Randazzo's Clam Bar

- 2017 Emmons Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11235

Randazzo's Clam Bar: The Pride of Sheepshead Bay, Serving Brooklyn for Generations

For nearly a century, Randazzo’s Clam Bar has stood as an iconic fixture on the waterfront of Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn. More than just a seafood restaurant, this establishment is a living piece of New York City history, embodying the spirit of a classic, family-run business that has consistently served high-quality Italian-American seafood to a devoted local and tourist following. The Randazzo family’s deep roots in the seafood industry began in 1920 in Manhattan's Lower East Side before moving to the bustling fishing community of Sheepshead Bay in 1932. The official Randazzo's Clam Bar, as many New Yorkers know it today, was established in 1963 by Elena "Helen" Randazzo, who popularized the family’s signature red sauce.

Stepping into Randazzo's is an experience that transports you back to an earlier era of Brooklyn dining. The atmosphere is casual, cozy, and historic, attracting a vibrant mix of locals, families, and tourists. It's a place where the focus is firmly on fresh, hearty food, generous portions, and a famously efficient, no-nonsense service style that gives the venue its authentic, old-school New York character. The location along Emmons Avenue, directly across from the fishing piers, adds to the charm, especially in the warmer months when the area comes alive with waterfront activity.

The restaurant's longevity is a testament to its commitment to quality and tradition. Now run by the fifth generation of the Randazzo family, the establishment continues to honor its heritage, ensuring that every dish meets the standards set by their ancestors, particularly the beloved "Famous Original" red sauce. Randazzo's Clam Bar is frequently recognized as a culinary landmark, having been featured on major food shows and consistently named one of New York City’s best old-school Italian-American seafood spots. It is a true Brooklyn gem that invites patrons to settle in for a seafood feast that feels like a true celebration.

The menu is extensive and features everything from raw bar essentials to large-format pasta dishes, all emphasizing fresh seafood. The restaurant is particularly famous for a handful of signature dishes, notably the Fried Calamari served with their legendary sauce, which has become a local specialty. The dining experience is perfectly suited for lunch, dinner, and even solo dining, with an inviting counter service option available. For New Yorkers seeking an authentic, unpretentious, and unforgettable seafood experience, Randazzo's Clam Bar remains a mandatory stop.

Location and Accessibility

Randazzo's Clam Bar is situated in one of Brooklyn's most picturesque waterfront neighborhoods, Sheepshead Bay, known for its marinas and fishing culture. The restaurant is located at 2017 Emmons Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11235, USA. This prime waterfront spot provides a scenic backdrop for dining, especially with the fishing boats docked just across the street. The location is easily accessible for locals and those traveling from other boroughs.

The restaurant is committed to accessibility, ensuring all guests feel welcome. The facility offers a wheelchair-accessible entrance, a wheelchair-accessible restroom, and wheelchair-accessible seating, making it a comfortable destination for all diners. For those traveling by car, Randazzo's is accommodating with parking options, including a free parking lot, free street parking, on-site parking, and paid street parking available in the vicinity. The convenient location on Emmons Avenue makes it a celebrated destination in South Brooklyn.

Services Offered

Randazzo's Clam Bar provides a comprehensive range of services to accommodate all patron needs, whether dining in or taking a meal to go:

• Dine-in: Full-service seating is available for lunch and dinner.
• Counter Service: An option for quick bites or a more casual dining experience.
• Outdoor Seating: Enjoy the waterfront atmosphere with available outdoor dining.
• Delivery: Convenient delivery service to enjoy the famous seafood at home.
• Takeout: Easy pickup for orders on the go.
• No-contact delivery: A safe and preferred option for many customers.
• Reservations: The restaurant accepts reservations, particularly useful for groups and peak dining times.
• Beverages: A full selection of alcohol, beer, and wine is offered.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: High chairs and a dedicated kids' menu are provided, making it an excellent choice for family dining.
• Payment Options: Accepts a wide range of payment methods, including Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

