Behold, the clam shack, purveyors of Cape Cod-style fast food beloved by tourists and locals alike. If you're looking for fresh seafood that's been deep-fried, look no further than the one and only clam shack. Most are family-owned, seasonal eateries where you order at the window (and more than likely pay with cash), grab a picnic table, pull out your BYOB, and clog your arteries on fish n' chips, clam strips, onion rings, and soft-serve. While the atmosphere is laid-back, you might be taken aback by some of the prices. Consider yourself warned - just cause you're eating off paper plates doesn't mean there's a dollar menu. Without further ado, here's the map of a dozen of Cape Cod's best clam shacks :
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The Ultimate Guide to Cape Cod's Best Clam Shacks
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Seafood Sam's
Seafood Sam's opened it's doors in the summer of 1974. They've since added a Falmouth location and expanded the menu to over 100 items (a kids menu, express lunch, lobster 8 ways, & plenty of options for the seafood-averse).
The Clam Shack of Falmouth
Overlooking Falmouth Harbor, The Clam Shack is the real deal. All the classics are here - fried seafood, picnic tables and water views.
Baxter's Boathouse
Built entirely over the water on Hyannis Harbor, Baxter's Boathouse has been serving up fish n' chips, along with all of the other clam shack usuals, since 1957. Eat on the deck and watch the daily catch come in or check out the 21-plus Baxter's Boathouse Club for live entertainment.
Spanky's Clam Shack and Seaside Saloon
Located directly on the water overlooking Hyannis Harbor, Spanky's offers clam shack classics as well as plenty of steaks, chicken and pasta dishes. One of the few clam shacks with table service, you can dine inside or out on the deck.
Captain Frosty's
Open April through September, Captain Frosty's Fish & Chips has been serving up fresh seafood and soft serve ice cream since 1976. We recently tried the fried pickles and swooned.
Kream n' Kone
The Kream ‘n’ Kone has been serving up fried seafood and soft serve for over five decades. Their new air-conditioned location features lots of parking, outdoor patio seating and views of the Swan River. Open during the shoulder season as well.
Cobie's Clam Shack
Cobie's Clam Shack is located right off the Cape Cod Rail Trail and historic Route 6A. Open seasonally, they've been serving up fried seafood for over 60 years.
Sir Cricket Fish n' Chips
Since 1970, Sir Cricket's has been dishing out pub-style fish n' chips, lobster rolls, chowder and more. Open year-round, the eatery shares space with Nauset Fish & Lobster Pool.
Cap't Cass Rock Harbor Seafood
Step into a time capsule: the charmingly authentic Cap't Cass Rock Harbor Seafood has been serving up clam shack fare for more than half a century. Don't miss the lobster roll. [Photo: TripAdvisor]
Arnold's Lobster & Clam Bar
Arnold's has been serving up fresh seafood for over 35 years. The iconic clam shack is open seasonally and lines can be long, but they've got mini-golf to help pass the time. Go for the fried clams and save room for ice cream.
Mac's on the Pier
All the Cape Cod classics are served up at Mac's on the Pier, right on Wellfleet Harbor. Order at the window -"steamers with broth and drawn butter, a lobster roll, a fried fish sandwich, onion rings" - and grab a table in the sand.
Mojo's
This no-frills Ptown favorite offers most of the clam shack necessities along with a substantial menu of Mexican, melts and more. We're partial to the Onion Chunks, but a basket of Clam Strips is a close second.
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