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Woodman's
Categories: Restaurants Seafood Restaurants American (Traditional) Event Planning & Services Caterers Seafood, American (Traditional), Caterers [Edit]
121 Main StEssex, MA 01929
(978) 768-6057
- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun 9 am - 8 pm
Fri-Sat 9 am - 9 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Touristy, Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
210 reviews for Woodman's
Review Highlights
"The hand battered onion rings are outstanding."
(in 75 reviews)
"Hands down, the best lobster roll I have ever eaten."
(in 31 reviews)
"They have outdoor seating and serve Gifford's Ice Cream."
(in 5 reviews)
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210 reviews in English
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Review from Rob M.
Cambridge, MA
2/6/2012
Ok, my wonderful experience at Woodman's finally prompted me to sign up and write a review.
A fellow Boston-dweller and I decided to drive out to Woodman's last week when we were looking for an adventurous culinary roadtrip. We arrived at 8 PM due to some traffic, and were devastated to hear that they were closed when we arrived. Then, our savior arrived in the form of Steven Woodman, a fourth-generation clam master who took pity on our starving souls and offered to whip up whatever we'd like off the menu himself.
We were thrilled, and although we probably would have loved the food regaHdless after that show of hospitality, Woodman's grub was definitely worth the trip.
We went for the fried clams, obviously, the little neck variety. They were so delicious-- the flavor of the clams wasn't overpowered by the breading, which happens so often with fried seafood. The lobster roll, which my companion demanded we order sans mayo aka "Naked," was dripping with butter, packed with tail meat, and perfectly toasted. Definitely recommend skipping the mayo. The onion rings were nice and crisp, and the chowder was excellent, though I prefer it a little more full-bodied.
Although we were there in the dead of winter, you could tell that the place must be awesome in the summer--a raw bar, outdoor seating, and an unpretentious vibe. Apparently kids eat free?
Cold beer, delicious grub and a welcoming staff. We'll definitely be back. -
Review from Diane H.
Harvard, MA
Updated - 9/4/2011
I had the clam plate this weekend, and think they need to change their oil. The stale taste of the oil took a lot away from what could potentially have been a really good dinner. If I come back, it would be for the lobster or the steamers.
The views out back, as usual, were lovely. The line as usual moves pretty quick, and it was quite a long line when I was there.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/5/2010
It was fabulous eating at Woodman's the other day looking over the nice views behind the seafood… Read more »
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Review from Christina Z.
Winthrop, MA
8/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
I'd long been hearing Woodman's praises from family and friends: "If you go to Essex, you MUST stop here." I had come to imagine a swanky seafood establishment a la an upscale Legal's or a Finz (of Salem), so when I finally arrived at Woodman's, I was pleasantly surprised. We're talking in the rough. They warned me! I loved the whole thing: Miller lite beer boxes as trays (which they recycle), somewhat surly-adorable service, frying things right in front of you, wooden train-like interiors.
So, onto the fish: clam strips, scallops, onion rings. The fried trifecta. Delicious, and gluten-free! Not that I have a problem with gluten. I just think adding a modern concern to an institution is pretty darn cute and clever. And how they invented the fried clam? Classic. I love this place. The food we devoured. The onion rings in particular are delicious, and adding a little Frank's red hot to the scallops ain't never hurt no one.
Of note: this place was so much fun! If you love eating with your hands, check this place out. You'll be munching happy (as a clam).
P.S. Do not dump your fried food onto the Miller cardboard tray. It seeps through the wax paper, and you feel guilty returning a "tray" with oil smears. Did someone see Jesus in the Miller lite box? -
Review from S W.
Cambridge, MA
2/4/2012
We heard about Woodmans from a long-time Bostonian. She said it was a must-go on the shore. On arrival we had pretty high expectations. We decided to split an everything plate. Upon coming out we were surprised to see so much food. The fried clams were salty and perfect, the onion rings were great. The rest of the plate, including the fries, scallops, fish, and shrimp were all rather bland and definitely not worth the $28 bill. I was less than impressed with this trip out to Woodmans and would most likely just go to one of the other restaurants in the area. Do check out the poster from when Woodmans was the set for Grown Ups where everyone got "chocolate wasted!" Lots of pictures of Adam Sandler and the rest of the crew.
