Fried whole belly clams

[jbloog]

My boyfriend LOVES fried clam bellies, and we have been hunting for the best spots along I-95 to stop for lunch or dinner as we travel between New York City and Newport, RI. We've gone to Sea Swirl in Mystic, CT (meh, maybe we got them on a bad day?), Jimmy's in West Haven (pretty good) but nothing has been able to top Flo's Clam Shack in RI. Any recommendations? We're traveling again next weekend.

[foodlife]

Ed's Lobster Bar in Soho has amazing clam bellies. They will not disappoint. Their lobster roll is also excellent. It's on Lafayette between Spring and Kenmare.

[Miss Rennie]

Nothing in Manhattan? She asked hopefully??

[Judyluvs]

Maybe in the City Island area? Had nice steamers at the Lobster House. It came down to a choice of steamed or fried and they serve a gigantic portion there (at a price.)

[elapp1126]

Grand Central Oyster Bar

[MaureeninCT]

I know this is an old post but for those looking, I also agree with the reply below.

Lenny's Indian Head in Branford (not to be confused with the other Lenny's)
Best fried seafood DH loves the fried whole belly clams and the scallops are the best I've had anywhere in New England.

[michele cindy]

The best I ever had were at the Seahorse in Noank. It may have been I just hit it right in the season, but the few times I was there, (which was about 4 years ago...) they were big plump and cooked in an oil that went perfect with their flavor. I think it was peanut combined with canola. They were memorable. Maybe someone has been there more recently and can comment on weather or not they are still good.

[Asumnuthin]

ahhhhhhh the Seahorse in Noank.. I have the best memories of Ms.Pacman games as a child there, the best fried seafood around

[jenniebnyc]

Lenny's in Madison CT. Get off 95 and go!!!!!!! The best belly clams ever in my life. Pick me up along the way or bring me some back!

[td252]

There are a few places with "Lenny" in their name in that part of CT. Best bellies, I think, is Lenny's Indian Head Inn, 205 S. Montowese Street, Branford. Breaks up the ride nicely at the 1/2way point to Boston just east of New Haven.

[CoteGal]

I was born and raised in CT but haven't been living in that area for almost a decade but I remember a couple of place in SE CT that might still be as good as they were then for whole belly fried clams. Maybe some residents of that area can chime in and give a review?

Unks on the Bay: Rope Ferry Road in Waterford CT
Fred's Shanty: Pequot Ave in New London CT
Flander's Fish Market in Niantic CT or East Lyme CT
There was another place in Noank and I can't recall the name of it. Sorry

Hope this helps

[Asumnuthin]

Abotts in Noank, The Best!!

[loriinfl]

I would have to say Jimmy's is probably your best bet in Conn.

[nyseefoodie]

Nothing tops Bigelow's in Rockville Centre! They use a corn meal crust that gives just the right sweetness... (I grew up there)

BUT - actually the Oyster bar right in Grand Central does a pretty good clam belly.

[jfood]

N

give them a call, you will be surprised that it is not corn meal. see if they give you the name of the secret ingredient.

[the5thbeatle]

Flo’s Clam Shack in Newport is pretty darn great is why it's hard to top!.

The Sea Swirl in Mystic, CT. has nice juicy bellies, lightly fried, and a great tartar sauce. Plus, they're right on the water.

I've read that Bigelow’s Seafood in Rockville Center NY has some of the best fried clam bellies around.

Hope that helps!

[Carol Gardens]

Bigelow's is great. It is easy to stop there if you are on your way to Jones Beach, Fire Island, Hamptons, or any other destinations on the South Shore of LI.