The Clam Box

Delicious food! My husband and I eat here a lot during the summer! I recommend the popcorn shrimp.

Yes we like this place in the Summer. The outdoor seating is wonderful and the scenery on the Wolly Beach is the same. Food is exceptional most of the time depending on crowd. They are not in a hurry, don’t get me wrong but they get tired surely. Be prepared to wait at least 15 to 20 minutes for your food and perhaps 10 to get waited on but get a beer and tag team a seat (they are rare and go quick) and relax for a while.
Woa…
Oh man… these picture of their food is deadly. Now I’m craving fried shrimp 8).
… and Sam Adams too.

Fisherman’s Platter or big bellied clams after long walk of Wollaston Beach on beautiful summer days make Quincy great. You can taste the fish and not overly floured. They even have other condiments when sharing with foreign friends. Simply ask and enhance your experience whether you prefer tartar sauce, hot sauce, or vinegar with your plate.

This place is amazing! I really wish it was open all year round. I would go almost everyday after work just to get the fried clams. They are to die for and the pieces were huge. Great for the price.

Visiting here from Texas and planned to go to Tony’s originally which was the next building over but they were closed.
Walked in, typical seafood joint… Building made out of wood, boat décor, etc. They had a white board and mention item they were out of. They were out of oysters and more so I figured this place probably gets quite a bit of people.
Ordered lobster rolls and fried clams.
Lobster roll: huge portion of lobster, side of fries, and slaw. I had to eat a lot of the lobster before I could fold the sandwich. Not complaining because I love lobster!
Fried clams: never had them before and they were amazing. I wonder why I never tried them before.
The restaurant has a nice view of the beach. In the summer this place is crawling with people and busy!

Got the fried oysters and scallops. It was delicious with tartar sauce but without it didn’t have much flavor at all, not even salt. The coleslaw was warm and again not very flavorful.

More like 3.5 stars. I usually get the two-​way ($ 18) with fried whole clams and scallops. Instead of fries and coleslaw for the sides I get rice pilaf and onion rings. The portion size is pretty good, enough to share with another person. Sometimes the size of the seafood varies. But most times the scallops and clams are plump and well cooked.
The lines during the summer can go out the door but moves pretty quickly. The last time I went they only had one person working the register at rush hour. So service could be improved. But otherwise once you place your order you don’t have to wait too long before they call your number.
It’s nice to sit outside during the summer if you can find a table. I don’t like sitting indoors when it’s hot though because they don’t have any AC. This is one of my go-​to places for fried seafood.

Spending a few days in Boston area and got a recommendation from a friend to try their lobster roll salad .“not sure why they add salad to the name” it had to be a complete lobster in its, seasoning was perfect. coleslaw was very basic carrot cabbage slaw hardly any mayo needed a bit of seasoning very plain. everything seems to come with fries. on this night it took an hour to stand in line and get served coming at 8pm
since they seem to specialize in fried stuff i went with a combo platter it had 1 smelt, 1 piece of fish, 2 shrimp, 4 scallops, 4 whole clam, calamari and of course the slaw and fries that come with everything. Sadly all the fried food was cooked but limp even though we were eating within a minute of getting our order. NOTHING was crispy the fries were soggy i ended throwing out almost all the fries and other things what i did eat is sitting like a rock .
LObster roll was delicious and perfect. dd have a bowl of the clam chowder it was tasty although needed salt and pepper kinda on the thin side not alot of stuff in it. would pass on the soup in the future if i ever go back. the food when we were leaving looked much more golden brown our looked blonde. so maybe it is just hit or miss if cooking is given enough time or maybe the oil was to cold what ever the reason for $ 58 for 2 people one of us was happy with their meal although the fries were soggy and inedible

Went to Boston for a weekend trip and was lucky enough to score a seat here. The place is usually packed not just because of the great seafood but because it’s literally right next to the beach.
We got the fried platter which was pretty tasty and big enough for 2 people. At only $ 21 that’s a great deal. We also got the clam chowder but that was really basic, definitely skip that and just focus on the good stuff. The clam box also a great variety of alcoholic drinks. We went early in the day so we didn’t drink but this would be a great spot to just relax and take in he beach with some good alcohol and fried food.

