I Followed New York Backroads To 12 Seafood Shacks And 7 Stole The Show
The day started on a two-lane cut through scrub pines, windshield salted from last night’s spray, cooler rattling in the trunk like it had opinions.
I chased hand-painted arrows and bait shop signs on purpose, letting wrong turns become new plans, knowing New York could still feel coastal if you stayed off the big roads.
A bridge rose, fog thinned, and the first gravel lot spit dust while gulls timed their dives to the fryer bell.
By the second shack I was recalculating everything I thought I knew about crunch, steam, and the exact lemon snap that resets your afternoon.
I kept moving when the napkins flew, when the wind changed, when the line promised to make my order into something delicious.
This was a ride built on fries heat and dock creaks, and New York kept paying out in paper baskets.
If you want real seafood energy, these twelve shacks are sure to blow you away!
1. Shinnecock Lobster Factory, Southampton
Shinnecock Lobster Factory at 42 Montauk Hwy in Southampton was my first backroad reward, tucked where the salt air feels like a hint you should follow.
I pulled in dusty from the drive, blinked at the boats, and let the dock noises set my pace.
At the counter I asked what tasted most like today, then committed to a lobster split, warm and straightforward.
The shell cracked with a tidy snap, and the meat came out sweet, almost buttery on its own.
I used the paper tray as a map, keeping claws on one side and lemony drips on the other, and I promised myself I would not rush.
Midway through, I caught myself smiling at my own hands, shining with butter like proof I was doing vacation correctly.
When I finished, I stacked the shells neatly, rinsed at the little station, and walked back to the car smelling like the sea and feeling newly patient for the miles ahead.
2. The Lobster Roll Restaurant, Amagansett
The Lobster Roll at 1980 Montauk Highway in Amagansett sat bright by the road, and I felt my plan to “just drive” dissolve the second I saw the sign.
Inside, the line moved with practiced calm, so I used the wait to study the chalkboard and decide to stay classic.
My lobster roll arrived overfilled, chilled chunks tucked into a warm bun that tried its best to hold everything together.
The first bite was clean and sweet, with that ocean snap that makes you pause mid chew.
I chased it with a sip of lemonade, then went back in, elbows on the table like I lived there.
A gull stared me down as if it had opinions, and I laughed because the roll was already winning the argument.
Halfway through, butter warmed the bread and turned the whole thing into comfort with a breeze.
I wiped my hands, checked the road, and considered a second, then chose the souvenir: the memory.
3. Clam Bar At Napeague, Amagansett
Clam Bar At Napeague at 2025 Montauk Hwy in Amagansett showed up right when the road started to feel endless.
I parked, stepped out, and caught fryer warmth mixing with salty air, a combo that makes choices easy.
At the window I ordered fried clams and a cup of chowder, then claimed a spot by the rail.
The tray landed with a paper crackle and a lemon wedge that looked like a tiny sun.
The clams were crisp at the edges, tender in the middle, and each bite carried that briny sweetness that keeps you reaching back in.
The chowder was creamy without feeling heavy, with pepper that nudged everything awake.
I dunked a few clams on purpose, then grinned at how right it tasted.
Between bites, traffic slid toward the ocean while I enjoyed my quiet detour.
When the last crumb disappeared, I shook sand from my shoes and retired the phrase “just a snack” for the day completely.
4. Gosman’s Dock, Montauk
Gosman’s Dock at 500 W Lake Dr in Montauk felt like arriving inside a postcard, louder and hungrier.
I followed the boardwalk planks, peeked at the water, and let the smell of grilled seafood steer me.
With so many choices, I went for a lobster roll and fries, an order that keeps you grounded while you roam.
The roll came piled high, glossy and generous, and the first bite tasted like ocean and sunshine agreeing.
Fries were hot and crisp, perfect for catching stray drips before they hit my wrist.
I wandered to the edge, watched boats glide in, and used the railing as my table like it was built for that.
Every few minutes, the breeze shifted and turned the whole dock into a moving menu.
I took my time, people watched, and let the place entertain me between bites.
When I finished, I felt happily occupied, like the dock had handed me the rest of my day today.
5. Inlet Seafood Restaurant, Montauk
Inlet Seafood Restaurant at 541 E Lake Dr in Montauk met me with a breeze off the water and a menu that read like a dare.
I grabbed a spot with a view, then ordered oysters and a fish sandwich to cover both cravings.
The oysters arrived cold and gleaming, tasting clean and briny. I squeezed lemon, took a bite, and felt the whole day snap into focus.
The sandwich followed, thick and crisp, with a soft bun that kept everything tidy.
I ate slowly, watching boats swing on their lines and pretending I had nowhere else to be.
A splash hit the rocks below, and I timed my bites to that rhythm: bite, look, chew, breathe.
By the time the basket was empty, my hands smelled like lemon and sea, and my face wore an accidental grin when the food matched the view.
I saved the last bite outside.
I walked back to the car calmer than I arrived.
6. Claudio’s Clam Bar & Wharf, Greenport
Claudio’s Clam Bar at 111 Main St in Greenport greeted me with harbor buzz and the smell of fried seafood drifting down the sidewalk.
I joined the line, read the board twice, and ordered clam strips with slaw because it sounded like the day’s best idea.
The first strip cracked loud, then softened into a sweet chew, and a squeeze of lemon made everything brighter.
