How to Eat at Ted's Fried Clams in Maine

This is the small serving of clams

In Maine, roadside clam shacks serve up wonderful seafood. Ted's Fried Clams draws locals and visitors from far and wide. Here's how to treat yourself to this New England standby.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• a good appetite
• a craving for seafood
• a map of Maine

1. 

   First find your way to the southern part of Maine to the hamlet of Shapleigh. It's north of Kennebunk, Wells and Ogunquit. Follow route 109 north from Sanford, Maine. From Sanford to Ted's in Shapleigh is about seven miles. You can incorporate lunch at Ted's into a day of antiquing or leaf peeping or just make Ted's your destination and enjoy the scenery along the way.

2. Order meals here

   Decide on your portion size of fried or baked seafood and some sides like onion rings. Also available are dinners which usually include cole slaw and french fries. Order at the counter.
   If you want steamers, lobster, or chowder, those are ordered at a different window.

3. 

   At the window beyond the dining room, order fish chowder, clam chowder or lobster stew. This is also where you order and pay for a lobster or steamed clams.

4. main dining room

   Find a table and enjoy your hot chowder while waiting for your number to be called for anything you ordered at the front counter. Go to the pick-up counter for your tray of food.

5. cup of clam chowder with oyster crackers

   Enjoy the flavorful chowders and lightly breaded clams or scallops. Ted's has years of experience and it shows in just-right seafood.

6. ice cream counter

   If you aren't too filled up, there's ice cream (available at a separate counter in a room adjacent to the main counter).

7. 

   The decor is minimal, but take a look at the lobster tank and at the photos of Ted's Fried Clams showing its evolution from a small stand to the good-sized restaurant that it is now.

8. original Ted's Fried Clams

   The original clam stand is in the parking lot. Take a look at the amazing prices from back then (as you head out to your car).

Tips & Warnings

• If you want water with your meal, get a plastic cup and fill it at the dispenser near the pick-up counter

• The restaurant keeps limited hours during the winter. Check ahead before driving far.

• The food is not "lite" fare. Be prepared to indulge.