevin S.
Was surprised to find out that clam strips are not local clams. It was very good, but clearly not as good as it was in past years. Before I would have said it was worth the drive, this year maybe less so. The lobster roll is worth going for if you are in the area.
(4)Anabelle D.
Lets start with the positives: cozy atmosphere, feels like a place with soul. Food: Unfortunately, the food was meh. The lobster roll was fine, but the clam roll, onion rings and clam cake were terrible and very expenssive.
(2)Ventz P.
First you wait for 45-50 minutes just to place your order. Yes, it's almost an hour literally to PLACE the order. Then you realize just HOW expensive the food is -- which would be OK if the food was good. You are looking at $20/mini plate of just about anything with one side (fries, coleslaw, or onion rings). If you get the larger plate, you are looking at ~$30/plate. Right after you place the order, you wait another 15+ minutes to get your food. At this point, you would eat a card board box if it was available -- but instead, you get some crappy overly deep fried food which has no taste what so ever. Ordered: 1.) a Lober Roll 2.) Mini plate of Scallops (w/ fries) 3.) A Box of Shrimp 4.) Two drinks (coke, raspberry iced tea) The lobster roll was good. Very small, but good. It needed to be ~25-30% larger for the price in my opinion, but again, it was good! The scallops were "mediocre to ok". They were overdone. Not the worst we have had, but definitely not even close to good. The shrimp was absolutely disgusting. It had an after taste of a bland "chemical". It was truly the worst fried food we have had. If the line wasn't so large, we would have returned it. The fries had NO taste what so ever. You could have literally deep fried branches and have achieved more of a flavor. Adding salt did not help either. I am not sure how it's possible to deep fry anything and get 0 taste from it. Would never come back to this place. Even if the wait was 5 minutes and the prices were cut in half, it's still not worth the food. Do yourself a favor and go to one of the other 10+ places with great seafood.
(1)Chilly P.
First of all, the restaurant itself is the cutest thing. The red and white awning, the staggered siding and playful typography - it's hard not to smile when you see it! I came here with my family after a wonderful beach day at Crane. Honestly, If you're coming here... you're going to wait. Bring some friends and family to chat with and make sure your iPhone is charged. It's worth the wait because the food and service is great. I waited about 30 minutes to put in an order and another 20 minutes to receive the food. We got the calamari and chicken finger plates with fries/onion rings as well as clam chowder. They are very generous with the portions. Fried seafood tends get really greasy but they do it right with ample crispiness. The batter they use is tasty but throwing some salt and pepper will perfect the dishes. I brought leftovers home and it still tasted delicious after baking. Oh and their clam chowder was heavenly, creamy goodness. The employees are super busy but maintains great customer service with a smile on their face. I don't come by Ipswich too often but heading to Crane Beach in the morning and then Clam Box for lunch makes a perfect summer day. I can't wait to go back :)
(5)Karen M.
This was my second visit to the Clam Box, and I was much happier with visit number 2. This place is super popular and as such, you may wait a long time in line just to place your order. Now, please note, when you finally get up to the front window there is a sign which states: "Please take your seat AFTER placing your order." I wish they had that sign outside at the END of the line. There were people standing in front of us in line that had half their group save a picnic table outside the whole time we were waiting in line. Which ended up being an hour. So, basically, a table was being held for over an hour when that could have been used for other people who already had their food. Rude. Anyway, yes, if you go on the weekend or a holiday as we did, you will wait. No matter what time of day. 3:45pm on a holiday weekend we waited an hour. My first visit was on a weekday about 5:30pm, so we didn't have a wait at all. Either way, it was a nice sunny day so it wasn't so bad. Although, had I known it would have been an hour, I would have worn more sensible shoes! Anyway, the fiance and I both got the clam strips without the bellies and a side of onion rings. The clams were delicious and the breading was plain and simple without spices so you could actually taste the clams. The onion rings were the same. Not greasy at all. The Clam Box has been here forever (1935). Could they be more efficient? Sure. Could they give nicer paper plates? Sure. But, I'm glad they don't. That would take away from the charm of what they do. Standing in line, and getting good, basic fried seafood is what they do best. Why change it up? Just enjoy the experience!
(4)Cindy L.
I've been here many times in the past, but this is the first time I've gone back in years and it's still as delicious as I remembered. My all time favorite is of course the fried native clams... When you bite through the crispy batter, it's like a burst of ocean in your mouth. This time around we also tried the lobster roll (my first time)... Pretty good but the lobster probably needed just a touch more seasoning. Come here for the fried clams. They are too good to miss (even with the long line and I hate lines!) :)
(5)Sarah A.
We waited in a line stretching out the door and into the parking lot for almost an hour- and that was just to order. It took about another half an hour to get the food. Don't get me wrong, the food was absolutely delicious- perfect lightly fried clams and scallops and a nice light batch of onion rings and fries- but the wait was crazy. We were committed to trying this place and overall I think it was worth it, but just be advised you may need to wait a long long time for your yummy fried foods.
(4)J B.
Probably the best haddock sandwich for its flakiness and crisp. Searching for the best New England fish sandwich - you have to try this one. Pricing is not bad for seafood and the wait wasn't bad. Chowder was amazing as well.
(4)Mike S.
One of the most legendary fried clams joints around. It may not get the hype of Woodman's and Farnum's, both equally delicious, but these folks step it up a notch. Best clams on the North Shore. Massive plate of full bellies, deliciously battered for a good price. Fresh! You will not leave hungry. In fact, it is in my estimation that these folks give you just a bit more for your buck. Stop on by!
(5)Ryan R.
Talk about overrated. I live in Ipswich and I figured this place was a tourist trap kind of place, but I was curious and finally tried it out. I guess I was right. First of all, it's expensive. A small box of whole clams and an order of fries came to $30 and change. They aren't kidding when they say "small" either. I couldn't believe that the meager amount of food I received cost that much money. It was about to rain so we decided to eat inside their small, self-service dining room. It's nothing fancy, which is what I expect from a little seafood place like this. What I didn't expect were the 20 or so flies that were buzzing around my head and constantly landing on me and my food. It was disgusting. I think they can afford a fly trap or two; there's really no excuse for that. The fried clams themselves were nothing to write home about. I've had much better at places not shaped like clam boxes. I'm not sure what ingredient they add to it, but the batter is sweet-tasting and overpowers the flavor of the clam. It was also falling off and the fries were pale and unsalted. Literally go anywhere else for fried clams. This place sucks.
(1)Michael T.
It's been a long time since i have been to this New England landmark. I am happy to report that the quality is still among the best! Had taken the family to Crane's beach for the day and decided to go out for dinner. Ordered the Fisherman's platter, Lobster roll, Shrimp & Fries & Hot dog (don't ask). Prices were a bit steep for non fine dining (my definition Wait staff on hand to take your order). The quality and freshness was awesome. Lobster roll was good but I felt a bit steep for 19.95 with a bag of Wachusetts Chips that might have had 6 chips in the whole bag (Not the Clam Box fault). Got some fountain soda's, was a bit surprised when I went back for a refill that I had to buy a new soda. Spent 2.79 on a large. Bit upset because I spent over $85 on dinner and I cant get a refill? I know for sure that at Legal you get free soda refills and they don't cost $2.79 a cup. Overall I will continue to stop and eat at this great landmark, but i will bring in my own drinks going forward.
(4)P C.
Waited in line for about an hour today and talked to some friendly people. After seeing this place in phantom gourmet had opportunity to visit today. Looked like the place was understaffed and calling of numbers very slow. Fried clams and onion rings were not superior by any means and for supposedly made to order not warm at all. Glad I was in the area vs taking the trip only to go here.
(3)Jeffrey B.
If you don't mind waiting out in the hot sun, this place is awesome. Quite often there is a fairly decent line. I had the Clam Chowdah which was very good. For some reason I like my Chowdah to have bacon in it. I also had the Whole Clams and Scallops, fried. They were cooked to perfection. I even liked the cole slaw. I will be back.
(4)Joe L.
Visited the Clam Box of Ipswich, got to say not impressed, food over priced and only okay. Had the whole belly clams, $30 for small belly clams, they were very tiny, I should of saved $10 and ordered the strips cause I feel like that's what I got anyway. For $30 those whole belly clams should be fat bellies, right? What really did not impress me was the fact that I arrived at 3pm, line was not too long, however did not even place my order until 3:45 because at 2:30 daily the restaurant changes its frying oil daily. Your eating fried foods, changing the oil at 2:30pm on a Sunday afternoon is not going make that fried food, healthier.....I'm all for changing the oil, but do it at the start of the day before customers are in line, not when you have 20 customers waiting to eat.
(2)Rich Z.
We were visiting from FL and decided to stop in for some "good ole fried clams" and boy, sure glad we did. Went with large box of fried clam strips and the lobsta roll. Clams were ok , batter was a bit bland but lemme just say the lobster roll was a delight. What a surprise...super fresh and not overloaded w/ mayo. Be sure to put this on your list if ever in Ipswich! Disclaimer: They don't take Amex which is ridiculous considering the prices they charge.
(4)Christine M.
These are by far the best fried clams in New England! Sweet and flavorful and not ginormous! Not greasy and really fresh. (they change their oil twice a day!) And their tarter sauce pairs so well with the clams! Other places like Woodmans are hit or miss...I've never had a bad clam at The Clam Box. For those that complain about the lines I suggest going on a day other than a weekend (or learning how to be patient) - you can't rush perfection!
(5)Kim M.
The story goes like this...we drove to Woodman's in Essex to try the fried clams & we were like "we're only a few miles from Ipswich...when are we ever going to have the opportunity to try fresh clams from both areas again??!" So we did. Lordy. All I can say is if you are looking for a fresh, earthy yet sweet tasting clam, take the extra little drive out to Ipswich. Yes...the Clam Box is more 'divey' than Woodman's, but is it about the decor or the food?! Ask your stomach...
(5)Sir T.
I was totally disappointed with my lunch at the Clam Box. Between three of us we shared a small clam box, lobster roll, haddock, shrimp, cole slaw, french fries and onion rings. The clams were very tiny and flavorless, the haddock dry and mealy opposed to moist and flaky, lobster roll, although plentiful, was very chewy and overloaded with mayonnaise. The sides, nothing to write home about. I just don't understand the long lines of people waiting, maybe a lot of first timers or people who don't want to venture out of their comfort zone. Don't get me started on the flies
(2)Debrin S.
They have been serving famous Ipswich clams here for almost 80 yrs!! Ultra fresh. Change the oil 2x a day Sweet succulent tender plump whole belly clams Most sweet huge sea scallops I've ever had! Check out this list: yankeemagazine.com/artic…
(5)Dustin P.
I am blown away this pathetic excuse for a clam place has 5 reviews on YELP??? The only reason the line is long is because of the ordering protocol which is designed trick people into thinking that they are busy. 1 person places their order at a time, then they hand the order to a cashier, then they hand it to the cook, serious that is how it works and that is why the line is long, a complete ploy to mislead all driving by. The food is O.K. that is it, just ok and nothing more, to wait one hour plus for OK food in this day and age is a sin. May the owner of this place be scolded for their complete lack of attentiveness to their customers valuable time and comfort. PATHETIC PATHETIC PATHETIC
(1)Alexis O.
The Clam Box is a must stop for anyone in Ipswich. We had just an order of fried clams, but it was plenty for two as they delivered us a heaping basket worth! I read many reviews of a long wait, but we didn't wait long at all. Just beware right now that they are charging a $3 surcharge on all clams. Not a big deal, but it isn't listed on the menu, so I though I would give a heads up. Definitely try the clams, they are world famous!
(4)Yelena Y.
I waited in line for 1 hr and was wondering if it was worth it. It was. I had the two combo plate and clambox. I also had the lemonade. Everything was so fresh and tasty.
(5)Billy D.
Yumm the native clams are AMAZING. I've never had fried clams this good - they just throw the whole juicy clam right in the batter and fry the sucker. Tastes fresh. Most of their menu is deep fried, but they do use fresh oil, so it tastes really good. If you love deep fried seafood - get over here. The lobster roll was good, but clams are the way to go. The portions are HUGE, so be ready. Pro tip: get sides of their cocktail sauce, it's tasty. Try mixing 2 parts cocktail sauce to 1 part tartar plus a few dashes of tabasco. boom. dip away.
(4)Lynn R.
We live in Ipswich and LOVE this place, the lines are long but definitely worth the wait. They have indoor or outdoor seating and the clams are to die for!. It is not a fancy place and you should expect to wait... the food isn't the cheapest around either BUT if you want QUALITY and good portions then this is definitely a value for the money. We always bring guests here because we are able to get a few things and share, we always bring food home!
(5)Vanessa N.
Waited in line for 30 minutes in a stand still and only 1 ordered was called during that time. I went down the street to the Ipswich Clambake Company (they're food is just as good, I think this place is so famous because it's been around longer and has been in magazines and on the Food Network). Just because they opened in the 1930's doesn't mean you should keep operating the same way. I'm giving this place a 2 because I have been here before and actually eaten but I came as soon as they opened. The food is good but not worth an hour wait.
(2)Gia D.
Although we LOVE fried seafood, we limit ourselves to 2 times a year and it's only at the Clam Box. Portions are huge and quality is so fresh. Last year we went and the line was very long so we decided to go to another popular place.....didn't even compare. We usually get the fried clams and fried scallops with a cup of clam chowder.....heaven
(5)Darren F.
The iconic clam box of Ipswich is one of the best seafood places in Massachusetts by far. The long lines are here are expected and constant, so don't expect to swing by and not wait a while, especially if you're here on a weekend or evening. They change the oil out every few hours which leads to the high quality food. It's a very simple, but effective way to keep up the quality and shows that things don't have to be complicated. Go with your favorite from clams, haddock, scallops or anything else because chances are they don't do it better anywhere else.
(5)Chris M.
Came on a Wednesday around 11:30 a.m. and no line at all. Had a cup of chowder and the two item combo plate, native clams and scallops, with fries, slaw and a roll. Stuffed! No dinner that night. The clam chowder was excellent. The star for me on the combo plate was the scallops. Large, succulent, lightly battered and perfectly cooked. The clams were very good but I've had better. The fries were undercooked, the slaw was o.k. and the roll was....a roll.
(4)Nina S.
So far my favorite fried clams place. The onion rings and the scallops are great too. It's just good seafood that's fried well. What more can be said? They make good new England clam chowder/chowdah too. Clam cake was ehh .. mostly bread crumbs. Oh only real complaint, the tartar sauce they give you is in such small cups!
(4)Christine H.
Clam chowder is excellent. The prices are moderate but considering the freshness of your seafood it is well worth it. Prepare to wait if you're there in tourist season and/or prime time.
(5)Charles D.
The food here is great! However, I was here this past Sunday, memorial day weekend, the line was wrapped around the restaurant. Most likely a sign that the food is great! I stood in line for 35 minutes and not only did the line remain completely stagnant but they only called 2 orders. This is absurd! What does it say about the quality of your employees that you can only push 2 orders out in 35 minutes. we left as did many of the people waiting in the line resulting in lost revenue. This needs to be addressed ASAP.
(1)Amanda W.
Stopped yesterday on my way to Maine. Still thinking about the fried clams (the native ones). I am regretting my decision to get a native clam mini meal with onion rings and a lobster roll. It was all good, but the native clams have awakened a craving I didn't know was possible. I should have just gotten the biggest native clam box I could eat. I mean it's basically the name of the place. Lesson learned, when there is a menu item with the same name as the place, just get that! Ok Clam Box, you haven't seen the last of me. I'll be back!
(5)Diana K.
Had to try The Clam Box ... a legend in this area. Arrived on a Friday afternoon a little after 2:30 pm and a sign was posted that they were changing the oil in their fryer. There's often a line out the door but given the time of day, we walked right up to the window to order. A little wait (about 10-15 minutes) for them to change the oil but very glad that our lunch was going to be cooked in a fresh batch. My friend and I decided to share: 2 way combo of fried clam strips, scallops, onion rings & cole slaw and the Lobster Roll with a side of cole slaw. We seated ourselves inside and it took approx. another 10 minutes and our order # was called. The 2-way looked enormous, the clam strips and scallops were lightly fried, not greasy, tender and delicious. The onion rings were lightly breaded, sweet and tasty. Cole slaw a bit on the sweet side but terrific. It also came with a roll which we opted to skip. We would give our 2-way four stars. Can't say the same about the Lobster Roll. There were chunks of lobster; however, a bit on the'"runny" side, not very tender or tasty. It was served with lettuce and a buttered hot dog roll. We would give the Lobster Roll 1 1/2 stars. Overall, we would return for the fried seafood but not the lobster roll. The lobster roll was disappointing based on their reputation.
(3)Mark G.
Last weekend, I went on a New England Clam Shack Road Trip. Dinners were reserved for "other" restaurants, but between Friday at 1pm and Sunday at 1pm, I had been to seven different places, through CT, RI, MA and ME. It wasn't the last, but it was definitely the best clam strips. It was the second stop of the day (first was Kennebunkport, ME), and the line was about an hour long, but fried clam strips and scallops were the best of the trip. Yes, it's the clam box, so you expect the clam strips to be great, but I was amazed by the scallops. Fried to perfection, but still light and flavorful on the inside. There are picnic tables outside (with a strange sign that says "eat at your own risk"), and about 12 tables inside. It was a beautiful day, and everyone in line seemed happy to be waiting for this awesome food. After so many places, I think I can pass on lobster rolls, clam strips, mussels and steamers for a while, but when I'm ready for more, this is my first stop.
(5)Leslie G.
Well worth the wait, if you're a clam fan. The native clams were amazing. Fresh and so sweet. The line moved slowly, and that made the anticipation grow, and the first bite was the prize. Loved it.
(5)Tom j.
After waiting in a long line, the Clambox was overcrowded and disorganized in the kitchen, with staff standing around and seemed to me doing nothing. The food was over priced and bland, I have had a lot better. After waiting through the line and for the food we sat in restaraunt section and spent our entire swatting at flies. After asking the staff if they could doing anything about the fly problem, we were told there was nothing they can do. Watching this fly problem, only had me thinking how many were in the kitchen.
