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Johnny's Famous Reef Restaurant

Seafood Restaurant$$$$

City Island, Bronx

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7.6^/10

396

ratings

The experts at Eater and Gothamist recommend this place
"Piña colada and fries are delicious"(16 Tips)
"If you like fried clams, this is the place!"(5 Tips)
"right steamed shrimp with garlic and butter is the way"(4 Tips)
"the best softshell crabs ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"(6 Tips)

108 Tips and reviews

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seafood
piña coladas
lively
good for groups
french fries
good for a quick meal
casual
scenic views
great value
outdoor seating
trendy
island
beer
corn
city
crowded
salads
lunch
parking
dinner
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Ashley LucasNovember 6, 2015
Everything is freaking great. Been coming here for over 10 years. The Manhattan clam chowder is delicious. The fish and chips and the shrimp and chips basket is awesome. Definitely recommend!!
GothamistAugust 4, 2017
The piña colada at this (cash only!) seafood joint is only $6 —it's a basic drink, whipped up with a special house mix and a lot of Bacardi, but it'll smooth out that long ride back on the 4 train. Read more
JasmynMarch 23, 2014
Crowded so don't bring in a stroller! Food is great. Have cash, they don't take debit/credit. You can eat inside IF you find space or outside on the water.
EaterAugust 24, 2017
Has prices tacked up on placards around the ceiling, and bargain-basement fish, clams, oysters, and frogs legs, all fried and served with french fries and washed down with milkshakes. Read more
AronOctober 27, 2019
Been here 5+ times
Basically everything is good here. Steamed or grilled lobster Mmm. Clam strips piled high. Hennessy piña colada, patrón piña colada, ANY piña colada ha ha. Super cheap beer.
Afi Yellow-DukeJuly 19, 2015
Unless you want to get roasted alive or shat on, do not sit outside. The food was delicious: think big portions of fried seafood that makes you want to weep tears of joy. Split the fried shrimp.
Sarah K.September 20, 2020
Go for their specialties-fried food! Do NOT get the corn, looked like it had been there for days... the fried fillet was delicious.
KenSeptember 21, 2020
Cash only, but big portions make it a decent value. Plenty of outside seating and a portion of the patio has a retractable roof that can be closed to protect from the weather.
Jeffrey MorrisOctober 1, 2012
I always want to try something different, but the fried lobster tails are too good! Don't feed the birds, while eating. You'll have a swarm, that won't go away.
Robert MadisonSeptember 12, 2022
For quick seafood without the long wait. Cafeteria style with convenience. All the varieties of seafood you could want!
Gloriann ChhouthAugust 9, 2011
This is a great place for cheap seafood,but they also have chicken,burgers, and other things as well. TRY the $4 drinks, can't go wrong with that price! loved this place <3 i will come again~
SiettahApril 12, 2015
Strongest drink is the Planter's punch for $7! Or get a Henny Colada if you want something a little sweet ($11).
David BanJuly 22, 2015
Anyone who knows what's up drives past all the pretenders and heads to Johnny's. Fried clams, and throw the scraps to NY's most acrobatic seagulls.
Luis RamirezApril 6, 2011
Been here 5+ times
Been coming here since i was a kid & my parents before me,best spot in city island for cheap food and great drinks.Try the tomatoe clam chowder and squeeze some lemon i promise you wont be disapoi
Upvoted 6 hours ago
Lisa MApril 26, 2014
If you want decent seafood and a water view in a very casual setting...this place works! Eat the fried shrimp (yum!)...but stay from the fried clams (not good!).
xelsterJuly 16, 2016
Cash only, self service. Nice outdoor seating. Beer $3-4 and seafood $12-15 for almost any plate, that btw can easily be shared (they are big).
