Best of Boston

2005 Best Group Dining, Affordable

Jasper White’s Summer Shack

Fasten your plastic bib, roll up your sleeves, and park your party at one of the long picnic tables inside Jasper White’s Cambridge clam shack, where the meal itself is the evening’s entertainment. Dunking steamed clams into warm butter, cracking lobster claws, and nibbling on ears of corn are all good fun. With a daily selection of seafood—and balloons for the kids—the warehouse-sized restaurant will please every age. Oh, and there’s no need for reservations: Priority is given to parties of eight or more.

149 Alewife Brook Pkwy., Cambridge, 617-520-9500, summershackrestaurant.com/