J.T. Farnham's

I have been having delicious fried clams at Farnham’s for over 50 years! The quality and flavor are, without question, the best! I had not been for a while and stopped by for a quick lunch! Best clams I have ever had! Restaurant is very clean and the staff are super friendly! I will definitely be going back as often as I can! Delightful lunch was served with a great view of the Essex River! Table inside and outside. Cash or checks only!

Very good! Will definitely go back. When you think of fresh seafood, you think of a place like this where the locals go.

3/07/2024 Update:

Long detour to get here, but sign in the window now says not opening until 3/15/2024..…

“Closed until March 1, 2024” - Sitting in parking lot, wishing they were open - love the scallop chowder. At least we got to enjoy the marsh views. See u in March….

Took a 10yo advice and ordered fries. She was right. BEST EVER. Don't have to get standard fried seafood! Blackened haddock tacos so good I couldn't finish. Buffalo bites good too! The Atmosphere inside & out- Drive your boat on up! Beautiful scenery to view, old timers stories to hear. You want the NE experience this is it. No alcohol outside.

Visited with my family for my birthday. Food was amazing and they overheard it was my birthday and made my experience extra special!! Awesome staff, will definitely be back!!

Service was great I opted for a lobster roll it was delicious. My son got chicken strips and said they were good. Prices are a little high but worth the money

Great spot for lunch, I usually get a special to save $$. Cash or check only, fee atm inside. Great view and friendly service

Best seafood on Cape Ann. Haddock boat was overflowing with moist, piping hot fish. For only $15. Scallop chowder had lots of big not-dried-out scallops. Everything we’ve ever had here was great. Nice view from the outdoor seating which is rustic picnic tables. You can’t bring alcohol outside though.

This is where the locals go. Not the McDonald’s of seafood like “Hoodman’s of Wessex” everything is made fresh. So much better food than “Hoodmans” You may need to wait a little longer for your “Steamed lobster” but it’s not pre-cooked, iced and reheated. That way is gross and makes it rubbery. Trust the locals!! Joy is the sweetest woman in the seafood business. Took care of me and my son! Couldn’t be happier.

Delicious seafood in low-key atmosphere. We got the New England clam chowder, fried scallops, and calamari. Portions are generous.

First thing, they are cash only but they have an ATM on site. Amazing food, best clam stips and lobster bisque we have ever had. Great seafood chowder, I like it thicker but tha is just my preference. Sit outside and enjoy the marsh and the birds. We had leftover calm strip in the picture.

delicious seafood, always consistent. cash only. if you eat outside the birds are super sneaky and quick, they will steal anything and everything.. even a side of tartar sauce is not safe. one seagull stole my tartar sauce then proceed to stare me down with a sauce covered beak the entire meal. bad bird!

It's over next to a marsh which is really pretty especially at sunset :)

Everything about this place was exceptional. The fries clams were outstanding. The fried haddock was also exceptional. And then the lobster roll was, you guessed it, exceptional. And the seafood chowder was better than all of the exceptional food mentioned above. It was loaded with huge pieces of seafood and flavor. The fries were nicely done. Even the cheeseburger was really nicely done. The servers were friendly and very helpful. It was definitely a first rate visit and worth every bit of time and money that spot into it. A great food experience.

Great place to stop and grab some quick seafood eats! I had the fish chowder and fish and shrimp tacos in pictures. Their lemonade is so fresh and not overly sweet!

Have been going here since my father's childhood. Food is still amazing and consistently delicious. Best fried clams ever! Great view of the river to enjoy as you eat as well. Such a great spot in New England!

I got the fries haddock and fish chowder. I didn't care for the chowder but it was worth it just for the fish. Cool atmosphere next to the marsh, very fresh products, and overall good tasting food

I can eat gluten free dairy free fried fish! With fries and coleslaw....I left stuffed and happy. Got to sit by the window today...it was perfect.

This is absolutely one of the best seafood restaurants we have ever found anywhere in the eastern United States. It isn't fancy. It is a nice, clean old New England place that offers amazingly fresh seafood in shockingly large quantities with nothing to muck it up. You can sit in the dining room or on the picnic tables outside. Either way you can enjoy the view of the salt marsh just behind the building. This is somewhere you must go if you enjoy good seafood!

It was 100% seafood heaven! I got a 2 way combo with haddock and clam strips with fries and pasta salad. He got a box of haddock. Tartar sauce was fresh and tangy! Sides were delicious! Will definitely stop again especially with beautiful views outside as you eat!

Really fresh seafood! The shrimp, haddock, and clam strips were so good and perfectly fried. The lobster rolls were succulent and the seafood chowder had huge pieces of shrimp, scallops, and lobster. Yum! There is always a line so be prepared to wait. They only accept cash so leave your credit cards at home.