These Are The 10 Seafood Shacks In New York State Locals Love

New York State offers more than just city lights and skyscrapers.

From the sandy shores of Long Island to the peaceful Finger Lakes, this state has incredible seafood spots that locals visit again and again.

These aren’t fancy restaurants with white tablecloths and confusing menus.

Instead, they’re casual shacks where you can taste the ocean in every bite and feel the warm welcome of a community gathering place.

Whether you’re craving a buttery lobster roll, crispy fried clams, or fresh fish caught that very morning, New York State has hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

Locals know these places by heart, returning season after season for food that feels like home.

Ready to explore where New Yorkers really eat when they want authentic seafood?

Let’s uncover the coastal treasures and lakeside favorites that make this state a seafood lover’s dream.

1. Lulu Kitchen & Bar

Sag Harbor holds a special place in the hearts of Hamptons locals, and Lulu Kitchen & Bar stands as proof of that affection.

This restaurant combines relaxed vibes with elevated cooking, creating an atmosphere where both tourists and year-round residents feel equally at home.

Wood-fired cooking techniques bring out incredible flavors in every dish, making each visit memorable.

The restaurant’s dedication to sourcing high-quality seafood means you’re tasting the freshest catches available.

Casual elegance defines the space, where you can dress comfortably yet still enjoy a refined dining experience.

Locals appreciate that Lulu maintains its neighborhood charm despite being located in one of the most visited areas on Long Island.

The outdoor seating becomes especially popular during warmer months, offering a perfect spot to enjoy the coastal breeze.

Families, couples, and friends gather here for celebrations or simple weeknight meals.

What sets this place apart is its ability to serve sophisticated food without any pretension.

You’ll find residents stopping by throughout the year, not just during peak summer season.

The restaurant’s commitment to quality over trends has earned lasting loyalty from the community.

Located at 126 Main Street in Sag Harbor, Lulu Kitchen & Bar continues to be a cornerstone of local dining culture.

2. The Lobster Roll

Everyone on Long Island knows the famous “Lunch” sign that marks this legendary spot.

The Lobster Roll has been serving hungry beachgoers and locals for generations, becoming a true Hamptons institution.

Simplicity reigns here, with a menu focused on doing classic dishes exceptionally well rather than trying to reinvent seafood.

You’ll face a delicious decision between cold lobster rolls dressed with mayo or hot versions dripping with butter.

Both preparations have devoted fans who return year after year for their preferred style.

The casual atmosphere means you can show up in your beach clothes and feel completely comfortable.

Picnic tables outside create a communal dining experience where strangers often strike up conversations.

Locals know the best times to visit, avoiding the weekend rushes when tourists flood the area.

The restaurant’s longevity speaks to its consistent quality and refusal to compromise on ingredients.

Fresh lobster meat, perfectly toasted buns, and just the right amount of seasoning make each roll unforgettable.

This isn’t a place trying to be trendy or Instagram-worthy.

Instead, it focuses on honest food that tastes exactly like a summer day at the beach should taste.

Find this iconic shack at 1980 Montauk Highway in Amagansett.

3. The Clam Bar at Bridgehampton

Driving along the highway, you might almost miss this unassuming roadside treasure.

But locals never miss it, returning faithfully for seafood that tastes like childhood summers.

The Clam Bar has served the Bridgehampton community for decades, maintaining its authentic charm despite changes all around.

Fresh chowders arrive steaming hot, filled with generous portions of clams and just enough cream.

Outdoor seating lets you enjoy your meal while watching the world go by on this busy stretch of road.

The casual setting removes all dining pressure, letting you focus entirely on the incredible flavors.

Families bring their children here, creating new memories in the same spot where they ate as kids.

The menu stays true to seafood shack classics, offering fried clams, fish sandwiches, and other coastal favorites.

Nothing fancy happens here, and that’s precisely why people love it.

You order at the counter, grab your food, and find a spot at one of the weathered picnic tables.

The experience feels authentic in a way that many modern restaurants struggle to replicate.

Locals appreciate that prices remain reasonable despite the Hamptons location.

