Clam Cakes Were Invented At This Old, Charming Restaurant In Rhode Island In 1920

If you grew up in New England, the odds are good that you were raised on clam cakes. And whether you love them or hate them, you must admit that this is comfort food that reminds you of home... especially since they were invented right here in Rhode Island. Of course, we hope you love clam cakes since they're such an iconic local staple. Here's how they came to be.

Aunt Carrie's Restaurant has officially been part of the Narragansett community for a century now. But believe it or not, the story goes back even further.

Although they loved to visit Rhody, Carrie Cooper and her husband, Ulysses, lived in Connecticut with their six children. When the family would vacation in Narragansett, Ulysses would point out that there was no place in Point Judith to get anything cold to drink. Aunt Carrie decided to change that.

Soon, the family started selling cold lemonade to the local fishermen and tourists.

Of course, there were a lot of clams in the area. And when the children would bring Carrie claims, she'd make chowder. And before long, she had turned her corn fritter recipe into clam fritters.

Word got out among the fishermen and locals that Carrie and her family had invented these delicious delicacies.

The smell would waft over to the curious community, and they'd ask her what she was making. Ulysses suggested they open a small space to sell the clam chowder and clam fritters along with the lemonade.

They built a small stand near where the Point Judith Lighthouse stands today.

In 1920, the restaurant was built. And it has been a favorite seasonal spot for locals and tourists alike ever since.

Although there's plenty of tasty food on the menu -- and, more recently, an adjacent ice cream shop -- the clam cakes (or clam fritters) are as popular as ever.

Author and chef Hank Shaw described them as clam beignets, or donut holes, only savory." They're perfectly crispy on the outside and soft and pillowy on the inside.

Aunt Carrie's Restaurant is open from early April until Labor Day weekend.

But until Memorial Day weekend, the restaurant is only open Friday - Sunday. In its peak season, it's open daily for lunch and dinner.

When was the last time you treated yourself to some clam cakes? Now you know where to find the original (and the best).