Woodman’s of Essex in Cape Ann – Restaurant | Frommer’s

Legend has it that Woodman’s was the birthplace of the fried clam in 1916. Today the thriving family business is the spot to join legions of locals and visitors from around the world for lobster “in the rough” (meaning either cooked whole in the shell, or eaten in a casual setting, depending on who you ask), as well as chowder, steamers, corn on the cob, onion rings, and superb fried clams. The line to order is usually long, but it moves quickly and offers a view of the regimented commotion in the food-prep area. You can eat in a booth, upstairs on the deck, or out back at a picnic table.