358332 Mon Jan 08 22:37:49 -0800 2007 34 19 Outer Boroughs 0 2166858 Hi folks, Wondering if you have any favorites for either fried clams/calamari in Brooklyn? I've had a myriad of calamari from Thai, Peruvian and American joints, but none that really stand out in my mind. I haven't had good fried clams in Brooklyn in forever. Last I had them were at the old Bar Minnow - and we all know where that place went. Any favs out there? Mon Jan 08 22:37:49 -0800 2007 46062 Rocknrope 1 2167341 For calamari in Brooklyn, go to Randazzo's on Emmons Avenue in Sheepshead Bay and get the hot sauce. It's one of the last of the old time resturants still there. The other stuff is hit or miss, but the calamari, and the hot sauce--covering a piece of crusty bread is pure heaven. The sauce is so good, my friends and I used to go there "bread and gravy" a couple of pieces of hard bread smothered in the sauce....I'm gaining 5 lbs just thinking about it. Tue Jan 09 00:24:56 -0800 2007 2166858 11701 MrsT 2 2379512 I live 2 blocks away from Randazzo's, I've lived here my entire life and I can honestly say that Randazzo's is entirely overrated. While once upon a time it may have been excellent, that was not in my 30 years of living. While they have a phenominal sauce, the calamari itself is chewy and pretty tough to swallow, not to mention the $12 for a container that has most of its room taken up with bread. Their former neighbor Captain Walters, had phenominal calamari but unfortunately they are no longer in business. Mon Mar 12 20:15:49 -0700 2007 2167341 82297 Laurac1210 3 2484774 I agree Laurac1210. I went this weekend, and found it entirely overrated - underseasoned and small for 10.95. Anywhere else you can recommend in the area? It's so frustrating that I'm pretty resigned to just getting out the fryer and making it myself. Mon Apr 16 06:52:54 -0700 2007 2379512 46062 Rocknrope 1 2167520 I enjoy Frost Rest in Willamsburg for Fried Calamari with hot sauce. Tue Jan 09 01:16:33 -0800 2007 2166858 11512 FAL 2 2167960 Ditto on Frost. Tue Jan 09 03:34:02 -0800 2007 2167520 22627 MaspethMaven 1 2167632 If you're in the 64th Street area, go to Fort Hamilton Parkway for ROCCO's CALAMARI and try the eponymous...then set your sights and tastebuds on 14th Avenue and ROYAL CROWN MAGNIFICO, which, IMHO, takes fried calamari to the high water mark...and, of course, it's served with a generous hunk of their phenomenal bread. Tue Jan 09 01:49:41 -0800 2007 2166858 11109 Mike R. 2 2168373 I second Mike R's recc. Rocco's has so much fun food! And Royal Crown's bread makes for the best sandwiches.... Either, or both are great choices. Sweet sauce for me, please! Tue Jan 09 06:33:18 -0800 2007 2167632 20921 Tay 3 2168737 Come to think of it, serious CH'ers could make a whole day's journey along the 65th Street corridor, go no more than three or four blocks in either direction and get their hands and teeth into Rocco's (Ft. Hamilton), Royal Crown (14th Ave.-both locations), World Tong/Dim Sum(18th Ave.), Spartan/Greek (8th Ave.), Three Guys from Brooklyn/Produce (Ft. Hamilton), Sun Ming Gee (6th Ave.), Park Asia (8th), Pasta Fresca/Italian incl. fresh mozzarella & Faicco's Pork Store (11th Ave.), Ortobello's/family-style (Bay Parkway)...with a quick detour to Coluccio's grocery on 60th near 12th Ave. (Feel free to insert your own 65th Street faves here!) Bring money, shopping bags and a note pad. Tue Jan 09 14:00:53 -0800 2007 2168373 11109 Mike R. 4 2172454 Mike, You really put together a top shelf list. The best part may well be that it doesn't require getting anywhere near Park Slope. I think it would have to be spread out over a couple of weekends. Sort of ann ambulatory road trip and a great way to walk off all those calories. I didn't know Royal Crown had 2 locations in Brooklyn. We have one out here on Hylan Blvd. Outstanding sandwiches. Thanks for the "food route"... Wed Jan 10 11:51:52 -0800 2007 2168737 20921 Tay 4 2227053 Oh man, count me IN. Thu Jan 25 14:53:40 -0800 2007 2168737 18154 prunefeet 1 2172212 i'm also a big fan of calamari too, and i think u might wanna to try this new restaurant in bay ridge, it's called mythai cafe, at 7803 3rd ave between 78th & 79th st. i always order calamari in every restaurant i go to, because i love calamari more than my gf, lol (just kidding, j.). anyway it was battered with a bit seasoning, slightly battered though, very crispy but not hard, not greasy at all, they have some kind of clear sauce comes with it too, which is slightly spicy but it really goes well with the calamari as well. & it only costs like 5 bucks, great potion too. Wed Jan 10 06:13:10 -0800 2007 2166858 62762 nycbuddy 1 2172799 Also, I swear (although I haven't been in a while), Casa Calamari serves an incredibly tender version. They