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Review from Mike S.
Ashland, MA
2/1/2012
I read a lot of negative posts about Woodmans before giving it a try for lunch today. After my great (yet expensive) experience I have to believe these folks either went during an off day (maybe busy season?), or just don't have good taste buds. I ordered the fried clam roll and onion rings........I had to laugh when I heard the price! So, for just under $20 I had my lunch ordered and on it's way. Lots of room to sit, and a really nice atmosphere (a good middle of winter get a way to remind you that spring & summer are on their way!). My food came out in a little less than 10 minutes and WOW!!! Whole belly clams that were perfectly cooked!!! Tarter sauce was perfect too (not too thick, just right). The fresh cut onion rings are a thing of beauty just to look at, but then you eat one and you're in love!!!
So, with my wallet a little lighter, and my stomach a lot fuller I left and took in the sweet smell of the salt water that surrounds this fine resturant.
I will be back........at these prices, maybe only once every few months, but I will look forward to those perfect fried clams next time! Maybe I'll even try out the chowder!!! -
Review from Jim D.
Salt Lake, UT
1/31/2012
Clam strips were mediocre at best. Clam chowder was terrible. Drinks were insanely overpriced with no refills. Woodman's seems like a once great place that has been coasting on their laurels for way too long.
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Review from R B.
Salem, MA
2/6/2012
yet another restaurant that is relying on the hype of the past. Teens are doing all the work and not particularly interested in doing a great job. My food had hair in it which disgusted me beyond belief. It is really overpriced and the multiple credit card charges are not convenient. For an in the rough style restaurant you need to lower your prices because the quality does not match those astronomical prices.
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Review from deane m.
1/4/2012 1 Check-in Here
We can always count on bountiful plates of fried deliciousness here at Woodman's. If you're not up for being able to see through your paper plate when you finish, you should probably just keep driving instead of holding up traffic on Route 133, one lane in either direction, mind you. The onion rings are pretty ridiculous. Woodman's fried clams are of the small variety, which makes them sweeter and less belly-heavy than larger alternatives. Their chowder likewise focuses on the small clams, rather than filling you up with a creamy broth.
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Review from Jamie W.
Crested Butte, CO
I've been here on three occasions over the past couple years. For all the hype, I'm just not impressed. First, considering the high prices, it's odd that this is not a sit down service restaurant. The multiple counter service is odd; I ended up with three credit card charges since you have to go to three counters to complete your order. Second, the food is always over cooked. The steamed clams were steamed way too long and were very tough. The overpriced lobster was steamed too long and had no flavor left. Third, there is absolutely no service here after you pay to help you find a table or get additional help once you pay.
I do not recommend this place. -
Review from Christine H.
Amesbury, MA
11/28/2011 1 photo
I have a lot of nice childhood memories at Woodman's so I really wanted to give this place a good review. I was here recently, since they are open year round. We got two large clam chowders ($6.95 each) because I love clam chowder and I'd never tried it at Woodman's!! Sadly, I was not impressed. The broth was too watery for my liking and I noticed more potatoes than clams... and the clams were all so small, I was fishing for the big pieces that never appeared. I know it is off-season but the clams I did find, it might as well been out of a can. Pretty disappointing. I have yet to find a place to beat Turners (in Melrose, MA) for the best clam chowder!!!
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Review from TruthSpeaker I.
Boston, MA
11/20/2011
We stopped here because we needed something fast and someone recommended it. It was fast. That was the good part and the reason I gave it two stars rather than one.
Everything here is fried. Everything except for the lobster roll. My husband had the lobster roll. It was mediocre and it was $14. I had the sea scallop plate. It was $24 and consisted of sea scallops that were fried to death and dripping with grease, coleslaw, and onion rings that were very greasy. It was just fried food and pretty much all fried food tastes the same to me. $24 worth of fried food on a paper plate. That did not include the bottle of water, which was another $2. My husband's diet Coke was almost $3 with tax.
