This Rhode Island Clam Shack Just Made the Best-in-New-England List

September is almost here, but before you let your taste buds start enjoying all things pumpkin this fall grab some of the best fried clams in New England at a beloved SouthCoast restaurant.

As usual summer has gone by in a flash and I find that I never once ate coastal New England classics like clam cakes, lobster rolls or fried clams. Clearly I need to change that fast.

Lucky for me (and anyone else who hasn't enjoyed these local delicacies yet), some of the best fried clams in New England are just a short drive from New Bedford.

Of course Massachusetts has some delicious fried clam spots. After all, the summer staple was created in Essex.

The Origins of Fried Clams in New England

Way back in 1916 a concession stand owner in Essex named Lawrence “Chubby” Woodman dropped some breaded clams into the fryer he used to make potato chips and a New England classic was born.

READ MORE: 10 Hilarious Ways to Ruin a Lobster Roll

The food became an instant hit and copycats emerged all across New England.

2025 Best Fried Clams in New England List

Today there are likely thousands of restaurants serving fried clams, but only a handful of those made NewEngland.com's "Best Fried Clams in New England" list this summer.

Among the 15 New England restaurants on their list is a SouthCoast favorite—but not necessarily a favorite for their clams.

Why Blount Clam Shack Stands Out

Blount Clam Shack in Warren, RI was hailed by NewEngland.com for their "impeccably seasoned and wonderfully crisp" fried clams. They actually dubbed them "juicy little flavor bombs."

READ MORE: Cape Cod Restaurant With Cheapest Fish and Chips Around

The fact that Blount is also a seafood wholesaler definitely helped to give them the leg up when it comes to seafood freshness and with their spot right on the water in Warren, you're getting amazing views while you eat as well.

So between their award-winning soups and their 'best in New England' fried clams, clearly we have a reason to eat Blount foods all year long.