have 2 locations, but the one on 3rd and 86th right on the corner I believe is better. Excellent checkered tablecloth style pasta as well. Wed Jan 10 15:01:48 -0800 2007 2166858 12001 rootytootyfreshnfrooty 2 2184664 is casa calamari still open? Sat Jan 13 11:49:59 -0800 2007 2172799 27715 shindiganna 1 2179218 Thanks for all the calamari suggestions! Funny how there hasn't been one fried clam recommendation though. Probably because you'd have to go to a "seafood restaurant" specifically for them, and not too many good ones in BK? Thu Jan 11 22:47:30 -0800 2007 2166858 46062 Rocknrope 2 2181118 I seriously doubt you'll find a Howard Johnson's with the orange roof around, but there's always RANDAZZO's by the water in Sheepshead Bay. Fri Jan 12 15:01:41 -0800 2007 2179218 11109 Mike R. 2 2385821 havent finished the thread yet, rope, but yes, 'real' fried clams are near impossible in this town, if, as i assume, you mean whole belly, ipswich style, not hojo's or similar 'strips.' i've heard mary's fish camp, bklyn fish camp and pearl oyster bar sometimes have them, ditto black pearl. but otherwise, the only place anywhere near NYC you'll find the real thing is bigalow's in rockville center on the sunrise highway. they're just like "home" (new england) and awesome. for backup, there's legal sea foods in NJ and Long island, which is quite good for 'chain' and has the 'real thing' also. good luck! Wed Mar 14 14:20:25 -0700 2007 2179218 15575 bklynbiker 1 2179279 It's been a few months since I've been there, but I seem to recall that Brooklyn Fish Camp, on Fifth Avenue in Park Slope, has good fried belly clams. Thu Jan 11 23:03:41 -0800 2007 2166858 10267 emarcus 2 2227513 Do they really have belly clams and not strips? Those are quite rare in the NYC area. Bigelow's out in Nassau County on Sunrise Hwy. is the only place I know to get them regularly around here. Thu Jan 25 16:44:30 -0800 2007 2179279 13481 Woodside Al 3 2501353 I grew up in Rockville Centre and it is true that Bigelows is great--and a time warp as well! If you are driving out to Jones Beach or Fire Island, it is a great stop to make if you want a break from traffic. Also nearby on Sunrise Highway is PARROTS OF THE WORLD. Nothing to eat there, but the coolest pet store in the land--the owner is that nutty guy who has a pet show on TV and is often on Martha Stewart. Fri Apr 20 19:48:27 -0700 2007 2227513 26626 Carol Gardens 1 2180715 For me, Casa Calamati has been hit or miss. Sometimes really good, other times, greasy and tough. I'm not sure the tough can be helped all of the time, but there is no excuse for the greasy part. Take a little trip over the Bridge( The "other" Bridge) and try the calamari at Torrone's at 3333 Hylan Blvd. It's a wonderful, albeit, not inexpensive fine dining eatery. Their calamari is always tender, and crispy and is accompanied by very a good quality hot or sweet sauce. Pretty much everything else on their menu is outstanding as well. Fri Jan 12 10:22:23 -0800 2007 2166858 20921 Tay 1 2182119 Randazzo's on Emmons Avenue in Sheepshead Bay is by far the best seafood in Brooklyn!! It's amazing. The fried calamari is cooked to perfection and the sauce is the best I've ever had. The mussels in red sauce are great too! I especially like the old-time Brooklyn feel. And when the guy sings random tunes on the microphone. You've got to go for the food and the experience. Fri Jan 12 18:25:54 -0800 2007 2166858 66366 ajacalvitti 1 2184812 A little off-beat, but Lai Yung, an Italian-owned haute Chinese place on 4th Avenue in Bay Ridge, has a grilled calamari and cashews appetizer that knocks my socks off. For the best traditional calamari though, I leave Brooklyn and go to Tosca's on E. Tremont Avenue in the Bronx. Sat Jan 13 14:25:56 -0800 2007 2166858 66584 J.T. 1 2184900 I am sorry to say, that after having really tried to like Frost, they blew it. Oh how I swoon over the lardo fritters that are served up along side the calamari. The calamari itself, however, was an entirely different story. Bland. That is it was not at all seasoned with salt, pepper, or anything at all. Overcooked. Rubbery, stringy, nasty. None of these qualify in my book as being done well. I myself do not fall into the 'hipster-dufus' category, and would not dream of showing up at either Cono or Frost in Iggy Pop dress. So, it is curious that we, my wife and I were treated so rudely and with such blatent scorn (even after ordering a $50 bottle of wine) at Frost, that we, even on a second trip which was urged by fellow 'hood hounds, will never return. The calamari the second time 'round was the same as the first trip. Truly aweful. Cono is one step above, but they are also not getting the picture...I have to ask them to not overcook it everytime I order it. The best in