This place is severely overpriced, but if you love fried seafood, it will be great for you. If you actually like to TASTE your seafood, skip this place and go somewhere that doesn't make such heavy use of the deep-fryers. -
Review from Dave G.
Brookline, MA
11/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
I hit up Woodman's every time I find myself in the Essex, Gloucester region. If you like lobster, clams or fried fish in a super casual environment, this is definitely a place to try out. Downsides: very popular so be prepared to wait in line. Pick up window inside so no table service, which means the tables aren't always clean when you get to them. Heads Up: Everything on the menu is either fried or steamed, so you must be either a steamed shellfish or fried fish fan to enjoy.
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Review from M W.
8/26/2011
I walked into fried food heaven and survived with all coronary arteries patent and intact! It's truly a miracle! The aroma upon entering this joint alone should come with a Lipitor prescription...
...seriously, the lobster roll (also known as our only non-battered dish) was impressive...lovely fresh chunks of lobster tail and claws with just the right amount of dressing. The bread was a tad bit on the bulky side, but this is forgiveable. The fried shrimp plate boasted a generous amount of lightly breaded shrimp accompanied by crispy fries and hand-breaded delicious golden onion rings. I wasn't a huge fan of the clam strips. They could benefit from more seasoning...perhaps I will bring a can of Old Bay in my hobo bag next time around. -
Review from george k.
Dracut, MA
10/8/2011
We have been going to this place for years. It's more of a tradition at this point than anything else. It's always busy. Which is probably why most people go there. A place gets established and people keep going back because they see other people going, even though there are better choices around. Back to Woodman's. The food is all right. It's not easy to make greasy food taste really bad, after all. Prices are on the high side. I like the casual, no frills set up of the restaurant. They have plenty of parking out back and a huge tent with benches and tables, which is nice.
Their clam chowder needs work. Same with the coleslaw. -
Review from Phil J.
Cocoa, FL
1/14/2012
Have come here for years and years. Got steamers today and they were terribly gritty. Steamers are supposed to be cleaned in water with cornmeal. I think woodman's is scrimping. Too bad. They charge A LOT!
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Review from Jared S.
7/14/2011
Steamers, pick-your-own lobster, and fried clams. End of story.
I understand the lukewarm reviews from the MA lifers - you probably have fond memories of a cheap hole-in-the-wall local joint from decades past and are now jaded with the fact that Woodman's caters to the masses (and I do mean masses) and charges tourist-trap prices.
You hang onto your memories. I'll keep going to Woodman's. Ain't no better way to cap off a beautiful day at the beach. -
Review from Bloss P.
Arlington, MA
8/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
Wish we did not make that turn and come here instead of the clam box. The fried clams were ok but we hated the chowder.
Will not return. -
Review from Erik K.
Boston, MA
5/10/2011
A once great fixture has fallen to the waste side.
Woodman's IS New England - and I have been coming here since I was born. My last trip (May 2011)... may have been my last. They have become extremely over priced and the food (once great) is now disgusting.
I don't know what is going on, but Woodman's needs to recapture is alure - because right now it is gone. -
Review from Jeannette S.
Sugar Land, TX
6/27/2011
I liked this place, the setting is like an old train.
Lobsters- Price was decent but according to my friends the sizes could be bigger.
Steamed Clams- They were very sandy that night as I recall, nevertheless they were fresh.
Fried Haddock- Very fresh and tasty.
Clam Chowder- Friends loved it but not my style. I like mine creamy and this chowder was a little watery.
Lobster Roll- My first lobster roll ever! Woohooo! I had nothing to compare to at the time but I enjoyed it and thought it was tasty and fresh.
Overall we had a feast and I would love to come back! -
Review from Catherine G.
Salem, MA
11/25/2011
Woodman's has the rep of being the home of the fried clam, a happy accident when the original owner accidentally dropped a clam belly into boiling lard.
