17 Rhode Island Clam Shacks Worth Visiting This Summer

 Ask locals where to find the best clam cake, and you'll probably get ten different answers, plus a few unsolicited opinions about chowder while you're at it. Everyone has a favorite. Maybe it's the place they've been stopping after the beach since they were a kid. Maybe it's the shack their grandparents swore by. Around here, clam cake loyalty runs deep.

No group embraces that passion quite like the Clamarati, the clam cake-loving crew behind the annual Lil Rhody Clam Cake Crawl. Every June, they pile into the "Clambulance," sound a conch shell, and spend the day eating their way across the state, judging everything from crispiness and clam flavor to the all-important "clambiance." After recently wrapping up their 12th annual crawl this month, they'll announce this year's winner on Thursday, June 25. While the Clamarati crunches the numbers and prepares to reveal this year's champion, these 15 spots are all worth a detour, an extra napkin, and maybe even a second order.

Aunt Carrie's, Narragansett

Aunt Carrie's has long been one of the names that comes up whenever clam cake season rolls around. Located in Point Judith, the restaurant is known for clam cakes packed with chopped clams and a texture that lands right between crispy and tender.

Blount Clam Shack, Warren

Fresh seafood is the calling card here, and the clam cakes are no exception. Blount's version consistently lands on best-of lists thanks to a crispy exterior, generous clam flavor, and a recipe that pairs perfectly with a cup of chowder.

Diggy's Ice Cream, West Warwick

Often overlooked in favor of coastal shacks, Diggy's has built a loyal following for its clam cakes, chowder, and classic seafood offerings. It's one of those places locals are quick to recommend when someone asks for a hidden gem.

Dune Brothers Seafood, Providence & Riverside

Traditionalists may raise an eyebrow, but Dune Brothers has won plenty of fans with its modern take on the clam cake. Expect hints of lemon zest and herbs that brighten the flavor while still respecting the classic.

Evelyn's Drive-In, Tiverton

This longtime waterfront favorite keeps things simple in the best way possible. The clam cakes are golden, crispy, and loaded with classic seafood shack flavor, making them a popular stop during summer road trips.

Flo's Clam Shack, Narragansett

Few places are as synonymous with summer as Flo's. Its clam cakes are straightforward and satisfying, with the kind of old-school recipe that's kept beachgoers coming back for generations.

George's of Galilee, Narragansett

Situated near one of the state's busiest fishing ports, George's serves clam cakes alongside some of the freshest seafood around. They're best enjoyed with a bowl of chowder and a view of the boats coming and going.

Hitching Post, Charlestown

The Hitching Post stands apart thanks to its oversized fritter-style clam cakes. Larger and fluffier than many competitors, they're a favorite among diners who prefer a softer, more substantial bite.

Iggy's Doughboys & Chowder House, Warwick & Narragansett

Frequently ranked at or near the top of local lists, Iggy's is famous for serving large, fluffy clam cakes packed with clam flavor. For many families, they're the clam cakes they grew up eating and still compare every other version against.

Jim's Dock, South Kingstown

A longtime favorite among seafood lovers, Jim's Dock serves classic clam cakes with a crispy shell, tender interior, and plenty of clam flavor. It's the kind of straightforward, well-executed version that keeps people coming back year after year.

Len's Hot Dog Haven, Pawtucket

Tucked beside Slater Park, Len's has earned a reputation for light, crispy clam cakes that let the clam flavor shine through. It's proof that great clam cakes aren't limited to the shoreline.

Macray's Seafood, Tiverton

Family recipes and seafood shacks go hand in hand, and Macray's is proof. Fans return for clam cakes with a crispy exterior and classic clam-forward flavor.

Monahan's Clam Shack, Charlestown & Narragansett

A roadside favorite with a devoted following, Monahan's serves clam cakes known for their peppery seasoning and traditional preparation. It's exactly the kind of place people seek out after a day at the beach.

N.O. Bar Clam Shack, Charlestown

This Ninigret Pond spot has been building buzz for clam cakes with a crisp exterior and notably soft, tender interior. It's a newer name in the conversation, but one that's quickly attracting attention from clam cake enthusiasts.

Quito's Restaurant, Bristol

When Quito's won the 2024 Lil Rhody Clam Cake Crawl, it wasn't hard to see why. The clam cakes are often described as crispy on the outside, pillowy on the inside, and packed with clam flavor in every bite.

Salty's Clam Shack, Westerly

Located in Misquamicut, Salty's serves large, crunchy clam cakes that have become a beach-day tradition for many visitors. Just be sure to bring your appetite.

Two Little Fish, Westerly

Another standout in Misquamicut, Two Little Fish has earned praise for achieving what clam cake lovers are always chasing: a crispy exterior, tender interior, and plenty of clams throughout.

The Clamarati's score sheets may eventually settle this year's contest, but the real winner is anyone willing to spend a summer afternoon conducting a little research of their own. To follow the winner announcement of the 12th Lil Rhody Clam Cake Crawl on Thursday, June 25, read crawl recaps, and learn more about the Clamarati's annual adventure, visit onlyinlilrhody.wordpress.com and follow @lilrhodyclamcakecrawl on social media.