(1)Susie L.
The Clam Box is the best establishment to get traditional New England fried seafood. The scallop mini meal with fries are my favorite. I recently had the lobster roll and it was the best I've ever had. The oil is changed everyday which contributes to the food's freshness. Highly recommend the Clam Box.
(5)Susan S.
Hey there! I ate here when I was a little kid in the 60's growing up nearby and I ate here again as an adult. Same thrill young and old. Of course now, I have to wait a day or so before I can eat again because well - it is very filling. Sort of like a boa constrictor, a big meal of fried clams with french fries AND onion rings will take some time to digest. But heaven no matter how you look at it and well worth the time to spend as you contemplate how not much in life is reliably the same after 50 years. I loved this place as a treat when I was a kind coming back from the beach in the summers and I still love it. Glad to see everyone else does too. PS - Would you ship me an order here in Arizona? : )
(5)Cheryl F.
Over priced smallest clams i have ever seen. Very disappointed also found other fish pieces in my meal
(1)Carrie R.
The BEST fried clams ever hands down!!
(5)stephen s.
Awesome Clams!!!!!
(4)Scott H.
Maybe I had been over-hyped, my expectations were up there... We waited in line for 40 minutes on a Sunday afternoon around 4:00. We received undercooked fries, onion rings with so much batter you couldn't taste onion, a small order of shrimp and a decent order of clams. With two drinks, $40+. The oysters were good. But not for that price. If I'm going to spend $40, there are too many other choices that have better quality and quantity.
(2)Mo H.
Maybe it's because there aren't many choices in the area, but I didn't see the draw. I have had better fried food elsewhere. I saw this place on Chronicle and thought it must be worth the trip. We waited about 30 minutes outside to place our order at the counter. There was only one person cooking so it was a bit of a wait. You could see that the kitchen was immaculate from the ordering widow. The food comes either bagged to go, or on a tray for eat in. There was a very small, clean dining room which had a kitschy nautical design and some picnic tables at the back of the parking lot. Most customers were doing take out so we had no problem finding a seat after we ordered. The dining room is self service. We got fried clam/scallop combo platters. They were about $28.00 each that day. They were large enough to split with another for lunch. The clams were small, fresh and not a chewy piece in the bunch. Very tender but, since they were small, the bellies were tiny and that is where the flavor comes from. The batter was bland and unseasoned. I wouldn't say they were bad but not worth a long drive. The scallops were the large size prepared in the same flavorless coating. I found them a little dry and pasty. Not juicy or moist. Flavor was mild. The onion rings had the same problem. French fries were pale but tasted ok. The plate came with a dinner roll which seemed strange and wasn't needed. I found the coleslaw to be greasy and it had a funny taste that I didn't like and I am not a picky eater. The tartar sauce was exceptional and maybe I should have used more. I wouldn't recommend this box but the surrounding community with it's historical flavor, rolling farms and smell of sweet cut grass made it worth the ride.
(2)Erni M.
We each had a lobster roll and a cup of clam chowder. Couldn't wait. It lived up to the reviews and the quality of lobster exactly what you would expect for the area. Clams in soup were biggest I've ever seen. Definitely worth a drive off beaten path.
(4)Jared K.
The food is ok, but the line is long and the food is very slow to come out. In fact the reason the line is so long is because the content service is relatively slow. The other issue is that the price is high for the quality of what you get.
(1)Julie B.
Apparently long lines are a guarantee at the Clam Box. Is it worth the wait? I think so. The clam strips were delicious -- perfectly lightly fried, and came as a HUGE portion with two sides (I got french fries and cole slaw). The fries honestly didn't look that great but were actually very tasty, as was the cole slaw. My boyfriend got the lobster roll which was decently sized and filled with lobster, but had a slightly strange taste to me. Probably not something I'd order for myself. Moral of the story: if you're going to wait for over an hour at a clam shack, order the clams!
(4)Denise N.
Awesome food. Great for anything fried. Sometimes there is a long wait outside but it's worth it. Even if you don't like fish they have great chicken and hamburgers. If you go during not peak times too there really isn't much of a wait and you can call and do take out. The staff was a little less than pleasant but when I put in a complaint with management they were very upset about it and went on to give me a little extra :)
(4)Alyssa W.
We arrived right after they have breaked to change the oil...so that meant a line out the door at around 330. The sign said they cleaned at 230..so we were dealing with the back up of people. After we got through the line, the wait for our food didnt take long and we were able to get a table inside. We got a haddock plate, two whole belly clam orders and fried oysters. favorite was the clams. Ive always loved fried clams, reminds me of trips to cape cod when I was young. Service is friendly and efficient. They are a little stingy on the tartar sauce if you eat in. so ask for a big container if you like tartar sauce. Definately worth the drive. Also they have a good amout of parking and outdoor seating as well :)
(4)Michael B.
Going to the Clam Box is an experience. Even though it's just a small clam shack, you'll need to get there about 1.5-2 hours before you actually want to eat. The line stretches through the parking lot at all hours and the entire restaurant shuts down for 15-20 minutes to change the oil every afternoon. My wife and I got there around 2:45 for a late lunch (ended up being an early dinner) and didn't order until around 3:45 or so. Getting the food took another 30 minutes. Since we were at a place called the Clam Box, obviously I ordered a hot dog. It was grilled and served on a buttery roll. Pretty good as far as clam shack hot dogs go. There's a variety of toppings you can get for your hot dog, but I chose to go plain to let the dog itself be the star of the show. I'd definitely get it again. If you're in the Ipswich area and have a few hours to kill before wanting a hot dog, hit up the Clam Box. They also have seafood and stuff but who cares about that.
(4)Brenna R.
Hands down the best clams ! I've come here since I was little. I love the big belly clams and they never fail me! I highly reccomend this restaurant to anyone!!! My mouth is watering as I'm writing this review. The lines can be long, but totally worth the wait. The seating is first come, first serve. So I suggest that if you go with a group, one person can wait in line and the others can hold a table. They do have outdoor seating. All I can say is - go to the clam box for the best clams (gotta say big belly at window)!
(5)James M.
Well, the Clam Box never disappoints. Again today, a Friday, the Fried Clams get a 10+ rating. And we went on a weekday which is what the smart people do (pats self on back); 2:00pm and no line at all. Please do yourself a favor, unless you don't mind waiting, never go on a weekend or a holiday. But if you do go on a weekend or holiday, please don't come rushing on to Yelp and rage post because of the long wait. And for you taste bud less morons that say the food is bland, Clam Box does not salt any of their fried foods. Salt is provided to salt your own to your personal liking, and thank God for that!
(5)g h.
Great fried food a long line but well worth the wait Large portions so bring your apatite Pricy plan on spending for the nicer things in life but not something you would eat every day Easy parking plenty of seats Would recommend to anyone who loves fried seafood
(4)Joellen M.
Awful, I will NEVER go back . As slow as molasses and they think they are doing you a favor by waiting on you, not one person has a smile or is even the slightest bit pleasant. And then the food sucked, it was greasy and cold and they weren't even that busy. I love Farnhams and they are glad to see you and are nice. The clam box can kiss my ass and wait in a line that moves at a snails pace. Oh and then to bust your balls a little more they change the oil in the middle of the rush so you are outside dying in the heat and waiting to pay big bucks. All in all there are SO many better places in that area. I will never EVER go back. Tourist trap big time
(1)Road D.
I love this place! I get the fishermen's platter, it's some of thw best fried food you can get, they change the oil daily. The coleslaw is good! Good parking , long wait... But worth it!
(5)Kevin C.
Great food. The portion sizes are big and the price reflect that. Expect a LONG wait in line during warm days.
(4)Tony S.
Ok..... it's good. Like the other lemmings, I did the 1-hour wait. Glad I did. I came with a family of 6, and ordered the GINORMOUS fisherman's platter (haddock, shrimp, scallops, and clams), the full bellied clams (YUM!), the strip clams (NOT-so yum.... don't recommend it), and the lobster roll (not great, but good). With a $100 price tag, I shat in my pants. But the portions are no joke, so I suppose it's worth it (I have no basis of comparison, so on a standalone basis, I like it). If anything, all 3 kids swallowed the food, and they are normally picky eaters. Definitely likely to come again, but I advise coming in before 4:30pm, when the line just gets ridiculous.
(4)Audrey C.
Beware of the ridiculous wait- we waited for 2 hours in line before we got our food. Let me just reiterate, 2 hours! I am not exaggerating- I kept track of the time, as I was pretty hungry. While we were there, some girl standing in line got heat stroke! I would not have waited for 2 hours, except that by the time we came to this realization that this was going to take a very long time, we had already invested time waiting in line. There was only 1 person taking orders, and I could think of at least 3 or 4 different ways they could have sped this up. They could have opened 2 registers at least. They could have had someone taking orders for people in line. They could have had people write down their orders ahead of time. Anything! But it was like they didn't even care about their customers. Frying food, with such a limited menu too, should NOT take very long. It should not take someone 2 hours to place an order and receive some fried food. The line was not even really that long, it just moved at a snail's pace. Once we got our food, it was clear it wasn't worth the wait. It was edible and ok, but the batter used for frying had zero taste. No spices or anything. Nothing special that you couldn't make at home if you had your own deep fryer. I wouldn't go again, and I wish I hadn't gone the first time. Waiting for 2 hours when you are hungry already is torturous.
(2)Annie M.
Stood in line for over an hour. ..spent 50$ for 2meals...no drinks....within 2 hours I was violently sick in bathroom. NEVER AGAIN!
(1)Genevieve R.
Long long line, incredibly long wait - for very average to below-average fried seafood. Fried clams had no seasoning - none. Lobster roll was ok. Everything was fresh, which is why I'm giving it 2 stars. But a dash of salt at the very least would have been welcomed. None of my group was thrilled with their food. No idea why this place gets such rave reviews, clearly everyone goes because of its reputation, but it must be a rep built a LONG time ago when they actually seasoned their food. Clam House was better and without the crazy long lines. Go elsewhere.
(2)Joy L.
Review will be short and simple.... An overall 2 s-star rating!!! Average Age of Employees = High School / College Students. Prices = Relatively cheap for seafood regardless of demand or short supply Service = Self serve (food is ordered, the number that the provide you at the order will be broadcast to the world. My hubby and I ordered a box of Clam strips...this came out to about $20 including tip. The clam were delicious! The oil that they cooked it in appeared to be fresh. there was a sign of some sort indicating that they remove their cooking oils every "xx.xx." time. I don't recall that specific time, however , I do recall how delicious these clam were! Downfall - their prices increases due to the supply of clams. A year ago it was $9.95 for a box of clam strips. Now with the increase, it totals to about $15.95 each. about a $4-$5 increase. happy clamming & fishing!!!
(2)Kimberly M.
Clams are perfect and fresh every time. We also love the scallops! I'm not as big on the sides, like the french fries and onion rings, but I think that's because they don't add any salt or spice. I suppose I could add it myself, but that seems like a lot of work :) I recommend calling in a takeout order if you don't want to wait in the summertime lines!
(5)Jim B.
Disappointing! 25 bucks for a seafood platter on a styrofoam plate with aplastic fork. I love good seafood and this was ok but nothing to right home about. When I asked for an extra plate so that i could share the food with my wife,they told me that I could only get a really cheap , flimsy plate until I complained and the they allowed me to have a second styrofoam fancier plate. Asked for a cup of ice water and they don't have it only bottled water for another two bucks. I don't get the lines out the door , average food , no service, price is no deal.
(2)Darby S.
After my father in law hyped this place up to us all day, we were really excited to try it out. We drove from Lowell, which is about 45 minutes to an hour. We were nervous about the line but we were waiting maybe 15 minutes, and then about 30 minutes for our food to cook. Not too bad. It was nothing out of the ordinary. You can definitely tell they change their oil daily. The coleslaw was great, and I'm not a huge fan of coleslaw in general. My husband & I shared the seafood platter and it was more than enough. There wasn't much space for our party of 6. We all squeezed into a booth, with my youngest being in a high chair at the end of the table. It was definitely good and we'd go again with my hubby's parents, but if it were up to us we would probably just go to Markey's after a day at Hampton, since it's about the same distance and the food didn't seem to taste that much different.
(4)Kay A.
We waited 2.5 hours to get our food. We arrived at 11:30am for lunch and left at 2:30! Ridiculous!! Why isn't there more help? Why let people wait this long line, they are not valuing their customers time! I wanted clam cakes for lunch well I got hockey pucks instead. Clam cakes are round and look like donut holes/munchkins, not hockey pucks! Seating outside is limited, people wait so long in line for their food they end up going to the tables to sit and hold tables. When we finally received our food, no tables were to be had as others were saving them. What upset us the most is that there is little help inside and no urgency. They have a line of customers and so casually do things. I was embarrassed to be waiting in line for so long and they should be embarrassed as well. There is only one person taking orders, we witnessed only one employee casually reading the orders off the metal turnstile trying to figure out the orders while he took many sips of his drink. Not sure why it takes so long in between orders but the girls were somewhat standing around and munching on a plate of food. The food was okay but needed some more flavor or salt. So disappointing, our family will not be back.
(1)Man M.
It's clams, clams and more clams. Fresh, delicious native clams. Order ahead. Or you can wait in long lines. Be aware that the change their frying oil that you may have to wait longer. Bring your own preferred condiments for total enjoyment.
(5)Laura A.
At some point during the two hour line for fried food, someone drove by and shouted "NOT WORTH THE WAIT!!!!". Should've listened.
(2)Paul P.
Hailing from Connecticut and being inundated with clam shacks on the shoreline I eagerly sought out the famous Clam Box for comparison but thought, "how much better could this place be?" But I was already in Boston so I decided to make the 30 minute drive up the North Shore to see what all the hype was about. I can't think of a better establishment to review for my 100th Yelp entry because this place has it going on. There's a reason there is a line out the door every day. So what sets the Clam Box apart from the others besides its takeout box styled roof? For me, it was the surprises it offered. For one thing, there is a sign that says "sorry for the inconvenience but we change our oil every day at 2:30 to preserve the freshness and quality of the food. You're sorry for doing the right thing? No problem at all. So many times fried seafood is diminished in taste because of dirty oil. Clam Box is as clean as a whistle and I, for one, am grateful for this attention to detail. You actually can taste the fish. Secondly, I was pleasantly surprised at their New England Clam Chowder. It was not too thick or heavy and it was chock full of clams, a must for any chowder worth its weight. They should enter it in the Newport Chowder Fest. The three way platter I ordered was huge and plenty big enough to share. It included the famous fried whole belly clams, scallops and tiny white Maine shrimp with a dinner roll and both french fries and onion rings as sides. Note: coleslaw is the other side option and you get to choose two. The plate was excellent in taste and not at all greasy. I didn't ask but I would imagine the seafood was patted dry prior to being breaded and fried because there was zero sogginess factor here. Again, if you eat a lot of fried seafood you know this makes a big difference. The famous whole belly clams were, indeed, excellent. Not sandy or briny or mealy in any way. They really stood up well to the dredging and deep frying process, as did the scallops and shrimp. The french fries were the final pleasant surprise of the day. I swear these things tasted like the crack that is McDonald's fries. And I mean that as a compliment. I think if I were blindfolded I would not be able to tell them apart from what Clam Box put in this platter. I really liked them. The onion rings were well breaded but just average. Food orders take a little longer to prepare and pick up at the counter but it's because of the care taken in preparation so that's OK. Prices are more than fair. The above mentioned items and a large soda got me out of there for $33 with more than enough food for two people. Sometimes the reality of the legend equals or exceeds the myth. The Clam Box is exhibit A.
(5)Kevin L.
My first job was in a seafood restaurant. I always had fish scales on my clothes and reeked. Ever since, I disliked fried seafood because it brought back nightmares. I would like to tell everyone Clam Box's food is nightmare free! Clam Box's food is fresher and a billion times better than any I had. We ordered the Fisherman's platter. Clam bellies, shrimp, haddock, and scallops. Seafood heaven. Lightly fried. Batter was good as well. Cole slaw was also amazing. Portions were great for the price. One fisherman's platter left two hungry men feeling satisfied. The chicken salad roll was also delicious, if you don't like seafood. We went during July 4th weekend. Waited about an hour during dinner time. Totally worth it.
(5)Tim S.
Went back to the Clam Box yesterday afternoon. It was just as good as I remembered it being except one thing....my buddy got sick as a dog..food poisoning of some sorts. Not sure what it was because we ate the exact same thing. Must have been a bad clam or something. The only other thing he ate that I didn't was a little cup of their tartar sauce. He was violently ill all night and even today...it sucks and I feel totally bad for him right now. We ordered 2 lobster rolls, a large native clam box, a small onion rings and 2 drinks. Total came out to $75 or so which sure isn't cheap but it sure was fantastic. The lobster rolls are stuffed to the gills with chunks of delicious lobster. The buns are toasty, and they use minimal mayo which I love. The fried clams were amazing as usual. I could eat a large by myself probably. The onion rings were great too. Its too bad that my buddies lasting memory will be a horrible one of The Clam Box. I was fine and every single thing was delicious! These are still the best fried clams I have ever had up and down the coast.
(5)Talen C.
It's not worth the 1.5 hour wait. Go to woodman ' s instead. Claims are decent but where cold and overpriced. almost $30 for a clam plate.
(2)Ian W.
After visiting Ipswich recently, I decided to stop off at the Clam Box for takeout around suppertime before driving back to NH. There was a line at the counter on a cold March night, but not out the door. The place is order and pay first at the counter and you pick up your food when your number is called. There's also self serve seating in the dining room and outside picnic table seating. I placed my order for a 2-Way Combo (whole clams & scallops) with onion rings and slaw and dinner roll ($22.75 plus tax) and given a number. It took about 20 minutes after ordering for my number to be called. The good sized portion of food on the plate had a nice pile of fried food goodness. The breaded whole fried clams were soft had a nice sweet taste and the fried sea scallops were tender too. The onion rings were crisp with some breading coming off. The minced slaw was okay and sweet. The food was not too greasy. It took me three meals to finish off this dinner and I enjoyed every second of eating great tasting clams and scallops. I quickly note that I wished they would give out more tartar sauce and ketchup with the big dinner. I was given one cup of tartar and two packets of ketchup.
