I'm shaking my head at the negative reviews: "They don't take credit cards, I had to wait, there's no menu, I can't sit at the bar, it was so busy . . ." There's a cash machine, the menu is on the wall, wait your turn like everyone else, it's busy because it's small and good. Advice: Inhale deeply and look out the window at the marsh or come "off peak". Yeesh. I have been going to clam shacks up and down the NE coast since I was a kid (and I'm 68). Farnham's is a great "no frills" restaurant with excellent food and great New England people. It brings me back to another time. Please don't change. read more

Wonderful place- went for the whole belly clams and they were delicious!- I also had to try the seafood chowder- amazing!- there was lobster, scallops, clams and fish in a savory broth- well worth it- and the view outside was very soothing- calm and serene- really enjoyed myself- great old school vibe read more

Their lobster rolls and fried clams were so fresh and delicious that we drove all the way from Boston to JT's again the next day. And the view of the marsh was just serene and calm, a nice way to just rewind and admire the outdoors (while devouring delicious seafood, of course), after a long day of work. My kind of therapy. read more

JT Farnham's - Buttered Lobster Roll, Fried Clams, and Seafood Chowder - Seafood Near Me - Essex, Massachusetts

Went last week,food was too greasy,(new Owners),not the same,nothing like before, will not be back,sorry

Still the best fried whole belly clams around. Can't go up to Crane Beach without stopping by - get the tarter sauce! It's sooo good with the clams - The inside has AC! Hallelujah! - cash only! Bring lots of it cause it's expensive - ATM located inside - boat in/out - order your food and sit inside or out. If your outside they'll call over the speaker to pickup - They've had a makeover and redid the outside front area and added umbrella's spots on the water The parking still isn't great but the city is in the process of putting in a sidewalk read more

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Best full bellied clams in Essex County. Beautiful surroundings. Prompt polite service.

Without a doubt, my favorite place to get fried seafood on the North Shore. It's your classic New England fish shack, so don't expect any frills. Just expect good, fresh seafood that is expertly prepared. For my taste, the whole belly clams always have just the right amount of belly... not too much, not to little. The scallops are tender. The fish is often excellent, though the fillets can be a little thin at times. They have a pretty good onion ring, too. But, the best part is that they manage their frying oil very well, not just in terms of keeping it fresh, but in the way they get the temperature just right. The seafood never feels overly greasy or excessively heavy even being deep fried. Definitely give this place a try. read more

This place is owned by a bunch of money-grubbing pieces of shit. They only accept cash, have a $2.00 fee to use their ATM, and charge $5 for a bottled water. They will look at you like you're from another planet if you sit down at the bar and try to order and not even understand the basic requirement of the customer having a menu in hand. The food is exactly the same as every other place that buys food from Sysco but costs 5x as much because ESSEX. Ok? You got a problem with that? read more

The best clams ever! Nice environment! Great food!! Great staff! love Farnham's! Please support this wonderful business! read more

Fresh high quality fried seafood and lobster rolls. Better than woodman's and much less crowded.

2023 visit remembrance, reminding me that we got to get out there again this season! Our original intent was to hit Roy Moore's in Rockport in early November for 3 lobsters for $50, but unfortunately they were already closed for the 2023 season (early April sometime thru October), so we made our way to Ipswich. JT Farnham's is smaller than Woodsman with a smaller parking lot. But they had a seagull who lay claim to one of their tables along the marsh. And we settled ourselves at one of the tables along their restaurant, where we were slightly protected against the wind. A quart $30 of their seafood chowder was rather thin, but had a good number of whole scallops and shrimp besides the rest of the seafood bits and potatoes. Cups and spoons were available for sharing. The Fishermen's combo $40 was great for sharing with at least five huge scallops and perhaps the same in whole large shrimp besides the large tender fish fillet, and heap of whole belly clams, fries, and onion rings. The seafood was fresh and the fry job was good. We stretched out our stomachs to wipe out two heaping orders between the five of us (the fifth being a youngun). The door was tough to open from the inside. A single accessible bathroom was available, with an ATM just by the back door. Cash only. read more

It's a nice little spot with some great seafood. The shop is small but does offer indoor seating. The sodas are canned and not fountain drinks. Overall a great experience. read more

JT Farnham's - Fishermans Combo - Seafood Near Me - Essex, Massachusetts

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Best fried clams you will ever have, cash only. Limited parking across the street. Only few tables inside.

