14 Massachusetts Spots Serving Tavern-Style Fish Fries Just Like The Old Days
There’s something magical about biting into a perfectly fried piece of fish with crispy fries on the side, especially when it comes from a classic tavern that’s been doing it for years.
Massachusetts has kept this tradition alive, with restaurants and stands across the state serving up fish fries that taste just like they did decades ago.
Whether you’re near the beach or tucked inland, these spots bring that old-school charm and flavor that never gets old.
1. Sullivan’s Castle Island
Standing in line at this legendary spot feels like stepping back in time to when things were simpler.
You’ll find it at 2080 William J Day Blvd, South Boston, MA 02127.
Families have been coming here for generations to grab their fish and chips, then sit by the water to watch the boats go by.
The fish is always fresh, the batter is light and crispy, and the fries are perfectly salted.
You can smell the ocean breeze mixing with the scent of fried seafood, creating an experience that’s purely New England.
Kids run around on the beach while parents enjoy their meals on picnic tables.
It’s affordable, delicious, and exactly what a traditional fish fry should be.
2. Tony’s Clam Shop
Eating fried fish while watching waves crash against the shore is an experience you won’t forget.
This beloved restaurant sits at 861 Quincy Shore Dr, Quincy, MA 02170.
The fish here comes with a golden crust that crunches with every bite, and the portions are generous enough to satisfy even the hungriest seafood lover.
People drive from all over the state just to taste what Tony’s has been perfecting for years.
The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, with staff who treat you like family.
You can dine inside or grab a table outside to enjoy the ocean views.
It’s the kind of place where memories are made over plates of perfectly fried seafood.
3. Al’s Diner
Walking into this place is like entering a time capsule from 1958.
The address is 14 Yelle St, Chicopee, MA 01013.
Every Thursday and Friday, the kitchen fires up their fryers to serve fish fry that tastes just like grandma used to make.
The chrome stools and checkered floors add to the nostalgic vibe that makes you feel like you’re in a different era.
Regulars swear by the crispy coating and tender fish inside, and the prices remind you of when dining out didn’t break the bank.
The waitstaff knows most customers by name, creating a warm community feeling.
It’s authentic American dining at its finest.
4. The Lobster Pool
Perched right on the water, this spot gives you front-row seats to some of the best coastal views in the state.
Located at 329 Granite St, Rockport, MA 01966.
Their fish fry comes with a side of history, as this restaurant has been feeding hungry locals and tourists for decades.
The fish is always fresh off the boat, and the batter recipe has stayed the same for years because why fix what isn’t broken?
You can watch seagulls soar overhead while you munch on crispy fries and flaky fish.
The casual atmosphere means you can come as you are, whether that’s in beach clothes or Sunday best.
It’s pure coastal Massachusetts charm.
5. The Clam Box
You can’t miss this place because the building itself is shaped like a giant clam box.
Find it at 246 High St, Ipswich, MA 01938.
Since opening in the 1930s, they’ve been serving up some of the crispiest, most flavorful fish fries around.
The secret is in their light batter that lets the natural flavor of the fish shine through without being too heavy.
Lines form out the door during summer, but the wait is always worth it.
Inside, the menu board lists all your favorite fried seafood options, and everything is cooked to order.
It’s a Massachusetts landmark that delivers on both nostalgia and taste every single time.
6. Woodman’s of Essex
Legend has it that fried clams were invented right here back in 1916.
The restaurant stands at 121 Main St, Essex, MA 01929.
While they’re famous for those clams, their fish fry is equally impressive and follows the same old-fashioned cooking methods that made them famous over a century ago.
The dining room has a rustic charm with wooden tables and walls covered in photos from decades past.
Families gather here for special occasions and regular Friday night dinners alike.
The fish comes out hot and crispy, with a coating that’s perfectly seasoned and never greasy.
Eating here connects you to generations of Massachusetts seafood lovers who came before you.
7. The Barking Crab
Bright colors and harbor views make this spot feel like a celebration every time you visit.
It’s located at 88 Sleeper St, Boston, MA 02210.
The fish fry here is served on paper plates at picnic tables, keeping things casual and fun just like the old seafood shacks used to do.
You’re right on the water, so the seafood doesn’t get much fresher than this.
The batter is crispy and golden, and they serve it with homemade tartar sauce that adds the perfect tangy kick.
