18 Seafood Shacks Across New York State That Locals Can’t Stop Craving
New York State offers some of the freshest seafood spots along its extensive coastline and inland waters.
From bustling Brooklyn waterfronts to quiet North Fork harbors, local seafood shacks serve up everything from steamed lobsters to fried clams.
These beloved establishments have earned loyal followings among residents who know where to find the best catch of the day.
1. Johnny’s Reef
Picture this: you’re sitting on a wooden deck watching boats drift by while cracking open fresh lobster claws. Johnny’s Reef makes this dream reality every single day.
Their seafood platters are legendary among Bronx locals who’ve been coming here for decades. The casual atmosphere means you can show up in flip-flops and still feel perfectly at home.
Don’t miss their famous lobster rolls or the daily catch specials that change based on what’s freshest.
2. Tony’s Pier
Real fishermen know good seafood when they taste it, and they flock to Tony’s Pier like seagulls to french fries. This no-nonsense spot serves portions that could feed a small army.
The fried clam strips here are crispy perfection, and their fish and chips rival anything you’d find in coastal England. Local families treat this place like their personal dining room.
Grab a picnic table outside and watch the marina come alive with weekend boaters and serious anglers.
3. Red Hook Lobster Pound
Maine lobsters swim down to Brooklyn at this authentic pound that brings New England flavors to the Big Apple. The lobster rolls here aren’t just good, they’re downright addictive.
Choose between Connecticut-style warm lobster with butter or Maine-style cold with mayo. Either way, you’re getting chunks of sweet lobster meat that’ll make you forget you’re not in Bar Harbor.
Their lobster mac and cheese has become stuff of local legend among Red Hook residents.
4. Brooklyn Crab
Imagine a Southern crab boil meets Brooklyn attitude, and you’ve got Brooklyn Crab. This sprawling waterfront spot feels like a beach vacation without leaving the city.
Their crab boils come steaming hot with corn, potatoes, and enough spice to make your eyes water in the best way possible. Kids love the mini golf course while parents crack shells and sip cold beers.
The outdoor seating area transforms into a magical wonderland during summer evenings with string lights and harbor breezes.
5. Randazzo’s Clam Bar
Step into Randazzo’s and you’re stepping back in time to when Brooklyn neighborhoods had their own special seafood joints. This family-run institution has been serving locals since way before gentrification was even a word.
Their linguine with clam sauce is the stuff dreams are made of. Fresh littlenecks get steamed to perfection and tossed with pasta that’s cooked exactly right.
The no-frills atmosphere means the food does all the talking, and boy does it have stories to tell.
6. Clemente’s Maryland Crab House
Maryland blue crabs make the journey north to this authentic crab house that brings Chesapeake Bay traditions to Brooklyn. The newspaper-covered tables and mallets tell you everything you need to know about what’s coming.
Their crab cakes are packed with jumbo lump meat and barely any filler. Local crab lovers swear these rival anything found in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.
Don’t forget to order Old Bay fries because some traditions are worth keeping no matter where you are.
7. Bigelow’s New England Fried Clams
Whole belly clams get the royal treatment at Bigelow’s, where the fryer oil stays fresh and the clams stay plump. This roadside gem has been making Long Island locals happy since bellbottoms were fashionable.
Their clam strips are perfect for kids, but adults know the whole bellies are where the real flavor lives. The sweet, briny taste of fresh clams shines through the light, crispy coating.
Pair your clams with their famous onion rings for the ultimate Long Island seafood experience.
8. Peter’s Clam Bar
Peter’s has been feeding hungry Long Islanders since the Eisenhower administration, and they’ve perfected their recipes through decades of practice. The clam chowder here could warm you up during a nor’easter.
Their fried flounder is flaky perfection, and the portion sizes remind you why people used to have bigger appetites. Local fishermen stop by after early morning trips to fuel up for the day ahead.
The old-school counter service and vinyl booths transport you back to simpler times when good food mattered more than fancy presentation.
9. Jordan Lobster Farms
Watching your dinner swim around before it hits the steamer might seem harsh, but that’s how you know it’s fresh at Jordan Lobster Farms. This working lobster facility doubles as a restaurant where freshness is guaranteed.
Their lobster dinners come with all the fixings, and you can watch the sunset over the water while cracking shells. Local families make this a weekend tradition, especially during summer months.
