Woodmans-the inventor of Fried Clams

http://www.woodmans.com/

Route 133, 121 Main St. Essex, Massachusetts 01929 Phone: (978) 768-6057 (800) 649-1773

I finally had to come to this famed place in Essex, MA---Woodmans last weekend. They proclaim themselves to be the inventors of Fried Clams and they are sold at market price. Recently, my buddy MPK and I went there earlier to avoid the long lines that are guaranteed to happen during the weekend lunch hours.

The directions were not that bad and we got there under an hour from Boston. We visited Woodmans around 11:30am. We opted to share and got the medium Chubby's Fried Clams (with bellies of course!) $18.95 (Market price), Lobster Roll $18.95 (Market Price) and Clam Fritters $4.95 (4 fritters) and 2 clam chowders $3.95 each a cup. They do take credit cards (yea) and there are helpful empty containers by the cashier to help better figure how much you want to eat.

Your number is then called out and you go to the pick up area. There is a big side area to sit and choose from many tables to eat your delicious lunch. First item to be sampled is the clam chowder. It is the second clam chowder of the month I had tried (last time was Kelly's) where the broth is very thin. My sis did explain there are varying different types of broths for clam chowder. So this is deliberately on the thin/runny side. Whereas Kelly's had some nice clam flavors and was great this one was more tasteless in comparison. I did taste some clam and potatoes but I was not bowled over by the taste. Needless to say, I did not finish it except for the clams and potatoes in the chowder.

Then I proceeded to try the clam fritters. They looked very inviting but what it really is a big dough ball of batter with very microscropic pieces of crab. It is very dry if you do not have any sauce-hot, tartar or whatever strikes your fancy. Next came the fried clams, not overly greasy, too bad the bellies were not bigger but very good. I think these fried clams edge out the Kelly's Fried clams a little bit. There is a nice crunch, flavor and dipping them in tartar sauce was divine!

Lastly, we split the lobster roll, just how I like it, very simple. Just plain ole lobster tail meat with claws cut up on a toasted hot dog bun with minimal mayo.

There you have it our meal at Woodmans.

I give it 8 forks out of 9 forks.