Woodman's has been a New England Institution for years. The restaurant attracts both tourists and locals that make it a yearly summer ritual.

THE MENU

It is all about the clams. In fact, they claim to have invented the fried clams here. The rest of the menu includes fried scallops, fried fish, boiled lobsters, steamers (that is steamed clams for you non-New Englanders) and clam chowder. For those who don't like seafood, the only options are fried chicken tenders and hot dogs. The side dishes are french fries, onion rings and cole slaw. That is pretty much it. If you don't like seafood or fried food, this is not the place for you. If you are on a diet, forget about it here.

Having eaten here and at clam shacks all over New England, I will say that the food here is consistently good. However, it is not the best and certainly there are many restaurants all over New England where you can find this type of food.

SERVICE

There really is none. On a summer day, stand in line outside just to get into the restaurant. The wait can be up to and sometimes over an hour. The restaurant is on a small highway so there is not much in the way of scenery. However, you can see all of the boiled lobsters in bins outside. Seeing the live lobsters in tanks provided about 10 minutes of entertainment for my kids.

Once inside, place your order at the window. The menu is posted above it. After you pay (no credit cards, but there is an atm inside) they give you a number. There is a separate window to purchase drinks. They have a liquor license. It is usually a short wait once you order.

The food is served on paper and you get your own plastic utensils, napkins and condiments and carry it to your table. There is plenty of seating, even on a crowded day, but it may make sense to have a member of your party stake out a table as you wait in the line. When you are done, you clean your own table.

ATMOSPHERE

There is none. Most seating is indoors, although there is a screened-in deck open sometimes. Mostly, there are booths with vinyl tables and fake wood laminate seats. Some attempt to decorate with fishing nets, lobster traps, etc. There is no dress code. Everyone wears t-shirts, shorts and flip flops in the summer.

PRICES

The prices are on the high end. A family of two adults and two kids would spend at least $40 and more like $50-60. There are no low-priced kids meals.

SO WHAT MAKES THIS A MECCA FOR CLAM LOVERS? IS IT A TOURIST TRAP?

I have to say, I am not sure. The food is good, but not amazing, the menu is ridiculously limited, there can be a long wait to even get inside, there is no service or ambiance and the prices are high considering that no one waits on you. My best guess is that this place has been around so long serving above average food that it is has racked up numerous awards. Plus, they aggressively market themselves and even have a web site (www.woodmans.com).

If you are coming to New England and find yourself on Cape Ann or the North Shore, give it a try. However, don't drive out of your way to find it. It really is not a destination unto itself. If the line is long, there are several other restaurants, some even within walking distance, that serve seafood as good as Woodman's.

If you really want a great clam shack experience (great fried seafood, ocean view, low prices, rustic atmosphere) then you will do better on Cape Cod or the coast of Maine.

CATERING

If you live in New England, you probably have attended an event catered by Woodman's. My college had a clambake by Woodman's a few years back for a reunion. Woodman's had kettles going over real fires and served lobster, steamers, corn on the cob and cole slaw. In my experience, the food was really awful, overcooked and bland. The outdoor fires were impressive though. I can't recommend it, although I see them cater many events so someone must like them.

OTHER INFO

Woodman's of Essex is located in Essex on the North Shore of Massachusetts. Cape Ann and beautiful beaches are a close drive. They claim to be open year round although I can't verify it since I have never heard of anyone eating there in the winter. The phone numbers are (978) 768-6057 and (800) 649-1773. The menu and catering information is on their web site: www.woodmans.com.


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NEWTON: Appetito; India Paradise; Blue Ribbon Barbeque; Ice Cream Works; Baker's Best; Bill’s Pizzeria; Cafe Nicolas; Union Street; O’Hara’s; Yeradi’s; Johnny’s Luchonette.

CAMBRIDGE: S&S Restaurant; The Japanese Mall; Jasper White’s Summer Shack; Dali .

WEST ROXBURY: Cafe Misono.

BRIGHTON: Tasca.

SAUGUS: Kowloon.

CHAIN RESTAURANTS: Not Your Average Joe’s; Bertucci’s; Legal Sea Foods; Cheesecake Factory; Rainforest Cafe; Fire & Ice; Bugaboo Creek Steakhouse; Friendly’s.

COFFEE, BAGELS AND DONUTS: Bruegger’s Bagels; Finagle a Bagel; Dunkin Donuts; Peet’s Coffee and Tea.







Recommended: No

Kid Friendliness: Yes
Vegetarian Friendly: No
Notes, Tips or Menu Recommendations Only for fried seafood lovers. If you are on a diet, vegetarian or don't like fried food or seafood, this is not for you.
Best Suited For: Friends