Restaurant Review: Clam Bar, Syracuse, New York

If you are looking for a great place to eat seafood in Syracuse, New York, head over to the Clam Bar. The Clam Bar is locatd at 3914 Bewerton Rd. (also known as Highway 11) just before it turns into Plank Road in Mattydale in North Syracuse, not too far away from I-81, one of the main places to get around. It is close to West Taft Road, and partially hidden behind a lound chain Mexican restaurant. If you aren't looking for it, you might miss it. It is a rather small place, and looks a bit like a dive. But inside it is clean and warm.

The food at the Clam Bar is delicious. It comes in largish portions that would cost much more at many other seafood restaurants that offer food of similar quality. Indeed, the Clam Bar is probably the best seafood value in the Syracuse, New York area. I personally enjoyed the cajun style haddock. It was tasty, and didn't taste much like fish. My husband got the seafood alfredo. This is where the Clam Bar shines. Large chunks of crab, lobster and scallops are included. And the alfredo does not scrimp on the shrimp, either. Delicious! And we ate for less than $25, including soft drinks.

While the entrees are the best part (offering a phenomenal taste and value), watch out for the salad. It is just an iceberg affair. The Clam Bar saves all of its taste and presentation for the main course. The bread basket, though, is okay.

If you are looking for atmosphere, stay away from the Clam Bar. Even though the food is second to none, the restaurant itself can feel a little cramped, and it is always busy (avoid it altogether on Friday, the traditional day for Catholics to get fish) and noisy. The wait, if you arrive anytime after 5, will be long. However, a wait of half and hour to 45 minutes is manageable, and you should be able to accomplish this easily if you arrive by 5.

Another fun feature is the "bar" area of the Clam Bar. It features, well, a bar, with a big screen TV showing sports. There are also booths and the usual bar fare and drinks. Some people choose to let the staff know they will be at the bar and then go order a drink and a snack while they are waiting for a table in the non-smoking, non-bar part of the restaurant.