(4)Rick P.
Haven't been in a few years and was very disappointed. Price on mini meals was 50%-75% higher than on previous visits with smaller portions. 3 - 5 min. delay between the taking of each order was totally unnecessary. Food was over cooked. I'll go to Bob's Lobster on Plum Island when I need a fried seafood fix instead.
(2)Regina L.
Tried this spot when I visited friends. I was dying for some good lobster rolls and friends recommended this place as it received rave reviews for it's lobster rolls. Well it definitely delivered! It was the best one I've had ....moist and tasty. Can't comment on other areas such as service and other menu items, but to me the lobster roll was spot on and for that they deserve a 5 star.
(5)Tracy B.
So bummed, happened to be in the area & went right to Yelp for the address as it is one of the places I havent been yet (surprise I know)... According to Yelp - they were open, so off we headed, only to find out they are closed for the Season until Feb 13th... I was there on the 9th.. UGH!!!
(3)Monica L.
The fried haddock was good, but not as good as what I make at home. Stick to their fried clams. I love that you can get onion rings or cole slaw instead of fries for no additional charge, and the onion rings are amazing. They need a bit more salt IMO, but that's okay.
(4)Kathy W.
Waited 45 minutes but SOOOOO worth it. Fresh everything. Got hot lobster that was stuffed and so fresh and fried shrimp plate with home made coleslaw. Everything was perfect
(5)Rita V.
huge huge huge belly clams!!! fried right. onion rings, fried right. line is crazy long - but it moves, and its certainly worth the wait.
(5)Mike O.
Very good seafood in the rough. I've eaten there many, many times. Here is my recommendation when you eat there: 1) Eat the food on site. Taking anything to go causes a drop in quality once it sits for too long. 2) Plan ahead. The lines can be long. Also, they change the fryer oil after lunch, causing a delay of 30+ minutes. But, I recommend this place for fried seafood. The portions are huge, as are the prices.
(4)Alison S.
The native clams are good, but the rest is just typical fried seafood platter. The prices are high but the portions are large. We drove from Boston and I don't think it was worth the time. If you are already out that way, then try it once, but don't waste your time if in the city.
(3)Max G.
I have been coming to the clam box for the past three years after hearing that they have the best fried clams in New England. They truly do. Most days in the summer there is a line out the door, but the waits are not too bad unless you come during one of the many times throughout the day that they replace the oil in the fryer. The food is definitely worth the wait, and after you place an order it comes out in a timely manner. There is both indoor and outdoor seating, but it fills up fast.
(5)Pamela S.
One word to describe this place: ripoff! The Clam Box is overpriced--as of this writing, they're charging a $5 surcharge on any clam order for meals that include the clam bellies. I ended up paying $30 for a clam plate and small lemonade, and regretting forking over that much money. As others have noted, the clams weren't anything remarkable, and I waited close to an hour in line to receive them. There was a family of four and a couple ahead of me in line who gave up and left because of the wait--they were the smart ones.
(2)Matt V.
Wasn't worth the wait, not sure why this place is considered so great. The lobster meat in the roll was cooked inconsistently, the clams were a bit rubbery and the service was quite slow - it was hard to believe I was in New England. Never again. Stick with Woodmans if you want top shelf food and fast service.
(3)Bela S.
I have to be honest, I was ready to irrationally give this place a bad review even before I stepped through the doors. To start, a 19 mile drive took us over an hour due to traffic, then there was a line about thirty people long OUT THE DOOR. I was thinking to myself, "SELF! There is no way this is going to be amazing. Who waits 30+ minutes for a plate of fried things?!" Well, I was happily WRONG! I went with the lobster roll. Now, I am kind of picky with my lobster rolls as I don't really like mayo. Most places scoop from a premixed batch, but I decided to ask. NOPE! They mix it to order! Well alright, SUPER LIGHT on the mayo please! Came out just as a I wanted it. VERY little mayo at all. At first site, the roll seemed kind of small, however once I picked it up, I realized it was mostly lobster meat. This was easily a 1lb+ lobster on this thing. The roll was also lightly toasted and buttered. Also came with a bag of chips. Not bad for $18 (Boston I'd be dropping $25) Wife had the native clams and onions rings. Boy do you get a LOT. Fried to order, and perfectly I might add. It's wonderful that they aren't dripping with grease either, which is an easy miss step for a place that has to get through serving this many people fried food. I especially commend them for hand battering their onion rings too; often times these places go frozen. One thing we weren' too impressed with was the coleslaw. We ordered a small, and it was clearly pre scooped as most of the "sauce" was pooled on the bottom. I have no reason to suspect they didn't make it on site, but I feel it was scooped into cups and stored for faster serving. It also needed some color. All it had was green gabbage with 3-4 slivers of carrot. I would have thrown in some purple cabbage too, at the least, just to make it more visually appealing. The flavor was there, once we mixed it up. Not the worst tasting (but close to worst looking) slaw I have ever had, but I will probably skip this next time. Tip: The place seemed empty when we drove back around 6 (we decided to go to the beach after lunch). Seems like just before closing is the best time to hit clam box up.
(5)Daniel B.
I've been here for both the fried clams and their lobster rolls. Didn't like either. The lobster roll is covered in mayo, and although it has a heaping portion of meat, it's stringy, consisting mostly of knuckle, and didn't taste very fresh. In all, two lobster rolls, a side of fries, and a drink cost almost $50. You can get better rolls and better prices almost anywhere else. Tack on the 1 hour + wait and it's a waste of time. Adding insult to injury, the staff at the front desk don't even offer free refills. They may be good for clams, but steer clear of their lobster rolls.
(2)Derek S.
The food is decent, though my fish did not taste fresh, which is not what you want from a restaurant like this especially given the fact that they charge you "extra" for a large plate that essentially functions like the size of a normal size plate.
(3)Henning M.
I had a Mini Clam Meal. It was ok.
(3)Christina H.
People wait in 20+ minute lines for this? Seriously? So disappointing, the food has no seasoning, was bland and the oil tasted old. If you want good seafood, drive the extra time and go to the Beach Plum.
(2)Caesar R.
A trip to Ipswich is just not complete without these delicious fried clams. The clam box always has a line and it ain't cheap, but you'll be glad you came here. The wife introduced me to this place many a years ago, so it's always a fun time to go here for the both of us. We usually wind up getting scallops and clams combo plate, but we decided to switch it up this time. We got the haddock mini meal and the clam plate. And what showed up was a mountain of food! A veritable plethora of seafood on a tray with fries, rings and slaw, not to mention the roll that pushed the carbo total to a whopping 91% of the plate. (With the plate you get a choice of two: rings, fries, slaw, the mini meal gets your pick of one) The food all comes out hot and fresh and you want to devour it, but don't...savor each and every bite. They have lots of choices for fried seafood options and even chicken fingers and a burger option for those of you who fear anything that swims. Definitely make this part of your journeys in the New England region.
(5)Kate G.
Worth the wait for a lobster roll...but NOT worth the wait for anything fried. The batter has absolutely bland!!
(2)Erik F.
While the fried clams are some if the best I've had along the NE coast, they were not worth the two hour wait!
(2)Gary T.
We like it here. I grew up eat clams on Cape Cod and these are the closest I have found. These are better clams than any place in the area and hands down better than anything I have tried in Maine. The Clam Box can be pricey and there can be a wait but we generally go mid week or other slow times. Clams were good but bellies could have been bigger. We enjoyed our visit and could not finish all the food they gave us. You might pay but you don't leave hungry.
(4)Andrew C.
Very good, I went here w/ my G.F. a week ago and found it to be a top fried sea food place.
(5)Adele M.
Definitely not worth the wait. I waited an hour just to place my order with roughly 20 people in front of me. There's no reason why it should take so long to place an order. It's obvious the business is intentionally creating a line to attract more customers. The food isn't worth it when there are several similar options nearby. I won't be back.
(1)Alexis A.
Not worth the drive or wait in line. Food was bland and tasteless. Not even with copious amount of tartar sauce we could eat it.
(1)J F.
Iconic. Delicious. And now accepts credit cards! We've been eating here for decades. We left the hospital with our newborn, took her to the beach at Plum Island to put her toes in the sand and then brought her to The Cam Box. It is a Defining New England Experience. Other reviews describe the experience and the menu. This one is here to wax rhapsodic and point you to Ipswich. Try Woodmans, too, but we prefer Clam Box.
(4)Doug M.
Going with 3 stars, but could easily be 2. Waiting in line for almost 2 hours for only average seafood is disappointing. Almost 2 hours to do 25 orders - that's crazy!!! It's amazing how slow this place is - there has to be some crazy reason for it. Is it because it appears to be run by teenagers who probably don't want to work in a hot kitchen on a 90+ degree 4th of July? Is it due to the kitchen being too small? Is it mismanaged? Do they think people should just wait and wait and wait? At one point, a woman fell on the ground - she got helped up quickly, so I'm not sure if she tripped or collapsed due to the heat. I have to say for a place that is making very good $$$ from it's patrons, they should have someone bring cold water out to the people waiting in their line. That would show respect for your patrons. I don't think they really care about their customers. After ordering, we waited almost 15 minutes for our meals. We had a combo or clams, scallops and (tiny) shrimp plus a box of clams. Overall, it was good just not great as we thought it would be. The onion rings were decent with a nice sweet taste - but that's not why you wait in line for almost 2 hours. If we knew it would take 1 hr, 45 mins to get to the counter to order, we would have left right away and gone to JT Farnhams or Woodmans. Overall - disappointment. After writing this, I felt more and more angry about this crappy experience at the Clam Box. Then my wife tells me that she watched as one of the staff went into the ladies room and gazed in to see if it needed cleaning. At which point, she turned around and never cleaned it. My wife said it was gross and had paper towels all over the floor. Basically, the owners of the Clam Box couldn't care less about their customers or the quality of their food. 2 stars - and I highly doubt that we'll try this place again.
(2)Danielle K.
Waited in line about 15 min, thought it would be a longer wait for our food but it came out much quicker then expected. Split the fisherman's platter with my husband, more then enough for 2 people. Clam strips were my favorite, got clam chowder...also very good!
(4)Vikram A.
Bland food, Overrated and Absolutely Not Worth the Wait Maybe my expectations were too high after reading the glowing reviews on Yelp. After waiting close to 1.5 hours to order and pick up our food on a Saturday evening, I was expecting some really good food. But the food was generally bland and greasy. The fried clams and scallops were run of the mill, fries and onion rings couldn't be more boring. Another thing I didn't like was the "temporary" $5 surcharge for clams dishes (to accommodate their high prices this summer). Following that logic, how about a discount on the Lobster roll? they're selling as low as $3/pound. Looks like the restaurant likes the long lines. Its part of their cachet. They could easily cut the wait times by two-thirds by offering consumers a printed copy of the menu and let them mark their order before getting to the window.
(2)Lois M.
The clams were good but lots of other places also have good clams. I thought it not worth the wait. I would advise going elsewhere especially if the kids have to wait on line.
(3)Chris C.
Outstanding chowder, good non-greasy clams, but utterly flavorless onion rings. The wait wouldn't be so bad, but they were just understaffed for a summer Saturday night. When there's a line of 50 people snaking out the door and across the parking lot, you really should have more than 1 order taker.
(4)Drew S.
Meh. Yet another fried food fixture (say that five times fast) that does a good job at a price that makes no sense. With such close proximity to their product (sea to table), I'm surprised that the prices are no lower than any of the other 99 fry shacks all over MA. Then again, as P.T. Barnum said "There's a sucker born every minute" and that is probably what can be said for any tourist that walks thru the door and pays as much as they charge for fried clams and fries on a paper plate. I know it's a sin to give a "fair" rating to an icon such as this, but my taste buds cannot lie - except for the perfectly prepared scallops, everything else on my plate (clams, fries, onion rings, and dinner roll) tasted like a wet New England day - bland. If you're in the area and are in the mood for overpriced fried seafood, definitely give it a try. Otherwise, checkout your local fry shack and pray they know how to use a seasoning or two...
(3)K. E.
We New Englanders are a lucky bunch. I've driven by this place on the way home from Crane Beach before with the line wrapped around the lot. Luckily there were only 4 or 5 people ahead of me waiting to get inside about 1 hr before closing time. Excellent fried clams and clam chowder. Actually some of the best chowdah we've had in a long time. The onion rings would have been perfect if they'd been salted out of the frier. They give you these tiny cups of tartar sauce that are very difficult to use for dipping. Suggestion, instead of giving 2 tiny cups, how about one bigger one? We'll be back again if the line isn't too long.
(4)John S.
Consistently very good. Portions are large and enough food for us to split a fisherman's platter and we still can't finish it. Would like more clams and less scallops. The clam chowder is very good. Creamy but not too thick with fresh clams. Atmosphere? Meh. Very limited season and very limited hours. Check before you go.
(4)A T.
Service was nothing out of the ordinary. Maybe slightly slow for my tastes. I ordered the shrimp plate which I had mixed feelings about. The shrimp were tender and had a slight crunch to them (the good kind)! However, I wasn't that impressed by the onion rings which seemed to lack onion flavor. The entire plate didn't look like it came fresh out of the fryer. Both shrimp and onion rings were room-temperature. It's probably worth it to point out that the batter is not seasoned, so make sure to add salt and pepper yourself or grab a couple tarter sauces at the window. And the pricing there is somewhat illogical. The shrimp plate (with two sides) was $18.50 and the shrimp mini-meal (with one side) was $5 cheaper. How would one side cost $5 more? If I had to go back, I'd stick with the shrimp mini-meal.
(3)Linda T.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE The Clam Box. I went on a Wednesday afternoon in early September thinking the line wouldn't be that bad. Boy, was I wrong. Although it wasn't as bad as I've seen it in the past, we still had a 30-40 minute wait to order our food. Once we got to the order window, it was, of course, time to change the oil. This doesn't bother me at all, since I know everything we ordered was going to be cooked with fresh clean oil. We both ordered a shrimp plate. I was going to get the clams, but due to the shortage of clams, all of the prices on the clam plates/combos were increased by $5 each. That was a bit much for me. The shrimp was absolutely delicious!! Mouth watering!! Onion rings were great as usual and the cole slaw was perfect. The only disapointment was that since it was such a warm humid day, they had the doors and windows open in the ordering area and there were flies everywhere. While we were eating in the dining room, we had to keep swatting flies away from our food. I'm sure this doesn't happen in "normal" weather. I will always return to the Clam Box, I've never been disappointed.
(4)Carol Ann R.
Eh I hated this place. Agonizingly slow moving (although not long) line... lameass bossy signs everywhere about not taking too many napkins, it took forever to get our food, an hour from ordering to eating - then it was just mediocre AND all the other starving hungry customers stared at us because they were still waiting for their food! Add the obligatory screaming thrashing baby and awful sums it up in a word.
(1)Rufus G.
It didn't feel like we waited to long, but could have been sped up with maybe one more employee up front helping out. Don't drink your soda to fast as they don't offer refills and charge full price for a new drink. You're better off going to 7-11 and buying sodas or whatever instead of their drinks. Clams were ok, nothing memorable by any stretch. Onion rings were good, but they taste like all the other places I've eaten in Boston thus far.
(2)Mrs. J.
I'm not quite sure how they come up with the price points here but they are absurd. $8 for a bowl of clam chowder is not ok. Not to mention one would expect the CLAM box to have actual whole bellied CLAMS in their chowder, but sadly chewy chopped clam pieces were all to be found.
(2)Theresa M.
I had high hopes for the Clam Box. My friends and I ventured out to Ipswich for some apple picking, and we decided the to visit the CB for lunch. It wasn't bad...but it was not great either. If I was in the area I may go back, but honestly I could live without it. The wait was long too...but I would not mind that for spectacular food. However, the portions are large and I ordered too much food...but that is not their fault. lo.
(2)Chuck N.
Came here special, about an hour away on a business trip. Just for clams. I got the small box for about $15.95. It was loaded with hot piping fried "native clams" - i.e. whole belly. They were done perfectly, but they weren't the tastiest ever. I I got to believe that they are fresh. They were tender, perfectly cooked. But didn't have a lot of flavor and I'd guess that has something to do with early season, or something they don't control. But it also poses a question. An earlier reviewer made a big point that there is no grit with them. Is it because they have their little stomach's pumped so well? We all know that's where that sweet flavor comes from. These had no sand, but no real flavor... They were good. Just not sure they were the best ever. Still got to say Johnny Ad's in Saybrook CT could be a tie. Flo's in Newport RI area were up there. The SeaSwirl in Mystic did a good job. I live in Colorado, but I've seeked out clams from Arizona to Maine (originally from CT) and I've had a lot of really good ones, and some not so good. These were done perfect, but where was the flavor? Seasonal flavor loss or are they cleaning them up too well? I'd try again. no lines on Thursday night, 7pm, April 25 2013
(4)Craig R.
I'm tempted to give only four stats due to the incredible wait time, but the food was just so damn good I can't bring myself to knock them a star. That said, be prepared to wait up to 30 minutes simply to place your order and another 30 waiting for your food. Yeah...an hour wait. But my oh my...the food was soooo fresh and delicious. I never thought I'd find a place as good for fried seafood as Bob's Clam Hut in Kittery, ME, but this place is is fantastic.
(5)Pauline N.