But that's just the problem now: they still use lard. Bleah. That's why I prefer Farnham's, which uses a lighter oil blend and their fried clams, onion rings and other fried food are thus much lighter and tastier than Woodman's.
Woodman's ain't bad, though. The lobster, corn-on-the-cob and other summer clambake goodies are always tasty, though if you choose a pre-cooked lobstah from their pick-your-own table in front, it might be cold and rubbery. And watch out for yellow jackets (those yellow-and-black wasps that come out in droves in late summer and early fall), which will go after your Coke when you're dining al fresco. -
Review from Qasim R.
Boston, MA
8/5/2011
Okay so if you are on a diet or on some weird pointy calorie counting thing, DO NOT GO HERE.
Ended up in Essex after a long trip and having heard of Woodman's went straight here.
Got confused bcz there was a line coming out the door and we didn't know if that was the take away line or order line or what it was. But looking around we figured out the place is self service; you wait in line and than order (if it's to go inform them while ordering). They give you a number and will call it out when the food is ready. The serving time is pretty little and food comes out piping hot. The food comes out on paper plates with overflowing onion rings and fries, all inside a cardboard box. Even though presentation is crude it's what I want from a place like this and actually liked it a lot. One can sit inside on 2nd floor where they have an amazing oyster bar (or so I have heard), or you can take it to the outdoor seating behind the parking lot with awesome views.
Coming to the food, even though the lobster looked pretty damn good, we weren't in lobstry mood. We got the Jumbo Shrimp and Haddock fried plates. They came with heaping sides of onion rings and fries. You can substitute them for 2 servings of any one item also. We got the slaw which went pretty well with the Haddock. Both were excellent and couldn't ask for them to be any better. Ordered the crab cakes; ahhh don't do that. The only item we didn't finish bcz they just weren't crabby at all.
Afterwards go outside where they sell Gifford's ice cream and even the kiddy size was pretty big.
The staff was very good (even though there are no servers). When we got our food we were told that a piece of haddock fell while plating (it was still pretty big even with a fallen piece) and they will call our number again when it's ready. A few minutes later they served another decent size piece at the table.
Now for some negative points. They have a separate counter for all beverages, so during rush times one may have to wait in 2 lines to complete order. The lines do move fast or you can have a friend order the drinks, while u get the food. The place is pricey so don't coming looking for a cheap meal.
Would I recommend this place, definitely. Would I go again probably not considering I live in Boston (bcz of commute duh; when hungry I want food quickly and cant drive all the way there for good seafood when there are plenty of places in Boston) , but if already near Woodman's would be going there again 100%. -
Review from Jenn S.
7/8/2011
So, I have to preface my review with 2 things:
1) I don't eat seafood or fish (I KNOW); and
2) This is about the catering - NOT the location itself.
That being said, I was impressed.
For those who eat seafood, there was clam chowder, shrimp cocktail and whole lobsters aplenty (and they were apparently pretty good!).
For me, the half chicken was moist, but pretty bland (understandable, considering they specialize in seafood). But the hot dog?? MAN. One of the best dogs I've had in a long time. Nicely BBQed, had that nice snap when you bite into it. DELISH. A salad without shrimp would have been nice (since we also had some vegetarians and kosher people in attendance), but there was some tasty corn on the cob.
And the Strawberry Shortcake dessert? SINFULLY delicious!!
The staff was very pleasant and accommodating. -
Review from Caroline S.
Baltimore, MD
6/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
I grew up hearing stories about my mother going to this place with my grandparents when she was a little kid. It was built up in my mind to be a place of epic awesomeness, the scale of which could not be matched in reality.
After all of that, what do I think of the real place in 2011? I really, really like it. The clams absolutely live up to the legend. They are simple, but fresh and juicy and flavorful and are exactly what fried clams should be. While they have great lobster and other fried goodies, you would be selling this place short by going and not trying the fried whole belly clams.
The only negative is the price. All of the prices have gone up quite a bit since they last updated their website, which is not a fun surprise when you get there. The price of the clams vary according to the market; we paid $24 for a pint on 5/29/11. I found it worthwhile, but it made the experience feel like a treat rather than something to be done every week.
