Waterfront Crab House, an old school seafood restaurant tucked between Long Island City’s growing army of shiny high-rises and an LIRR rail yard, has closed. The 38-year-old business, which began serving oysters on the half shell, shrimp scampi and prime rib in 1977, closed its doors for good three weeks after longtime owner Tony Mazzarella passed away, according to LIC Post. A sign posted to the restaurant’s door on Sunday thanked customers for their patronage and expressed gratitude for making the restaurant “the institution it has become.”
The House had survived several other devastating setbacks in recent years, including a fire that shut down the eatery for five months in 2009. Then, Hurricane Sandy blew through, flooding the space with six feet of water. “Everything was basically ripped out to the studs,” Mazzarella explained to DNAinfo at the time, and much of the restaurant’s trademark memorabilia—many of it boxing-related—was destroyed.
Though not the most glamorous of dining establishments, the restaurant was loved for its homey atmosphere and friendly service. “This place should be a landmark. I’ve been going to this place long before the tall buildings filled with yuppies showed up and I’ve always loved the food and the decor, especially the tub filled with peanuts,” opined one Yelper. “If you want an old New York dining experiance [sic] and a great meal this is the spot.” Oh well, too late!