Quality ingredients and careful preparation ensure every dish meets expectations.

Visit this beloved spot at 3449 Montauk Highway in Bridgehampton.

4. Dave’s Half Shell

Port Washington residents consider Dave’s Half Shell their personal seafood sanctuary.

Located near the water, this casual spot captures the essence of coastal dining without any stuffiness.

Consistency defines the experience here, with locals knowing they’ll receive excellent food every single visit.

The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between lively and relaxed, making it suitable for various occasions.

Fresh oysters arrive on ice, their briny flavor transporting you straight to the ocean.

The restaurant’s proximity to the marina means you’re dining where fishing boats actually dock.

Families feel welcome here, as do couples looking for a casual date night spot.

The menu offers variety while maintaining focus on what matters most, which is quality seafood prepared simply.

Locals recommend this place to visiting friends without hesitation, confident it will impress.

The staff recognizes regular customers, creating a neighborhood feel that larger restaurants can’t replicate.

Outdoor seating becomes prime real estate during pleasant weather, offering views of boats bobbing in the harbor.

The restaurant avoids gimmicks, instead relying on solid cooking and genuine hospitality.

This approach has built a loyal following that keeps tables filled throughout the year.

You’ll find Dave’s Half Shell at 435 Main Street in Port Washington.

5. City Island Lobster House

City Island feels like a slice of New England dropped into New York City limits.

The Lobster House anchors this unique neighborhood, serving as a gathering place for celebrations and casual dinners alike.

Harbor views provide constant entertainment as boats glide past during your meal.

The restaurant’s size accommodates large groups, making it popular for family reunions and birthday parties.

Generous seafood platters arrive piled high, offering variety and abundance that satisfies even the heartiest appetites.

Bronx residents treasure this escape from city hustle, where the pace slows and the focus shifts to good food.

The nautical decor reinforces the coastal atmosphere, helping diners forget they’re still within city limits.

Locals know which tables offer the best water views and often request them when making reservations.

The restaurant has served the community for years, becoming woven into the fabric of City Island life.

Fresh catches get prepared in traditional ways that honor seafood’s natural flavors.

The casual environment means children can be themselves without parents worrying about disturbing other diners.

Parking can challenge visitors, but locals know the secret spots and best times to arrive.

The experience delivers exactly what a seafood house should offer.

Find this City Island landmark at 691 Bridge Street in the Bronx.

6. Red Sun Picnic

Waterloo holds an unexpected seafood gem that locals guard like a precious secret.

Red Sun Picnic operates unlike any traditional restaurant, offering incredibly fresh seafood in a picnic-style setting.

You order your food and enjoy it outdoors, embracing a casual approach that feels refreshingly different.

The Finger Lakes region doesn’t immediately come to mind for seafood, which makes this spot even more special.

Freshness defines every dish, with quality that rivals coastal establishments despite the inland location.

Locals appreciate the unique concept, which strips dining down to its essential pleasures of good food and pleasant surroundings.

The picnic atmosphere encourages relaxation and conversation, creating memorable experiences beyond just the meal.

Families bring blankets and settle in for leisurely lunches that stretch into the afternoon.

The restaurant’s commitment to sourcing excellent seafood has built a reputation that extends beyond the immediate area.

People drive from surrounding towns specifically to experience this one-of-a-kind spot.

The casual setting doesn’t mean casual preparation, as the kitchen treats every dish with care and attention.

Seasonal operation means locals anticipate opening day each year like a holiday.

This isn’t just a restaurant but a destination that celebrates outdoor dining and quality ingredients.

Experience this unique spot at 2943 State Route 414 in Waterloo.

7. Hattie’s Restaurant

Saratoga Springs boasts a dining institution that locals have cherished for generations.

Hattie’s Restaurant started as a humble fried chicken spot and evolved into a beloved community cornerstone.

The restaurant serves Southern-inspired comfort food that warms both body and soul.

While not exclusively a seafood shack, locals include it in their rotation of must-visit casual dining spots.

The authentic approach to cooking creates flavors that transport you to a different place and time.

