Clam Box of Ipswich — Restaurant in Ipswich

Fried clams, like the now world-famous lobster roll, are ubiquitous along the New England coastline, especially in the late Spring and Summer months. But just as most connoisseurs will tell you the best lobster roll they ever had was in Maine, the best fried clams are in Massachusetts - specifically in the North Shore towns of Ipswich and Essex. Like all great regional specialties, the fried clam has warring factions that each maintain their favorite spot is the one and only place to get them. Woodman's, which lays claim to inventing the fried clam a century ago, has its advocates. But despite excellent onion rings, the breading on their clams is too aggressive. Superb clams can occasionally be found elsewhere in Essex at J.T. Farnham’s and Essex Seafood. But the most consistent and best fried clams in Massachusetts – and therefore the world – are at the Clam Box.

The first thing everyone notices when they arrive at the Clam Box a few miles outside of charming Ipswich center is that the building looks like a big clam box. Fitted with mismatched region-typical grey shingles, the serving area’s outside walls extend beyond its ceiling and flare out to hang over the perimeter. Sadly, there are no giant clams sticking out of the top of the box, but the effect is unmistakable and delightfully novel. The second, and much more important, thing you’ll notice is the line that stretches out the door and into the parking lot at peak meal times throughout the Summer. Do not be detracted: it moves fast and if anything is too short considering what awaits inside. The menu at the Clam Box is focused on traditional New England fare, with a variety of fried seafood served a la carte as boxes or as plates that come with fries, onion rings, and/or housemade coleslaw. There are minor concessions like hamburgers and hot dogs to the seafood averse who have been dragged to the Clam Box by their wiser dining companions. Yes, they have lobster rolls, and yes, they are excellent. Don’t lose focus, though. You are here for the whole belly clams, and you will want as many of them as you and your wallet can take.

The clams at the Clam Box are lightly coated in a corn/flour blend and double fried – once to remove excess breading and immediately moved to a second cleaner oil dip. It yields a delicate and yet crisp product that is clean while still retaining its seawater origin. The first bite of a New England fried clam at the Clam Box will have a surprising and delightful sweetness not present in mediocre fried clams shamefully overpriced elsewhere in the country. They barely hold together as you bite into them and give way to an overwhelming sense of coastline and a gentle breeze. If you are hardcore and they have them, you can order big bellies, but the ratio of crust to clam is ideal in the regular size. Similarly, you can eat these with tartar sauce, but this is a preference, not a requirement. The clams are perfect as is.

“Ipswich clams” aren’t always from Ipswich these days; the supply has been depleted by both industry and environmental changes. Occasionally there is a year where the price spikes uncontrollably due to disease. This is part of the nature of depending on the ocean for some of life’s greatest pleasures. The soft shell clam that is masterfully transformed into Massachusetts’s single greatest homegrown food item at the Clam Box and other local restaurants is as delicate in the ecosystem as it is on the tongue. The Clam Box presents these treasures as humbly and unassumingly as any world class restaurant could, but it is clear that we are privileged to have the clams and their holy shrine constructed in their image in...

Try to go here every time I visit my parents (they live in West Newbury, I live in Los Angeles now). And it's typically perfect but there were a few hiccups this visit.

Ordered the native clam basket with onion rings and cole slaw which I shared with my Dad and 4 large clam chowder's to go. I received French fries instead of onion rings but they made us some onion rings and brought them to us after. The clams were great, the onion rings were good, but the fries were soft and soggy, which is OK we didn't want them anyways. Nothing tasted seasoned though (I'm assuming maybe because of complaints?) so definitely be prepared to put salt and pepper on everything.

I also saw they had a fried chicken sandwich on their menu, they have become very popular in Los Angeles in recent years so I was excited to try theirs. I asked what comes on it and was told nothing but customers typically order it with lettuce, tomato, onions, and sauce, so I said yes I'll take it with everything on it. It came with lettuce, tomato, and small square cut onions but no sauce/spread, the bun was soft/soggy not toasted, and the fried chicken breast unfortunately did not look or taste like it was fresh and hand breaded, it tasted like a frozen patty you can get at the supermarket.

The clam chowder was excellent, thick, full of clams and potatoes, and seasoned perfectly (tasted like the only thing that was seasoned).

The pricing was definitely higher than I thought. With tip it came to around $120-$130. I think if 4 of us were to get a native fried clam plate with clam chowder it would be $200+.

Overall it was still a good visit, although I remember it being better in the past. Due to the high price as well I don't know if I would return again, I may try some other fried clam locations first.

I recommend if you have the wallet for the high prices, and don't mind seasoning your own food (they have single use salt and...

8/2020 My wife and I had went on a impromptu beach run. So we we're just about to head home when we saw the Clam Box, the sign said since 1935. Well if they've been around for that long then it should be good. We went in the front entrance placed our order and waited right inside, the dining room is a seat yourself right now. Not sure if that's the way its been or if it because of covid. Either way not a problem they offer outdoor seating as well. I ordered the combo #2 fried clams and fried scallops it comes with your choice of 2 sides I chose onion rings and coleslaw. The scallops were cooked perfectly. The breading is light and let's you taste the scallop not just breading, same for the clams best I've had in a while. Onion rings are very good I like mine a little crisper. The coleslaw is very good as well, you can season with salt and pepper to taste. My wife is not a fan of seafood, so she had a hot dog and fries, she was happy with her choice, not the best dog ever but hey your ordering a hot dog at a seafood joint...😁 Overall great service, great food, if your a seafood fan and your in the area stop in and check it out. 👍 UPDATE: 8/7/2025 Been awhile since we made it back out here for a beach run. But I had to stop here and get Fried Haddock, fried clams, onion rings, with a side of coleslaw. STILL great food I got it togo, this time a huge heaping plate of food. Everything cooked perfectly. 👍 The rings like before could be a little crisper for my personal liking, but still excellent. My only thing was no salt, pepper, packets for my slaw and no utensils. Probably my own fault for not checking, or looking for a utensil / condiments station. Still made it work my wife wanted Dunkin this time...🤣 So I got what I needed. 👌 If you are a seafood fan be sure to stop here it's worth...