However, three things made my trip completely enjoyable and worth any price. I got to (1) eat their amazing clams (2) while sitting on a picnic table with a pretty view of the river and (3) was sure that everything that I was eating was 100% gluten free. For someone who loves all things New England but avoids gluten for the bf, that was truly priceless. -
Review from G H.
Boston, MA
Thank you yelp....
I would've never found this place w/ out my yelp app. Contrary to one of my previous reviews, you don't have to go down to the cape to get a good lobster roll. The one they have here is very good. No lettuce or other unnecessary fillers. The popcorn shrimp were a nice addition.The place is packed and seems somewhat chaotic but they are very efficient in getting orders out fast. The only complaint I had about this place is it's not cheap. It was about $50 for a lobster roll, popcorn shrimp, a fried clam roll, an iced tea and a lemonade. -
Review from M D.
Amherst, NH
7/30/2011
First Impressions: Excellent Fried Seafood
Weight Watchers Rating: Total Splurge
We stopped by Woodman's on our way to Rockport. We were in the mood for some great, fresh fried clams and scallops, and Woodman's delivered.
I ordered a Fried Clam (full belly) dinner, a Fried Scallop dinner and a large Clam Chowder. These items came out to over $56! This is not an inexpensive place. I had to go to the separate bar to get beverages. If this place was really busy (it was moderately busy), I would have had to wait in line twice. At VERY least, they should serve soft drinks in the main dining line.
Fried foods taste best hot and out of the fryer from fresh oil, and Woodman's delivered. The clams were tender and juicy, and the scallops were first-rate. The platter came with both fries and onion rings (no dilemma about which one to order). The onion rings were OUTSTANDINGLY crisp. There was a pool of grease on the plate from all the fried items. They were cooked and served immediately, so I'm not surprised. You're not coming here for a diet plate.
While the seafood was outstanding, the clam chowder was a serious disappointment. It was thin and watery, and basically flavorless. We had a few tastes and tossed it. $7 wasted.
IF you have room, there's an ice cream stand selling Gifford's ice cream outside. There's both indoor and covered outdoor seating. We had the dog with us, and were able to eat outside with her at our feet.
Conclusions? Great seafood. Pricey (a $20 lobster roll...seriously???). Skip the weak and lame chowder. -
Review from Erik M.
7/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
We asked our client where to go for an authentic, less touristy lobster dinner, and without hesitation we were directed to Woodman's. So we piled in the car and hauled ourselves up to Essex.
Not quite sure what to expect, we almost drove by the glorified shack on the side of the road that is Woodman's, and I have to admit I was a little skeptical once we stepped inside. There's not much to it - you order your food from the counter and your drinks from a different counter (two separate transactions), then wait for your number to be called. We settled in to a snug little booth in the corner with a wobbly table and tried not spill our beers while we waited for our food.
Being the alleged birthplace of the the fried clam, we started with a mixed seafood platter, including fried clams, fried shrimp, fried scallops, french fries, and onion rings. For the main course we split a whole lobster.
The food comes out on paper plates piled into cardboard Miller Lite box with plastic cutlery and little plastic tubs of drawn butter and tartar sauce. But never mind the presentation - this was exactly what we asked for. The pile of fried seafood wasn't overly greasy and cooked just right - each morsel was tender and if anything a little undercooked, so it wasn't tough or flavorless. The Lobster itself was on the smaller side and a smidge overcooked for my liking, but still tender and juicy.
Was it worth the 45 minute slog through the rain and traffic? Absolutely. Would I recommend it as a reasonably priced alternative to the fancier seafood joints you'll find in the city? Probably. Would I go there again? Not likely, but only because there are way too many other places to try and life is short. -
Review from dan w.
Weston, MA
9/14/2011
What happened to Woodman's? Decided to give it a try again after years at Farnham's and the Clam Box. The clams were not juicy, the bellies were tiny and the tails were tough and stringy. The onion rings were greasy and burned.
