Local Loves: The Clam Box

It’s been a long time since I’ve had a “Local Loves” post that wasn’t about an abandoned/historic place or roadside oddity I sought out or stumbled upon when I went out exploring during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic- so to write about one of my favorite seafood restaurants that is still open and booming with business felt a little odd at first, really.

The Clam Box in Brookfield, Massachusetts has been a favorite local Summertime spot for seafood since it first opened in 1951. It’s not far from where I went to high school, so I have a lot of fond memories of heading over there during half days with my friends/classmates as the end of each school year drew closer or meeting there after a day at the beach for onion rings and ice cream. Their food is fresh, fried and filling- perfect for a cheat day- which I had earlier this week while I was in the area and craving some scallops and haddock.

Given the current social distancing protocols, there’s no dine in service at the moment- but there are lines established outside the window for to-go orders to keep people six feet apart while they wait- and the staff bring everything to your car when it’s done- lowering the risk of potential exposure with other guests. It’s a system many of us who have ordered takeout in recent months have grown accustomed to.

It’s been a long time since I’ve been to The Clam Box, so I went a little overboard and got a seafood platter (which is a little bit of everything) that I divided up for lunch over the course of two days. It was just as good as I remember, and even though it’s a bit out of my way- I’d like to take the time to go back, maybe even with friends if it’s ever possible again in our “new normal”- to have another Summertime treat.

xo