By Paul Feeney
55 YEARS.
That’s how long Tony’s Clam Shop has been pleasing sea food lovers at their Wollaston Beach location in Quincy, Massachusetts. Tony Kandalaft opened for business in 1964 and the same family still owns and runs what the Quincy Business News gave their top rating – “A Five Plate Award For Excellence and the Phantom Gourmet called “A Hidden Jewel’.”
But the award that means most to me is the one given by the readers of the Patriot Ledger daily newspaper and that was ‘Best of Summer” as this award is from the readers of this longtime favorite media throughout the entire South Shore but which began in Quincy, just like Tony’s.
I have never been disappointed in any visit to Tony’s Clam Shop. My appetite is simple, fish and chips and theirs is always fluffy, tasty and truly satisfying always making my trip from Dorchester a very satisfying experience. But make no mistake, this seaside attraction is very unlike the popular Sullivan’s on Castle Island. It is more like the long time gone but still not forgotten Kelly’s Landing concession at City Point for those with long memories of Boston and the South Shore.
And though you can come to Tony’s and have a hot dog, their patrons are more apt to order Tony’s Seafood platters, and here’s a list of them with the prices:
Seafood Plate 28.95, Fried Lobster Plate 26.95, Clam Plate $26.95, Clam Strip Plate $18.95, Oyster Plate 22.95, Scallop Plate 25.95, Shrimp Plate 19.95, Fish Plate 17.95, Calamari Plate 18.95, Fish Cake Plate 12.95, Clam Fritter Plate 11.95, Crab Cake Plate 18.95. All served with French fries and cole slaw. Sweet potato fries are also available at an additional charge. There is also a Chicken Finger Plate 14.95 and a Chicken Wing Plate 14.95.
So you can see, come prepared to spend in order to indulge your summertime cravings. They do have Kiddie Meals however and here’s what they are: Al Pal Burger (Cheeseburger 7.95, Brian Burger (cheeseburger) 7.95, Nikki Cheese (grilled cheese) 7.95, Dana Dog (hot dog) 7.95, Erika’s Fun Fish (fish sticks) 8.95 and Nat Nuggets (chicken fingers 7.95. All Kids Plates served with Kids Fries and Soda.
That’s all I am going to say about pricing. It’s not cheap, but the quality is worth the price, no doubt about it. I always get a side order of rice pilaf but this is not your typical rice pilaf but rather a tribute to the family’s Lebanese roots which they call House Rice Pilaf.
You can order either fried or broiled seafood. Makes no difference to Tony’s they are well ready to meet customer preferences. The overall men is very entensive. All the fish selections are available By The Box in small, medium and large boxes. Baskets include Clam Roll with French fries, Clam, Scallop, Shrimp, Calamari or Oyster Rolls. They have deli sandwiches, club sandwiches, hot dogs, all kinds of burgers, wraps and subs. Tony’s has of course the popular Lobster Salad Roll too. How about Chicken Kabob or Steak Tips? Get it there. And of course their homemade Clam chowder and soup of the day are always big sellers.
My purpose in writing about Tony’s Clam Shop is that I love this place. I go back to my teenage years when my friends and I would drive over the Neponset Bridge to get to Tony’s. As a dad, I enjoyed introducing my children to Tony’s and they have introduced their kids too. Tony’s is like a tourist attraction in Quincy. You never know what to expect there as artists have designed T-shirts which people love to wear and purchase as a momento of their visit. I have to admit, I have never visited the John Quincy Adams House, Quincy’s huge tourist attraction. No, when I visit the City of Presidents in the Summertime, it is always to go to Tony’s Clam Shop.
On our front page is a photo taken just this past week and on the left is Shawn Bulman who has been with Tony’s for twenty years now. The two girls in the photo are Emily Mahoney (girl in pink) and Anna Goguen (girl in blue) and the staff members are pictured with Gary Kandalaft, one of the sons who manages the operation.
Tony’s Clam Shop is located at 861 Quincy Shore Drive, Wollaston Beach. For lots more information about Tony’s visit their website at tony’sclamshop.com. If you like to call ahead the number is 617-773-5090. Tony’s can seat up to 100 people now with their inside seating and their outdoor patio seating. Many people like to take their food out to their cars parked across the street and looking out the wide expanse of Wollaston Beach and Quincy Bay. It is open everyday in season from 11 a.m. to 9 or 10 p.m. depending of the weather of course.
Tony’s has a history of giving back to the community and in the past have sponsored events like Tony’s Clam Scram Road Race, the Sand Castle Contest and the Wollaston Beach Volleyball tournament. They now offer beer, wine and frozen cocktails. The inside area is heated and air-conditioned as necessary for your eating pleasure. There is always a happy, pleasant staff waiting to serve you and Tony’s is an environmentally conscious business. Gift cards are available. Tony’s T-Shirts are sold for $15.95, restrooms are available and there is additional parking in the rear.
So, we wish all our readers a Happy Spring and Summertime 2019 and we recommend you take the time to enjoy this Quincy historical favorite. And to the Kandalaft family, Karen, Roy and Gary, please keep up the good work and the excellent reputation you have rightfully earned after 55 years in business. How many other Quincy enterprises can say that?
