PATCHOGUE, NY — A new chapter is coming to one of Patchogue’s waterfront locations, as Bayman’s Clam Bar prepares to open at the former Harbor Crab Co. site by Memorial Day.
Harbor Crab Co., which opened in 2001 and was originally inspired by crab houses in Ocean City, Maryland, has long been a staple along the Patchogue River before evolving into a more casual, drink-focused seafood spot.
New owners Jay Varney and Will Strano — longtime friends with deep roots in the area — said the opportunity to take over the Division Street location came at the right time.
“Will and I have been wanting to go into business together for a long time,” Varney said. “When we saw that Harbor Crab was on the market, it was just a perfect location. It’s an iconic spot, and it has a lot of history behind it.”
The restaurant, located along the Patchogue River, has been a favorite in the community for decades, and both owners said they are looking to refresh — not replace — what made it popular.
“We’re not trying to completely reinvent the wheel here,” Strano said. “We’re just trying to upgrade, give it a little fresh look and keep it simple.”
Crews have already begun renovating the space, stripping away much of the bamboo-heavy decor while preserving key elements of its waterfront character. The popular outdoor tiki bar is expected to remain.
The concept behind Bayman’s Clam Bar will focus on straightforward, high-quality seafood, much of which will be sourced locally.
“That’s going to be our main thing — whole fried clams, baked clams, clams on the half shell,” Varney said. “That’s always going to be 100 percent local, right here from the Great South Bay.”
The menu is expected to feature oysters, fried flounder, lobster rolls and other simple seafood dishes, along with sandwiches, entrees and casual fare, paired with what Strano described as a laid-back “South Shore vibe” with cold beer and approachable food.
Both Varney and Strano have longstanding ties to Patchogue. The pair grew up in nearby East Patchogue, attended Bellport High School, and have decades of experience in the restaurant industry. Strano owns the Dunton Inn in East Patchogue, while Varney recently took over his family’s Brookhaven restaurant, Varney’s Restaurant, which is approaching its 45th anniversary.
Renovations are moving quickly as the owners push toward a Memorial Day opening.
“We got the keys on Friday, and by that afternoon we had a full crew in there,” Varney said. “We’ve been working basically 24/7.”
Varney said the team is confident in hitting that timeline, though staffing — particularly in the kitchen — remains part of the process.
The owners said the goal is to create an energetic environment that reflects the area, especially during the busy summer season.
“We want people to be able to hang out on the back deck, have a drink, listen to music, and enjoy the view,” Varney said.
The opening also comes as this corner of Patchogue continues to evolve. A planned hotel development nearby is expected to bring additional foot traffic to the waterfront, while the location remains slightly removed from the busiest parts of downtown.
Varney said preserving the spirit of the space — while elevating the experience — is key.
“A lot of people were worried this place was going to go away,” he said. “There’s been a lot of excitement.”
As for what they hope customers take away from their first visit?
“I want them to say wow,” Varney said.
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