Where to Find the Best Fried Clams in W. Mass?

[OverTheHill]

I grew up on the North Shore. and the one thing I miss is good fried clams. Scotti's in Leeds sounds promising according to the Valley Advocate: http://www.ctnow.com/custom/nmm/valle...

[puppymomma]

I had fantastic fried clams at O'Connors in West Boylston last week. Yum!

BTW: Great steamers at the Gardner Ale House.

[homesick for food]

I cannot comment on the clams, but if they're like the rest of Scotti's fare, they should be stellar!

[hollerhither]

Stopped by last night and didn't realize they only serve the clams on Friday and Saturday nights. Ack! Steak sub was good, chili dog just...enh. I'll take another shot in a few weeks for the clams.

[Harp00n]

When you go back there are you gonna be able to get belly clams or strips only?

[hollerhither]

The Advocate review listed whole belly clams, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

[Harp00n]

Thanks and give us a review, if you please :-))

[hollerhither]

Finally made it out to Scotti's (Rte. 9, between Florence and Williamsburg) on a weekend to try the whole belly fried clam platter to go. Definitely the best fried clams I've had out here in Western MA. I've tried them at Zoe's, Webster's Fish Hook, and Massey's in Chicopee (the best of those three) and the problems have been the flavor of the batter, overcooking, or the clam texture -- too often the clams end up tough and at that point they could be fried *anything*. Scotti's batter was tasty and the clams were tender and not overcooked. There was a good-sized portion of clams on the platter, which also included french fries (handcut and tasty but too limp), coleslaw (crisp and a great balance of tangy/sweet), and tartar sauce (decent but not special). The onion rings were crisper than the fries.

Scotti's had a good-sized, friendly local crowd at lunchtime, and the service was quick and pleasant. So it's worth a try (they also make good grinders). Doesn't quite match the clams I've had at shoreline CT places or north shore MA, but for Western MA, not bad!

[Big Fat Moe]

I had a clam roll there last week and it was fine. Skimpy on the clams though. I counted 7.
By the way hollerhither, you might be interested in knowing that I had a fantastic meal last week at Gypsy Apple in Shelburne Falls. Better than any WMass experience including Bottle of Bread, Circa, or Night Kitchen

[hollerhither]

Cool, I'll definitely check it out!

[cowgirlinthesand]

Pedrin's Dairy Bar, N. Adams MA.
Seasonal, wonderful - all that's missing is the salt air

[OverTheHill]

We will be in N.Adams in August to visit MassMoca. Thanks

[Harp00n]

HI nealyounglover,
I drive by there all the time but haver never stopped. Does the Key West Lounge count?
Do they have belly clams or just strips? Also do they serve an Albany-style fish fry?
Thanks, Harp00n