We were a party of three, excited to try the fried clams—but unfortunately, the entire meal was a major letdown. The clams were not full-bellied as advertised, the breading was thick and heavy, and the flavor was completely bland. The plate came piled high with soggy onion rings and limp, tasteless fries—clearly more filler than quality. For $43 a plate, we expected a satisfying seafood experience, but instead got what felt like a barely pint-sized serving of subpar clams. Overall, a very disappointing and overpriced meal. We won’t be returning.
Mauricio Penedo
This place is wonderful, perfect service and spectacular food 🍱
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Joseph Nicholas
Great spot for fried clams!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Doug Tracia
The food, atmosphere and service were......... non-existent. The website made it appear they were open, but a big sign on the door "Re-Opening in March".
Oh well, went to Woodman's and it was very good.
Wade M Donaldson
This place is GREAT !! don't listen to crappy reviews i live 3 towns away and I've been loving this place for like 3 decades!! Its delicious..if anyone did.have a problem im.SURE they would make it 100 % right Wade.. Real customer
Sa Lee
CLOSED!!! Doesn't say anything one their website and open on Google. Thanks for ruining a bday celebration
milton lutin
Good food, nice people, good place for eat outside
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
M Johnson
Everything that a clam shack should be. Amazing clams, chowder, even burgers! Friendly servers and a spectacular view of the marsh. Bring cash and enjoy a great meal of local seafood.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Calamari, Seafood, Famous Fried Clams, Fries, Chowder, Clam
Al MacIntyre
After years of visits to the north shore, J. T. Farnham’s has become our go to for the best seafood to be found, at least the way like it. The quality is highly consistent and the batter fry is light and delectable. Whenever the weather permits, we prefer to sit outside and enjoy the expansive view of the salt marsh extending out towards Essex Bay. The indoor dining is cozy with picture windows looking over the same. I can only regret the number of years I passed by JT’s before checking it out. Now it’s no other when we’re in the area.
Recommended dishes: Lobster Roll and Fried Clams, Seafood Platter, Fried Clams Plate & Fisherman's Platter, Calamari, Famous Fried Clams, Haddock, Fried Clams with Bellies, Fried Haddock
Alan P Perry
Always good food, especially seafood chowder, clams, and haddock.
Stopped here yesterday after a whale watch in Gloucester and was not impressed. The staff was friendly and helpful. The food left a lot to be desired. Started with the seafood chowder which wasnt bad. It was a thin brothy chowder but it was packed with seafood. Next I got the fisherman's platter (with clam strips over the whole clams) Aside from the fries, the entire platter was flavorless. Scallops were overcooked and not sweet, the fish and shrimp really didnt taste like anything. For the amount of money we spent (over $100 for 2 ppl for lunch), the meals were very underwhelming. I don't think the portion size was comparable to other places in the area, but at the same time, I wasn't mad about it because having more of that food would have made me feel worse about throwing it away. We passed another seafood place that we loved on our last visit in the name of trying something new, and won't make that mistake again. Scenery was nice, just wish the food was better.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 3
Matthew Garcia
I’m rarely in this part of Mass but when I am, I often stop here or at the other major shop in town down the road. Popular for a reason and legendary within the local community. Location can’t be beat right on a marsh/estuary. Service was a bit slow on a Sunday but it was just two people trying to make it work. Pricey but the offerings are fresh and hot and delicious. Cash only!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Seafood Platter, Fried Clams Plate & Fisherman's Platter, Famous Fried Clams, Fish & Chips, Haddock, French Fries, Fries, Chowder, Fried Clams with Bellies, Fried Haddock, Fried Scallops
We were a party of three, excited to try the fried clams—but unfortunately, the entire meal was a major letdown. The clams were not full-bellied as advertised, the breading was thick and heavy, and the flavor was completely bland. The plate came piled high with soggy onion rings and limp, tasteless fries—clearly more filler than quality. For $43 a plate, we expected a satisfying seafood experience, but instead got what felt like a barely pint-sized serving of subpar clams. Overall, a very disappointing and overpriced meal. We won’t be returning.
This place is wonderful, perfect service and spectacular food 🍱
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great spot for fried clams!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The food, atmosphere and service were......... non-existent. The website made it appear they were open, but a big sign on the door "Re-Opening in March".
Oh well, went to Woodman's and it was very good.
This place is GREAT !! don't listen to crappy reviews i live 3 towns away and I've been loving this place for like 3 decades!! Its delicious..if anyone did.have a problem im.SURE they would make it 100 % right
Wade..
Real customer
CLOSED!!! Doesn't say anything one their website and open on Google. Thanks for ruining a bday celebration
Good food, nice people, good place for eat outside
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Everything that a clam shack should be. Amazing clams, chowder, even burgers! Friendly servers and a spectacular view of the marsh. Bring cash and enjoy a great meal of local seafood.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Calamari, Seafood, Famous Fried Clams, Fries, Chowder, Clam
After years of visits to the north shore, J. T. Farnham’s has become our go to for the best seafood to be found, at least the way like it. The quality is highly consistent and the batter fry is light and delectable. Whenever the weather permits, we prefer to sit outside and enjoy the expansive view of the salt marsh extending out towards Essex Bay. The indoor dining is cozy with picture windows looking over the same. I can only regret the number of years I passed by JT’s before checking it out. Now it’s no other when we’re in the area.
Recommended dishes: Lobster Roll and Fried Clams, Seafood Platter, Fried Clams Plate & Fisherman's Platter, Calamari, Famous Fried Clams, Haddock, Fried Clams with Bellies, Fried Haddock
Always good food, especially seafood chowder, clams, and haddock.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Fantastic little hidden gem. ??
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Stopped here yesterday after a whale watch in Gloucester and was not impressed. The staff was friendly and helpful. The food left a lot to be desired. Started with the seafood chowder which wasnt bad. It was a thin brothy chowder but it was packed with seafood. Next I got the fisherman's platter (with clam strips over the whole clams) Aside from the fries, the entire platter was flavorless. Scallops were overcooked and not sweet, the fish and shrimp really didnt taste like anything. For the amount of money we spent (over $100 for 2 ppl for lunch), the meals were very underwhelming. I don't think the portion size was comparable to other places in the area, but at the same time, I wasn't mad about it because having more of that food would have made me feel worse about throwing it away. We passed another seafood place that we loved on our last visit in the name of trying something new, and won't make that mistake again. Scenery was nice, just wish the food was better.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 3
I’m rarely in this part of Mass but when I am, I often stop here or at the other major shop in town down the road. Popular for a reason and legendary within the local community. Location can’t be beat right on a marsh/estuary. Service was a bit slow on a Sunday but it was just two people trying to make it work. Pricey but the offerings are fresh and hot and delicious. Cash only!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Seafood Platter, Fried Clams Plate & Fisherman's Platter, Famous Fried Clams, Fish & Chips, Haddock, French Fries, Fries, Chowder, Fried Clams with Bellies, Fried Haddock, Fried Scallops
Best clams!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Delicious onion rings, calamari yum!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Calamari, Haddock, Fries
Loading...