Clam Box of Ipswich in Ipswich, MA
If you want authentic New England fried whole belly clams this is the place to go!
Recommendations for Diners, Drive-ins and Dives
Sponsored Ad
Add Comment
Sponsored Ad
Sponsored Ad
Keep track of all Diners, Drive-ins and Dives you've been to and find them easily with our interactive map. Built by Grid Sixty Software, LLC aka Rick & Jennifer who are HUGE fans of Guy Fieri & his TV Show Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.
Inspired by • Hypermedia • HATEOAS
Built with • Datastar • ASP.NET Core
Helpful Links
Contact Us
Copyright © 2026 A Richard (Rick) J Graner III Project via Grid Sixty Software, LLC. All rights reserved.
Comments (136)
The clams here are the best north of Boston. Cute decor, friendly staff soooo good!
Delicious fresh fried seafood steamers, and chowder. Typical New England style. Plain and simple. The best!
Been going to the clam box my whole life and my family go here every summer as a tradition. It has the best and most fresh seafood I’ve ever had. Please take the time to check it out it’s so worth it.
food is always awesome. staff is friendly. they have the best clams around!
I watch this show all the time and was surprised you haven’t been here yet. It has 50s music constantly playing, gives favorite seafood dive vibes, and I dare you not to have a great time watching grouchy people eat the best fried seafood in Massachusetts. I plan my whole day around grabbing food here because if you know then you know. When family visits we take them here and they beg for it after going just once. You won’t regret it.
Best clams in New England. I live on the south shore but drive an hour to the north shore to get these clams. I thought I was tired of seafood, but really I never had perfectly breaded and succulent clams and scallops like they do at the Clam Box. I live near another Clam Box in Quincy, but choose to drive to Ipswich instead, that should speak volumes
Unique and historic restaurant in Ipswich, MA. Great warm season spot, lots of business from local and out of town people.
Get the 2 way combo (clam and scallop) with onion rings and coleslaw. Delicious!
fresh made to order seafood that is perfect every single time
Celebrating its 90th birthday. Its local and no one would know it’s here because it’s tucked away in a very beautiful area of Ipswich Ma. The atmosphere of the restaraunt hasn’t changed since the 1960s in the most authentic small town way
The clams, fried shrimp, and all seafood are the best in the northeast. Necessary stop in Ipswich and necessary stop for Guy.
Dude I just flew here from Phoenix for the first time in 10 years and this is the only place I had to go.
I’ve had seafood platters all over the country. This is by far THE best. We drive a long way to come to this place whenever in Boston.
The oldest best Friend Seafood on the East Coast , been coming here since I can remember. Always came with my grandparents & now bring my grandkids. Real Deal .
This restaurant has been around for over 90 years and is very popular. We have been coming here for over 10 years ourselves. It has the best fried clams in Massachusetts.
Guy, why haven’t you been to the Clam Box…the best fried clams and seafood in the WORLD!! It’s been serving the best seafood for 91 years. And their cole slaw and home made tartar sauce are the best!!! We’ve been coming here for over 50 years and it never disappoints. Flavortown USA!!!
This is the most iconic seafood spot north of Boston. It would be the perfect place for Guy to go to get a sense of the local flavor and culture
I travel all the way from Alabama to come here, so guy fiery should come here too.
amazing, line out the door everytime but so worth the wait, cozy new england seafood vibes, to die for lol, gotta come show some love !!
By far the best fried clams! To this day have not found better fresher clams. The wait is long but so worth it!!;
This has been here since 1935 and has been serving up fried clams to the North Shore that whole time!
Try the fish and chips and clam strips! They’re absolutely amazing. The lobster roll is so delicious and fresh. 10/10 food all around! Freshest seafood in MA!
The freshest and lightest fried seafood in New England
This is a hidden gem! Gotta get here Guy!
Classic, delicious, totally New England.
Delicious fried clams & scallops!
Hey guy, we really don’t want you to come to the clam box of Ipswich. We want it to remain our secret. If you put it out there, everybody will come and make the lines longer. We have flown up from Florida and we will not go home until we have clams from the Ipswich clam box but don’t tell anybody it’s gonna be my secret.
Great food - local establishment that has a deep history in town!
Great seafood!
The Clam Box is fantastic! Yiu will not be disappointed!!!
Best clams and lobster roll. Hot and cold
I visit from Maine, that's how good THEIR fried clams are! We've got fried clams ..but they've got the best. You should try them yourself! Besides, how would they have been in business over 90 hrs. And you just have to see their unique little "clam box" shaped restaurant!