4 of us ordered the large Native Clam Box, small Strip Clam Box, side of fries, large Clam Chowder, small Clam Chowder. we were all really full after this. clam chowder was decent. wished it was a little chunkier - like more clams and more potato, but that might just be a preference thing. the fried stuff - the bellies and clam strips were REALLY bland. i rarely add salt to anything, and things tend to be too salty for me, so for me to call this bland is pretty bad. i had to add salt to everything - including the fries. everything was so flavorless. all we could taste was fry and oil and it made us feel kind of sick. wait wasn't too long, but i've heard that it can be horrendous. they really need to have some sort of printed menu to pass around to people while they wait, and pictures or models of portion size, so answers about that are answered before people order. would probably help with the wait. price for everything has increased $4-5 due to clam supply. I've had much better elsewhere, and will not come back.
(2)Paul L.
Food was ok. Very oil and way over fried. Cool building but had far better seafood elsewhere. Price was good for the amount. Long wait and line out the door. Plan on waiting 20+ min in line plus that for your food.
(3)Christine M.
WORTH the hour long wait! when I pulled up to this place I was skeptical...being in the middle of nowhere and being a native of RI (where all we eat is fried fish) I questioned how good the fried clams would be. After the long 1 hour wait in line I finally put my order in and it came out really fast. Well...the clams were definitely worth it! I got the large box of whole belly (native) clams. Of course they were spilling out of the box so I shared them and they were enough food for 2 people. Every inch of each clam was covered in batter and fried lightly. what I really liked about this place are 2 things: 1st They change their oil every day at around 2:30...so you know the oil is fresh 2nd there wasn't a greasy filled box when the clams were gone! normally after eating fried food there is oil saturating the paper tray it came in, but that was not the case here! Would I go there again...yes if i'm in the area...I'm just too spoiled with the Rhode Island fish to really go anywhere else but it was worth the trip!
(5)Co W.
Incredibly fresh. Never thought I could enjoy fried food so much! I actually like oysters better than clams, but both are really good. 3 of us ordered Native Clams (small), Oyster Mini-meal (with fries), Cole Slaw (large), Fries (small) and Haddock. Total was only $49.95. Couldn't finish the food--huge portions!! I know fried food is not healthy at all......but I guess I can't resist going back again.
(4)K M.
Apparently, the Clam Box is a "must-visit' when you are in Ipswich, Ma. All the fried clam dishes that I've ever ordered in the Washington, DC area usually feature "Ipswich" clams so I was excited to be eating these clams just minutes from the waters in which they were actually caught! During the summer months, I've heard that the line out the door can go far down the street. When my friend and I went, we were fortunate! There were only about 25 people waiting outside the door - that's a short line! From the moment we stepped in line until the food was on the table, I'd say it was a total wait of about 1 1/2 hours. As we were waiting, we jealously stared down the customers as they collected their food and passed us in the line. Heaps and heaps of fried seafood on a paper plate! The servings here are enormous! The best deal at Clam Box is supposedly the Fisherman's Platter which includes a mountain of fried clams, fried shrimp, fried scallops, fried fish, your choice of fries or onion rings (onion rings are better), and cole slaw. My friend and I opted to share the platter. With beverages, it was about $30 total for both of us. The fried clams were amazing! Everything was very good. And when you take the price into consideration, it was totally worth the wait! We even had half the food leftover! I think you can easily split the Fisherman's Platter between 3 or 4 people. If you're in Boston and able to venture outside the city, definitely make a stop at the Clam Box!
(4)Riccardo D.
First, I'm a New England anomaly in that I really don't enjoy seafood. I'll eat a lobster roll or two, a piece of haddock, and maybe enjoy an occasional shrimp cocktail. However, once a season, I'll have an order of fried clams. The place I go is the Clam Box in Ipswich, MA. This establishment has been around for ages and they know what they are doing. Anyone that has ever eaten a bad fried clam appreciates when they are prepared properly: a light and crunchy breading, fried in clean oil, tasting of the ocean but not overpowering so when you bite into them. The Clam Box employs the old trick of piling high their seafood among a mountain of fries and onion rings, the latter being the cheaper means of creating the mountain. However, the quality meets the elevated prices here and if it's a treat your looking for, one that you normally avoid because of the unhealthful aspects of a deep-fried seafood meal, the Clam Box is an excellent location to satiate your appetite. My recommendation here is that you wait until the off-season to make your journey because during the peak summer season you'll die of heat stroke before you ever get your meal. The lines in the summer at the Clam Box are as legendary as their clams. I'll normally venture down to Ipswich in late October, on my way to Salem, MA where I'll ask spirits of the hanged witches to ward of a heart attack from a grease-laden meal at the Clam Box.
(5)DJ D.
That right, 1 star. What a disappointment. I was really looking forward to some good clams. I guess long lines don't always mean much. I only had a 45 min. wait. If I had to wait as long as some of the other reviewers I would have kicked myself. The clams were really nothing special, a little chewy. I don't know where they get the nerve to charge $32 or $33 for a large box of clams. That doesn't include fries or a soda. I guess it would serve two people, but even so, its a $$$ place and thats too much for the quality that they offer. We also had a large fried shrimp box. Although the shrimp were a good size, they could have been a little fresher. They were edible, but had a very slight ammonia smell. Cool place, that's about it. If your on vacation stop and take a picture and go some place else to eat. Save your time and money, it's not worth it.
(1)DiaNA B.
Best. Seafood. Ever. Its the only place that I get whole clams. SOOO GOOD!
(5)John S.
In the past 25 years, I've been to the Clam Box 10-15 times...and nothing's changed. I'm not here to talk about service or decor...I'm here to talk fried clams in relation to other North Shore establishments. Here's the problem with The Clam Box: The breading is too thick and it's flavorless to boot. It covers up the sweetness of the clam. It's like putting a cocktail weenie in a hot dog bun. Between the flaccid fries and the heavy breading, it's a carbohydrate's best friend. Hey, I came for clams, not Wonder Bread! Ipswich and Essex aren't that far away. It's worth the drive.
(2)T S.
Awesome food. Clams are fried to perfection and the cole slaw is unbeatable! I go back time and time again every summer. The clams in this area are all out of this world but the Clambox is at the top of the list.
(5)Da H.
Clam box was recommended as the place to go for fried clams. Our experience was: grease, grease, grease. The clams were drenched in batter and overcooked to the point where the the clams were rubbery and the batter had hardened way beyond "crispy". The fries tasted like frozen ones and were, again, greasy. If you want yummy fried clams . . . look elsewhere.
(1)Bill D.
Absolutely the best fried seafood around! It's a half hour ride for us, but it's worth every minute of the ride. The portions are huge and it's the freshest tasting seafood anywhere! I have lived in Mass my whole life and been to countless seafood places, the Clam Box never let's me down!!
(5)Tyler M.
Wow, just wow! This place is amazing! I love the fried clams and the picnic area outside to eat on a hot day. This is probably the first and only time I will visit Ipswich but this is defiantly the spot to eat seafood. The only thing weird was the clam cakes, it was round like a hash brown rather than a ball like us "Rhode Islanda's" do it. Either way it was quite good. It was a bit on the pricey side but wow, a "plate" is enough for two. I know I pretty much licked mine clean lol. I was a little taken back by the 25$ min on the credit card but it is easy to rack up a bill here.
(5)Tom M.
Maybe it was timing, maybe they were short staffed, maybe I was being frugal, but the Clam Box made me 1) wait too long (Hour and 45 minutes) 2) Pay more than any side of the road clam shack 3) Give a product that did not justify its price or wait. The Clam Box was just average. I would not wait in their line again and will pass it every time I drive by now. I am a big haddock (fish n' chips) guy and their fish was not very good. I had a few really sandy clams but that is expected and they were average. The shrimp and scallops (especially the shrimp) were excellent. The onion rings were just onion rings and the slaw was nothing to write home about. I am going to keep driving next time until I find some place better. This box is closed....
(3)Jeff M.
I would have loved to write a review of this place after going to a corn maze in the area. However, they have chosen to not join the rest of the 21st century and accept credit cards and losing almost $50 of business in the process. I wouldn't really complain and would have used the ATM in the location but alas, it was out of order. I was not about to drive around and lose my place in the long line just to find a bank so we left. I was recently at No Name restaurant and they finally added credit cards to their repertoire, I grumbled about this for years. This place gets one star for it's complete incompetency and lack of options when it comes to paying. If they want to continue losing business then by all means, keep acting like it's 1935 when you opened and accept only cash, I'll take my business somewhere else until you decide to join the rest of the modern world while your bottom line takes a hit. Remember the customers needs options, not because your cheapass doesn't want to pay a small transaction fee.
(1)John D.
This is the place for fried seafood. I know everyone says Woodmans but in all honestly the Clam Box is my favorite little shack. The Ipswich Clams are to DIE FOR! This place is no joke and seemingly always has a line out the door whenever I arrive. The one good thing I love about the Clam Box is that they change their oil TWO times a day. This means you get the best tasting fried food rather than left over oil.
(5)Allison G.
The best on the north shore & what we have had in Boston also. We always take friends who come visit and it's their favorite meAl of their trip usually! Fried strip clams are the best-fried scallops also amazing. Chowder great too! Not greasy somehow
(5)Diane S.
Went to the Clam box with a party of 3. Ordered 2 Fisherman's Platters , and fried haddock. All of our meals were COLD! Don't get it at all!
(1)Kathy M.
Great place for fried seafood as there is always a line out the door. I had a mountain of fried clam strips. I personally didn't think they were very greasy. Finding outdoor seating can be a challenge but I was able to get a table and they are dog-friendly so that is a big plus for me.
(4)Jonny C.
This is the be-all end-all in fried seafood. Heaping portions, market prices, and a building shaped like a takeout box; this roadside legend in Ipswich delivers the goods - as well as the obligatory gut wrench following a fried seafood gorging. Lines are obscene. Portions equally so. If you can time it (allow 20 mins of line time) come just after 2 when they change the oil. This will allow for maximum sea food flavor with minimal lingering grease taste.
(4)Jennifer D.
Went here on Father's Day, accompanied by my bf and his mother (it was her birthday), and I was planning on spending time with my Dad later on in the day. So we drive up and wowzers!!! Talk about a line, my parents warned me...but I wasn't prepared for this. It was Father's Day to be fair, so I guess it was to be expected.... So we waited for 2 HOURS!!! And what do you know, they change out the oil with roughly 4 people in front of us....more of a wait....Plus = new oil...yay... So the outcome. So NOT worth the wait, I opted for two "mini meals" one was the fried scallops, the other calamari, both with cold slaw. The scallops were delish! The ones on the bottom, however, were very greasy. The calamari left much to be desired, it was fair at best. The tenticles (my favorite part) got completely lost in the batter, some rings were tender, some chewy. The cold slaw was great. Overall everyone left happy. Would I have waited? HELL F*CKIN NO! It was only because it was his mothers birthday. You people have issues....to each their own. I will NOT be waiting there again. I know good seafood, and I'm not saying this place doesn't put out, but for the wait, not worth it.
(3)Ashley S.
I've had some pretty rockin' fried clams in my day, so I figured this place was overrated. It wasn't. Most perfect and crispy little sea creatures ever. Sorry to have doubted you, Clam Box.
(5)Matt E.
I'm only taking away one star because of the wait and that I couldn't get a beer with my meal, otherwise this place is perfect! I went here on a Saturday around 6:30pm and there was an hour wait (line out the door into the parking lot) and only about a 15min wait for food once we ordered. Despite the amount of people here the girl at the window didn't seem stressed or rushed and was very nice and we got a booth inside the dining room before our food was up (they also have a ton of outdoor seating). Me and my girlfriend ordered and split the Fisherman's Platter and I also got the clam chowder. The Platter is all fried and consists of clams, scallops, haddock, shrimp, french fries, and onion rings. The clams were actually full clams and not just clam strips which scared me a bit but they were very good and isn't much different with the soft belly still on them. The scallops were tender and were like candy. Everything was just amazingly fresh, tender, and tasty and the portions were perfect to split. The clam chowder was the perfect hot temperature with tender clams, potatoes and the perfect creamy consistency. This isn't the fancy shmancy chowder with bacon and herbs mixed in, this is just the perfect New England traditional clam chowder done just right. Once you come here you'll know why the Clam Box is so famous and has so many national and regional awards for their food. They don't give the food away but they aren't charging an arm and a leg either, expect to pay $10-18 per person on average (check out my pic of their menu for their prices as of last week)
(4)Rich J.
I heard that these were the best clams in New England..and while they were great and blow most other fried clams away, I thought that the Sea View in Mystic and the Lobster Shack at 2 Lights were better. Still, worth the detour for us and there was suprisingly no line. Like at any other New England clam shack...you go for the whole belly clams...it is night and day compared to the inferior clam strips. Those bad boys explode in your mouth with flavors of the sea and that touch of sweetness that adds depth to the flavor.
(4)Joseph W.
If you ever find yourself in Boston, you must take a drive north to the sleepy little coastal town of Ipswich, MA. There you will find a great roadside restaurant called The Clam Box and probably the BEST lobster rolls you will ever have! Yes, their clams are good too, Amazing actually, but the Lobster Rolls are to die for!
(5)Cath S.
Adequate parking was available. Line in front of building wasn't too long, maybe 20 people in front, but moved very slowly = 1 hour wait, before ordering. Quality, and taste of fried clams was outstanding. The best. Rating is actually 4.5 (restaurant interior could be cleaner), but rounded up. Driving from Boston, along Route 1A, north of 128, is pleasant, during the summer/fall .
(5)Scratchie S.
Best fried clams anywhere, simple as that. The lines are long in the summer, so we're more likely to go in the fall or early spring. They've expanded their season within the last few years so you can go in October or November or March (or February?) and get your order with a relatively short wait. I've also gone on a weekday in the summer (during the day) and not had to wait too long. I've been going here since the 70s (when it looked exactly the same, inside and out) and I've never found any other place that compares. Woodman's comes the closest, but the Clam Box takes the gold. The clams are fresh, tasty, and well-cooked. You can order "large bellied" clams if that's your thing, otherwise, you will get more moderately sized clams. The coating is not too thick or heavy like you get at some places. If you don't like cole slaw, you can get both french fries and onion rings with any platter. Part of their secret is that they change their cooking oil twice a day. If you're in line around 2pm, you'll have to wait an extra 15 minutes while they change the oil, but it's worth the wait since the fresh oil ensures that the afternoon's meals will still taste fresh. A real North Shore treasure.
(5)Christopher P.
#1. If you like fried clams, this is THE place. Having grown up in New England, I've had my share of whole belly clams. The biggest complaint about them is the grit. Blah! I don't know what these guys do to the clams, but they are CLEAN. I mean nothing, nadda, zilch. And talk about fresh. Not only are the clams great, but the chowder is amazing. Just thick enough, hot (how many restaurants get this wrong), and with chunks of clams. #2. The building is shaped like a giant clam box. You know you want to stop here. #3. The wait. If you get there and there's a line (typical in the summer)...deal with it. I've had day's when I've waited an hour just to get in, but so totally worth it. The bad...The decor isn't top notch, but who cares. It's a seat to stuff fried clams into your face. The french fries and onion rings could be better, but once again, I'm here for the clams. And if you're not into clams, all the seafood here is fresh, fresh fresh. Save a cow. Eat at The Clam Box.
(5)George L.
The end all and be all of clam shacks. Yes, the wait is long. Yes, they don't take credit cards. Yes, they sell no alcohol. And Yes, the building is shaped all dumb. THE BEST FRIED SEAFOOD YOU WILL EVER HAVE. PASS
(5)Juliet A.
If you're on the North Shore, you need to eat seafood. If you're in Ipswich, you need to eat Ipswich clams (famous!). If you need to eat Ipswich clams, you need to go to the clam box. Their fried clams are divine. Not overly batter-y, for my taste, which is often hard to find in fried foods of the sea. A local favorite for good reason. Pricey, yes, but you get your money's worth. The line can be atrocious, fyi, so order ahead of time if possible.
(4)Roger B.
Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!
(5)Anthony B.
The Clam Box Is The Type Of place That Ruins Other Seafood Joints Because This Place Is Awesome. I live 2500 Miles away and still miss it every week Please Enjoy the clam strips for me !!!!!!!! I'll Be Back Soon !!!!
(4)Mark S.
Not as good as others ,But worth the trip if you havent been, just be prepaired for the long lines.but not the best around.
(3)Thomas V.
I'm always looking for the best whole fried clams, I was passing through Ipswich and tried The Clam Box. I ordered the lg box. The Clams were good though overpriced as they included a surcharge. They change the oil daily which makes for better fried food. The place is like a walk up to the counter to order and wait for your number to be called. Long line moved quickly and seating was plentiful. I would recommend for a lunch stop.
(4)Caitlin W.
I don't think I'm going to write anything that others haven't already said or you don't already know. Be prepared to wait. We got there at 10:50 on a Sunday morning (they open at 11), and did not end up eating until 12:15. It was just me and my fiance, I got the native clams mini-meal with onion rings. My fiance got the lobster roll with a side of onion rings. The onion rings were very good, but we definitely could've split the onion rings that came with my mini-meal, the portions were pretty big. Same goes with the native clams. Now I'm not sure exactly the difference between the native clams and just the clams (is it that the native includes the belly and the clams are just the strips? or their just fresher & local? not sure), but the clams were SO good. The better was perfect, light and delicious. The mini meal was the perfect portion, getting anything larger for 1 person would've been WAY too much. Unless you are splitting it with others. The lobster roll on the other hand was just OK. I didn't like the bun it was on, I usually like the bun to be toasted & buttered, and this wasn't. There was a lot of meat, but it just wasn't anything special. I guess the lesson learned is to come here for clams, not the lobster roll. This all was pretty pricy, $42 for 2 with no drinks. I won't go out of my way again to go here, but I'm glad I tried it.
(4)Cherie D.
Be prepared to wait in line outside the door during a busy summer evening! It is well worth it though. The clam strip plate, which includes 2 sides (fries, onion rings or coleslaw), is reasonably priced and is fried to perfection. I'm picky with any type of mollusc, but there wasn't any sand in this dish for which I was very thankful for. Adequate amount of seating inside and benches outside. The usual decor - lobster pots, plastic crabs, etc. hanging from the walls. A selection of items for kids such as chicken finger mini-meals (fries included), cheeseburgers, hot dogs. So there is something for every member of the family. I would definitely visit again!!!!
