Dining at New England Fish Shacks is an Experience Not to be Missed

Summertime and casual dining go hand in hand, and as such, eating at fish shacks is a New England tradition for residents, visitors, and families alike. Inexpensive (usually) and tasty are the pre-eminent adjectives defining these eateries perched roadside and along the water's edge, but beyond that, anything goes.

Located along the water, fish shacks food ranges from greasy food to lobster rolls to soft serve ice cream. The majority of fish shacks are open only during the warm weather - generally April through October, although some open Memorial Day through Labor Day. Prices vary with the atmosphere and locations, and each has its own character and flavor. Here are a few of the best.

Abbott's Lobster in the Rough in Noank, CT. Located right on the water, Abbott's is well worth making the twisty, convoluted drive down Pearl Street. As its name suggests, lobster is king at this glorified fish shack. The hot lobster roll served Connecticut-style with melted butter on a Kaiser roll is divine, or you can opt for a full lobster dinner. In addition to lobster, Abbott's serves a variety of meals but for those who don't like or can't eat shellfish, the selection is extremely limited. Abbott's does not have its own liquor license but welcomes its customers to BYOB and many do just that, setting up elaborate tables with everything from champagne buckets to six packs on table cloths. Both indoor and outdoor seating is available and the picnic tables out on the dock and directly along the water fill up fast, but there isn't a bad seat in the house. Right down the street is its sister restaurant - Costello's Clam Shack - where diners can sit along the pier and get their fill of fried foods and fish. For directions (you'll need them!) and more information, look at http://www.abbotts-lobster.com/.

Evelyn's Drive-In in Tiverton, RI. Driving along the road, potential diners will smell Evelyn's before they see it as the delectable smell of fried food wafts for miles. The clam strips, calamari, onion rings, and Rhode Island clam chowder (with a clear broth instead of creamy) are house favorites, or order a full dinner of crab cakes, sea scallops, or non-seafood fare. Whether on their way to or from the beach or even just out for a drive, customers can drive in to the parking lot by car or pull up to the dock by boat, and enjoy a beverage while waiting for the food. Both inside and outside dining is available. For more information, look at http://www.evelynsdrivein.com/.

Sea Swirl in Mystic, CT. The casual road-side atmosphere of the Sea Swirl of Mystic makes it the perfect stop after a visit to or on the way from the Mystic Aquarium or Mystic Seaport. Have a coffee cabinet (otherwise known as a thick milk shake) along with a codfish sandwich, clam fritters, or crab roll. The Sea Swirl serves up classic barbeque fare like hot dogs and hamburgers as well. And don't forget to save room for ice cream. Heart-healthy eating it's not, but everything is delicious. The Sea Swirl is consistently rated as one of the best to visit, and has been featured by Rachael Ray's $40-a-Day and received Connecticut Magazine's Editor's Choice Award for fried clams in 2006. For directions and menus, look at http://www.seaswirlofmystic.com.

Each of these eateries is located along the water, and are representative of the range of fish shacks dotting the New England coast. Just about every coastal town has one (or four), and each invariably has a loyal following who wait for the welcome "We're Open!" sign every year. Give one a try.