Village Restaurant Essex

Having had Fried Clams for the first time at ICOB where the waiter claimed that the clams were "meaty" when I mentioned that they were a bit chewy. I decided to visit Village Restaurant in Essex since they are supposed to have the best Fried Clams around.

They are located on Main Street with private parking. They have been in business since 1956.

"My" dining room was nice and bright, and impeccably clean.

You get a basket of bread and cornbread.

I had to start with a cup of Clam Chowder ($3.99). "Award winning New England recipe". The chowder was very tasty with tender clams and potatoes that were not overcooked. The chowder was thin, but that the traditional way to serve it in Essex, no thickeners allowed.

I couldn't resist ordering a cup of the Sicilian Style Fish Chowder ($3.99) after reading the description. "Fresh fish and garden vegetables in a spicy tomato base". It was really good and chockfull of fish. There was a little bit of heat involved but not too much. Very tasty.

Fried Clams ($13.99) from the Appetizer section. This was the real deal, fried belly clams, that was cooked perfectly in a light batter. I should have gone here on a Tuesday when an entree of Fried Clams are $13.99, all day. Maybe later in the summer, it's a nice drive up here.

They have a big bar that got busy later on.

They have multiple dining rooms and also an enclosed veranda that looked very inviting. This place is way bigger than what it looks from the outside.

Address 55 Main Street, Essex, MA 01929
Phone number (978) 768-6400