(5)Mustachechuck S.
Love this place so much we never mind waiting in line Best clams and Scallops around Always look for varieties of clams there native or others The line is always there that tells you a lot about this place. Great food nice people in line Great service
(5)Leslie L.
Wicked awesome! You MUST arrive early and be prepared to stand in line for something special let me tell you! Be sure to arrive as soon as it opens and don't go around 2:30ish that's when they change the oil and its a little bit of a wait! Lobster roll is the bomb! Clams scallops and shrimp plate is great esp with the slaw. You got to experience at least once in your days...
(5)Mike S.
After years of being a Woodmans fan without ever trying the Clam Box I felt I had to give it a fair shake - and I'm glad I did. First the good / great: Had the native clam mini meal which comes with rings or fries (I went with rings). These are HANDS DOWN the BEST whole belly fried clams I have ever had. Sweet beyond belief and fried just right - not too greasy, really perfection! And so, I am giving the Clam Box my award for best fried clams anywhere - they really win w/out any question. The onion rings were good, but I'm giving the award here to Woodmans where the rings nearly steal the show. So now for the not so good / bad: The wait. Yes, I expected to wait in a line, but this was silly. 1PM on a Thursday and you have a line out the door - 45 minutes later I'm at the window (yes, they have one window taking orders). So add that to the ride up there and my lunch hour is already well over with! Woodmans beats them here - they're more equipped to handle the volume. To be fair, once I ordered it wasn't too bad - maybe 15 minutes for the food to come out. Woodmans wins in the ambiance department too. There are picinic tables outside, but your looking at the road and the parking lot (while dreaming of the ocean). My final WTF thing is regarding the price. My meal on their website lists for $15.25 which is a lot, but pretty much market price. They've added a surcharge because clams are apparently costing them more this year? And so, with a medium iced tea my meal was just under $24......FOR LUNCH!!?!?! Ugh, so I've lost 2 hours of my life, and spend about $25......but I've got to say, it was still worth it. Those clams are some serious shiznit.......wish I could combine these clams with Woodmans onion rings!!!
(4)Tricia H.
The long lines are ridiculous..but definately worth it! Wicked expensive..but worth it! Definately wouldn't recommend sitting down to eat. Not really a big enough place and it is unbelievably loud! When my family and I eat here we always pick up our order, haven't been here in a couple years. Wish it wasn't so expensive..
(3)D W.
I love fried clams- this is the fare you get through out new england. There was a large surcharge for clams and a platter with tax was $33- pretty steep but fed two perfectly. I have had better but I can say I ate here...
(3)C M.
Overrated and certainly not worth standing in line for. If you want good fried clams go downtown to the pub.
(2)Jay D.
Soooo good. Bring along your patience because there is always a long wait - over an hour for us today. But if you can stick it out you get rewarded with the best fried clams on the planet.
(5)Traci K.
How many calories did I burn standing in that hour-long line? Not enough to justify that huge fried seafood plate I wolfed. The Real Question: Was it worth it? Answer: Duh. My companion and I shared the Fisherman's Platter (I love having a little of everything) and by the end of it, we knew we should have gone with straight clams. Fighting over fried clams is not dignified. Though when you're elbow-deep in greasy fried goodness - dignity has flown the coop long ago. The platter also came with fried haddock (tasty, but needed a little salt), shrimp and scallops (yum!). All piled high atop a mountain of fries and onion rings, I'm gonna need to clock in a few more hours on the treadmill this week...
(4)David V.
Sure, it's a little pricey and eating here requires a bit of effort (a line that can get rather long), but it's not unreasonable to pay a little extra to get the very best. And the Ipswich Clam Box is the very best. A small box of their big-bellied local clams will set you back $20, but they're so filling that a small box plus an appetizer or cup of chowder will make a satisfying meal for two. And though it's not offered every day, the fried lobster plate is worth the splurge of $25. Because hey, how many times do you get to dip something that's already deep fried in butter? Out at the picnic tables there's a sign telling folks to enjoy the al fresco option at their own risk. Not exactly sure what they mean, but I have encountered at least two hazards - yellowjackets attracted by the trash cans and the picnic tables themselves - they're rather lightweight and putting too much weight at one end can yield disastrous results. Update - they DO accept Mastercard and Visa for purchases over $25. For those Diner's Club stalwarts and light eaters, the ATM machine in the corner is still there.
(5)No T.
Of all the great fried seafood restaurants on Cape Ann, this is my favorite. They perpetually have a line when the weather is good and it is worth the wait. I love their fried scallop plate. The fried food is always served hot and right out of the fryer. Dining room is nothing to write home about, but you're not here for the decor.
(5)Butcher B.
Awesome! So we tried the Fishermans Platter, it contained scallops, clam strips, whole belly clams, haddock, and shrimp. I'm from the West Coast and have never experienced such freshness from a restaurant. The shrimp was cleaned and de-viened and had a fresh, clean, crisp taste. Never tasted scallops as good as these, perfectly cooked and breaded. None of the items had a "fishy" smell to them. The whole belly clams were a first for me, not bad, I liked them better than the strips. We don't have haddock back home. It tasted really good, comparable to sand bass or rock fish in our So. Cal waters. The platter was huge! I'm over 250lbs and hardly put a dent in my plate. Didn't waste space on fries, tried the onion rings, those were good too.
(5)David P.
Our only disappointment is that all waste - food waste, used utensils, the foam coleslaw containers, plastic straws and waxed paper cups (etc.) - is combined when it's bussed into one waste bin. Otherwise: Service: Cordial and fast. (Wait was minimal, maybe due to the late Fall season.) Food: Plentiful and tasty. (Our group of three ordered local clams, scallops and lobster rolls. Sides were coleslaw, french fries and onion rings.) (Slaw might be updated for the times - crisper, fresher, maybe less sweet.) Overall: Food gave us a nostalgia boost. Eating local clams felt great, also delicious. During this upcoming winter off-season, we'd LOVE, love, love to see them put in place a system to minimize their use of non-compostable plastic and foam packaging, and to start composting as much of their food waste - ideally WITH compostable utensils, and used paper plates and napkins - as possible.
(4)DEBBIE A.
Years ago, maybe 25 years or so a friend and myself went to the Clam Box. We just thought it was so-so. Now that I am back in this area, we decided to try The Clam Box again. A person should give a place a second shot. We all have bad days. Yes, I did wait in line but it wasn't more than 15 minutes. It was okay with me as I was having some pleasant conversation with the folks in front of me who were on vacation. If you don't feel like talking, there is plenty on the walls to read behind glass. There are many write-ups from all over and yes, magazine covers too. It was a very hot and humid day. There were two fans in the section where you order the food, but that did not help whatsoever. However, there were long benches along the entire wall to sit down and relax while the food is being cooked. No air conditioning and I thought I was going to have an asthma attack. I was told that the small dining room had AC.There were no tables available, but that was fine with us. My turn. I finally get to the window and ordered two 3-way combination plates. They both had the nice sweet and small native clams, delicious scallops, and I chose the large shrimp instead of the small ones from Maine. Each came with a side of cole slaw and on one dinner I got the french fries and the other one I ordered the onion rings. A couple of nice ice cold soda's were added on my tab too. Holy moly, when the plates came out they were sky high. Wow! The clams were not gritty nor were they chewy with those big bellies. They were delicious and on the sweet and smaller size. Perfect! The scallops were so fresh, they just melted in my mouth when I was eating them. My friend agreed wholeheartedly. The shrimp were cooked perfect and not overdone. The onion rings were dry and not that greasy kind that so many places serve you. The fries were light and crispy and actually pretty darn good. We both loved their cole slaw. Thank goodness it was not drenched in mayonnaise. These plates were monstrous in size and the quality of fish was perfect. Neither of us could finish our dinners so we brought the remainder of the food to our homes. The rest of our families had a field day with that. It was gone within minutes. LOL The only thing I can think of that was not so good was the fact that the mayo from the cole slaw was running off the side of the plates and as I have already mentioned, it was not the gooey kind. It is not a big deal, just open the bags away from yourself so it does not run down your legs or onto your clothing. Perhaps if it were in it's own container, this would alleviate the problem. The only thing I was not satisfied with were the plates that these humongous dinners came on. Because of the heat and the weight of them, the Styrofoam cracked on both dinners and thank God we had paper plates to place under them. Styrofoam is a no-no. Heck I would not even use them at my family bar-b-ques. Too many times those things have let go. Would I recommend this place. You better believe it. The food was over-the-moon delectable, the place was clean, and the best part is that all the help were friendly and helpful and very kind to everyone. One last thing, they do accept credit cards.
(4)Kathie B.
Never again!!! Have been thinking about going to the Clam Box for quite and while and was always concerned about the long lines you always hear about. Decided to face it this past Sunday, how bad could it be. Arrived at 2:45 and there was a line, but didn't think it was that long so decided to wait. Two hours later, I was in my car with my food. Outrageous!!! It is not the amount of people but the pace of the staff that contributes to the wait. They are so understaffed it isn't even funny and the staff that was there seemed to care less that their customers were waiting in the hot sun. One elderly woman was in a wheel chair and her family finally had to get an umbrella to try to shield her from the sun. You go to a packed Kelley's on Revere Beach on a hot summer day and your waited on and have your food in less than 10 minutes. Clam Box needs to hire more people, expand their cooking area. Oh, but that would cut into their profits. They don't have to do that because they get the people to come regardless of the wait. Shame on them!!!! Oh and by the way, some of the clams were sandy and rubbery and the fried shrimp had this peculiar flavor I have yet to figure out. Most of my $40.00 went in the trash bucket. Never Again!!!!
(1)Sarah D.
The most beautiful and delicious mountain of fried seafood I have ever seen! If you find yourself on the north shore you must stop here. It's most certainly one of those restaurants to check off your life list. Expect a long line, even in the middle of the afternoon on a Saturday. We had one of everything. The clams are excellent, but I was even more impressed with the lobster roll. It was lightly tossed in the mayo and nothing else. I can't wait for my next visit to Ipswich. If you have any room for dessert there's a creamey right down the road!
(4)Michael W.
This place is a local legend, and I can understand why. Sort of. If you come here, make sure you expect (very) long lines and typical New England clam shack fair. Assume everything is fried and battered, unless otherwise specified. The fried clams are very good, but not the best I've ever had. My wife had the lobster roll, and it was quite good. Everything was fresh and the portions are absolutely massive, if that's your thing. There is plenty of seating inside and outside as well as clean restrooms. I will say, this place is expensive compared to other options in the region. Given the price:enjoyment ratio, I'm not sure we'd return, but if you're looking for a quintessential New England Summer experience, look no further. If you have higher standards or are concerned about value, check out some other options.
(3)Linda H.
I came during a day trip. Based on all of the good reviews, we chose to stop here for lunch. After standing in the long line for about half an hour, we were starving and ended up over ordering. Out of everything we orderd, the fisherman's platter was the most memorable. First, the thing could feed two people....afterall, how much fried food can you really eat? I admit, I was a bit sick, so maybe I wasn't eating my fair share. Second, I like variety and this offered it in spades. The only thing I think it didn't have was fried oysters, but you can order a plate of that if you really want. We did, and we couldn't finish it all. The seafood tasted fresh and it hit the spot, but I sort of wish we had gotten something (other than coleslaw) that wasn't fried that day to mix it up. Tip: Credit now accepted. $25 minimum if you want to use your Visa or MasterCard here. Otherwise, bring cash :).
(3)Anne R.
Charmed by it's iconic exterior on my way out to explore historic Ipswich, I had to give it a try. I believe it was Sunday evening, around 8 pm, and we were able to order within 5 minutes, but waited another 10-15 for our food to be ready. I grabbed the only table left in the dining room while my husband waited at the counter for our order. This seems like it would be a great place to get take-out for a bunch of people, but I wouldn't suggest taking a large group to sit in the dining room. After seeing the portions that were being dished out, we decided to order one meal, and share it. We had the clam, scallops, and shrimp plate (all fried), which ended up being too much for the two of us. I have to say that I was disappointed by the batter that's used on all of the seafood. I was hoping for something more.... flavorful. Instead it just tasted like crunchy over-cooked sea bits. Perhaps this is enough for other people, but I crave a little seasoning to make it memorable, even the cole slaw was blah. We had lots of leftovers, but neither of us had a desire to take them home. Would I go back? Ehh... maybe just to see if the first time was a fluke. The overall value isn't bad... I just need more flavor. I also wished the took credit cards since they're in the middle of no-where. If it weren't for the tasty clam chowder, I may have left feeling really disappointed.
(3)ME G.
As clams go, the breading helped take away the clam flavor. +1 star. The patrons were clearly people who enjoyed the large portions. The clam chowder was really quite good, it was not legal seafood good, but it was the best dish we had +1 star. overall, a bit, meh, why did we bother? It's famous, but it was by far not the best seafood, Dubbe's, for example, close to home is tastier.
(2)Vito P.
most expensive place to buy fried clams but well worth the price
(4)Steven H.
I got fried scallops with onion rings. Absolutely delicious. I didn't even bother waiting to go back home. I just ate it in my parked car across the street like a weirdo. The lines are long, but the food and prices are good. I'm glad I tried this place while I could, because I don't live in MA anymore!
(5)Samantha H.
2 stars is only for the food, which was decent. Huge tourist trap! Long lines, over expensive. My dad owns a seafood restaurant and his prices are cheaper than this place. You get a lot more for your buck! Don't waste your time with this place if you are in a rush or are broke.
(2)Tom B.
Well when I went to Clam Box, it wasn't the ordering system that was a problem. It was slow because they were changing the oil. And really, that's a good thing. You want that because it makes the food fresh. But I still think it's overatted and the food isn't the best.
(3)Gregory C.
There was one recurring theme when we visited the eating places in Ipswich: The portions are HUGE. Perhaps it's just the ones that we visited, but you can certainly get your grub-on at the Clam Box. I ordered the three-way combo platter (yes, we did eventually make some dirty jokes about the name of the plate), which includes Fried clams with bellies, Fried scallops, and locally caught Fried shrimp. In addition to a healthy side of fries and cole slaw, you can't go wrong. A funny thing about the outdoor seating.. You have to be careful sitting at the tables.. Make sure that you have another person sitting opposite from you, otherwise the table will topple over! There is even a sign that warns the customers about this...
(4)Lesley P.
They change the oil every day. Maybe more than once? Anyway, this can make for a long wait in line between changes but it also means that the food tastes very fresh, though it is fried. We has clam strips, fries, onion rings, coleslaw and a lobster roll. It ain't cheap and the wait is looong (at least at 1:30 pm on a Sunday). We sat at picnic tables outside. They also have seating inside. You can bring your own beer, etc. if you choose to do so. The lovely Harley riders at the next table had a bottle opener, god bless em.
(4)Kate N.
We drove an hour to visit the Clam Box today, and honestly, we did so because we saw it featured on WCVB's Chronicle. We arrived around 4pm, 90 degrees outside, line out the door and almost into the road. My 5 year old was occupied with Angry Birds on the iPhone, so the wait wasn't an issue at all. Friendly chatter with the folks around us was fun, too. We ordered a fried native clam platter - onion rings, fries, and a side of cole slaw. Top notch. Worth the drive up! The fried clams were not sandy. Perfect amount of batter. HUGE portion, enough for 2 to split. We were lucky enough to grab a table in the Air Conditioning. Clean restrooms, friendly staff. Cash only, so make sure you are prepared... otherwise there is an ATM there, but you'll get dinged $2.50.
(5)Sheri Q.
The clams and batter are first rate! This is a great place to get your clam fix. It would be better if there were a way to order half of the small native clam box without ordering fries. It's so much food! Not everyone can eat that many clams. Also, the clams are much better than the fries because they're large and cooked so they're soft. I tend to prefer firmer fries, but that's a preference. The tartar sauce could be tangier. I was there recently with a group. Two of the adults got the haddock sandwiches. They were flaky and fresh but perhaps a little pricey at $9+ sans fries.
(4)Ro P.
Always a huge line. Very good food. It's a little expensive but you're paying for the reputation. Stood in line 1 hour, food took 20mins to prepare. Was the experience worth it- certainly worth one visit. Will I be back- nope. It's not the best lobster roll I've had...Neptune's still wins that comfortably. And it took me 55mins to drive out to Ipswich from my Boston home. For city dwellers.....this isnt worth any more than the one visit. I do recommend trying it atleast once!
(3)Mortiche W.
Thank goodness I don't live on that side of the US. After seeing it on a PBS show on unique shaped buildings a few years back and finding out it was only a few hour's drive to Ipswich from where we were staying, I made it a priority in JR's schedule for us to come here. Even if I had the flu. and could barely breathe out of my nose, let alone taste anything. But come here we did, and the eating of fried clams commenced! Oh boy, just thinking about these fried clams is making my mouth water right now- how sad is that? We ordered the strip clam box and a lobster roll, just to get a little variety and contrast of taste and texture. Now for a quick disclosure- I've never been a lobster fan. Crab? All the way. Lobster just didn't taste or feel right to me. Fast forward to eating. Despite being sick, I was able to taste everything I ate. I think the clouds parted for the half hour that we were there. The clams were fresh fried, piled high, sweet and tender but with just the right amount of crunch. Some folks said that we should have gotten the littleneck clams, so I guess we'll just have to come back to try those next time! Oh darn! The lobster roll was buttery, mayo-y, sweet, oceany, no nonsense. SO FREAKIN' GOOD. I wanted to fight Roger for it but I in my weakened state I could only squeak out, "help me lift it to my mouth for another bite, please?" The lobster roll was worth ever cent of that $15. It was piled so high and deep with sweet, succulent lobster (gosh, I sound like a commercial!) it was ridiculous. Definitely the next time we're back East, we are coming here.
