12 New York Seafood Chains That Locals Agree Are Worth Every Bite
New York has always been a paradise for seafood lovers, and I’m not just talking about fancy white-tablecloth restaurants. Chains have stepped up their game in a big way, serving everything you crave without the stuffy atmosphere or wallet-draining prices.
I’ve spent years chasing lobster rolls through Manhattan, slurping oysters in Brooklyn, and cracking crab legs across Long Island.
These spots have earned their reputations by consistently delivering fresh catches, bold flavors, and that unmistakable New York energy that keeps locals coming back.
1. Luke’s Lobster
Sweet, traceable lobster piled high on a toasted New England bun has made this counter-service spot a Manhattan staple.
Luke’s Lobster started right here in NYC and quickly became the go-to for anyone craving a clean-tasting Maine roll without the fuss.
Multiple Manhattan shops plus a Bryant Park kiosk mean you’re never far from a lobster fix. Their Maine and Connecticut lobster rolls are the stars, but don’t sleep on the clam chowder.
Last summer, I grabbed a Connecticut roll at their Bryant Park spot, and the warm butter made every penny worth it. Quick service and consistent quality keep this chain buzzing year-round.
2. Seamore’s
Casual plates built around a chalkboard listing the daily catch give this spot a refreshing, boat-to-table vibe.
Seamore’s takes sustainable seafood seriously, sourcing responsibly while keeping the atmosphere light and inviting across multiple Manhattan locations.
Their blackened fish tacos are legendary, packed with flavor and just the right amount of spice. The Reel Deal plate lets you customize your catch with sides that actually complement the fish.
Comfy seating and a fun lineup make weeknight seafood dinners feel effortless. No pretense here, just good fish cooked right and served fast.
3. Hook & Reel
Choose your seafood, pick your sauce, dial in your heat level, then get ready to roll up your sleeves. Hook & Reel turns dinner into a hands-on Cajun boil experience that’s perfect for groups looking to bond over buttery, spicy shellfish.
Locations stretch across Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and nearby New York markets like Yonkers and Middletown. Bibs go on, phones go down, and the fun begins.
Build-your-own boils let you mix shrimp, crab, mussels, and more with signature sauces. Head-on shrimp and Cajun fries round out the feast, making every visit feel like a celebration.
4. The Boil
Greenwich Village, Park Slope, and Astoria rooms crackle with energy as steaming bags of crawfish, shrimp, and snow crab hit the tables.
The Boil has mastered the art of turning seafood into a full-blown party, complete with buttery spice blends that coat every bite.
I once brought friends here who swore they didn’t like crawfish. Two pounds later, they were believers, licking their fingers and ordering more.
The Boil combo packs variety, and the garlic-butter sauce is dangerously addictive. Save room for beignets at the end because the sweet and savory balance is everything.
5. Shaking Crab
Bibs up, phones down is the motto, and trust me, you’ll need that bib once the Shaking special bag arrives. This rollicking Cajun-seafood chain has multiple NYC outposts, including a popular Hell’s Kitchen location that stays packed with peel-and-eat fans.
Shareable platters make it easy to sample everything, and the lobster with Cajun seasoning is a must-try. Spice levels range from mild to mouth-numbing, so choose wisely or go bold.
The vibe is loud, messy, and absolutely worth it. Expect buttery hands, satisfied smiles, and maybe a little sauce on your shirt by the end.
6. The Mermaid Inn / Mermaid Oyster Bar
Oyster-centric happy hour has made this longtime NYC seafood group a neighborhood favorite across multiple locations.
The Mermaid Inn and its sibling Mermaid Oyster Bar serve polished but easygoing seafood, including a Times Square outpost for midtown cravings.
East and West Coast oysters arrive ice-cold and impeccably fresh. The lobster knuckle sandwich is a hidden gem, packed with sweet meat and zero filler.
Chowder here is creamy without being heavy, and the happy-hour deals make frequent visits easy on the budget. Whether you’re after a quick bite or a full meal, this place delivers every time.
7. Blue Ribbon Sushi
Multiple Manhattan locations mean superb nigiri, maki, and warm plates are never far away. The Blue Ribbon Sushi family has spots in SoHo, FiDi, Columbus Circle, and Rockefeller Center, each serving pristine fish from a trusted NYC restaurant dynasty.
I’ve been to the SoHo location more times than I can count, and the chef’s choice nigiri never disappoints. Toro scallion rolls are buttery, delicate, and worth every penny.
This is where your seafood craving meets Japanese precision. Quality is consistent across all locations, making it a reliable choice whether you’re uptown, downtown, or somewhere in between.
8. Nobu
A global name that still delivers crowd-pleasers and specials, Nobu operates two Manhattan temples of upscale Japanese seafood.
Nobu Downtown and Nobu Fifty Seven both serve the iconic black cod miso and yellowtail jalapeño that made this brand famous.
Toro tartare is silky, rich, and practically melts on your tongue. Reservations can be tough, but the experience is worth the planning.
Sure, prices run high, but quality matches the reputation. Locals still flock here for special occasions and business dinners, knowing the fish will be flawless. It’s fancy without feeling stuffy, which is a rare balance.
9. Cousins Maine Lobster
Shark Tank fame launched these lobster trucks into the spotlight, and they’ve been roaming NYC and New York State ever since. Cousins Maine Lobster brings Maine to your block with rolls, bisque, and chowder served right from the truck.
Check the weekly schedule to track down their location because they move around. Connecticut-style warm butter lobster rolls are my personal favorite, rich and indulgent without overpowering the lobster.
Lobster tots are a genius side, crispy and loaded with chunks of meat. No seaside required when this truck pulls up to your neighborhood with fresh catches ready to go.
10. Red Lobster
Yes, there are still New York locations, and they’re serving familiar seafood platters alongside those legendary cheddar bay biscuits.
Red Lobster has NYC-area spots, including Gateway Center in Brooklyn and a Times Square listing for tourists and locals alike.
The Ultimate Feast is exactly what it sounds like: a mountain of shrimp, crab, and lobster that satisfies every craving. Biscuits arrive warm, buttery, and unlimited, which honestly might be reason enough to visit.
It’s not trendy or cutting-edge, but consistency and value keep people coming back. Sometimes you just want reliable seafood without surprises.
11. The Lobster Roll (LUNCH)
A 1965 original in Amagansett with a newer Southampton sibling, this Hamptons icon serves classic cold lobster rolls and chowder wrapped in summertime Americana.
The Amagansett location runs seasonally, while Southampton stays open with fall and winter hours.
I remember my first visit years ago, sitting outside under the LUNCH sign, wondering if the hype was real. One bite confirmed it.
Their classic lobster roll is simple, clean, and perfectly balanced. Chowder is creamy and packed with clams, making it a solid pairing. This is old-school Hamptons seafood done right.
12. Popei’s Clam Bar
Hearty, value-packed seafood defines this Long Island family favorite with locations across towns like Bethpage, Deer Park, and Coram.
Popei’s Clam Bar serves clambakes, all-you-can-eat nights, and big platters that satisfy hungry crowds without breaking the bank.
The clambake is a showstopper, loaded with clams, mussels, shrimp, corn, and potatoes. Fried calamari is tender and crispy, perfect for sharing or hoarding.
Crab-leg specials draw regulars who know when to show up for the best deals. It’s no-frills, generous, and exactly what Long Island seafood should be.