10 great places to snack at a seafood shack

July 13, 2012

Come summertime, your best meal may come from a shack. Seafood dives dot the coasts, offering not only fresh off-the-boat fare, but a laid-back atmosphere where you often order from a window and eat outside. "They are literally shacks, a lot of them," says Mike Urban, author of Lobster Shacks: A Road Guide to New England's Best Lobster Joints (Countryman Press, $18.95). "They're whimsical, funky places." He shares some favorite shacks around his native New England and further afield with Larry Bleiberg for USA TODAY.

The Clam Shack

Kennebunkport, Maine

Although it has clam in its name, you come to this tiny New England institution for lobster rolls, says Urban. Served on a simple toasted hamburger bun, the filling is made from just-out-of-the-shell meat that's iced down. "It makes all the difference in the world in terms of freshness," he says. 207-967-2560; theclamshack.net

Splash Café

Pismo Beach, Calif.

This Central California spot is best known for its made-from-scratch clam chowder served in a bread bowl, Urban says. They'll even ship it frozen. But you can't go wrong with the fish tacos, either. Look for the brightly painted walls and the line of hungry patrons. "This is a cool little place, very colorful." 805-773-4653; splashcafe.com

Brown's Lobster Pound

Seabrook, N.H.

This massive seafood shack boils its lobsters in seawater with ears of corns and potatoes. "It gives it a nice salty flavor," Urban says. Guests order at a counter and wait for their number to be called. The restaurant is BYOB and Urban suggests grabbing a table on the deck in time for sunset over the Blackwater River. 603-474-3331; brownslobsterpound.com

Alabama Jacks

Key Largo, Fla.

The standouts at this lively floating shack are conch fritters and fried-fish sandwiches. But Urban is just as enthusiastic about the crowds. On weekends, you'll often find a live band and locals dancing on the wooden floors. "It's a crazy, fun place and the food is wonderful," he says. 305-248-8741

The Clam Box

Ipswich, Mass.

It's hard to go wrong when you're dining along Massachusetts Route 133, informally known as the "clam highway." But Urban favors this institution, which he calls a "titan of the fried clam." The secret is that the bivalves are fried in animal fat, not vegetable oil. It may not be as healthy, but "it makes all the difference in the flavor." 978-356-9707; ipswichma.com/clambox

Yacht Basin Provision Company

Southport, N.C.

While the grouper salad sandwich and steamed shrimp are excellent, both should be accompanied by an icy beer, Urban says. Drinks are served on the honor system and recorded on an index card. Located along a shipping channel, it's a place where you can spend an afternoon watching the vessels go by. 910-457-0654; provisioncompany.com

Abbott's Lobster in the Rough

Noank, Conn.

This is the place to order a hot lobster roll, a regional variation on the dish that's usually served cold, Urban says. At Abbott's it is made with melted butter and served on a toasted buttered roll. In addition, the crustaceans are low-steamed instead of boiled. The process brings out the flavor of the meat, Urban says. 860-536-7719; abbotts-lobster.com

The Original Mo's

Newport, Ore.