When at Wolly beach, do as most people from the Quink do. Indulge at The Clam Box and then some more… This place has been there forever and has held on to it’s own, despite the competition around everywhere. Which is a win win actually for everyone.
I am not a big one on fried anything really. But when I do crave some fried seafood, I do not even blink an eye and wonder where or who or when or why. It is The Clam Box. Period. They are good. Their food is unpretentious. The staff works hard for the money. And it is money so very well spent. Agreed the food goes straight to your waist line if you make this your bi weekly hangout. But given how long a summer we all get to enjoy (sorry, that was a bad joke — I admit!), this place is my once a month worthy go to spot to get myself whatever I fancy and enjoy it under the sun at Wolly beach, bang on the boardwalk watching the sun set or sometimes in the privacy of my own beach — at home. It all depends on time and mood really. Here are my favorite things to get that I have enjoyed over the years and keep getting them over and over again:
Fried food boxes: Clams (both whole and strips), Calamari, Oysters, Clam cakes, pop corn shrimp.
The Seafood platter is out of this world and worth every single bite of the yummy goodness.
Dinner plates: Steak tips (My Favorite!), Wing Dings, Buffalo wings
App sides: Onion rings, Buffalo wings & wing dings, Clam chowder, shrimp chowder
Rolls: I can go for any of their seafood rolls and really don’t have a favorite. If I have to pick only one — it would be the Whole Clams roll. And if I have to drop one, it would be the Tuna salad roll.
I have no idea about any other of the items listed on their very huge menu (like sandwiches, soups, etc.). I primarily go here for the fried seafood and the rolls and whenever in the mood for something not fishy, I go for the steak tips or the wing dings.
Disclaimer: Weekends in season are crazy busy. Getting a parking spot on the beach or anywhere near the clam box is mind boggling. So good luck on that and really, have no advice on what would be a better option than just park wherever you can get lucky! So going there on a totally off time is recommended (like most locals try to do). Enjoy!

This was a good alternative to the usual places we go to during our lunch break. Although, it was nothing amazing. The seafood was a bit bland; it needs some lemon and hot peppers to compliment. The fries were nice and fresh, although also a bit bland.
Nothing special in my opinion. Typical fried seafood!

I’m a loyal, lifelong Tony’s fan and came here for the first time on Saturday with my out-​of-​town in-​laws and my mom. Mom had recently gone here for the first time and said it was good. (I guess I’m not that loyal anymore!)
It was a hot, humid evening and Wollaston was crowded. There was a line out the door and down the sidewalk for the Clam Box. It was probably a 30 – 45 minute wait to even order. The menu is similar to Tony’s — fried seafood, some Greek stuff. No ice cream. Beer and tiny bottles of wine. Standard fountain drinks.
When we got to the door, it was pretty stifling inside. One ancient AC, and having one door open didn’t help, I’m sure. The ladies’ bathroom was clean. Staff was much more surly than Tony’s, but hey — it was slammed. No lobster pagers and I only heard the outdoor PA call a number once. Much more dated interior/​facilities than Tony’s. Less indoor seating, more outdoor seating. Slightly… seedier clientele? Some obviously opiate-​addled lady was stumbling around the condiment counter. Just as expensive as Tony’s, though.
One member of our party got broiled scallops and we were told that they would take 15 – 20 minutes. WHAT? Broiling is one of the fastest ways to cook stuff! We also did get a whole bunch of other fried stuff so our out-​of-​towners could sample the selection, though, so a fairly large order: fried seafood platter (with smelts and fried scallops), clam bellies, clam chowder, fried fish platter, and a separate order of just clam bellies to share.
Clam chowder was ok. Seemed thickened with cornstarch though. Didn’t get any actual clam in my spoonful. My fried fish portion was large, had huge flakes, and I couldn’t identify what it was, exactly. Maybe a little overcooked. Not such a fan of the tartar sauce — not enough relish, mostly mayo. Mom loved her broiled scallops and dad-​in-​law enjoyed his fried scallops, calamari, smelts, etc. Stepmom-​in-​law though her chowder was great but thought smelts were too fishy — they are apparently not a thing in New Orleans. Husband very much enjoyed his bellies. I tried one and thought they were better than Tony’s, but I can’t really figure out why. Fatter/​juicier, maybe?
Fries were not as good/​flavorful as Tony’s. Tartar sauce at Tony’s is better. Batter in general at Tony’s is better. Overall: Tony’s wins. But I’m biased, having grown up on it, escaping stifling Dorchester for the sandy beach (NEVER THE WATER THOUGH DON’T SWIM THERE SERIOUSLY SEWAGE — NO), the sea wall, some fried goodness, and a nice ice cream cone.