(4)Dirgni S.
You can read all the other rave reviews for what's good. I'm offering up some advice in my review: Go "off hour/off season." We went yesterday, around 11:30 am. No wait to order. By the time we left there was a line of about 20 people. The "mini meal" is plenty for the average person. Or, share a full plate with someone. The full plates are enormous and, well, almost gross in how much food is there. If you usually get clam strips, try the "native clams". The bellies are small and add nice flavor. They aren't gushy like the big bellies. If you usually get clams with bellies, ask for the large bellies. Otherwise, you'll probably be disappointed. Ignore the counter lady when you ask for tap water and she gives you a condescending look. Bottled water is for suckers.
(5)Helen N.
On a road trip from NJ to Maine, I was determined to dedicate as many meals as possible to the fried whole-belly clams about which I'd heard so much. We ended up trying ~6 places, including Essex Seafood and several places in Maine. Clam Box was our last stop and was easily head and shoulders above the rest (and had the coolest looking building too.) The reason? Two words - Big. Bellies. We ordered a large box and they blew my mind. Light crunchy batter on tender, flavorful clam with juicy, briny bellies... these were the clams of my dreams. We ate outside at the picnic tables and washed down these dreamy clams with blueberry beer we bought in Maine. It was perfect. No, they don't take credit cards, and yes, the lines can be daunting. But so, so very worth it in the end.
(5)Kitty C.
Definitely take the time to read through some of the reviews here, they were very helpful. There is indeed a long line and they posted the time that they would be changing the oil. There is an ATM inside the door, but a friend called ahead and was told that it doesn't always work, so bring cash! They had temporarily raised prices on whole bellies, but I got the clam strips. It was definitely a lot of food, and the same batter used on the clams is the same as or similar to the onion ring batter. Next time, I think I'd rather split one of the big platters with someone to get some variety. The outdoor seating with picnic tables is the way to go on a nice day. Minus one star, because I wish they had hush puppies!!!
(4)Susan R.
COME HUNGRY! Best fried seafood I've ever had. Light, crunchy, FRESH batter. Sweet, fresh seafood. HUGE portions. Got the fried clam, scallop and shrimp plate. It also includes fries and onion rings. Easily enough for 2 people to share and feel satisfied. Lines are long, move quickly. Small dining room encourages interaction with your neighbors. People are nice and happy.... they're eating terrific food. CASH ONLY. Some will find expensive, but worth it ( remember, you can share ). Closes around mid- December. Reopens mid-February.
(5)Cha Cha W.
OMFG! If there was a God of 'Fried Seafood', he certainly have bestowed his favors on the Clam Box. Let's be frank here, if it were just well fried it'd be 3 stars, but it's also fresh and juicy, and as anyone knows, when it comes to gifts from the ocean, fresh and juicy are key. Have I mentioned abundance? My Fisherman's Platter for $23.95 included succulent scallops, clams, clam strips, calamari, jumbo shrimp and large chunks of haddock, a choice of 2 sides (great onion rings and cole slaw) and a roll. While I am often credited with having a hollow leg, my starving friend and I couldn't even polish off the whole thing! Amazing. Service was as prompt as a place with a continual self replenishing line and staff of 5 in the kitchen can be so if you can, avoid the hours of 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. There's a row of picnic tables under shady trees adjacent to the parking lot for outdoor seating or if like me, you enjoy a little AC on a humid hot day and proximity to the restroom, indoor seating is also available. Bring cash though, they don't accept credit cards but there is an ATM on premises for $2.50 withdraw fee.
(5)Mark O.
After travelling back east last month for my grandfather's funeral, I was compelled to hit the place that I frequented quite often while living in the great town of Ipswich, The Clam Box. If you're looking for the best in fried seafood, this is the place to visit when on the north shore. When trying to decide between mollusks or crustaceans in their fried form, I recommend the king of the mollusks, the clam. The prices are reasonable for the portion size and the clams always fresh. If you are looking to steer clear of the fried stuff, I would highly recommend the Lobster Roll. You will not regret it.
(5)Annie I.
the food here is great--the only things to watch out for: 1) it is so crowded 2) it is pretty expensive, considering you are basically eating out of a carton 3) the lines! are crazy! but i think that's because the food is really great. don't come here looking for oysters on the half or steamers, this is FRIED seafood. the lobster roll is good, the fried clams are great. nice summer meal.
(4)Robert C.
We were on our way to our first great beach day of the year and figured that lobster rolls and fried clams would digest well sitting under the sun...and we were not disappointed with the Clam Box. The place is nondescript with limited indoor (A/C) seating and outdoor tables under the shade that overlook the parking lot and ugly little building. The line was famously out the door, so we knew the food had to be pretty good. The clams and onion rings (I could only eat the "mini meal" portion) really were cooked to perfection. I would have enjoyed a better quality tarter sauce, though, and would even consider bringing my own next time to make it a heavenly experience. The lobster roll, made exactly how we ordered (tiny bit of mayo, otherwise all fresh meat) was not cheap, but was packed and had no filler. The clam chowder (yes, have to try that too) was well balanced between potato and clam pieces, and had just the right consistency. The iced tea came unsweetened, which is our preference, and was also brewed with enough bite to rinse away the oils from the clams. This would be my "go to" place for this kind of food anytime I pass through Ipswich.
(5)Heather H.
Um, if you come here and order something that isn't fried clams... Also, I mock your clam strips.
(4)Courtney N.
For years, I would drive by on a nice day and even on a not so nice day and wonder why on earth so many people were lined up to get into a fried clam place. I mean, this is Cape Ann, the North Shore and there are seafood places galore. I could never understand why so many people would patiently wait in a line that went out to the street with the hot sun beating down on them or even with rain pouring down. Then, one day, I gave the place a try. And now I know why, and I will never be the same. In fact, you just may see me in that line one of these days! The fried clams are the best that I have ever tasted, and I've lived here my whole life and had more than my share of fried clams. I actually don't even eat fried clams (trying to be more health-conscious) but I will always make the exception for Clam Box fried clams. So light and delicious. Not like heavy battered fried clams at all. The clam chowder is also the best I've ever had (narrowly beating out Amelia's clam chowder). The taste is absolutely addictive. So, give the place a chance! It is cash only, but there's an ATM right inside by the register. I guarantee you will understand why all of those people are waiting to get in and order fried clams!
(4)Christopher I.
The Clam Box, a cartoonish roadside shack resembling, well, a clam box, could only be improved by replacing the booths with giant clam shells. Inside the Disney-like box there's a simple counter and a maritime-themed dining room, no more no less. But you'll probably spend your first ten or fifteen minutes at The Clam Box waiting outside in the line that snakes out the door at mealtime. Don't worry, it moves fast. Inside, you'll have a few minutes to ponder the complicated menu. Do you want a Mini-meal or a plate? Or maybe a box? Large or small? I'll break it down from a tidbit I overheard the cashier say -- a small box has the same amount of seafood as a plate, only the plate comes with two sides. Be warned -- if you order a plate, make sure you're really ready for stormy seas...cause the outlook is cloudy with 100% chance of oil. Beautiful, delicious oil. And fat, juicy clams of course. The clams are delicious. Pop the first one in your mouth and you'll taste perfectly golden cornmeal breading, hot but just delicately crispy, an almost powdery fried fluff. Bite in, and the thick briny belly of the clam oozes out, infusing your mouth with the taste of the sea. And then, as quickly and effortlessly as the clam wave came...it's gone. And back...and gone...and back again, one after another. The onion rings also benefit from delicate breading, and the cole slaw is just right -- fresh and crispy with just enough mayo to make it go down smoothly. And best of all, the star of the show, is owner Marina Aggelakis, or Chickie -- larger than life, flitting through the dining room, wiping down tables with her tight-lipped smile, inspecting new arrivals with a wary eye, rearranging diners to seat new parties, slamming the door as she returns to the kitchen, barking in a friendly way at the cooks. From Chickie to every last fried clam, The Clam Box is an institution, one not worth missing.
(4)M C.
This is the good stuff right here! I could so go for some fried clams right now! It's a good thing the Clam Box is a decent drive away from me or i'd be in trouble. It's a bit pricey, as all seafood is, but you get an awesome amount of food for your dollar. Always fresh and delicious, a must try!
(4)Mary G.
I will never wait an hour in line at a place like this while being bullied by other customers who don't care for dogs. Went to woodmans had a great meal
(1)Chris B.
Oh goodness, this place is making America fat. Honestly, a plate of the fried clams here was my Everest -- but I failed to scale the mountain, as the two of us simply couldn't steel our stomachs to finish the last clams... While I love the idea of a great local clam shack, I'm afraid that as a Californian, I don't really understand what's going on here. It's just too much fried food.
(3)Yoonie C.
I may have been too full from a bbq beforehand to give this place a proper evaluation, but the fried native clams were sweet, tender, and lightly battered and fried. I still liked them. Only 1 in the entire small box seemed to be a "pooper" (as I call them) - with a full dirty belly, so that one clam was gross - but the others were clean. I appreciate their notice about when they change their oil each day, and loved that they had diet sprite. No one else carries that anymore! It was fun trip out to Ipswich - guess I'll try the other clam shacks around and then update accordingly, after seeing how they compare.
(3)Kenneth O.
FOOD: There are times when a craving for a tasty greasy fried clam must be satisfied. The Clam Box offers the ultimate succulent fried clams-with-belly, tasty onion rings, superb strip clam and calamari, and great lobster rolls. These are simple dishes that are nonetheless badly prepared in many restaurants. Clam box does it right. These folks offer exceptionally fresh quality ingredients and they change or filter their frying oil frequently. Their breading is light, their two hit frying technique creates a crispy unburned coating. And their local Ipswich clams are in my view the sweetest around. SITE AND AMBIANCE: Head up route 1A just north of Ipswich center, look for the gigantic red striped Clam Box . . .with a huge line of locals and out-of-towners standing waiting to order, then waiting for the order to be filled, then waiting for a table in the dining room to open up. On summer weekends that line can be well over an hour long in the 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM closing evening rush. Of course, people wait in line and leave with a smile because the food is good. HINT: Try coming in the middle of the afternoon. Or go for a weekday night. Or try calling to order takeout in advance. We have not done so, but have heard that it works. Or go in the winter -- there is no line then. Unfortunately, the restaurant is also closed in the winter. BOTTOM LINES: First, for clam shack food, I highly recommend the Clam Box. Jake's (Nantasket), Captain Marden's (Wellesley), and the ubiquitous Legal Seafoods also offer good fresh fried food along with many other seafood items at slightly different price points. Second, I much prefer the food these places to the overpriced and noisy Summer Shack in Cambridge, the scenic but greasy Browns up at the NH border, the scenic but even more greasy Farnums down in Essex, the stunningly mediocre No-name in Boston, or the many seafood tourist traps in Plymouth.
(4)Mike G.
short drive from foote bros canoe rental. thank god. who knew a greasy plate of fried seafood, frites, cole slaw and salad could be sooooo good.
(4)Liz P.
Having a restaurant shaped like a Clam Box is advertising genius. The architecture is not the reason for a constant line out the door. They back it up with the great New England tradition of fried clams. Bit fat bellies if you want; strips if you don't. The best fried shrimp and onion rings evah. Wicked frickin' pissa. You're a chowdahead if you don't think so.
(5)Sarah M.
I went to the Clam Box tonight with my family for our once-yearly fried clam dinner. The food was good (we shared the fried clam and scallop platter), but the wait was really long. It took about 1 hour and 15 minutes from when we got on line, until our food was served. I would recommend calling ahead for a pick up order to avoid the line.
(3)Fat G.
So we came to the Clam Box for dinner last Saturday after going through the Marini Corn Maze/Farmstand which is about a mile away (You can also find a review for the Corn Maze by me too). There's a lot to say about this place so I'll start from the outside and work our way in for this review. Located in Ipswich, MA, the Clam Box looks like an old-fashioned restaurant. The outside has a sizable lot for parking, and there are some picnic tables as well as a bench for outside seating. There is a sign near the picnic area though which says "Use at your own risk"; I wasn't sure if that was an actual warning or a novelty sign. The surrounding area is trees and a road which is fairly accessible from the highway. You can also smell the fried seafood outside right before you enter.As I enter through the side/main entrance, the dominant smell changes from fried food to ketchup, which was a bit odd. Inside, the restaurant is split into two sections. The front is where one places an order or buys souvenirs. The back is the dining/seating area. Along the walls, there are various sea-related decorations. Seating is booths and tables; there was enough space to accommodate our large group, but probably not enough tables to pack together for a second one. Service is also self-service; one orders their food in the front, receives a number, and comes up when his or her number is called. One side note is that they don't take credit cards, and when we were there is that the ATM was busted. Things I notice about the atmosphere are that there are a lot of elderly folks and that the restaurant is not too loud, not too quiet. It's a good place to relax and eat and chill out. Cleanliness was a different matter though, as there were scattered crumbs and napkins along the floor at various spots. The food is the important part though. Prices are decent, ranging from $11-$30 for a combo box and comes with 2 sides. A lot of selection ranging from shrimp, chicken, calamari, clam and other sea food. I ordered a Calamari Mini-Meal that came with French Fries which came to about $9.25. -Serving size was a little smaller than I expected. -Tastewise, the calamari was kind of overpowered by the oil, leaving it kind of bland. The french fries were great though, good texture and a firmness, but soft inside. The tartar sauce and cocktail sauce were flavorful too. Other people in my group ordered the Combo dishes, which were about $14+, and were pretty big. People were consistently splitting them. Overall, it was a so-so experience at the Clam Box. If you're looking for fried seafood and a calming atmosphere, come here. Otherwise, there are probably better options in the area.
(3)Changun S.
clams are fried to perfection and lobster roll is abundant with large chunks of lobster! fries are crispy on outside and soft on inside... BUT..... is it me, or was everything UNDER SEASONED???!!!!!! we had to add packets of salt to everything we ate!!!! totally agree with another reviewer who said food was BLAND!!!!!
(4)Christiaan H.
The chowder was rather bland, although it did have excellent big chunks of clams. I couldn't really appreciate the fried clams with are supposed to be famous, but I am not the biggest fan of them to begin with. Visited 6/08
(3)Sean E.
After eating possibly the worst fried clams I've ever had at Sandy's, it caused me to fondly remember the delicious, sweet, buttery big bellies of the Clam Box. Not one dirty, stringy, chewy scrap to be found here. As you can probably deduce, at the Clam Box, it's all about the fried clam. If you're like me your soul may do a little dance when you reach the window to place your order and take notice of the sign that says "Big Bellies Available Upon Request". I'm sure there are other delicious treats to be had here, but I'm unable to convince myself to order anything else. (Also, my advice is to get there early because, during the summer months, the line can get long really quick.) What makes them so good? Their not-so-secret secret has been that they frequently change the oil in their fryers but to me it's the quality of their product. Their clams and scallops are some of the biggest (and tastiest) around. The place needs to be among the best to make up for it's lack of ambiance. The inside seating area is a little bigger than you might imagine when looking at the place from the outside, but the woody interior is kinda dark and less than inviting. The Clam Box's location at a fork in the road doesn't do it any favors. There are a few tables to be had at the back of the parking lot -- and this is an improvement over the inside but again, your looking at a parking lot. Whether or not the clams here are better than Farnham's is a debate for the ages. There's no doubt they're better than Woodman's, but Farnham's also has an amazing view going for it that might cause the clams to taste a little sweeter. I definitely enjoy Farnham's cole slaw more and I think I prefer the batter Farnham's uses as well, but these things can ebb and flow just like the water on shores of beautiful northern Massachusetts.
(5)L D.
My visit to the Clam Box was one of the best days of the year, so far, and I truly can't wait to go back. There's not much to say that the other reviewers haven't already mentioned but I just have to note that there is an appeal to this place that grabs me as a city girl visiting the country. The decor is ridiculous (in a good, beach-style tsotchke kind of way) and the food is ridiculous (in a heart-attack inducing kind of way). For two of us, we ordered the large clam box and small onion rings. When we were finished and beyond stuffed it didn't even look like we had touched a thing. Stick to SMALL order of everything! I highly recommend the onion rings. These may be the best I've ever tasted. As another reviewer said, there's a good chance you'll be the thinnest person in the entire restaurant. Now I completely understand this comment. I was utterly amazed at the amount of fried food people were dumping down their gullets. Also noted but worth repeating, the oil is changed twice per day so you're not tasting burned old fishy grease. Everything tasted so fresh and delicious. CASH ONLY but there's an ATM on site. Dining area is self-seating so have someone stand in line to order while another person scopes out the seating situation.
(5)David H.
Have you ever heard the saying, "you are what you eat."? Well, the next time you're waiting a half an hour (or more) in line at this tourist trap, just look around you and see what I'm talkin' about. Guaranteed, there's not one single person under a deuce. I know I'm being harsh, but c'mon people.. This is gluttony in it's purist form. Simply disgusting. But hey, if it's a huge plate of fried food that you want, you will DIE for this place!
(2)Effie H.
I am soooo happy with the Clam Box.... With all the "old fashion" fried clam joints becoming total sell outs, The Clam Box stands its ground, thank god! There is always a line, no matter what time you go and once you eat the food, you will know why! A plate of heaping fresh clams & scallops is served with fries and onion rings...will run you about $23 bucks, well worth it! Drinks are extra of course and the people that work there are very friendly. Outside there is about 10 benches and it is a dog friendly area- great place to chow down on a beautiful day in Ipswich. There is also indoor seating, however, I don't know if it is handicap accessible which is a bummer (not 100% though). Oh and if you come around 1:30 beware they shut down a bit to switch out the oil from the fryers, but, I don't think it is the same time every day. Enjoy!
(5)Eddie C.
It a tourist spot. There are other places with cheaper prices and the same food in town. No I'm not telling you where or they will be the next tourist spot! All the locals know where they are..
(2)Albie F.
