Lenny’s Clam Bar Celebrates 50 Years

Yeah, it’s in Howard Beach but after 50 years in business, it’s hard to find someone in Rockaway who hasn’t been to, or at least heard of Lenny’s Clam Bar. On Saturday, August 10, the streets around the iconic seafood and Italian restaurant on Cross Bay Blvd. were shut down for a big 50th anniversary bash and a street co-naming, made possible by Councilwoman Joann Ariola.

Councilwoman Ariola joined with a crowd of Howard Beach residents, elected officials, and community leaders on August 10 to celebrate the co-naming of the corner of Cross Bay Boulevard and 161st Avenue as “Lenny’s Clam Bar Way,” recognizing the restaurant’s half-century of service to the area and forever cementing their legacy in the neighborhood.

“Lenny’s is a place where families have gathered to celebrate their most important milestones for generations,” Councilwoman Ariola said. “My father had parties there, I had parties there, my children have had parties there, and when they are old enough, I hope my grandchildren will have their parties there as well. It is truly a community landmark for so many people here in the Howard Beach community, and it was really an honor to put this street co-naming through City Hall and make it a reality.”

The day included the street co-naming ceremony, DJ music and performers, gelato and zeppole vendors and more.

“The event was wonderful,” Lenny’s Clam Bar owner Joe DeCandia said. “Joann’s speech was extremely touching. She mentioned Al Stabile, her father, and my father, and I believe they were all there with us that day. It was really a wonderful day, and it was an honor and a privilege to have our legacy here recognized like this. My family is looking forward to the next 50 years, and my children carrying on the legacy into the future!”

Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato also attended the celebration, saying, “For 50 years Lenny’s Clam Bar Inc has been a place of fun, community and delicious food!! From seeing friends and neighbors work as waiters and bartenders at Lenny’s, to coming to holiday parties and celebrations, Lenny’s Clam Bar is an amazing go-to restaurant and staple of the neighborhood. Congratulations to the DeCandia family on this historic milestone. Lenny’s Clam Bar Way has a nice ring to it!”

Tom Sullivan, running for assembly in District 23, also stopped by for the fun, saying, “Congratulations to Joe and the entire DeCandia Family, I am wishing you another 50 years of success!”

Lenny’s Clam Bar is located at 161-02 Cross Bay Blvd. in Howard Beach. See Lennysclambar.com for a menu and more info.