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

Mystic Fish Camp, Mystic
James Beard Award-Winning Chef David Standridge launched this fast-casual rendition of an old timey (yet 100% local, sustainable) fish shack late last summer.
We paired an inventive Banh Mi made with fresh local catch with steaming scrumptious Mermaid Fries (dusted dried seaweed) plus a Slushy Arnold Palmer and Frosé. Colorful and loaded salads, Real Deal Fish Sticks, Poor Man’s Lobster Roll (made with Monkfish) and lots more.
4 E Main Street, Mystic
mysticfishcamp.com

Chris’ Dog House, Deep River
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)

Edd’s Place, Westbrook
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

Hallmark Drive-In, Old Lyme
Hallmark, the original snack shack of Old Lyme, has moved beyond its classic burgers, dogs, ice cream, and chowder. Every year on my birthday, I treat myself to a sundae and call it lunch, but I stopped in the other day and couldn’t resist a chopped cheese. This NYC staple is making inroads in CT, and I’m glad of it! Imagine juicy ground beef, melted cheese, and sweet onions sizzling together, then heaped onto a warm, toasted grinder. Yum!
113 Shore Road, Old Lyme
hallmarkdrivein.com

Johnny Ad’s, Old Saybrook
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

J&M Dockside, Clinton
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. Burgers, lobster rolls, fries and Italian Ice for lunch. We loved the clam chowder and the classic Buffalo Wings.
37 Riverside Drive, Clinton
jmdockside.com

Sand Bar Grill, Old Saybrook
Located at Harvey’s Beach in Old Saybrook (fun at low tide), you’ll find this lively food truck under new ownership. This mother/ daughter duo has deep ties to this beach and an allegiance to CT purveyors like Libby’s Italian ice, Hummel hot dogs, Calise rolls and lots more. Enjoy your treats at a beachside table (with umbrellas!). There’s a parking fee for Harvey’s so let the attendant know you are coming for food and they’ll direct you.
29 Plum Bank Road, Old Saybrook
Visit the Facebook Page

Cedar Lake Snack Shack, Chester
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. The cooks from Karabella’s Catering in Chester have taken over the grill this year so expect exciting specials – lobster rolls, whole belly clams, and more.
218 West Main Street, Chester
karabellacatering.com

Lenny & Joe’s, Madison
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

The Anchor at Hays Haven, Chester
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

SeaSwirl, Mystic
We head here for the hot bread cone filled will creamy New England Clam Chowder. Choose cones with all types of lobster: hot with butter, cold salad with mayo, bisque,
or mac & cheese. Enjoy locally sourced seafood, dairy, bread and more here on their extensive menu of treats.
30 Williams Avenue, Mystic
seaswirlofmystic.com