TLDR
Legendary Brooklyn red sauce and seafood institution in Sheepshead Bay. Famous for top-tier clams, calamari, and vibrant, nostalgic coastal vibes.
Instagram Posts References
Taggedbeautyy makes a special trip to Randazzo's Clam Bar in Brooklyn, describing it as the 'motherfucking motherland' for seafood. She highlights the vibrant exterior, comparing it to Vegas, before diving into an array of dishes. She starts with a lobster bisque for herself and notes her dad enjoyed the clam chowder. The feast continues with a plate of baked clams and a large serving of fried calamari, which she affectionately calls 'Galamad,' smothered in a red sauce and accompanied by a spicy dipping sauce. The meal concludes with fried shrimp and zucchini, indicating a full and satisfying seafood experience. Her commentary is filled with enthusiasm and clear delight for the food and the establishment.
Details
A quintessential Brooklyn destination in Sheepshead Bay, this iconic clam bar is celebrated as a must-visit 'OG' for authentic Italian-American red sauce cuisine [14]. Diners frequently make the trip for an adventurous, expedition-like experience to enjoy high-quality seafood classics in a lively atmosphere [15], [17]. Its reputation as a culinary staple is further cemented by its inclusion on prestigious lists such as the New York Times 100 Best Restaurants [22].
Food Overview
This restaurant specializes in Italian-American seafood, with deep acclaim for its baked clams, fried calamari, and various shrimp preparations [4], [6], [7], [19]. While the seafood and red sauce pasta dishes like the Shrimp Fra Diavolo are highly praised as 'insane' or 'unparalleled' [9], [24], some diners note that the pasta dishes may be hit-or-miss for certain palates compared to their standout seafood specialties [19], [20].
Highlights / Recommended
"Highly recommended dishes include the Shrimp Fra Diavolo, baked clams, and fried calamari [6], [7], [9], [24]."
Mentioned Dishes:
- •baked clams(3)
- •shrimp fra diavolo(2)
Customer Sentiment
Overall feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with many patrons describing the experience as 'to die for' and worth the trek [16], [17]. It is widely considered a beloved destination for both locals and those bringing visiting family to experience a true taste of New York [2], [17].
Caveats
While largely celebrated, some visitors note that the location is somewhat out of the way, and opinions on the pasta dishes can be subjective compared to the highly recommended fried seafood items [16], [19], [20].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About RANDAZZO'S CLAM BAR
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Whats Your Favorite Shrimp Dish That Youve Had In
"The user recommends the scampi."
PositiveFrom post: Whats Your Favorite Shrimp Dish That Youve Had In
"The user recommends the shrimp parmigiana."
PositiveFrom post: Whats Your Favorite Shrimp Dish That Youve Had In
"The user likes the sweet fried shrimp with medium sauce."
PositiveFrom post: Whats Your Favorite Shrimp Dish That Youve Had In
"The user likes the shrimp fra diavolo."
PositiveFrom post: Where Can I Find Crab Bisque Not Lobster Bisque
"The user questions whether the crab and corn chowder offered is what they are looking for."
NeutralFrom post: Where Can I Find Crab Bisque Not Lobster Bisque
"Mentioned as a possible location for crab soup during a search for crab bisque."
NeutralFrom post: Best Place To Get Soft Shell Crab In
"Recommended for soft shell crab."
NeutralFrom post: What Are Some Restaurants And Bars That Tony
"Suggested in the thread."
NeutralFrom post: New York Best Seafood Eats Looking For 2 Days
"Listed as a recommended seafood destination."
NeutralFrom post: What Is Your Favorite Seafood Pasta Youve Had In
"Randazzo's is listed as a place that serves an excellent Linguini clam sauce and Linguini mixed seafood Marechiara."
PositiveFrom post: What Is Your Favorite Seafood Pasta Youve Had In
"The author strongly recommends the Shrimp Fra Diavolo at Randazzo's, stating nothing else compares."
PositiveFrom post: Nytimes The 100 Best Restaurants In Nyc 11100
"The commenter expressed approval for Randazzo's Clam Bar being on the list, stating it deserves the respect."
PositiveFrom post: Nytimes The 100 Best Restaurants In Nyc 11100
"This is one of many restaurants listed by the commenter from the NYTimes list."
NeutralFrom post: Spots For Italian Seafood Dishes
"Randazzo's is considered good for clams and calamari, but the pasta may not be a highlight."
NeutralFrom post: Spots For Italian Seafood Dishes
"Randazzo's in Sheepshead Bay is recommended, and looks great on maps, especially for good weather near the beaches. It is noted as good for clams and calamari, but pasta dishes might not be to everyone's taste."
PositiveFrom post: I Need A Nice Seafood Place To Bring My Mom For
"Randazzo's was mentioned as a good seafood option, alongside Lundy's."
PositiveFrom post: I Need A Nice Seafood Place To Bring My Mom For
"Randazzo's Clam Bar on Emmons Ave in Brooklyn was highly recommended, with the commenter urging a try."
PositiveFrom post: I Need A Nice Seafood Place To Bring My Mom For
"The commenter stated that Randazzo's Clam Bar was 'to die for' on their last visit."
PositiveFrom post: I Need A Nice Seafood Place To Bring My Mom For
"Randazzo's Clam Bar was suggested as a nice option for a day trip, though it's considered out of the way."
PositiveFrom post: Influencedeinfluence My Seafoodheavy Restaurant
"Randazzo's in Sheepshead Bay is suggested for those wanting to go on an 'expedition'."
Positive