the 'hood (billyburg) is from a Grand St. spot known as Baci Arbiaci (sp). Light. Crisp. Perfectly cooked. Fat rings and tentacles abound in a ultra thin, and light batter. It is said that calamari should be cooked for 45-60 seconds, or for over an hour. It goes through a phase in between where it is untterly unpleasant to eat. Baci has got the message. Served with a light pesto dip, and a few lemon wedges (I had to ask for at Frost, and never got). AND it was seasoned nicely not needing a doucing of salt upon arrival. Sat Jan 13 15:16:09 -0800 2007 2166858 11149 noodles 2 2544090 I also agree with you on baci and abbracci, they do have the best calmari, that I've experienced. Sat May 05 09:02:59 -0700 2007 2184900 96503 Rastha 1 2227661 I'm going to use this thread to also track my calamari/clam experiences and report in. I had the fried calamari at Rhythm and Booze in Windsor Terrace. Although the burger I had was just outstanding, the fried calamari was mediocre. On the good side, it was crisp, not soggy, and a nice portion size; the breading was also not overwhelming. On the downside, the batter was abit bland, not seasoned well, and the red sauce served with it was also bland. Nothing special about it, so I probably would not order it again unless I have a severe calamari hankerin'. Thu Jan 25 17:33:35 -0800 2007 2166858 46062 Rocknrope 1 2227969 I have to echo the Randazzo's reccomendation. Their hot sauce is great, the best in the city. And teh calamari is always fresh and tender. Thu Jan 25 19:30:12 -0800 2007 2166858 67537 Stewdude 1 2379513 Try the Pearl Room in Bay Ridge or L&B Spumoni Gardens Mon Mar 12 20:17:07 -0700 2007 2166858 82297 Laurac1210 1 2380026 The Calamari at RANDAZZOS is excellent, and their sauce is the best ever. The other fried dishes like fried Shrimp are excellent, but I wouldn't recommend the fried Clams. Tue Mar 13 02:08:00 -0700 2007 2166858 10838 Fleur 1 2382015 There is a Vietnamese place on 5th Ave in Park Slope called Me Kong. As far as real Vietnamese goes it's not that authentic or that great. But they do make a dish they call Calamares Au Beurre that is worth a try. Lightly battered, just the right amount of black pepper and perfectly fried with a tasty lime dipping sauce. I'm guessing it's something borrowed from the French Indochina period. I would never have fried calamari for delivery – you're just asking for a soggy, cold mess by the time it arrives–but these are so good that I get them delivered all the time and they're still delicious when they get to me. Tue Mar 13 14:00:18 -0700 2007 2166858 76795 Gnu23 1 2383432 Absolutely great fried clams at Lundy's--about 30 years ago. Tue Mar 13 21:54:48 -0700 2007 2166858 10503 ahr 1 2385662 Joe's of Avenue U has really nice fried calamari. Not sure if they have fried clams, but kind of doubt it. They do have stuffed clams and great white clam sauce pasta. Wed Mar 14 13:36:37 -0700 2007 2166858 63035 HankyT 1 2385778 I just had the fried cuttlefish at Alchemy and it was really good. Light, seasoned batter that was crispy and the cuttlefish was fork tender but still had a snap. It's served with lemon wedge and chipotle aioi. Wed Mar 14 14:06:24 -0700 2007 2166858 68666 wojohowitz 1 2482629 So as my reward dinner for running the Brooklyn Half Marathon, I made the drive to Randazzo's last night. I had the clam chowder, fried calamari, fried clams, and the broiled sole (yep, there go all those calories I burned running 13.1 miles.) I had very high expectations given people's comments here. I was actually underwhelmed. The sauce for the calamari was good, but I found the calamari to be underseasoned, and for 10.95, abit smaller on the portion size. It was crisp and had a nice selection of tentacles (which I love) but it was just ok, not stellar. I remember having better fried calamari at Carmine's in the city. And so, my quest for great Brooklyn fried calamari continues... The fried clams aren't even worth mentioning. Even for clam strips, they were not good. Basically tasted like hush puppies, with no clam flavor. To the restaurant's credit, the waitress warned me as I ordered "Just so you know, these are clam strips, not bellies." The clam chowder was good, nice and briny and not too thick. The broiled sole was ok, nothing special, but I figured I should have at least one item that wasn't fried or creamy. Sun Apr 15 10:04:02 -0700 2007 2166858 46062 Rocknrope 2 2504756 sounds good... my favorite is Rocco's on Ft. Hamilton & 65th. Best seafood in Bklyn IMHO. On Friday we tried the crab cakes for the first time....fresh succulent sweet and delicious. My favorites there are linguini with clam and the seafood salad. The fried calamari is lightly breaded, crisp and tender.... Sun Apr 22 17:12:30 -0700 2007 2482629 27715 shindiganna