MacRay’s Seafood II

Loved this place last summer and was sure I had already written a 5 star review. Apparently not, but either way, today’s experience changed my mind completely.
The clam cakes were as good as ever; Macray’s is actually one of the few places where I’ll eat more than one bite of a clam cake. The fried clams however, were inedible. Bland is the best word I can think of to describe them, but it was so much more than that. Un-​clammy? Idk, but the picture is an «after» shot of what ended up in the trash. We ate 2 – 3 each, and that was really just out of disbelief that they could be so awful.
I really liked this place, and it’s convenient, so I wanted to let them know them know that something (whatever it may be) was off. I made it clear I wasn’t looking for a refund or replacement order, but quickly learned that customer service had gone downhill along with the food. The woman I spoke with on the phone immediately became super defensive, informing me that they hadn’t had any other complaints or changed the recipe, and had always used Maryland clams that cost $ 100/​gallon. Maybe I just didn’t like Maryland clams? I’m not sure why she felt any of that was relevant, because either way, the clams sucked.
I’m giving an extra star just based on past experiences.

Nothing special. Small portion of fish in the «fish only» platter. A dollop of institutional grade cole slaw, and tarter sauce from a commercial packet. Do better.

Real New England Clam shack (even though it doesn’t look like one) local, picnic tables outside legendary ‘clam bombs’

We made a recent trip here to check them out. My GF remembers the original, I had never been there. I have however, been eating fried seafood in New England for over 60 years. Macray’s is about as good as it gets. Located in a small strip mall, there are only 4 tables inside. There is nothing special about the inside, you are not going here to dine. The staff was friendly, the owner came out to check on us. We wanted to try a bit of everything, so we got the sampler at around $ 22.00 and an order of onion rings. The onion rings were the large thick type, but pretty good. The sampler had chowder (NE style), clams, scallops, fish, clam cakes, slaw, and fries. Everything was very good, the batter stuck to the seafood, the food was a nice golden color. We were hoping for better clam cakes, they ARE better than anyplace I know of existing now, but not as good as we remember. It’s crazy… in the 60’s + 70’s drive-​in movie theaters had great clam cakes! It seems like the recipe has been lost forever, and most don’t even have any clam bits in them anymore. If you have been to, or heard of a clam place in NE, I’ve probably eaten there… probably more than once. The food is a 5, value is a 4, and ambiance is just ok. They are not open everyday, at least not now, be aware of that before you go. Go and give them a try… recommended!

Fish was ok if you like blackish white fish. Clams are good flavor until you bite into a hard piece of who knows what .They need to do is go threw their clams property. Mind you this is the 2 time this happened. Especially when clam plate is over 30 dollars. Remember when you get your fried clams or fried clam cakes prepare yourself to eat into a hard rock or whatever it is. It’s disgusting and i dont care if you eat there or not but try and you wont be surprised.

The fried clams are the best I’ve ever had… this includes all of the «legendary» places in Essex, MA.
MacRays fried clams are superb… not much more to say!

Macrays seafood is the BEST. I love seafood and have been eating it for 60 years and I have never had fried clams, clamcakes, fish and lobster like I get at Macrays. The food is lightly battered so you dont feel weighed down after you indulge. Fresh, sweet, clean and delicious are a few words that come to mind. Try Macrays I’ll be surprised if you don’t keep going back. YUMMMMMMM

Good Belly Clams that come in a chinese restaurant carton. Light batter.
Certainly not spectacular but if you need a fix these will do.
Located in a strip mall with picnic tables outside.

MacRay’s has the best fried clams I have ever tasted. .The batter is crispy, yet light. The clams have a wonderful flavor and texture. I have eaten clams at many clam shacks, including the highly touted shacks in Ipswich MA. and MacRay’s is the best of the best.

A large order of clams, gets you an overflowing chinese restaurant carton full of whole clams with bellies.
MacRay’s get their clams from Seaway, which get clams from New Bedford. The clams have a cleaner taste to them. I prefer a stronger muddier taste like from Ipswich. The fry was good though. Medium flake and very crispy.
Didn’t realize I didn’t post this a year ago

Really good fried clams:)
A simple strip mall — road side joint — nothing fancy — picnic tables at the edge of a parking lot (a few inside tables) but the food — really, really good.

If you want great fresh fish and full belly clams this is your spot! Service is blazing fast and friendly. A bit pricey but you get what you pay for and it is excellent. Very small seating, like four booths they do a ton of take out.