Restaurant Review: The Shack

Stars: **

Price: $

Genre: Seafood, outdoor

Try: Fried clams, cheeseburger

Skip: Cheese fries

Location: Northport, New York

The Shack is a New England style clam bar located on Long Island. They offer outdoor seating and some counter seating as well.  On a nice day, the wait to order here can be an hour long. Luckily, I arrived shortly after it had opened and there was no line.  I had the sampler platter, which included fried clams (strips, not whole-bellies), crab cakes, fried flounder, and fried butterfly shrimp.  Everything was fairly good, with a light crispy coating.  I liked the fried clams best, though I would have preferred whole-belly clams.  The sampler cost $16, and it was plenty of food for two people to share.

The cheese fries were a little bit disappointing.  I tasted garlic, but could not taste the cheddar. The plain fries were decent.  I'm not sure if I would go back to The Shack, though I've heard they make a very good burger.  I enjoy seafood only once in a while, and I don't think I'd like to wait in an hour long line.  But, I know tons of people will be lining up this summer for the fresh seafood they can enjoy outside.  I think it's so popular because New England style seafood joints are not terribly common around these parts. The Shack also serves lobster rolls, mussels, soft shell crabs, catfish, and Philly cheese steaks.  It is a rare find around here, so I think crowds will keep this place pretty busy, considering the decent prices and fresh fare.