Best Clam Shacks

Best Clam Shacks

They are the shacks of summer.

GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST

Whether it's for stuffies at Flo's, fried clams at Champlin's, or chowder at Evelyn's, the tang of the salt air and exhiliration of a day at the shore drives us to those fantastic, faded, ramshackle spots that serve up the best summer flavors going. Here, for a summer's worth of greasy-fingered delight, are the state's best of the best.

Flo's Clamshack: Stuffies of Legend, and More

Sure, there's those Middletown and Newport beaches, but this state treasure is a destination all by itself. Let's begin with stuffies: Flo's is generously sized and spicy. No extra hot sauce needed. And they come packaged between two quahog shells secured with a rubber band, like a set of oversized castanets. Everything tastes great on the deck at Flo's, especially the fried clams, and if you haven't at least considered the bottle of champagne with two hot dogs advertised on the big board, well, you're not a Rhode Islander. Flo's Clamshack, 4 Wave Ave, Middletown, 847-8141.

Champlin's Seafood: Fried Clams, Fresh Lobster, Chowder

Yes, it's where the Block Island wannabes head to and from the island, down here at Galilee, but what's really going on here are the fishing boats coming and going at this vibrant, real-life port. And that's what makes the seafood at

Champlin's taste and feel dock-fresh. If lobster's your game, do it here, and do it right (or buy some at the attached seafood store and take them home). Lovers of fried clams hold the restaurant in the highest standing, year after year. And chowder lovers rave about the clammy trio - red, white, and clear RI-style - available every day at this institution. With food like this, who needs to leave the mainland anyway? Champlin's, 256 Great Island Rd, Narragansett, 783-3152.

Evelyn's Drive-In: Best Chowder, Clam Cakes

Thank god it didn't burn. Plenty of Providence residents will take a trip to Tiverton just for a bowl of Evelyn's perfect RI-style chowder (it's the only clam chowder they offer), not to mention the full complement of great fried food (the clam cakes may be the best in the state). The child's portion of fish and chips is one of the best deals going, and the picnic table-view of Nannaquaket Pond (or the boat ramp, for the water traveler), just make enjoying that fare all the more ideal. Evelyn's Drive-In, 2335 Main St, Tiverton, 624-3100.

Aunt Carrie's: Chowder, Not to Mention Everything Else

It's an official pilgrimmage site, and whether you're enjoying all three types of their famous chowder or dipping into the great variety of seafood, this is a classic. Only enhanced by the movements of the Block Island Ferry below. (You can

even get the ferry schedule on their Web site.) Aunt Carrie's, 1240 Ocean Rd, Narragnasett, 783-7930.

Iggy's Doughboys and Chowder House: Doughboys

This is about history... and setting... and okay, the doughboys. The clams may be on the sinker side (although many RIers swear by them), but this legendary beach stop does top the charts with those donuts deep-fried and topped with sugar. If you've never been, it's now on your bucket list. Iggy's, 899 Oakland Beach Ave, Warwick, and 1157 Point Judith Rd, Narragansett (seasonal).

Johnny Angel's Clam Shack: Clam Cakes and Stuffies

South County shore types of every stripe, from fishermen to sunbathers, flock to Johnny's, especially for the clam cakes - those fritters that fill a deep-fried ball of dough with bits of clam. At Johnny Angel's they're crisp, light, and great for dipping in chowder. Not a fritterite? Look for the other standout here: stuffies. Here they're smaller than usual, but what they lack in size they make up for in flavor. The secret is the addition of bacon and red and green peppers to the mix. Johnny Angel's, 523 Charlestown Beach Rd, Charlestown, 419-6732.

Carrie's Seafood: Landlocked but Delicious

Yes, you read that street address right: head to Douglas Ave in Providence for stuffies that feature big chunks of clam and a stuffing a lot like a traditional Thanksgiving sage concoction. It's not the beach,and it's not quite a shack, but the fare here competes head to head with the best, and it's right there on a hot summer afternoon in the city, after work. Carrie's Seafood, 1035 Douglas Ave, Providence, 831-0066.

Chopmist Charlie's: Stuffies of Renown

Charlie's stuffies won first prize at the International Quahog Festival in Wickford several years ago. Some of the ingredients include panko bread crumbs, bacon, garlic, and Tabasco and Worcestershire sauces, as well as a good portion of clams. 40 Narragansett Ave, Jamestown, 423-1020 or 742-1980.