Deep Fried Clams [Detroit]

[coffeemug]

Does anyone in the Detroit area know of a good place to get Fried Clams. I'm looking for a place as good as Howard Johnsons before they went out of bussiness. The one's I've tried locally are like raw corn meal that clump together. Any help would be greatly appreciated !! Coffeemug

[GrueLurks]

UPDATE: Fran O'briens Maryland Crab House in Auburn Hills replied to my email last night and indicated that they do indeed serve full bellied fried clams. I am heading there for lunch tomorrow and will report back if the quest is finally over or not.

http://www.obrienscrabhouse.com/

[GrueLurks]

Fran O'briens Maryland Crab House in Auburn Hills review of their fried clams.

Pros: They were indeed real full belly clams, fried up as expected. Good flavor and breading.

Cons: They were not as fresh and edible as I had hoped. Quite a few of them were so chewy I coudn't even finish eating them and had to resort to expelling them in to a bit of napkin.

As an aside to the clams, everything else my co-workers ordered to eat here was awesome. The fried cod, seafood diablo and other items were really good, so I would give this place a chance.

[kasparty]

Coffeemug have you yet located a true New England fried clam (with the bellies) spot in Michigan? Clam strips just don't cut the mustard!

[GrueLurks]

I saw a post on Yelp that said Hope's Fish & Chips in Livonia has real fried clams but I haven't been there to verify this yet.

[rtv]

there is a place called "franks tavern" off US23 near Fenton they used to have pretty good clams and other fried seafood..but the last couple of times they have been kinda small
maybe i just hit bad days..worth a try though if you're in the area.
http://www.franks-tavern.com/

[GrueLurks]

I am with you on this, I can't seem to find a decent fresh made batch of clams anywhere. Everyplace I have tried has the frozen variety, not even close to what I used to get back in Boston. :-(

Sometimes after a few beer I slum it and get a batch from White Castle but then I live in shame the next day.

[coffeemug]

I agree with you 100%. Thanks Coffeemug

[grouper]

I love getting an order of full-bellied clams at the Boston Sail Loft by Christopher Columbus Square. Then a nice walk over to the north end for the best canolli's around.

[amandaqtpie]

I've had good fried clams at the following:

Dearborn Tavern (Pelham and Outer Drive, Dearborn)--they are HUGE
Elmhurst Tap Room (Outer Dr. just west of Pelham, Dearborn)--closer to HoJo's clams, but not as good :)
Leon's, which is a small chain of family dining-type places (we go to the one on Michigan Ave. just east of Telegraph)--again, closer to HoJo's, but just not as good

[coffeemug]

Thanks for the info. I'll try them. Thanks Coffeemug

[JanPrimus]

Does Scotty Simpson's do fried clams? I know they make homemade Clam Chowder, but do not remember if they fry up Clams.

[boagman]

That doesn't *sound* familiar, but I can check and get back to you by Monday at the latest.

[coffeemug]

Thanks for the recommendation. I'm not familiar with Scotty Simpsons but will look it up. Coffeemug

[boagman]

No fried clams at Scotty Simpson's, sorry to say. Just checked.

Their fish and chips are a little bit of heaven, but if fried clams are the only thing you're wanting, then they can't help you, unfortunately. Frogs legs? Yes. Fried clams? No.

So sorry.

[coffeemug]

Thanks for your help!! Coffeemug

[qajohn]

Red Robin has good fried clams

[coffeemug]

Thank You for your recommendation. Coffeemug