Try It: Seafood Shacks

246 High St, Ipswich, MA 01938 (map)

Dating back to 1938, this landmark has attracted laudits from around the globe, making it truly the Mecca of fried clams. Lines have been known to snake down the street, so bring your patience.

121 Main St, Essex, MA 01929 (map)

With plenty of seating, including a bar area with TVs for watching the game, and facilities that host weddings and clambakes, Woodman's is a dependable destination for any party size. Be sure to enter in front to check on the day's lobster sizes.

88 Sleeper St, Boston, MA 02210 (map)

Popular with the after-work crowd, this colorful, airy seafood shack brings seaside fun and fare (e.g. buckets of steamers) to the Downtown scene.

149 Alewife Brook Pkwy, Cambridge, MA 02140 (map)

A shack in name only, this Cambridge eatery does provide an exceptionally family-friendly (and cool) spot in which to enjoy gourmet (wok-seared lobster) and low-key (fried shrimp, burgers) fare alike.

15 Fish Pier St W, Boston, MA 02210 (map)

The last of the waterfront's no-frills seafood joints, where value and freshness trump atmosphere and service. Don't expect to be wowed by anything other than the plates of broiled scrod and steamed lobster which you're bound to enjoy.