Wow, they don't got fried clams like this anywhere on the West coast and maybe nowhere in the NE coast. I first heard of Clam Box on the PBS documentary entitled "Sandwiches You Will Like." And since I was in the Boston area anyway, I had to hit this place up. Make sure you get there early because lines seem to be a common thing any day of the week, especially during the summer. My family got a couple orders of the fried clams and a lobster roll . The lobster roll isn't very special compared to other places in MA (compared to say Reds Eats in Maine) but the fried clams were off the hook (and I'm not talking bout fishing). The batter wasn't very thick at all and they weren't overfried. The shape of the restaurant is pretty funny looking and it seems like it's in the middle of nowhere but I'm from Cali so that's just how I see it.
(5)Jocelyn G.
Wandering around Ipswich today, I mentioned something about fried food and my boyfriend decided that we needed more of it in our lives. So I somehow remembered how to get here and into the Clam Box we went! First thing we noticed was that they didn't take credit cards, which sucks, but they do have an ATM machine right by the door. So that problem was fixed. We ordered our food and I wandered off to grab a table since its pretty small inside and a lot of people were there. The food took a bit of time, but it came out hot and tasty. I would have liked a little more fish but the price wasn't too bad. About par for the course for fish in November. The bathrooms are tucked away in the corner of the room and the lights turn off it you don't move enough which is a little freaky, but amusing. I also set the hand dryer off with my head. Good for a stop, but I would suggest getting there before dinner time on summer days...when we left at 1:30 the line was out the door. The outdoor seating is nice, as is the loudspeaker system that broadcasts in the parking lot also.
(4)Katherine C.
At the Clam Box you can kill two birds with one stone : 1) visit the world's largest clam box ( en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Li… ), 2) eat the best fried clams EVER After a beautiful day at the beach some fried clams were definitely in order. Kevin L. and I did our research before we came here and word on the street was the Clam Box is THE place to get your fried clams. Neither of us were very hungry however we ended up ordering a mountain of food, and finishing it all. We decided on the Lobster roll, a Small Box of Fried Clams and a side of Onion Rings. Honestly, I wasn't too excited by the Lobster Roll, maybe I just don't like lobster? I really liked the buttery roll and the lobster meat was tasty, but definitely too mayonnaise - y for my taste. Let me tell you though, the Fried Clams = perfection. The clams were large & juicy, and the breading was crisp and complemented the clams very well. A close second to the delicious clams were the onion rings...thin crispy and delicious. Expect a pretty long wait...a wait to order and a wait to pick up your food...it will be worth it though.
(5)Lesley R.
My mouth is watering just thinking about those fresh, plump, golden, tasty clam strips.... The lobstah roll, OMG, make sure you pick up a fork. Huge tender pieces of meat, a hunk of a roll! The onion rings are wicked tasty too! I swear, next time I'm gonna starve for a few days and order up a combo plate of the strips and scallops. The scallops look soooooo HUGE. I always get jealous of my fellow diners and kick myself for not trying it.
(5)Dora H.
Hands down, the best fried clams and shrimp I have ever had. I keep trying other places because as you may know already, the line here is ridiculously long. The only place that comes even remotely close to their clams is (don't scoff) Kelly's Roast Beef. If you've never been to the Clambox, don't turn around when you see the line. It moves and you will not regret it. Oh...and they finally take debit/credit cards!! There is only one reason this place doesn't get five stars (but it's a big one for me): they skimp on the stuff they shouldn't. I'm sorry, when I'm buying $60 worth of fried seafood and the tray comes out with these 2 puny little cough-syrup dose sized cups, that's not gonna fly. So big deal right? You ask for more. And you get 2 more teaspoons full and a dirty look. Then you ask for more and you get the DEATH look and one more cup. Maybe I'm an excessive dipper. It's possible. But then I have to do the walk of shame back up and beg for more lemons. And then there's a sign on the napkins saying to please take only what you need. It's cooked in oil, I'm gonna need a LOT. The good news is, the food there is SOOOOOO good that I can somewhat get past the lack of tartar sauce/lemon/napkin generosity. And on a more positive note, maybe I'm burning off a couple of extra clams going back and forth to the window!!
(4)Jen C.
After frying ourselves at Good Harbor, it just seemed appropriate to go hunting for some more fried goodness. After we made the requisite jokes about visiting her clam box, we set course toward Ipswich for some serious nomming. An hour later, we were feasting on clams (briny!), shrimp (fresh!), scallops (sweet!), fish (flaky!), oysters (earthy!), fries (crispy!), onion rings (crunchy!), and cole slaw (slawy?). Silence all around - we were all too busy shoving our faces with golden crispiness. Perfect ending to a perfect day.
(5)Rob F.
1 PM on a Monday. 20 minute wait to order. 20 minute wait for food. We thought this to be acceptable. Nice outdoor picnic area available. We chose to eat in the spacious, clean, air conditioned, New England sea side tacky decor dining area. Just fine. Best clams (strips) I've had outside of Flo's Clam Shack in RI. Most amazing fried scallops ever. Crispy light breading. Piping hot salty sweet tender scallop within. Needs no salt, tarter, nuthin.' These scallops can not be beaten. The shrimp? Meh. They said "small" on the board and they were right. My mistake I guess. Small fried shrimp don't make it for me at all. More breading than shrimp makes for a greasy item. Not their fault but I won't be having those again. Surprisingly, the onion rings were just awful, so I gotta take off 1 star. Left 'em on the plate. Greasy and limp. Not much flavor. Want better onion rings? Even Burger King is better. But it's not called "The Onion Ring Box," is it?
(4)Liz P.
Yes, it's true! The Clam Box really does have the best fried clams in New England! In fact, everything they fry up is delicious: clams, scallops, shrimp, fries, onion rings, it's all fried heaven. The secret is the oil. They change it very often, ensuring that it is always fresh, which means your fried clam plate at noontime will taste just as awesome as it would at 6PM. Oh, and their clam chowder is great, too! Seating is tight, so if you hit it at peak hours when the line is out the door, finding a table might be difficult. There's several picnic tables outside, and a small, tad cramped dining area inside. But the wait and mad dash for a table is worth it. Or, you could always take it to go! I've been coming here since as long as I can remember with my family, and it still remains a family favorite to visit every summer. Believe the hype. The Clam Box is the real deal.
(5)Chris C.
This place is great for the typical N.E. seafood joint. From Fried Claims, to chicken fingers to french fries, it's all good. 4 out of 5 only because of that horrible wait one must experience before getting to order.
(4)Glen R.
Excellent fried clams and their clam chowder is pretty darn good too. Waits can be really long though and I'm just not sure it's worth the wait because there are so many places that make great fried clams in the area. Portions are very generous as well.
(4)Bruce_ B.
You like clams or want to try clams the traditional New England way? Plus I hear that this is where it all started, the fried clam thing that is, right here in Ipswich. Also I hear this place has their own secret location to get the clams, called a mud flat. So no one but them get the best of the best to serve to you. Place takes a bit to get your order, line out the door, but please wait and savor the moment. Then enjoy your food. Large portions and yummy yummy goodness. A must if you love seafood!
(5)Sandy D.
The Clam Box "hands down" has the best fried clams and fried scallops I have ever had. They change their grease "daily" unlike most others, which makes a huge difference in taste of everything they fry. The plates are huge enough for us to split one. We get a Fried Clam and Scallop combo every time we go. Also, met the owner's mom who cleans up the tables and chats with customers. She has a smile on her face every time we see her! This is the only place we will eat fried scallops and clams. We've tried Woodman's and was not impressed with either their clams or scallops, and thought the grease was wierd tasting. Woodman's may have more reviews, but is definitely a tourist trap as far as we are concerned. And whats up with their grease!!! Nasty tasting. Another place for very good Baked Haddock and Baked Scallops is the Dinnerhorn Restaurant in Portsmouth NH dinnerhorn.com The Clam Box #1
(5)Sarah K.
Delicious clam strips and onion rings. Definitely touristy - looooong line out the door. But it moves pretty fast / they seem to be very efficient in the kitchen. Things I wish I'd known when I went - totally ok to BYOB if you sit in the picnic area outside. My advice - pack a cooler!
(3)Linda L.
This is on the side of the road. Just look for a crowd of people. We waited about an hour to order. We tried the fisherman's platter which basically is a variety of everything including the Clam Strips which were YUM! The clam chowder and lobster roll was OK. After that meal at noon, we didn't eat again until midnight.
(4)Alicia S.
The only problem would be the wait because you stand outside for about 25 minutes if your lucky and there is not enough seating indoors at all. The whole belly clams werent that big but they were crisp and fresh because the oil has been changed. I would recommend it to anyone.
(4)Jim A.
I go decades without eating here and in between my visits I dream of the taste of fried clams. Went yesterday and it was as good as ever. Fried clams fried scallops fried onion rings. Good and good for you. I even drove from my vacation spot on cape cod three hours to eat here. Enough said
(4)Sue C.
This place is great and well worth the wait. Come hungry and order to your heart's content. We had the fisherman's platter (it came with fried fish - i think it was haddock?, fried shrimp, fried scallops, fried clams and clam strips), a mini meal of fried haddock, a lobster roll, clam pie, clam chowder and onion rings, french fries, and cole slaw as sides. The fried seafood was light and crispy and didn't leave you feeling like you just took a bath in oil. The lobster roll was great, not too much mayo and great big chunks of lobster meat. A totally satisfying, gluttonous meal! Now...just need to find an excuse to come back here again...
(5)D A.
When a restaurant is the best at something it is worthy of a 5 star rating. In my opinion this is the place for the best fried clams. Woodman's, Farnham's, and Dube's are all good but this is the best.
(5)jenilee p.
i cannot lie. today i had the perfect day. warm, sunny new england day, three day weekend, and surrounded by people i couldn't be happier to see. new englanders, or outsiders in the know, we stood in line for a worthwhile minute or twenty, eager to taste the sweet burst of an ipswich clam belly. now there are a number of great clam shacks on the north shore. i'd say that essex seafood has the best chowder. woodman's has the best upper deck, where you can get beer and oysters with the usual fare. jt farnhams has terrific outdoor seating out on the marsh with the prettiest view. but the clambox has the nicest scenic drive, the quirkiest building, and by far the best breading, with the added the guarantee that you are receiving ipswich clams, a subtle thin, crunchy coating, and always perfectly cooked seafood. if i'm not being clear, i like them all, they all have their featured item, but clam shack in particular might be the one i bring people to if they can only experience one cape ann culinary treat. so order a box of clams here, and expect lightly coating hot sweet clams. the tartar sauce is made with mayo, as opposed to miracle whip, and therefore one of my favorites. the cole slaw is terrific. french fries and onion rings are what they are, but i would choose onion rings if held at gunpoint. the chowder is just thick enough, but still relatively thin, and better than the buttery stuff at farnhams. i've had good lobster rolls here, but honestly i go for the fried clams. again, if you liked whole bellied fried clams, or have never tried them and want to take the drive, this place is not to be missed. it's a clam shack, so don't expect waiter service, and quality items means that you might find this place a little expensive, but honestly, it's just fantastic. any new england native, displaced years ago, will begin to tear up with memories upon returning to a place like this, and i treasure every summer where i can look forward to going up to ipswich and visiting the clam box. what a terrific place.
(4)David C.
Always make as many trips as we can to The Clam Box. Always a line and always worth the wait. Fried Clams, Onion rings and french fries cooked to perfection. Amazing worth the trip from anywhere and if you are visiting the area this is a must try. The only possible annoyance is that if you arrive for lunch at 2:30 P.M. they change the oil in the fryers so there is a ten minute additional wait- bust honestly have been coming here since my parents brought me as a youngster and have never tasted the equal of their expertly prepared food. Reasonably priced, delicious- what else could you ask for!
(5)Michele B.
We waited outside for an hour with a bunch of overweight tourists and the clams were just ehh. You can get good fried clams lots of other places without the hassle.
(2)Minda H.
Yum yum yum yum yum! Prepare to wait in line (consider it part of the experience). Bring cash. Bring a big appetite. Enjoy and work off the calories tomorrow. Best fried clams ever.
(5)Mystic S.
It's a double Edge sword my friends...... After waiting 35 minutes in line.... Almost got to order.... And they changed the oil.... That took another 20 minutes before our order could be placed.... So our order took at over an hour, which is a bit crazy. I certainly would not do this on a regular basis! The clams WERE really good. You get your choice of regular or big bellies. I live locally and had never heard of that before. Good idea, some people appreciate the big bellies and others don't. Oddly the combo plates don't have haddock! Its clams & scallops or clams, scallops & shrimp - sorry, that's odd. :-\ All the fish is either fried or has mayo. I prefer my seafood broiled with lemon; as it is much less fattening. There are a few non-fish selections for the landlubbers as well. I like the picnic benches out in back and the fact that you can bring your own beverages (non-alcoholic people!) Bonus: Whoopie Pies!!!!!!!! Like I said I would never put up with the lines here on a regular basis but a once in awhile novelty is good. * NOTE Hours vary and are subject to change, I think it depends on weather and how busy they are
(3)Sean C.
Can't really think of any praise to give this place that hasn't already been said but I will say that it lived up to all of the expectations and then some. Spent a beautiful day at Crane beach with the wife and daughter and topped it off with some takeout from The Clam Box. Due to other reviews we we're mentally and physically ready for an hour and a half wait so my mind was blown when I called, placed my order and they said "Thank you very much, that will be 10 minutes", yes you heard that right, only ten minutes. It took us 15 to get their from the beach, I walked past an out-the-door line of hungry, sweaty families patiently waiting for their lunch and conveniently picked up my meal at the take-out counter. I got the Fishermans Platter, my wife got the Scallop & Clam Combo, and we got a Lobster Roll to split, our little girl picked at both of ours. Everything was phenomenal, Huge portions, perfectly fried, delicious tartar sauce (although they are very skimpy with the tartar sauce), the best onion rings I've ever had and to top it all off, the woman that checked me out counted my money wrong and gave me back $25 too much. It was a completely positive experience in every way and next time we are in town we will definately be back. I highly recommend The Clam Box to any fan of seafood, or even to someone who is considering seafood for the first time, you will leave a fan. The biggest piece of advice that I can give you is.....CALL YOUR ORDER IN, even if you want to eat there, by calling my order in I bypassed what would have been an over an hour wait. (the faces of the people waiting in line drooling as they looked at me walking back to the truck was priceless.) Hopefully you have a great experience at The Clam Box as well. Enjoy.
(5)Lyndsay B.
Hands down, no question, absolutely the best clams around. They win. The clams are so fresh and juicy that they melt in your mouth. The breading could probably be a little better, but then it might compete with the glory that is the fresh ipswich clam. They are mud flat clams, which are supposedly less gritty. I didn't notice any grit, so it might be true. I haven't tried anything else. The atmosphere is as described by others. One word of advice - call ahead. The line gets painfully (up to an hour) long on the weekends at peak times. They do accept call ahead orders.
(5)Tom D.
Went on Friday at 4:30. Line out door, of course. It took about a half hour to get to order window, then another 40mins to get order. We got two clam plates and one small clam chowdah. The clams were once again, best anywhere. Very fresh and tender. The amount of food was silly there was so much! We brought our own beer in a cooler and sat outside. very pleasant diner. The only reason for 4 and not 5 stars was the time waiting. I know the clam Box is known for this but, last night it was very mismanaged. The girls working behind window were more interested in goofing with each other than working. The girl taking orders would walk away after each order and talk with her friends. This was way longer than we ever waited before with the same amount of people waiting. Oh well, what ya gonna do ? We will go back but maybe at a more "off" time and not so close to diner on a Friday. In conclusion, still the best clams anywhere.( Woodmans not even close.)
(4)P S.
Visited again a few days ago - this time the wait was much shorter. Had fried clams & onion rings - very tasty. Will return in the future during less busy periods.
(4)Steven R.
Best sea food around. Clams of course are best option--delicious.
(5)George B.
This place is the best! It offers a variety of fried seafood but their whole clams are bar none the best! I travel often and have resided in California for quite some time, everywhere you go if you order clams they turn out to be dried out strips, but not here, it is the whole clam cooked to perfection. This is one of the places I truly miss being on the West Coast. It would be nice if they accepted credit cards though.
(5)c b.
This place has a HUGE following....as everyone says, the lines can be very long. Summer....forget 'bout it... But....here's the thing...the prices are reasonable but the food is not stellar....there are better fried clams to be found (best on the North Shore is actually Land & Sea in Peabody of all places)....the staff do work hard to get things moving and you get a full view of the cooking area to see just hard of a job that can be. But food taste and quality get low marks. Attitude....they have a "screw you" attitude about their customers when it comes to closing.....people have waited for an hour in line only to have the door closed and locked when they were just about "in". I know it's supposed to be cool to have a "whatever" attitude but when your only raison d'etre is serving customers it may not be the best approach. A little communicaiton from management to the people in line near closing time would be helpful. Sadly this is place is an example of the "masses" going for the wrong reasons.
(2)Mark M.
These are by far, the best fried clams anywhere. You may have to wait in line, but it is always worth it. The fries and onion rings are really good, but the fried whole clams are what brings me back time after time.
(5)Lisa S.
I love love love fried clams. Ever since I was a kid. I have to try them all over the country. The Clam Box is fried clam utopia. Period. This is da bomb. It's not cheap, but the food is fresh and the portions are large. My husband and I shared the "platter."
(5)Andy H.
Everything is fried. At least they don't give you some stupid garnish of kale with your FRIED claims, french fries that are FRIED, and FRIED onion rings. They keeps it real. I know this doesn't pertain to food but I have to say that the majority of people that work at these places (Woodmans and Clam Box) are not fat and ugly. You would expect to see people that are overweight, with oily faces, and bad skin. On the contrary, it's the complete opposite! Therefore I have come to this conclusion: 1. They do not eat there, or 2. They have the secret to the fountain of youth (ie hotness). So next time you go, slip them a twenty and tell them to HOOK YOU UP (wink wink).
(2)Josh C.
