There’s nothing like a clam shack to put us in the summertime mood. Yes, you’ll likely be eating at a picnic table with paper plates and disposable utensils, but the laid-back atmosphere is all part of the charm. No frills means the food has to be top-notch, and it is. We’re talking crazy-fresh seafood classics you’ll want to eat every day.
7 Hamptons Clam Shacks That Are Summer Dining at Its Finest
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Published Jun 14, 2018
The Dock House
If it weren’t for the line that often snakes out the door, it would be easy to miss this tiny clam shack. The local spot is known for its clam strips, lobster rolls, shrimp tacos and fried scallops. Take your order, served on paper plates, over to the dock and watch the boats go by.
1 Long Wharf, Sag Harbor; 631-725-7555 or dockhouseny.com
Duryea's Lobster Deck
Grab your significant other and make your way to Montauk for a cozy sunset dinner at Duryea’s. The Montauk fish market and restaurant has some of the best views on the East End, and the food, while on the pricey side, is always tasty. Go for the crispy crab cakes or get the steamed lobster to share.
65 Tuthill Rd., Montauk; 631-668-2410 or duryealobsters.com
Gosman's Clam Bar
Sure, it’s touristy, but how often do you get to eat seafood on a busy fishing dock? At Gosman’s Clam Bar, you can often see the boats unloading the day’s catch while you’re munching on your baked clams or seared-tuna BLT. Not that you would, but don’t forget to finish your meal with an ice-cream cone.
500 W. Lake Dr., Montauk; 631-668-2549 or gosmans.com
colintheseafoodshop/ Facebook
The Seafood Shop
Snag a seat outside at this Wainscott takeout fish market, because there’s no way you’ll make it out of the parking lot with your to-go order before chowing down on the fresh, local and tasty seafood dishes that include lobster rolls, clam chowder, a crab bánh mì and more.
356 Montauk Hwy., Wainscott; 631-537-0633 or theseafoodshop.com
Lobster Roll Restaurant/ Facebook
Lunch (aka The Lobster Roll Restaurant)
A visit to this iconic restaurant is a summertime must. The menu is huge, but don’t bother reading it all—you want the eponymous item. Whether you choose Connecticut or Maine style (or lobster roll sliders), you can’t go wrong.
1980 Montauk Hwy., Amagansett; 631-267-3740 or lobsterroll.com
Hooked
This year’s clam shack newcomer has something for everyone: fish tacos, tuna poké, even non-seafood dishes like baby back ribs. Call in takeout and pick it up on your way to the beach or enjoy it on one of the picnic tables outside.
34 S. Etna Ave., Montauk; 631-668-2111 or hookedmtk.com
The Clam Bar
If a seaside shack where tank tops and flip-flops are welcome doesn’t say Hamptons summer, then we don’t know what does. The Clam Bar has been a destination for more than 30 years, and its uber-fresh seafood—whether raw, grilled or fried—will have us coming back for ages to come.
2025 Montauk Hwy., Amagansett; 631-267-6348 or clambarhamptons.com