Johnny's Reef

- 2 City Island Ave, Bronx, NY 10464

For generations of New Yorkers, escaping the city bustle for a true taste of the sea has meant one thing: a trip to City Island, and a pilgrimage to Johnny's Reef. This historic establishment is far more than a restaurant; it’s a cultural landmark, a gathering place, and a destination that defines the unique "Cape Cod in the Bronx" vibe. Serving the community for over 60 years, Johnny's Reef is a fast-food style seafood haven where the focus remains on fresh, delicious seafood served with efficiency and a view that’s impossible to beat.

Walk into Johnny’s Reef and you’re immediately greeted by the bustling energy of a large, cafeteria-style space, a system perfected to handle the massive turnover and ensure the absolute freshness of the food. It’s an experience: deciding between the extensive menu of fried or steamed options, placing your cash-only order at a dedicated counter, and then carrying your basket of hot, comforting seafood to the expansive indoor or outdoor seating areas. This place is about legacy, loyalty, and flavor, delivering a casual, authentic, and truly memorable dining experience right on the Long Island Sound.

This is the kind of place that embodies the spirit of the Bronx—unpretentious, high-energy, and entirely focused on quality food and community. Whether you're a first-time tourist or a seasoned local, Johnny’s Reef offers a refreshingly quick and satisfying meal with the majestic backdrop of the water, sailboats, and the Throgs Neck Bridge. It is a true local specialty, celebrated for its consistency and its commitment to the classic American seafood shack experience.

Location and Accessibility

Johnny's Reef boasts one of the most desirable locations on City Island, situated right at the water's edge at the south end of the island.

The full contact information is:

2 City Island Ave, Bronx, NY 10464, USA

Its location makes it the ultimate destination for a seaside meal, offering breathtaking views of the Long Island Sound and Great Neck. The atmosphere is casual, historic, and trendy—a perfect blend for a relaxed outing. Parking is readily available, a major convenience for New Yorkers driving to the spot: there is a free on-site parking lot, in addition to free street parking nearby.

The restaurant is fully committed to accessibility, ensuring all guests can enjoy the experience. The facilities include a wheelchair accessible entrance, a wheelchair accessible parking lot, a wheelchair accessible restroom, and wheelchair accessible seating areas, making it a welcoming place for everyone in the community and beyond.

Services Offered

Johnny's Reef operates as a unique, counter-service establishment that maximizes customer convenience and speed.

• Dine-in and Takeout: The fast service model is perfect for both quick dine-in meals and takeout orders.
• Extensive Seating: Offers both ample indoor seating in the bustling cafeteria and spacious outdoor seating for al fresco dining by the water.
• Onsite Bar: Features a fully stocked bar offering a great beer selection, cocktails, hard liquor, and wine.
• High-Speed Service: Known for its exceptionally fast and efficient service, making it ideal for a quick lunch or dinner.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: Provides high chairs and a designated kids' menu, making it an excellent spot for families.
• Late-Night Food: Offers quick bites and meals suitable for late-night dining.
• Cash-Only Policy: All orders must be paid for with cash at the separate ordering stations for food and beverages.

Features and Highlights

The enduring appeal of Johnny's Reef lies in its commitment to simple, fresh seafood and its iconic waterfront setting.

• Iconic Waterfront Views: The large outdoor picnic-style dining area provides stunning, direct views of the Long Island Sound, sailboats, and the majestic Throgs Neck Bridge.
• "Fried or Steamed" Menu: A focused but extensive menu allows customers to choose almost any seafood item—from shrimp and scallops to whiting and lobster tails—cooked either perfectly fried or healthily steamed.
• Famous Frozen Cocktails: The bar is a major highlight, with many visitors recommending the strong, delicious cocktails, particularly the Piña Coladas, which perfectly complement the seaside meal.
• Historic and Casual Atmosphere: Serving the City Island community for over 60 years, it maintains a historic yet casual, family-friendly, and highly popular environment.
• Efficiency and Cleanliness: The ordering line moves quickly, and the staff are noted for their friendly, efficient service and prompt cleaning of tables, ensuring a spotless dining area.
• Seagull Protection: Thoughtful amenities, such as wire overhead in the outdoor areas, have been added to prevent seagulls from interfering with guests’ meals.

Contact Information

To reach the restaurant, please use the following contact details:

• Address: 2 City Island Ave, Bronx, NY 10464, USA
• Phone: (718) 885-2086

What is Worth Choosing at Johnny's Reef

When visiting Johnny’s Reef, the best approach is to embrace the classic fried or steamed simplicity that has made this spot famous for over half a century.

For those who enjoy Fried Seafood, the menu offers an abundance of crisp, golden options. Highly recommended classics include the Fried Shrimp, the Fried Whiting, and the Fried Fillet (such as flounder), which customers describe as soft, velvety, and buttery. For a richer treat, the Fried Lobster Tails and the seasonal Fried Soft Shell Crabs are popular choices. Everything is served hot and fresh, often straight out of the fryer, with generous portions.

If you prefer a lighter, healthier option, the Steamed Section is an excellent alternative. You can order the same variety of items, including Steamed Shrimp and Steamed Whiting, prepared simply to let the fresh flavor of the seafood shine. Don't overlook the Clam Section either, offering Steamed Little Necks and Steamed Cherry Stones by the dozen.

To complete the classic Johnny’s Reef experience, you absolutely must order a drink. The Piña Coladas are legendary, known for being strong and a perfect pairing for the salty, fresh air and seafood feast. Alternatively, the great selection of Beer and other cocktails ensures there is a suitable beverage for everyone in your party.

A key tip for all first-time visitors: bring cash. As a historic, counter-service establishment, Johnny's Reef maintains a strict cash-only payment policy, a charming quirk that keeps the lines moving fast and the prices competitive. Embrace the tradition, enjoy the view, and you’ll understand why Johnny’s Reef is a foundational piece of the Bronx dining landscape.

Johnny's Reef

2 City Island Ave, Bronx, NY 10464, USA