This is hands down a must go to best whole belly clam plate fried oysters all around amazing food this place has people coming from all over and building looks like a clam box
This place is amazing and a staple for anyone in the area or even from far away. Worth the trip from anywhere it has the absolute best fried seafood around. Huge heaping plates and small prices and always friendly service. I have eaten there my entire life and bring people to it from out of state all the time and noone has ever complained and always ask to go back next time they are around.
This place has the BEST seafood in New England and the portions are AMAZING. Well worth the trip and the money. Would love to see what Guy thinks.
Best big belly clams of Ma!! You have to ask for the big bellies! The portions are big and everything is always fried well. Lots of history behind the restaurant.
You won’t find any better seafood. The Clam Box is the best! It’s been in business for decades and knows how to prepare and cook seafood. Definitely the best fried clams anywhere. Guy you have got to check this place out!!
An institution! The shape of the building (a CLAM BOX) draws you in to classic roadside attractions fare, and the fried clams themselves are truly an artery clogging treat! Cooked with tenderness, care, and plenty of fresh fryolater oil, they are among best you will find on Boston’s North Shore.
This is the whole magillia!!! From the moment you pull up to the “clam box” building to the delicious bountiful helpings!! This is quesisential New England experience, not to be missed!!
The best fried clams on the North Shore! You will NOT be disappointed!
best fried clams. fresh batter made frequently through the day. fresh Ipswich clams. excellent clam chowder. can't miss the "clam box" on route 1, Ipswich MA.
The best fried seafood in the country.
Iconic. A historic survey of fried clams in America--many great sites in Ipswich and nearby in Essex. The brick factory in downtown Ipswich where Howard Johnson's sourced its clam strips for its hotel restaurants is now the Ipswich Brewery. Woodman's in Essex claims to have invented the fried clam. Locals prefer Farnham's in Essex, and many believe the Choate Pub's clams in Ipswich is the greatest. The Clam Box has a cool history and a perfect facade with lines of people every summer. Come to Ipswich!
This is the best fried seafood place anywhere. Dare you to see for yourself.
I loved eating there!! All the seafood is very delicious and the service is great!!! The freshness of the seafood is excellent, also you know the oil is fresh and clean!! I live in Framingham and go to both locations, Ipswich and Quincy. The drive is far but worth every second!!!! Love taking my family for a nice delicious meal!!!!
Hands down the best clams I’ve ever had 🙌🏼 it’s probably 4 hour drive from my house and I would go in a heartbeat!!!
The absolute freshest most perfectly fried clams and scallops you’ll ever have in your life!! They close about an hour each afternoon just to change the oil so that all the seafood is fried perfectly golden with no grease. Go Guy Go
The food is excellent, tons of it and you don't need to mortgage the house. Always busy, always worth the wait.
You should go visit the Clam Box of Ipswich because by far they have the very best clams & seafood anywhere! They have the best employees & a great atmosphere! I highly recommend them.
We went on Sunday 6-8-26 had the seafood platter with big belly (the best) & everything was fresh. You don’t get seafood like WE do seafood!!! It’s a must try,just don’t go between 1:30PM-2:00PM as they change their oil 😋🤤🐟🦀🦞🍤🦐
The food is great lots history
It’s old school, best clams around for almost 100 yrs! The change the oil midday, maybe that’s the trick! Delicious. Come check them out. I’ll go with you! Love your show. Marie
Guy should visit this place because they have the best fried clams, and I've tried them all over new England !!!!!
Awesome place to go for fried clams.
The best fried clams on the Northshore of Massachusetts!! Perfect fried seafood every damn time!!! Onion rings are amazing too!!!
The best fried clams (seafoods) Clean oil, local clams, never a problem with the food. Quality, consistency and good people. I drive over 25 miles once a week/ every other week, to take my 99 year old father there. Have been going there my whole life. You could do an entire episode on clam shacks just in Massachusetts
Sweet delicious clams
Best Seafood in the country I guarantee it
My mouth waters just thing about it. Best belly clams in the world. I live in WI and used to visit my fathers family in Mass. Every year since i was 2 years old. Clams are tge best. The bellues cannot be frozen, so you have to have them fresh. Get them while they are in season. And take me with you!!!
So fresh and soooo yummy always! Worth the trip, been going since I was a kid!
This has been my favorite seafood place as long as I can remember! My grandparents, parents, aunts and uncles all brought me here time and time again. Now whenever I want a good fisherman’s platter, this is where I go! Don’t forget the onion rings.
