Randazzo’s Clam Bar Brooklyn Sheepshead Bay

Hey everyone, welcome back to *Brooklyn Echoes*, the podcast that keeps the borough’s legends and memories alive. I’m your host, Robert Henriksen.

Ladies and gentlemen, cast your nets into the briny depths of Brooklyn’s waterfront history, where the salty breeze off Sheepshead Bay carries tales of family legacy and unbeatable seafood. Today, we’re shucking open the story of Randazzo’s Clam Bar, the undisputed pride of Emmons Avenue—a spot that’s been reeling in locals and foodies since the Great Depression with its no-nonsense Italian-American flair and that legendary red sauce. If you’ve got a hankering for calamari that could make a sailor weep, pull up a stool; this is your catch of the day.

Our tale begins over a century ago, when the Randazzo family’s roots in New York’s seafood trade took hold. But it was in 1932 that they dropped anchor in Sheepshead Bay, opening Randazzo’s Clam Bar at 2017 Emmons Avenue. Founded by Sicilian immigrants, it started as a humble raw bar slinging fresh clams and oysters straight from the local waters, catering to fishermen, families, and anyone craving authentic Italian flavors amid the bustling docks. Through the decades, it evolved into a full-fledged restaurant, passed down through generations—still family-owned and operated today. Helen Randazzo, the matriarch, became a legend for her secret red sauce recipe, a tangy, garlicky elixir that’s guarded like buried treasure and slathered on everything from pasta to fried calamari. By the ’70s and ’80s, Randazzo’s was a Brooklyn icon, drawing crowds for its hearty portions and that old-school vibe, complete with nautical decor and walls plastered in photos of celebrities and loyal patrons.

Now, let’s dive into what keeps the lines forming: the menu. At its core, Randazzo’s is all about fresh seafood done simply and boldly. Start with raw clams on the half-shell, squeezed with lemon for that briny pop, or steamers and mussels swimming in broth. But the stars? The fried calamari—tender rings and tentacles breaded to golden perfection and dunked in that famous medium-spicy red sauce, often hailed as the best in the city. Pasta lovers rejoice: Options like linguine with red or white clam sauce ($26.95), calamari sauce over spaghetti ($28.95), shrimp scampi ($28.95), or the fiery shrimp fra diavolo ($32.95) pack a punch of garlic, tomatoes, and ocean-fresh goodness. Don’t skip the scungilli salad or lobster fra diavolo for a true feast. It’s hearty, wallet-friendly Italian-American comfort—think big portions, no pretension, just pure satisfaction. And for dessert? Grab a slice of tiramisu to sweeten the deal.

Through the years, Randazzo’s weathered storms—literal and figurative. Hurricane Sandy in 2012 battered Sheepshead Bay, forcing a temporary closure and rebuild, but the family bounced back stronger, preserving the retro charm while updating the kitchen. It’s featured in films, TV spots, and even earned shoutouts from folks like Chuck Schumer’s crew back in the day. Challenges like rising costs and changing tastes haven’t dimmed its shine; instead, it’s adapted with takeout, delivery, and an online store for that coveted sauce. As of December 2025, Randazzo’s is thriving, open daily from 11 a.m. till 10 or 11 p.m., with a moderate price tag that keeps it accessible. It’s snagged spots on the New York Times’ Top 100 Restaurants list for 2023, 2024, and 2025, and was voted Best Seafood in Brooklyn for 2024 and 2025. Recent diners rave about the bounteous tables laden with mussels, scungilli, and steamers, calling it a timeless gem in a fast-changing city.

Of course, no anchor spot is without its quirks. Some yelp about the no-frills service or crowded weekends, but loyalists—from high school kids to octogenarians—swear by the authenticity. It’s a place where stories unfold over plates: A first raw clam horror for an 8-year-old, or a post-game feast after a Jets win. In a Brooklyn that’s gentrifying faster than you can say “fra diavolo,” Randazzo’s stands as a beacon of old-world grit and flavor.

So, whether you’re a Brooklyn native chasing nostalgia or a visitor seeking the real deal, head to Emmons Avenue and let Randazzo’s hook you. It’s more than a meal—it’s a taste of Sheepshead Bay’s soul. Thanks for joining the tide; now go get sauced!

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