Slaw came cool and crisp, the perfect reset between salty bites.
I carried my tray to a spot near the water, watched masts sway, and ate like the view was part of the seasoning.
Halfway through, my pace slowed on its own; instead of racing, I matched the harbor’s rhythm.
A seagull tried to bargain with eye contact, and I shook my head, smiling at the attempt.
By the end, my fingers were dusted with crunch, my mood felt sunny, and I was already planning a return.
Greenport gave me that satisfied, seaside New York reset today.
7. Cliff’s Elbow Room, Jamesport
Cliff’s Elbow Room at 1549 Main Rd in Jamesport looked like the kind of stop you spot by accident and thank the road for later.
I pulled in after a quiet stretch of farms and roadside stands, and the simple sign felt like a promise.
Inside, it was cozy and busy, with orders moving fast and the smell of seafood greeting me at the door.
I went for clam chowder and a fried fish plate, then claimed a seat with a view of the kitchen rhythm.
The chowder was warm and steady, creamy without feeling heavy, and it tasted carefully balanced.
The fish arrived crisp and flaky, with fries that stayed hot and useful for scooping.
I squeezed lemon, took a bite, and wished my drive was longer so I could eat slower.
Once I finished, I felt properly cared for, like New York had quietly said: “You’re doing fine.”
I walked out smiling, already checking my route back.
8. Southold Fish Market, Southold
Southold Fish Market at 64755 Route 25 in Southold felt like a practical treasure, the kind of place where the cases do the talking.
I stepped in and got that briny scent that says everything is fresh and moving fast.
I ordered a lobster roll and a cup of soup, then watched the staff work with speed, weighing, wrapping, and calling numbers like music.
The roll came cool and generous, with pieces that snapped sweetly when I bit in.
The bun was soft and lightly toasted, just enough to hold the mess without stealing attention.
The soup was warm and simple, the perfect contrast to the chilled roll.
I ate at a small counter, looking out at the road like I was monitoring my own progress.
Halfway through, I realized this stop wasn’t flashy, it was dependable, and that might be the best compliment.
I left with extra packed to go, because my future self deserved the surprise later.
9. Jordan Lobster Farms, Island Park
Jordan Lobster Farms at 1 Pettit Pl in Island Park was the kind of waterside stop that makes you forget your phone exists.
I pulled in, heard the faint clack of docks, and followed the crowd toward the order window with inevitability.
I chose a warm lobster roll and a side of corn, then found a seat facing the water so the breeze could do its thing.
The roll arrived heavy in my hands, butter soaking into the bun, lobster piled up like it had a point to prove.
The first bite was rich and sweet, and I had to take a second just to confirm it was real.
Corn followed, salty and bright, the perfect break between buttery bites.
A boat wake nudged the horizon, and I timed my last bites with the rocking.
By the end, my napkins were a mess, my mood was light, and my only regret was not building more backroads into the day for me.
10. Johnny’s Reef, New York City
Johnny’s Reef at 2 City Island Ave in New York City hit me like a seaside carnival.
I walked up hungry, stared at the menu boards, and decided to go big with fried shrimp and a crab cake because restraint was not on the itinerary.
The order came fast, piled high, smelling like crisp edges and ocean sweetness.
Shrimp popped hot and juicy under the crunch, and the crab cake held together with a tender, flaky bite that tasted honest.
I took my tray outside, found a bench, and watched boats and bikes share the view like it was normal.
The breeze kept tugging at my napkins, so I ate with both hands and a grin.
Halfway through, I caught myself planning my next visit, which felt very New York of me, always thinking one stop ahead.
When I finished, I wiped my hands, leaned back, and let the waterfront scene do the dessert job: simple, bright, and totally satisfying.
11. Randazzo’s Seafood, New York City
Randazzo’s Seafood at 2327 Arthur Ave in New York City felt like I’d stumbled into a neighborhood tradition that didn’t need to advertise.
I stepped in, took one look at the steam and trays, and ordered a bowl of mussels with a side of bread for soaking.
The mussels arrived in a bath of garlicky goodness, shells opening like little doors, each bite tender and salty-sweet.
I tore bread with my hands, swiped up every last bit, and decided I was officially committed.
The room had that comfortable hum of regulars and service, and I loved how no one acted surprised by my enthusiastic pace.
Halfway through, I realized this was the kind of meal that makes the city feel small.
That’s the magic I chase in New York: a tiny table, a big bowl, and zero need for a plan.
I left full, smiling, and sauced in the most wholesome sense, already thinking about what I’d order next.
12. Cosenza’s Fish Market, New York City
Cosenza’s Fish Market at 2354 Arthur Ave in New York City felt like stepping into a little pocket of ocean energy right in the middle of Arthur Avenue’s hustle.
I walked in and the cases did that instant magic trick, everything stacked on ice, shining, looking like it had somewhere important to be.
I ordered a dozen clams and a couple oysters first, because the outside raw bar vibe basically dared me to start there, and the briny snap hit like a cold, clean reset.
Then I grabbed a fried calamari order to keep my hands busy while I hovered near the counter, watching the steady choreography of paper wraps, quick calls, and fish getting cleaned like it’s an everyday performance.
The best part was how unpretentious it all felt: you point, they know, you eat, you grin.
I left with salty fingers, a happy appetite, and the strong urge to reroute my day back past Arthur Avenue again.