J.T. Farnham’s, Essex MA – The Best Little Clam Shack Around

Every now and then I need a fried clam fix – sometimes after an especially long day kayaking on Essex Bay, but other times too. Like when I’m feeling  in the mood for a bit of self-indulgence and relaxation, or for celebration of a hard job well-done.  Fortunately I know just the spot –  J.T. Farham’s in Essex, MA. Oh, there are plenty of area restaurants to choose from (and I’ve visited all of them – usually when Farnham’s is closed for the winter!) but there are many reasons why Farnham’s is my favorite. First of all is the food – and most notably my favorite – fried whole belly clams.

While I’ve tried a lot of their items over the years ( great chowders, cole slaw, crab cakes) I always get the clams. The question “Who has the best fried clams in the North Shore of Massachusetts” –  home of the famed Ipswich clam – always creates a lively debate. The passion surrounding the debate can reach almost alarming proportions, reflecting the deep love so many have for this treat. It seems like it would be a simple matter to fry a clam – and to create a basic version is. But elevating it to perfection is actually rather complicated! The coating is key – the ratio of corn to white flour. What’s used to wet the clams – milk or buttermilk is also important. The fat they are cooked in can’t be overlooked either……..and this is where Farnham’s especially gets it right.  Always clean with no aftertaste or residue left in your mouth. So whatever their secret formula is, they’ve got it down straight through.

This trip Rob opted for the Fisherman’s platter. There was no earthly way we could have eaten everything, but taking leftovers home and reheating them was a great success. I just put them on a baking sheet at 350 degrees for a few minutes and it all came right back to life.  But while we were there we enjoyed the succulent, perfectly cooked scallops…

The very large butterflied shrimp….

Tender, moist Haddock fillet……..

And a very generous serving of their out-of-this-world onion rings. The fries are quite forgettable, but the onion rings are incredible.

Farnham’s prices are very comparable for the area, many are less than other spots, and for the money I have never been disappointed with the portions.

So the drill here is this: You go to an ordering counter, place your order and you’re given a number.  The condiments are self-serve, so while you’re waiting for the food, fill up some little cups with tartar sauce and ketchup and grab some napkins. When your food is done they will bring it to you, or call you in from outside. Eating inside is the only option if you are having a beer or a glass of wine, but it’s no hardship. Small, yes, but with big windows, large tables and booths, and immaculately clean. It’s amazing how clean the place is, especially since the customers are requested to bus their own tables!

I was lucky enough to be at Farnham’s a few years back when a huge thunder storm developed and came screaming across Essex Bay. The dramatic view was awesome, and I had a front row seat, glad to be inside. But eating outside at Farnham’s is a lot of fun too. Their tag line  ”Seafood With a View” is no exaggeration!

It’s really nice to sit at one of the picnic tables on the water, watching beautiful Essex Bay.

There are plenty of shore birds to see….

And you can even see stright through to the historic Choate House on Hog Island (formerly Choate Island) in the bay.

And the view on the other side of the road isn’t bad either. It’s tough to find a lot of fault with this gem of a clam shack, so kick back, relax and enjoy some delicious classic North Shore Massachusetts fried seafood along with the scenery. It’s got my vote for the best fried clams around!

Address: 88 Eastern Ave, Rt. 133, Essex, MA 01929-1329

Phone: 978-768-6643