Fried clams? Hot Dogs? French Fries? Yes, please! 

Here’s our list of (local) fast food. 

The Anchor at Hays Haven
A favorite for seasonal breakfast and lunch, we head to the Hays Haven Marina for homemade corned beef hash and eggs, a cheesy Monte Cristo (an amalgam of sweet French toast, ham and cheese, dusted with confectioners sugar and dipped in maple syrup!), plus egg sandwiches, waffles and all the sides. Yum!  You’ll find a few cozy tables and dining nook inside and more outside at this family-friendly spot.
61 Railroad Avenue, Chester 
theanchorchester.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 and fried chicken on the Shoreline. The menu ranges from hot dogs to lobster pie 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 (fun at low tide), you’ll find lobster rolls, Italian ice, fried pretzels, lobster grilled cheese 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

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

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
Brought to us by the team behind Bacari Social and CIAO, this shack sits at the Clinton Town Marina. Choose from a variety of breakfast sandwiches and try the decadent French Toast with blueberries and lemon cream cheese. Smashburgers, lobster rolls, fries and Italian Ice for lunch. We loved the clam chowder and Chef Mike’s Classic Buffalo Wings.
37 Riverside Drive, Clinton
jmdockside.com

Clam Castle Featuring Taco Pacifico
We’ve been chasing the Taco Pacifico truck for as long as we can remember so we are delighted they’re stationed at the Clam Castle in Madison. Head here for all the clam shack’s summer standards PLUS lots of fresh tacos – including lobster and scallop.
1324 Boston Post Road, Madison
clamcastlect.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. Grab a hot dog while you’re at it.
910 Boston Post Road, Old Saybrook  
johnnyads.com

Higgie’s
This old-school roadside stand just reopened its windows for the season under new ownership. We stopped by for ice cream! 236 Saybrook Road, Higganum 
facebook: Higgies Food & Ice Cream

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

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 lunch and snacks. Under new ownership as of last summer, the tiny shack has had a major glow-up and the smashburger is divine! 
218 West Main Street, Chester
snackshackct.com

Read the entire Summer Guide here.