Clams. They’re a hot topic in the Bay State, especially while the weather cooperates with beach day plans and picnic table dining.

This beloved clam shack is located about 30 miles north of Boston in the charming and historic town of Ipswich. The Clam Box has been featured on multiple Food Network shows, WCVB channel 5’s “Chronicle”, and “Gourmet Magazine.” It’s a strong contender for the most delicious fried clams in the state, and certainly the most popular place to knock back a few crispy, succulent morsels. Don’t believe it? Read on.

The first thing you’ll notice about the Clam Box is that it’s shaped like…well…you can probably figure it out.
Yelp/Joyce Z.
The unique, flared structure was built in 1938 by Dick Greenleaf.
Yelp/Jeffrey B.
The second thing you’ll probably notice is the line. Even in September, the queue can stretch out the door and into the gravel parking lot.
Yelp/Jeffrey B
Luckily, the staff moves really quickly. You’ll be presented with a pile (or box) of crisp, battered seafood in no time at all.
Yelp/Matt E.
Many people sit outside during the summer season, or take their bounty to the seaside.
Yelp/Panda B.

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Prices are reasonable, especially when you consider the heaping mounds of battered clams (that box is a small!) are probably the best you’ll ever have.
Yelp/Jia L.
The secret to the delicious, perfectly seasoned and flavorful fried clams at the Box? They change their frying oil multiple times a day, which keeps things fresh and tasty.
Yelp/Kim L.
It also helps that the shack’s owner personally picks the day’s clams from the supplier’s trucks each morning.
Yelp/Gabriel C.
The clams are then washed in rich, evaporated milk, doused in a special combination of flour and spices, and double-fried.
Yelp/Daniel C.
If you're trying to stay off the fried stuff, the lobster roll at this place is sent from above.
Yelp/Gabriel C.
It's hard to argue that the fried clams here aren't absolutely heavenly. One box, and you'll be a believer.
Yelp/Debrin S.

Just a note: you can’t really talk about fried clams on the North Shore without mentioning the other major area heavyweight: Woodman’s. Woodman’s claims to have invented the fried clam, but die-hard Clam Boxers will tell you that Greenleaf’s establishment perfected it. Personally, I think the match is almost too close to call. Almost.

The Clam Box can be found at 246 High Street, Ipswich, MA 01938. For more of the most amazing seafood in the state, check out our list of the most spectacular seafood shacks in Massachusetts.

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