Best fried clams on the Northshore
Hey Guy this is one of the best. Passed down thru generations. Fried Clams are tender and juicy,not greasy. Plates are huge, enough for 2 people to share and then some.located in the quaint little town of Ipswich served from a quaint little clam box shaped building.
Shareable perfectly fired seafood platters in family owned casual restaurant with indoor and outside seating. Perfect stop on the way home from the beach or after a hike through beautiful Ipswich open space trails.
The best of the best! The lobster rolls are cooked perfectly and the fried food is by far the best in I’ve ever had and I’ve had a lot!! They change their oil mid day every day and their batter is so light and not greasy! I have some great pictures of their food!
A small family-owned restaurant with THE best ever seafood around! The fried lobster tails are to die for, my favorite of course! But all their seafood is amazing and always has been. I used to work near there but now I'm retired and still live an hour away, but we still go there! You must come check it out Guy! You will not be disappointed, I promise!!
If you want the freshest, tender, and tasty seafood, you must visit Ipswich clam box. Just be sure to go early as the lines start forming. I drive over an hour from NH to get some tender and delicious scallops from this place. Their whole belly clams have the wonderful taste of the sea.
They've been serving fresh fried seafood especially the famous Ipswich full bellied clams for almost a century. The oil is changed twice daily so that there is never a bitter taste to the food. Come to Ipswich! You'll love our beautiful town and all of its glorious dives!
Freshest and best seafood ever!!! Worth the wait!!
Hi Guy, Love your show! Next time you’re visiting the east coast please consider checking out the Clam Box in Ipswich, MA. Clams are dug locally at the beach in Ipswich and fried golden brown at the clam box. They take such pride in their product that they change the fry oil 2x day. Closing at 3pm to have fresh oil for dinner. Crazy. Appreciate your consideration. Charlie
The best lobster roll and fried clams you will ever eat. You are making a big mistake if you do not visit the Clam Box. You can thank me later. Enjoy!
Definitely a must try! You will not leave disappointed. The history of the business and building will only add to the experience you will receive. The fried clams are the best in New England.
The fried seafood, all of it, is the best around at the Clam Box in Ipswich, Ma. Guy will not be disappointed if he stops there. My favorite are the scallops and onion rings, but let’s see what Guy’s favorite is!!
the lines around the building speaks for itself! famous landmark celebrating 90 years!
Our family has been coming to this place for four generations! The clams are fresh, the lobster is divine and the building is wicked awesome! Old school inside and tables outside. The oil is changed every afternoon at 2:30 to keep things fresh. Fresh Onion rings, fries, coleslaw on the side. This is a MUST stop on the Northshore of Boston and close to historic Cranes Beach and Castle Hill. What a wonderful way to spend the day!
Best fried clams and scallops in the East.
This place is one of if not the best place to get fried clams in New England and quite possibly the world. What place do you not shuts down in the middle of the day to change out their grease in the fryers? That's quality. They care about the product that much. And let me tell you some of the biggest, sweetest tasting bellies anywhere. No sand in these babies. I'm pretty sure they feed them corn meal to get the sand out, the result, the sweetest tasting clams evah kid!!! Get your ass out here and confirm what we already know!!!
I have been making annual trips from where I live ( formerly Illinois, now Indiana to the northeast my whole life. My Aunt and Uncle lived in Newburyport and prior to that, Lynnfield , Mass. No trip out east was complete without a trip to the Clam Box in Ipswich. There is no fried clam to top their whole belly fried clams. I always tell them to hold the fries, I can get them in Indiana……..just fill me up with those clams ! As they have both passed on I haven’t been back east in a few years…..I have gone as far as buying some frozen whole belly clams but haven’t had the nerve to try to duplicate theirs. You must put them on your list ! It’s an east coast institution that everyone must try at least once. I have discussed having delivery service to Indiana but haven’t had much luck. Please look into a visit to their restaurant…..you will NOT be disappointed ! Thank you, Pat Appenzeller Leesburg, Indiana.
I would BEG to go to this place every summer visiting my grandmother. THE best clam strips you’ll ever have in your life. No exaggeration. Plus the building is shaped like an old school clam box.
One of the best and I mean the best places for clams and all their seafood. It’s like they took a fishing pole and put it outside and caught the fish right there. So good.
This is by far the very best fried seafood in the US It’s a shame if he hasn’t been there yet It’s my top restaurant in Mass and I’m a local food reviewer in Mass
They have the best Fried Clams, Big Bellies are to die for…..so sweet, just the right amount batter and the tarter sauce is the best,,, Scallops are huge, succulent,moist,tasty…as well…my mouth is watering just writing this. Well worth a trip there. We LOVE everything about the Clam Box,, You won’t be disappointed! I want to be there when you go. Love watching Triple D.