Generous portions ensure nobody leaves hungry, making it popular for hearty lunches and satisfying dinners.

The casual atmosphere welcomes everyone from racetrack visitors to year-round residents.

Families fill booths during weekend brunches, creating a lively buzz that fills the dining room.

The restaurant’s history adds character, with walls that could tell countless stories of celebrations and gatherings.

Locals bring out-of-town guests here to experience genuine Saratoga dining culture.

The kitchen maintains consistency that builds trust, with dishes tasting reliably delicious visit after visit.

The restaurant honors its roots while adapting to modern tastes, striking a balance that satisfies diverse diners.

Service remains friendly and efficient, treating regulars and first-timers with equal warmth.

Visit Hattie’s Restaurant at 45 Phila Street in Saratoga Springs.

8. The Shack

Lake George summers mean lazy days on the water and quick bites at beloved local spots.

The Shack embodies everything perfect about lake town dining with its unpretentious approach and satisfying food.

Fried fish sandwiches arrive hot and crispy, perfect fuel after hours of swimming and boating.

Locals know this place serves exactly what you crave when spending days outdoors.

The casual setup means you can walk up in your swimsuit without anyone batting an eye.

Reasonable prices make it accessible for families feeding hungry kids multiple times throughout vacation weeks.

Quick service gets you back to the beach or boat without long waits that waste precious summer hours.

The menu focuses on classics done well rather than attempting complicated dishes.

Ice cream offerings provide the perfect ending to any meal, especially on hot afternoons.

The Shack has served Lake George visitors and residents for years, becoming part of the area’s summer tradition.

Outdoor seating lets you enjoy your food while soaking up the lake atmosphere.

Locals return throughout the season, sometimes multiple times per week when camping or vacationing nearby.

The simplicity and reliability make it a dependable choice when you want no-fuss dining.

Find this lakeside favorite in the Lake George village area.

9. New England Seafood Company

Rochester residents seeking the freshest possible seafood head straight to New England Seafood Company.

This establishment functions as both market and casual eatery, offering the best of both worlds.

Counter-service style keeps things informal while ensuring you get exactly what you’re craving.

The market side displays beautiful fresh fish that you can purchase to prepare at home.

But many locals prefer ordering prepared meals right there, enjoying seafood cooked by people who truly understand it.

The restaurant’s reputation for reliable local catches has made it a trusted source throughout the Rochester area.

You’ll see regulars chatting with staff about the day’s best offerings and getting cooking tips.

This interaction creates a community feeling that grocery store seafood counters can’t match.

The casual dining area provides simple seating where you can enjoy your meal immediately.

Locals appreciate the transparency of seeing exactly what they’re getting before ordering.

The combination of market and restaurant means everything tastes incredibly fresh.

Families stop by to grab dinner on busy weeknights, knowing they’ll get quality food quickly.

The straightforward approach removes any dining intimidation, making seafood accessible to everyone.

Located at 100 Fishers Avenue in Rochester, this spot serves the community daily.

10. Captain Nick’s Seafood Shack

Fairport’s dining scene includes a small gem that locals cherish for its consistency and warmth.

Captain Nick’s Seafood Shack operates with a community-first mentality that shines through every interaction.

Lobster rolls here earn constant praise, prepared with generous portions and careful attention to detail.

Classic fried seafood platters satisfy cravings with perfectly crispy coatings and tender fish inside.

The small size creates an intimate atmosphere where staff remembers regular customers and their usual orders.

Locals recommend this place enthusiastically, proud to have such quality in their neighborhood.

The friendly service makes every visit pleasant, with staff treating guests like welcomed friends.

Consistency keeps people returning, knowing their meal will taste just as good as last time.

The shack concept means no pretense, just honest food served with genuine care.

Families feel comfortable bringing children, who often become fans themselves of the simple, tasty offerings.

The restaurant proves you don’t need ocean proximity to serve excellent seafood.

Quality ingredients and proper preparation create flavors that rival any coastal establishment.

The community has embraced Captain Nick’s as their go-to spot for reliable seafood done right.

Find this neighborhood favorite at 1 North Main Street in Fairport.