I was really looking forward to my fried clam/cholesterol fix. Actually gave some to the seagulls- who didn't seem to mind that the oil hadn't been changed- and certainly didn't care that I spent $25 for this mess.
Time for new management! -
Review from The M.
Port St. Lucie, FL
9/11/2011
I'm unsure why this place is the "crown jewel" of Gloucester/Essex. Everyone told me that this was a must stop and so....I stopped. 24 dollars for fried clams and fries? Seriously? They are clams.....that are fried. This dish could be cooked by a retarded 10 year old. I am not understanding the logic behind fried food cuisine that is better than others. Regardless, the lobster roll was one of the better that we had around Boston and Cape Cod. The chowder was a bit thin, and I enjoy mine a bit thicker. I feel that a lot of the places that have the "must come status" impressed those not in the foodie era that enjoy more sophistication than a fried product. I am not impressed by the food or the prices. You pay for the name.....i'm sure you can get cheaper down the road and have the same quality of food.
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Review from Katie L.
Boston, MA
6/1/2011
My husband and I like this place, and go for a once a year or every other year trip. There are definitely pros and cons, and I wouldn't call this our favorite place ever, or say that they have 'the best' of anything in particular, but it is good enough for a treat once in awhile.
The pros: The seafood is of good quality. They take credit cards. You can eat outside. The food is pretty standard - you know what you're going to get if you go here. The portions are good sized.
The cons: Sometimes there is a strong tendency towards greasy-ness in the food, I think it could be a little less so. It isn't cheap! The wait tends to be fairly long, especially in season and when the weather is nice (but what seafood place doesn't?)
In sum: decent seafood, a fun place to go, not cheap. Worth a try? Absolutely? A fun summer treat! -
Review from Emily M.
Amesbury, MA
6/22/2011
Oh Woodman's, I love you so.
Your fish is always fresh and tasty. Your onion rings are golden and crunchy. Your benches are so short a small child can sit and her feet touch the ground.
And you're not a stupid shape. Just because you sell clam boxes doesn't mean your building needs to look like one. -
Review from Ken S.
Lexington, MA
Updated - 8/31/2011
Update: They now take credit cards. Even an old barnacle like me has to admit that some change at Woodman's is good.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/21/2009
The mother of all lobster shacks. I love to introduce steamed lobster to overseas visitors and watch… Read more »
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Review from Jane K.
Milwaukee, WI
8/15/2011
i haven't been here in years and, frankly, the only reason i didn't go to jt farnhams was because i waned steamers and not fried clams plus they don't take credit cards and i had no cash.
this place seems like they have turned into big business since i visited over 10 years ago. tons of branded trucks with advertisements for catering etc. meanwhile teens in the kitchen churn out all the food.
i ordered a small order of steamers. i found them over done and not the cleanest. but i love steamers so i certainly ate them. i also got a beer and don't like the fact that you have to buy any beverage at a different counter and cannot combine orders. so i had to charge my food and then walk two feet over to another counter to charge my beer. doesn't that cost the restaurant more fees?
anyway i had so many better steamers on my trip to maine i'm not surei need to go back to essex again unless i want fried clams from farnham's. it seems like woodman's heyday is over. -
Review from Rachel V.
2/19/2011 2 photos
I gotta thank my friend Ria for bringing the bf and I out here cuz this place was just incredible! It's a bit of a drive outside of Boston but it was all worth it, especially when it was our last day in Boston.
Woodman's is the epitome of great, cheap and absolutely fresh seafood!
When I mean fresh, I mean we literally went to the back of the restaurant and picked out our own lobster from the tank. That's not the best part...the lobster was only $12!! Hell yea!!
The downside: clam chowder was watered down and the fried clams were kinda blah. But whatever cuz the lobster was so damn good!! -
Review from Boyd D.
Andover, MA
7/16/2011
Steamers were great...and usually are. Everything else we ordered was kind of meh... Quite possible the WORST clam chowder I've ever had in my life!!! Domt know what "award" it supposedly has won... Steer clear unless you like flavorless hot milk with a bunch of clams dumped in it.
