About Us

Opened  in 1974, Lenny's Clam Bar and Restaurant continues with its second  generation of family hospitality. 

My father, Joseph DeCandia, was born  in Bari, Italy and came to America in 1956 at the age of 18. He took odd  jobs as a dishwasher, a baker and a butcher. 

In 1958 he took a job at  “Lenny’s Pizza” in Brooklyn on 86th Street where he began to learn the  pizza business. 

A year later he went to work at “Lenny’s Pizza” on Nostrand Avenue in Brooklyn, which he later purchased in 1960.

In  1969 my father decided to expand and opened “Lenny’s Pizza” on Cross  Bay Blvd and 160th Avenue. Still wanting to grow in 1973, he purchased  Ernie’s Bar on a handshake, located at 161-03 Cross Bay Blvd. He took  this small bar and developed it into “Lenny’s Clam Bar” which opened on  January 11, 1974.

His  original menu (which is posted on the entrance wall) consisted of only a  few items, including his now popular medium-hot sauce.

Business  started off slower than expected so my father decided to try TV  commercials featuring himself and some then famous celebrities. I  realized while working alongside my father that together with hard work,  great food, good service and his personal attention what truly can be  attributed to Lenny’s popularity and fame was him inviting people into  his restaurant by saying “Ask for Joe and get a free glass of wine on  the house.” Fresh, high quality ingredients and a  warm welcoming atmosphere await you and your friends.