Tourists and locals mix together here, all enjoying the same simple pleasure of good fried fish.
It’s unpretentious dining at its absolute best.
8. Captain Frosty’s
Since 1976, this Cape Cod favorite has been dishing out fish fries that taste like summer vacation.
You’ll find it at 219 MA-6A, Dennis, MA 02638.
The menu is straightforward, focusing on doing a few things really well rather than trying to be fancy.
Their fish is perfectly fried with a light, crispy coating that doesn’t overpower the delicate flavor of the seafood inside.
Families sprawl out on the picnic tables under the sun, enjoying their meals together.
The portions are generous, and the prices are fair, making it easy to feed everyone without emptying your wallet.
It’s the kind of place that becomes part of your summer tradition year after year.
9. Arnold’s Lobster & Clam Bar
Tucked away on Cape Cod, this place has been a local secret since 1974.
The address is 3580 State Hwy, Eastham, MA 02642.
Their fish fry comes with all the fixings and tastes exactly like what you’d expect from a classic New England seafood joint.
The fish is fresh, the coating is crunchy, and the tartar sauce is made in-house daily.
You order at the window and then find a spot at one of their many picnic tables scattered around the property.
The casual vibe means kids can run around while adults relax with their meals.
It’s simple, delicious, and exactly what a fish fry should be without any unnecessary frills.
10. The Bite
Don’t let the tiny size fool you because this little shack serves some of the best fried fish you’ll ever taste.
Find it at 29 Basin Rd, Menemsha, MA 02552.
The lines stretch long during peak season, but locals will tell you it’s absolutely worth the wait.
Their fish fry is simple and perfect, with a crispy golden exterior and tender, flaky fish inside that melts in your mouth.
You eat standing up or sitting on nearby rocks overlooking the harbor, which somehow makes everything taste even better.
The portions are huge, and everything is cooked fresh to order.
It’s a Martha’s Vineyard institution that proves the best food often comes from the smallest kitchens.
11. JT Farnham’s
Overlooking the salt marshes, this restaurant has been perfecting their fish fry recipe for generations.
It sits at 88 Eastern Ave, Essex, MA 01929.
The view alone is worth the trip, but the food keeps people coming back week after week.
Their fish arrives with a coating that’s crispy without being too thick, letting you taste the quality of the seafood itself.
The dining room has big windows so you can watch the marsh grass sway while you eat.
Regulars know to come early on Friday nights when the fish fry special draws crowds from all over the North Shore.
It’s honest, straightforward cooking that honors Massachusetts seafood traditions beautifully.
12. The Quarterdeck
This neighborhood tavern feels like your favorite uncle’s basement, warm and welcoming with no pretense.
Located at 10 Rivet St, New Bedford, MA 02744.
Friday nights mean fish fry here, and locals pack the place to enjoy this weekly tradition.
The fish comes out hot and crispy, served with coleslaw and fries just like taverns used to do it decades ago.
The bartender knows everyone’s name, and conversations flow easily between tables.
It’s the kind of place where strangers become friends over shared baskets of fried seafood.
Prices are reasonable, portions are generous, and the atmosphere is genuinely friendly, making it feel like home away from home for many regulars.
13. Kream ‘N Kone
Part ice cream stand, part seafood shack, this place has been a Cape Cod staple since 1953.
You’ll find it at 961 MA-28, West Dennis, MA 02670.
Their fish fry is legendary among locals who grew up coming here after beach days.
The fish has a perfectly golden crust that stays crispy even as you make your way through the generous portion.
After your meal, you can grab an ice cream cone for dessert without moving your car.
The retro vibe and friendly service transport you back to simpler times when summer meant fried seafood and soft serve.
It’s nostalgia you can taste, served with a smile at the outdoor window.
14. The Tavern at the Beechwood
Step inside and you’re immediately surrounded by dark wood and colonial charm that dates back centuries.
The address is 789 Beechwood St, Cohasset, MA 02025.
Their tavern-style fish fry honors New England’s long history of serving fried seafood in cozy, welcoming establishments.
The fish is always fresh, and they take pride in using traditional cooking methods that have been passed down through generations.
The atmosphere is more refined than a casual seafood shack, but the food stays true to its working-class roots.
You can enjoy your meal by the fireplace in winter or on the patio during warmer months.
It’s where history and great food come together on every single plate.
