Destination: Two Little Fish a Clam Shack in Westerly, Rhode Island

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Posted on August 12, 2018

Write-up & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett

Thanks to its new location, I discovered Two Little Fish, a clam shack on Atlantic Avenue in Westerly, Rhode Island, this summer – what a great find! It has been voted ‘Best Seafood’ for “seventeen years running” in the Westerly Sun online reader’s poll, as announced on the sign out front it’s Atlantic Avenue locale. Relocated from Granite Street where Tim Brennan and Kevin Urbonas started the business in 1997, Two Little Fish is so good that customers willingly, eagerly, wait in long lines to enjoy the food.

Seriously, Two Little Fish has been in business for 21 years but in the past I must have overlooked it as I was focused on going to other restaurants located along the long beach strip that is Atlantic Ave. With the landscape of Misquamicut Beach having been changed by the storm of 2012, I decided to search out clam shacks this season and I’m glad I did.

Typical in season weekend night line at Two Little Fish. Overhead fans help diffuse the summer heat.

Overhead fans help diffuse the summer heat at the environmentally conscious Two Little Fish which is plastic free and has a supportive relationship with Mystic Aquarium. Straws, bags, plates, bowls and soft drinks cups are made from “biodegradable recycled paper” to help reduce their carbon footprint. A portion of the sale of every meal is said to be donated to the Animal Rescue Team of the Mystic Aquarium, which rescues, provides medical care and releases injured and stranded animals, ie. turtles, seals, manatees. According to their menu, Two Little Fish donates its used cooking oil to be converted into bio-diesel – “a non-toxic, locally produced fuel, to power vehicles and heat the homes of those in need”. The chartiable effort not only helps the less fortunate, but is also predicted to prevent more than 30 million pounds of CO2 emissions this year alone.

How about that great tasting seafood served by Two Little Fish? They are proud to say their seafood is “wild caught” meaning it is non-farmed, sustainable (non-endangered) and locally sourced. “At the end of every season, all left over food is donated to local soup kitchens and social service agencies to help feed those in need.” Impressive, I must say.

The kicker, what we have ordered thus far has been excellent – whole belly clams, lobster roll, lobster bisque and Tim’s Clam Fritters. Even the refillable lemonade is good. Waiting in line with the weekend night crowds has been part of fun – everyone in a good mood, friendly, striking up conversations; so too with the staff – friendly, pleasant & very, very busy. Or, you can call ahead for pick-up. Seating is available in the rustic indoors and on the front deck.

Two Little Fish seems to be fast becoming one of those “it’s the place to be” kind of spots. Situated directly across the road from the beach, parking is available in an adjacent lot.