STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Despite being surrounded by water, Staten Island boasts only a handful of dedicated seafood spots — and just one true, super-casual clam bar and lobster shack: Lobster House Joe’s, located at 1898 Hylan Blvd. in Dongan Hills. After more than three decades of serving seafood lovers, the beloved eatery will close its doors on Oct. 30, marking the end of an era for one of the borough’s most iconic seafood destinations.
The clam bar and lobster house in Dongan Hills will close soon.
Owner Joe Burzo, who opened the restaurant 31 years ago, said the decision to close came after the building was sold. He has opted not to renew the lease with the new landlord, ending his long-running seafood venture. Burzo will continue operating Lobster House Joe’s of Richmond Valley at 4707 Arthur Kill Rd. — a more formal, seafood-centric restaurant with expansive sit-down service, outdoor seating, and a full bar. That venture was established about a decade ago.
In the tented world of pandemic “recovery” in the summer of 2020, Lobster House Joe’s continued to serve its signature seafood. Pamela Silvestri
“In Dongan Hills, I’ll miss the customers more than the business,” Burzo said. “I’ve watched families grow up here over the years — that’s the hardest part.”
Flashback to 2006: Joe Burzo got his start at the historic Fulton Fish Market in Downtown Manhattan, once nestled in the shadow of the Brooklyn Bridge. That early experience laid the foundation for Lobster House Joe’s, his beloved Staten Island seafood shack known for fresh clams and lobsters of all sizes.Fishmonger at the Fulton Market
An avid outdoorsman, Joe Burzo began his journey at the historic Fulton Fish Market, back when it was still located in Downtown Manhattan near the Brooklyn Bridge. He worked there before acquiring his first spot — a modest clam bar known then as Tommy’s Clam Bar — in the early 1990s. From those humble beginnings, Lobster House Joe’s grew into a neighborhood staple, celebrated for hearty seafood platters with Italian twists, lobster specials, and a casual, family-friendly vibe.
Over the decades, the restaurant expanded from its Dongan Hills home to Richmond Valley. Known for generous portions and affordable prices, Lobster House Joe’s became a go-to destination for seafood lovers.
This is what the prices looked like in 2010 although the menu specials are the same now in 2025. These will continue in Richmond Valley.
While the Dongan Hills location is closing, Burzo plans to focus on Lobster House Joe’s in Richmond Valley, which opened about a decade ago and seats roughly 80 guests. Located near The Tides senior community in a strip mall on Arthur Kill Road, the restaurant offers private parties, a full bar, and live music on Thursdays and Saturdays.
“I’m going to invest more time into that,” Burzo said. “We’ll keep doing everything we did before — lobsters, takeout, and more.”
Burzo also owns Lorenzo’s Pizzeria at 1910 Hylan Boulevard, a parlor with a few tables known for classic pies and hearty pasta dishes.
What made the Dongan Hills shack so special
Signature dishes that made the restaurant famous include Joe’s Special — a mix of clams, mussels, calamari, and shrimp in a savory sauce — along with whole lobster platters served with corn and potatoes in Old Bay seasoning. Other favorites include Seafood Fra Diavolo, swordfish, mussels, calamari, lobster bisque, and Sicilian-style seafood pasta.
Calamari and scungilli in a sweet, medium or hot sauce is a favorite at Lobster House Joe’s. Staten Island Advance
The Richmond Valley location remains open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
For now, Burzo is focused on thanking loyal patrons as the original location prepares to close. Leaving the East Shore behind is bittersweet, especially with a concept so close to his heart. He admits the regulars will be sorely missed — many became friends over the years. He got to know generations of families, their stories, and their shared love of seafood.
“I appreciate everyone who supported us for 31 years,” he said. “It’s been a great run.”
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