Johnny's Clam Shack, Fritters are Mondays and Wednesdays only!

4.3 ( 485 reviews )
Checking... See Hours
$10–20
184 N Main St, Norwich, CT 06360, United States
+1 860-710-7361

Johnny's Clam Shack is a delightful culinary haven nestled in Norwich, CT, that seafood lovers should not miss. Known for its warm, family-friendly atmosphere, the shack has garnered rave reviews from satisfied patrons eager to return every spring. Bob Malouf praises the welcoming vibe, making each visit feel like a reunion with cherished family.

However, the real stars here are the dishes. For many, including 'chirp,' the clam strips and clam chowder are transcendent, inspiring moments of culinary joy. The chowder’s rich, creamy texture, brimming with clams, and the perfectly fried onion rings and crab cake bites showcase a masterful touch in the kitchen. The clam strips, described as "crispy on the outside and SO tender on the inside," have redefined expectations for fried seafood.

Steve Lavin's review underlines the standout lobster roll, generously served with melted butter, further enhancing the authentic seaside experience. As Dan Lambert and Eleana Sim note, the fish sandwiches are equally memorable and a must-try for any seafood aficionado.

In sum, Johnny's Clam Shack, especially on Fritter Mondays and Wednesdays, is a true gem that promises delicious seafood, friendly service, and unforgettable meals that will have you longing for your next visit.

Amenities and More

  • From the business
    • Identifies as veteran-owned
  • Service options
    • Outdoor seating
    • Kerbside pickup
    • No-contact delivery
    • Delivery
    • Takeaway
    • Dine-in
  • Highlights
    • Fireplace
    • Rooftop seating
  • Accessibility
    • Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • Wheelchair-accessible entrance
    • Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • Wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Offerings
    • Comfort food
    • Private dining room
    • Small plates
  • Dining options
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Catering
    • Seating
    • Table service
  • Amenities
    • Gender-neutral toilets
    • Toilet
  • Crowd
    • Family friendly
  • Planning
    • Accepts reservations
  • Payments
    • Credit cards
    • Debit cards
    • NFC mobile payments
    • Credit cards
  • Children
    • Good for kids
    • High chairs
    • Kids' menu
  • Parking
    • Free parking lot
    • Parking
  • Pets
    • Dogs allowed outside

Reviews For Johnny's Clam Shack, Fritters are Mondays and Wednesdays only!

Bob Malouf
May 31,2025
I always look forward to spring and the reopening of Johnny’s! I have never had a bad meal or experience. Everyone is friendly and they treat you like one of the family!
chirp
May 28,2025
I've had a really tough week, and my boyfriend treated me to some clam strips, onion rings, clam chowder, and crab cake bites tonight. We just moved to the area, and him to the state, so he's been really excited to try out the local shack. I grew up on this food and definitely have to say it's some of the best I've had. The clam chowder is thick and unbroken and loaded with goodies, the onion rings are perfectly fried, and the crab cake bites are awesome and well seasoned. The star of the show is the clams, though. Crispy on the outside and SO tender on the inside. I think my world might have just changed... I didn't know clam strips could be cooked like that, and I say this as someone who loves the usual chewy texture haha. Seriously blown away by how tender these are. Shout out to the woman I saw in the back, she knows what she's doing. Big thanks to whoever was manning the counter, too. I was busy crying in the car while the BF ordered, and she brought it out to our vehicle for us. It was very kind of her :-) Psyched to live so close and definitely plan on coming back to eat at the tables instead of my bedroom floor, haha. Will have to bring the rest of the family.
eleana sim
May 6,2025
Cute gem of a place! Fresh seafood with fried fish being memorable. I will miss this when I go back to Germany! Can’t wait to come back next year! Friendly service and plenty of seating.
Steve Lavin
May 1,2025
Delicious and fresh lobster roll, generous portions with melted butter and lightly toasted bun - perfectly prepared. Clam chowder was creamy, hearty, with big clam pieces. Personable and friendly owner.
Dan Lambert
Apr 24,2025
This place has the greatest seafood around! By far the best tasting fish sandwich ever! It has a buttery taste and texture anf is to die for! End up going here looking for a hot buttered lobster roll and they hadn't started them yet for the season and was advised about theit gish sandwiches and I figured what the hey and gave it a try and font regret it at all! I've been getting these sandwiches every single week fot the last 4 months and their so good that the next day im already craving them all over again . Do give them a try and I can bet that you won't regret doing so lol!
Geno Villafano
Apr 23,2025
Best lobster roll I've had in CT (so far, I'm still exploring) but this one was absolutely stellar. Also tried the clam strips which were excellent. The only let down was their slaw. It is incredible underprepared both from a seasoning and fermentation point of view. It's hard and tasteless without much flavor, and when eating a bunch of fried fatty foods having a good acidic slaw really does wonders. So here's to hoping they can fix that, but tbh I'd go back every time just for the rolls and clams.
D M
Apr 20,2025
First time here and in CT all together. The guy was very welcoming. Let me try the lobster bisque which was excellent but too hot outside for soup at that moment. Hand delivered to my car with a smile. Brought back to the hotel and each pick was great! Shrimp and crab tacos were good. Hush puppies were probably my favorite.
Donna Dairocas
Mar 28,2025
Lobster roll absolutely delicious! It was warm and buttery and filled with lots of lobster on a medium roll. Thankfully not another "lobster roll" on a hotdog bun. Definitely recommend to anyone stopping by in the area for Foxwoods or Mohegan. This tastes way better than what they serve at the casino and at a reasonable price. The seafood platter and hush puppies were great. Fish was so light, compared to other places that over batter. I saw a few reviews bashing the coleslaw, but it was great. I prefer the healthier, vinegar based slaw, found at most bbq places. We hope to try their lobster bisque and clam chowder next season!

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