8 Seafood Shacks In New York State Locals Love

When summer rolls around in New York, locals flock to their favorite seafood shacks for fresh catches and seaside vibes. From Brooklyn’s bustling waterfront to Montauk’s laid-back shores, these beloved establishments serve up everything from buttery lobster rolls to crispy fried clams. Whether you’re a New Yorker or just visiting, these eight seafood spots offer authentic flavors that keep customers coming back year after year.

1. Red Hook Lobster Pound – Brooklyn, NY

Tucked away in Brooklyn’s historic Red Hook neighborhood, this maritime gem started as a simple seafood market before evolving into a full-fledged eatery. The Maine-style lobster rolls, served on toasted split-top buns with just enough mayo and butter, have developed a cult following among city dwellers.

Wooden picnic tables and nautical decor create a casual atmosphere that feels miles away from the urban hustle. What makes this spot special isn’t just the seafood – it’s the owners’ commitment to sustainability and direct relationships with Maine lobstermen.

2. Brooklyn Crab – Brooklyn, NY

Perched on a three-story structure with panoramic views of New York Harbor, Brooklyn Crab offers more than just seafood – it delivers an experience. The Maryland-style blue crabs, doused in Old Bay seasoning and served with wooden mallets, transform dinner into a delightfully messy adventure.

Kids and adults alike enjoy the ground-floor mini-golf course and cornhole games while waiting for their orders. The rooftop deck becomes magical at sunset, when the Statue of Liberty silhouette appears against the orange sky, making even longtime New Yorkers fall in love with their city all over again.

3. Randazzo’s Clam Bar – Brooklyn, NY

Since 1963, this Sheepshead Bay institution has been serving what locals swear is the best marinara sauce in the five boroughs. The famous “sauce” isn’t actually marinara at all but a fiery, rich tomato concoction that elevates their fried calamari to legendary status.

Fourth-generation family members still work behind the counter, greeting regulars by name. The no-frills interior, with its checkered tablecloths and nautical photographs, hasn’t changed much over decades.

Featured on numerous food shows, Randazzo’s somehow maintains its authentic neighborhood vibe despite the fame – a true Brooklyn miracle.

4. Lazy Lobster – East Rockaway, NY

Hidden on a residential street that most GPS systems struggle to locate, Lazy Lobster rewards those persistent enough to find it. The tiny takeout counter, operating from a converted garage, serves lobster rolls that rival anything you’d find in Maine.

Owner Captain Mike catches many of the lobsters himself, a fact he’ll happily share while preparing your order. The “Lazy Special” combines warm buttered lobster meat with cold lobster salad on the same roll – a controversial move that has developed passionate supporters.

With only three picnic tables outside, most customers eat in their cars or head to nearby waterfront parks.

5. Out of the Blue Seafood – Hamptons, NY

Against all odds, this unpretentious seafood joint survives in the heart of the ultra-fancy Hamptons. Local fishermen deliver their catches directly to the back door each morning, making the daily specials board the only menu section worth considering.

The signature “Montauk pearl” oysters arrive so fresh they practically taste like the Atlantic itself. Unlike neighboring establishments, Out of the Blue maintains reasonable prices and a strict no-reservations policy that keeps both celebrities and locals waiting in the same line.

Their fish tacos – made with whatever was swimming that morning – remain the best-kept secret on Long Island’s East End.

6. 2 Forks Up – Western NY

Who says you need an ocean for great seafood? This roadside surprise in Western New York proves freshwater fish can be just as spectacular. Located near the Finger Lakes, 2 Forks Up specializes in creative preparations of local catch – their beer-battered lake perch has developed an almost religious following.

The quirky interior features fishing gear donated by customers, with each item telling its own story. Chef Maria, a culinary school dropout turned self-taught seafood expert, changes the menu based on what local fishermen bring her each day.

Don’t miss the smoked trout dip, which uses a 100-year-old recipe from a Seneca Nation elder.

7. Clam and Chowder House at Salivar’s Dock – Montauk, NY

Fishermen unload their boats just steps from this dockside eatery, where the phrase “fresh catch” takes on literal meaning. The restaurant sits on the exact spot where for decades the famous Salivar’s hosted Ernest Hemingway and other legendary anglers.

Today’s incarnation honors that history while serving sushi-grade tuna that was swimming in the Atlantic just hours earlier. The outdoor deck positions diners so close to the water that fishing boats sometimes splash them during high tide – an experience regulars consider a badge of honor.

Their New England clam chowder consistently wins local competitions despite being made by a chef from Maryland.

8. Jerry & The Mermaid – Long Island, NY

“There is no Jerry and there never was a mermaid,” owner Maria often tells first-timers with a wink. This Long Island institution, operating since 1985, began as a fisherman’s bar and evolved into one of the area’s most beloved seafood spots without losing its salty charm.

The lobster bisque recipe remains unchanged for 37 years – rich, brandy-laced, and served with house-made oyster crackers. Local fishermen’s photos cover the walls, creating an unofficial museum of Long Island maritime history.

Their unassuming building near the ferry terminal makes it the perfect first stop for visitors arriving from Connecticut.