Stuffed quahogs - known affectionately locally as "stuffies" - are a staple on menus across New England, from casual seafood shacks to fine dining restaurants. In fact, the oversized bivalve might be even more beloved than our next favorite sea critter, the lobster. Any way you stuff them (usually with chopped clam meat, bread crumbs, spicy sausage, onions, peppers and parsley), they are a delicious must-have appetizer or snack. Here's where to find some of the best across Cape Cod.

Arnold’s Lobster and Clam Bar (Eastham)
Why we love it: The stuffies at Arnold's are a perennial fan favorite, packed with freshly shucked clams and a secret spice mix (they'll even pack up a dozen or two to go). It's also is a three-time champion of the annual Cape Cod Stuffed Quahog Challenge.
Added bonus: If you're still hungry after your stuffie, fried clams and a side of Arnold's renowned onion rings, there's ice cream for dessert!

Spanky’s Clam Shack (Hyannis)
Why we love it: This homemade stuffie is garnished with lemon, packed with flavor and paired with great views of bustling Hyannis Harbor.
Added bonus: Spanky's serve fresh lobster...five ways! Atop piping hot steamers, paired with sirloin tips, boiled, baked stuffed, and in an overstuffed lobster roll. YUM.

Marshland Restaurant (Sandwich)
Why we love it: Their stuffed quahog – generously filled with fresh clams, linguica and whole lot of “spicy, salty goodness” - was featured on an episode of Food Network's “The Best Thing I Ever Ate."  Enough said.
Added bonus: Marshland’s Sweet Elvis sandwich took home top honors at the annual SandwichFest competition in 2017. Elvis would have most certainly been a fan of this culinary masterpiece (ingredients include homemade banana bread, peanut butter mousse, bacon and chocolate chips).

Quahog Republic (Falmouth, Onset and Plymouth)
Why we love it: As featured on The Phantom Gourmet, Quahog Republic's namesake golden brown stuffies make up the “surf” portion of their popular Poor Man’s Surf & Turf entrée (the “turf” portion is a quarter pound grilled hot dog in a butter-toasted brioche bun).
Added bonus: There's plenty of craft brews on tap to wash it down with, or you can opt for their famous Bloody Mary, prepared with homemade poblano- and garlic-infused vodka and garnished with Applewood smoked bacon.

Lost Dog Pub (Orleans and East Dennis)
Why we love it: Their baked stuffed quahog is comfort food at its finest, and enjoyed best alongside the pub's crispy wings.
Added bonus: The Lost Dog bills itself as having “the coldest beers in Orleans and Dennis” and they make their own pizza dough and bread from scratch every morning. Need we say more?

The Captain Kidd (Woods Hole)
Why we love it: The mouth-watering stuffed quahog is the perfect complement to the charm of this century old bar, which overlooks Eel Pond Harbor and situated in quaint Woods Hole village.
Added bonus: The Phantom Gourmet once said about the restaurant: “The Captain Kidd serves seafood so fresh it practically jumps from the ocean to the plate.

Seafood Sam’s (Falmouth)
Why we love it: The stuffie is a mainstay on the decades-old menu, packed with fresh clams, homemade stuffing and a mix of sausage and spices.
Added bonus: The tasty appetizer is the perfect prelude to Sam's signature baked seafood or deep fried lobster platters, or paired alongside their hearty chowder and award-winning lobster bisque.

Fresh Ketch, Hyannis
Why we love it: Fresh Ketch prides itself on a locally sourced menu, and that local goodness is reflected in their homemade stuffed quahog (featuring chouriço).
Added bonus: This place is a classic family favorite – not only are kids’ meals served on frisbees, but aquariums placed around the restaurant provide a unique underwater show for the kiddos while they dine.