On a stretch of New Rochelle’s Pelham Road, tucked between residential houses, is the humble but beloved Leno’s Clam Bar. If you’ve never been, make this the season to check it out.
Originally opened as Greasy Nick’s in 1953 (a name locals still use), the roadside stand was purchased by the Leno family in 1967. Now in its second generation of operation by Patrick Leno (a relative of New Rochelle native Jay Leno), the stand is so adored that opening day always attracts a massive line down the street.
The low-key spot serves up all the usual seafood classics—fried shrimp, fresh steamers, clam strips, and New England-style fish and chips, plus onion rings, mozzarella sticks, and generously buttered corn on the cob. Not a seafood fan? Leno’s is also famous for their hamburgers, pounded thin and served on a Kaiser roll (even better topped with sautéed onions). Place your order and then head to a picnic table on the patio for great people watching.
According to Olivia Leno, who helps her father Patrick run the stand’s social media, the small selection of summer favorites is the reason locals love Leno’s. “People bring their kids here because they have memories from their own childhood. The food is good, our menu has barely changed, we still have the same sign hanging up. There’s a lot of power in those memories.”
Leno’s Clam Bar
755 Pelham Road, New Rochelle
Seasonal Hours: 11:30AM – 7PM, daily through Labor Day; cash only
Instagram
Related: Pick Your Perfect Pesto Dish From These Westchester Eateries
