The town of Ipswich is renowned for the fried clam and claims to be the birthplace of favorite New England treat. There are three iconic clam shacks in Ipswich; Woodman’s (the inventor of the fried clam), the Clam Box and J.T. Farnhams. Farnhams is the last of the three as you head onto Cape Ann and towards Gloucester and is the most convenient if you want take out as you head to Gloucester for a picnic. The restaurant is set alongside a scenic salt marsh with several outside tables for when the weather is nice.
The restaurant is cash only but there is an ATM on site. The ATM is located behind some swinging doors be sure to look closely or ask the attendant.
Nothing fancy at Farnhams, you order your food at the counter and then pick it up. Paper plates and plastic ware are what you should expect.
Despite the casual atmosphere the quality and freshness of the food does not suffer as the awards and recognition attest.
The chowders and lobster rolls are both good but it is fried seafood that excels here. From simple fish and chips
to an enormous fisherman’s platter which has giant ocean scallops, large shrimp, delectable fried clams and a big slab of fresh fish along with large portions of french fries and onion rings. The fries are routine but the onion rings are thin and some of the best in the area.
