The Best Seafood Shacks in America

Located on the North Fork of Long Island, Butler’s Flat Clam Shack derives its name from a lighthouse in the town where owner Christopher Blumlo’s family lived for seven generations. Here, Blumlo spent his childhood searching for, and eating, clams and scallops, a process which inspired him to open his seafood shack.

For New Yorkers headed to Montauk from April to November, the Clam Bar at Napeague is an enticing stop, located right off the highway. The seafood shack has been around for 41 years, developing landmark status in the area, and garnering plenty of favorable press.

Another popular seafood shack in the Hamptons, Duryea’s Lobster Deck refers to itself as a “casual seaside gem” with a chic twist, where guests can sip  rosé alongside their seafood. The prices are higher than at many other seafood shacks on our list, but reviewers love the lobster cobb salad, and the restaurant’s ocean views.

Flo’s Famous Luncheonette has been around for nearly 100 years, when it began as a stand run by Florence Kimball. The shack has seen changes in both ownership and structure throughout the years, but has been well-loved for generations. The restaurant hosts live events, and has a satellite food truck.

Located not on the seashore but in Harlem, LoLo’s Seafood Shack was opened by travel enthusiasts Chef Raymond Mohan and Leticia Skai Young. Inspired by locally owned, locally operated seaside eateries – “lolos” – in the British West Indies, their seafood shack offers seafood in numerous different seafood styles and forms. One unique menu item: Belizean conch fritters, made with conch, salt cod, fresh corn, and diced peppers, and served with LoLo’s rémoulade.