Best Clam Bars at the Jersey Shore
Fresh clams on the half shell, steamers, and chowder. Find the best clam bars from Sandy Hook to Cape May.
Clam Bars at the Jersey Shore
The Jersey Shore is clam country. From the back bays to the ocean, local waters produce some of the sweetest, freshest clams on the East Coast.
A proper Jersey Shore clam bar serves clams raw on the half shell, steamed with butter, in creamy chowder, and fried golden. Many are casual outdoor spots where you eat off paper plates with an ocean breeze.
The best clam bars source from local clammers who harvest daily. Look for littlenecks (small, tender, perfect raw) and cherrystones (medium, great raw or steamed).
Cape May County
Southern shore clam spots
Outdoor raw bar at Cape May's iconic fish market with fresh-shucked clams.
Boardwalk institution serving fried clams and steamers since the 1950s.
Fish market with raw bar serving ultra-fresh local clams.
Atlantic County
Back bay clam spots
Historic AC raw bar serving clams since 1897.
Elegant historic restaurant with premium raw bar.
Casual bayfront spot known for fresh steamers.
Ocean County
LBI and Barnegat Bay spots
LBI legend with excellent raw bar and harbor views.
No-frills clam shack with loyal local following.
Fish market with raw bar featuring locally-harvested clams.
Monmouth County
North Shore clam spots
Inlet Cafe
Riverside spot with fresh raw bar and casual atmosphere.
Bahrs Landing
Historic waterfront institution with full raw bar.
The Clam Hut
Classic no-frills clam shack with loyal following.
Clam Bar Tips
Know Your Clams
Littlenecks are small and tender. Cherrystones are medium. Top necks and chowder clams are larger and better cooked.
Raw Bar Etiquette
Clams on the half shell are served on ice. Add cocktail sauce, mignonette, or just lemon. Slurp from the shell.
Order Steamers Right
Steamer clams come with broth and butter. Swish in broth to remove sand, dip in butter, and enjoy.
Fresh is Best
The best clam bars source locally. Ask where their clams come from—Jersey clams are among the best.
FAQ
What is the difference between littlenecks and cherrystones?
Littlenecks are small (under 2 inches), tender, and perfect raw. Cherrystones are medium (2-3 inches), also good raw but slightly chewier. Top necks and chowder clams are larger and best cooked.
How do you eat clams on the half shell?
Raw clams on the half shell are served on ice. Add cocktail sauce, horseradish, mignonette (vinegar-shallot sauce), or just lemon. Loosen the clam and slurp directly from the shell.
What are steamer clams?
Steamers (soft-shell clams) are cooked clams served with broth and butter. Pull off the "neck" skin, swish in broth to remove any sand, dip in butter, and eat.
Is New Jersey known for good clams?
Yes! New Jersey clams, especially from Barnegat Bay and Delaware Bay, are prized for their sweet, briny flavor. Many restaurants source locally from Jersey clammers.
What is clams casino?
Clams casino is a classic preparation: clams on the half shell topped with butter, bell peppers, onion, bacon, and breadcrumbs, then broiled until golden.
Are clam bars BYOB?
Many casual clam bars are BYOB. Fancier raw bars typically have full liquor licenses. Always call ahead to confirm.