Little Necks + Cherry Stones
Feat: Little Neck Clams + Cherry Stone Clams
Location: Johnny’s Reef Restaurant
Address: 2 City Island Avenue
Bronx, NY 10464
AMBIANCE:
Johnny's is a no-frill cafeteria-style restaurant, so if you're looking for something fancy and frilly, then this is not your spot. BUT, if you want delicious seafood, with a cool energetic bustling atmosphere with the option of indoor and/or outdoor seating, then this is definitely the place to be. It can be a little overwhelming for first-timers, but once you learn that there are different lines for different foods, it's actually quite easy. If you can navigate Times Square, then Johnny's is a walk in a the park.
SERVICE:
I've been to Johnny's many times in my life (thanks, Dad!), and it has NEVER NOT been packed. BUT, with that being said, the staff knows how to keep things moving. Even though there will always be a line, it always goes by pretty quickly. It's probably helpful if you know what you want by the time you order. Luckily, the menu is not so vast, so this one should be pretty easy.
FOOD:
Because, let's face it, this is why you come to Johnny's. In a nutshell (or should it be seashell for this...?) it's BOMB. Pretty much any seafood you want, fried or steamed. It really is that simple, and sometimes (this time), simple is BEST. If you are ordering from the fried section, your selection comes with fries and coleslaw. They do have meat options, but I can't comment on it as I have never ordered it. (But also, did you really come to City Island for meat??) And whatever you do, a drink at Johnny's is a must! They're daiquiris are to die for! Their dessert selections are minimal, and I have never tried them, but to be honest, if you're doing Johnny's right, you won't have space for it anyways.
MENU RECS:
- ALL OF THE SEAFOOD!
…but I will admit, the raw clams is not really my cup of tea. But that's a personal thing, I guess. To each his own. (Note: PROPS to the guy that shucks these TO ORDER though.)
NOTES:
CASH ONLYYYYY! If you happen to forget, they do have an ATM there. They have their own parking lot. Street parking can be insane, especially on summer weekends. Johnny's is seasonal, so don't try to go in December.