Write-Up & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com 

Tucked along Pequot Avenue on the waterfront in New London, Connecticut is Fred’s Shanty. Clam chowder was the first menu item I tried here. It was late summer, September, and my family decided we would drive down that weekend and take a look at the water one last time before the end of the season. There was a slight chill in the air and we were all wearing sweatshirts or light jackets. Dusk was falling when we came upon this marvelous roadside clam and hotdog shack on our way back from Ocean Beach.

I have been returning at least once a summer ever since.

Kim Ebersole serves an order at Fred’s Shanty.

Nathaniel Bryant and Yvonne drove down from the Newington, Ct area to enjoy Fred’s Shanty..

Fred’s Shanty overlooks a marina which makes for a pleasing vista while eating. Parking can be tough at peak hours. There are better than half a dozen spaces directly in front of the shanty; the rest is street parking – all on a first come, first serve basis. Nevertheless, it is worth waiting for a spot because this is an enjoyable place with reasonably priced and tasty food.

In addition to New England style clam chowder (made with a milk base) on my most recent visit, New England corn chowder was a special – yum!

Fred’s Shanty overlooks a New London marina.

Fred’s Shanty is known for it’s fresh whole belly clams, fried clam strip rolls, fish & chips,  fresh Stonington sea scallops (currently the scallop dinner is $13.95) and “famous long Roessler hotdogs.”  As well, I’m told they make a delicious chili dog, $3.25. Cheeseburgers are $2.95 and they offer a veggie burger, $3.25. Thin and crispy french fries – small $1.50, large $2.25 – are among the sides that also include chicken tenders, mozzarella sticks, fried dough, onion rings, coleslaw and potato salad.

Shaded tables.

Chili dog and New England clam chowder.

For dessert try the 95 percent fat free soft serve ice cream or Hershey’s premium.  

Located about two miles from Ocean Beach Park and less than one mile from downtown New London, Fred’s Shanty is a find!

Open daily for lunch and dinner from March to late October, 272 Pequot Avenue. Go to http://www.freds-shanty.com or call 860-447-1301. And, they sell Fred’s Shanty t-shirts.