Features / Highlights

Randazzo's Clam Bar is celebrated for its distinctive characteristics and unwavering quality, making it a standout institution in the New York food scene:

• Historic Brooklyn Landmark: Serving the New York community and embodying the pride of Sheepshead Bay since the family’s presence in the neighborhood began in 1932.
• The Famous Original Red Sauce: The single most popular highlight, this proprietary family recipe is the star of many dishes, available in mild, medium, or hot varieties. The sauce is so iconic that it is sold separately by the pint or in jars.
• Fried Calamari: Known affectionately by some locals as "Gal-a-Mah," the fried calamari served with the famous red sauce is the restaurant’s signature local specialty.
• Old-School Italian-American Seafood: The menu is a classic showcase of fresh Italian-American seafood preparations, focusing on comfort food and generous portions.
• Authentic Atmosphere: The environment is casual, cozy, and historic, with an authentic Brooklyn character appreciated by both locals and tourists.
• Freshness and Quality: A continuous commitment to using fresh, high-quality seafood, a tradition that dates back to the family's original fish market.
• Fast Service: Renowned for its efficient and quick service, even during busy periods.
• Versatile Offerings: In addition to the clam bar staples, the menu includes a wide variety of offerings like comfort food, healthy options, small plates, and late-night food.

Contact Information

To plan your visit or place an order from this historic Sheepshead Bay seafood destination, please use the following contact details:

Address: 2017 Emmons Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11235, USA

Phone: (718) 615-0010

What is Worth Choosing: Menu Highlights at Randazzo's

The vast menu at Randazzo's Clam Bar offers a wealth of choices, but certain dishes are highly recommended as must-try experiences, especially those featuring their legendary red sauce and fresh seafood. The best way to experience the restaurant is through its signature classics and plentiful "feast-worthy" options, perfect for sharing.

The definitive dish to start with is the Fried Calamari, which is served alongside a generous portion of the house Famous Original Red Sauce. Customers rave about this pairing, noting that the sauce is the element that elevates this classic appetizer into a unique specialty. Another excellent starting point is the Combo, which features Scungilli, Mussels, Shrimp, and Calamari, all smothered in your choice of the famous hot or medium red sauce. This dish offers a fantastic tasting of the various seafood staples paired with the house specialty.

For pasta lovers, the Red or White Clams Sauce Pasta dishes are essential, made with fresh Little Necks. However, for a truly decadent experience, the Lobster Fra Diavolo is a spicy and rich main course featuring a whole cut-up lobster, shrimp, clams, and mussels in a spicy red sauce over a bed of pasta. Equally celebrated is the Shrimp Fra Diavolo, a slightly smaller, more affordable, but equally flavorful option with shrimp, clams, and mussels in the spicy red sauce. The Shrimp Scampi on a Bed of Pasta offers a rich, buttery, and garlicky alternative to the red sauce dishes.

The restaurant's focus on clams and chowder also shouldn't be overlooked. The raw bar offers fresh Little Necks Clams, Cherry Stones Clams, and Oysters. Meanwhile, the soup menu is anchored by the classic Manhattan Clam Chowder and the fan-favorite New England Clam Chowder, a perfect start to any meal. The Baked Clams (Little Necks or Cherry Stones) are another popular choice for those who prefer their clams cooked. The Zuppa Di Clams and Zuppa Di Mussels, served with red or white sauce, are hearty, full-flavored bowl options.

Finally, for a complete seafood spread, the Cold Seafood Platter, featuring whole lobster, shrimp, clams, and oysters, is a show-stopping option for groups. Non-seafood options, such as the Chicken Parmigiana With Pasta or the Marinated Burnt Chicken, are also available, showcasing the full scope of their Italian-American comfort food roots. In short, when you visit Randazzo's, you are choosing a historic taste of Brooklyn, where the red sauce and fresh seafood are legendary.

Randazzo's Clam Bar

2017 Emmons Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11235, USA