Food is excellent with great serving sizes. They change the oil everyday at 230p so you know it is fresh and ready to go by 3pm. If you go please let me know, I’d love to meet Guy. I’m a huge fan of TOC and Flavortown and his restaurants. Thank you Susan Rielly
Love it! Really great seafood, my parents and I have been there since I was little, great fried clams, shrimp, calamari, onion rings, fries. The best place to go and get fried seafood. You will not be disappointed
Best fried seafood in MA! Huge portions and they change their oil daily. You won’t be disappointed! Sooo good Guy!
I would love to see you and your crew at the clambox in Ipswich I love your show. I hope to see it on TV or be there when you film.
Our all time place to dine at after a nice ride in our 56 F100 and 70 Torino. So if you do stop in to check them out please let me know so we can get there to eat before you do! lol place draws a crowd already. Why not time it with Todd's Farm Car Show and see how CA has nothing on us. Also know Bobby "The Butcher" from Tuckaway, Hop and Grind, etc. Love your shows and watched the day you won your first show Guy. New England is the best having trucked cross country, regionally and locally for 35 years I know good spot. Eunice
The Clam Box has the best seafood around. It’s the only Fried clams I will eat! Sweet, tender lightly battered Like all their seafood.Guy will not be disappointed!!!!
It is the best fried seafood anywhere! I always get the Fishermans platter. And the tarter sauce can't be beat.
Ipswich, MA for fresh-caught seafood in the summer? Yes, sir! Best seafood around and an adorable drive-in location. It’s old school and such a treat!
I may be partial, I grew up in ipswich and worked there when I was 20. The main cook was working there with me then and still there today! They have always closed things down at 2 pm for oil change, so your food always tastes light and fresh. You won't be disappointed!!!
Guy, this is the best restaurant , the clam box in Ipswich Massachusetts. You need to go there with your crew and try it out. That place has been there for many years and still going. Please try it out. We all love it there in New England. Go and join us for a great adventure
Best fried clams anywhere since 1935!
BEST FRIED WHOLE CLAMS, HADDOCK, AND TARTER SAUCE EVER. But beware, after trying the clam box, nothing, I repeat, nothing compares and you will make frequent trips to the east coast for it!!!!! We're 1.5 hours away and drive out OFTEN!!!!
This Clam Box makes the best fried clams and seafood that I have ever eaten! There is none better in the US!
This is the best seafood.
Guy- I’ve been going here since I was a kid. I still make an annual migration from southwestern Vermont to Cape Ann for a weeks stay and this place is ALWAYS my first stop! Sweet whole bellies and servings that will almost always leave you the chance to enjoy round 2 later that night. Huge fan of Triple D, I know this would impress you
Guy- I’ve been going here since I was a kid. I still make an annual migration from southwestern Vermont to Cape Ann for a weeks stay and this place is ALWAYS my first stop! Sweet whole bellies and servings that will almost always leave you the chance to enjoy round 2 later that night. Huge fan of Triple D, I know this would impress you
Hi Guy! The biggest and freshest Fisherman's Platter in the northeast can be found at Ipswich's Clambox. They change their oil frequently and therefore nothing is ever greasy. Just Wait until you try the scallops, they are actually sweet. This place has been an institution around these parts and is a favorite of many. I think you will be very impressed and hard pressed to find another place that compares! Thanks for the opportunity to write! Donna M Grieco Boxford, MA
The freshest ingredients with routinely changed oil makes this spot the best for fried seafood. The Clam Box knows how to do seafood right!
Dependable, consistent and delicious!!!! Been going since I was a child now almost 69 yrs old. My ONLY place for fried clams!
Old school New England seafood in the rough for over 90 years!
Hands-down, the best place in Massachusetts to get any type of seafood, me and my family have been going here for as long as I can remember. Their fried oysters are absolutely phenomenal. Not to mention they’re hot and cold. Lobster roll. What’s great about the clam box? Is they change out their cooking oil halfway throughout the day and it makes such a difference. Their owners are nice. The workers are great. The atmosphere is exactly what you would expect for a seafood place.
