Unearth The Voyage
Rhode Island takes clam cakes seriously. These golden, doughy balls of fried perfection are packed with bits of briny clam and served piping hot at seaside shacks, drive-ins, and dockside spots all over the state. Forget fancy restaurants or trendy food halls; the best clam cakes come from places where you order at a window, eat with your hands, and don’t mind a little grease on your fingers. Here are 15 no-frills Rhode Island institutions where clam cakes are the star of the show.
1. Iggy’s Doughboys & Chowder House (Warwick + Narragansett)
When Rhode Islanders think of clam cakes, Iggy’s is often the first name that comes to mind. With two locations in Warwick and Narragansett, this place has built a reputation on serving up crispy, doughy clam cakes alongside bowls of creamy chowder. The atmosphere is loud, busy, and filled with families fresh from the beach.
Iggy’s keeps things simple. You order at the counter, grab your basket, and settle in at a picnic table. The clam cakes here are dense and flavorful, with plenty of clam chunks in every bite.
People return year after year because the quality stays consistent. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Iggy’s delivers exactly what you expect from a classic Rhode Island seafood spot.
2. Aunt Carrie’s (Narragansett / Point Judith)
Aunt Carrie’s has been around since 1920, and it still feels like stepping back in time. Located near Point Judith, this spot is all about tradition. The menu is straightforward, and clam cakes are front and center.
Many visitors don’t even make it inside before tearing into their order. The clam cakes are hot, salty, and satisfying in a way that makes you understand why people have been coming here for generations. The vibe is casual, the portions are generous, and the location right by the water makes it even better.
Aunt Carrie’s doesn’t try to be trendy or fancy. It just does what it’s always done, and that’s exactly why people love it. If you’re craving authentic Rhode Island clam cakes, this is a must-visit.
3. Flo’s Clam Shack (Middletown) + Flo’s Drive-In (Portsmouth)
Flo’s is more than just a place to eat. It’s a Rhode Island experience. With locations in Middletown and Portsmouth, Flo’s has been serving up summer seafood staples for decades. Clam cakes are a big part of the menu, and they’re made the old-fashioned way.
The shacks have that nostalgic, retro vibe that makes you feel like you’re in a different era. Orders come out fast, and the clam cakes are crispy on the outside with a soft, flavorful center. Pair them with chowder or fried clams, and you’ve got a classic Rhode Island meal.
Flo’s is the kind of place where you go with family, sit outside, and enjoy the simplicity of good food. It’s unpretentious, reliable, and always hits the spot.
4. Dune Brothers (Providence)
Not every great clam cake spot is by the ocean. Dune Brothers brings the seafood shack experience right into the city of Providence. The vibe is casual and welcoming, with a menu that celebrates Rhode Island’s coastal food culture.
Clam cakes here are made fresh and served hot. They’re packed with flavor and have that perfect balance of crispy edges and tender insides. The restaurant has a loyal local following, and it’s easy to see why once you take your first bite.
Dune Brothers proves you don’t need a beachfront location to serve top-notch clam cakes. The focus is on quality ingredients and honest cooking. Whether you’re a Providence resident or just visiting, this spot deserves a stop on your clam cake tour.
5. Blount Clam Shack (Warren)
Blount Clam Shack in Warren is a seafood lover’s dream. The menu is loaded with fresh catches, and clam cakes are a standout item. This spot has a relaxed, no-nonsense atmosphere that makes it perfect for a casual lunch or dinner.
The clam cakes are made to order, which means they arrive at your table piping hot and perfectly golden. Each one is loaded with tender clam pieces and seasoned just right. Locals know this place well, and it’s a favorite among families looking for a reliable meal.
Blount doesn’t overcomplicate things. The focus is on fresh seafood and classic Rhode Island flavors. If you’re in Warren and craving clam cakes, this is the place to go. It’s simple, satisfying, and worth the trip.
6. Monahan’s Clam Shack (Narragansett)
Monahan’s is a seasonal gem that operates from April through October, and it’s built around the Rhode Island tradition of clam cakes and chowder. Located in Narragansett, this spot is all about keeping things simple and delicious.
The clam cakes here are crispy, flavorful, and made with care. They’re the perfect companion to a bowl of creamy chowder, especially on a breezy day near the water. The shack has a laid-back vibe, and the staff keeps things moving quickly even during busy summer rushes.
Monahan’s is the kind of place where you know exactly what you’re getting, and that’s part of the charm. It’s unpretentious, affordable, and focused on doing one thing really well. When clam cake season rolls around, this is where you want to be.
7. Champlin’s Seafood Deck (Narragansett / Galilee)
Champlin’s Seafood Deck is pure Galilee chaos in the best possible way. Boats bob in the water nearby, seagulls circle overhead, and the smell of fried seafood fills the air. Clam cakes have their own section on the menu, which tells you everything you need to know about their importance here.
The deck is always busy, especially during peak season, but that’s part of the experience. The clam cakes are hot, crispy, and perfectly seasoned. They’re best enjoyed outside with a view of the harbor and a cold drink in hand.
Champlin’s also runs a fish market that stays open year-round, so you know this place is serious about seafood. It’s loud, lively, and full of character. If you want the full Rhode Island dockside experience, this is it.
8. George’s of Galilee (Narragansett / Galilee)
George’s of Galilee is bigger than your typical clam shack, but it still holds onto that authentic Rhode Island seafood vibe. Located right in the heart of Galilee, this spot puts clam cakes and chowder front and center on the menu.
