Social Profile: 
![]()
✔️Breakfast ✔️Brunch ✔️Lunch ✔️Dinner ✔️Dine in ✔️Take out ✔️Delivery
… View more
Crowds line up at this 1914 seafood specialist with a no-frills, counter-serve setup & big portions.
Hours
| Sunday | 11 AM–8 PM |
| Monday | 11 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 11 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 11 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM–8 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 119 Main St, Essex, MA 01929
Phone: (978) 768-6451
Website: http://www.woodmans.com/
Menu Photos
Photo Gallery
Related Web Results
Woodman’s of Essex | Clambakes, Lobster & New England Catering
Since 1914, Woodman’s of Essex has been serving legendary fried clams, lobster, clambakes, and New England catering for events of all sizes.
Woodman’s of Essex | Essex MA – Facebook
Opened in 1914 as a roadside clam shack by “Chubby” and Bessie Woodman, this year-round seafood restaurant continues to serve award- winning clam chowder, fresh …
Woodmans of Essex (@woodmans_of_essex) – Instagram
10K followers · 2.3K+ posts · Most iconic restaurant in Boston area.
Reviews
Eric DeMello
First time visiting. I was surprised by the prices on the menu until the food was ready. The plates of good were huge!!! I had the scallops and haddock. Having lived in New England for 30 + years, I can say this was the best seafood I have ever had. Hands down the best! My wife said the same about her clam strips. They come with a mountain of fries AND onion rings. They are also gluten free for the most part. The next time we are in the area, we will be back!
… moreKristian Kimble
Had this place on my bucket list for over a year. Followed their site and reviews. Flew in for the Hampton Beach, NH seafood festival and stopped in on the way up. Town and venue were great. Vast selections available on their menu. I was honestly taken back by their prices. I grew up in New England and know what the average costs run based on season & demand. It appeared this location was seriously taken advantage of visitors coming in to visit their historic restaurant. Their new england chowder was plentiful with clam, potatoes and spice but was watery vs creamy. Their lobster rolls were delicious along with their sweet potato fries and fried belly clams. Their onion rings were large but lacked taste in the breading. There was an optional bar for beverages but again were over priced.
All in all, the location was nice, food was OK, but was very discouraged by prices ($41 for a basic lobster roll)…smh
3***
… moreAll in all, the location was nice, food was OK, but was very discouraged by prices ($41 for a basic lobster roll)…smh
3***
Daborah Bray
The food at Woodman’s is excellent! The clam platter is the best!! and it comes with french fries and the most delicious onion rings!!! The service is great and they are super fast at filling the orders!!! We have been enjoying Woodman’s for many years now!!! And although the restaurant is always very busy, we’ve never had to wait very long because they are super fast and there’s plenty of room for seating.
… moreFrank M
Meh… This place was way overpriced. The lobster roll was not great but the chowder was pretty decent. Atmosphere was pretty dull and we felt like we were just a number being pushed through the system. We were told that this was the best place to get a Lobster roll and bowl of chowder, but for $60 per person? Pass…
… moreMathias Irmer
I asked the at the front desk which of the options are made of local seafood. He said, just the clams are local. Assuming the other options are likely made of frozen ingredients then. So I didn’t take the fish but the clams plate. On the picture you can see what you get for 43 $. Its quite oily, nothing really to taste from the inside.
I would consider this a tourist trap but this is just my humble opinion as European.
Its now 5 hours since we ate there but I still didn’t got the oily taste out of my mouth.
… moreI would consider this a tourist trap but this is just my humble opinion as European.
Its now 5 hours since we ate there but I still didn’t got the oily taste out of my mouth.
Paul Rogers
We stop here each time we are in town. Historic fried clams! They were great, not greasy and full of flavor. We also enjoyed the pumpkin ale with the cinnamon rim!
… moreElena Castle
If you love history with your seafood, Woodman’s of Essex is a must — these folks have been shucking and frying since 1914, and it shows! The rustic interior feels like stepping into a New England postcard, and the outdoor seating area has a front-row seat to the river. Perfect setting for a lobster roll, which, by the way, was out of this world.
Service was snappy and friendly overall, though I did have a small hiccup at the beverage stand when I asked for water for my four-legged dining companion. Let’s just say the woman wasn’t entirely convinced I was accompanied by a pooch. (Photo evidence attached — yes, she exists, and yes, she’s adorable ).
Still, nothing could dampen the charm of this place. Between the view, the history, and those rolls loaded with lobster, Woodman’s is a gem that’ll keep me coming back.
… moreService was snappy and friendly overall, though I did have a small hiccup at the beverage stand when I asked for water for my four-legged dining companion. Let’s just say the woman wasn’t entirely convinced I was accompanied by a pooch. (Photo evidence attached — yes, she exists, and yes, she’s adorable ).
Still, nothing could dampen the charm of this place. Between the view, the history, and those rolls loaded with lobster, Woodman’s is a gem that’ll keep me coming back.
Kenn
Fried clams for sure worth the try! The steamed ones have a lot of sand in the clams so be careful! Nice New England tradition
… moreP.S Tee
Was hoping for a mind blowing experience. Food was Mid, you have to order your drink separately, condiments were sad, all the fried stuff tastes the same, and it’s only in business because of nostalgia. The ketchup was the most flavorful thing I tasted. It’s too expensive to taste so bland. We had the lobster roll with butter, oyster cakes, fries, and calamari. Parking was great
… moreLauren Omartian
Motown tunes fill the air as one approaches this renowned eatery featuring seafood in the rough. I had the fish and chips–fresh, hot, delicious! Counter service is warm, down-to-earth and efficient. I do find myself wishing there were a few more vegetable and dessert offerings to round out one’s meal; the ice cream shop out back has been closed when I’ve visited.
… more