Shack Attack

Snacking on a basket of fried clams, ripping open a steamed lobster, and guzzling lemonade out of a plastic cup is a rite of summer. Whether you have time for an afternoon jaunt or a full day trip, be sure to work one of the below spots into your itinerary.

6/24/2014, 4:51 a.m.

In Town: Drydock Café, Seaport

An office-park setting belies plenty of local charm, in the form of banter-happy servers, creamy seafood chowder, fried scallops doused in Buffalo sauce, and crisp fish and chips. 617-951-2999.Photo via Andrew Wilkinson/Drydock Café Provided

Photo via Andrew Wilkinson/Drydock Café Provided

In Town: James Hook & Co., Waterfront

Nearby Barking Crab may hog the tourist spotlight, but those in the know visit this bare-bones lobster shop for its crisp-bunned lobster and crab rolls near the water. 617-423-5501, jameshooklobster.com.Photo by Jesse Burke for Best of Boston

Photo by Jesse Burke for Best of Boston

In Town: Alive & Kicking Lobsters, Cambridgeport

This Cape Cod–style shack (and lobster shop) offers tubs of steamers and an excellent lobster sandwich, with buttered-and-toasted scali bread and a classic filling of lobster meat, mayo, and black pepper. 617-876-0451, aliveandkickinglobsters.com.Photo by Leah Mennies

Photo by Leah Mennies

A Little Out of Town: The Lobster Stop, Quincy

This eatery’s steamers, overflowing fried oyster rolls, and steamed-to-order lobsters are ideal for a to-go picnic by the water, a mere half-mile away. 617-405-4760, thelobsterstop.net.Photo by Jennifer Dawson/The Lobster Stop Provided

Photo by Jennifer Dawson/The Lobster Stop Provided

A Little Out of Town: Belle Isle Seafood, Winthrop

Last year, the Eastie mainstay relocated to larger Winthrop digs, giving diners more precious room to tuck into buttery quahog stuffies and colossal lobster rolls. 617-567-1619, belleisleseafood.com.Photo by Leah Mennies

Photo by Leah Mennies

North Shore: Roy Moore Lobster Co., Rockport

The lobsters get top billing here, but the menu’s sleeper hit is the smoked salmon, served in meaty chunks with horseradish cream sauce. 978-546-6696.Photo by Leah Mennies

Photo by Leah Mennies

North Shore: The Clam Box, Ipswich

At this roadside mom-and-pop shack, the golden-brown, whole-bellied fried clams are the namesake for a reason. 978-356-9707, ipswichma.com/clambox.Photo by Dale Harrington/The Clam Box Provided

Photo by Dale Harrington/The Clam Box Provided

North Shore: Woodman’s, Essex

Get your fried clams, chowder, and broiled lobster with a side of history—the Essex institution turns 100 this year. 978-768-6057, woodmans.com.Photo Provided by Woodman’s of Essex

Photo Provided by Woodman’s of Essex

North Shore: The Lobster Pool, Rockport

“I spend a lot of time up in Gloucester, fishing, so I go to the Lobster Pool a lot. It’s on the water, tucked into a little cove. On certain days they have a little campfire out there and make s’mores.”—Anthony Caturano, chef-owner, Prezza. (See more recommendations from locals.) 978-546-7808, lobsterpoolrestaurant.com.Photo by Leah Mennies

Photo by Leah Mennies

North Shore: Bob’s Lobster, Newbury

The name says lobster, but we actually prefer the fish tacos at this Newburyport institution—they're basic in a good way, with fried fish, tangy special sauce, and crisp lettuce on flour tortillas. 978-465-7100, bobslobster.com.Photo by Leah Mennies

Photo by Leah Mennies

South Shore: Snug Harbor Fish Company, Duxbury

Feast on fried scallops and grilled-swordfish-and-Gruyère sandwiches in the center of Duxbury. Complete any order with a half-dozen straight-from-the-source oysters. 781-934-8167, snugharborfishcompany.com.Photo Provided by Snug Harbor Fish Company

Photo Provided by Snug Harbor Fish Company

South Shore: Jake’s, Hull

There’s a bar by the fish market in front, sit-down space in back, and lots of outdoor seating by the water. Wherever you dine, order the jumbo-lump crab cakes and the fried calamari served “Portuguese”-style. 781-925-1024, jakesseafoods.com.Photo by Toan Trinh

Photo by Toan Trinh

South Shore: Hingham Lobster Pound, Hingham

This counter-only spot serves the whole gamut of shack options—fish cakes, fried clams, lobster rolls (sandwich style). Grab it to go and drive to the nearby waterfront for lunch with a view. 781-749-1984, hinghamlobster.com.Photo by Leah Mennies

Photo by Leah Mennies

Hungry for more?

Check out our complete “Seafood Lover’s Guide.”

Shack Attack

Devoted foodies and restaurant newbies love The Feed. Sign-up now for our twice weekly newsletter.

In Town: Drydock Café, Seaport

In Town: James Hook & Co., Waterfront

In Town: Alive & Kicking Lobsters, Cambridgeport

A Little Out of Town: The Lobster Stop, Quincy

A Little Out of Town: Belle Isle Seafood, Winthrop

North Shore: Roy Moore Lobster Co., Rockport

North Shore: The Clam Box, Ipswich

North Shore: Woodman’s, Essex

North Shore: The Lobster Pool, Rockport

North Shore: Bob’s Lobster, Newbury

South Shore: Snug Harbor Fish Company, Duxbury

South Shore: Jake’s, Hull

South Shore: Hingham Lobster Pound, Hingham

Trending

Three of the World's Best Breweries Are In New England

Former Eventide Fenway Chef Is Heading to Ivory Pearl in Brookline

Chef Michael Serpa Will Open a South End Tapas Bar and Café

15 Best North End Restaurants in Boston

Little Donkey Launches a Late-Night Menu, Plus More Food News

Here Are the 15 Places to Find the Best Ramen in Boston

The 20 Places to Find the Best Brunch in Boston

IN THIS SECTION