11 New York Seafood Shacks Worth Every Mile From City To Shore
There is a certain moment along the New York coast when the world slows down. Maybe it is the gulls circling overhead, maybe it is the soft crackle of waves against the rocks, or maybe it is the smell of butter hitting a hot grill.
Whatever it is, it has a way of pulling you toward the nearest seafood shack like a magnet. New York may be known for skyscrapers and traffic jams, but its shoreline tells a completely different story—one filled with weathered wooden counters, handwritten menus and seafood so fresh it barely needs seasoning.
These places do not try to impress you. They simply hand you a roll, a basket or a tray, and let the food speak for itself.
From the wind carved edges of Montauk to the hidden bends of City Island, these eleven seafood spots remind you that the best meals often come with a little sand on your shoes and the ocean just a few steps away.
1. The Clam Bar – Amagansett (Hamptons)
Pulling up to this spot feels like finding a secret hideout where locals have been gathering for decades. The menu is simple, the vibe is relaxed, and the clams taste like they were just plucked from the ocean floor. You order at the window, grab a picnic table, and settle in for a feast that doesn’t need fancy plating to impress.
What makes this place shine is its commitment to doing a few things really well. The steamers come in a bucket with drawn butter, and the clam chowder is thick enough to stick to your spoon. People drive from Manhattan just to sit under the sun and crack open shellfish.
If you want seafood without the pretension, this is your paradise. Bring cash, bring patience, and bring an appetite that matches the portions.
2. Duryea’s Lobster Deck – Montauk
Sitting on the deck here, watching boats drift by while cracking into a perfectly steamed lobster, is the kind of moment that makes you forget your phone exists. Duryea’s has been a Montauk staple forever, and for good reason—it’s all about fresh catch, no frills, and views that could sell postcards. The lobster is sweet, tender, and served with melted butter that drips down your fingers in the best way possible.
They also offer clams, mussels, and shrimp that taste like the ocean in the best sense. The atmosphere is breezy and casual, so don’t worry about dressing up.
Sunset here is unbeatable, especially with a lobster tail in one hand and a smile on your face. This is what summer on Long Island is all about.
3. Lunch / The Lobster Roll – Amagansett
Everyone calls it Lunch, but the sign says The Lobster Roll, and honestly, both names work because this place is legendary. The lobster roll here is stuffed so full of meat that it practically spills over the sides of the toasted bun. Each bite is rich, buttery, and ridiculously satisfying, like summer packed into a sandwich.
You can sit outside under colorful umbrellas and soak in that Hamptons energy without the Hamptons price tag—well, mostly. The menu also includes clam chowder, fish tacos, and fried clams that crunch just right.
Locals and tourists alike line up here, and once you taste the food, you’ll understand why. It’s a must-stop on any seafood road trip through Long Island.
4. Jordan Lobster Farms – Island Park (Long Island)
Walking into Jordan Lobster Farms feels like stepping into a seafood wonderland where everything is fresh, affordable, and ready to eat. You can buy live lobsters to take home or order them cooked right there, paired with corn, potatoes, and coleslaw. The waterfront seating gives you front-row views of boats and birds while you dig into your meal.
What I love most is the market vibe—it’s not stuffy or overpriced, just honest seafood done right. They also sell shrimp, clams, and fish fillets if you’re in the mood to cook at home.
Families flock here on weekends, and it’s easy to see why. The combination of quality, location, and value makes it a seafood lover’s dream come true.
5. Bob’s Clam Hut – Kittery-Style Pop-Up In NYC / Long Island
Finding Bob’s Clam Hut is like stumbling onto a hidden treasure that only the true seafood fans know about. This pop-up brings New England vibes straight to New York with crispy, golden fried clams that taste like vacation. The batter is light, the clams are plump, and every bite delivers that perfect crunch followed by tender, briny goodness.
They keep things simple, focusing on quality over quantity, and it shows. Whether you catch them at a market or a special event, the line is always worth the wait.
You don’t need a fancy restaurant to enjoy world-class seafood, and Bob’s proves it every single time. Grab a basket, find a spot to sit, and savor every last clam.
