Fried clams? Hot Dogs? French Fries? Yes, please! Here’s our list of (local) fast food.

Cedar Lake Snack Shack
During the summer months, Cedar Lake Town Beach is for Chester residents and guests only, but anyone can hit the Snack Shack for breakfast, lunch or dinner and enjoy the view like a local. Under new ownership this summer, the tiny shack has had a major glow-up and the smash-burger is divine! (pictured above). Credit cards now accepted!
218 West Main Street, Chester
snackshackct.com

Flanders’ Crescent Beach Stand
Offering classic breakfasts, Ashlawn Farm Coffee and “New Wave Old School” selections (yes, avocado toast!), this is a serene and sweet spot for the first meal of the day. This option for breakfast, sans crowds, complete with a calming sea view is an idyllic start to the day.
37 Bayview Avenue, Niantic
flandersfish.com/the-stand

Shanks
You know the sort of summer place that just looks like a good time? That’s what you’ll find at Shanks. Order your fried seafood platters or fish tacos from the folks inside the lobster boat (with a fully functional commercial kitchen), then head to the upstairs deck for a stunning view of Clinton Harbor and sailboats bobbing on their moorings. Kid-friendly, BYOB.
131-c Grove Street, Clinton
shanksclinton.com

Wooden Monk
New York transplants will be thrilled to know that there is finally a spot to get the classic chopped cheese sandwich! Head to Wooden Monk, the bright orange food truck on Route 1 in Westbrook to order the addictive combo of ground beef, melted cheese, onions, lettuce and tomato on a grinder roll. If you’re not familiar, think deconstructed burger. And don’t miss Kelly’s all-beef hotdogs on grilled, buttered buns. We love the Buffalo!
747 Boston Post Road, Westbrook
(across from Haywire Burger Bar)
Facebook: Wooden Monk

The Anchor at Hays Haven
There’s a little treasure of a shack by the River serving handcut “fair fries”, juicy cheeseburgers, and rootbeer floats at Hays Haven Marina in Chester. Great for egg sammies (add hashbrowns!), homemade waffles, and Kombucha on tap, too. Check FB for “Burger Burn” details and hours all summer long.
59 Railroad Avenue, Chester
facebook.com/theanchorchester

Chris’ Dog House
I’m the girl at the barbecue, happily downing a hot dog while the rest are eating steak. It’s my summer go-to and I can’t pass by Chris’s stand in Deep River without a full stop. Besides the classic Hummel on a right-size and tasty bun (proportion is key here), there’s plenty more to order, like burgers, steak and cheese, kielbasa and red hots, but I can’t comment as I’ll always take that perfect summer dog.
Main Street, Deep River (Next to SOMA)

J&M Dockside
Brand spankin’ new this season! Brought to us by the team behind local favorites Bacari Social and Chow, you’ll find J&M Dockside at the Clinton Town Marina. Nosh on a variety from breakfast sandwiches and omelets to Smashburgers and lobster rolls. We loved the clam chowder and Chef Mike’s Classic Buffalo Wings!
37 Riverside Drive, Clinton
jmdockside.com

Simon’s Marketplace at Ballek’s
Simon’s Marketplace from Chester shares their baked goods, sandwiches, soups and coffee from a shipping container each summer! Visit Saturdays and Sundays, weather permitting.
90 Maple Avenue, East Haddam
simonsmarketplace.net

Clam Castle Featuring Taco Pacifico
We’ve been chasing the Taco Pacifico truck for as long as we can remember so we were delighted that they had taken over the Clam Castle in Madison last summer. Head here for all the clam shack’s summer standards PLUS lots of fresh tacos – including lobster and scallop. Don’t miss the churros and chocolate.
1324 Boston Post Road, Madison
clamcastlect.com

Lenny & Joe’s
Serving summery seafood since 1979, Lenny & Joe’s is a Shoreline standard for locals and tourists alike. The Westbrook location is full service/dine-in but the Madison spot has counter service and picnic tables plus ice cream and a carousel in back. We get our whole belly fried clams here!
1301 Boston Post Road, Madison
ljfishtale.com

Liv’s Shack
Get in line and order up a hot buttered lobster roll, overstuffed with fresh-from-the-shell chunks, on a buttery, toasted bun from Liv’s Oyster Bar’s seaside shack at the mouth of the CT River. Don’t pass up the hand-cut truffle (or Old Bay) fries! BYOB.
26 Bridge Street, Old Saybrook
livsshack.com

Johnny Ad’s
This roadside stand on Route 1 in Old Saybrook has been frying clams since 1957. You’ll need to get in line most hours of the day, but we’ll wait for the Fried Oyster Roll with fries. Ice Cream, too.
910 Boston Post Road, Old Saybrook
johnnyads.com

Edd’s Place
You may be expecting your typical snack shack at Edd’s, but NO. The menu is fresh and fantastic with the best home-baked biscuits on the Shoreline (with fried chicken!), Red Velvet French Toast, cheddar jalapeño grits, tacos and Lobster BLT’s for lunch, and plenty of other delicacies that Liz whips up in the tiny kitchen. Dinner, too.
478 Boston Post Road, Westbrook
eddsplacect.com

Kim’s Shore She Shed
Located at Harvey’s Beach in Old Saybrook (a favorite spot at low tide), you’ll find scrumptious lobster rolls (Market Price), Italian ice, Fried Dough with Marinara Sauce and Parmesan and lots more. There’s a parking fee for Harvey’s so let the attendant know you are coming for food at Kim’s and they will allow you in to the far side of the lot.
29 Plum Bank Road, Old Saybrook
facebook: Kim’s Food Truck