Come here for a down and dirty seafood meal. Clam Box says they’ve been dealing out fried delicasies since 1963 and it shows…
But if you can get past the run down dining room and lack of AC, then sit down and enjoy a solid plate of fried scallops, shrimp, and belly clams with a seaside view.
And if you got room, splurge on a piece of fried haddock. You could feed your family with this huge plank of premium tasty fish!

Absolutely DISGUSTING! Went there on Mother’s Day. It was a beautful day thought it would be a good idea. NO! Ordered a seafood platter. The batter was absolutely gross, bland NO flavor. I dont eat certain things so I asked for an additional piece of fish. When I got the additional piece of fish it was not fully cooked. I brough it back up to the counter saying I could not eat undercooked fish. The staff seemend very annoyed slamming his hands on the counter like an animal. We went over to MArina Bay after where I should have just gone in the first place!
I felt sick the rest of the day and my boyfriend had diarrhea all night. Complete SHITHOLE never again!

Great location right across the beach. Good spot to grab lunch or dinner in the spring and summer.
The food is just ok, nothing special. Definitely more pricey than what it is worth. The fries were very disappointing and soggy. The fish was not great, I’ve definitely had better. It didn’t come with any lemon, and when I went back in to ask for some the owner seemed annoyed that I even asked and only gave me one lemon slice. There were 2 of us and we both got fish, but because of the way I was treated I did not ask for any more lemon. The Greek salad was good, although all the ingredients are piled on top of the salad which makes it a little difficult to dress the salad.
If you plan to eat out on the patio, make sure to have something heavy to weigh your plate down because they give you really cheap paper plates and they will fly away if it’s the least bit windy. Not only that, but the greasy fries, fish, soak right through the plate. They do have more heavy duty plates but apparently you have to ask for those, and when I did, once again I was met with rudeness.

Pros: leaving full and content with a ton of big belly fried clams and fries in your tummy
Cons: fried food isnt healthy and it was a quick $ 20.00 dollars (too expensive)
But this is my favorite place in wolly to go since I was little!

Food — we got the clam roll.
It was extremely chewy and oily.
Had to dump most of the order.
Service — The waitress was quite cheerful. Self serve place.
Ambience — The seating outside has a great view of the beach.
Cost — $ 15 per pax.
Not worth the price.

