Back in the mid-1990s, a couple named Danny and Mary Lane left Massachusetts to move South to Florida. The business Danny co-owned with his brother — Essex Seafood One in West Volusia — offered some of the best fresh seafood in Essex, MA. But it’s the Florida location that Danny opened in 1995, Essex Seafood House (that dropped the “Two” along the way), that serves up hand-shucked, whole-belly long-necked fried clams that are “three days out of the ground from Massachusetts,” says Alan Lane, Danny’s son who works at the restaurant with his sister Sebrina and a staff he considers family. “I learned to walk in the restaurant,” says Alan.
“Everyone comes for the clams,” said server Christina Spence who has worked at Essex for 10 years. “We serve a lot of people from the Northeast who can’t find fried clams like these anywhere else.” Shrimp dishes and scallops are also popular, she said. “And you can’t beat our onion rings and coleslaw.” But it’s not unusual to see specials like Maine Lobster, catfish and frog legs.
Just a tip: Be prepared when you stop– they’ve always been cash only. The restaurant is a popular stop for many along the Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway, but exactly where is it? “That’s a good question,” said Alan. “Our address is Pierson, but some say it’s in Astor or even Barberville.”
No matter what the address, Essex is a must-stop venue for travelers. The Board Members for the Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway recently installed a kiosk on the grounds which gives information on all there is to do and see along the 60-mile byway. The best way to keep in touch with the folks at Essex is to find them on Facebook or give them a call at (386) 749-1557.
More information on West Volusia County can be picked up in the Visitor Center located at 116 W. New York Avenue in Downtown DeLand, FL or can be found online at www.visitwestvolusia.com. Please call 386-734-0162 for more information.