The retail market lets you take live lobsters home for your own backyard feast.
10. Little Creek Oyster Farm & Market
Farm-to-table takes on new meaning when the farm is actually an oyster farm right in Peconic Bay. Little Creek grows their own oysters and serves them minutes after they leave the water.
Their raw bar showcases different oyster varieties with distinct flavors that reflect the local waters. Wine country visitors discover that North Fork wines pair beautifully with these briny local gems.
The casual market atmosphere means you can shuck oysters while wearing your beach clothes and sandy flip-flops.
11. Southold Fish Market
Half fish market, half casual eatery, Southold Fish Market serves the freshest catch because they’re the ones selling it to local restaurants. The daily specials depend entirely on what boats brought in that morning.
Their fish sandwiches are simple perfection: fresh fish, good bread, minimal fuss. Local commercial fishermen grab lunch here between trips, which tells you everything about the quality.
The market side lets you take home the same fish the restaurants are buying for dinner tonight.
12. Duryea’s Orient Point
Located at the very tip of the North Fork, Duryea’s sits where the land runs out and the sea takes over. This weathered seafood shack has been serving ferry passengers and locals since the Roosevelt era.
Their lobster salad is legendary among North Fork regulars who make the drive just for lunch. The windswept location adds salt air seasoning to everything they serve.
Grab a picnic table outside and watch the ferry boats shuttle back and forth to Connecticut while seagulls beg for scraps.
13. The Lobster Roll LUNCH
Everyone calls it LUNCH because that’s what the neon sign says, and this Hamptons institution has been serving perfect lobster rolls since before the area became a celebrity playground.
Their lobster rolls are stuffed with sweet meat and served on buttered, toasted buns that soak up every drop of goodness. Local summer residents treat this place like their private club, returning year after year.
The casual atmosphere means billionaires sit next to beach bums, all united by their love of excellent seafood.
14. Clam Bar At Napeague
Sand between your toes and salt in the air create the perfect atmosphere for this beachside clam bar that epitomizes Hamptons casual dining. The location right on the beach means ocean views come standard with every meal.
Their steamers are sweet and tender, served with drawn butter that drips down your chin in the most satisfying way. Local surfers and beach walkers stop by after long days in the sun.
The outdoor seating lets you feel the ocean breeze while cracking shells and watching waves roll in.
15. Duryea’s Lobster Deck
Perched over Montauk Harbor, Duryea’s offers front-row seats to one of the East Coast’s busiest fishing ports. Charter boats unload their catches while you crack lobster claws and sip cold beer.
Their lobster dinners are no-nonsense affairs: fresh lobster, melted butter, corn on the cob, and harbor views. Local charter captains bring their clients here after successful fishing trips.
The raw bar features oysters and clams that were swimming in local waters just hours before landing on your plate.
16. Gosman’s Dock
Gosman’s isn’t just a restaurant, it’s a Montauk institution that includes multiple dining areas, a fish market, and enough nautical charm to outfit a small navy. This sprawling complex has been feeding hungry visitors since the Truman presidency.
Their clam chowder is thick with tender clams and potatoes, perfect for chilly Montauk evenings when the ocean breeze cuts through summer clothes. The upstairs dining room offers harbor views with white tablecloth service.
Local fishing families have worked here for generations, creating an authentic atmosphere money can’t buy.
17. Doug’s Fish Fry
Freshwater fish gets the royal treatment at Doug’s, where lake perch and walleye are fried to golden perfection. This landlocked seafood spot proves you don’t need an ocean to serve excellent fish.
Their fish fry dinners come with coleslaw, french fries, and tartar sauce that locals swear is made from a secret family recipe. Friday night fish frys draw crowds from across the Finger Lakes region.
The casual atmosphere and reasonable prices make this a favorite among local families looking for comfort food done right.
18. Rudy’s Lakeside Drive-In
Car hops and lake views transport you back to the golden age of American drive-ins at Rudy’s, where Lake Ontario provides the backdrop for classic seafood favorites. This retro gem has been serving families since the Eisenhower era.
Their fish and chips feature fresh Lake Ontario catch fried in light batter that doesn’t overpower the delicate fish flavor. Local teenagers still cruise through on summer nights, continuing traditions their grandparents started.
The outdoor seating offers lake breezes and sunset views that make every meal feel like a special occasion.
