Clams AND rings, NH seacoast??

[klutzygirl]

I will be in Exeter NH tomorrow and am craving fried clams and onions rings. Anything fairly close to Ipswich Clam Box for clams, with decent rings too? French fries would be good too, but I'd skip them for great rings, and I'd skip both for fabulous clams (BTW, Clam Box fries are awful). I can drive as far north as Kittery, but I've not been impressed with Bob's in Kittery. Thanks for any suggestions!

[solargarlic]

I think Petey's in Rye has "Onion Nuggets"...you know the smallest middle rings still together and fried. Those we enjoyed, but I can't remember how their rings are. I know they have decent fries, last time we were there they did not use those corn starch coated ones that so many seafood shacks use (bleccchhhh). I've never been to CB, so I can't compare Petey's clams to theirs. But Petey's is my go to place when I go to the beach, and we really, realllly like their chowder!

[klutzygirl]

Thanks for the tips, solargarlic. This is probably where I'll go since they were voted best fried clams in a NH poll. Be sure to try CB's big belly clams when you are down that way!

[elctrnc]

too late for this trip, but The Pines in Raymond has good clams and rings.
http://www.thepinesseafood.com/

[klutzygirl]

Thanks elctrnc, maybe next time. Petey's was disappointing.

[solargarlic]

Oh man, sorry bout that. I hate to give a recommendation that doesn't turn out well!

[klutzygirl]

No problem, sg, I really appreciated it. They were voted best clams in NH by NH Magazine, but a far, far cry from CB. Not bad, just not great. But it was a gorgeous day, I ate at and walked on the beach (my main goal), and of course Rye has the lovely old "cottages." I had a great time! Petey's was one in a long list of disappointing tries, and I've finally decided to never get fried clams anywhere but CB.

[shaebones]

If you want some fresh fish the broiled haddock at Petey's knocks it outta the park every time.

[klutzygirl]

Thanks! I might try them again for something other than fried clams.

[LeRique]

Agree about the fries but I found the O rings pretty good at CB. And the clams especially the big bellies hard to beat.

[klutzygirl]

Oh my, those big bellies are the best I've ever had!! But I can't go there tomorrow, sigh.