6. Ben’s Lighthouse Seafood Shack – Montauk
Ben’s sits near the iconic Montauk Lighthouse, and the location alone makes it feel like an adventure. The shack serves up lobster rolls, fish sandwiches, and clam strips that taste like they were pulled from the waves minutes ago. There’s something magical about eating seafood so close to the shore, with the lighthouse towering in the background.
The portions are generous, the prices are fair, and the staff treats you like a regular even if it’s your first visit. You can grab your food and walk down to the rocks or sit at one of the picnic tables.
It’s casual, it’s delicious, and it’s the kind of place that reminds you why you love the ocean. Perfect stop after a day of exploring Montauk.
7. Claudio’s Waterfront – Greenport
Claudio’s has been feeding hungry seafood lovers since 1870, and that kind of history doesn’t happen by accident. Sitting by the water in Greenport, this spot offers everything from raw oysters to grilled swordfish, all served with a side of nostalgia. The atmosphere is lively, the views are stunning, and the food is consistently excellent.
You can watch sailboats glide by while cracking into a plate of steamed mussels or savoring a perfectly seared scallop dish. The clam bar is a favorite, with shuckers working nonstop to keep up with demand.
Whether you’re celebrating something special or just craving fresh seafood, Claudio’s delivers every time. It’s a North Fork gem that never gets old, no matter how many times you visit.
8. Southold Fish Market – Southold (North Fork)
Some places are all about show, but Southold Fish Market is all about substance. This no-frills spot serves up some of the freshest seafood on the North Fork, from fish tacos to lobster rolls that practically melt in your mouth. You order at the counter, grab a seat outside, and enjoy food that tastes like it came straight from the boat.
The fish market side of the business means you can also buy fresh fillets to cook at home, which is a huge bonus. The staff knows their stuff and can recommend the catch of the day without hesitation.
It’s unpretentious, affordable, and absolutely delicious. If you’re exploring the North Fork, this stop is non-negotiable for any seafood enthusiast.
9. Hook & Reel Crab House – Staten Island (Shore-Style Boil)
Craving a messy, hands-on seafood experience that’s equal parts fun and flavor? Hook & Reel delivers exactly that with their signature shore-style boil. You pick your seafood—crab legs, shrimp, clams, mussels—and choose your spice level, then everything gets tossed in a bag with buttery, garlicky goodness and dumped right on your table.
It’s interactive dining at its finest, complete with bibs, mallets, and plenty of napkins. The flavors are bold, the portions are huge, and the vibe is energetic and social.
Perfect for groups or anyone who doesn’t mind getting a little messy in the name of amazing food. Staten Island might not be the first place you think of for seafood, but Hook & Reel changes that instantly.
10. Bigelow’s New England Fried Clams – Rockville Centre
Bigelow’s brings a taste of New England straight to Long Island, and their fried clams are the stuff of legend. Crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, each clam is a little bite of coastal perfection. The batter is seasoned just right, and they don’t skimp on portion sizes, which is always appreciated.
The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, making it a great spot for a quick lunch or an easy dinner. They also serve lobster rolls, fish and chips, and clam chowder that warms you from the inside out.
If you’ve been searching for authentic New England-style seafood without leaving New York, Bigelow’s is your answer. Simple, satisfying, and seriously good—what more could you ask for?
11. The Original Crab Shanty – City Island (Bronx)
City Island feels like a little slice of New England tucked into the Bronx, and The Original Crab Shanty is one of its crown jewels. The restaurant sits right on the water, offering stunning views and a menu packed with fresh seafood favorites. Their crab cakes are legendary—crispy, golden, and loaded with real crab meat, not filler.
You can also enjoy lobster, shrimp, clams, and a raw bar that’s always stocked with the best of the day. The nautical decor and relaxed vibe make it feel like a true escape from the city hustle.
Whether you’re a local or just visiting, this spot deserves a place on your seafood bucket list. Great food, great views, and great vibes—City Island at its finest.