After a top-notch hot dog stand, a waterfront clam shack is my absolute favorite summer-time dining spot. And Connecticut’s shoreline has some incredible little clam — and lobster! — shacks that you have just got to try this summer.

This is casual dining at its best — flip flops, bathing suit, floppy hat, sitting on a warm picnic bench devouring incredible seafood with a cold drink, and with an ocean view.

Tell me you can’t smell the fried clam cakes already! Tell me you can’t taste that lobster roll already!

We have a number of these awesome shacks around the state but I’m going to give you the top 5 according to star reviews and sheer number of satisfied customers.

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#1 Rated: Captain Scott’s Lobster Dock

Located in New London, Captain Scott’s Lobster Dock has 4.6 stars and over 2700 reviews! Which explains the long lines at the quaint walk-up window where you can order a variety of seafood favorites, including chowders, soups, lobster rolls, and their awesome clam fritters.

#2 Rated: Stowe’s Seafood

Located in West Haven, Stowe’s Seafood has 4.6 stars and over 1700 reviews. This funky little shack serves not only your favorite fried seafood fare but also a variety of original sandwiches. Sit outside beneath their tiki umbrellas and watch the waves lap the beach. You can also step into their market and purchase fresh seafood to take home with you.

#3 Rated: Lobster Landing

Located in Clinton, Lobster Landing has 4.6 stars and over 1000 reviews. This tiny shack on the water serves the biggest lobster roll you’ve ever seen with mounds of lobster meat stuffed onto a large, toasted grinder roll. Seating is limited but you can sit on the dock and dangle your toes in the water while you enjoy the buttery amazing-ness of their lobster roll

#4 Rated: Donahue’s Clam Castle

Located in Madison, Donahue’s Clam Castle has 4.5 stars and over 800 reviews. Renowned for their people’s choice, award-winning New England clam chowder, the Clam Castle has an eclectic menu featuring your seafood favs plus other classics like a pulled-pork sandwich, fish tacos, and a lobster grilled cheese sandwich.

#5 Rated: Johnny’s Clam Shack

Located in Norwich, Johnny’s Clam Shack has 4.4 stars and just over 300 reviews. If driving to the shore is just a little too far, not to worry — Johnny’s brings the shore to Norwich. And it brings a taste of the south with their own original “hush puppies” as the must-have side dish you just can’t get anywhere else.

BONUS Shack: Up and Coming “Must Try”

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Liv’s Shack Old Saybrook only has 125 reviews but they’ve got 4.5 stars and they’re making a name for themselves not just on the traditional favorites like their hot, buttery lobster rolls or creamy clam chowders, but also for their specialty sides, like truffle fries and Old Bay fries, and their unique line of traditional soft drinks like white birch soda, cream soda, and grape from Foxon Park Sodas.

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