July 10, 2014
After Mom and I got our hair done at our favorite city salon, we decided to reward ourselves (hey, it takes a lot of energy sitting there all that time) with a delicious seafood meal. Having seen the advertisements on the Phantom Gourmet many times, we took a ride to Quincy and had lunch at The Clam Box, located just across the street from Wollaston Beach.
I had a mini meltdown over parking since there are only spaces on the opposite side of the street — and they were all filled — but things calmed down when I decided to drive around the building and park on the one-​way side street. Our car door just about lined up with the restaurant entrance, so I took a deep breath and we went inside. A line had formed but things moved quickly as the servers and cooks have things down to a science.
Mom and I checked out the overhead menu to see what we wanted. We decided on a cup of chowder ($ 4.75) and a clam strip roll ($ 9.25) for me, while Mom had a small order of fish and chips ($ 9.50). She also wanted a small order of clam cakes ($ 4.99) because she likes to try them at every seafood restaurant. To drink we chose two small fountain drinks ($ 2.09 each) which we had to fill ourselves at a nearby machine. Our total came to $ 32.67.
I was given a number and moved down to the opposite end of the counter to wait for the food. Mom took a seat on a nearby bench while I filled our cups with Coke Zero (Mom) and Sprite (me). I also swiped some utensils and napkins from the really handy condiment station which had several containers where you could pump out as much ketchup and tartar sauce as you wish.
It got a little crowded where Mom was sitting so she took the sodas and found a great table on their outside deck. I hadn’t waited very long before my number was called. I grabbed my heaping tray of food and headed outside to find Mom. Everything was steaming and smelled excellent.
The first thing I tried was the chowder. It was so hot that I had trouble eating it at first, but a burned mouth never stopped me before. It had an excellent flavor and was filled with very large pieces of clam and perfectly cooked potatoes.
Mom’s order of fish and chips was absolutely enormous … and she chose the small portion! What she received was three pieces of beautiful white fish with a light batter sitting on top of a mound of hand-​cut fries. The fish was very moist and flaky and couldn’t have been done better. The crust was dry (not greasy) and the fries were crisp and potatoey. She loved everything about her meal.
My clam strip roll was fabulous as well. The batter on my clam strips was also dry (and I love that because greasy food makes me sick) and there was a ton of strips on a barely visible hot dog roll which was buttered and grilled to perfection. I ate every strip on my plate.
The only disappointment was the clam cakes. Mom’s bite was her first and last. The cakes were not your typical clam cakes, but flavored with what looked and tasted like banana peppers. They were very spicy and Mom is not a fan of peppers so unfortunately this was a bust. Even though I enjoy peppers and even started in on a second cake, it just wasn’t what I was hoping for. We were looking for something more traditional, but I’m sure that many people enjoy them.
It was a lot of fun sitting outside, looking across Quincy Bay at the Boston skyline. There is plenty of seating indoors as well, but nothing says New England like eating seafood outdoors. The Clam Box has a very large menu and I’m sure that you’ll find something here to satisfy every palate. We will be back!
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Pretty disappointing.
We ordered a couple of seafood platters as well as fried oysters and an additional order of scallops. All All the food was incredibly cold, the breading was low quality AND dripping in grease (seriously, my oysters were sitting in a puddle, it was nauseating). Even the fries were soggy.
Honestly, when the best thing we ordered were the kid’s meal chicken fingers, you know shit’s gotten real.
I’ve been here before without issue. I hope this experience was just a fluke, but maybe I’ll stick to just getting Richardson’s ice cream when I head to Wollaston in the future.

So I recently did a review on Burke’s Seafood and I thought I’d be a fair critic by checking out The Clam Box since it’s been a while. WORST decision ever. Bottom line: if you have standards for seafood and don’t want an upset stomach worst than IHop, please don’t bother.
I went around 11:30AM before the lunch rush so we got our food pretty quickly. By the time 12:30pm hit, there was a line out the door! So get there early if you don’t want to wait.
My friend and I both ordered the Seafood Platter with a cup of Spicy Crab chowder. The total came out to around $ 30 and the portions were decent… the quality not so much. The first turnoff was the insane amount of grease. I saw the fry cook just dump the food from the basket to the plate… which means they don’t try to absorb some of the grease out. I could see the oil just dripping into the plate. The only thing that was good was the fried clams. They were pretty big and had some good flavor. Everything else (haddock, scallops, smelt, calamari) just tasted like grease. There was zero taste in the seafood. You would just bite in and just eat texture. The fried haddock and smelt was also undercooked. The Spicy Crab chowder was okay… nothing great.
Eating the meal wasn’t even the worst part. It was the post meal that hit you in the face. I felt uncomfortable for hours with an upset stomach. Never again…