A Raritan Landmark Since 1989

Real clams. Cold beer.
No reservations.

This is Uncle Vinnie’s. A family-owned, no-frills clam bar that’s been serving authentic Italian-style seafood for over 30 years. If you’re looking for fancy, you’re in the wrong place. If you’re looking for the best, pull up a chair.

LOCATION

5 East Somerset Street 
Raritan, New Jersey 08869

HOURS

Mon-Thurs: 4:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Fri-Sat: 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
For Kitchen

Bar's open 'til we close.

Sunday: Closed

CONTACT

(908) 526-9887
info@unclevinniesclambar.com

Walk-ins only.
Reservations not accepted.

Monday, March 30 Specials

Exterior view of Uncle Vinnie's Clam Bar in Raritan, NJ.

Appetizers

Smoked Salmon Salad – smoked salmon served over a spring mix salad tossed with crumbled blue cheese & pine nuts in a balsamic vinaigrette $18.95
Calamari Balsamico – tender fried calamari tossed in balsamic vinegar with crumbled blue cheese, diced tomatoes, and onion $17.95
Peppers & Potatoes – Italian long hot peppers & thin fried potatoes $11.95
Cocktail Claws – blue crab claws chilled for dipping in our homemade honey mustard sauce $21.95

Entrees

Shrimp & Scallops – our Jersey day boat sea scallops and jumbo shrimp pan seared over an arugula salad with pine nuts, dried cherries, sliced apple, and feta cheese tossed in a white balsamic vinaigrette $46.95
Swordfish – our filet served with shrimp in a white wine lemon butter sauce; side asparagus $42.95
Salmon – our filet topped with crabmeat and shiitake mushrooms sautéed in white wine, garlic & oil over sautéed spinach $45.95
Pasta Special – one half lobster tail, clams, sea scallops, jumbo shrimp, and mussels tossed in garlic & oil with sun-dried tomatoes and broccoli rabe over penne pasta $46.95
Whole Lobster – one whole fresh Maine lobster steamed with your choice of sautéed spinach or broccoli rabe MKT

Desserts

Cannoli or New York Style Cheesecake $8.00

Exterior view of Uncle Vinnie's Clam Bar in Raritan, NJ.

Today's Catch

Our specials change daily because our fish is delivered daily. What’s on the truck this morning is on your plate tonight. Simple as that.

Our famous Brooklyn bread is delivered fresh daily too. Because great seafood deserves great bread.

We take great care in crafting our specials, no substitutions please.

All of our meals are handcrafted to order in our small open kitchen, we are unable to offer take-out.

Family Owned & Operated

We're Not a Business.
We're a Neighborhood Joint.

Uncle Vinnie’s isn’t a franchise. It’s a family.

Family owned and operated with deep roots in Raritan, we have been serving this community since 1989. This is home for us. Not just where we do business, but where we live, grow, and raise our families.

Our secret is simple. We get our fish delivered fresh every single day.

We are not trying to reinvent the wheel. We make Italian-style seafood the way it is supposed to be made. Fresh ingredients. Generous portions. Cold beer. Good company.

We know our regulars by name, and we love seeing new faces walk through the door. This is more than a restaurant to us. It is our life’s work.

Exterior view of Uncle Vinnie's Clam Bar in Raritan, NJ with festive decorations.

The Menu

Classics are classics for a reason. Here’s what you can always count on. For the latest creations, check out Today’s Specials.

Clam Bar Favorites

Raw Bar
  • Littleneck Clams on the half shell $14.00/dozen
  • Cape May Salt Oysters $15.00/half dozen $27.00/dozen
Appetizers & Salads
  • Littleneck Clams Oreganato, Casino, or Trenton $16.00/dozen
  • Littleneck Clams steamed in broth $14.00/one dozen $25.00/two dozen
  • Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail (4 pieces) $17.95
  • Jumbo lump crabmeat cocktail $23.95
  • Cold Antipasto $21.95
  • Fresh Mozzarella & Tomato Salad $18.95
  • Caesar Salad $13.95
  • House Salad $8.95
  • Seafood Salad $28.95/small $33.95/large
  • Garlic Bread $7.95
Chicken
  • Chicken Francese $25.95
  • Chicken Parmigiana $25.95
  • Chicken Cacciatore $25.95
Fish
  • Fried Shrimp $16.95
  • Fried Calamari $16.95

