Evelyn's Drive - In
Review by Phantom Gourmet

Evelyn's was reviewed on June 14, 2003 by the Phantom Gourmet and found to be a "Hidden Jewel".

"For so many New Englanders, summertime means relaxing by the water. And one of the most beautiful waterside spots to enjoy summer, is Evelyn's Drive-In in Tiverton, Rhode Island. This red clam shack has been an Ocean State favorite for over thirty years, thanks to its fabulous fried food and picture perfect place on Nannaquaket Pond.

Jane Bitto - Owner, Evelyn's Drive-In: "We have the best side of the pond, we always say that. We get to look at all the beauty while they get to look at our clam shack over here, and they're in their million dollar homes over there."

Open seasonally, from April to Columbus Day, Evelyn's offers a take-out window in front, a cozy 50 seat dining room, and another 40 seats outside by the water.

Dom Bitto - Owner, Evelyn's Drive-In: "I got to tell ya, I spend a lot of time eating lunch here and I don't want to get off the table. You sit by that water it's just tranquil, there's no loud music, it's just ocean, and I think that's what they come for."

Of course they also come for the food.

The menu is heavy on fried seafood specialties, like the Seafood Platter; a heaping helping of cod and clams, scallops and shrimp, piled high on a platter of french fries and cole slaw. And if that's not enough, fresh lobster meat can be added upon request. Lighter appetites can order a Stuffed Quahog and a bowl of Rhode Island Clam Chowder.

Jane Bitto - Owner, Evelyn's Drive-In: "It's clear chowder, so it's not thickened, there's a lot of potatoes and clams in it, and once you have Rhode Island Chowder, you love it, you just never want to go back to New England."

While the chowder is certainly a change, customers looking for the ultimate Ocean State experience can order the doughy, golden Clam Cakes with a glass of Coffee Milk. For those who fear fried food, there are specials like the Grilled Scallops served with a Homemade Horseradish sauce, and the quintessential seaside snack; the Lobster Roll.

Dom Bitto - Owner, Evelyn's Drive-In: "We use fresh lobster, we put it in a hot dog roll, served with mayonnaise on the side, or we warm it with butter. We don't pre-mix it, so you don't know how much lobster -- what you see is what you get, it's just a roll full of lobster meat."

And it's a perfect way to lick those dog days of Summer, at Evelyn's Drive-In, a Phantom Gourmet... Hidden Jewel."