Please read this review, Farnhams was a disappointment, incredibly long wait and expensive for greasy canola fried food without any flavor. Needed salted and seasonings. The clam chowder also was void of flavor. I have problem spending money on if if it's delicious. I will not be going back unless they decide to upgrade their recipe. read more

Yummy food especially the Fish Tacos. We get them every time we come to be either family at Conomo Point!! Never a long wait and the staff are kind and helpful!! read more

Lobster rolls in a casual roadside restaurant. Situated alongside salt marsh on both sides of the road. Why pay more down the road when Farnham's is delicious? Limited menu for beer and wine. read more

JT Farnham's - Seafood Near Me - Essex, Massachusetts

I thought taking my wife for Mother's Day. We waited an hour and a half. We showed up at 6:30pm. The lady behind the counter never mentioned the time frame. On countless occasions I asked for an update on my family's order and all I got was the takeout slider closed on my face. There were two employees who appeared to understand our situation. They did try to help but the kitchen was backed up. I have been to Farnham's on several times and can't see myself going back. read more

The restaurant is small. You order at the counter. Food is served on paper plates. I said that because you shouldn't expect it to be "fancy". However, the food is delicious! I got the fisherman's plate and my husband got the warm lobster roll. The seafood is super fresh. The batter is great and the coleslaw is tasty. The staff is friendly and helpful. I thought it was excellent! Also, they only take cash or check but there is an atm on site. read more

What happened to this place? Last 2 times going there I was disappointed, once everything was over cooked and today it was less than average. Fried clams chewy, scallops had a funny texture, fish overcooked even the onion rings and fries were bad. Taking this place out of the rotation for a while. read more

Great food, very fast service. Very large portions. We went for a Saturday lunch and wanted to try someplace new, and came across JT Farnham's. Overall great experience. Our party of seven had the fish combo, haddock plate, shrimp plate, fish sandwich, and a few other items. Everything came out hot and fresh. read more

These were the perfect fried clam bellies. Just the right balance of sweetness and sea taste to these. You can tell the difference between fresh Ipswich clams and everyone else. They were simple. Therefore this review will be equally simple. They're the best I've had and that's all I got to say about that. read more

JT Farnham's - Seafood Near Me - Essex, Massachusetts

This is our after beach stop for seafood. Every thing we have ordered has been fresh & crispy. Fried clams, chowder ( clam and seafood), fried haddock, fried shrimp and a hot dog for the kid. Busy on weekends around 5 pm. Cash only. Worth it! Yes you wait in line to order but they are very accommodating! read more

Perfect spot to sit outside and enjoy the view ... the food was ok .. not worth a trip back .

This review has been a long time coming but simply said, I will not be returning to Farnham's. This was a place I would take my mom for an afternoon lunch of our yearly fried clams or scallops. This time around, well we ordered the clam chowder and it was bland and runny. The fried clams and scallops were just tasteless and bland as if everything was this little clam shack was had been tossed out the window with new ownership. I don't know the back story but either new management or ownership which seemed to have just ruined what was a really nice little clam shack. Prices are far too expensive across the board for friend seafood to give a location a third try. It's a nice little location but the magic is gone with quality and taste alongside it. read more

Stopped by of Father's Day and a mistake... Long line but moved fast for ordering but very extremely slow for pick up ... he layout is dumb Counter is not set up correctly... wasted counter seats as can't sit there with line coming in the door? Move counter back to allow seating ? Or move ordering counter to outside window ... the window that is by ordering counter should open up to be outside ordering window or exit door after ordering... need more outdoor seating, umbrellas, Parking?? Needs to purchase adjacent lot or something? Dangerous crossing and parking and police ticket I heard the state side of road? Needed more kitchen help as ordered only came out one at time every 15-30 minutes??? I wouldn't wait again...ordered two combo clams and scallops, cup clam chowder, can soda... 41 bucks Chowder was abundant with clams but watery, no taste.. needed cream, butter and pepper ? Last time much better... Fried clams no taste to batter, better last visit last year Scallops were very good , batter no taste better last year Onion rings... needed salt in batter ... were better last year Cole slaw definitely changed since last year and awful... Was fresh, no creamy pepper or taste ... bland dry blend of fresh cabbage...I made my own at home with same cabbage and recipe had a bit sugar, spices and a mayonnaise vinegar mix and taste moist and flavors... Very disappointed this year as a regular for 20 years+ I liked JT Farnhams as clams were sweet tasting, onion ring batter with a crunch, creamy clam chowder vs watery, coke slaw with tasty dressing .., So; I think they cutting of ingredients that cost money like cream, clams I am not sure Ipswich fresh ?? Or new owner trying things different or clueless what food tasted like before? So to say... I need to try Essex seafood down street as reviews seem good . Woodmans, Clam box always options but I preferred JT Farnham as clams were sweeter tasting, and bellies attached but empty... Not this visit... I'm trying a new spot next time . read more

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The seafood was incredibly fresh, and I highly recommend the fisherman's platter for its great variety. I usually find fried seafood to be overly oily or salty, but this was perfectly balanced. The fried clams and seafood chowder were especially delicious, it was definitely worth every penny. There is also the option for outdoor seating if you are looking for a pet friendly place to dine. read more

We ordered a med. clam box to go for 40.00. When we got home it was a small box of so-called fried clams bits. Not even clam strips and forget about clam belly's and the oil was smelly old. total rip off. read more

Disappointed, 2 visits in the past 2 months, 2nd to give it another chance....been going to Farnhams for 30 years: chowder now has no flavor, their batter is not the same, it used to be light. We will not give it a third chance. Better choices in the area for what is not inexpensive fried food. read more