    served with sweet, medium or hot sauce

  • Zuppa di Pesce $33.95
  • Shrimp Marinara $25.95
  • Calamari Marinara $24.95
  • Shrimp Scampi $25.95
  • Mussels Bianco $23.95
  • Mussels Marinara $23.95
  • Flounder Francese $27.95
  • Flounder Verona $27.95
Pasta
  • Linguine or Penne with garlic & oil, butter, or marinara $15.95
  • Linguine with Red or White Clam Sauce $25.95
  • Linguine with garlic, oil & anchovies $21.95
  • Linguine with garlic, oil & shrimp $25.95
  • Penne Vodka $23.95
  • Penne Vodka with Chicken $25.95
  • Penne Vodka with Shrimp $26.95

Cocktails & Cold Beer

We’re a clam bar, and a bar comes first. From our signature Espresso Martini to a rotating selection of craft beers and a glass of wine that’s just right, we’ve got your drink. Pull up a stool.

Don't Take Our Word For It.

Here’s what people are saying. Real reviews from real customers.
Luis D.
Awesome seafood spot in Raritan that brings in fresh fish daily. Ownership is present and greeting patrons with a big smile and warm welcome. While the menu can be a little pricey, the food is fantastic and worth every penny. Both the balsamic calamari and tuna steak were incredible!
Brittany S.
Such a perfect spot for a delicious Italian and seafood meal. Came here for the first time this summer and not only was the service incredible, but the food was amazing! We had penne vodka with shrimp and linguine with clam sauce. This place fills up quickly because it's small, but totally worth the wait!
Jennifer L.
I hit up Uncle Vinnie’s for a quick meal before headed home and had the most wonderful experience. The vibe is welcoming, the little necks were spicy and delicious, and the Scallops were caramelized to perfection. Such a cool and laidback but hustling vibe. Dying to try their raw bar selection. Next time!
Emily B.
This is our go to place. Fantastic team from the cooks, to the waiters (Lindsay, Rick, etc.!), to the bartenders, the bus staff (Danny!), and of course, Uncle Vinny! Delicious, fresh food and drinks, great atmosphere. We love having a local place that is not a chain restaurant and is consistently welcome and fun. Highly recommend!
Tim S.
Your friendly neighborhood seafood bar! Absolutely. Fresh seafood specials, local favorites as well as all your Italian favorites. I had the shrimp marinara and a local IPA beer. Can’t wait to go back!
Ron M.
This local Italian seafood restaurant is a treasure. You can expect quality fresh seafood prepared perfectly. We highly recommend this restaurant, it is worth a visit.
Tanya B.
Flounder Frances with pasta, amazing calamari with a balsamic glaze...i wasn't sure if i would like it.. but low and behold it was tender lightly breaded and the glaze perfect.. i loved everything... Give me more please again
Car S.
This place has the perfect combination of fresh food and excellent service (Mike is AWESOME!)
David W.
Great service and atmosphere. Food is fresh and expertly prepared. Had the Monkfish special and it was delicious!
Trace B.
Best seafood in the area by far! Also the best Chicken Parm ever! Great staff and owner! One of our favorite places!
Debbie C.
This is a great place. Food is awesome and the staff is very welcoming and friendly. The restaurant is a bit small but it's very cozy. Will definitely dine here again!
Eric G.
Has a bar surrounded by limited table seating, but is always packed because of all the delicious seafood dishes. Arrive early--5 PM--because reservations are not taken.
Paul G.
The best pasta in clam sauce I have ever had. The food could not have been better and was well worth the wait! Our server was awesome and on the money. Just a bit noisy but what do you expect with a small space like that.
Jade N.
Food was delicious! Staff was nice. Had to wait a little because the restaurant is so small but definitely am going back. OH AND THEY HAVE THE BEST CANNOLIS OF ALL TIME
Kathleen M.
The food is fresh and well prepared. The Specials are worth splurging on! Service was very accommodating.