Uncle Vinnie's Clam Bar — Restaurant in Raritan

Had an early dinner on my own here this past Friday and it was a good experience. It's a smallish restaurant but was still surprised to find almost every seat occupied at 4 in the afternoon!

Noting the interactions between the host, waitstaff, and amongst patrons, it quickly became clear that it's a locals' favorite. First impressions were that of the old school seafood places I've visited in Sheepshead Bay & Bayridge Bklyn decades ago. Decór is basic and understated; it's all about the food and service.

Beer tap list is short but glad they offer some craft beers. Had the blue crab claws cocktail for app with an IPA and had the red snapper w/scallops for main course w/a glass of house Sauvignon Blanc. Both plates were very fresh and delicious. Tasted like I was having dinner at a seaside town enjoying the catch of the day.

Haven't had a cannoli in years because most tend to taste like overly sugar saturated failed attempts (even from Italian bakeries) but figured I was in the right place to try one... curiosity wasn't disappointed. The shell and filling struck a nice balance in sweetness and you could actually taste other ingredients; not just pure sugar. It paired nicely with the flavorful cup of strong but not bitter coffee. The prices are on the higher end but the experience nicely reflected that.

While it's unfortunate that over the years there have been times when foreboding looks and attention have been directed my way while visiting a packed restaurant and being the only non-white person, there was none of that nonsense here. The waiter and host both made me feel very appreciated as a patron and I didn't take this lightly especially during these tense times. A warm, cozy atmosphere, great seafood and service await anyone visiting...

Where do I begin. What a great place! If I could give it ten stars I would. From the moment we walked in and we’re greeted by Lou, the owner, had drinks at the bar served by Anthony, and had Mike as our server it was second to none. Food was out of this world. Soft shell crabs, great appetizers, nice wine selection. I wanted an obscure after dinner drink that is almost impossible to find and they had no problem making that for me. This is just a great local hometown feeling place. Not the first time I’ve been here but it felt like I was a regular that comes here often. That’s just the way the place feels. Old school, great feeling place. Let me add this. Being a US Marine, I have a special feeling for Raritan whereJoe Basilone is from. A decorated Marine from world war II. Being a Marine myself it was great that, Mike, our server was also a Marine. In addition, Lou, who was not in the Marine Corps, gives wonderful support to the Joe Basilone parade that is done every year and has received special recognition from the USMC for his wonderful contributions to that event. Our 2 hour dinner for my daughters birthday lasted over 4 hours and we didn’t want it to end. If you want a wonderful old time experience in a local neighborhood restaurant with great food, this is the...

If your looking for a casual place to enjoy some fresh seafood in Raritan dine here! They have a regular menu plus a daily list of specials of the day you can find on their website. I’ve had the shrimp cocktail and calamari salad as appetizers both were very fresh and delicious! For dinners I had the mahi mahi puttanesca and the soft shell crabs francese. The mahi mahi puttanesca dish I thought was ok/good. Only because the puttanesca sauce was more like a tomato sauce. It didn’t have any olives or capers in it like a puttanesca sauce is suppose to have. I also like mine with more sauce, and I felt there wasn’t enough in that dish. The soft shell crabs francese was very good! It was a generous portions too! For dessert I had the chocolate cannoli twice to go. I had to get it again because it’s absolutely delicious! Another dessert my friend said is very good is the chocolate peanut butter pie. The waitress was very friendly and helpful with the menu. Prices are reasonable and portions are generous. All the seafood has been fresh and very good! I recommend Uncle Vinnie’s Clam...