A 35-Year-Old Local Favorite You Don’t Want to Miss
Whenever I travel, I make it a point to seek out those small, family-run spots—the ones tucked away from the hustle and bustle, where you find the real local flavors and the kind of hospitality that makes you feel right at home. In Bay Shore, there’s one such place that has been quietly serving some of the best seafood on Long Island for 35 years: Nicky’s Clam Bar.
Located at 99 Maple Ave, right in front of the Fire Island Ferry terminals, Nicky’s Clam Bar might be the best-kept secret in town. If you’ve ever rushed past it trying to catch a ferry, you’ve unknowingly passed up an incredible meal. It’s time to change that.
A Family Legacy
Before we dive into the food, let’s talk about the family behind the magic. Nicky’s Clam Bar has been family-owned and operated since 1990, and today, it’s run by Nicholas Parini & his son Joseph Parini (partners), alongside Christina Parini Thall as front manager. Christina’s sons, Justin and Jake, are also a part of the team, working as servers and bartenders.
Joseph took the reins 21 years ago when their father opened Nicky’s on the Bay, but the family has remained hands-on in both restaurants. A business doesn’t last 35 years unless it’s doing something right, and Nicky’s Clam Bar is proof of that.
What to Expect
As I mentioned, this isn’t your typical Main Street restaurant. You’ll be pulling into a ferry terminal parking lot, not a bustling downtown strip. But don’t let that fool you—inside, you’ll find one of the most welcoming and cozy seafood spots around.
Parking? No worries! There are reserved spots for Nicky’s customers, and if those are full, just call ahead—they’ll help you find a spot for free. Outdoor seating? Yes! There’s a lovely outdoor area to the right. Takeout window? Yep! Super convenient for grabbing food before hopping on the ferry.
Step inside, and it feels like walking into a friend’s home—warm, casual, and full of regulars who know a good thing when they see it.
Cocktails That Impress at Nicky’s Clam Bar
We started the night with three cocktails, each one as beautiful as it was delicious:
Watermelon Coco Marg – 1800 coconut tequila, watermelon purée, sour mix & triple sec with a toasted coconut rim. Absolutely refreshing!
Pineapple Jalapeño Marg – A mix of muddled jalapeños, pineapple purée, lime juice, agave, and Dulce Vida infused tequila. Spicy yet perfectly balanced.
Manhattan – Bullet rye, dry vermouth, orange bitters, St. Germaine, and a dark cherry. I don’t normally go for rye, but this one was a winner and new to their cocktail menu.
The bartender? Christina’s son—and let me tell you, he knows what he’s doing.
Appetizers: A Seafood Lover’s Dream
It wouldn’t be a trip to Nicky’s Clam Bar without trying the clams and steamers, and let me tell you, they did not disappoint.
Steamers with Drawn Butter – These were the freshest, most flavorful steamers cooked with garlic, celery, and caraway seeds.
Nicky’s Famous Baked Clams – You can choose from Baked Stuffed Clams, Clams Casino, or Clams Oreganata. We went with the stuffed clams, and they were absolute perfection.
Cold Seafood Combo – A platter of 4 clams, 4 oysters, and 4 jumbo shrimp cocktail—all incredibly fresh and priced under $40!
Seafood Cobb Salad – Romaine topped with fresh shrimp, lump crabmeat, bacon, scallions, and bleu cheese crumble with a house-made bleu cheese ranch. One of the best seafood salads I’ve ever had and be prepared…it’s huge! Pro tip: the homemade dressing is so good you are going to want extra.
Entrées: The Main Event at Nicky’s Clam Bar
If you go to a clam bar, you have to get fried clams, right? Nicky’s doesn’t use clam strips—instead, they serve whole belly top neck clams, which makes all the difference.
Fried Clams & Shrimp – Light, crispy batter that wasn’t greasy at all. Served with perfectly seasoned waffle fries.
Chilean Sea Bass – This was the best dish of the night. The Chilean Sea Bass was served with artichoke, tomatoes and spinach and was cooked to absolute perfection—we fought over every last bite!
Dessert: Because You Can’t Leave Without It
At this point, we were stuffed—but how could we say no to homemade desserts?
Homemade Cinnamon Donut Ala Mode – A must-order! Warm, cinnamon-sugar perfection with ice cream.
Crème Brûlée Cheesecake – Yes, cheesecake with a crème brûlée top. And if that wasn’t enough, we tried the special espresso cheesecake with a crème brûlée top—it was pure magic.
Did You Know?
Here are some fun facts about Nicky’s Clam Bar that make it even more special:
They open at 7 AM daily for breakfast—perfect for grabbing their famous homemade cinnamon donuts before the ferry!
Their takeout window makes grabbing a meal super easy for ferry-goers!
It’s FREE to park when dining at Nicky’s Clam Bar.
They take “call-aheads” instead of reservations, so plan accordingly.
Celebrating 35 years? They have a $35 prix fixe menu for a limited time with an appetizer, entrée, and glass of wine!
They offer fresh ingredients in their cocktails and large pours of wine! Perfect for unwinding after a Fire Island trip.
Go Visit Nicky’s Clam Bar!
Nicky’s Clam Bar isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a Long Island institution. It’s the kind of place where locals become regulars, and visitors wish they had something this good back home.
Whether you’re looking for a seafood feast, a grab-and-go meal for the ferry, or just an amazing cocktail, Nicky’s has you covered. Don’t let another season pass without experiencing this hidden gem for yourself.
📍 99 Maple Ave, Bay Shore, NY
📞 (631) 665-9247
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Please note: Nicky’s Clam Bar is an advertiser on Going Local Long Island. In exchange for the review, Melissa received a comped meal but we paid the tip. Because that’s how we roll. Nicky’s had no editorial control over the review and we did not furnish or preview any copy before publish.
