We searched the area for the best snack shacks and pop-ups we could find…

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

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 weekends 10:30am – 3pm, weather permitting. 90 Maple Avenue, East Haddam
Simonsmarketplace.net

Higgie’s
Take the backroads north along the CT River (Saybrook Road) and just past Higganum center you’ll find this 60+ year old stand. In fresh and very capable hands, Higgie’s is serving all summery treats from hot dogs to hot and cold lobster rolls plus Gifford’s ice cream. We love the crispy chicken sammies!  236 Saybrook Road Higganum
facebook.com/higgies.ct

Clam Castle/Taco Pacifico
We’ve been chasing the Taco Pacifico truck for as long as we can remember so we were delighted to discover that they’ve taken hold of the Clam Castle in Madison. Head here for all of the 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

Kim’s She Shed
Located at Harvey’s Beach in Old Saybrook, you’ll find scrumptious lobster rolls, Italian ice, fried dough with marinara sauce and lots more. There’s a parking fee for Harvey’s so let the attendant know you are heading to Kim’s and they will allow you in to the far side of the lot. 29 Plum Bank Rd, Old Saybrook kimsshoresheshed.com

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 and BYOB. 131-c Grove Street, Clinton
shanksclinton.com

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. Munch on tasty fried chicken sandwiches, burgers, fries on the deck at an umbrella-topped picnic table. Check instagram for schedule updates. 218 West Main Street, Chester
instagram.com/cedarlakesnackshack

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 (add fried chicken), Red Velvet French Toast, cheddar jalapeño grits, tacos and sea dogs (fried cod) for lunch, and plenty of other delicacies that Liz whips up in the tiny kitchen. Dinner, too. 478 Boston Post Road, Westbrook. https://www.eddsplacect.com/home

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)

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

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. Don’t pass up the hand-cut truffle (or Old Bay) fries! 26 Bridge Street, Old Saybrook
Livsshack.com

Liv’s Dockside Grill
Find Liv’s sister location at the Clinton Town Marina. Italian ice, Liv’s velvety clam chowder, fish tacos and much more at this waterfront outpost. 68 Cedar Island Ave, Clinton
Livsdocksidegrill.com

The Anchor at Hays Haven
There’s a little treasure of a shack serving handcut “fair fries”, rootbeer floats, and juicy cheeseburgers at Hays Haven Marina in Chester. Opens at 6:30am Thursday-Monday, so great for egg sammies (add hashbrowns!), too. Check FB for Raw Bar weekends! 59 Railroad Avenue, Chester
facebook.com/hayshaven