I recently revisited JT Farnham's (as I usually do after my family's annual beginning to Spring/Summer Whale Watch trip) and as usual had a great experience with the girl at the counter. I asked for a printed MENU and was told "they don't have any" and was given her only reference MENU. My wife & I ordered and had to pay with Cash (because they STILL haven't added modern technology to accommodate their cardholding customers). We ordered the Fisherman's Plate and side orders of Clam Strips To-Go, but the assistant woman who called out the order kept saying Fish Plate and we ended feeling like it was an awful long wait for our order. Well, it turned out that she had our order but it wasn't bagged up to go. So, we asked for bags and did it ourselves. We ended up eating outside because Seafood doesn't really travel too well. Well, here's the reason for the 1 Star, the food looked great but it was just bland. I don't use Salt and I used it this time. Not only did I use it, but I used a lot of Salt. So, that should draw a better picture of just how bland it tasted. I also used a lot of Pepper. This place was the absolute best at one time, but I think when ownership changed the high standards once held also changed. My last couple of visits were also disappointing, so I won't be revisiting this place going forward. This is SAD because I've been going there for the last 12 years or so. I had given a great review at one point and ownership doesn't recognize their happy customers. They really need to learn to appreciate those who are lining their pockets and doing it regularly. read more

There is no sense of urgency in this place. Waiting over an hour in a half for a plate of fried clams is insane. While waiting, a guy pulls up and says he called in an order at 5 they told him to pick up at 6:20. He showed up at 6:30 and they said 15-20 more mins. How?! It wasn't even that busy! The lady that takes the order doesn't even let you know you could be waiting forever because they want your money. The food is ok but not worth any type of wait. There's 100 more places in the area you can go and get the same quality and faster service. read more

Best whole belly fried clams on the planet!! I drive almost an hour to go there, passing many "almost as good" spots, to enjoy Farnham's clams and view. read more

first time stopping in here while in the area. Food was fresh and delicious! the ambiance was amazing, service was incredible, and everyone on staff had the best attitudes! 10/10 recommend! read more

This is our go to place if we're really craving good fried clams. The service is great and the view is beautiful.

Would love to give it 5 stars but the order of a pint of scallops were soggy and literally fell out of the oil-filled bottom of the box and bag. Thank goodness we ate it there and it was on a plastic tray. Can you imagine if it was in the car?! On the plus side, they weren't overcooked. The rest of the meal was great - lobster roll (no celery, but meaty, fresh lobster meat on a New England hot dog roll); and fisherman's platter (shrimp, clams with belly, scallops, fish fillet, onion rings, french fries) with a side of cole slaw. Not sure why the scallops in the fisherman's platter were cooked significantly better than the simple order of fried scallops. Fisherman's platter was maybe $34. Lobster roll about $20. Scallops about $20 because the order came to about $80. Needed to order another fisherman's platter because we like the variety and my family included 2 seniors, 2 adults, 2 teens. When I went a couple of months ago, they accepted credit cards, but they do not accept them now. The staff said the credit card machine crapped out. So, bring CASH. They have an ATM but it's not a bank one. If you're lucky to get a parking space, you can eat at one of the picnic tables outside or eat in their dining room (order your food first then pickup and eat at your table). There's a staff person sitting outside and wiping down the table after the customers leave. Great view of the marsh. I went on Tuesday, 7/21 at lunch time. read more

Delicious!!!! Lobster Bisque is outstanding. Fried clams were tender and cooked perfectly. Staff is so kind and extremely pleasant read more

Stopped in June 2023 this week before the Fourth of July. Had a delicious clam plate meal. Clams are tough to get these days and so the market price is a little high. But for the price, there are a lot on the plate. I ordered a clam plate with noodles and fries. There was more than enough food for me to eat, in fact, too much. I filled up quickly with the clams and the noodles. Had a few of the fries but was full. There was a beautiful breeze when we arrived outside. Very nice people that worked here for our visit. Would definitely come back another time. read more

JT Farnham's - Clam plate - Seafood Near Me - Essex, Massachusetts

Can't go wrong here. Perfect clams and lobster rolls. Sat outside watching a seagull play with a tartar sauce cup on the mudflat. Awesome.

This place has been here forever. Right on the Essex river and 133. You order at the counter and pick it up and enjoy. We ordered the chowdah and 2 combo plate and shared this. More then enough food for both of us. Very home like inside with kitchen table and chairs. Great local place read more

JT Farnham's - Clam chowdah yum. Full of clams, the broth not to thick or thin. - Seafood Near Me - Essex, Massachusetts

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Great local well-known eat in the rough seafood place. I have been coming here since I was a child and have never had a bad meal. We even ordered a lot of takeout during Covid so we wouldn't miss out on their great seafood. The only thing I wish they still had is Filet of Sole which they took off their menu, unfortunately. read more

Tried and true year after year this seafood shack in Essex MA is the place to go for your fried seafood fix on the north shore. Great haddock chowder and also broiled seafood options and sandwiches are available if the fried seafood thing isn't your jam. It's not summer around here without a pilgrimage to Farnhams! read more