Likemusselsandoysters, clams are bivalve mollusks that have been part of the cuisine of many coastal communities for centuries.

Clams are prepared for meals in many different ways.

Fried clams, popular in New England, are crispy on the outside and soft and chewy within.

Clams with linguine

Photo: Shutterstock

And who could forget the tender briny morsels in a well-madeclam chowder?

You’ll also find them at popular restaurant chains around the U.S.

Here’s a look at the chains serving the best preparations of these tender mollusks.

maggiano’s linguine and clams dish

Photo: Maggiano’s

The chain delivers several mighty seafood platters, including the abundant Admiral’s Feast.

The platter comes with tartar and cocktail sauces for dipping.

Also on the menu?

captain d’s clam strips

Photo: Captain D’s

If that doesn’t cure your craving, start your meal with raw chilled clams on the half-shell.

They arrive at your table ready to remove from the shell and dip in butter.

Their creamy clam chowder is packed with fresh littleneck clams, and comes with crunchy oyster crackers.

The Admiral’s Feast at Red Lobser includes fried shrimp, wild-caught flounder, clam strips and bay scallops.

Photo: Red Lobster / Facebook

However, the standout clam dish at Shell’s Seafood is thesteamed littleneck clamsserved in the shell.

If not, think big, hearty portions of Italian-American classics in a family-friendly atmosphere.

Finish with ice cream or spumoni!

barcelona wine bar paella

Photo: Barcelona Wine Bar

boqueria paella de mariscos dish

Photo: Boqueria

carmine’s baked clams

Photo: Carmine’s

Atlantic halibut with Wellfleet clam and tomatoes in citrus butter at Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse.

Photo: Davio’s Foxborough

il fornaio muscles on a dish with wine.

Photo: Il Fornaio / Facebook

joes crab shack mussels with corn on a plate.

Photo: Courtesy of Joe’s Crab Shack

fried whole clams at legal sea foods

Photo: Legal Sea Foods / X

bowl of new england clam chowder soup

Shutterstock

steamed clams at shell’s seafood

Photo: Shell’s Seafood

linguine with white clams the old spaghetti factory

Photo: The Old Spaghetti Factory