The best Clams around, bug bellied, not sandy or greasy like most places friendly staff and their tarter sauce would make a flip flop taste good, and the restaurant itself is shaped like a clambox
I have been going to the clam box of Ipswich Ma. Since I was a child I am now an adult in my 50s and I am still going 3 to 4 times a year I bring my mother whom is 92 and has also been going since she was a child. The food is fantastic and they change the oil every day at 2pm so you have to wait a little bit. The portions are worth the price you pay it is definitely worth the trip even if you dont put it on the show just for you to have the experience of the Clam box of Ipswich I have never had a bad experience with staff or the food. It has been in business for 90 years. Thank you Lori
Best seafood so much food on a plate Try it will be the best you ever had
You have to have the best, tender, melt in your mouth, batter amazing, clam plate at the Clam Box of Ipswich. Not to mention the best tasting hearty clam chowder and sweet tartar sauce to pair with your plate. Definitely a top five bucket list.
I love the Clam Box and I love Guy. Haven’t missed a show in years and I think Guy would absolutely Love it there.They would be great together.!!
This is a happenening spot because they have the best fried clam bellies! Lots of history, great food and awesome people.
BEST CLAMS IN NEW ENGLAND HANDS DOWN!!!! 😎🥳🫶🏼
Quintessential New England with a fabulous 50’s vibe! Although they’re two hours from my home, we plan day trips to the surrounding towns in order to make a stop for their Fried Clam Dinner!
Been going here since I was about 4 years old, now 49. My parents were brought by their parents. By far the best fried seafood in New England. Oils changed constantly to keep a fresh, clean taste. Get the mini-plate with baby shrimp. Fried clams are also top shelf. You won’t be disappointed.
This is an iconic North of Boston classic. With a one of a kind building design, this family owned spot makes the best fried clams you’ll ever have.
Family run restaurant with the BEST fried clams you’ve ever eaten!
Hi Guy, Being from New England I've had alot of seafood 😋 But the best seafood I ever had is the Clambox of Ipswich Ma everything is cooked perfectly tastes so yummy. The staff is amazing 👏 Please come to visit
The Best and freshest Clams and seafood in the Northshore Cape Ann area of Massachusetts! Consistent highest quality. Been in business for 90 years!!They change the cooking oil two time a day! The place is spotlessly CLEAN!! People drive from all over New England to enjoy this famous spot. Sometimes the lines are VERY LONG but well worth the wait!!
This is *the* place to go for fried clams! Plus they have a delicious variety of other seafood items.
This is the best restaurant for seafood. Folks come from miles around. We drive ~3 hours every summerto get our fix!
This restaurant has been in existence for 90 years. I personally love the food there. All of their offerings are outstanding, but the fried clams, handcut onion rings and scallops are my favorites. I'm going to be 77 this October and I've been going there since I was able to walk. Woodman's & Farnham's ( In Essex,Ma ) both of which I believe you have tried before, are no comparison. If you want some delicious, golden fried clams (with or without bellies) then you need to take a trip & bring a hungry crew to Ipswich & The Clam Box.
Simply good food in not so fancy building .....
Everything is excellent especially the Seafood Platter. So much food you can share. Nice and crispy and never greasy. Clams either or without bellies, your choice.
The most delicious scallops, shrimp and lobster. Lines are always out the door. The oil is changed every afternoon so everything tastes very fresh.
I don't think Guy should come to Clam Box - It'll only make this awesome place even more well known. Already us locals have to share their exceptional seafood with people who travel hundreds, maybe even thousands of miles because you can't get clams with this much greatness anywhere else! No don't come - just don't! (Yankee Sarcasm)
Please don't go there! The food is delicious always and I drive from waltham to go there! Joking. Great place!
This is a classic! The food is amazing ALL the time. I hesitate to send this because I don’t want to share my hidden gem. It is definitely worth visiting and its hard to miss. The building is shaped like a clam box!
Great place for all sea food
Delicious New England seafood classics with old school vibe. They do it old school here!
The most incredible seafood you’ll ever eat. Light, fresh and delicious! You’ll never regret the trip. Also as important it is run by an incredible family.
Best fried clams in the area.
This little "box" has been around for a long time and there is a perfect reason for it! Their fried seafood is killer! Light...fresh...not greasy like other places Guy you need tom come out and try it!!
I drive an hour to eat their clams. I even have considered moving closer just to be able to enjoy their food more often. The fish is just delectable might even call it addictive.
most original and best seafood fried in new england
Clam box has the best fried clams and seafood anywhere. They also have the best tarter sauce and coleslaw!! Oh and their onion rings are amazing too!! They change their frying oil at like 2 pm so it is always fresh!
I’ve been eating here for over 30 years. It is the most consistent restaurant I’ve ever been to. The food and staff are amazing.
In my opinion the Clam box has the best seafood in the world! They also change their oil twice a day so the food always tastes fresh!
Best fried seafood!!!!