The Clam Bar on the Napeague Stretch is essentially a gravel parking lot on the side of the highway (let’s face it), but it’s my favorite place in the world to sit and while away an afternoon. The food’s just ok (let’s face it), but it may be the only place in the Hamptons to order fried clams that don’t come out of the freezer (order the whole clam bellies; the strips are frozen). Back in the day the bowl of steamers was so huge that it took a couple of people to finish it; now the order is small and civilized, but the clams are fresh and delicious. Their New England Clam Chowder is first rate, and I often take a quart home for safe keeping. And the Lobster Roll is exactly what it should be: fresh, simple (no creative herb additions) and not too mayonnaisey. Grab a cold beer, put your feet up and bob to Bob Marley. Feels like Summer!
The Clam Bar opens today and will be serving on the weekends (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) from 12 to 6pm (weather permitting, of course).
PS Opt for the Sweet Potato Fries over the regular ones. You’ll thank me.