Woodman's is over rated, their fried foods are tasteless, and the last time I was there (many years ago) they had the audacity to charge for tartar sauce.
I was there last month (we go every year on our way to the Topsfield Fair). No upcharge for the tartar sauce, it just came with the plates. I had the clam roll. It was OK. We mostly go for the pre-fair tradition and have a couple beers.
Well looks like they finally saw the ridiculousness of charging for tartar sauce. Clam Box, Ipswich MA is also a great place and their fried seafood tastes great
Local knowledge: Clam Box has THE best fried clams, followed by Essex Seafood, then Woodman’s. Farnhams not worth the price. Clams are not cheap anywhere
While the Clam Box has great clams, there is another place that one would not expect to have fantastic clams.
Kings, a roast beef and seafood place on North St in Salem, has the best fried clams. I don't know what they put in their batter, but it is sooooo good. Yes it is not your typical looking Clam Shack, nor does it have the cache of others located right in the ocean/flats, but I am serious about the quality, taste of their clams.
Metrolapin t1_ivgdp2e wrote
Essex Seafood Market!