The restaurant has more seating than most shacks, which makes it a great option for larger groups or families. The clam cakes are consistently good, with a crispy exterior and a soft, flavorful inside. They’re made fresh throughout the day, so you’re always getting a quality product.
George’s has been around for a long time, and it’s easy to see why it’s still popular. The location is unbeatable, the food is reliable, and the atmosphere is relaxed. If you’re exploring Galilee’s seafood scene, this is a solid stop.
9. Jimmy’s Port Side (Narragansett)
Jimmy’s Port Side is a local classic that sits right on the water in Narragansett. The menu proudly labels their clam cakes as famous, and once you try them, you’ll understand why. This is the kind of place where you can watch the boats come in while you eat.
The clam cakes are made fresh and served hot. They’re crispy, golden, and loaded with clam flavor. The casual, on-the-water setting makes every meal feel like a mini vacation, even if you’re just grabbing a quick lunch.
Jimmy’s Port Side doesn’t need to do anything fancy to stand out. The combination of great food, a perfect location, and a relaxed vibe is more than enough. It’s a favorite among locals and visitors alike, and it’s easy to see why people keep coming back.
10. Anthony’s Seafood (Middletown)
Anthony’s Seafood in Middletown is a straightforward spot where clam cakes are part of the everyday menu. It’s not flashy, and it doesn’t need to be. The focus here is on fresh seafood and classic Rhode Island staples.
The clam cakes are listed as their own item, which shows they’re taken seriously. They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and full of clam pieces. You can order them by the half dozen or dozen, depending on how hungry you are.
Anthony’s also functions as a fish market, so you know the seafood is fresh. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, and the staff is friendly. If you’re in Middletown and want a no-fuss clam cake experience, this is a great choice. It’s simple, affordable, and satisfying.
11. Evelyn’s Drive-In (Tiverton)
Evelyn’s Drive-In has that old-school charm that makes you feel like you’ve traveled back in time. Located in Tiverton, this spot serves up classic Rhode Island fare, including chowder and clam cakes. The drive-in vibe adds to the fun.
The clam cakes here are made fresh and come out hot and crispy. They’re the perfect snack or side dish, and they pair beautifully with a bowl of creamy Rhode Island chowder. The menu is simple, but everything is done well.
Evelyn’s is the kind of place where you can pull up, order at the window, and enjoy your meal in the car or at a picnic table. It’s nostalgic, unpretentious, and delicious. If you’re in the area, it’s definitely worth a stop for some classic clam cakes.
12. Amaral’s Fish & Chips (Warren)
Amaral’s Fish & Chips in Warren is a local favorite that keeps things refreshingly simple. The menu is focused on fried seafood, stuffies, and of course, clam cakes. This spot doesn’t try to be anything it’s not, and that’s exactly why people love it.
The clam cakes are crispy, flavorful, and made to order. They’re the kind of food that reminds you why Rhode Island’s seafood culture is so special. The portions are generous, and the prices are fair.
Amaral’s has a loyal following in Warren, and it’s easy to see why once you take your first bite. The focus is on quality ingredients and straightforward cooking. If you’re looking for a no-frills spot to enjoy some great clam cakes, this is it. It’s honest, delicious, and totally satisfying.
13. Quito’s Restaurant (Bristol)
Quito’s Restaurant in Bristol started as a clam shack, and it still proudly serves up the classics. The menu includes clam cakes in half dozen and dozen options, which shows they’re a core part of what Quito’s is all about.
The clam cakes here are crispy, golden, and packed with flavor. They’re made fresh throughout the day, so you’re always getting a hot, delicious product. The restaurant has a casual, welcoming vibe that makes it perfect for families or groups of friends.
Quito’s has grown over the years, but it hasn’t lost touch with its roots. The focus is still on serving great Rhode Island seafood in a relaxed setting. If you’re in Bristol and craving clam cakes, this is a solid choice that won’t disappoint.
14. Rocky Point Clam Shack (Warwick)
Rocky Point Clam Shack in Warwick is the definition of no-frills. This is a grab-and-go kind of spot where the focus is entirely on the food. Clam cakes and chowder are the main attractions, and they’re done well.
The clam cakes here are hot, crispy, and full of clam flavor. They’re simple, but that’s the point. You order at the window, pick up your food, and enjoy it wherever you like. There’s no pretense, no fancy decor, just good food made the way it should be.
Rocky Point Clam Shack is a local favorite for a reason. It’s affordable, reliable, and delivers exactly what you’re looking for when you want classic Rhode Island clam cakes. If you’re in Warwick, this spot is worth a visit.
15. Tommy’s World Famous Clam Shack (Warwick)
Tommy’s World Famous Clam Shack in Warwick lives up to its name. This straightforward seafood spot has a menu that explicitly calls out clam cakes, and they’re made fresh throughout the day. The shack has posted hours and a loyal local following.
The clam cakes at Tommy’s are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with plenty of clam pieces in every bite. They’re the kind of food that makes you understand why Rhode Island is famous for clam cakes in the first place. The setup is simple, the service is fast, and the quality is consistent.
Tommy’s doesn’t overcomplicate things, and that’s part of its charm. It’s a no-nonsense spot where you know you’re getting good food at a fair price. If you’re in Warwick and want some world-famous clam cakes, this is the place to go.