Emmelie De La CruzJune 1, 2014
The clams here are huge and fresh. The best on the island. Skip the fried shrimp though, they are small compared to other places.
Ivan UreñaJune 5, 2016
Very good clam chowder. The white is better.
William DavisJuly 10, 2017
Can't go wrong with the fried shrimp. The fried baskets come with a lot of fries -- be warned.
Al RobAugust 15, 2012
Been here 5+ times
Food and dranks are good and prices are affordable !!! Dats a good 1-2-3 combo .... Good enuff for a K.O. !!! Thiz spot iz CASH only... But ATM iz available on da spot !!!
Mike FraiettaJuly 8, 2012
They are open from 11am Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. :)
Jay RiveraJune 17, 2013
$14 for the softshell crab basket is a steal! It's my favorite menu item here.
Michael NicholsonFebruary 27, 2018
Can’t go wrong with the fish and shrimp here.
Lana ChanAugust 14, 2010
Great place for a cheap seafood meal. Fried soft shell crabs are a good deal given the portion size. Grab and eat outside on picnic tables with a nice view of the water.
Sally DuForeJuly 13, 2015
Great price great food Piña Coladas awesome!!! Great way to spend time with great friends!
Pet SJuly 1, 2012
The Fried shrimp are nice & juicy, and the tartare sauce better than you might expect. Watch out for bones in the whiting though.
DensAugust 16, 2009
I know you want the fried shrimp, but trust me, get the steamed shrimp with butter and garlic. Get half lemonade, half ice tea and skip the corn.
Caroline CruzOctober 9, 2012
Skip the soggy fries. The Piña coladas on the other hand are a must have!
Christina RiosMarch 9, 2013
Been here 25+ times
Love the fried shrimp and clam strips.. decent price for the clam bar!
Carlos ZepedaApril 4, 2013
Good food. Would be a nice summer spot with there outdoor seating area.
Blanca VargasJuly 30, 2014
Had the raw Oyster's so fresh and tender delicious!!!
kATIE 🔱 mACKJune 14, 2012
Been here 10+ times
Steamed shrimp with garlic, corn on the cob and a salad with homemade dressing! Delish!
Robbie WasabiSeptember 17, 2013
Tonys was much better .. but it burned down so I guess if you don't want to eat @ any of the other 80 restaurants this will do... the crowd is kinda ghetto.. especially in the Summer months.
Mary GarrettAugust 26, 2013
Low brow and low key dining. You are welcome to bring a giant beach umbrella to get out of the sun.
Emily EganAugust 26, 2013
Cheap booze. Cant go wrong with a $5 Piña colada or $2.25 beer can.
eric bornemannAugust 16, 2020
If you like eating greasy seafood in a hot parking lot this is your place. Drinks are cheap at least.
Tanya RobinsonMay 4, 2013
Cash only. But you probably have enough in your pocket.
Yanzy BearNovember 5, 2016
Always come to the end of the end road
CaraJuly 22, 2011
Been here 10+ times
Daiquiri's and Littlenecks are the way to go. Soft shell crabs aren't so bad either!
Yolounda BennettAugust 19, 2014
Been here 5+ times
Everything, as long as it's called seafood.
JohnJune 22, 2013
Come during the week. It's infested with the GHETTO during the weekend.
Blade RocksJuly 27, 2015
relaxing, light breading on scallops!! yum
T GrifithJuly 12, 2013
Quick and cheap... Love it! Also best drinks ever!!!
Lee-LeeJune 18, 2012
Been here 25+ times
Great steam seafood!!! I LOVE the soft shell crabs!!
Clyde Kelly J.October 6, 2014
Been here 5+ times
Fast. Food. Hasn't changed much in 25 years.
Ela CoboAugust 27, 2016
Piña colada and fries are delicious
TimaZ T.August 19, 2011
I love my sea creatures battered and deep fried with tarter sauce on the side!
Moses NelsonJuly 26, 2011
Been here 25+ times
The piña coladas are awesome! Recommend it all the time
Erik MartinezSeptember 6, 2015
That's my motherfucker spot right there all day everyday
Nader NouraeeJune 11, 2011
Been here 25+ times
The fried calamari with fries is a good time. The tentacles are huge!

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Johnny's Famous Reef Restaurant

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