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Review from Jeff C.
San Francisco, CA
They filmed the movie GROWN UPS here! Order a bunch of lobsters here. I never had this big, fresh, and affordable price lobster ever. Those three things do not exist back on the west coast for lobster. Wow I would travel back here on a 5 hour flight from san francisco just for the lobster.
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Review from Mabel C.
Boston, MA
7/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
Love their Fried Clams and Clams Chowder! Reasonable price! You rock Woodman's~~~
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Review from George L.
Amesbury, MA
2/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
Hey, 2 visits here and I'm ready to review.
My first time was a dissappointment. I am a Clam Box patron and was brought here by a friend who claimed this spot to be "the place" for fried seafood.
Well, the oil was too cool or too dirty and my plate was greasy and heavy. The wait was shorter than a typical clam box run but the extra 15 minutes of driving certainly eats into that making it less of an issue.
My second visit was much better with tasty and well cooked clams and fries.
Would I come back? Sure but not if I could hit the Clam Box instead.
I hear the clam chowder is excellent but have yet to have any.
Pass -
Review from Robert M.
Belmont, MA
10/6/2011
Woodman's has jumped the shark. The food is expensive and the quality is terrible. We usually go to Woodman's once or twice a year but for the past several visits I've noticed a real decline in the quality of the food. Last weekend was the last straw, it was a slow evening there with no line and still our food was cold when we picked it up. We won't be back.
I noticed when you order at the counter it seems like a buch of kids behind the counter yakking it up and not really concerned about the quality of the product. This used to be a great place but clearly ownership is taking their customers for granted and/or doesn't care. With their location and reputation they can probably ride like this for a while but sooner or later it will catch up with them and I won't be surprised. -
Review from Shannon M.
Boston, MA
1/21/2011
I love road trips in Massachusetts that involve stopping at some delicious seafood shack, and when I first walked in I thought we had picked a good one. And then I ate the food...
First the good: fried clams were great, obviously this is why you come here.
Now for the bad:
-popcorn shrimp was bland. And it had a weird aftertaste. Like over cooked grease.
-clam chowder was terrible! The broth was basically heated milk that came with some potatoes and clams. I don't know if this was an "off" batch where someone forgot to add a couple things like onion, salt, pepper, FLAVOR...but this was by far the worst clam chowder I have ever had (including chowders I've ordered outside of New England)!
If I come back, I will only order the fried clams, skip on the hot milk and clam soup, and it will be a much better dining experience... -
Review from gina P.
Boston, MA
9/5/2010
I've been going to Woodman's for years. I've tried clam shacks all over and for me this is the best. I have to laugh at some of the other reviews. The guy Robet from Lincoln, RI said "The ambiance sucked". Dude- its a clam shack! You order your food, they cook your food, you pick up your food, you eat your food, you pick up after yourself and you leave. Thats what a real New England clam shack is like. If you want a fine, sophisticated dinning with cloth napkins and mood lighting, this isn't the place for you. I like the long tables, the upstairs bar with the veiws of the marshes and the big tents and picnic tables in back. This place is busy, and they serve their food hot and fast. I've always found the staff to be nice, helpful and personable.
I find that if you go after 7pm its less crowded and most of the summer tourist have left for the day. We went last night ( Sat. night) and we went right in and odered. We were a group of four, so we got a few things to share.
Their steamers this season have been great! Sweet and tasty, not rubbery like you get at most places that don't how how to cook them. Their onion rings really are the best I've ever had. They are the rings I compare all other rings to and so far no place has beaten them. Everyone loves their friend clams and seafood.
If you are bringing people there for the first time, I suggest getting two fisherman's plate and let everyone sample a few items to find what they like best. Everything is super fresh and what good fried seafood should be.
They have a raw bar upstars where on other nights we've enjoyed fresh oysters and cherrystones with ice cold beer. It really doesn't get any better for me.
For my money and time nothing beats Woodman's seafood for me.