This is the best fried Clam EVERRR!!!.. They actually are the one who first invented Fried Clam, not Woodman. Their jumbo size Fried Scallops are ridiculously good as well. You can sit inside or outdoor but go there early or later hours. Lunch time after 12, line can be really really long. I love big belly fried clam there as well as Ipswich clam. What is Ipswich clam? Let just say, tinier and sweeter than big belly. It worths money you pay for. They give you huge portion. It is a self-service. You walk in ordering food, get pick up ticket but food cook fast. Fried Clam is litely battered with corn meal, not thick like frozen fish and chip you get from most seafood shack... Just perfect, not greasy....and super flesh. Worth a trip driving to Northshore....and easy to find. If you make a trip to Newbury Port, Crane Island, Rockport, Essex, Glousceter or even any where up North. PLZ, drag your hungry stomach there. I will bend down and let you kick my butt if you hate this place... Let just say "Japanese Tempura is the king of fried food". Fried Clam at Clambox is the queen of Fried seafood.
(5)Katherine I.
I'm standing in their 45 min line now. From the looks of the cankles, vericose veins, fat asses, and triple elbows, they're here to testify to the Box's greasy goodness. Shit, I think I'll have a salad.
(4)Larry B.
Yum. Stopped here over Memorial Day weekend, so the line was ridiculous - over an hour, but well worth the wait. I had the $12.25 clam mini-meal with onion rings, which was still a pretty big portion considering its "mini" size. Cole slaw was okay, O-Rings were delicious and light, but the clams were amazing - breading was nice and light, not very greasy. The outdoor seating/picnic area was nice and clean (glad to see it wasn't ignored), and the inside was air-conditioned. Be aware they do not take credit cards, but they will gladly accept cash and will also take checks (!?!). There's an ATM on the premises in case you forget.
(5)Katie M.
I waited in line for an hour and then an additional half hour for the food to arrive.....it would have been okay, but they only had 1 Cashier! One cashier for all those people!!! The system is ridiculous! With all the hype, I was expecting phenomenal food and unfortunately I was disappointed. None of the meal stood out so I would have to say no to this restaurant. :(
(2)Colin W.
For fried seafood, this is as good as it gets. My party had the haddock, scallops, and native clams, along with fries and onion rings and plenty of tartar sauce and ketchup. The portions were huge, so we unfortunately had to trash some of the left-overs. However, it was all excellent, and the wait (starting at 2:00 PM on a Saturday) was only about 20-25 minutes.
(5)Ryan B.
Epic food. I would brave many battalions and face down dozens of Balrogs to eat in this joint again.
(5)Yumiko F.
This is the fresh fried seafood place! They change oil frequently so you do not get that old oil taste at all. Dinner plate is big so maybe 2 people can share it.
(5)Ace C.
Consistently amazing. It's a shack with some space to eat inside, and picnic tables outside. The fried clams are the best, and the wait is always worth it!
(5)Che R.
My fiance and I went to the Clam Box around 4:00 on a Sunday in the summer. The line was already forming! It's amazing. This place continues to offer great food. We split a small clam box and a small box of onion rings. The clams were great! The small was plenty for two of us. The only issue I had with the meal was that the rings were warm to cool by the time they called our number. It was strange too because we went right up when they called us, so I'm wondering if they had been sitting somewhere for a while. They were good, but the fact that they were almost already cool by the time we got them was unfortunate. I'll go back though! This place is great! A definite summer staple! :)
(4)Serena L.
i came out here with the hubby over the summer and this was recommended to us by two friends. i tried to place a phone order but couldn't. we waited in line for a little over an hour but it was worth it! we ordered the fisherman's platter to be split between the two of us. there was SOOO much food! at the end, only a few pieces were left untouched. i suggest bringing a book or activity to keep you busy while waiting. otherwise, you'll get annoyed and left, like the man standing in line ahead of us.
(5)C B.
i recently went to the clam box and i will never go there again. the food was terrible. i ordered a 2 way combo, claims and shrimp. i got a load of onion rings, 6 shrimp and 7 clams. the clams had no breading on them and they were disgusting to say the least. i could not bring anything back as this was a to go order and i live a half hour away. to the tune of $27.00 for the plate and a drink it was the biggest rip off. there are too many other places in the area that are great. ie: woodmans, jt farnhams and the ipswich clam bake are a few. dont waste your time and especially dont waste your money!
(1)Tim H.
Ipswhich is the home of the fried clam not Howard Johnson's like some would belevie. Clam Box is a roadside dinner that specializes in fried clams. You can not go wrong going to the clam box. Thre may be a fewe better the locals can tell you about but there is nothing wrong with the fresh fried clams at Clam Box. A definite for the food travelers list.
(4)Heather R.
I come here every summer when I visit Boston. My best friend and I always get the fried clam plate and lobter roll and split. I am wearing the long sleeved navy blue Clam Box tee shirt as we speak. Clam Box, I am your biggest fan.
(5)Grandpa B.
What else can I say, year after year, Clam Box is consistently the best fried food on the North Shore. Incredibly fresh and delicious. Prices are up again this year, but you get what you pay for.
(5)Meg D.
Clams and scallops were amazing as was the coleslaw. However, I chose to come here over Woodmans (haven't been there yet either) because they have fried oysters. I have to say, kind of bland in comparison to everything else. Also, we had to wait about 40 min. while they changed the oil! Um, who changes their oil in the middle of the day? That was definitely an annoyance but the wait was definitely worth it.
(4)Cliff F.
classic new england eatery. grew up eating at the clam box and still have dreams decades later about my experiences there. if you have any inclination toward fried/battered seafood, this would probably be your sort of place. if you go and don't enjoy it, may I suggest reevaluating what you consider to be enjoyable? the problem may lie within you. do yourself a favor and make the pilgrimage.
(5)David S.
I came here on a pilgrimage of sorts, to make an offering to the Jerusalem of deep-fried foods, the Mecca of arterial plaque, the Canterbury of cholesterol. Indeed I felt much like Chaucer must have as I waited in a line of epic proportions, surrounded by fellow travelers on a journey to the depths of the gastric tract. With a close friend I waited in the line that stretched across the parking lot, and much like Chaucer's compatriots we passed the time by telling tales. After about an hour we entered the antechamber, which was incredibly exciting since we weren't even sure if the line was moving. I gave my $30 into the offertory in exchange for an indulgence: the large box of native clams, and a large root beer. This is not something that I intend to do more that once, but I must know... what does the perfect fried clam taste like? My colleague got the clam strips, and we argued for a while whether or not they would be shark meat like they served in my high school (it's not... perish the thought!) We then sat outside to wait for our number to be called... and to give blood to the hungry mosquitoes that had showed up with the dusk. In due time we got our order and opted to sit inside, and it was indeed delicious. Piles of intestinal mollusk bits, covered with a fried coating that was both light and crisp, and only slightly oily. They gave us some thimble-sized cups of tartar sauce which could barely accept some of the larger clam bits, but was tasty nonetheless. After getting halfway through the box, I realized that discretion was the better part of valor and wrapped it to go. If you are looking to make a pilgrimage here as well, make sure you are prepared to wait in line, to expect mosquitoes, and fully embrace the experience. Now that I have tasted the gold standard, I can honestly say that I don't like fried clams enough to drop $30 on a box of them, but if I did, the Clam Box is a fine place to do it.
(3)Edgar T.
Tied First Place choice for good seafood and has stayed second to others in the local area for me consistantly. Prices are high but you get a belly full of food
(5)reese w.
The seafood is fresh, the service friendly, and the food tasty. These are really the best fried clams ever. They're lightly battered and juicy and hot inside. What more could you want? You get a LOT of food when you order so make sure you come hungry or bring someone to share with. Like any good clam place, there are lines and don't expect to use your credit card. It's a cash-only establishment.
(5)Crystal K.
The Clam Box, IMHO, beats out both Farnhams and Woodman's for fried clams every single time. Crispy, golden clams, fries and onion rings without any of the greasy feel or taste. It's a perfect place to go after a day at the beach but definitely be prepared to stand in line for awhile. There are picnic tables outside or you can choose to sit in the air conditioning. Simple, cheesy summery feel with anchors, fishing nets, buoys and life preservers donning the walls. Of course. Plates are pretty huge, even the smaller plates, so keep that in mind when you go. It's so disconcerting to see these people with heaping platters...easily over a pound of fried food. The Fisherman's plates are even bigger and scarier. We were definitely among the skinniest people in the restaurant when we we had our annual fried clam outing this year.
(5)Michelle K.
Mmmmm, I'm salivating just thinking about those buttery, crispy, delicious fried clams. If I'm ever in Ipswich again, you can bet I'm coming back. I split an order of fried clams and onion rings with a friend, and still left feeling full! You'll probably have to kill someone in order to get a booth, but I assure you - it's worth it.
(4)Tu-van L.
THE PLACE to go for fried Ipswich clams, scallops, and ginormous lobster rolls (my personal favorites). The highlight of my dining experience here are those lobster rolls - mountains of fresh lobster meat (I get mine lightly-mayoed) encased in buttery toasted hot dog buns (not sure what they're called 'cause they're sliced on the top and not on the sides per norm). Beats Woodmans' hands down for lobster rolls and fried clams no doubt!
(5)Heather H.
A true player in the trifecta of Essex of clam shacks. Be sure to check the board or ask for big bellies. The clams and scallops were excellent. I think the scallops were the best I've had, though the pool of liquid at the bottom makes me think they werent dired thoroughly before frying. The coleslaw, sadly, was bad- some off taste I couldnt get past. Overall, I'd put Farnham's ahead with a slight lead over Clam Box, but it was still great.
(4)Maria D.
Consistently great fried food. Calamari is out of this world! Thanks Clam Box!
(5)Larry C.
I've been going to the Clam Box since the 50's. I have since left the North Shore area now live an hour north but I still travel here regularly to get my fill of clams. I have eaten clams at many other North Shore, MA, NH and ME seafood restaurants but there is no finer fried clam, shrimp, or clam chowder in the WORLD. There are many places that may serve good fried clams but the Clam Box serves FANTASTIC fried clams. I read one review that stated the food was greasy. In the 60+ years I have eaten at the Clam Box there has NEVER been any grease at the bottom of a plate or boat (or bag when I had "take out"). The Clam Box is amazingly and always consistent. Staff is always friendly and courteous and make you feel like a local. Chickie, the owner, has worked hard at earning numerous (and I mean numerous) national reviews that have been bestowed upon the Clam Box and I congratulated her for operating only one location that serves the finest fried seafood rather than jeopardizing the quality you sometimes see when restaurants expand and lose quality control in their product. Lines can be long but you will NOT be disappointed and will return.
(5)Melmoth K.
We went on a Monday night right before close and there was no line. The fried clams were really good--sweet and soft and surrounded by crunchy, non-greasy coating. The lobster roll was pretty impressive (but you paid for it): huge chunks of meat with a light mayo coating piled onto a toasted white bread bun. But I find a boiled lobster much tastier than cold meat in mayo on a roll, so I'd never pay for a lobster roll again anywhere, and unless you know you like chilled lobster, save your money and get something fried. French fries were good. Cole slaw was tasty and not too sweet. Service was nice. Cost was large ($35 for a small order of clams, a lobster roll, and a small slaw), but so were the portions.
(3)MA R.
Ok, I will never go back to this place and don't recommend anyone ever go here. For $20 I got a clam strip mini-meal and a chicken strip mini-meal and 2 drinks. Now ranch is not something unusual to ask for with chicken strips, but at this place I was given attitude and told "they don't give out ranch". Some chunky monkey, snotty girl was rude and basically a flat out b*tch for a simple request for condiments. Upon asking, she turned around and started complaining to another employee about the request and then asked for it from someone else who made the request into such a big deal. First off, if you work in a restaurant, if a customer asks for something you get it if you have it. Also, why do you carry sauces if you aren't going to give them out? On top of all this rude service, the food wasn't even that good. The clam strips were mediocre and chicken strips were blah. Yankee Lobster in Southie had way better clam strips. Save your money and time and go somewhere else. They are just rude there and their food isn't worth the money. Plus, if you want anything to use with your food like ranch perhaps, you are just going to be told how it's going to be so hard for them to shut up and get it for you. Never again!
(2)A. T.
The clam 'plate' is not worth the extra $6 or so, because all you get is an extra side and a few extra clams. The 'mini' meal is plenty for one person. Not a fan of the onion rings -- too onion-y, too greasy, and too light on the batter.
(4)Zero W.
By far the best clam shack in the area. There is a reason people will wait in a long line on a brutally hot summer day.
(5)amy t.
The food was good but priced very high! We waited in line forever and once we arrived at the order counter found there was a $4 up charge due to clam demand. No one else around had this up charge, so it was surprising. The week previous we went to the Ipswich clambake co. down the street. The prices were much better as were the side selection. Between the long wait and the high prices I would drive down the street to the Ipswich clambake co. anytime!
(3)Dan Y.
It's unusual for an old established restaurant such as this to actually live up to the hype. I had been looking forward to eating here for a long time, yet based on past experiences with other such establishments I was expecting to be disappointed. On the contrary, the fried clams were top notch, better than any I'd ever eaten, and the whole experience, the classic nautical-theme dining room, the architecture of the building, it was all memorable and well worth the drive from Boston. An easy five stars.
(5)David T.
Last time I was here the clams were awesome about 5 years ago. This time they were OK but not as great as before. I'd have to give the MA title to Cooke's
(3)Paul M.
there simply is no better place for fried clams in massachusetts. no frills here -- you order from a shack and slug your clams down with beer picnic style on benches. take a walk to the downtown area to burn off the cals.
(5)matt o.
The clambox puts woodmans to shame, well actually I shouldnt say that. I was never allowed to eat at woodmans as a young lad, my grandmother who summered up in cape ann would never allow us to eat there cause she said it was dirtier then the subway's back in the city. So maybe its burnt into the back of my head not to eat there but I'm glad cause goddamn do I love the delicious Clam box.
(5)Steve B.
Upgrading my review. We have been back a few times now. I also have brought my in-laws there and I must say w/out the frustration of the hour wait, we enjoyed it a LOT more. The food was incredible and I will be taking them back again this week.
(4)Ashley J.
So gotta send out love to my hometown. I don't eat here. The prices are inflated and all fried. Heartattack? No thanks. I used to eat here as a kid and stopped as a teenager and have never been since. It is great for tourists because it is better than Woodman's and you can take pics and say you have been here. Summer is clam season FYI. Check it out but bring a suitcase of money.
(3)Norman D.
Yes, definitely better than Woodman's! The clams here really schmeck, crisp but not too crisp, a slight hint of buttermilk that combines well with the sea flavor of the clams. Nope, no beer -- there are lots of taverns and pubs for that but iof you're really after great diner-style seafood, this is IT!
(5)Steve N.
when talking fried seafood north of Boston this is the best of breed. fresh sweet clams (big bellies, when available) perfect frying and really good onion rings. this place rocks it old school and i love it. minus half a star for no booze and another half star for no credit.
(4)Billy v.
great place good fried clams
(4)Jay and Jenn O.
If you are ever in the north shore, stop by here for nice big fat fried clams and great fried fries. I think they change the oil in their deep fryer a lot making for tasty clams, scallops, haddock and fries. Jenn's dad loves the chowder here as well.
(4)Alyssa N.
Fantastic lobster roll and yummy fried clams that were light enough for a snack. Owners were very sweet.
(4)Russ S.
One of the worst clam plates ever. Lots of teeny teeny clams with no taste. I suppose the fried fish is good, but don't know. After all, this is the CLAM BOX". For about $18.00, a rip off.
(1)paul w.
Had the fried native clam and clam chowder. Both are deliciouis. The only deduction is it is cash only business. How annoying.
(4)C R.
Excellent clams!!! Long wait, but worth it!
(5)Katie W.
I went here with some friends this past weekend after some blueberry picking at Russel Orchard. We were guided here by the phantom gourmet as we were unfamiliar with the area and were not disappointed. It's everything you would expect from a seafood place that is shaped like a giant to go box of clams. There was a line out the door, though it moved quickly. The wait time once we put our order in was pretty short so that was nice, and the dining area was suitable for a place that is super casual and doesn't have table service. I was really happy with everything considering we knew nothing of the area, though I don't understand the huge draw. It was just any place that serves good fried food, they don't over cook and they clearly change the oil regularly. Basically, I know why I waited in the line, I was unaware of other places in the area, but I don't know why a local would, unless every other seafood place in the area sucks. I live near Plymouth, and if one place has a line like that, I just move on down the road. Some other reviewers called it pricey, I found it to be on point, especially given the size of the portions. I would definitely go here again if in the area, though I wouldn't make a special trip as I can get equally good seafood 15 minutes from my house.
(3)d b.
a cool building( a clam box!)....great clams...fried to perfection and very flavorful,also the chowder was very good....be prepared to wait if you're coming during tourist season.
(4)Al Q.
Best fried clams around, hands down. Not greasy (unlike the overrated Woodman's). On busy summer days, you'll have to wait in line for awhile--30 to 45 minutes but, trust me, it's worth it, if you like fried seafood. One of a kind.
(5)Angie B.
I have always been a Woodman's fan, but heard from a friend that the Clam Box was better. The wait was about 30-40 minutes on a Saturday at around 5 PM, which I thought actually wasn't too bad considering that it was at dinner time. This place is cash only, but has an on-site ATM. My husband and I are huge fried clam fans (huge clams and huge fans) and we were pretty happy with the clams here. While they were out of the big bellied clams by the time we ordered (which was disappointing), the regular "native clams" were fine; some of them had smaller bellies, but overall the flavor was good, nice and sweet. I know that a lot of this depends on time of year, so I'll judge more on preparation. The coating was good, not too greasy... the cornmeal in it reminded me of the texture of fried chicken (apparently they even use buttermilk to dip while coating the clams!) Remember to grab a few salt packets and salt these yourself, they are a little underseasoned. I would definitely go back, although I am curious to try some of the other clam places around.
(4)